Question: Will it ever get better for Mark Richt at UGA?
Has Mark Richt run out of steam? (AP photo)
AUBURN, Ala. — On the weekend of Cam-demonium, the Georgia Bulldogs were rendered a footnote. But one snippet of semi-news did emerge Saturday morning, courtesy of the Denver Post: Colorado is apparently interested in Mark Richt to fill its coaching vacancy.
And that might be the best for all concerned: Richt to the Rocky Mountains and a new challenge, Georgia spared a decision no program wants to make. Namely, when and how do you say goodbye to a man who lifted your program but seems incapable of further lifting?
In Year 2 under Gene Chizik, the Auburn Tigers clinched the SEC West by winning Saturday. In Year 10 under Richt, the Georgia Bulldogs fell to 5-6.
Said Bacarri Rambo, the safety: “I never thought the University of Georgia could be 5-6.”
Said Akeem Dent, the linebacker: “That would not make sense to anybody.”
It doesn’t make sense, but it’s grim reality. Georgia was 8-5 last season, its worst under Richt, and it will be worse this time — worse with 10 of 11 offensive starters returning plus a hotshot quarterback making his debut, worse with a $750,000 defensive coordinator hired as a presumed upgrade.
Georgia took a 21-7 lead on the nation’s No. 2 team Saturday, whereupon Todd Grantham’s defense yielded touchdowns on six of the next seven possessions. Yes, Auburn has a great offense, and yes, after days of uncertainty the famous Cam Newton not only played but played beautifully. Still: Had the Bulldog defenders even practiced?
Linebacker Justin Houston on Newton: “He didn’t do anything special.”
Then, asked how Auburn could score seven touchdowns and amass 463 yards: “Blown assignments — that’s what has been going on all season.”
How could a defense still be making mistakes in its 11th game? Have players not yet learned the scheme? Houston again: “I guess not. Some guys are not as focused as they need to be.”
That indictment of Grantham is a greater indictment of Richt. The failing of Georgia this season hasn’t been skill or desire but stamina. Players appear to tire, and even the coaching seems to flag.
Georgia had it going Saturday. The Bulldogs were throwing deep off play-action — Auburn doesn’t play much D, either — and running hard, and then coordinator Mike Bobo ordered a direct snap to receiver Branden Smith that gained nothing on second-and-five and blunted a second-quarter drive. Why throw a change-up when they haven’t hit your fastball?
Soon the game was tied, and Richt lost his nerve. Georgia took the ball at its 21 with 51 seconds left in the half and one timeout remaining. It ran a draw to Caleb King and let time expire, content in the belief that it would take possession to begin the second half.
“I guess we didn’t want to make a crazy mistake,” said A.J. Green, who to that point had caught five passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns against Ted Roof’s overmatched secondary. “We took the safe way out.”
Only it wasn’t safe. Chizik called for an onside kick. Auburn retook the lead without Georgia touching the ball. Richt said he told his kickoff-return squad to be wary of such a maneuver. He also said: “I guess you could only tell them so many times.”
Make no mistake: Auburn was the better team. But Georgia had a chance here, and its coaching failed. Same as in Jacksonville. Same as in Starkville. The same thing, again and again.
Richt on this saddening season: “A few key plays, if they went the other way, we win.” Then: “Teams that win championships win close games. We haven’t won a close game yet.”
For the record, Richt spoke in the same room that housed his triumphant press briefing Nov. 16, 2002, the day Georgia beat Auburn in an excruciatingly close game to clinch the SEC East. There was a time when Richt’s teams were the aggressor throughout, when they made the requisite plays at the end. No longer.
Asked about Colorado, Richt smiled and said: “Georgia is my home.”
Asked about Richt, the newly minted Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said: “I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
And yet you wonder if it will ever get better for Mark Richt at Georgia, if we haven’t already seen his best work. His Bulldogs had a chance to grab the nation’s attention Saturday, and they led by 14 points. They lost by 18.
They got weary. Then they got beat. The same thing, again and again.
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1,438 comments Add your comment
All respect gone
November 14th, 2010
1:43 pm
To be honest, I think most people are just losing it with all of the “classlessness” that has become Auburn. Funny how the fans are so willing to defend a former thief and cheater not to mention the ongoing debacle regarding Cam N. now. He may not have known, but I think when all comes to light, there will be fire in all of this smoke. I have been completely blown away by the ignorance and obnoxiousness of the comments from AU bloggers all season. Just be classy, and act like you expect to be there. As it is, most of you look like fools when you post.
Paul's Johnson
November 14th, 2010
1:44 pm
So fire CMR because the defensive players can’t play or understand their assignments? Careful what you wish for. A new coach would be a crapshoot, and we could wind up with some POS like Lane Kiffen.
CMR is “Red and Black”, through and through.
Saint Pariah
November 14th, 2010
1:45 pm
jim
2 of those 4 schools you just named have coaches that have won National Championships at those respected schools. Of course they’re going to get more rope and be able to weather a bad season without losing their jobs. Dick Rod at UM is in what? his third year? and he’s gone if they don’t win in a major way next season…heck he’s gone if UM has any more problems off the field this year.
Do we really have gangs in Athens?
November 14th, 2010
1:46 pm
As long as Richt is having 12+ players arrested every year, he’s not a coach, he’s a gang leader.
Fire him now.
recruiting and talent
November 14th, 2010
1:49 pm
Let me try this one more time…….who on the defense is the equivalent of a basketball gym rat? Besides maybe Murray, who on the whole team????
iTiSi
November 14th, 2010
1:50 pm
Use to be year in and year out, you could take it to the bank, the GA DAWGS would lose at the most one or two games every year. What’s different, what has changed?
Mark Richt
November 14th, 2010
1:50 pm
I was thinking about doing and end zone celebration or a side line dance of Soulja Boy….
….until Auburn knocked the snot out of us.
Next Year
November 14th, 2010
1:51 pm
Is everyone as tired of “wait till next year” as I am? Really, really tired of the same old same old year after year.
Fan of the Game
November 14th, 2010
1:51 pm
Example of what is wrong with College Athletics = Cam Newton. I wonder how many Auburn graduates would hire him?
Fan of the Game
November 14th, 2010
1:52 pm
UGA has not had a playmaker on defense since David Pollock.
Dawgster One
November 14th, 2010
1:54 pm
@Next Year: Is everyone as tired of “wait till next year” as I am? Really, really tired of the same old same old year after year.
I am. Tired of it.
T-DAWG
November 14th, 2010
1:55 pm
The worst and it very difficult to watch a team that does not play sound, assignment, and aggressive football. It is game 11 and guys still do not know who to cover. You have a fairly slow Philip Lutzenkirchen, who plays WR or FB; he scores 2 TD’s against no coverage. The announcers even pointed this out on the last TD he scored. How does a team score 2 or 3 consecutive touchdowns against you and you make no adjustments. You have a 5-5 record and nothing to lose, do something. Heck put 8 in the box and make CAM beat you via the air. I know our DB’s are awful but if they are going to get beat in coverage anyways, may as well stop the run and see what all those athletes, sub 4.4, better defensive coaching, gets you. It just amaze me AU can score 6 or 7 straight TD’s, and we do nothing. This is the lowest of the low in coaching. AU is not that great on offense. We may have subpar coaching in some areas and even worst players on defense. We need to reevaluate how we recruit and grade players as all of 4 or 5 stars behind your name does not make you a football player.
Fan of the Game
November 14th, 2010
1:56 pm
Cam Newton has nothing to do with race. He and his family to do with what is right and what is wrong. Don’t play the race card on here.
THE GHOST OF UGA V11
November 14th, 2010
1:57 pm
I thinkALL YOU MARK RICHT HATERS OUT THERE SHOUD GO AND ROOT FOR GT NOW THAT YOU HAVE PUT THIS TEAM TO SHAME WITH YOUR ASSININE FREAKING REMARKS AND YOU DONT CARE EITHER IF THEY WIN. yOU DONT BLAME THE PLAYERS. iTS ALL THE COACH’S FAULT.. by THE WAY YOU ALL CANT COACH ANYBETTER YOU FREAKS.
Bill Clinton
November 14th, 2010
2:01 pm
Let’s face it. UGA’s glory years under Richt were all when Florida (Zook), Bama (Shula), Tenessee (Fulmer in decline), LSU (pre Saban), etc.., were all having down seasons. Now that those schools have returned to their normal dominance, UGA is a 2nd tier SEC team. It will stay that way, regardless of coach, unless the administration chooses to ease up even more on academics and look the other way on other things.
Fan of the Game
November 14th, 2010
2:02 pm
Bill Clinton – Do you really think anybody cares what you have to say? Zip up your pants.
Ginger
November 14th, 2010
2:05 pm
Best move for UGA is to keep CMR and continue to evaluate all phases of game. McGarity is smart and firing coach Richt sets us back farther and we may not get someone as good as CMR.
Still look at the entire body of CMR work in 10 yrs….UGA is competitive–just not winning the close games…..so Why are we 5-6
The answers to the Why—-defense not up to par yet, Freshman QB, not enough homerun threats on offense, strength and conditioning, O-line
Specific comments—-defense—still learning new scheme—but the defensive guys are missing too many assignments–scores on 6 of 7 drives for Auburn–unacceptable….we got to recruit smarter defensive players, make these players watch more flim, recruit players better suited for scheme–got to sign a junior college player–like Mt. Cody was–to play nose tackle and tie up some blockers…we do have speed on defense..but not making enough plays…..Grantham has to demand more from the defensive guys or get new players….got to have playmakers on defense….Scoring shootouts do not win games….
Freshman QB—I am sold on Murray…He is getting better each game….He is a centerpiece to build around….I can live with some growing pains…..would like to see Mason play more…He has to be ready in case of injury…Hopefully–He can get some meaningful reps in Tech game and bowl game.
Homerun threats for offense—-alot of the difference in the Auburn game was that Newton touched the ball on every offensive play for Auburn….Our big threat AJ only touches the ball some….Durham and Charles had some big catches….but 0 for the rest of receivers…..AJ going to NFL–most likely…and our running backs are good but not great…..So we have to get Murray more weapons…I would have ran B. Smith and AJ on end around plays more….Got to make opposition teams defend the whole field……It is paramount to sign Running back Crowell and also find a homerun receiver and possession receiver in this signing class…..Rodney Garner—start looking now–Jr college and High school….find those great players that will work hard…I am just not impressed with receiving corps after AJ and Durham are gone….more speed on offense please.
Strength and conditioning—-need to be bigger, stronger, faster…..got to look seriously at this–Current coach DVH has to adjust his ways or we find a new guy.
O-line…–We could not handle Farley….thought the strength of out team was O-line..they have played good in spots and bad at times….Like the Freshman Gates….got to find a way for this unit to do better…Maybe more S & C will help this unit……let’s face it….we got to learn how to block and how to tackle–and how to line up and how to read and recognize and react fast.
EagleTech
November 14th, 2010
2:06 pm
Go Jackets! Beat chop block U!!
Fan of the Game
November 14th, 2010
2:06 pm
Wait a minute Bill, you are right. There is so much crap that goes on out there, it is unreal. We all joke about it but college athletics are still out of control. Money is the root of all evil. We are fooling ourselves with the term student athlete. It should be athlete and sometimes student.
TampaGator
November 14th, 2010
2:09 pm
BLACK FOOTBALL PLAYERS…..
You call people racist….
yet….then you call them “crackers”…..that term is not too disimilar from the “N” word when you refer to white race in those terms…..for not all whites used whips to crack the backs of slaves….and most of us condemn that part of history.
So….have you ever thought that…maybe….you are a racist too. It sure reads like you are full of hate and insecurity….brought on by a lack of personal self worth….to me….which most racist are.
Ron D
November 14th, 2010
2:09 pm
Mark Richt stays, he gets focused on the important things, and we move this thing in the right direction for the next several years.
Some things never...
November 14th, 2010
2:11 pm
“It will stay that way, regardless of coach, unless the administration chooses to ease up even more on academics and look the other way on other things.”
UGA has been doing that for decades. Find another solution.
fedupdawg
November 14th, 2010
2:14 pm
Love Mark Richt but I believe its time for him to move on. He’s really to good for UGA’s crying fans. Always blame the ref’s, dirty players, dirty coaches, cheaters and there own coach when they don’t win. UGA is not perfect as the fans wish to believe, just look in the mirror. Yes if I was Richt I would be looking to get out of this ungodly place and move on. I don’t know the answer to uga problems and neither do you….but the players morals, character, honesty, work habits, desire etc has alot to do with it. 4 star or 5 star don’t matter..its the heart.
I loved UGA but right now I’m seeing aside of uga I don’t like…………Coach Richt I can’t blame you if you leave. I’m fed up to.
Jessie
November 14th, 2010
2:15 pm
Wait until next year, Dogs will be great.
Sargent
November 14th, 2010
2:15 pm
2011 Georgia will be very good.
Gunther
November 14th, 2010
2:16 pm
No doubtm, lookign forward to next season, this year was a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs.
Mo Money
November 14th, 2010
2:17 pm
Anyone see Scam Newton after the game??? I can’t find my computer.
JOE DAWGS
November 14th, 2010
2:17 pm
MARK BRADLEY YOU SHOULD BE FIRED IF I RUN THIS AJC YOU AND SOME OTHER SO CALLED REPORTERS WOULD BE THE FRIST TO GO.
MC Screwdriver
November 14th, 2010
2:17 pm
Yo, with Ealey, Brown, Charles, Tavarres, Murray, offense will be great in 2011. Defense will be so much better next year when Coach Grantham is able to get his recruits in.
TampaGator
November 14th, 2010
2:18 pm
Man….I went and read a lot of these posts. My gosh….Georgia fans…you certainly go on the attack of the players and coaches when your teams loses. Did you really think you were going to beat Auburn? The Auburn DL makes some questionable hits I hear (did not see the game) but maybe he was just playing all out to help his team win a championship. I have seen late hits that could not be avoided just because of all out hustle. I am not saying that was the case…but maybe. I know the RAMBO hits on Tebow last year and RAMBO’s upper cut to Moody’s chin….had absolutely nothing to do with hustle. I think Georgia has recruited some dudes who just don’t play smart….as Florida obviously has as well. It is not all about talent…it is about brains too.
Joel
November 14th, 2010
2:19 pm
Look for Georgia to land the best recruiting class since Richt’s been here, gonna be some surprises at RB, TE, DE, looking liek Georgia in the drivin seat with the Big Dogs.
Sam
November 14th, 2010
2:20 pm
Got UGA going 10-2 in 2011, and winning the National Championship in 2012.
Harold
November 14th, 2010
2:20 pm
I agree, wait til next, Georgia back with vengence.
2-8 vs FLA
November 14th, 2010
2:21 pm
Shoulda sent 200 grand Mark, maybe we would be going to a BCS game this season ! LOL now your players will be just like the fans sitting at home watching all the bowls on TV *
wow
November 14th, 2010
2:22 pm
Joel, who would want to play for your sorry team and fans.
C from Marietta
November 14th, 2010
2:23 pm
1) Mark Bradley – This is a chicken s*it article. Your nothing but a coward. You love kicking fans when they are done. Your nothing but a hack.
2) To the fans wanting to fire Coach Richt – Your mindless idiots. Please go root for another team. I am behind Mark Richt all the way.
GO DAWGS!
GA WILDCAT
November 14th, 2010
2:23 pm
Keep Coach Richt,I love Those Losing Seasons
SID
November 14th, 2010
2:23 pm
All jokes aside, don’t you think Murrat is a little short?
fire paul bewitt
November 14th, 2010
2:25 pm
Mark you need to get back on PAUL HEWITT’S CASE…..
Ty
November 14th, 2010
2:25 pm
SO easy to say “Fire CMR”. I would like to hear from those whiners, who is UGA going to replace CMR with? Good grief, I remember the Goff/Donnan era well. Yes there is a 2 year hiccup going right now. To be honest if there is no a big time improvement this time next year then yes, it would be time to let him go. We had a 1st year QB. A 1st year defensive scheme under a new DC.
There was not one publication out there that thought we would more than 4 games.
I suppoer UGA and CMR and I want to see him turn it around. CMR HAS earned the right to have next year to straighten this out. To get rid of him after this year would be be like a lot of the whiners on here… STUPID! We have no one in line to take over.
TampaGator
November 14th, 2010
2:26 pm
Harold….
without A.J. Green….not much scares you about the offensive talent at Georgia. Nothing scares you about the defensive talent at all. So I would not get a big head this summer again with championship talk. Be humble for once.
Problem is…..Florida has little or no talent on offense right now (especially on the offensive line)…and a bunch of young, 5-star “know it alls” on defense. The Florida players right now are not seeing eye to eye with the coaches….and that is a BIG problem in G’ville that needs to be fixed….FAST. Gator Nation is eating a big dose of humble pie as well….me included.
Ty
November 14th, 2010
2:26 pm
“Mark Bradley – This is a chicken s*it article. Your nothing but a coward”
Could not agree more!
59bulldawg
November 14th, 2010
2:26 pm
NC championship in 2011? LMAO! Go ahead . . . might as well dream big if you’re gonna dream at all! Why not go for world peace while you’re at it.
wow
November 14th, 2010
2:26 pm
sid, is that what his girl said? hahahaha
Ty
November 14th, 2010
2:28 pm
Not even time to worry about next year. next up..Tech. Dawgs need to destroy them big time!
jfields2430
November 14th, 2010
2:28 pm
Mark,
Although I’m sure you call yourself a sports man even though writing for a paper arm chair coaching and bashing players and coaches is unfortunately not a sport. My main issue with your article is at the beginning where a terrible comparison to Mark Richt and Gene Chizik is made. You compare Chizik’s success in his second year to Richt’s tenth year. Are you too ignorant to remember what Richt did in his SECOND season. He was one dropped pass against Florida from playing for a National Championship. Try waiting and comparing Chizik when he’s reached his tenth season. By the way have you ever played any sports? Or have you just made a living basing people because you pissed that you didn’t make the jv team in highschool.
59bulldawg
November 14th, 2010
2:29 pm
From what I can see, it’s a whole lot easier for some folks to keep making excuses and hope for the best.
Micheal
November 14th, 2010
2:29 pm
Come on people! Richt will rise again and we need to support our team. Yes, we had a tough season with a new quarterback and AJ missing the first 4 games. I truely believe that we would of beaten Arkansas and South Carolina with AJ in the game. Also remember that we had so many players arrested which would affect every team. Everyone keeps getting onto Richt regarding the players and the law, but Richt is not their parents and doesn’t have control over the players like that. I have always been a UGA fan, but if you stand outside the box and listen to these comments, no wonder other fans have every right to hate us! Rise up and support the team from coaches to players! Lets show the players what they mean to us and what this team means to us and you should see a huge difference. Lets start a campaign on keeping the players out of trouble instead of bashing them and the coaches. I am proud of our DAWGS and know that they will rise up and be so much better next year! Be a true fan and stop bashing Richt! Give him our support! Go DAWGS!
Bill
November 14th, 2010
2:29 pm
agree with fed up @2:14
Ty
November 14th, 2010
2:30 pm
jfields2430
Look at Bradley. Do you really think that he ever played a down of any type of organized football? Doubt it!