Richt on changes, Tech rivalry, Powerade bath
There was no answer to the big question –- call it The Willie Martinez Question -– but there were some interesting comments on Mark Richt’s weekly radio call-in show Monday night.
If you missed it:
– The first question, not surprisingly, was about any plans for changing coordinators or other assistant coaches.
Richt’s reply: “I’m not going to make any comment about anything like that. I think people think that just because we need to get better or make some kind of change — they think it always involves changing of people, too. And that’s not always necessarily true. But, you know, we’re going to get things back on track, I can promise you that.”
– Richt was asked about his angry reaction to a slightly premature attempt to drench him in Powerade near the end of Saturday’s victory at Georgia Tech.
He said he had told the players at halftime that he didn’t want to see anyone smile until there was no time left on the clock. “Sure enough, it’s a minute and 20 [seconds] or whatever left and we get the ball back and they decide they’re going to dump me, figuring the game is over,” Richt said. “But I had my jaw set still and I wasn’t smiling or celebrating until that [clock] went to zero zero and we got the victory. And that’s why I got upset, and Bryan Evans basically got the brunt of it, and I love the kid dearly. I love all those guys. He was a little taken aback at my attitude, but afterwards I got a chance to hug his neck and tell him I love him and all that good stuff.”
– A caller said Tech coach Paul Johnson downplayed the importance of the Georgia game early last week and asked Richt, who is 8-1 vs. Tech, his thoughts on the magnitude of the rivalry.
“All I can tell you is our boys and our coaches don’t need a whole lot of motivation, I guess, to get fired up about this game,” Richt said. “And I’m not going to sit here and deny that what happened a year ago [helped] fuel it. It did; there is no question that it did. Them tearing up our hedges and doing some of the things that they were doing after the game at our expense didn’t sit too well with us. And we wanted to do something about it, and we want to continue to do something about it in years to come. And I’ll say this: I’ve always had a respect, a very healthy respect, for Georgia Tech and their football program, and we will continue to have that respect because they are an outstanding team and they do a great job over there. But it’s very, very big to us.”
– Richt had much praise for safety Reshad Jones’ performance on Saturday – his interception, his tackling, his pass breakups on Tech’s last series and the way he never gave up in chasing Tech receiver Demaryius Thomas on Thomas’ 76-yard touchdown.
“There were a lot of guys that made great plays, but I want to pay a special tribute to Reshad Jones,” Richt said. “I thought Reshad did such a great job of tackling, such a great job of making that interception. And also at crunch time he had to cover a couple of those deep balls and did a beautiful job of that too. I thought it was great for Reshad, considering all the grief he caught a year ago for that same ballgame.” (Jones, as you know, got much grief for botching a tackle on Tech’s game-clinching touchdown against Georgia last year.)
– And finally, the show’s last caller cited statistics on how many more times the Bulldogs have allowed 30-plus points under Martinez than under predecessor Brian VanGorder.
Richt’s reply: “You’re definitely going to win a whole lot more games if you can keep people under 30, there is no doubt about that.”
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316 comments Add your comment
Vick=Dog killing thug
December 1st, 2009
12:11 pm
Please read Old Dawgs post on page 1. Lot of truth there. I used to pull for Tech until their nasty fans started talking crap 24/7 and now I hope the bugs never win another game. 0-12 every year would suit me just fine and throw in probation as well.
Sad it has to be that way but I don’t see it ending. From start to finish Tech is ugly. That’s the bottom line.
GO DAWGS
Nick Celleni summed it up best....
December 1st, 2009
12:18 pm
“UGA is the HUSBAND, GT is the WIFE!…Okay, okay, so we don’t get any emails or calls how about UGA is the Daddy and GT is the baby son is that better?” -Nick Celleni
SportsNite on CSS- 6pm 11/30/2009
John
December 1st, 2009
12:19 pm
(((((30-24))))) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Alabama Jack
December 1st, 2009
12:20 pm
A dawg calling anyone nasty is an oxymoron of the highest order.
Sorry Nick ...I meant CELLINI not Celleni
December 1st, 2009
12:21 pm
Enter your comments here
Big Cali Dawg
December 1st, 2009
12:24 pm
Disparaging posts from illiterate cynics do not count………….
We are blessed to have a division 1 team to watch. Many people will get behind Georgia State and watched them get absolutely hammered, but still love the hell out of that team. I love my Dawgs…..rain, or shine.
Go Dawgs
lkjlkj
December 1st, 2009
12:25 pm
there’s a website called Football Coach Scoop that reports a lot of accurate information. They reported days ago that Martinez won’t be DC next year. I think all you people worrying that Richt won’t make any changes are worrying about nothing.
1eyedJack
December 1st, 2009
12:30 pm
Hand off to Caleb King….busts through untouched….TOUCHDOWN!!!
When are you guys going to realize you can’t play defense with 10 midgets and a safety?
Hand off to Washaun Ealey…..another first down!!
You better hope you lose to Clemson so you don’t have to take another humiliating beatdown in a BCS bowl game.
Willie STOMPED A MUDHOLE right in the middle of the greatest football coach to ever set foot on a football field CPJ (the saviour).
Did M or Yellow Fuzz change their name to T-MAN?
30-24!!! Glad it hurts so bad.
Gabulldawg79
December 1st, 2009
12:37 pm
For all you Tech fans that are like “enjoy your fun see you next year”. What?…like you win every year or something. Let me put it in perspective for you…
UGA leads the series 60-37
UGA has won 44 out of the last 60
UGA has won 14 out of the last 17
UGA has won 8 of the last 9 and……
UGA pulled down your pants and spanked that behind this year.
Conclusion last year was the fluke not this year. I would assume you nerds could do the math on that kind of dominance.
Dawgs might have 99 problems but a bee ain’t one!
Macon Dog in the Middle East
December 1st, 2009
12:38 pm
Just like most true-blue Bulldogs, I’m so pleased that we played good ole fashioned, smash-mouth and drive ‘em back Georgia football and beat the insects! I also agree, however, that Richt must act NOW to realign his staff. I’m concerned that Rodney Garner will leave if Richt does not promote him to DC (after dismissing Martinez, of course). Hereinafter is an entry that I posted after a Jeff Shultz column, which followed the Kentucky debacle. Can anyone shed any light on the likelihood of Garner returning to the putrid “Big Arnge” if Richt doesn’t promote him?
I’m a long, long way from my beautiful Georgia, and few people over here will care that our vaunted, proud program has sunk to such a low level. I’m sick over it! Richt should remember that Phil Fulmer refused to fire his assistants. Lots of UT-Fulmer loyalists say now that he should have been dismissed several seasons ago. Remember that horrible whipping that Kiffin’s first team gave us a few weeks ago? Remember how Kiffin vowed NEVER to lose to Georgia? He may be counting on Richt’s mulish determination to keep Martinez.
If Richt does not fire Martinez immediately after the season and replace him with Rodney Garner, I fear that we will lose Garner, probably (back) to UT. I can’t bear the thought! I remember how Fulmer beat us like a drum, year after year, with so many of our own state’s better players!! Richt has won the recruiting wars because he has had Garner. Richt should promise Garner the Defensive Coordinator’s job NOW or resign.
Even way over here, I’ve heard the troubling rumor that contractual obligations will prevent Richt from firing any of his assistants! I don’t know any Bulldog fans who want Martinez to keep his job. I wonder if a majority still wants Richt to keep his own. I realize how successful and humble he has been, and he has made us proud. Still, this debacle makes me angry. The UT game and this one are simply inexcusable. We cannot tolerate this. The pronoun “we” includes Damon Evans. He has increased the contribution demands on season-ticket holders. With that money, he is being paid quite well to make tough decisions. So is Richt.
Has anyone called Prince Charles? He has had to live too long with blame for our last home game loss to Kentucky. Richt must wear this goat’s horns. Place the call, Coach.
I’m beginning to believe the insufferable Tech blogger who laid Uga VII’s death at his coaches’ feet. Poor Uga, he couldn’t stand to see his team sink so low. It just killed him. I’m glad he was spared this latest humiliation.
Right On Time
December 1st, 2009
12:41 pm
You yechies are convinced you are going to a BCS bowl…were you not also convinced you would beat UGA? How did that work out?
You were flat? Like #35 when Cox ran him over?
You were missing a receiver? Like AJ
You missed a fieldgoal? Like the icer that was missed in the 4t quarter?
Your receiver dropped a pass? Like the 3 that UGA receivers dropped?
The refs didn’t call holds? Just like the chop blocks they did not call?
The only reason this years game was big for UGA is because we needed you little pukestick geeks to shut it. However, like the annoying little booger eating twirps you are, you keep at it. UGA owns yech, always has, always will.
Now go engineer another tricycle.
tenn fan talking smack about arrested players? seriously? aware of reality much? good luck with Northwestern.
RT
December 1st, 2009
12:42 pm
50 yr Tech Fan:
I would rather support a dawg team taking basket weaving and gym classes rather than a pathetic bunch of losers and whiners majoring in engineering! Get a life, get a job, and get the hell of off our blog. enjoy the next 362 days NERD. BTW, that was King that just ran by for another 6.
95Dawg
December 1st, 2009
12:43 pm
Say what you want about Coach Right: But 1 thing that sets him apart (especially from Johnson at Tech) is true CLASS. If anyone heard the comments Coach Johnson made this morning on 790 AM….. I can tell you he came off as a petulant little baby. Still downplaying the game like it is no big deal. What he isn’t mentioning is the fact that Tech possibly could have played themselves into the BCS championship game if they had beaten GA (stranger things have happened). I think that was the most important game of their season to date and they blew it.
True case of sour grapes for that guy.
Gabulldawg79
December 1st, 2009
12:43 pm
Tech fears Russ!
Gabulldawg79
December 1st, 2009
12:47 pm
I believe that what has shaken Tech fans so bad is not the loss to UGA(generations of techies are used to that by now), but the fact that their savior genius coach PJ got out coached by Willie Martinez. Heck, that would shake me up too.
Cohutta
December 1st, 2009
12:53 pm
30-24 8 out of 9
Here's REALITY for GT Fans
December 1st, 2009
12:54 pm
For you and CPJ to say the UGA game had little or no meaning is an ABSOLUTE LIE!!!
1. Coming into the game GT was ranked 7th in the BCS and with an upset or two could have still had an outside chance of making the big game.
Fact GT beats UGA – you stay at #7 behind UF, Bama, Texas, TCU,Cinn. and Boise, (Boise has been losing steam and you probably leapfrog them in the polls and land at #6)But still in good shape as the top 1 loss team, with two game to play. TCU & Boise are idle, and championship games carry weight.
Fact Even with UGA’s record GT gets needed percentage pts for quality win because it’s still a win over an SEC team, plus if you beat UGA the way you all THOUGHT you would, it would be around the same way UF did.
FACT: Although TCU & Boise are finished they’re SOS is weak enough for GT to pass them. All you would need to do to convince voters who would look for ANY reason to keep a non-BCS team out of the game is beat Clemson convincingly by more than the 4pts TCU beat them by and you pass them and Boise.
FACT:Cinn could very well lose to Pitt this weekend, Texas could get upset by Nebraska (Tex A&M nearly pulled it off) and UF or Bama has to lose in the SECC game. So where would that leave GT? hmmmm, #2 in the BCS and playing the winner of the UF/Bama game.
Now granted that’s a lot that would have to happen, and even if it all did, there’s no guarantee we don’t see a UF/Bama rematch, but we’ll never know for sure since you couldn’t take care of business.
So PLEASE spare us the “UGA game didn’t matter”, “been there done that” crap because like it or not UGA cost you a POTENTIAL shot at the National Championship. And anyone who doesn’t think the final polls wouldn’t have leap frogged GT over TCU and Boise to get a BCS conference team in the title game over a non-BCS team is delusional at best. So techies tell yourselves whatever you like, but there’s your reality. True UGA isn’t playing for an SEC title, True UGA isn’t going to a BCS or Major bowl for that matter, but it is VERY TRUE that we punked you in your own house and took away any shot you had of playing in the title game, and that my friends is you reality. Chew on it for a while, let it sink in, and then come back and tell me that the UGA game didn’t matter!!! LIARS!!!
Golden Tornado
December 1st, 2009
12:57 pm
I think Coach Richt had it right, in his remark about the annual Tech game: “- – it’s very, very big to us.” This is not to make excuses for Tech’s Saturday night loss – that loss was because of a good, well-prepared UGA team. But ever since the old, old days, it has seemed to
me that Georgia was more focused on winning the Big One.
Back then, Tech seemed focused on Notre Dame, or then-powerful Duke and Navy (Tech scheduled more intersectionally, UGA stayed in its own backyard). Nowadays, it’s “We’re in the ACC,” or, “we’ve got a championship game to win.” I don’t know, maybe it’s just me – - and Coach Richt.
mike Addington
December 1st, 2009
12:57 pm
No excuse for the venom that was in Mark richt’s face when he jumped on those boys for dumping him with “Gator”aid. That was not mere “anger” on his face. A year or so ago, I saw Urban Meyer give a look at an official that expressed something that could only be described as “evil.” It was an absolute look of “ill will.” Richt’s expression wasn’t to that degree but it was not anger but “rage.” No amount of words or apology can take that moment away or erase it from Evan’s mind. I bet years from now that he’ll remember that moment more than any other, but, I hope for his sake that I am wrong about that. Don’t let Richt’s moment of honesty take away your good thoughts of your years at UGA, Bryan. Richt, you’d better do a little soul searching. You were an embarrassment to UGA and yourself.
ES
December 1st, 2009
12:58 pm
30-24 HA HA HA HA HA
Macon Dog in the Middle East
December 1st, 2009
12:58 pm
Hello Will,
Are you my nephew Will in Athens?
If so, I’m glad to read your entries on this blog. I agree that our kickoff coverage is inexcusable; has been for years!
Still, aren’t you glad we beat the bees?
Heard anything about the likelihood of Garner returning to the putrid “Big Arnge” if Richt doesn’t promote him?
ATB
Billy ( Not Martin)
December 1st, 2009
12:59 pm
I pull for Tech as well as UGA, when they’re not playing each other.
I like to see both programs do well since I’m from GA and attended neither school. In one sense though I think this win might be a bad think for Dog fans. I think it gave CMR the justification he needs for keeping Martinez and until he’s gone, you’ll never get back to the kind of defense UGA has been known for.
WSP Dawg
December 1st, 2009
1:11 pm
So the rumor mill is starting to point to Tubs…
“‘But word around the campfire is they’re trying to put together a three year, $5 million deal for Tommy Tuberville to come as DC. And don’t start attacking me because it sounds so far-fetched. I’m just passing along what I heard yesterday from some supposed people in the “know”. I find it hard to swallow too, actually.’
“Tuberville was the defensive coordinator for Miami in the early 90’s when they were awesome. I heard that Tuberville came to Athens 3 different times about a month ago when he did that speaking engagement here. He and Richt are good friends, so it makes since for Richt to hire him as he ONLY HIRES his buddies. Plus, word around Tuberville’s campfire is he would rather come back as a coordinator before jumping back into head coaching.”
And from UGASPORTS.COM earlier this year…
Tommy Tuberville
Currently: Not coaching
Brief: Tuberville is an A-List college head coach whose 110-60 career record at Ole Miss and more famously Auburn (52-30 in SEC play) ended following the 2008 season when he left The Plains. Tuberville, 55, was named Walter Camp Coach of the Year after leading the Tigers to a perfect 13-0 record in 2004. Prior to his 13 seasons as an SEC head coach, he served as defensive coordinator at Texas A&M in 1994 and was a defensive assistant at Miami (1986-1993, the last year as defensive coordinator) and Arkansas State (1980-84). His many years as an assistant in south Florida, along with his time as an SEC head coach, give him a tremendous advantage on the recruiting trail.
Comment: Tuberville and Richt’s relationship dates back to the 1980s and Miami. Over recent years, there have been numerous stories of the two spending time together in the offseason. They were part of a team of coaches that traveled to the Middle East to visit U.S. service members in the summer of 2007. While at just 55, there is plenty left in Tommy’s tank, and there will certainly be a school sooner or later that would be thrilled to have him as their next head coach. Last summer, UGASports was told that there might be interest on the part of Tuberville in coaching again, but perhaps not as a head coach right away because he wanted to stay in the Southeast and for whatever reasons coaching a third SEC school was not immediately in the cards. The story from there went that Richt and Tuberville, or people extremely close to them, discussed Tuberville becoming the defensive coordinator at Georgia should things not go well and Martinez resign or otherwise need to be replaced. Most, if not all, defensive coaches would likely be changed in this scenario. – Steve Patterson
dogman
December 1st, 2009
1:27 pm
yeah we did lose to Kentucky, at home, no excuse for that, but we did just beat GA TECH # 7 team in the nation, at home. the look on those faces saturday night……Priceless
Nick
December 1st, 2009
1:30 pm
I can’t imagine at this point Evans not making a huge push to CMR behind closed doors at some staff changes.
ARS
December 1st, 2009
1:35 pm
Look – Tech is a better team… but they weren’t on Saturday. That’s all it boils down to.
GGTOG&THWGT
December 1st, 2009
1:36 pm
Prince Miller is a classless thug and I will be glad when he is gone. His cheap shots are unacceptable. Well, to most people. Willie probably taught him that crap he does. Late hits, jawing, shoving, hitting people while their helmets are off all seems a lot like Miami circa mid-80’s. Can’t wait for the moving truck to arrive at the Martinez home.
Jackson
December 1st, 2009
1:38 pm
Tuberville isn’t in the running for defensive coordinator – no how – no way. There’s absolutely ZERO chance of him returning for a coordinator position.
Mike T.
December 1st, 2009
1:38 pm
(((42-45 still a fluke))) 30-24 a solid win baby.
TROTTINGHOME
December 1st, 2009
1:53 pm
Since when did winning an ACC championship become more important than beating an SEC team?
Charles
December 1st, 2009
1:53 pm
Enter your comments here My advise to everyone is shut up with your complaining. Changes need to be made no question about it and hopefully there will be changes before next season. Mark Richt is a damn good coach and you do not get to be a head coach in the SEC at any level unless you know something about coaching. It is his call and if he does not have the authority to make his own decisions regarding his choice in coaching assistances then he too needs to leave.
KD
December 1st, 2009
2:11 pm
All these little pencil neck geek Techie fans talk big through a computer, I wonder how BIG they would talk to your face, HHHHHMMMMMM
BurningRedBleedingBlack
December 1st, 2009
2:21 pm
What i really love about us beatin gthe piss out of Gt, They had a extra week to plan and reat for a 6-5 team, they had home field advantage, and willie martiniz defense stopped the unstoppable triple option from paul johnson. We won this game because we are a better team, and a better school, we own this state don’t ever forget 8 out of 9 proves it and so does this game, if a team that is 6-5 can come in your house when you are 10-1 with a bye week and lose in the fashion that you did (339 yards rushing) there’s not alot you can say……excpet GO DAWGS!!!!! 30-24
DTC
December 1st, 2009
2:23 pm
By the way, I think thwg is Saint Somin in drag.
DTC
December 1st, 2009
2:24 pm
Enter your comments hereThat would be Saint Simon
dawgrific
December 1st, 2009
2:33 pm
Oh you poor/sore losers! We ruined your dream season, and my gosh it feels good! By the way, are you 9 year olds REALLY lining up the excuses, because that is TRULY pathetic, just like your football program and conference.
dawgrific
December 1st, 2009
2:37 pm
You 13, 000 or so fans (both teams combined) enjoy that so called “championship” game on Saturday, and you tech nerds enjoy your 10-4 finish. MAN IT FEELS SO GOOD! Thanks for making me care so much about beating you guys again, you obnoxious bunch of morons!
southsideDAWG
December 1st, 2009
2:55 pm
Well to the people that think Tubs coming to Athens this morning on the radio he said he wants to be a head coach not a DC. He said he could not go that route again. He also siad PJ is the perfect person for ND. I think PJ will be ran out of Tech in two years. Reason being you have to beat the other team in the state. Fans will not put up with it. I would like for UGA to get a new ST coach and move Gardner to DC. If he is not the DC he will leave and that will kill UGA with high school coaches.
Tech fans your players are to blame for last Saturday night. They messed with the hedges the year before and the UGA players showed them who RUN THIS STATE. For your sake you better win Saturday or you will lose to whatever team plays in the Peach bowl. 30-24 ACC is WEAK!
Fletch
December 1st, 2009
3:00 pm
WSP, although I’d love to have Tubs as DC too he said on 790 this morning that he would not consider returning as a coordinator. He went on to say that he will be a head coach again soon possibly in the ACC (what a demotion). Could be a UVA
my post on these blogs every morning for 362 more days
December 1st, 2009
3:21 pm
sorry, couldn’t wait to post again till tomorrow..30 to 24…….see you on all the blogs in the morning bug fans
Biggdawg33
December 1st, 2009
3:23 pm
GT fans on this blog: SHUT UP!
Don’t start crying about SEC refs because yall do enough holding and chop blocks. I hope Clemson remembers how to play defense like they did in the second half of the game against the Nerds.
Besides if Clemson loses against North Avenue Trade School, I want to see a Clemson vs UGA game in Atlanta. The ATL would be hopping!
Money
December 1st, 2009
3:34 pm
“Why would the University of Georgia define Georgia Tech?” Johnson said during an apperance on 790 The Zone’s Brandon and Woolvey program. “What have they done to be the mark for Georgia Tech football? What’s the last thing they won? 1980?”
Does anyone else think this sounds a bit hypocritical of Paul Johnson…he seemed to sing a different tune last year…so much so that he had rings made to commemorate the victory…
Really?
December 1st, 2009
4:01 pm
T-Shirts have been made for the ACC Chipper this weekend! HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SO8Y3MIsoP8/SxMN88MGbFI/AAAAAAAAGqM/eFnge3sjMxc/s1
TopDawg
December 1st, 2009
4:04 pm
Evidently there may have been an incident Saturday night at GA Tech that required police to question Washun Ealey and Caleb King. However, police could not find them until they looked at Grant Field. Police found both of them on the field — AND THEY WERE STILL RUNNNING!!!
30-24 GO DAWGS
Joseph
December 1st, 2009
4:10 pm
The Media are you serious? So now UGA only has Chuck Dowdle…really? It amazes me how lost in the sauce Tech fans are. You all speak about ” sidewalk” fans and the media in the misguided belief that one day under the “greatest Coach ever Paul Johnson” that the tide where turn and you will be the dominate program in this state. Well here is a news flash for you it is not going to happen. The truth is that ya’ll are irrelevant now just as you have been since 1990. Good Luck in the ACC Championship game and me and another 92,000 or so Georgia fans will see you in Athens next year. 30-24!
Dawg Fud
December 1st, 2009
4:28 pm
Evans is a moron and does not listen. Why do you think he blows EVERY SINGLE coverage responsibility coach?
A senior…he should have elarned how to listen and be a leader by now.
Dawg Fud
December 1st, 2009
4:29 pm
“learned”…guess I should have learned to spell check by now…
Mark
December 1st, 2009
4:37 pm
gt has ONE legal win since 1990. Don’t forget the ineligible nerds in 1998-2000. hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Dawg Fud
December 1st, 2009
4:40 pm
SEARCHING,
i am still searching for some tickets to that barn burner of an ACC Championship game. can you help me find some…wait, nevermind, i found some in the crapper.
30-24. Chump.
Vol Nation married his sister
December 1st, 2009
5:07 pm
No Tenn. blogs for you hang out on? Technology has reached the state yet? How are the armed robbers doing? Does Lame Kitten issue guns at the beginning of the season. Go back up in the hill you jackass of a hillbilly.