Fighting to the finish, Georgia overrides Florida – and history
A sight seldom seen in Jacksonville: Mark Richt victorious. (AJC photo by Jason Getz)
Jacksonville — At halftime Mark Richt invoked the fresh memory of the St. Louis Cardinals. “Guys that don’t quit have a chance,” he told his Georgia Bulldogs.
Much later, Richt would tell the assembled media: “We didn’t quit.”
Folks can and will argue over the worth of one victory over a Florida team that hasn’t won since September, but no one can question the weight that had fallen on the Bulldogs regarding their strange inability to win this one game. “There was some history and some demons,” Richt said, and the way this game began it was as if those demons would beat Georgia by themselves.
Florida’s first play from scrimmage netted 72 yards. Its first touchdown came on a fourth-and-19 pass 7 1/2 minutes into the game. (Who goes for it on fourth-and-19 so early in any game?) Its second touchdown came on a 99-yard kickoff return by its second-best returner. Everything that had gone wrong for Georgia in this series the past two decades was going wrong all at once, but that, in a weird way, might have been for the best.
Said cornerback Brandon Boykin: “You could say a lot of bad things happened. We had to calm down. But this team is special. After we lost to Boise, I told people, ‘Don’t worry about this team.’ We’ve bounced back.”
Said offensive coordinator Mike Bobo of his team’s 17-3 deficit: “Nobody said, ‘Hey, here we go again.’ ”
Surely a few Bulldogs thought it, but they put aside any nattering negativity to focus on the task at hand. Said Todd Grantham, the defensive coordinator: “That game was a test of our mental toughness. We kept going. We kept playing the next play.”
One play changed this game and maybe the course of Georgia’s season. The same Richt who’d ordered a field goal on fourth-and-goal against Central Florida in the Liberty Bowl last December rediscovered the nerve that had marked him as a young head coach. Ninety seconds before halftime, his team down 14 points, Richt had Aaron Murray throw into the end zone on fourth-and-five. Michael Bennett hauled it down, and from there Georgia believed.
Said Alec Ogletree, the superb linebacker: “Once the offense scored right before halftime, we fed off that.”
The Gators’ offense, overseen by the famous Charlie Weis, would manage 32 yards and one first down in the second half against Grantham’s defenders. With quarterback John Brantley unable to work under center due to an ankle injury, Florida went almost exclusively to the empty backfield, and Grantham, cogitating on the fly, trumped Weis at every turn.
Grantham: “It’s a credit to our players … From halftime on, we were playing a new game plan.”
Midway through the third quarter, Richt did it again. His team down seven points, Richt chose to have Murray throw again — to different receiver down a different sideline — on fourth-and-six, and Tarvarres King outfought Jaylen Watkins for the ball. At last, the game was tied. It would come untied due to a field goal generated by another long kickoff return, but by then Georgia had made its point: This day would not be like other days against the hated Gators.
Richt: “I just thought the best thing to do was to go for it on fourth down. I just felt like we needed a touchdown. I didn’t think threes were going to get it.”
The fourth quarter was all Bulldogs, and they celebrated in a way that far outstripped a four-point victory over a 4-4 opponent. What did this game mean? Said King: “Everything. We’re back.”
Again, that might be overstating. But when a team has failed so often in this venue, any break in the pattern is major news. “Now that it’s over,” Richt said, “I can say, ‘Yeah, it was a big deal.’ It was a big deal for me personally.”
For two years we’ve parsed Georgia results and asked, “What does this mean for Richt’s job status?” After Saturday, we can say this much for sure: Richt’s Bulldogs started 0-2 but have won six in a row; they’ve beaten Florida, which hadn’t happened since 2007, and they’ve kept themselves in position to take the SEC East if South Carolina slips. At this moment, it’s almost impossible to imagine Georgia parting ways with this coach anytime soon.
No, this isn’t the most polished bunch you’ll see. (Richt described his special team as “mostly average to scary.”) But Georgia spotted Florida 14 points and held its nerve in a way the Gators — 14 penalties for 106 yards — could not. In a game where the Bulldogs invariably invent ways to lose, they found a way to win. They might not be the smoothest-running bunch, but these ‘Dogs will hunt — and fight.
By Mark Bradley
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932 comments Add your comment
Ron's boyfriend
October 30th, 2011
10:49 am
Come to bed, Ronnie and snuggle with me. Don’t forget your Depends.
Ron
October 30th, 2011
10:51 am
cc, msu, uf–aLL 4-4 TEAMS
tenn- 3-5
Miss–2-6
wow, 6 wins, what a season????
DP
October 30th, 2011
10:51 am
Georgia’s special teams looked like they should have been playing in the Special Olympics yesterday. No offense to the Special Olympics intended.
villedog
October 30th, 2011
10:52 am
Glad we won, but it is obvious that Ga. is a poor coached team. With the excption of the defensive unit.
RedandBlackDawg
October 30th, 2011
10:52 am
GEAUXTIGER,
If your athletic department was on the level, you wouldn’t even have enough players not on suspension to play in the playoff game. Between bar fights, synthetic dope, and probably mix in a few more misdemeanors and felonies, you should be happy you can even field a team. Besides, don’t you have a small matter of beating the Tide in their house before you think too far ahead. I would stick to your own teams blog site, if you have one, and stay off of a site that has nothing to do with your team, or gang, as it seems more appropriate when referring to LSU Take your gumbo and go, loser.
GO DAWGS and GATA
Ron
October 30th, 2011
10:52 am
UGA has won 4 games against 4-4 teams, 1 game against a 3-5 team, and another game against a 2-6 team.
UGA has lost both games it has played to ranked teams.
Double Zero Eight
October 30th, 2011
10:52 am
@ Puffy
I was wondering the same thing.
Murray did pull out the win, so I believe
that Richt will stick with him. I think
Murray is really only 6 feet tall, and has
trouble seeing and throwing over big
defensive linemen.
I APOLOGIZE COACH RICHT!
October 30th, 2011
10:53 am
BOUT TIME
Fear Todd Grantham
October 30th, 2011
10:54 am
Nerd envy is rampant. Clemson came in with the 60th ranked defense in the country. I think the bees will have a little tougher time against CTG’s young men. They are much stouter than what Johnson has seen in the past. As far as the gators go — It’s a big win against a team that was in Georgia’s head. They played Bama tough until Brantley went down. They came in with the 11th ranked defense in the country. Wasn’t like we were going against Tech’s defense or anything. If you are a Georgia fan and you can’t enjoy this win you have a problem. Fix the special teams and this game isn’t even close. I suspect Murray’s shot to the thigh may have been a factor in the string of missed passes. Not a perfect game by any means, but a win in a game with adversity to overcome is a good thing. Some players stepped up to make big plays. Georgia completely dominated the second half. The dawgs are learning how to win again. Go on and talk little bees we’ll see you on November 26th.
jd
October 30th, 2011
10:54 am
Well finally they ran Samuel up the middle instead of outside the tackle.
Ron
October 30th, 2011
10:56 am
Don’t you have to beat at least 1 team with a winning record to be a ranked team?
Milburn Drysdale
October 30th, 2011
10:57 am
Mr Herschel Talker. you sir are not worthy of anythimg close to that name.
1969 Graduate
October 30th, 2011
10:57 am
“CRM’s theme song for all you Haters. “How do you like e Now?””
Realizing that Mark Richt isn’t a championship level coach does not mean that one hates him.
Which strong teams has Mr. Richt beat?
How many weak teams has Mr. Richt lost to?
Why does he keep Bobo?
Why does UGA lack a decent Special Team?
What’s happened to our formerly excellent kickers?
Why do we have to keep playing a quarterback who ain’t all that good?
Why is an unconditioned freshman running back our starter?
These and other questions are directly related to our head coach’s responsibilities.
Maybe someone hates Mark Richt, but you don’t have to hate him to understand that he’s a coach who will settle for a barely mediocre Georgia team, instead of insisting on excellence, and making it happen.
Charles Moore
October 30th, 2011
10:57 am
Great win for Georgia they did not quite. However Georgia is in serious need of a special teams coach or a leader. Play like that the rest of the year on special teams they will have some problems winning out for the remainder of the season.
Fear Todd Grantham
October 30th, 2011
10:59 am
See you on November 26th little bees.
Come on Ron
October 30th, 2011
10:59 am
don’t be busting the poodles bubble. Let them retreat back into their world of illusions where they are still relevant in college football. They never let the fact that they are only beating the cup cakes on their schedule get in the way of their delusions of grandeur.
FEAR THE FUZZ
October 30th, 2011
10:59 am
dog nation
D
October 30th, 2011
11:00 am
Who cares???
Milburn Drysdale
October 30th, 2011
11:00 am
This game by the way, goes to the UGA wide receivers,
B'dawg
October 30th, 2011
11:00 am
Hey Tech fans, what was with all those empty seats last night. You guys played the #5 team and won, but can fill up your high school stadium. You are an embarassment to your team and state. Playing on national tv as well. Then you have the nerve to come on a proud and fan backed site and talk smack. You disgust me and embarass me as a Georgia resident. Go back to building your erector set and leave the real fans support their teams.
FEAR THE FUZZ
October 30th, 2011
11:01 am
11-26-11
B'dawg
October 30th, 2011
11:01 am
Sux
Retards Run Amok
October 30th, 2011
11:02 am
Too many UGA homers here that are delusional.
Retard quote: “Georgia will destroy LSU for SEC championship.”
First of all, Bama might be the West SEC champion not LSU. But regardless if its LSU or BAMA, just comparing results against common SEC opponents tells you UGA ain’t beating either of them.
Lemme preach on it… LSU & BAMA both destroyed Florida who UGA just barely beat. Auburn beat SC who beat UGA. LSU destroyed Auburn.
So wake up leg-humpers. Either BAMA or LSU will destroy the East champ (SC or UGA). Welcome back to reality.
Yellow Fuzz
October 30th, 2011
11:02 am
((((((((((((((( FEAR THE FUZZ ))))))))))))))
Retards Run Amok
October 30th, 2011
11:05 am
And 1969 Graduate, add to that, where is the 3rd & 4th down pass defense when you know a pass is coming ?
Jesus Frreaking Christ
October 30th, 2011
11:05 am
jesus is dead and so are the dawgs
Any
October 30th, 2011
11:06 am
defense can look good against a one legged QB
Ron
October 30th, 2011
11:07 am
Alabama & LSU both had 100 yard rushers and ginaed 200+ on the ground.
Mike Bobo cam out PASSING.
Haaaa!
Knowall Moreno
October 30th, 2011
11:08 am
Its GREAT to be a Gator Hater! Sic ‘em woof woof woof Let the BIG DAWG eat
1eyedJack
October 30th, 2011
11:08 am
Yellow Fuzz, where have you been the last couple of weeks? Oh, that’s right, you’re a “front runner”. No where to be found when your dirt dobbers are taking beatdowns by the “cupcakes” on your schedule. Can’t wait to destroy you on 11/26. We play defense. Tech will turn back into a pumpkin.
Ron
October 30th, 2011
11:09 am
What do you get when you beat 4 4 loss teas, 1 5 loss team, and 1 6 loss team???
UGA’s seaon!
Retards Run Amok
October 30th, 2011
11:10 am
Richt has got to have a kicker competition in practices. Let the most accurate kicker kick field goals. Walsh going 1 for 3 against UF ain’t cutting it. It forced two 4th down conversion tries (which luckily were made) last night because Richt had no confidence in Walsh. So what if he’s a senior ? If he can’t accurately kick field goals then he’s just another student athlete…
Ron
October 30th, 2011
11:10 am
Mark Richt looks so happy in that picture after beating back to back 4-4 teams.
maddawg913
October 30th, 2011
11:10 am
GREAT WIN!!!
Is Jack Lewellen still around?? wasn’t that the psycologist’s name that helped Smoltz? I’m thinking Blair could use him about now.
Yellow Fuzz
October 30th, 2011
11:11 am
1eyeJacked:
Looking forward to it!
aubbie
October 30th, 2011
11:11 am
richt is pulling those black jersies out of mothballs,
maybe they will work on auburn.
maybe crowell could learn to “man up” like murray instead of being a sissy prima donna who has to sit out if his fingernail gets smooshed
1eyedJack
October 30th, 2011
11:11 am
“jesus is dead and so are the dawgs”
You know that’s a Techie. Probably one of those with a towel wrapped around his head. No class. Typical.
Joey
October 30th, 2011
11:13 am
Note to Ron Idiot, and other Idiot Nerds: We get it. UGA is not as good as LSU and Bama. UGA is not as good as LSU and Bama. UGA is not as good as LSU and Bama. Etc, etc, etc.
If we write it on the chalkboard 100 times, will you shut the F___ up?
Ron
October 30th, 2011
11:13 am
Records of teams UGA beat?
21-27
Records of teams UGA lost to?
15-1
Oh
October 30th, 2011
11:14 am
how the mighty dogs have fallen, hoping the SEC west (Auburn and Ark) can do for them what they could not do for themselves, beat SC so the little puppy dogs can win the SEC east
Ron
October 30th, 2011
11:15 am
Richt hasn’t beat a winning team now in 21 games.
Ron
October 30th, 2011
11:17 am
UGA fans are easily impressed.
Winning games against 4 loss teams? Yes, 4 of 6 wins.
Winning games against 5 loss teams? Yes, 1 of 6 wins.
Winning games against 6 loss teams? Yes, 1 of 6 wins.
Winning games against 0-1 to 1 loss teams? No, 0 wins.
NiceUniform
October 30th, 2011
11:17 am
Ron, Florida was 4-3 when we beat them…yesterday…
Ron
October 30th, 2011
11:18 am
UF, CC, MUS, VAND–4-4 RECORDS
TENN- 3-5 RECORD
OLE MSIS- 2-6 RECORD
THIS IS A GREAT WIN OR A GREAT YEAR? REALLY?
Ron
October 30th, 2011
11:21 am
Hard ot get excited over a win against a 4-4 team, UGA fans are fun to watch. Only in Georgia!
Joey
October 30th, 2011
11:21 am
“Records of teams UGA beat?
21-27″
********************************
So we lost to 2 really good teams, Ron Idiot? That kinda defeats your point, huh?
By the way, what is the “Recorks of teams that Tecdh lost to?”
Ron
October 30th, 2011
11:21 am
Didn’t Tech just beat the No. 5 ranked team?
That's the point
October 30th, 2011
11:23 am
until Ga beats a SOMEBODY they will remain a NOBODY
Ron
October 30th, 2011
11:23 am
I saw the way fans were celebrating after beating 4-4 Florida, and that’s when I knew how low the program had dropped.
1eyedJack
October 30th, 2011
11:23 am
I believe Thomas Brown has morphed into Ron. You can change your name but you can’t change the fact that you’re an idiot.