A chilling thought: What if Richt DOESN’T beat these Gators?
Bulldogs and Gators gather to debate the issue: "Who's worse -- you or us?" (AJC file photo)
The Georgia Bulldogs head to Jacksonville, where they’ve won three times since 1989, as favorites over Florida. We couldn’t have foreseen such a thing a month ago, but here it is. Georgia, which had lost four in a row, has won three in a row. Florida hasn’t won since September.
A check of the SEC stats shows that Georgia leads Florida in every significant offensive category and in rushing defense and turnover margin. Heck, Georgia has even been flagged for fewer penalties.
Put simply, this stacks up as Georgia’s best chance to beat Florida since 2004, when Ron Zook was a lame duck. (And Georgia did prevail that year, though not without a struggle.) Put even more simply, this puts an even greater onus on the coach who’s 2-7 against the hated Gators. Because what will it say about Mark Richt if he can’t beat Urban Meyer’s worst Florida team?
I know, I know. A month ago, we were calling this Richt’s worst team. But much has changed. And you can’t have watched Florida lose to Mississippi State in Gainesville and Georgia beat Kentucky in Lexington and not think the Bulldogs are playing the better football. Georgia’s hot. Florida’s not. But how hot will Richt’s coaching seat be if his team goes to Duval County and finishes second?
I’m on record as saying I think Georgia will win. Judging by the little poll accompanying that post, 80 percent of you agree. But now I’m asking: What if Georgia doesn’t win? What then, huh?
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532 comments Add your comment
jumbeauxtiger
October 28th, 2010
12:56 pm
Ed,
I think part of Fulmer’s downfall was that recruiting started to tail off. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that UT’s recruiting classes were not quite as good once Saban and Richt, and after them Meyer, came in to the league.
Year of the Dawg
October 28th, 2010
12:58 pm
UGA 31 UF 17,UGA got to many weapons on offense and UF plays ugly on offense.No bowl game for UF this year,wow have things changed in a hurry.
Mr. Obvious
October 28th, 2010
12:59 pm
If Yellow fuzz wasn’t gay, he would like girls.
We need a football coach
October 28th, 2010
12:59 pm
Richt probably feels like he’s already saved himself with the last 3 wins. and maybe in some peoples’ mind he has. Not mine.
Amen!
PMC
October 28th, 2010
1:02 pm
What if? Life goes on. The sun will still come up the next day, just like it has since 1989.
Pluto
October 28th, 2010
1:05 pm
I expect the Dawgs to march on down to Jacksonville, take their annual ass-whipping and come back home. I guess I’ve been conditioned since my glory days in the early 80’s when the tables were turned. If we give ‘em a good game anything can happen. Go Dogs!!!
GTBob
October 28th, 2010
1:07 pm
I’m picking UGA but there is a good argument for Florida. One, they haven’t lost to a team that’s not currently ranked. Two, they had a much easier time with Kentucky the UGA did. Three, and most importantly, they are coming off a bye week and Urban has a very good history after bye weeks. It could go either way. Neither team is very good so both have the potential to lay an egg in the game.
jtdawg
October 28th, 2010
1:08 pm
Bradley,
The foolish assumption for Richt and this staff to make would be to think their hind quarters are off the hot seat.
There are trends that point to overwhelming decline of this program. He absolutely must win this game to prevent off-season foot stomping.
That doesn’t mean we will win. Nothing in his history proves is confidence in beating the Gators. But McGarity is NOT lost on where this program stands, and I disagree with McGarity on this point: beating Florida, particularly in a year like this, can be the most important win (or loss) of the year.
Take this down – a loss to UF on Saturday, which is very possible (I see this game as a pick’em) will stain any momentum we gain the rest of this season.
It will NOT be lost on those of us convinced that Richt is very much responsible for our decline and his (in some instances VERY) late reactions at attempts to correct problems with the program.
ATLNative
October 28th, 2010
1:08 pm
If Richt loses to UF, he’ll be on the hot seat unless he comes back to beat AU and GT. As an Auburn grad, I hate to say it, but sometimes… in some games… stats and records mean squat and it’s more a matter of karma and moxy. Beating AU the last 4 years and being 8-1 against Tech has kept him employed.
Losing to UF won’t cost CMR his job, but it will be used against him on top of the lack of team control and mediocre record. Beat UF… and it might make a lot of people overlook the distractions.
Year of the Dawg
October 28th, 2010
1:09 pm
Florida’s run over UGA is over,CTG and Murray have changed the mind set playing in Jacksonville.Meyer gonna retire after this year YEAH YEAH!!
animaldr
October 28th, 2010
1:10 pm
I read this article in the Athens paper this am. http://dogbytesonline.com/mcgarity-back-on-uga-side-of-rivalry-after-long-stint-at-florida-8520/
Everything I have read about McGarity is positive. But, he is outspoken on his negative impressions of the 2007 UGA celebration and that it was disrespectful to the ‘game’. And he continues on to say he kept a video copy on his mantle to view throughout the year.
Now, I would love to see his thoughts on Spikes jabbing Ealey’s eyes, or Meyer calling unnecessary time outs in 2008, or Rainey being added to the team this year. Would he be outspoken on these events? Does he need a copy of the eye jab to watch over and over?
Whose side is he on?
Go Dawgs!
11 Arrests 4 Wins
October 28th, 2010
1:12 pm
Any new arrests?
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
October 28th, 2010
1:13 pm
I still see the Dawgs having to beat Tech to be bowl eligible which means i only give them a shot at beating idaho and tech and tech is not a given which is sad. I think georgia could have won this year if fla didn’t have the bye but its to much of an advantage for meyer .
brantley looks like a 1st round draft pick and uga falls again .
hoping to be wrong!
nothing happens to richt’s seat with a loss though he has one more year at least no matter what.
SadDawg
October 28th, 2010
1:16 pm
The good news is, Yeller Fuzz, we still have Idaho State and Tech on our schedule.
And forget about Kirby Smart. He had a chance to come “BACK HOME” and become the favorite to replace Richt one day and he chose to stay up Saban’s butt. And by the way, I’m pretty sure his D has gotten ripped by UF and Utah (Utah!), as well as SC this season.
Dirty Dawg
October 28th, 2010
1:19 pm
it will mean that Georgia decided to beat itself one more time…cause this Florida team won’t do it themselves. One other thing that it won’t mean…a Georgia loss that is…that the losing coach will be on the sidelines being fitted for a straight jacket…or they can just have the one they used on him earlier this year after that bowl game fiasco.
dog alum in SC
October 28th, 2010
1:20 pm
Man are these blogs depressing!! Do any of these bloggers know anything about football, or how to do anything but be negative. Reality Check – UGA is better than Florida, and is capable of handing them a huge loss. Why are all the fans victim to the “mystique?” I recall in the 80’s a 9 year winning streak. UF is just a football team now, and not even close to being as good as South Carolina. UGA will have to really screw up to lose this game!
BG
October 28th, 2010
1:20 pm
One team will win Saturday and one team will lose.
Dawgs Win Out
October 28th, 2010
1:22 pm
No chance florida wins this game. Georgia’s rolling—florida’s offense is 10th in the SEC. Plus, the Ga O will put up 30 points easy on florida’s average D. Bet the house on this game—Ga covers the 3 easy!!! Dawgs–back on top!!!! Dawgs 31 Fla 10
gdawginkalamazoo
October 28th, 2010
1:24 pm
In a play on the immortal words of poet Chris Rainey:
“Time to LOSE, Meyer.”
Bully Dawg
October 28th, 2010
1:25 pm
I admit I am tired of losing to UF.
I admit I am disappointed in the way we lost those early games.
But I am MORE tired of fair-weather fans like UGABugKiller (or disguised GT fans) who first bash CMR for losing and then change it to not knowing what all 75 players are doing 365/24/7. Give me a break!
I also admit that I am PROUD of how the Dawgs have responded to those early losses.
I admit I am PROUD of CMR’s response to the very human failings of young men who are making their own decisions for the first time and will ultimately make some wrong decisions.
Would UGABugKiller have us emulate Pope Urban and talk tough only to glorify criminal elements on the team when the going gets too tough in the win-loss column?
I say, GO DAWGS! GO CMR! BEAT THE GATORS!
Erik
October 28th, 2010
1:28 pm
i just like to read what people have to say for the most part but seriously, some people are never pleased. Richt kicked off a freshman for a DUI. King was arrested for a traffic ticket. which weighs more?
we only get to watch the Georgia Bulldogs play fo 3 months out of the year. yes it has been trying the past couple of years but yall need to stand behind them and support ‘em. all of them. even Mark Richt. he has brought a lot of good to Dawg Nation.
Richt even changed his practices and there has been improvements all over the field. i like what Richt does and i think he is a great leader and a great group of talented young men.
GO DAWGS!
Bully Dawg
October 28th, 2010
1:29 pm
Well said, Erik!
Hunker Down
October 28th, 2010
1:30 pm
We get ready for Auburn!!!!!!
John Galt
October 28th, 2010
1:32 pm
The what if debate continues. Dogville never learns.
Josh Rosen
October 28th, 2010
1:32 pm
David Granger, I am in complete agreement with your 12:03 posting. Well said!
PTC DAWG
October 28th, 2010
1:32 pm
Well, it means we will have lost to Florida..and we’ll still be better than GT…which is like being able to beat up your little brother.
pinky lee
October 28th, 2010
1:33 pm
Only the dogs think they can kick the gators during a down year. You all suck.
Wet dog
October 28th, 2010
1:35 pm
Another loss to the Gators won’t be anything “new” to the Bulldog nation. A loss is probably worth the following:
- more “heat” on Richt;
- a beat up team going on the road to Auburn; and
- another uniform gimmick before the season is over.
BuckheadBill
October 28th, 2010
1:36 pm
Glad you brought it up—–what is a jackwagon?
rogeriter
October 28th, 2010
1:36 pm
If Georgia loses–the sun will still come up tomorrow and God will still be on His throne!
Impeach Jeff Goldblum
October 28th, 2010
1:39 pm
I had to read it myself…you Dog fans really ARE obsessed with Tech
hatfieldgeoff
October 28th, 2010
1:43 pm
Hey Mark, I get it.
What if….
What if Florida and Georgia both give up their football programs next year and concentrate on College soccer? What if Steve Spurrier goes to Vandy next year because he really wants a challenge? What if Nick Saban, Urban Meyer and Mark Richt build a habitat for Humanity House together, will it affect their competition on the field? Mark you use to come up with some very well thought out Column ideas. This whole AJC internet thing is bad. It has made you lazy. By the way, pass it on, the Macon Telegraph is kicking AJC’s butt in college coverage. They write stories that anwser questions fans are asking themselves.
BGTR
October 28th, 2010
1:46 pm
If Ken doesn’t turn the ball over 4 times, they beat ga. Some of you media morons sure are stupid.
UF 27
ga 17
bjohndawg
October 28th, 2010
1:47 pm
I think Florida intentionally lost to Alabama, LSU,and Miss State, just to suck us UGA fans in to believing we have a chance to win. And then they are going to come out and put one on us. Dem ole Urban gators been playing possum. ” Please mister Fox, dont throw us in that there briar patch, in wit dem old Dawgs.” Then Brantley will become the reincarnation of Joe Montana.
I sure hope not, but that what seems to happen every time you really start to believe in this Georgia team….they end up breaking your heart. and I heard a broken heart don’t break even.
gomdawg
October 28th, 2010
1:48 pm
Mark , get a real job. What if the sun don’t come up tomorrow you get it LIFE goes on .
5150 P.O.A.D
October 28th, 2010
1:50 pm
I love that picture. Look at Joe Cox with his ball cap on running his mouth from WAY WAY in the back. Boy that is a real leader for sure.
Mark what do you if Richt doesn’t win. You know the Dawgs ain’t going to win you picked them and gave them the kiss of DEATH.
UGA by 3 or 4 with a Huge Special Teams play I still feel it.
LutzFLDawg
October 28th, 2010
1:50 pm
we’ll talk about the what-thens on November 28th. Until then it’s pointless to talk about hypotheticals.
Gatormeat
October 28th, 2010
1:51 pm
Every year it is the same thing, dog fans talk smack the week leading up to the game and make excuses the week after. This year will be no different, we will smack you around like we always do. You are not in the same class as us and never will be.
59bulldawg
October 28th, 2010
1:53 pm
@DawginLex. LOL! Yep that pretty much covers it!
gt
October 28th, 2010
1:55 pm
We talk about the Boise State schedule and how we can’t vote for them as national champions because of it and then we give glory to old Georgia for the same evidences we deny Boise State. Georgia has improved because the competition has declined. The only team they have played at this level and lost to may be Colorado and that is questionable. Point is they in one game against a team that in two weeks prior had to play South Carolina and Auburn the best the SEC has to offer, had a let down against Georgia and now Georgia is improved. It doesn’t work that way and if it does Florida beat Kentucky much worse than Georgia. A sense of reality going into Jacksonville would help this team, not this candy for the masses.
joey
October 28th, 2010
1:59 pm
Its Georgia-Florida. Rivalry! All bets are off, it can go either way at any moment. Its who wants it more…
Go Dawgs!!!! GATA
Please Dawgs, dont come out flat, throw the history out the window and lets have some fun.
bigcalidawg
October 28th, 2010
2:00 pm
Time to hunker down.
DawginLex
October 28th, 2010
2:00 pm
Yellow fuzz,
No one including me understands your humor. You copy something I wrote and laugh at it. So you are laughing at yourself.
That fits since that allows you to join the rest of us who laugh at you all the time.
Welcome aboard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SadDawg
October 28th, 2010
2:01 pm
“I had to read it myself…you Dog fans really ARE obsessed with Tech”
*************************
Oh yeah, we are obsessed with Tech the way UF fans are obsessed with UGA. Which is to say . . .
Not at all. 9 out of 10 is about as humdrum as 17 out of 20.
It took us Gators 60 years to win the SEC
October 28th, 2010
2:08 pm
OPEN QUESTIONS TO AD GREG MCGARITY: Understand your stance on the “celebration” but to call out UGA for doing it made me lose all respect for you. You need to decide if your heart is still at UF with your good friend Jeremy Foley or is it here at UGA. What was sorely missing was what the coaches and players at UF have done to fuel the fire as well. No mention of “time outs”- what did that do to “enhance” the rivalry? What about Spurrier throwing for a TD in Athens “just to score 50 points” How did that enhance the rivalry???? those are just two that come to mind. You need to decide where you REALLY want to be. I am a doner, supporter and loyal fan. What I hear from you is not acceptable to me. I can tell you right now- if you think beating KY and Vandy is just as important as beating UF- you are on another planet.
Todd
October 28th, 2010
2:11 pm
Good points from 60 years above. I would be very interested in hearing our AD’s thoughts on it too.
Shankit
October 28th, 2010
2:11 pm
I have a great idea for the annual GA-FLA gimmick….
All the Dawg fans should take Cow Bells to the
stadium. It seems to work
MURPHY
October 28th, 2010
2:15 pm
60 Years,
I applaud your comments.
DawgDad
October 28th, 2010
2:18 pm
This game is huge for Georgia, I’d say FAR moreso than for Florida. Next season, Florida will likely be Florida. This game will tip the scales for Georgia:
A win probably gets them into a bowl game, and the potential upside remains SEC Championship, BCS bowl. Even lacking that, would position them well for recruiting and preseason polls.
A loss, which means there is no realistic expectation of beating Auburn, lands this team out of bowl consideration or at the bottom of the barrel. It would cement the perception of the program as accelerating on a downward spiral and in many respects spinning out of control. It would hurt recruiting. It might cost the coach his job.
Delbert D.
October 28th, 2010
2:23 pm
Jorts? –
For the rest of us who didn’t have a clue, I Googled “jorts”, and sonofagun, there is a jorts.com website and a Wikipedia entry. The Wiki says they are shorts made from denim, and some more restrictive definitions, with photos. The jorts.com web site has some really interesting photos….