Florida in Jax: Big for UGA, it’s even bigger for Mark Richt
"Did you know my darn strong football team is 6-1?" (AP photo)
The surest sign that Mark Richt is miffed: He cites numbers. He did it back in 2006, when Georgia was 5-0 but coming off shaky victories over Colorado and Ole Miss. (Those Bulldogs would lose four of their next five games, FYI.) He did it at the end of the 2008 season, which began with Georgia ranked No. 1 but wound down with Richt trying to make 10-3 sound like a major achievement. He did it again Saturday night.
Responding to a question (mine, actually) about the possibility that the halting performance against Kentucky had been a function of focusing more on the Florida-South Carolina score than the opponent at hand, he stopped in mid-answer. “Know what?” he said, his voice rising. “I’m happy with the victory. We’re 6-1. That’s not bad.”
Know what? He’s right. Georgia is 6-1, and 6-1 isn’t at all bad. (It’s good enough for 10th place in the BCS standings.) But now comes Florida, and this game will do more than define the Bulldogs’ season — it will shape the remainder of Mark Richt’s tenure at Georgia.
Richt has been in place since January 2001. He has — here we cite numbers for him — taken Georgia to two conference championships and four SEC title games. He has presided over seven 10-or-more-win seasons and seen his team finish in the Associated Press top 10 five times. Twice the Bulldogs under Richt have come close (in 2002 and 2007) to playing for the BCS title.
That said, his greatest successes came early, and not since 2007 — Richt’s seventh season — have the Bulldogs given their fans reason to believe the long-sought national championship is within reach. Thus have significant achievements come to be taken with a grain of salt. Winning the SEC East in 2011 was nice, but how nice is a season that features losses to the four best teams on the schedule? Being ranked No. 10 in the BCS is not nothing, but 17 days ago the Bulldogs were ranked No. 5 in the land, and not much good has happened since.
The question for Georgia and Richt is no longer about winning mere games; it’s about winning games of consequence, the games this program has ceased to win. South Carolina has become such a game, and the Bulldogs were embarrassed in Columbia on Oct. 6. Florida is another such game, though technically Georgia beat the Gators last season. But now the repellant reptiles are roaring again, and the Bulldogs under Richt still haven’t whipped a first-rate Florida team. (Richt’s three victories in Jacksonville have come against Gators who would finish 7-5, 9-4 and 7-6.)
If Georgia loses Saturday, it won’t repeat as SEC East champs. Given that the Bulldogs were picked to win the division in preseason, that would be a major disappointment. It would make last year’s return to prominence seem an aberration, not the new normal. Even worse, it would fuel the loaded question: If the 2012 Bulldogs, who came equipped with a bunny schedule and a seasoned quarterback and what seemed a mighty defense, couldn’t play for a conference or a national title, what Georgia team will?
Mark Richt is 52, which is considerably younger than Nick Saban or Les Miles, but a 10-2 season that doesn’t yield at least a division title would not play well among the noisier precincts of his constituency. That doesn’t mean Richt would get fired: There’s no way those in power would move to dislodge a coach who’s again winning 10 games a year. Still, the quality of life for Richt’s remaining seasons as Georgia’s coach would surely be lessened. The emphasis wouldn’t be on the many games Georgia has won but on the magnitude of the games it hasn’t. (No victory over a Top 10 team since 2009, et cetera.)
That the Bulldogs looked awful against South Carolina and awfully unimpressive against Kentucky could benefit the cause. Richt’s biggest victory over Florida — the Gator Stomp of 2007 — came when Georgia wasn’t expected to do anything except its usual Jacksonville flop. Now Florida, picked No. 3 in the SEC East, is ranked No. 2 in the BCS standings. Now this is considered Florida’s game to win.
But make no mistake: This is a game these Bulldogs and their coach need in the worst way. There have been breakthrough victories for Richt over the past 11 1/2 years — Tennessee in 2001, Auburn in 2002, Auburn again when Georgia had lost those four of five in 2006, Florida in 2007, maybe Georgia Tech in 2009 — but none lately. If Georgia wins, Mark Richt won’t need to invoke the record to remind us how good his program is. The record will again speak for itself.
Further reading: If you missed today’s Heat Check, it can be found here. (Georgia is mentioned.)
By Mark Bradley
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608 comments Add your comment
Smitty
October 22nd, 2012
2:56 pm
RNB ……average teams don’t average 10 wins a year for 10 years….ask Tennessee, Auburn, ole Miss, Arkansas, Vandy, South Carolina, Mississippi State and the list goes on and on and on. The Dawgs are not average!!!!
JB
October 22nd, 2012
2:56 pm
AFDawg………….All great ideas……….And when have you seen this staff CHANGE ANYTHING??? We will run 40 times even if it is not working because the play book from Fla St says to. See second half of the SECCG against LSU last year with all we had was a walkon RB and we were pounding it inside against the number 1 D in the country to prove a point I guess, while in the first half we had them on their heels throwing the ball…………..but nooooooooooooooooo, we have a point to prove.
gbal
October 22nd, 2012
2:56 pm
I mean loose to FLA by 28???
Dawg Gone
October 22nd, 2012
2:57 pm
I heard this morning Petrino was spotted in an Atlanta hotel this morning. Wonder who was interviewing him.
Gman 84
October 22nd, 2012
2:57 pm
Gators play tough. They have obvious weaknesses but play relentless, physical football which overcomes a lot of shortcomings. The Dawgs have as much talent as ever but what weaknesses they have (and all teams have them) seem to get exposed and become glaring problems.
The Dawgs can absolutely win this game but similarly they can easily lose by 4 touchdowns. I’ll say that we are definetly due for a signature win and if it all comes together Saturday, it could be a beautiful thing for the program and for CMR.
gbal
October 22nd, 2012
2:57 pm
Fickle UGA fans and writers at the AJC>>>>>
DarthDawg
October 22nd, 2012
3:00 pm
gbal,
South Carolina did not play LSU in 2011. They actually lost their other SEC game to Auburn! LMAO! The same Auburn team UGA smoked 45-3.
The reason SC fans aren’t calling for CSS’s head is because SC is playing the best football in their history right now. It’s never been better for this sustained period of relevance. Spurrier has them respected year-to-year now as an SEC contender. Most didn’t think SC would ever be this successful.
Mike S.
October 22nd, 2012
3:00 pm
There is only one candidate that could even remotely come in here and do better than Richt that doesnt already have a big name job…Chris Peterson. Petrino isnt an option. No one wants his baggage. Peterson, like Meyer, has proven he can win huge, consistently at the mid-major level. All these other pipe dreams are Derek Dooley’s in the making…solid coaches that have had no real success that will translate to the SEC.
phil
October 22nd, 2012
3:00 pm
Dawg Gone
October 22nd, 2012
2:57 pm
I heard this morning Petrino was spotted in an Atlanta hotel this morning. Wonder who was interviewing him.
*******
The GBI?
JB
October 22nd, 2012
3:00 pm
I doubt anyone one on this current staff could get another SEc job, except Richt of course. 10 wins and a bowl is a dream at Ole Miss…… And he wouldn’t win 10 at Ole Miss. probably 6 or 7
Loran
October 22nd, 2012
3:00 pm
Petrino or Smart? Yall better jump on board if you want to win a NC.
Rumor is Richt is steping down after this year no matter what. He cites just being tired and wants to foucs on family.
seabass
October 22nd, 2012
3:01 pm
If UGA will change it up a little this weekend, they can win this game. I’m talking put two running backs in the backfield. Like Samuals and Gurley. Then Fla. can’t key on one, opens up the passing game. Florida can be beat, but they make most teams beat themselves.
DarthDawg
October 22nd, 2012
3:01 pm
I’m sorry, UGA beat Auburn 45-7 in 2011.
splendid splinter
October 22nd, 2012
3:02 pm
UGA is either out-coached or the coaches cannot get the players fired up to play every weekend because they play just well enough to win against medicore teams and badly against good teams. Which ever it is – if that doesn’t call for a new coach, what does? As an alum of 1969 I’m tired of losing to the Gators 17 times out of 21 years. And I expect the Dogs to lose again this weekend.
Ga Dawg81
October 22nd, 2012
3:02 pm
Mark you stated the obvious. Most programs would give their first born to be 6-1. However, we expect more and maybe we got too involved in the hype. I think we have multiple problems on this team. First warning sign was when players were supportive of the ones that were suspended. They should have been mad as hell at them for letting the team down. Richt is hugging Rambo after the 4th game. We do not know what goes on behind the scenes but it seems like discipline of these players should set an example and the fellow players would let them know about it. Second thing I see is a lack of leadership on defense by the players. I do not see that Junkyard Dawg enthusiam. This past Saturday I did not see much emotion till the 4th quarter and that was from Shawn Williams. Senior leadership should be set by example and the team rallies behind it. I do not see this at all. The offense scores 29 points and that should win against any team. Malcom Mitchell was the only offensive player showing that enthusiam as well. Third, our defense is terrible.
Grantham should know what is going on. Players over pursue and do not stay in their lanes. Blown assignments, poor alignment. How many times you see players confused on where they should be lined up? Fourth, special teams are horrible. We can not boom a punt. Barber punts consistantly 35-40 yards every punt. We need him to boom a few. No matter who is on punt return does not know when to catch the ball, let it go or when to call a fair catch. Every extra point is and adventure. Kickoffs have been the only decent part of special teams. Fifth, Mark needs to show some fire. He needs to kick some of these players and coaches ass. He needs to be in their face and let them know there is only one way and that is his way. Get on the bus or get the hell off. Mark looked like a man without a purpose Saturday night. He looked like he was going thru the motions and lost. Perhaps he has lost his drive? Don’t get me wrong. I am a 100 percent Dawg. It is my school and I have passion for it that has consumed a lot of my life. I hate to lose but what I hate the most is seeing half effort. Maybe these players are not good as they are susposed to be or perhaps they are not coached properly. Maybe a combination of both? All I know it is time to step up and man up. They want to play grown up football, well this week is their chance to show the world what they got. If not, then as much as I like Mark, it will be time for a change at the end of the season. I see passion from our coaches as Grantham and Bobo, Richt needs to show some as well and maybe this team will benefit from it.
See you in Jacksonville.
Go Dawgs!!!!
Something to Consider
October 22nd, 2012
3:03 pm
If this, if that … IF Georgia wins on Saturday and wins out … it’s playing for a National Title. Just calm down and let the season play out before making any rash judgments … or Georgia could beat Florida and the Gayterds tank and the game meant nothing.
Mike S.
October 22nd, 2012
3:03 pm
@DarthDawg – I think Bobo has discouraged Murray from using his legs. He definitely can run for first downs and be more mobile. They dont even roll him out much. Its not like running doesnt translate to the pros. A guy by the name of Aaron Rodgers seems to be having quite a nice career.
Dawg Gone
October 22nd, 2012
3:04 pm
phil, the answer is Tennessee boosters. This is a fact. So much for Richt beating Tennesse every year now.
DarthDawg
October 22nd, 2012
3:04 pm
Richt is going to wait until Feb 7th to step down.
JB
October 22nd, 2012
3:04 pm
Peterson enjoys coaching in the Mountain West girls league winning 11 games a year. Don’t know if money is a factor with him or not, but 5 mil per MIGHT make him listen. He’s turned down many overtures.
Something to Consider
October 22nd, 2012
3:04 pm
I’m not convinced Florida is all that good anyway … LSU played their worst game of the season against them in the Swamp and in their other home game against a “good opponent”, USC was without their Heisman Trophy candidate. Needless to say, their offense is toothless without Lattimore. … Wasn’t it just six weeks ago that Florida fans wanted to fire Muschump. Everybody needs to relax … Bradley included.
McDawg
October 22nd, 2012
3:05 pm
Elam will get burned deep
My prediction
October 22nd, 2012
3:05 pm
IF, and that is a big IF, the dogs can out score the gators then we will win the game this Saturday!
robodawg
October 22nd, 2012
3:05 pm
This game definitely represents a crossroads for the program. The test of whether last year’s turnaround was real or mirage is this season, and the success of this season comes down to this one game. It’s time to show if we’re contenders or not.
As baffled as I am by our last three outings, I am making no predictions. We’ve got enough talent to win but we need to put it all together.
JB
October 22nd, 2012
3:06 pm
Murray gets sacked 5-6 times Saturday, and will lose say 2 fumbles in the process. His MO for 3 years
DarthDawg
October 22nd, 2012
3:07 pm
Mike S.
I believe it and that’s another knock against Bobo right there. Murray should be a Heisman candidate but he seems to be forcing too many passes. Nothing wrong with calling a pass play then pulling it down for a rush when the entire defense is dropping into coverage. SC’s QB killed us doing that and Murray looked pretty good doing it the past 2 seasons.
Joey
October 22nd, 2012
3:07 pm
Sorry Mike S, I still don’t call what’s going on in Athens, momentum.
So you are fine with beating the teams we have an overwhelming talent advantage over, and losing to teams, mostly badly, who are our equals, talent-wise?
I’m not.
Big Crimson 75
October 22nd, 2012
3:08 pm
I’ve heard the Texas rumor also with the allure of winning a NC at a third school, a record that will never be broken IMO, and with Saban, it’s all about about him…You know, like his ONE voice of the program policy.
—
He doesn’t allow freshmen to speak to the media.
What’s wrong with that?
Might help Ga out.
Perhaps the interviews were too much for Gurshall.
Amari Cooper sets records Saturday night & gets rewarded by carrying the upper-class men’s luggage.
JB
October 22nd, 2012
3:08 pm
Murray fumbles a lot when blitzed because he has the hands of a 4th grader size wise. True
MARK TWAIN ESQ
October 22nd, 2012
3:08 pm
once again the fat lady has sung and too loud. we have got to realize with this coaching staff they are equal to a speech by joe biden et al. there must be a sunny horizon but i will be dead and gone by then. heck maybe paul johnson has a answer for gt. not.
gbal
October 22nd, 2012
3:09 pm
http://www.gamecocksonline.com
Check out this CSS presser and comapre to CMR after the past two games…
Expect accountability
Cocktail Party Bound Hound
October 22nd, 2012
3:09 pm
Heading down for the booze & women!!! May watch the game too!!! Go DAWGS
Big Crimson 75
October 22nd, 2012
3:09 pm
Maybe if I become illiterate, the filters won’t be stringent.
Flat Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
October 22nd, 2012
3:10 pm
I love to hear the so called “”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"TRUE UGA FANS”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"
Joe
October 22nd, 2012
3:10 pm
Like it or not….Florida 38 UGA 19
Flat Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
October 22nd, 2012
3:10 pm
Enter your comments here
Big Crimson 75
October 22nd, 2012
3:12 pm
Who was that dog fan on here the other day demolishing the English language??
Apparently that’s what it takes to get a post thru.
Mike S.
October 22nd, 2012
3:12 pm
@DarthDawg – Murray himself might also be concentrating on the reads and not just letting his ability take over. He’s still growing as a QB and definitely looks a lot better this year than last. Bobo seems to be a bit better this year, but I dont like how they still cant run the ball effectively against good teams. They are also scoring way too quickly…as quick as going 3 and out which hasn’t given the D as much rest as they need.
andrew
October 22nd, 2012
3:12 pm
UGA will get beat by 28 points! I’m a UGA fan, but I also know that we are just not a good team. WE have awesome talent on both sides of the ball, but as a team goods we are not good! CMR does not coach up his players! That is why we can not win the big games! Also our D is not good at all! UGA always comes out flat! We never look like we are hungry and play with emotions or come out fired up! I blame the coaching staff for that!
dean
October 22nd, 2012
3:13 pm
Enough of this. Falcons v. Eagles is what I want to see.
andrew
October 22nd, 2012
3:14 pm
Enter your comments here
Bobby Petrino
October 22nd, 2012
3:15 pm
I still own a home at Sugarloaf; give me a call !
CairoDog
October 22nd, 2012
3:16 pm
The dogs will pull the upset like last year and beat fl—take it to the bank! fl is overrated and their offense is terrible. Murray can light it up against their secondary. Dogs 31 fla 19!
Mike S.
October 22nd, 2012
3:16 pm
@Joey – they were losing to teams with worse talent regularly in 2009 and 2010, so yeah, i would call beating those teams a step up. They got wore out by OSU and a 7 win UT squad in 2009. Lost to Kentucky that year too. No Tech did not have better talent than UGA in 2009, so that win is suspect. Just a make up for losing in 2008 as much as anything. They lost to Colorado, Miss St., a bad UF team, and UCF in 2010. Now they are beating those teams regularly = momentum. THey now need to take the next step which is beating top 10 ball clubs again.
TW
October 22nd, 2012
3:19 pm
Reading all these comments is pretty entertaining but also very sad. I am a Bulldog fan(I graduated from UGA in ‘89) and I want the team to win. However, I don’t let the way that these kids (remember, they are just kids) perform on a football field effect my mood or my outlook on life. Some of you really need to examine what your priorities are if you get physically sick over the outcome of a college football game – you need some serious help if it effects you that much. After a win or a loss by UGA, does your day-to-day life really change that much? Would a National Championship really improve your life as a person not directly involved with the team (player or coach)? Mark Richt is a man of character who is not perfect by any means, but I would much rather have him as my coach than a Nick Saban, who will lie to your face – I don’t care how many titles are won or lost. There are more important things in life than to be totally consumed by college football.
Ctim81
October 22nd, 2012
3:19 pm
To MB, and all you UGA fans out there…let’s be absolutely clear on one major prediction and point: Unless and until the following coaches retire or leave the SEC: Saban, Miles, Spurrier, and after Sat you can probably add Muschamp and Mullen at Miss State, UGA will NEVER when the SEC or BCS title under CMR. Until Urban Myers left, he would have been at the top of this list along with Saban (anybody notice what’s he’s doing at OSU, even on probation?). CMR is what he is and always will be..an ok, middle of the road coach who will usually win 8, 9, or even 10 games, just enough NOT to get fired, but incapable of beating any of the better championship winning coaches in the SEC or even a few in other conferences. Every year, UGA has top ten talent. And every year, CMR and his coaches coach that same talent DOWN, not up. Overall, he’s just a slighty better version of Ray Goff and Donnan.
So get used to it Bulldog nation. Until you get serious and ring the phone of Bill Snyder, Kirby Smart, or Chris Peterson, or the Oregon coach…there will be NO additional championship hardware in the athletic department trophy case. CMR is what he is.
Hey, CairoDog
October 22nd, 2012
3:19 pm
Ga loses badly to the only team worth a $hit so far on their schedule and Fla beats all three of the ranked teams they have played this year and They are overrated?
Bobby Petrino
October 22nd, 2012
3:20 pm
PETRINO TO UGA !
PETRINO TO UGA !
PETRINO TO UGA !
PETRINO TO UGA !
PETRINO TO UGA !
PETRINO TO UGA !
Here's a thought
October 22nd, 2012
3:20 pm
Stop going to YDC to pick your players. Stop trying to save the world and recruit players who actually meet the standards to be there or at least have character.
Joey
October 22nd, 2012
3:21 pm
CairoDog, UGA was favored the 2 previous games vs UF. We haven’t “upset” anybody since Tech in ‘09. Just saying.