On UGA’s good offense, patchy defense and weary coach

Mark Richt points out ... well, something in Georgia's victory over Kentucky. (AP photo)

Mark Richt points out ... well, something in Georgia's victory over Kentucky. (AP photo)

This post is an adjunct to the Georgia-Kentucky game column, which can be found here.

1. Mark Richt looked tired after this one. It was late, and it had been a tough night, but still … the usual Richt bonhomie was missing. He said he was “very excited about the victory” and complimented Kentucky’s coaching and preparation, but after a round of questions bearing a distinctly negative tone he’d had enough. He stopped in mid-answer and said: “Know what? I’m happy with the victory. We’re 6-1. That’s not bad.”

2. Mike Bobo might not be a fan favorite, but he’s the Georgia coordinator having the better year by far. Had the Bulldogs’ offense sputtered here, they’d have lost. But they made no turnovers, which was huge, and Aaron Murray threw for 427 yards and three touchdowns against a Wildcat front that was stacked against the run. Thus did the Bulldogs escape, if only just. “I didn’t see any panic in our guys,” Bobo said. “We told them, ‘You’ve got to be prepared for this (in the SEC).”

3. After seven games, it’s fair to say the defense’s middling numbers aren’t aberrations. No, Jarvis Jones didn’t play, and yes, Abry Jones got hurt in the first quarter, but Georgia yielded 329 yards and 24 points to a Kentucky team that was averaging 215 yards and 9.5 points against SEC opposition. Said Todd Grantham, the defensive coordinator: “We didn’t start like we wanted to start … but guys sucked it up the second half.”

By Mark Bradley

396 comments Add your comment

jarvis

October 21st, 2012
1:24 pm

There is a bigger calling in Mark Richt’s life, and it is time for him to realize it. I’m seriously OK with him seeing that football isn’t the end all / be all, but he needs to move on to the next step of his life.

It’s not fair to him, the school or the team to cotinue to lead the Program if he isn’t focused on it.

Georgie Boy

October 21st, 2012
1:27 pm

I keep hearing that CMR is a “great man”.

For the life of me, I can’t figure out what qualifies Mark Richt for that title. Is it because he attends church on Sunday? Is that all it takes to become a “great man” in Georgia?

SKB

October 21st, 2012
1:28 pm

imo 6-1 is good.. not “great”.. I think if we finish this season 10-2 or 9-3.. it is pretty good. no reason for a coaching change.

Pitbull

October 21st, 2012
1:29 pm

Georgie Boy, grow up.

Get out your school books and study for your classes.

Erk's gone andso is our defense

October 21st, 2012
1:31 pm

Our defense sucks from the coaches to the players, sorry but if they don’t like it suck it up and play 4qtrs of solid defense and prove me wrong.

28 Point favorite

October 21st, 2012
1:32 pm

Murray can have all the records he wants, I would just like him to beat a top 10 team, which he has NEVER done. And he sure has he77 isn’t going to start with the Gators. I really think he will be knock out of this game, by the 4th quarter, their front four/three will own our fat boys on the o-line.

PTCDAWG

October 21st, 2012
1:34 pm

If Kentucky can rush for that much the geeks on the Flats will get over a 1,000 yards

Under The Bleachers

October 21st, 2012
1:37 pm

If CMR was president and he performed like he has coached the past 4 years he would not get re-elected.

CECIL DAWDLEHEAD

October 21st, 2012
1:39 pm

Keep Mark Richt coach!!! He’z a good man. Don’t drank!!!

Under The Bleachers

October 21st, 2012
1:39 pm

Who has more heat on them?

Gene Chizik

Mack Brown

Derek Dooley

Mark Richt

guy

October 21st, 2012
1:40 pm

You keep doing the same things and you get the same results.Eventually,and right now,things are getting worse.A very boring team with zero intensity.UF will kill us!

Under The Bleachers

October 21st, 2012
1:41 pm

Duke may win the ACC …..lol!….maybe their division

Here we go

October 21st, 2012
1:42 pm

Mack Brown!!!!! Next Chizik.

fayncdawg

October 21st, 2012
1:43 pm

Herewego

I wish CMR would walk away myself (esp if there’s a coach that WILL get us to an NC game available). That being said, 7-5? 6-6? Considering how well the Dawgs recruit, that ain’t going to happen even if CPJ were the HC! I do agree with you on this point: the Dawgs just might wake up and beat the Gators! Considering CMR in my mind is a better coach than CWM, I do not think a Dawg victory would be all that strange.

Under The Bleachers

October 21st, 2012
1:44 pm

If UGA cannot win the East this year it will be years before they even compete for the East title. 4 losses on the schedule in 2013

Under The Bleachers

October 21st, 2012
1:45 pm

Here we go

October 21st, 2012
1:42 pm
Mack Brown!!!!! Next Chizik.

I agree 100% sir!

He Hate Gator

October 21st, 2012
1:48 pm

The pollsters were certainly impressed with Ga’s win as they dropped to 12th….

28 Point favorite

October 21st, 2012
1:48 pm

2008 the last time Richt beat a top 10 ten———————-good luck Sat coach, your job may be on the line

fayncdawg

October 21st, 2012
1:49 pm

UndertheBleachers

4 losses in 2013?? To who??

muleshoe

October 21st, 2012
1:51 pm

the defense is loaded with slow athletes…and out of game shape athletes…if Geathers and Jenkins are as great as we are told every week, how come teams run at UGA without fear of being stuffed. Washington, no show…AJones, not impressed…Rambo and Williams, a penalty flag and/or some stupid dance waiting to happen…Jordan Jenkins and Herrera are painfully slow…just a bad ensemble cast…

Here we go

October 21st, 2012
1:53 pm

Fayncdawg– We and other people say we have the recruits.But do we?????Last few years and this year show me that we may have problems with judging H.S. players.Also the teams we face next year are no cream puffs.

muleshoe

October 21st, 2012
1:54 pm

fayncdawg…Clemson, SC, LSU, Florida for starters…UT in Knoxville, Vandy in Nashville, maybe…

Under The Bleachers

October 21st, 2012
1:56 pm

Clemson
USC
LSU
Florida

archie haygood

October 21st, 2012
1:57 pm

PITIFUL, though they got a win…barely
1-find a student who can consistentlt HIT an extra point
2-how about a swarming, stinging defense that hutsles the ENTIRE play, wants to hit, will hit, TACKLE and not let anyone beat them deep. Not rocket science
3- establis a running game first!! Hosses, use them better
Woe is UGA vs FL

Under The Bleachers

October 21st, 2012
1:58 pm

Fancy Dawg…and do think the defense is not going to lose most of their key players after this year?

Big Losses on defense, and the offense will be really good, but Defense wins in this league.

28 Point favorite

October 21st, 2012
1:58 pm

fayncdawg, “I do agree with you on this point: the Dawgs just might wake up and beat the Gators! Considering CMR in my mind is a better coach than CWM, I do not think a Dawg victory would be all that strange”

Are you an idiot, Muschamp just took the worst team the gators have had in 20 years and turned them into the toughest team in the SEC(equal to Bama). Where have you been, didn’t you notice the gators destroyed LSU & SC top 10 teams—————the dawgs are next. Keep drinking that coolaid

dbc

October 21st, 2012
2:00 pm

“This game gets the bad taste out of our mouths,” Murray said. It appears he’s as delusional as his head coach.

Rick James

October 21st, 2012
2:01 pm

@USMC

We will probably loose next week to FLA. Why are we comparing ourselves to Florida anyway? Programs like Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, and LSU… will do whatever it takes to win. They pay their coaches $4+ million. UGA just can’t compete with that kind of cash. I would rather have administrators give the cash to create jobs for teachers instead to football. There has already been a lot of job cut at UGA.”–SKB

–NOT INTENDED TO BE A FACTUAL STATEMENT
————————————————————————————————————————-
I dont think Georgia will “loose” Florida next week.In fact I dont think they will “loose” to anyone the rest of the year. Maybe you should have spent a little more time paying attention to those teachers that you want to have more money.Teachers dont get paid more because they are a dime a dozen and turn out people that cant spell..Lose is the correct spelling Sir

Destin Dawg

October 21st, 2012
2:02 pm

You all will be singing a different tune next week…. see you on here next Sun… Go Dawgs !!

GTJeff

October 21st, 2012
2:02 pm

Question for UGA folks. Since both UGA & Tech switched to the 3-4, our defenses have only had sporatic sucess at best & at times have looked absolutely attrocious. You can say that Tech’s is partially a talent issue, but UGA has some of the best talent in the nation.

Is it time to put this 3-4 experiment to rest?

DawgNole

October 21st, 2012
2:04 pm

Beast from the East
October 21st, 2012
11:01 am

“Richt is slightly better than Nick Saban at the moment based on statistics. Sure Saban won National Championship. I think we could win easily win national championship next year if we improve our defense.”

Saban has forgotten more about coaching than Richt (or most others) will ever know. And your comment about “easily” winning a National Championship is quite possibly the dumbest I’ve ever read. There is NOTHING easy about it.
________________________

Have to agree with your assessment of that moronic comment. Makes you wonder why anyone bothers to post legitimate stuff on here when you have imbecilic remarks like that floating around.

muleshoe

October 21st, 2012
2:04 pm

Muschamp rebuilt Florida beating winning programs. Richt got handed the best talent he has ever had, won early, and has done nothing in 7 years except lose to ranked teams and cash checks to the tune of around 20 million dollars. Right now, today, Muschamp is the better coach. And today is all that matters.

28 Point favorite

October 21st, 2012
2:04 pm

Be fair mule,fayncdawg proably didn’t see the 2013 schedule or I sure hope he can read.

muleshoe

October 21st, 2012
1:54 pm

fayncdawg…Clemson, SC, LSU, Florida for starters…UT in Knoxville, Vandy in Nashville, maybe…

DawgNole

October 21st, 2012
2:08 pm

Mark Bradley
October 21st, 2012
11:13 am

I don’t believe there’s any way Mark Richt would get fired after this season.
_________________________

Hate to see you say that, MB, because you should be in a better position than most on here to know. Personally, I hope he wins out and keeps his job, but yet another big-game loss to fla Saturday would go a long way toward validating the claims of those who point out that he no longer seems able to win meaningful games against top-quality opponents.

Rick James

October 21st, 2012
2:10 pm

@muleshoe

Muschamp rebuilt Florida beating winning programs. Richt got handed the best talent he has ever had, won early, and has done nothing in 7 years except lose to ranked teams and cash checks to the tune of around 20 million dollars. Right now, today, Muschamp is the better coach. And today is all that matters
————————————————————————————————————————————
Then why didnt Florida when in Jacksonville last year? I’d bet that Mark Richt has direct deposit and didnt take 20 miliion in checks to the corner liquor store or check cashing place..

28 Point favorite

October 21st, 2012
2:11 pm

muleshoe

October 21st, 2012
2:04 pm

Ditto you comment

muleshoe

October 21st, 2012
2:14 pm

I’m not sure why Florida didn’t WHEN in Jax last season…only lost by 4 pts with a one legged qb…but I bet Florida WHENS this year! PS, you’ve got a spill to clean up on aisle 5..

Burma Shave

October 21st, 2012
2:16 pm

The Gators will come
Loaded for bear
The dawgs will lose,
And Richt won’t care

BURMA SHAVE

28 Point favorite

October 21st, 2012
2:18 pm

Rick James

That was truely a stupid comment, Muschamp inherited the worse team the Gators have had in 20 years. He took that team that he call “soft” to their face and made them one of the toughest teams in the SEC. His defense will destroy those fat, slow o-line boys and Murray will be running for his life.

28 Point favorite

October 21st, 2012
2:20 pm

Burma Shave

Very clever———-wish we more intelligent posts.

DawgNole

October 21st, 2012
2:26 pm

Mr. Hankey
October 21st, 2012
11:19 am

Next week WILL be uglier than roseann bar taking a sitdown smoking a cigarette at 6:30 am.
‘Nuf sed.
______________________

Gotta admit, that WOULD be pretty damn ugly–and at 6:30 a.m., no less. (Shudder!)

DawgNole

October 21st, 2012
2:30 pm

Under The Bleachers
October 21st, 2012
1:39 pm

Who has more heat on them?

Gene Chizik

Mack Brown

Derek Dooley

Mark Richt
______________________

Richt trails in that race today. Next Sunday, however, if the Dawgs have failed to show up against fla, he likely will be nearer the top of your list–if not right at the top.

USMC

October 21st, 2012
2:31 pm

@RickJames

Rick, I was not the one who spelled “LOSE” as “LOOSE”.

I merely copied the blogger’s quote and I said:

“not intended to be a factual statement”

You need to brush up on your reading comprehension. :-)

West Point (GA) Dawg

October 21st, 2012
2:32 pm

Richt is tired, he’s got enough money in the bank from the huge paychecks UGA has paid him for 12 years to retire in luxury, and he’ll never match Saban, Miles, and Spurrier – just to mention three coaches who are far more talented and motivated.

It’s way past time to dump him and hire a coach who seriously wants to win the BCS championship.

Dawg Bite

October 21st, 2012
2:41 pm

GT JEFF, at least your coach had the You Know Whats to get rid of his coordinator that brought that 3-4, but our head guy will let that style defense cause the ruination of his program. You may not have had the talent at Tech to run a 3-4, but I do not think UGA has it as well.If UK can put up 200 yds rushing on us, I shudder to think how many Tech will bash us for? Or for that matter, GSU the week before!

Tampa Gator

October 21st, 2012
2:43 pm

Questions for you negative Dawg fans:

1. Whatever happened to the FACT that Florida had no QBs?
2. Whatever happened to the FACT that “Muschump” would be 3 and done at Florda?
3. Whatever happened to the FACT that Florida wad doomed to the bottom of the SEC and that their run was over?
4. Whatever happened to the FACT that Florida had nothing but a “soft” offensive line?
5. Whatever happened to the FACT that Florida had “just a first year offensive coodinator?”
6. Whatever happened to the FACT that none of Florida’s defensive linemen were as good as Georgia’s defensive lineman?
7. Whatever happened to the FACT that none of Florida’s linebackers were as good as Georgia’s linebackers?
8. Whatever happened to the FACT that Florida had no one in the secondary that was good as anyone in Georgia’s secondary?
9. Whatever happened to the FACT that Muschamp “never had a good defense at Texas, Auburn, and LSU?”
10. Whatever happened to the FACT that Florida had “no running backs?”

Truth…….those were not FACTS….but summertime opinions and dreams.

I will give you this…….Florida still has no big time wide receivers….but one excellent receiver at tight end in Jordan Reed.

One final statement…..one that was repeatedly made to me this summer:

THERE IS NOT ONE PLAYER ON FLORIDA’S DEFENSIVE THAT WOULD BE GOOD ENOUGH TO START OVER ANY PLAYER AT GEORGIA.

Want to repeat that now………or revise to say…….as I said this summer……THERE IS ONLY ONE GEORGIA DEFENSIVE PLAYER THAT COULD START OVER ANY FLORIDA DEFENSIVE PLAYER…..and that would be Jarvis Jones……but Neiron Ball…..is looking mightly good right now…and he plays every game.

Georgia DAWG

October 21st, 2012
2:46 pm

This Georgia DAWG believes Georgia’s offense can keep us in this game. I believe CTG will devise a game plan to stop the Gators from getting the end-around yardage and will shore up the ILB middle of the field position behind the NG to stop the gift interior yardage. Do that and get our PAT automatic, and the Dawgs have a good chance to beat the Gators.

Not Koolaid-Aid, just hopeful trust that our coaches and team can get the job done and finally ‘win the big game against a ranked opponent.’

Go Dawgs! Let’s get this win! We have the talent. Just need a good game plan to get it done!

fayncdawg

October 21st, 2012
2:47 pm

28 POINT FAVORITE

LET’S SEE, GENE CHIZIK TOOK THE WAR TIGERS FROM 6-6 TO 13-0 AND NOW HAS 5 LOSSES THIS SEASON INCLUDIMG ONE TO VANDY! THIS SAME SCENERIO IS LIKELY TO HAPPEN IN GAINESVILLE (I WOULD NOT BE SAYING THIS IF URBAN CRIER WERE STILL THE GATORS COACH). I ALSO WOULD NOT HAVE POSTED WHAT I POSTED IF I THOUGHT THE GATORS WERE EVEN A SLIGHT THREAT TO THE TIDE (THEY ARE NOT!). THE GATORS BEAT A LSU WHO HAS A SCOUT TEAM QB AND AN SC TEAM ALL EMOTIONALLY TAPPED OUT (AND PED CRASHED OUT) FROM THEIR VICTORY OVER GEORGIA TO BEAT VANY DECENT TEAM. SO HAVE REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS OF YOUR GATORS! SURE THEY MIGHT WIN! BEAT THE DAWGS BY 28? LET’S JUST SAY IF THAT HAPPENS CMR IS NOT A VERY GOOD COACH!

Big Crimson 75

October 21st, 2012
2:52 pm

Tampa — Is that how I should “make” friends on here?!!

Eternal Optimist

October 21st, 2012
2:55 pm

Relax folks! Dawgs show up fired up and whip Gators 34-24 next week and whip Bama in SEC Title Game 27-17. Then we whip Kansas Stae 41-37 in National Title Game. Then we win national title next year also! If this doesn’t come to fruition I buy you lap dance at Pink Pony or Follies.