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
PeachJam
December 25th, 2009
11:23 am
Mark, your best post ever. Ever.
chazzo
December 25th, 2009
11:31 am
Good points, but winners ALWAYS ask what can I do better.
how2fish
December 25th, 2009
11:46 am
Merry X-mass to all…hope all of you have a wonderful day with family and friends . Remember for a second today the meaning of the day..and please sent a prayer for those defending us today…men and women and their familys that forego being together so all of us can. God Bless them one and all.
Yankeedawg
December 25th, 2009
11:53 am
A little advice to Iowa on how to kick GT’s ###: The option- simply
put it goes to the right or it may go to the left. Shut that down
and GT can only run there mouth not the ball.Go Iowa!!!
SatchelBuzz
December 25th, 2009
12:08 pm
Suck it ugag,….there’s more Shreveport locales in you future. We’ve got Paul Johnson,…so yes,…we’re just better than you.
THWG!
DAWGDAZ
December 25th, 2009
12:09 pm
Comment on post concerning…
Insider Viewer Tips:
1. Check out the sideline shots of the Q-in-W (quarterback in waiting) and see Aaron Murray standing next to Coach Bobo.
Since Bobo has moved to the sideline to coach Murray, Met and Logan were all sending in siginals. I agree that Murrary has the inside track, however it’s better to see these QB’s actually involved w/ the flow of the game, rather than just standing on the sidelines wearing a ball cap and having Bobo up in the box. Good move on Bobo’s part, because he could settle down a wild eyed QB and coach him face to face.
LAKE OCONEE DAWG
December 25th, 2009
12:14 pm
Fleischman in Chi Towns Bed:
PRESCRIPTION FOR GETTING OVER THE TECH LOSS TO UGA THIS YEAR AT THE STADIUM NICKNAMED “THE JOKE BY COKE”—A LUKE WARM ENEMAL TWICE A DAY FOR 1 WEEK….IF WE BEAT YOUR A$$ 8 OUT OF 9 AND WE ARE IRRELEVENT, WHAT DOES THAT MAKE TECH???? TATTOO FOR THE AGES—NOVEMBER 28, 2009 AT THE JOKE BY COKE, UGA UNBELIEVABLY BEATS A HEAVILY FAVORED BUT OVERRATED TECH TEAM, 30-24…AND THIS WAS THE YEAR THE JACKETS WERE GONNA BLOW OUT THE DOGS???CONGRATS ON THE BLOWOUT,,UH,UH, I MEAN BLOWUP…
THWG
December 25th, 2009
12:14 pm
A little advice to Iowa on how to kick GT’s ###: The option- simply
put it goes to the right or it may go to the left. Shut that down
and GT can only run there mouth not the ball.Go Iowa!!!
——
Not gonna happen. The dawgs got lucky when they intentionally injured nesbitt.
Iowa will be grasping air with their heavy leaded players who have gained five pounds of winter fat.
Nothing is more funnier than watching defenders looking around expecting to be blocked by an out of sight tech player, to spring one of the backs.
You know you have a great coach and offense, when the coah doesn’t need a script. He just shows up and calls the game.
FYI UGA will be mediocre for the next five years. Richt had his chance then Miles,Meyer, Saban, Kiffin, Chizek, and CPJ, showed up.
He was winning against inferior coaches and guess what he is now out of his league. He is so confused he decided to go along with the idiot dawg nation and fire Willie Martinez.
Richt is the problem not Martinez. He just isn’t a great coach.
Not Disappointed
December 25th, 2009
12:17 pm
Merry Christmas Dawgs! OKay just for Christmas. We lost 30-24. It still hurts.
Ramblin Wreck for life! Go Jackets!
SugarHillDawg
December 25th, 2009
12:20 pm
Satchel Buzz, every time you open your pecker puffer, the world’s cumulative IQ drops significantly. Your ladies dressed in gold and white got throttled by the worst team Richt will EVER have and you sit there and still wanna talk trash?We just started another streak so you might be the ACC champ BUT that and a dollar will get you a coffee at the QT. Now go try out the NEW butt plug your partner got you for Christmas you Sugar Plum Fairy.!!!
GT Fan...
December 25th, 2009
12:21 pm
thanks Yankeedawg, you’re a genius. Maybe GA should hire you as their next DC.
It’s simply about execution. If Iowa’s D executes (meaning GT’s O didn’t) they will hold GT in check. And does that automatically mean GT’s D doesn’t execute vs. Iowa’s O? But if GT’s O executes, what chance to you give Iowa then?
Funny how most GA fans think Iowa is the only team capable of EXECUTING on Jan. 5.
That’s why you play the games ….
In 2008 GT won in Athens when 99% of belief was that they wouldn’t. The exact opposite happened in 2009 in Atlanta; and GA fans, don’t try and say now that you were sure of victory before 11/28, simply ain’t true. And to assume GT won’t win vs GA for a LONG time from here forward is about a ignorant as saying Josh Nesbitt will be the #1 overall pick when leaves GT.
LAKE OCONEE DAWG
December 25th, 2009
12:24 pm
SatchelBuzz:
PUGNACIOUS PAUL IS PLAYING WITH COACH GAILEY’S RECRUITS…NAME ME ONE THAT PUG HAS RECRUITED WHO IS AS GOOD AS THE 4/5 WHO VERY WELL MAY LEAVE YOU FOR THE NFL THAT HAVE COACH GAILEY’S NAME ON THEM??? WHO, THE QB HE SIGNED FROM FLOWERY BRANCH, JAYBO??? A LOT OF YOU IDIOTS THOUGHT HE SHOULD BE THE QB, REMEMBER NESBITT COULDN’T THROW AND HE WAS NICKNAMED “THE ROBOT”….SHOWS WHAT SOME OF YOU EXPERTS KNOW ABOUT FOOTBALL…PITY TECH WITHOUT NESBITT….PAUL WILL NEVER REPLACE THE FB, QB, SE, DB, OR DEF. END WITH EQUAL TALENT…COACH GAILEYS EXPERIENCE IN THE NFL TAUGHT HIM WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN RECRUITS…HE IS TO BE THANKED FOR MUCH OF THE SUCCESS TECH IS NOW ENJOYING, THEY’RE HIS PLAYERS THAT HE BROUGHT TO GA. TECH….
Delusion Dawg
December 25th, 2009
12:26 pm
A national tile in 2010 with a QB who hasn’t played a down in 2 years, the annual Gator beatdown, and Bama in the west? Lay off the booze Dawgs, it just aint happening.
dd
December 25th, 2009
12:35 pm
30-24
snapshot
December 25th, 2009
12:36 pm
Hmmmmmmm, the mutts should be able to pull this one out. Even with Cox throwing the ball. By the way dan boy, i wonder if the mutts will show up when they loose to, lets see who are they playing? What Bowl is it. Oh toilet bowl. LOL
snapshot
December 25th, 2009
12:37 pm
LEG HUMPERS THAT POST IN ALL CAPS WISH THEY HAD BIG TRUCKS!!!!
Is it just me
December 25th, 2009
12:41 pm
or has anyone else noticed how obsessed the dog fans are with enemas,butts, peckers and such……..mmmmmmmm?
Pit bull
December 25th, 2009
12:49 pm
That was an excellent article Mark. One of your best, if not the best.
GT Fan...
December 25th, 2009
1:02 pm
GT has had a bad D this year too GA fans, but so far were able to win 11. Hopefully they’ll win their 12th over Iowa. Yes, I see nowhere to go but up for both GA & GT’s D in 2010.
This GT fan sees the silver lining in the loss to GA …. it took GA’s best rushing effort in the Richt era to win the game. I’ve seen GT’s D play consecutive bad games vs. GA under PJ (2008 Stafford, 407 yds 5tds, MoMass 180+yds 3tds – both players’ career high), yet the Jackets are 1-1 in those games. I don’t see GT pulling a “Gailey” (i.e. lose on the scoreboard despite playing great D) with PJ at the helm. That’s something dogs fans don’t want to admit, but know it’s a fact.
GT’s D was worse in 2009 than 2008, but has to this point won 11 vs 9. GT doesn’t have to have great D effort to win, but when it gets one (UNC, VT, VA, Duke) there’s virtually no chance for the opponent.
FOXNOISE.NET
December 25th, 2009
1:22 pm
Teams who suffer from a lack of focus and discipline have mediocre seasons – and Georgia was one of the most penalized teams in College Football this year.
how2fish
December 25th, 2009
1:30 pm
Ho Ho bugs the thing that you foget and scares the Hell out you..is that when the chips were down your COACH…lost his damn mind and he was out coached..BeBe dropping the pass was tough but he should never have been in the position to lose the game by dropping it…CMR and team pushed all Johnson’s buttons and he just went crazy…look for more of the same in the coming years.. Delusion Dawg you are correct sir any member of the Bull Dog nation talking NC should put the bottle down..
Corey
December 25th, 2009
1:49 pm
Hey, “1.4 million,”
30-24, boy. Just remember that. Seems you forgot to mention that your pathetic team is 1-8 against UGA in the last nine.
Clown.
Tech and their fans blow balls.
dawgfan
December 25th, 2009
2:06 pm
Excuse me but did a Techie just brag about great defensive efforts against UNC, VT, UVA, and Duke?
And they wonder why we laugh at them.
Merry Christmas to all, even the worthless Techies.
30-24.
BuLLdawg
December 25th, 2009
2:30 pm
I’m a racist because Georgia Tech has more Asian men than total women on campus.
BuLLdawg
December 25th, 2009
2:44 pm
How can you have great defensive efforts against six (6) teams, none of the 6 of which are even in a damn bowl game ?
And, say that, in the UGA blog, whom tek could not stop 1 time all day long when all we did was hand the football off, right up their gut ?
If anybody should know
December 25th, 2009
2:52 pm
about bad defense it is a Ga fan. Their team gave up 45 and 24 points against what their fans call a 4th rate high school team. What a sad day in (can’t compete in the SEC) dogville, reduced to bragging about beating 4th rate high school teams
how2fish
December 25th, 2009
2:55 pm
If anybody should know about bad defense its a Bug the biggest rushing day in the CMR ERA was against the Bugs…please someone give this guy and the rest of the Bug village a reality pill….we aren’t bragging about owning the Bugs it’s just the TRUTH!!
I guess
December 25th, 2009
2:56 pm
that means Ga would be 0-2 against a 1st rate high school team instead of just 1 and 1 against a 4th rate high school team
Wait a minute
December 25th, 2009
3:06 pm
you can’t play high school teams unless you are one. So welcome to our world you big bad high school dogs.
how2fish
December 25th, 2009
3:09 pm
No No Bugs you are a college team…just not a very good one….
BREAKING NEWS
December 25th, 2009
3:15 pm
Max Preps Xcellent 10
Final high school 2009 top ten footbal rankings:
1. GEORGIA BULLDOGS: After finally beating their arch rival, a 4th rate high school team the Dogs have been crowned NATIONAL CHAMPS for the first time since 1980, although they did have to drop down a couple of classifications.
2. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.), 12-0. Last Week: 2. Season complete. Non-Public Group IV state champions.
3. Abilene (Texas), 16-0. Last Week: 2. Ronnell Sims rushed for 215 yards and three touchdowns to lead Abilene to a 5A-II state title over Katy, 28-17. Cousin Hershel Sims added a 60-yard TD run as the Eagles captured their first state title since 1956.
4. Butler (Matthews, N.C.), 15-0. Last Week: 3. Season complete. 4A state champions.
5. Servite (Anaheim, Calif.), 14-1. Last Week: 6. With a 33-30 win over Rocklin, Servite captured the CIF Division II title. Nicholas Echeverry kicked a 23-yard field goal as time expired to clinch the victory for the Friars.
6. Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.), 14-1. Last Week: NR. Dwyer captured Florida’s 4A crown, dominating previously-unbeaten Niceville 42-14. Since a season-opening loss to Glades Central, the Panthers have blown out each opponent they have faced.
7. Memphis University (Memphis, Tenn.), 13-0. Last Week: 4. Season complete. Division II-AA state champions.
8. Davidson (Hilliard, Ohio), 13-1. Last Week: 5. Season complete. Division I state champions.
9. Hoover (Ala.), 14-1. Last Week: 7. Season complete. 6A state champions.
10. Plant (Tampa, Fla.), 13-1. Last Week: 10. Plant followed a 20-0 blanking of Lakeland to beat Manatee 21-14, winning a 5A state title. Junior James Wilder Jr. ran for 137 yards and a touchdown to give Plant its second straight championship.
how2fish
December 25th, 2009
3:20 pm
Breaking News that’s funny but again we have a better chance to win the HS NC by beating the Bugs hell we beat them when they are ACC “Champs” and didn’t move into the top 25..cause the College football world knows they are weak, in a weak confrence ..truth is it would be harder to beat a couple of those schools you listed than beat the Bugs and 8-1 proves…
BREAKING NEWS
December 25th, 2009
3:24 pm
Ga is not in the top 25 because they are 7-5. Even the upset of a superior Tech team can not change that fact. I do try to keep a sense of humor through as I have been here for all of those 8 Ga wins
Dawg Central
December 25th, 2009
3:33 pm
1.4million………even after the 14 million Tech is gonna get…..look at the check book balance afterwards……UGA spends more money on towels than Tech spends on its high school stadium…(which it cant even fill)…couldnt sell out a conference championship game……and damn sure cant beat the Dawgs……..8 out of 9 years and counting!!! so enjoy the best season Tech has had in 18years(in which UGA still beat that ass)……the crawfish taste mighty fine in Shrevport…….I wonder if Paul Johnson has gotten that “Dawg-ass whooping” taste out of his mouth yet……..lol And if tech fans think UGA football is irrelevant….how does UGA keep beating your asses?????? Answer that question….how does UGA completely own your asses????????
how2fish
December 25th, 2009
3:34 pm
No we are 7-5 because we are in the SEC..we would fare much better in the ACC but our worse team in a decade still won the ACC . Sorry only watch Tech playing in the weak ACC could anyone call them a superior team this year but my hat is off to you you stick with your team which is more than can be said for so many “fans’ of both schools . I wish you guys luck in the bowl game. see ya
Rolo
December 25th, 2009
3:34 pm
Good piece Mark, Merry Christmas. It must be in that spirit that you say MR is smart…..I’d say he’s a lot of things, smart would not be one of them.
Dawg Central
December 25th, 2009
3:39 pm
And Iowa is gonna beat that ass for Tech like LSU did in last year bowl game…….but Tech fans will then say…hey “we are ACC champions”…..now thats irrelevent…..can any Tech fan tell me why one UGA running back had more yards rushing than the whole Tech team??????/ Paul Johnson has more chins than a chinese phone book…….Go Dawgs!!!!
It's called
December 25th, 2009
3:57 pm
a weak D, just ask Ga fans about that since they watched the same thing last year and this year with the mighty bulldogs, i.e. giving up 30 or more points to Florida, Alabama, Tech, Tennessee and even losing to Kentucky after being well ahead in the second half. Tech and Ga defense, just two peas in a pod
MauiJacket
December 25th, 2009
4:03 pm
shreveport——-SHREVEPORT——-FRIGGING SHREVEPORT
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HOME OF THE GEORGIA BULLDOGS
MERRY CHRISTMAS MUTTS—-ENJOY SHREVEPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mgdawg
December 25th, 2009
4:06 pm
I have heard some people say not to expect a big change on defense next year, that it will take time. I disagree. I believe the talent is there, but the scheme was awful for the most part. Put the players in position to make plays. It amazed me how when uga would blitz good things would happen, the problem is uga would only do that about 2 games a year and this year coverage was so awful that all the qb had to do was look up. Now that’s gone though.
Although I’m not always the biggest fan of Bobo, I think this year’s lack of offensive performance was because of pitiful oline play (other then against tech) and a dumb 5th year qb. If uga ever was third and one I knew that they couldn’t hand the ball off and get a first down, it wasn’t going to happen. The Dline would have so much penetration that the rb wouldn’t have a chance. I still don’t understand why bobo refused to qb sneak when he just needed one yard, but I guess he was scared of hurting cox’s “sore shoulder” he was nursing all season.
$1.4 million Shreveport vs. our $14 million BCS Orange bowl
December 25th, 2009
4:27 pm
((((( Shreveport )))))
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha
ratherBgambling
December 25th, 2009
4:32 pm
Looks like one of those players you “stole” form Florida is bailing on the pups.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/recruiting/os-recruiting-bj-butler-looking-at-louisville-1225,0,2515644.story
Merry Christmas!
ShreveportDawg
December 25th, 2009
4:56 pm
Will the Dawg players and coaches stay in Shreveport—they don’t have many nice hotels there. They may want to fly in on game day and leave immediately after. That motel 6 near the freeway is a dump, and the players may not want to sleep there.
Gator in the Hootch
December 25th, 2009
5:04 pm
I am not sure if anyone has posted this yet, but it looks like Willie Martinez is going to be hired by the Gators…no, not as DC but as either LB or DB coach with Chuch Heater becoming the DC at Florida (on staf as the DB coach). Meyer likes Martinez LB coaching ability, but really likes his ablity to recruit south Florida the most (he is from the area). Looks like Georgia’s “loss” is Florida’s gain. Say what you want about his ability as DC (I also think he was overmatched there), but he is an excellent position coach on D and is a great recruiter. This will be a big pick up on the coaching staff for the Gators.
frank james
December 25th, 2009
5:15 pm
I have said from day one that Coach Martinez and Coach Fabris were good football coaches and recruiters. I heard that Coach Fabris may be going to Louisville. The whole problem at Georgia started when we let the whole team go out on the field against Florida. It may have helped win that ball game or not. I really believe what won that game was the rushing attack by Moreno. I know what it led to. All the dancing and penalties. If we don’t get the discipline back and kids that play with alot of pride it doesn’t matter who the assistant coaches are.
Motivational Dawg
December 25th, 2009
5:36 pm
To get the dawgs more fired up for big games next year, Richt needs to order more on-the-field celebration penalties!!! It worked big against UF in 2007—that was the main reason that UGA won that game. He needs to get more creative with these penalties to really motivate the team!!!
Dont jerk my chain Dawg
December 25th, 2009
6:00 pm
Let that BJ Butler thug de commit. He has an attitude problem which will just end up on the Athens Jail Blotter.
dawg 4 u
December 25th, 2009
6:05 pm
For darindawg how far have we gone down when we celelbrate beating Tech. We need to worry about getting back at UF, UT and the Crimson Tide. To Hell with Tech. Let’s first try to beat UK next year. GEEZ!
U. Ben Dover
December 25th, 2009
6:12 pm
Willie Martinez will have the last laugh when he is surrounded by competent coaches and a strength and conditioning program which is second to none in gator land and the rest of the college fotball world. He will show UGA nation what he is made of and will be a part of the yearly beat downs in Jacksonville while being on the winning side.
BuLLdawg
December 25th, 2009
6:24 pm
Let me make sure I understand this, please ?
tek has fewer Women on campus than it has Asian men.
Thus, I am a racist.
What does that make tek ?