Richt says Georgia will be ‘knocking on the door’ of greatness
"Hot seat, huh? A little cold water will take care of that!" (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
Tampa – Back in July he was being asked if he could turn it around. On the first day of 2012, Mark Richt was asked if Georgia had turned it around. And he said …
“I think so. I don’t think there’s any doubt we’re in a good place. We won 10 games, and when you win 10 games you’ve done well.”
Here he smiled. “Though 11 is better.”
Richt’s team can win its 11th game of a rebounding season by defeating Michigan State in the Outback Bowl on Monday. It won’t be easy — the Spartans rank fifth nationally in total defense, two spots behind Georgia — but being paired against a ranked opponent here beats the heck out of spending the holidays in Memphis readying to lose to Central Florida, which is where Georgia was 366 days ago.
A year ago we wondered — and by “we,” I mean “me” — if Richt was still the man for Georgia. Calendar 2012 begins with Richt negotiating a contract extension, which tells us Georgia believes he is. (About which Richt said: “We haven’t said anything [publicly regarding his contract] since we said we love each other.”)
The Bulldogs have been saying that the Outback is really the first game of 2012 on more than just the calendar, that it could propel them to a Top 10 preseason ranking, that the season ahead could be bigger and brighter than the one about to conclude. And it just might. Seventeen starters are scheduled to return, and some key figures among the Dream Team recruiting class haven’t made their collegiate presence felt.
Said Richt, speaking at a Sunday news briefing: “Some people believe in momentum. We have good positive momentum. In the future, we’re going to be in good shape. We had a taste of playing in the SEC championship game. We need to be able to finish, but we got the taste.”
A bit later, Richt was asked how he handled the criticism that stemmed from Georgia finishing 8-5 in 2009 and 6-7 last season. “As the leader of the program, I can’t act like I’m fretting or I’m mad about something,” he said. Then this:
“We’re going to be knocking on the door of the greatest success you can have in college football, and if you knock long enough you’ll eventually break through.”
There was a time when a national championship seemed Richt’s manifest destiny. He came close in 2002, when his 12-1 Bulldogs missed the BCS title game only because Miami and Ohio State finished unbeaten, close again in 2007, when Georgia was excluded from the championship tilt but finished No. 2 in the Associated Press poll. The Bulldogs entered the next season ranked No. 1 but lasted only one week there, and the thrashing they were dealt by Alabama on Sept. 27, 2008, marked a watershed moment for both programs.
Alabama started playing for SEC and national championships again. Georgia went from the Sugar Bowl to the Capital One to the Independence to the Liberty, and Richt, once a hot young coach, was suddenly neither. He was on the far side of 50 and hadn’t won the SEC since 2005 and hadn’t taken his team to the BCS title game ever. The SEC is about to annex its sixth consecutive national championship, and Georgia has had no hand in any part of the run.
But that, too, could be changing. It’s true that Georgia didn’t play the most testing schedule — it won’t next year, either; is Richt living right or what? — but it’s also true that the Bulldogs began to win the sort of games they’d come to lose. They even gave LSU a go for a half. They weren’t quite ready to win such a game, but next year they might be. All things considered, you’d rather be Georgia than Florida or Tennessee or even South Carolina today.
“We’re in good shape going into the offseason,” Richt said, and Georgia undeniably is. But it wouldn’t hurt to beat a Top 25 team to round off this turnaround. (Though Georgia is favored by a field goal, Michigan State is ranked higher in the AP and USA Today polls.) Winning 10 games in a row was nice. Winning an 11th would be better still.
By Mark Bradley
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351 comments Add your comment
JB
January 1st, 2012
5:58 pm
Nesbitt was the heart and Engine of that Tech team while he was there. With Washington, they are a toothless tiger, especially with no defensive help.
todd grantham
January 1st, 2012
6:00 pm
Georgia will be better next year. I’ve finally convinced Bobo that Malcolm Mitchell is not the guy who starred in “Malcolm In the Middle”.
Brian
January 1st, 2012
6:01 pm
To all people on the AJC blogs who have said “they aren’t convinced Jenkins isn’t coming back”, here’s a quote from his Facebook:
“Imma say it now as my status I’m not leaving early for the nfl I believe there is more work to be done so I’m riding with my boys for one last ride next yr. thanks to the dawg nation for all the love and support as well my family and friends….
todd grantham
January 1st, 2012
6:02 pm
But i still believe Ray’s mother is Nancy Drew.
Bogey
January 1st, 2012
6:03 pm
JB, I agree that Spurrier had the advantage of planning for Ga. all summer and he won’t next year. However, might have worked in our favor next year with the injury to Lattimore. He will probably be feeling his way early but may be confident by the first of October. Just a thought.
bitter QB
January 1st, 2012
6:03 pm
@todd grantham—–do you ever talk to CMR—-my sources tell me you moved the entire defence
———— to a different location across town so the offence could not contaminate your people
Preston
January 1st, 2012
6:05 pm
Lattimore hasn’t played an entire season since arriving in Columbia, SC. He won’t be 100% when we play them if he plays at all. Not worried about SC.
todd grantham
January 1st, 2012
6:05 pm
bqb, yes, i talk to Coach Richt on a daily basis. Verison doesn’t charge for long distance calling.
Lakedawg
January 1st, 2012
6:05 pm
One of the few times I agree with MB, but Bobo called some excellent games last half of year. He can’t catch the ball for receivers in LSU game or hit a couple of wide oprn receivers for Murray. He also can’t hold on to the ball for Murray and of course the dropped pick 6 by Sanders Commings. About 17-21 easy points lost in that game.
bitter QB
January 1st, 2012
6:07 pm
@todd gratham—if you were the head coach, would you start murry or mason???coach
Preston
January 1st, 2012
6:07 pm
For those critics of UGA’s offense, it was the third best offense in the SEC this year. The defense was even better as the third best in the nation. Yes, the defense was better. But the offense really wasn’t too shabby either.
Brian
January 1st, 2012
6:07 pm
Let’s focus on winning the bowl game first, Michigan State is a really good team. They are like Georgia in my opinion, good not elite. Arkansas fits in the same category, though I’d take us in the head-to-head because of our defense.
boots
January 1st, 2012
6:09 pm
Part of leadership is letting those around you know that you expect greatness. The University of Georgia is on its way. A couple of thoughts on your article, Mark. First, we all must recognize the job Greg has done as AD. He has let the football program know what is expected of it. Second, Coach Richt has done an amazing job of turning around the personality of this team, limiting the off-season problems that let this turn-around happen. Other than our running backs doing their best to imitate Ricky Williams, the team has shown great internal leadership. 2012 will be a great year for the Dawgs so long as the Myan calendar doesn’t wreck our date with the BCS.
Brian
January 1st, 2012
6:09 pm
For those critics of UGA’s offense, it was the third best offense in the SEC this year. The defense was even better as the third best in the nation. Yes, the defense was better. But the offense really wasn’t too shabby either.
Exactly. They look at us scoring 10 on LSU, but that was a loaded defense and we could have scored more for sure. I have a feeling Murray will be much better next year with the added experience, people forget he’s only a sophomore.
todd grantham
January 1st, 2012
6:10 pm
I’ve been told confidentially by Coach Richt that the first time Justin Anderson gets flagged for a false start he will have broken the UGA single season record for such offenses.
bitter QB
January 1st, 2012
6:10 pm
@lakedawg—never a true statement that summed up the LSUUUUU game
dawgs 42-09—-in spite of murry throwing a pick 6 on his first pass
broking legg saves game—-mason thrives
JB
January 1st, 2012
6:10 pm
We loaf tomorrow, we lose. These guys are good. Better than SC,Auburn and Tech.
how2fish
January 1st, 2012
6:11 pm
Mark happy New Year ! And we need a great game vs MSU if we are to win. Go Dogs!
todd grantham
January 1st, 2012
6:12 pm
bqb, i would start MurrAy. but i do beleive there were numerous opportunities for Mason to play in roles other than mop up that were squandered.
Murray can fall into some epic cold spells, and a switch out for a series with Mason couldn’t have hurt, and maybe even helped.
Brian
January 1st, 2012
6:12 pm
One arrest ALL season, nice to see our guys stay out of trouble. The running backs I know got in trouble, but it was nothing compared to the armed robbery and domestic violence going on during Auburn’s offseason.
bitter QB
January 1st, 2012
6:12 pm
@preston and brain——??? what do do with murry after he turns the ball over 2 in the first quarter??
Brian
January 1st, 2012
6:14 pm
We loaf tomorrow, we lose. These guys are good. Better than SC,Auburn and Tech.
Agree, those guys have a really good quarterback. And Auburn sucks haha.
bitter QB
January 1st, 2012
6:15 pm
learn the hard way CMR, go ahead and stick with ole butterfingers murry
—————like crow—im turning my back on you
1eyedJack
January 1st, 2012
6:16 pm
As this new year dawns for the Dawgs I’m thankful that you (Mark Bradley) will be doing the live blog instead of Schultz. He’s just mean.
todd grantham
January 1st, 2012
6:16 pm
how weird is google? i search for Xavier Ward and Ward Cleaver pops up.
Preston
January 1st, 2012
6:19 pm
bitter, you have to believe that the coaches know more than we do. I would love to see Mason get in the games more often because I hear great things about him and he’s a life long Bulldog fan. Heart means a LOT in sports. That being said though, I have full confidence in CMR when it comes to the QB position. And as far as LeMay is concerned, I’m fairly sure he’s gonna see some playing time like Shockley did in certain situations or he’ll be transferring. Gonna be impossible to keep Mason and LeMay happy simultaneously.
BiggdawgK
January 1st, 2012
6:19 pm
It is a sad testament to the creativity of techies that their pseudonyms takes two forms. The pathetic little nerds either go for a variation of dawg, dog bulldog etc… or they hide behind a name associated with a Georgia rival.
Then again originality, bravery, skill or humor are not traits anyone associates with the north avenue trade school.
todd grantham
January 1st, 2012
6:19 pm
Not that i have anything against Ward Cleaver. I always wondered why my dad came home from work (that is when he had a job) and got down to his skivvies and wife beater tee shirt and started wolfing down cheetos and old milwaukee. All the while Ward stayed in his suit and tie unless it was Saturday and he always had his nice cardigan sweater on.
Brian
January 1st, 2012
6:19 pm
learn the hard way CMR, go ahead and stick with ole butterfingers murry
—————like crow—im turning my back on you
Would you prefer Joe Cox or Brantley? He’s a sophomore and his o-line sucks, give him a break.
BiggdawgK
January 1st, 2012
6:23 pm
bitter qb is a seriously pathetic wretched girl. She is obviously clinically depressed and I hope she gets some much needed help this year or 2012 will end without her.
bitter QB
January 1st, 2012
6:25 pm
@brain——just give me HUDSON MASON—georgia born, georgia bread
——-georgia schooled—–well thats 2 out of 3—–hahahahahgo dawgs
Brian
January 1st, 2012
6:25 pm
Hahahaha, well said. Probably a Tech or Florida fan.
bitter QB
January 1st, 2012
6:26 pm
@—-bigdawgk—–is this your new handle arron murry????
BiggdawgK
January 1st, 2012
6:28 pm
bitter qb your obsession with murray is unhealthy sweetie and you should give it up. Just because he signed an autograph for you doesn’t mean he’s your boyfriend.
Please start taking your lithium again girl, you don’t want to go back to the hospital do you?
Vince Doodly
January 1st, 2012
6:29 pm
Richt must be sucking on a crack pipe.
1eyedJack
January 1st, 2012
6:31 pm
“Blair Walsh needs 6 points to pass Billy Bennett as the Bulldogs’ — and the SEC’s — all-time scoring leader.”
I hope they are all extra points.
bitter QB
January 1st, 2012
6:31 pm
@bigdawgk—your dinner bell is ringing—time to feed your 500 pound mole hanging from
————-your fat a$$—-wal mart junkie
Preston
January 1st, 2012
6:31 pm
Really wish CMR would refrain from making statements regarding “greatness” until he can start beating great teams again. It’s something he hasn’t done in a few years now. Hopefully he will in ‘12!
Brian
January 1st, 2012
6:33 pm
There are two types of college football fans in this state: those who like Georgia, and those who are obsessed with Georgia
Preston
January 1st, 2012
6:35 pm
Brian, at any rate they all RESPECT UGA. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be here.
North Campus Trash
January 1st, 2012
6:40 pm
RS Dawg
January 1st, 2012
5:09 pm
North Campus, It’s just you!!!
If you say so, RS Dawg.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
January 1st, 2012
6:46 pm
UGA and Greatness….you jest? Don’t you.
Stinger2
January 1st, 2012
6:46 pm
Its great that one team in the state of Georgia is on the verge of greatness.
todd grantham
January 1st, 2012
6:52 pm
Mark, don’t really see how you judge Bobo as one of the best OC’s in college football.
todd grantham
January 1st, 2012
6:55 pm
it’s a little known fact that the photo of Coach Richt being doused at the byline of this piece was actually the team’s reaction to CMR saying Bobo would be back in 2012.
todd grantham
January 1st, 2012
6:57 pm
OR, the photo was taken in reaction to Coach Richt ordering Chuck Dowdle off the sidelines.
todd grantham
January 1st, 2012
6:59 pm
But the truth be known, the dousing was orchestrated by me after i found out Coach Richt was writing personal checks to assistants but left me out of his generosity.
The Water Girl
January 1st, 2012
7:00 pm
Coach Grantham, please stop the joking around. You know that I had those players douse my honey with cold water because he comes home so amorous after victories.
tony
January 1st, 2012
7:01 pm
JB
January 1st, 2012
5:36 pm
Stafford had his eye on the prize his entire time at UGA, not helping them win anything. That’s why he checked out of Bobo’s plays 70% of the time and flung it. He needed yards and TD passes. Sad but true.
________________________________________________
I thought I was the only one who notice that. More like 90% of the time to me.
I’m I the only one who think Mr.Richt dislike Ga fans? I always felt that way about him. And that look he had on his face when RS scored that touchdown against the gators. The man looked MAD! He crack a smile when his son ran up to him to give him a hug.
The man gets under my skin.
Carl Kassell
January 1st, 2012
7:02 pm
Coach Grantham, we need some limericks for this weeks’ Wait, Wait Dont Tell Me show.