There’s no other way to say it: Mark Richt is in trouble at UGA
This was Mississippi State's first touchdown Saturday. It would add two more. (AP photo)
I wouldn’t have thought such a thing possible a month ago or a week ago or even 24 hours ago, but here it is:
Mark Richt is in trouble.
It was possible to write off Georgia’s first two losses as having come against superior opposition. It is not possible to write off losing in Starkville. It is not possible to square all those ballyhooed recruiting classes with being 0-3 in the conference. It is not possible to look on the Bulldogs as anything more than a middling SEC team.
Five years ago, how many other league schools would have gladly traded their coach for Richt? Nine? Ten? How many would today? Maybe three, and that’s depending on how Ole Miss feels about Houston Nutt this week. Too many SEC programs have caught and passed Georgia, and this has nothing to do with the superpowers in Tuscaloosa and Gainesville. Consider:
Last year Georgia lost to Tennessee in Year 1 of Lane Kiffin. Last week Georgia lost to Arkansas in Sanford Stadium in Year 3 of Bobby Petrino. Last night Georgia lost to Mississippi State in Year 2 under Dan Mullen.
No longer does an opponent tremble at the sight of Georgia approaching. On the contrary, this has become — three weeks running! — the team you want to play if you’re looking to establish your program.
The old Steve Spurrier critique of Ray Goff — “Georgia gets all these players … I don’t know what happens to them” — again applies. Georgia doesn’t lack talent. It simply cannot bring its talent to bear. Its new 3-4 defense mustered one sack against Arkansas and Ryan Mallett. Its touted offensive line was able to carve out 113 yards rushing against Manny Diaz’s Mississippi State defense. Its offense could not score a touchdown against South Carolina and needed 58-plus minutes to manage one in Starkville.
There has been no improvement week over week. There is only a weird stasis. The weeks and the opponents change, but Georgia looks no different. How does that happen?
Loading ...Granted, the season might look different had A.J. Green played these four games. But he didn’t because he broke a rule, and that’s the other reason Richt is in trouble. A coach can get away with having his players mess up off the field if the coach keeps winning big on it. But Richt is 10-9 dating back to Nov. 29, 2008, and guess what cheery news awaited him on his return from Mississippi?
You got it. Another player has been arrested.
When I say, “Richt is in trouble,” I don’t mean I expect him to be fired this week or even after this season. I think Greg McGarity, the new athletic director, will err on the side of patience with a coach of such distinguished pedigree. (And a strong finish to this season — winning the next eight and beating Auburn and Florida en route — would effectively get Richt out of trouble.) But the loss at State seems a tipping point. It seems the game in which the majority of Georgia fans stopped seeing Mark Richt as the answer and came to regard him as the problem.
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1,529 comments Add your comment
tim
September 26th, 2010
1:09 pm
Trey Burton…..Freshman QB scores 6 TD’s against a decent Kentucky team that will whip UGA’s butt in Lexington….then Burton will score 9 times aainst an undermanned, weak puppy team in a 78 to 3 whoppin in Jax…I believe this will happen
Ed
September 26th, 2010
1:09 pm
Thanks for the kudos, DIT. Like the AJC staff writers, my writing is hit-and-miss.
DawgSqueeze
September 26th, 2010
1:10 pm
It all comes down to discipline. Richt needs to find his stones and make a statement first thing Monday morning. And that statement would be to kick Demetre Baker off the team, then tell the rest of that thug bunch that the same fate awaits the rest of those losers should they run afoul of the law.
I don’t know what is going on in Athens, whether it is Mark Richt doesn’t have the balls to do it, whether the booster club has too much influence, or the athletic department will not let him, but he needs to instill discipline right now. Stop recruiting thugs, and start recruiting athletes that respect the game, the coaches, and the program.
I hate UGA, and I have really enjoyed these last 3 weeks, but this really is getting ridiculous.
Enjoy it
September 26th, 2010
1:10 pm
This just in! Arrest #12 for UGA ly
thUGA
September 26th, 2010
1:10 pm
So could UGA beat Georgia State?
I fumble this state
September 26th, 2010
1:11 pm
Is MR wearing damon’s red panties?
Faith
September 26th, 2010
1:11 pm
UGALEE…..He died for mine and your sins..You need help!
reebok
September 26th, 2010
1:12 pm
well, the apocalypse must really be upon us…Bark Madley has said something is less-than-perfect in Saint Mark Richt Land…my heart…my heart…!
UGAJD
September 26th, 2010
1:13 pm
I might feel differently if I saw reason for optimism… some signs of hope along the way. For example, if they played hard and smart, in spite of losing, I would have hope. But, unfortunately, that’s not the case. The most stunning aspect of their performance is the lack of passion and intensity displayed on the field (perhaps their passion and intensity is exhausted on the Athens nightlife). The coaches are either recruiting the wrong types of players, or are not motivating them, or both. Anyway you cut it, it falls on the coaches, and the head coach, in particular.
DAWG
September 26th, 2010
1:14 pm
At this juncture in time, Georgia will not run the table with the opponents left on our schedule. Sometimes you have to cut and fish bait; here is the perfect time to start looking for a new offensive coordinator. The sad part is we have talented players and they are not being coached. I could harp on this all day, and until mark pulls his head out of his butt and does something to make corrections, this will be a long and sad season. The way we are playing, I am looking at a 2 and 10 record. And do not worry about any bowl games. If I were to look at the cost of tickets right now, they would be a basement prices.
DIT
September 26th, 2010
1:14 pm
Tell it Faith!
Brock
September 26th, 2010
1:14 pm
lol wut? not sure if Jesus would be a good coach but he is one helluva wine maker. Gotta love that guys vino!
DIT
September 26th, 2010
1:15 pm
I like the idea early a poster had about Vrad Johnson. Anyone else think that he would be a good OC?
reebok
September 26th, 2010
1:15 pm
honestly, i would love to commiserate with the dawg fans, but my team got beat down worse than yours did yesterday…and we were at home…and favored by 8. i guess misery really does love company! yeah the Tech-Georgia game in Athens this year is sure going to be a clash of the titans!
dawgfan13
September 26th, 2010
1:16 pm
This is a program out of control. Now they are losing games to opponents they shluld beat. What that mean is that the players dont respect the coach nor the university and its is becoming almost a must that Richt get fired at the end of the season. This is stunning to me like everyone else in dog nation.
DIT
September 26th, 2010
1:16 pm
sorry that;s Brad Johnson
Tallahasseedawg
September 26th, 2010
1:16 pm
This is truly a sad day to be a bulldog.I will give CMR credit he brought stability to the dawg nation, but its time to go.That was hard to say.On the other hand CTG lied to you like he lied to us,he is terrible. What happened to confusing QB’s, agressive, tackling, oyeah my favorite, rotating linemen.750k what a waste ,all i see is bend but dont break crap.CTG you are a fraud.CooachBobo thats another story.Bulldawg nation keep ya head up.
I fumble this state
September 26th, 2010
1:16 pm
I will funble at least three times in the next 3 games.
Skoutsidethewake
September 26th, 2010
1:17 pm
These young men have no idea they have the honor to be part of something bigger than they are. None of them are playing with heart. Where does this come from? Coaching! Athens Pen is being kept busy by the selfish for which the coaches have recruited. Every time one of these athletes screws up, they disrespect the fans, the students, and the University who actually fund the scholarship money for them to get an education and play a sport they love. Let’s not forget about the disrespect they convey upon their own team. In essence, they are being paid to play and they should play with honor, heart and respect. Monday morning I would like to see 3 things happen; CMR take over play calling, ACMB go back to teaching fundamentals, and last, hold every player arrested this year accountable for the next player who screws up. That’s right, if one more player screws up, kick all 10 + 1 off the team or simply bench them. 11 chaperones with futures at risk will do their best to make sure every player stays in between the guard rails. If they don’t and do not learn they are representatives of something bigger than they are, there are plenty of other athletes playing at the jr. college level who work hard, perform hard, do the right things with honor, and who would do anything to be a Georgia Bulldog.
Faith
September 26th, 2010
1:17 pm
Brock you are nothing new…They always made fun of Jesus but he forgave them…….he will for give you too.
AtlFriar
September 26th, 2010
1:17 pm
Bradley: of the2/3 teams in the SEC that want Richt as coach—begs the question: Is UGA one of them? McGarity, as the new kid on the block, might not want a coaching change until he has stabilized his own position and built up some political capital to insulate himself from inevitable criticism that comes with a high-profile shake-up?
dawgfan13
September 26th, 2010
1:18 pm
No Brad Johnson, he is not a proven offensive coordinator! Get some one with a proven background. Bobo had no offensive coordinator background and look what he is doing! Get a new Head Coach and let him bring in his own guys!
tt
September 26th, 2010
1:19 pm
Start playing underclassmen to get them ready for next year….the rest of the games should be seen as pratices and scrimmages. Start experimenting w younger players and plays and dont worry about the record. Maybe beat Tech if you can…..sit AJ all season. Ealey to. Richt start calling plays……..anyone else gets arrested…you are done for the year…or kick em off, let them be someone elses problem…clean house now!
DIT
September 26th, 2010
1:19 pm
dawgfan13 – Good points. Who should we bring in?
Monkey says:
September 26th, 2010
1:19 pm
**************************************************News Update**************************************************
University of Georgia Head Football Coach Mark Richt has called a Team Meeting.
The time of the meeting is at 3:00 p.m.
All players on the 105 man roster are required to attend.
Being it is required, the meeting will be held at the Athens-Clarke County Jail, since many of the University of Georgia players know where the building is and some are already there.
Finebaum told you folks a month ago at media days that CMR was a mistake and was in trouble. He even wrote an article about it.
Philly Guy
September 26th, 2010
1:19 pm
Has the chatter begun for Al Golden (Temple) to Athens?
Al G resume
1) No nonsense guy
2) Amazing pedigree (Paterno, George Welsh)
3) Turned a doormat into a bowl program
4) Wont require Millions of $$$, but would gladly take the pay raise to come to Athens
Ol Kinkaid
September 26th, 2010
1:20 pm
Damn Buck, this Georgia team sucks.
JB
September 26th, 2010
1:22 pm
Mark’s biggest weakness……Like with willie, he’s more worried about bobo’s family than UGA football.
Bobo would be fired Monday by most football schools………but maybe we aren’t one anymore
Pi$$ed Pup
September 26th, 2010
1:22 pm
What makes it all worse is that Spurrier is right! WTH is going on up there??? The talent is still there…… It is time for a change
Spence
September 26th, 2010
1:22 pm
I hate to agree with you because you are so rarely right, but for once I agree.
Dewaine
September 26th, 2010
1:22 pm
Richt needs to take over the play-calling for the offense again. The Dawgs won more games when he was calling the plays. I would give him one more year but he would have to make the calls. This could be a sub-500 year but this Dawg fan will continue to root for the Dawgs.
Belue
September 26th, 2010
1:23 pm
Even I cant wait to hear how coach spins
this tomorrow night on the 750 coaches show
Bud
September 26th, 2010
1:23 pm
Male seeking Female: Fourtyish male looking for attractive, open minded gal to help spend my inheritence with. Travel, out on the town, or sitting quietly at home watching a good movie.
b-daddy
September 26th, 2010
1:23 pm
I think it might be time ( has already been) for CMR to say the Heck with planning for the furture( you and all others might not be there ) and go out there w/ the BEST 11 players and try to win the game. The time for close to the vest is LONG GONE. Let what you do have Hang out .If you want to keep the job, you better change something. The only time I saw a change was when CMR tossed a LB about 15 yrds in the center of Vandy’s feild about 3 yrs ago. The players knew he was as mad as they have ever seen. Kinda like when you saw your dad blow up and you told yourself>….. oh he is mad now
kaput
September 26th, 2010
1:25 pm
And yet, before the season started most all of you had unconditional belief that this would be a terrific season.
Be pragmatic.
Dawg Tired
September 26th, 2010
1:25 pm
Mark – I fear you are right in that the fan base is not very patient, and, judging from of the asinine comments I read on this blog, also just plain dumb. I remember how many fans wanted Dooley fired after the 1979 season. That would have been a mistake. Firing Richt would also be a mistake, but it will probably happen.
KingGator
September 26th, 2010
1:26 pm
Miss. State was Ron Zook’s Waterloo!! Could it be Richt’s?
Herschel
September 26th, 2010
1:26 pm
Stubhub has requested that the Thuga fans please don’t send any more tickets for sale. They don’t have enough resources to sell them. They are now giving them away if you make a donation to Goodwill.
DIT
September 26th, 2010
1:26 pm
kaput – guilty!
BDAWG
September 26th, 2010
1:27 pm
I was wondering why Grantham has no emotions on the sidelines and the defense looked worse. If Richt wants to win, he needs to quit trying to make everybody a disciple and let them coach like they are supposed to. This is not church and if he wants to treat the football team like choir boys, he needs to be fired. I have always heard that is the reason why we are losing out on so many big time recruits, because of St. Richt trying to preach to them instead of trying to win a NC. People open your eyes, somebody needs to tighten the rings on Richt and let him know that this is a football program and not heavens little angels, which is what they play like. I’m tired of excuses and arrests. Richt and his staff needs to go. Grantham was the only one with some fire and Richt has taken that away from him. Richt’s coaching has gotten worse over the last 3 years and it shows on the the football field and in the way that we recruit.
Snake Doc
September 26th, 2010
1:27 pm
And another thing – MR told TG not to yell at the players. It might hurt their feelings. This is football not Sunday School!
The tanned one needs to go!
UGA
September 26th, 2010
1:27 pm
Sing it with me y’all….. Oh and 3 in the
SEC…
More arrests than wins, Go Daaaawwwgs
Snake Doc
September 26th, 2010
1:28 pm
@BDAWG – You’re correct!
It starts at the top! MR is the issue!
You Ain't-Know Gaily Whacker
September 26th, 2010
1:29 pm
I would bet that McGarity wishes that he was back at Florida.
b-daddy
September 26th, 2010
1:29 pm
Don’t really want CMR gone…. but let Grantham go wild…what do we have to loose…. put Bobo back at QB. CMR holds on to tight to these coaches….it is still a business and has to be addressed as such. It hurst to let a fellow coach/ friend go…but it is the nature of the beast… remember what happened to Phil in Knoxville
Dawg77
September 26th, 2010
1:30 pm
If we were in the ACC, we would probably be 2-1 or 3-0, but we are not. All you Richt haters need to get over it. I can give you 8 million reasons why he will coach UGA next year. We are better than Tenn, Vandy, Kentucky, Colorado, Idaho St and GT. I know it, you know it, the American people know it. We are not better than Auburn or Florida. We will probably go 7-5 finishing the season scoring 97 points against Georgia Tech and crushing the ACC championship loser in the Music City bowl. Mark Richt wins the 2011 coach of the year. All you Richt haters need to support UGA and stop being fair weathered fans.
dawgfan13
September 26th, 2010
1:30 pm
I cant say i know who they should hire for their offensive coordinator job but i will say that i think Georgia needs to change their offensive philosophy. This pro style crap is three yards and a cloud of dust. I would say put Aaron in a spread situation and you have better chance for success. He looks uncomfortable! TCU’s coach or Bois coach are the hot names but I would say look long and hard and go outside the box, like they did when they hired Fox!
Sideways Guy
September 26th, 2010
1:30 pm
Did Jesus make a pinot noir or a nice cab?
Just no %$**&% merlot!
Snake Doc
September 26th, 2010
1:30 pm
@ Dawg Tired – Yes some of the fans are stupid. Look in the mirror!
Whats your solution to this mess? Wait till next year? Again?
warhorse
September 26th, 2010
1:31 pm
The big question facing UGA now is: will it win enough games to be bowl eligible to go to Shreveport?