UGA in Shreveport: A low point, but also a needed jolt
Here's proof Willie Martinez realized pass-rushing was allowed. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
Winning doesn’t educate. Winning endorses. Human nature holds that a winner doesn’t ask, “What can I do better?” but says instead, “Why change what works?”
Mark Richt is human. Even in the disappointment of 2008 — Georgia started as preseason No. 1 and landed in the Capital One Bowl — he had his talking points down. And when the Bulldogs beat Michigan State on Jan. 1, 2009, to finish 10-3, he trotted out TP No. 1: Six 10-win seasons out of the past seven was “pretty stinkin’ good.”
In his self-defense, Richt missed the obvious: That something was rotten in the House of Bulldog. All you had to do was screen a video of Richt’s 2002 team followed by one of the 2008 aggregation to see the difference. In 2008 Georgia had more talent but wasn’t as good.
The 2009 season will go down as the worst under Richt, but it many ways it was the best thing that could have happened. As the losses mounted — blown out in Knoxville by a Tennessee team working under a new coach; blown out again in Jacksonville; beaten at home by Kentucky for the first time since Herschel Walker was a sophomore at Johnson County High — it was clear the rot had spread. It took an upset of Georgia Tech for the Bulldogs just to finish above .500, and by then there could be no more pretense.
We’ve known all along Richt is smart. We weren’t sure how demanding he is. Firing three of his four defensive coaches provided the answer. As much as Mark Richt enjoys fellowship among his coaching staff, he enjoys winning more.
We don’t yet know the names of the replacements. We know the Bulldogs head into the Independence Bowl with a defense coordinated by Rodney Garner, the lone holdover, and some grad assistants. (Now watch Georgia shut down Texas A&M. Wouldn’t that be a hoot?) But no matter what happens in the game, there’s cause to believe there’ll be no more Shreveport jaunts in the Bulldogs’ immediate future.
It’s possible Richt could hire someone less adept than Willie Martinez as coordinator. It’s also possible — theoretically, anything’s possible — the sun could rise in the West tomorrow. What’s more apt to happen is an upgrade at the position that can galvanize a program more than the arrival of any five-star recruit.
Steve Spurrier had won four SEC titles and reached a national championship game, but it was only after he hired Bob Stoops to coordinate his defense — a defense that had just yielded 62 points to Nebraska in said championship game — that the Evil Genius took his national title. Mack Brown had posted five consecutive 10-win seasons at Texas, but it was only after he hired Gene Chizik from Auburn (which had just gone 13-0) that the Longhorns were able to win a BCS title. Yes, defensive coordinators matter.
Loading ...Defensive coordinators matter even more than offensive coordinators. A team that scores on every possession but can’t stop anybody feels vulnerable. (Yes, Georgia Tech, I’m thinking of you.) A team that knows it can stop somebody feels invincible. Offensive success is a function of skill and technique. Defensive success involves physical domination. Georgia used to play that brand of ball — ever heard of Erk Russell? — but had come to dominate nothing under Martinez.
That could well have changed by the time Georgia plays its first post-Shreveport game — Sept. 4, 2010, against Louisiana Lafayette. Even though Bud Foster chose to stay at Virginia Tech and Vic Koenning wound up at Illinois, there are good men out there who will see Georgia as the place to make a name by making a difference. There’s no reason to believe Richt won’t find one.
The tough part is behind him. It took some doing for this coach to convince himself that change wasn’t an option but a necessity, but finally he did it. When you’re accustomed to 10 wins and nice big bowls, nothing slaps you harder than a trip to Shreveport. This wasn’t the destination anyone associated with Georgia wanted, but it was, in the grand scheme, the destination Mark Richt’s program needed.
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526 comments Add your comment
Mark Bradley
December 24th, 2009
2:34 pm
Charles, I’m with you on Koenning. If Georgia and Illinois were in a bidding war over him, the bidding wouldn’t have stopped at $325,000. Georgia might go twice that much to find its man.
THWG
December 24th, 2009
2:35 pm
The state’s IQ is bound to improve while the dawg nation is out in Louisiana.
there is no need to return.
godawgs
December 24th, 2009
2:37 pm
Richt is 40 wins and only 3 losses when he gets a 100 yard rusher. Georgia was 2-0 in 2009 when we got a 100 yard rusher, and 5-5 when we didn’t. Basically, that translated to a 12-1 or 13-0 year, every year.
GT93
December 24th, 2009
2:37 pm
thanks ‘how2fish’ … Merry X-mas to you too. I find myself searching for some calm and level-headed commentary on the blogs these days. Its always easier to spew trash and hatred, but genuine and insightful discussion shall one day prevail.
GTSUXREALLYBAD
December 24th, 2009
2:39 pm
Why is it that Tech fans spend more time on DAWG blogs than their own? Wait thats right, Tech has no fans!!! Tech has one good year in the ACC (aka-AAA highschool football) and they think they are national championship contenders!! OH and another thing!!! 30-24!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tech has as much a chance of winning it all as much as Troy does!!!!!
ronniet
December 24th, 2009
2:39 pm
Thanks Mark for a job well done. Merry Christmas to you and yours..
Mark Bradley
December 24th, 2009
2:40 pm
I find myself searching for that as well, GT93. And sometimes I find it on here. And I’m grateful for those times.
exNFLplayer
December 24th, 2009
2:40 pm
That toss play on the goal line against Kentucky was a strange play and probably a little Cox and a little Ealey. Ealey was thinking get to the hole quickly and the play was designed to give him the option of breaking it outside the tackle if the hole was plugged. Ealey just didn’t delay a count. However, I know UGA has a play where they run the same set and hand the ball to the tail. More a bam bam play. I would have opted for that one. Get Ealey the ball 2 feet off the FB’s butt and get into the hole. Power it in.
frank james
December 24th, 2009
2:42 pm
GT93- I agree, we have two quality programs that are trying to please alot of people. The truth is it is Christmas Eve and nobody can make me mad today. I can’t get the kid from Boston College out of my thoughts. What a great kid and inspirtation. I will continue to pray for him in his battle with cancer. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I hope Santa has a safe ride tonight and all the boys and girls get what they want.
exNFLplayer
December 24th, 2009
2:43 pm
I second that GT93. There are quite a few folks on here that can actually talk some ball if they really want to.
Randy
December 24th, 2009
2:44 pm
Mark, if we shut out Texas A&M what kind of monetary deal do you think Damon can workout with the two GAs?
Mark Bradley
December 24th, 2009
2:45 pm
I think he can get both for what Willie was making, Randy.
willie martinez
December 24th, 2009
2:46 pm
Mark, I always knew that pass rushing was legal, i just never thought it necessary.
willie
Dawgdad
December 24th, 2009
2:49 pm
Pi$$ on Pi$$, and Merry Christmas to Mark and the bloggers. UGA resolving to get better in 2010.
willie martinez
December 24th, 2009
2:50 pm
What do you bet that UGA will give up more ppg next year than this?
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:51 pm
1. Please be careful as you begin your trek across Northern Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:52 pm
2. If you hit Texas or Arkansas please stop and ask for directions.
willie martinez
December 24th, 2009
2:53 pm
and Georgia fans please stop blaming me for UGA’s untimely demise. i dont think he could count past 30 anyway.
Chop Chop/Hairy Dawg/Thrashy Thrashy/Harry Hawk
December 24th, 2009
2:53 pm
Merry Christmas, Mark!
By the way, can you tell me what the Dawgs did to deserve facing UK at Rupp on Senior Night in 2008-09 (an improbable win for UGA, of course), only to be followed by a 2009-10 SEC opener at Rupp against Calipari?
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:54 pm
3. Please invest in a new road atlas. I hear they have them marked down at all Fred’s and Wal Mart for $4.88. And only $4.99 at Dollar General.
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:54 pm
4. Please, before leaving, turn your watch back one hour and your calendar back 30 years. This should be pleasant for you as it will put you near the early 80’s which you own!
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:54 pm
5. Please play your Harry Munson Glory Years 8 track tape the entire way over to get your juices flowing so to speak.
Tech Man
December 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
Ga needs to figure out how there going to beat Texas A & M. AS for as the tech game’ that was joke.If you know anything about football ga played there best and TECH played thre worst and still almost beat them, If TECH had 6 more inches of field, we would have won.I realy think Paul Jhonson ealy knows how important the game is now and like he said “I HAVE A SHORT MEMORY”.Watch out ga your going to lose many games in the future.Enjoy your 39th ranked Bulldogs in your bowl.
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
6. Please change your oil before you go. Hair too
willie martinez
December 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
is witticism now subject to criticism?
insider
December 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
Mark, I keep hearing the name “Todd Grantham” from Athens….have you heard anything about that?
For all you who don’t know, Grantham is the defensive line coach for the Cowboys.
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:56 pm
7. Please remember to leave some road kill for those traveling behind you that are less fortunate.
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:56 pm
8. Please DO NOT cook your road kill at any of the rest stops along the way (at least the first ones you come to in each state).
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:56 pm
9. I know Georgia travels “well” but please also try to travel discretely.
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:56 pm
10. Please, if anything falls off of your truck, just leave it. Remember, there are TWO Wal-Mart’s in Shreveport
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:57 pm
11. Please try some of the crawdad stew at the west bound rest area in Vicksburg MS.
dawg in mourning
December 24th, 2009
2:57 pm
Mark, I enjoy your logic, your comparison and contrast lines of thought, and most of your conclusions. But for God’s sake man, quit writing and go enjoy your family. It’s Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas!!!!!
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:57 pm
12. Please clean up your tailgate trash before entering the Shreveport stadium
insider
December 24th, 2009
2:57 pm
Tech Man: Learn how to type & correct grammar before you post next time.
“there” should be “their” and I won’t even get into all the typing errors….
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:57 pm
13. Please do not leave the stadium in the 3rd or 4th quarter if your team is taking another BEAT DOWN
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:58 pm
14. Please do not drive into Kirby Smart’s Birmingham subdivision on your way home.
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:58 pm
15. Please do stop by Legion Field in Birmingham and claim your Papa Johns bowl victory for next year.
willie martinez
December 24th, 2009
2:58 pm
to the blogger called 1.4
your writing is really a bore
mark says be serious
but you sound delerious
afraid we’re starting to snore
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:58 pm
16. Please refrain from calling or emailing President Adams and Damon Evans until you get home
TROTTINGHOME
December 24th, 2009
2:58 pm
PRETTY SAD WHEN YOU REPEATEDLY ACKNOWLEDGE ‘FIRST”.
WHY DON’T YOU RESPOND TO SOME OF THESE DEMANDS FOR BETTER JOURNALISM.
WHO WRITES 4 OR 5 ARTICLES IN A THREE DAY PERIOD AND CAN SAY, ” I USED A PROFESSIONAL APPROACH TO WRITNG THESE ARTICLES”…..WELL MAYBE A LAWYER COULD…I AM ALMOST ON THE VERGE OF BOYCOTTING YOU FOR THE NEXT YEAR.
HAVEN”T DONE THAT SINCE TERRENCE MOORE STUNK IT UP
PLEASE MARK,..STAY OFF THE NO-DOZE AND GET SOME REST…WE NEED IT..
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:59 pm
17. Please make sure your cable bill is paid up so you can watch real teams play in real (January) bowls.
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
2:59 pm
18. Please make sure your Rivals bill is paid up so you can feel better about yourself and your program before signing day.
Tech Man
December 24th, 2009
3:00 pm
I realy think Paul Jhonson knows how important the TECH ga game is now.Tech will have lots of Wins in the future,so ga fans you better enjoy it while it last!!!!!!!!!!!!!
willie martinez
December 24th, 2009
3:00 pm
1.4, i believe it was tech’s butt that was kicked in atlanta
Harry Dawg
December 24th, 2009
3:00 pm
Thank for the advice, obviously you have lots of experience with these lower tier bowls.
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
3:00 pm
19. When spring gets here, please share with us how great your new weedwacker (from the factory) is
Hairy Dawg
December 24th, 2009
3:00 pm
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Mark.
Since you are a basketball guru (cough, cough), maybe you can explain this to me:
The Dawgs played their last SEC road game of the 2008-09 season against UK at Rupp on Senior Night. Improbably, the Dawgs won that game. Their first road game of the 2009-10 SEC season is…against Calipari’s UK at Rupp.
Outside of a scheduling coincidence, which is, of course, no fun to speculate about, why did this happen?
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
3:00 pm
20. You are always preseason national champions in my book!
Fobres loves Georgia
December 24th, 2009
3:00 pm
Georgia was one of 5 college teams to rake over $45 million last year. Georgia is ranked in the top 10 in value, over $80 million by Forbes.
http://www.forbes.com/2007/11/20/notre-dame-fooball-biz-sports-cx_ps_1120collegeball.html
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 24th, 2009
3:00 pm
21. Hahahahahahahahaha ((((( Shreveport ))))) Hahahahahahahahaha