OK, so what happens with Richt if UGA loses in Starkville?
Quality-of-life-wise, it would behoove this man to win next week. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
Not to say I’m smart or anything, but the Georgia season has played out the way I figured: Win, loss, loss. (No, I wasn’t so all-seeing as to know A.J. Green wouldn’t have played a down.) I also had the Bulldogs winning eight of the next nine games and finishing 9-3, which I do believe will occur. That said …
The Mississippi State game has long seemed to me the pivot point of Georgia’s season. It’s a game UGA should win, but it’s on the road in a different time zone, and strange things can happen in the realm of the cowbell. And today I pose the musical question: What happens if Georgia doesn’t win in Starkville?
Nothing much, I submit, but I’m willing to concede I might be in the distinct minority. Opening the SEC season 0-3 hasn’t happened under Mark Richt — to be accurate, the Bulldogs have never before been 0-2 in league play under Richt — and would loose all manner of outcry from the masses. Greg McGarity, the new AD, wouldn’t join the chorus, but even a new AD couldn’t help but note the furor.
I say again: I think Georgia is going to be fine. This is a young team with a new quarterback and a new defense that faced two very difficult early games without its best player. I find no dishonor in either defeat. And I expect these Bulldogs will tame the maroon Bulldogs on Saturday in Starkville. But I’m pragmatist enough to grant that this could get ugly if UGA doesn’t.
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992 comments Add your comment
SEN
September 19th, 2010
8:30 am
Go back to Tuscaloosa 3 years ago. We beat the Tide, in their house, in a game much like yesterday’s. Look at what has happened to our program v Alabama’s since that time; it’s not a positive trend, is it? I’m a 30-yr season ticket holder & love the Dawgs, but don’t share the optimism that Mr. Bradley does. Hopefully, the team will find a leader or two and decide to turn it around; they have the ability.
Freddy
September 19th, 2010
8:30 am
Can anyone say GROUNDHOG DAY. Its the same crap every year.
GA Tiger Fan
September 19th, 2010
8:32 am
IF UGA looses to Miss State…..I think it’s more likely that they will loose!!! Just be thankful you don’t play LSU this year! Richt is too nice and can’t control his thugs off the field let alone on the field. UGA is now in the cellar of the SEC with Ole Miss.
SadDawg
September 19th, 2010
8:34 am
Brad, you do realize Miss State’s coach is Myer’s former OC, right? I don’t really think a win, at Starkesville is a given. Probably 50/50.
I look at our remaining schedule and see a sure win vs Idaho State, a pretty sure win at home vs Vandy, and a sure loss in Jax. I think the rest are 50/50, including, UT, at AU, and at KY, and Tech.
I think the best we can hope for before bowl season is 8-4. Don’t want to think about the worst . . .
athensdawg
September 19th, 2010
8:34 am
the arrogance of our coaching staff is incredible……
it is aaron murray’s fault that he got sacked.
it is our offensive line’s fault that they can’t block.
it is the defensive player’s fault that they cannot stop the other team.
when are they going to man up and tell us all the truth.
THEY DON’T KNOW WHAT THE *&&*%%$ they are doing.
WonderDawg
September 19th, 2010
8:39 am
I think the Braves are gonna make the playoffs, why?
Dawg_Mike
September 19th, 2010
8:39 am
I watched a lot of football yesterday and I saw a whole lot of imaginative play calling.
We should have been able to convert that 3rd and 5, kept the damn ball, used the TWO timeouts , moved the ball some more and then send Walsh in for the game winner as time expired.
No excuse for that. Bobo must go.
Atticus
September 19th, 2010
8:40 am
Excuses every year. Richt doesn’t expect or demand excellence and this is the result. He won before Saban got to Bama and Meyer to UF. Spurrier has now had a chance to build something at SC…..on and on. 10-12 in the SEC is a joke.
Dawg_Mike
September 19th, 2010
8:41 am
CMR- Heres a thought- why not make Bobo watch game film of Clemson Auburn for some imaginative play calling.
While you are at it, have Searles sit in and watch the O lines run block.
WG Dawg
September 19th, 2010
8:42 am
Mark,
What have you been smoking? Why do we keep defending Richt? Average to above average is all we will ever be under the Richt regime. If UGA ever wants to be part of the SEC powerhouse, we need a hard nose, in your face coach who does not put up with crap!!!The unfortunate situation that we are sitting on is that there isn’t a coach out there that is willing to come to here and deal with our dysfuntional family.
Richt is the perfect coach for fans that will tolerate mediocracy. Enough said.
Dawg_Mike
September 19th, 2010
8:43 am
The real sad thing about all of this is that if UGA was going to win the SEC East, THIS is the year.
Having said that, no way UGA ( or anyone else ) will beat that juggernaut in Tuscaloosa.
It will be very interesting to see how they handle The Ohio State in Glendale for the title.
WonderDawg
September 19th, 2010
8:43 am
Yep, 3rd and 5, and Bobo sends 4 receivers deep.
It took that dufus 3 and a half quarters to roll the pocket out to give Murray time and guess what, about a 50 yard completion. Why did it take him that long to figure that out?
A Fan, not an expert like the rest of you idiots!!!
September 19th, 2010
8:43 am
Everyone needs a little perspective. Here you go:
Dooley record: 7-3-1, 6-4, 10-1, 7-4, 8-2-1, 5-5-1, 5-5, 11-1, 7-4, 7-4-1, 6-6, 9-3, 10-2, 5-6, 9-2-1, 6-5, 12-0, 10-2, 11-1, 10-1-1, 7-4-1, 7-3-2, 8-4, 9-3, 9-3, and then he got the keys to the kingdom (A.D.)
Goff’s record: 6-6, 4-7, 9-3, 10-2, 5-6, 6-4-1, 6-6, and he got the boot.
Donnan’s record: 5-6, 10-2, 9-3, 8-4, 8-4, and he got the boot.
Richt’s record: 8-4, 13-1, 11-3, 10-2, 10-3, 9-4, 11-2, 10-3, 8-5.
Holy Crap, Are you guys freaking crazy. We’ve got one National Championship in the modern era, and somehow we think that we’re supposed to be world -beaters every year. You guys are crazy. Mark Richt may never win a national championship, but he is the best dang coach that we’ve ever had including Vince Dooley. In Dooley’s first 10 years, he lost 5 games a year twice and 4 games a year four times.
And don’t give me that, his success was when he was playing with Donnan’s players. You said the same thing when Goff went 9-3 and 10-2, and you said that about Donnan when he went 10-2 and 9-3.
And all of you crazy people calling for bobo’s head. Please remember that he is a bulldog. He cheered for him like crazy during that comeback and ot win at AU, and now you are killing him. He loves UGA more than you do, so shut up. I think I recall all of you complaining about CMR needed a OC. He needs to let someone else call the plays, blah, blah, blah. You got what you wanted, so shut up. You know the plays before they are going to be called, because you’ve watched every snap for the past ten years.
And quit talking about Alabama, Alabama, Alabama. Just turn into an Alabama fan if you’ve got such a man crush on Nick Satan. He is a snake. Just ask those boys in La and Miami. He’s not loyal.
I’m so fed up with you fans, that I’m about ready to root against the dawgs, so that CMR will get fired, take a year off, and go coach somewhere where he is appreciated.
You fans are a bunch a dam fools, that’s what you are, fools.
Dan
September 19th, 2010
8:44 am
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, most Dawg fans are not too bright.
BobDog
September 19th, 2010
8:44 am
We played yesterday without our star wide receiver, our starting tailback, our starting fullback, and a starting corner. Mix in a defensive scheme they are still learning, poor play calling, and underwhelming O-line play, and this is what you can expect.
WonderDawg
September 19th, 2010
8:47 am
“While you are at it, have Searles sit in and watch the O lines run block”
**************************
I thought that too, Dawg_Mike, but maybe it’s just that our offense is so predictable, our running plays are easy to stop.
That jackass Kiffin said it, “Georgia is the easiest team on our schedule to prepare for.”
WonderDawg
September 19th, 2010
8:48 am
And I’m assuming you are, Dan?
JY
September 19th, 2010
8:48 am
If Bobo is doing such a bad job calling plays (which he is) why cannot the head coach correct it? Early in the game we had a big moment around the 50, third and one on a drive..We throw a 15 yard pass, incomplete…that stopped the drive we punt. We did not have to have but a yard…Bobo wants the big play. Most the time keeping a drive going is a big play. There are a lot of big plays tht are a yard long…Also, noticed we had nearly all our drives before the fourth quarter start inside the 20….Why run reverses and wide trick plays inside the 20 to begin drives? Those kind of plays are more successful from the middle of the field after you have called plays to get there and catch defenses looking for what you have done well….then hit them with a reverse or trick play….It is too big a chance for something to go wrong inside the 20.
Woodrow Call
September 19th, 2010
8:50 am
SRS has it right!!!!!!! You folks making excuses for MR are just too stupid to see this program is in decline and mediocre at best. UGA is now a third tier team in the SEC.
What is it with all these excuses. Do people not take responsibility for anything anymore?
NW Ga Dawg
September 19th, 2010
8:51 am
I read yesterday where Adams said he met with the coaching staff and told them that he wanted the arrests and off-field bad behavior to stop. We’ll see whether he takes any action if it doesn’t stop. I don’t much care for Adams, but at least someone over Richt’s head is stepping in to see that the coaches do their job since Richt doesn’t seem to be able to do it. Too bad Adams hasn’t also said “No more SEC losses”!!
Terrance Dawg
September 19th, 2010
8:54 am
The dawg players are feeling bad today. Richt’s taking them swimming for a “feel good” session.
Spanky
September 19th, 2010
8:55 am
I can only lol when I read the UGA blogs.First they are the second coming of Jesus every year, then the sky is falling four weeks into the season.
You guys scream every year about how great your program is, then you tout how big your stadium is, how great your recruiting is, and how stupid every HS kid that signs with Tech or another school is and UGA did not want the anyway.
The difference between Tech and UGA fans is simple. The Tech fans fans are realistic about their expectations and what their program actualy is. UGA fans think that the college football world revolves around Athens, GA. Both programs are decent programs that will have winning seasons on a regular basis and will not scare anybody day in and day out. They both will slip up and win a division or conference championship every so many years. They both will play in a BCS bowl from time to time.
UGA has not won anything for thirty years and Tech for twenty! What exactly does the incredibly awsome Dawg Nation expect? Get a grip!!!!!!!! You guys are playing to what you are and have proven to be to for fifty years.
WonderDawg
September 19th, 2010
8:55 am
Furman put up 19 on SC. Furman.
What does that tell you about our offense?
Herschel
September 19th, 2010
8:55 am
I guess the Georgia Nation is beginnng to wise up about the thuggery mentality that Saint Richt learned from Saint Bobby at FSU. Funny how they over look it when Thuga wins. All of the off season arrests ought to tell all you Gerogia fans something. Mississippi State is not a given win. If Saint Richt and the thugs lose that one, its going to get real hot in Athens because there will be a run on sales at the Walmart for that 1980 Season tape.
Dawg_Mike
September 19th, 2010
8:56 am
I guess my “favorite” play call is the power I formation when it’s 3rd and 1. We predictably line up this way and send a back right into the middle of ~ 8 wide bodies expecting him to somehow get some daylight. This is one of the most boneheaded plays of all.
Toss sweep must have fallen out of the playbook.
Again, check out the way Clemson’s line blocked for Ellington and the way he ran the ball with authority….
jellybeandawg
September 19th, 2010
8:57 am
Richt is walking in Bowden’s footsteps but not the young Bowden, the old one. He’s hands off, X’s and O’s aren’t great, terrible discipline/fundamentals, players get arrested, it’s amazing how his tenure mirrors Bowden’s late one.
There’s no more ‘finish the drill’ in Athens. He’s not the same coach he was in the early 2000s. He’s in the Fulmer stage now and another season like 2009 and he should be out. The fact that we had the #1 draft pick at QB and a top fifteen draft pick at RB and lost EVERY big game in 2008 will be one of the biggest disasters in UGA history for years to come. We got beat 49-10 against the Gators…..49-10. How does that add up to that kind of score?
The is NO way he only losses one more game this year. The best case scenario is we only loose 2 more but it could easily be 3+.
SecGuy
September 19th, 2010
8:59 am
I’m a Bama guy. Before the season, I too had predicted Georgia would lose to SC and Arkansas, but I short changed the dogs. Both games were so tight, I believe If Green had played, they would have won them both. They played with a lot of heart yesterday and were not far from taking it to OT after a 14 point deficet. They can still have a 10 win season if they beat either Florida or Auburn and I believe they will take one of those games at the least.
WonderDawg
September 19th, 2010
9:00 am
” They both will play in a BCS bowl from time to time.”
************************************
Spanky, UGA has won as many BCS Bowls as the entire ACC combined!
No realistic Dawg fan thought UGA would win 11 or 12 games this season. But every football fan gets ticked when their team loses a close one.
Larry
September 19th, 2010
9:00 am
Look how far Georgia has fallen since their preseason #1 ranking in 08. Richt will never win another SEC title.
Dennis
September 19th, 2010
9:00 am
Please, let go of all of the excuses. What class year was Alabama’s QB last year when they won the NT? Does Ealey not think he is every bit as good as Ingram? As a coach you have to put the pressure on to see if the kid can take it. You can’t control it like a pot of boiling water that heats up measured and slowly. Why do you need to have a meeting during the game to get them to play like their hair is on fire? Why can’t you come out of the tunnel ready?
DDAWG
September 19th, 2010
9:01 am
Attitude!!! CMR needs to figure out how motivate his team. So much of this game is emotion and our head coach WAY to calm. If you are going to cash the check you need to act like you care, get in somebody’s face and show some emotion OR go fishing. I am beginning not to care either way. Read BOBO’s resume, nuff said… One word BOBO….. SHOTGUN
Techmaninathens
September 19th, 2010
9:04 am
During the game I saw Bobo put his arm around Mark Richt’s shoulders. That is very condescending making the appearance that “don’t’ worry, everything will be all right.” That is not what a staff coach does to he head coach. It may seem trivial, but Richt should never allow Bobo to do that. It makes Richt look venerable.
He Hate Gator
September 19th, 2010
9:04 am
0-3 in SEC? When was the last time Ga had that record? Mark, 9-3? Miss St is probably the last conference game they will be favored in and they may not win that one….
SM
September 19th, 2010
9:05 am
We hired our own with Griffin, Goff and Bobo. Since we have not been very successful with OUR administrative people and coaches where is the experienced, successful, Georgia graduate coach that can turn this around. Are there any present GA trained head coaches that will not have to have on the job training? Saban was not Alabama, Meyer was not UF, Miles was not LSU….I guess what you are saying is get Dooly after he becomes successful at TN? Oops!! I forgot he is a UV graduate so that would not work???
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE LIVES IN THE ATL
September 19th, 2010
9:05 am
LET THE REDNECKS SUFFER! THIS IS WHAT YOU GET FOR BEING SO EVIL!
Herschel Talker
September 19th, 2010
9:06 am
MB:
If you don’t think there continues to be something “off” with the coaching staff, whether that be Bobo, Searels, or Richt himself, then you are continuing to be the blind homer you have been all season with the Braves. The flaws are obvious, and I guess you’re just “talking your book” so to speak
HT
WonderDawg
September 19th, 2010
9:09 am
Hope Murray’s allright today. He took a vicious shot near the end yesterday . . .
He threw that last ball 65 yard! If we just had a OC who knew how to adjust to an opponent’s pass rush, and figure out how to give Murray a little time, he can do some damage with his arm. He was just running for his life most of the time, though.
dawgstime
September 19th, 2010
9:10 am
It’s time for change. Richt has done well but he is falling further and further behind. UGA is a below average SEC team and has been for 2 or 3 years. Quit making excuses that this is a young team.
chazzo
September 19th, 2010
9:10 am
There were positive things that happened against SC, and there were positive things that happened against Arkansas. There will be positive things that happen next week (win or lose). This team is growing and geling and getting better. New QB and new D… well, there you have it. Throw in some really bad play calling, and you’re 0-2 in the SEC.
The way I see it. Forget the SEC East and the bowls and the ranking. Georgia has 4 games to play: UT, UF, AU, and GT. Richt’s future hinges on those games. That’s not a mandate; I don’t have that big of an ego. I just think he goes 50-50 on those 4 games, the money folks are going to send him packing. If I were him, I’d let Bobo keep his title, but I would send him back up in the booth, and I would start calling the offense.
Whopper Dawg
September 19th, 2010
9:11 am
Nothing will happen and shouldn’t at this juncture. No way this team gets to 8 or 9, 6 or 7 maybe. Once the first round combo of Stafford and Moreno left, UGA is rapidly descending to the middle tier of the SEC. WIth BlowBo firmly entrenched, they will rise no further.
georgiadawgg
September 19th, 2010
9:11 am
MARK RICHT IS ANOTHER PHAT PHIL. HE’S IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE HE HAS ADAMS IN HIS POCKET.
Dean
September 19th, 2010
9:13 am
Enter your comments here
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE LIVES IN THE ATL
September 19th, 2010
9:14 am
CHAN GAILEY = MARK RICHT
Dean
September 19th, 2010
9:14 am
I’m sure you all willl laugh but I think UGA looks pretty good. The comeback showed me alot. We played better, more mature teams. Now, wwe have some experience and are ready to get roling. Get behind Richt and our Dawgs. If not go root for Tech, Bama or some other team.
Beach Dawg
September 19th, 2010
9:16 am
I think a top ten ranking is still possible. Show me 10 other coaches with a tan better than Marks.
Serenity in the Swamp
September 19th, 2010
9:16 am
Just watching with a smile.
Mr. Belvedere Class of '72
September 19th, 2010
9:18 am
Folks it’s all been said, but the bottom line is our program is mediocre and it’s time for a new CEO/head coach. Mark Richt is not taking this program anywhere; there is no fire in the belly.
gomdawg
September 19th, 2010
9:19 am
Mark , you have got to be STUPID, a young team we have a offensive that that has juniors and seniors and they ain’t lived up to there reputation , this is the sorries team Georgia have had in 5 years. NO PRIDE AND WILL TO PLAY THE GAME MONEY IS ALL THAT MATTERS ANY MORE , NO PRIDE SO WITH THAT SAID I NOT GOING TO WATCH ANOTYER GAME UNTIL I HEAR THAT THIS TEAM HAS GOT THEIR PRIDE BACK. I CAN TAKE A LOST , BUT WHEN THIS TEAM PLAYS NOT PRIDE,NO PRIDE.
VININGSDAWG
September 19th, 2010
9:21 am
Out of control right now. Stupid penalties, arrests and other problems. Its the little things that kill a program and Richt has not paid attention to them.
We paid $750,000 a year for this defense. Grantham needs to quit worrying with Spurrier and pay attention to the little things and get this straighten out.
Max Dawg
September 19th, 2010
9:21 am
This is a rebuilding year with a new D and a bunch of new coaches. It will take 2-3 years for the players to learn this new system.