Richt: ‘We’ve got to look within, starting with me, as to the things that have kept us’ from success
For a complete roundup of the AJC’s coverage of Georgia’s loss to Mississippi State, please click here.
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Partial transcript of Mark Richt’s news conference following Saturday night’s 24-12 loss to Mississippi State:
Opening comments: “We’re definitely in a position that I’ve never been in as a player or a coach. . . . It’s certainly not a good place to be, but we are where we are. We’ve got to stay together, and I’ve seen no signs of change in my mindset that we’re a close-knit family. But we’ve also got to look within, starting with me, as to the things that have kept us from having the success that we want. That’s what we’re going to do.” (Later, asked for specifics, Richt said: “I’m not going to say anything right now, because I’m not sure. I need time to watch and reflect.”)
“I want to congratulate Coach Mullen and Mississippi State on the great job they did. They came out ready to play. They played hard, and they did what they had to do to win the game. Their fans did a wonderful job of supporting them.”
On Georgia’s lack of scoring: “We had a turnover inside the red zone and a penalty on a touchdown that got called back, so that’s at least one touchdown and possibly two touchdowns right there that got taken away.”
On where the team is: “If you go by watching film down by down, you’d say we’re not as far off as some people might think, but if you look at the record, then we are pretty far off of where we want to be.”
On Mississippi State’s defense: “They were blitzing a lot and out-numbering the running game and trying to pressure the quarterback. They were blitzing the quarterback a lot because he was a freshman, but they blitz a lot anyway, period. My guess is that there were a higher percentage than most of their games. At times we just called running plays blindly. We were going to run the play no matter what, and there were times where we had success and times where we got hit in the mouth.”
On being 0-3 in the SEC: “I never would’ve predicted it, but that’s where we’re at.”
On Mississippi State’s opening touchdown: “You’d like to get a stop and get points on the board yourself. It’s a 60-minute football game, though, so it wasn’t the difference in the ballgame. It was good for Mississippi State to build momentum, but we didn’t feel like that had a tremendous effect on the football game.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
727 comments Add your comment
Rogue U
September 27th, 2010
12:21 am
Im tired of these selfish tattooed rogues showing off thier bling and not being focused in playing UGA football. They are nothing but dreggs of society.
Smiling Jack
September 27th, 2010
12:22 am
There is no earthly way nor reason to fire the Coach after four games even though the record is 1 and 3. I’m glad more reasonable people are in charge of such matters than the unreasonmable and irrational peoiple who blog. Encourage him and let him do his job.
Clean House
September 27th, 2010
12:25 am
Smiley Jack…Clemons fired Tommy Bowden and it worked for them…..
Richt Supporter (for now)
September 27th, 2010
12:35 am
When I left the game, I felt sick that the feeling was one of indifference instead of anger (are we really getting used to losing to inferior teams?)…after 24 hours to think about it, I refuse to believe that we are the worst team in the SEC…I am behind the coaches and players but change is needed. Richt has earned the chance to fix this, but McGaritty and CMR both need to lay down clear expectations to their respective coaches…wouldn’t you want that from your boss before your were fired? Might sound something like this>>>
CMR to CMB – I need to see immediate, substantial and measurable improvements in total offense and in points scored or your job may be in jeopardy.
McG to CMR – this is a bottom line business and your job is to win football games…I need to see marked and measurable improvment (bowl eligible this year and at least 9 wins next year) or your job may be in jeopardy. Sounds simple but it takes courage and resolve to have a difficult conversation with a peer or friend…Time to Man UP!!!
DC
September 27th, 2010
12:38 am
How would any UGA excuses go over in the ‘REAL’
DC
September 27th, 2010
12:48 am
world? These players are getting after it, they’re trying real hard! If i were tell my boss that I was trying hard, I doubt that he would say it’s ok, we’ll get better sales next week. He would say, “hey you have a sales plan to meet each month, if you don’t meet it, then you are out!” Coach Richt, I am tired of your excuses/lack of involvement. Should we expect losses from here on out?? What is the issue??? I have been a long time supporter, but there needs to be a change! How is that we can have 5 star recruiting classes, yet still we have 2-3 star results??? I am ashamed to say it, but we will lose to Tennessee this year(who had to go into overtime with UAB), also we will def. lose to FL and Auburn. That is at least 3 more losses on the year! I wouldn’t rule out a lose to Colorado, as Crappy as we have played! Just answer this coach richt, is it a lake of heart for you???? Do you not have the desire to win in you anymore???? Is baby Jesus callling you to do mission work instead of coaching the dawgs up every week? What is the problem here??? I remember when the Dawgs used to be feared, if someone had to play Georgia they were shaking in there britches! What happened to that team? You used to have it!!! Are you too busy being a missionary? Is football getting in the way of your “Godly” duties???? Just tell us if so!!! We will gladly replace you with someone that will have enough time in their schedule to rectify this situation that you have put us in! Don’t get me wrong, I am a long time Richt supporter, I am just fed up with substandard play/effort!!!!
RED DOG 77
September 27th, 2010
1:40 am
DC…..9/27……12:48AM………..You, my friend are a perfect example of just what the University of Georgia Bulldog Nation DOES NOT NEED. That said, isn’t it time you change your pajama bottoms [the wet ones you are wearing] you know the ones with the big G on them, and go buy yourself a Florida or mabe an Alabama pajama set, complete with sheets, bedspread and a big ol “fathead” of Nick Saban ?…………yea, you could get a pennant for your wall too and a big ol fuzzy elephant to sleep with. Seriously DC, I think you would feel alot better then, don’t you ?………..and besides, you’d have a dry bottom…………..Sincerily, RED
RED DOG 77
September 27th, 2010
1:45 am
P.S……….DC………Son, you really don’t have a clue about the game of college football, when you grow-up and mabe, just mabe learn, then you might just enjoy it. good luck trying, young fella……………….Regards, RED
drbasic1
September 27th, 2010
3:55 am
DC
Leave out the christian beliefs of CMR. It is not relevant to this teams performance. I want to win as bad as the next DAWG fan, but your comments IMO are way out of line
Notso Fast
September 27th, 2010
5:41 am
Ok, Ga has hit bottom. Now Coach R has to decide what he is going to do. 1st question to ask is does he want to coach really coach. Not just carrying the title and selling trucks. He has been successful in the past, he certainly has the players to be again. He makes the big bucks and it’s time to now earn it. The Dog Nation will be watching.
TBalt
September 27th, 2010
6:26 am
The other problem with having a young, inexperienced QB, is that you probably aren’t going to do very well at audibling against the kind of blitzes that MSU threw at us. You need to be experienced enough to recognize the package/defense in front of you, see the possible blitz, and check off to something more appropriate. The few times I saw audibles being called, they seemed to be “safety” valve calls to conservative runs up the middle into the blitz, which is rarely effective. They need to be able to throw some quick slants and other pass plays against that kind of defense.
Elliot Garcia
September 27th, 2010
6:49 am
http://www.keepmarkricht.com/
TechRon
September 27th, 2010
6:57 am
Sure the Dawgs suck. Definitely. The worst GA team in recent memory. Still, I think they will beat Tech. The Tech defense utterly sucks and can stop nobody. It really is just pitiful. Back to GA: They will lose 6 games. Good luck.
FLA DAWG
September 27th, 2010
7:02 am
Richt kicks Baker off the team for a DUI – GOOD.
Now, Richt and his staff are under contract to provide The University of Georgia with a College Football Team. We do not have one. Therefore, Richt and his staff should be kicked off.
A + B = C
FLA DAWG
September 27th, 2010
7:06 am
I remind Dawg Nation again that when Dooley faced this same situation in the 70s (Dump Dooley signs all over campus) he changed his personality from “Players’ Buddy” to an SOB. He made damn sure the asst coaches were held responsible for any problems (there were few with Erk there).
Result; SEC Championships and an NC!
Can Richt do the same? Nope, it is not in his character to become that tough.
The End Of Mark Richt as HC at UGA – sadly he’ll be given another year to prove he his a failure.
Randy
September 27th, 2010
7:48 am
Richt has 6 top 10 finishes in 9 seasons, fans are spoiled. Saban had none.
Disappointing
September 27th, 2010
7:56 am
It’s depressing to watch the Bulldogs and the Braves. Both teams with absolutely no heart or drive.
FLA DAWG
September 27th, 2010
8:03 am
Randy,
We’re not spoiled.
We’re embarrassed.
I’m ashamed to see The Dawgs in The SEC this season and last season.
GaDawg
September 27th, 2010
8:09 am
I’ve read most of these post since Saturday night and have come to the conclusion that 90% of you guys are just plain stupid with your comments and ideas. Murray is not the problem! Mett might have won the job had his ego, which pointed to some serious judgmental problems, not over took him to where he had to sexual assault a female in Valdosta. Who goes on spring break to Valdosta? I could point out names but it’s not worth it. After reading these post, no wonder GA ranks at the bottom in education. Most of you can not spell or write a sentence that makes sense. That being said, a good portion of you guys would have never made it in the halls of UGA much less on the field. So lighten up the sky did not fall this past weekend, we will be back. All teams go through this.
Mtn Dawg
September 27th, 2010
8:12 am
I agree with Gordon. Richt has initiated the paper work to replace Bobo. Blindly calling plays?? OMG.
Cugas
September 27th, 2010
8:21 am
The not so bad….. MissSt had Auburn on the ropes, but dropped a pass late to keep the game from going to OT. Arkansas had Alabama beat and gave it away. SC had 4 turnovers in the 4th quarter to lose to Aub. We have been right there in every game, we just continue to be the least opportunistic team I have ever watched. When we make a mistake, it cost us touchdowns on either the offensive or defensive side of the ball. Maybe its coaching…or just that winning right now is a very slim margin.
The Bad….are recievers are never open. Our favorite play is the deep ball when covered or not. We do not game plan anyone on offense. We all knew that every team would run blitz us with a freshman QB….why has Bobo not developed plays to counter this? He has had 8 months to do it and has failed. As Richt said last week, we are still doing the same things from 3-4 years ago that worked back then, they just don’t work now….you think everybody has figured you out? Where are the wrinkles to keep teams honest? Pitiful.
01HAWK
September 27th, 2010
8:28 am
Well UGA…………………………….That Colorodo game that looked like a gimme is now a game that you are sweating about. If the BUFFALOS win……………………….Then CMR should be fired. It will not be easy.
You will disgrace the SEC if Colorodo wins……………………….OH, I forgot……………………..The whole program and your former AD are a DISGRACE.
Cam Newton………………………Westlake High School Atlanta. You already have criminals on the team, so you should have signed him.
VANDY, MS STATE, OLE MISS, KENTUCKY, SOUTH CAROLINA Welcome you to our club of losing teams that have the following qualifications:
Must lose at least 5 games every year
Claim you have 4-5 star recruits but can not win no more than 7 games a year
Always go to the POULAN WEEDEATER BOWLS or something similar. PAPA JOHNS BOWL for SC.
ELITE………………BAMA, FLORIDA
Want to get there………………………..AUBARN, LSU, TENN,
Only 2 BENTLEYS in the SEC………………………….BAMA and FLORIDA.
UGA is more like a FORD FOCUS.
Brenda
September 27th, 2010
8:44 am
I’m sticking behind Coach Richt! Having said that, I will also add that he is the one in charge and the one who is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of the team. It is up to him to surround himself with the best coaches, as well as the best players. Maybe we don’t need all the best players in the country — it would go a long way to have players who love their university, are proud to wear the red and black, and would give 100% on every down. We need men who won’t hang their heads on the sideline when things aren’t going the way you want them to.
I applaud Coach for getting tough on these guys who can’t follow the rules. I don’t think they should occupy space at UGA and a scholarship that someone else would be proud to have.
I’ve seen some young men out on that field the past couple of weeks that DO NOT DESERVE to wear the red and black because of attitude, lack of fire, or whatever you want to call it. We need Erk Russell here to butt a few heads!
Blackberry Cobbler
September 27th, 2010
8:49 am
The OL is not as good as we thought,
The defense looks like it just gets pushed around by the opposing offense.
The running game is weaker than we thought.
Result: 0-3 SEC.
Nuf said.
gatechfan
September 27th, 2010
9:15 am
no reason to pile on here as we have our own issues- mainly (lack of) talent. time for fresh start- fire cmr and get an enabler of the program who coaches up 4 stars (see Boise) versus 5 stars who generally think they walk on water (or, drink a lot)
Meggs
September 27th, 2010
9:20 am
Richt finally found his integrity and dismissed Baker from the team, but that’s just the start of cleaning up this team of illiterate goons and thugs. Dismiss Green and Ealey if you really want to make a statement.
techbuzzer
September 27th, 2010
9:30 am
hey you may be a bunch of losers but you sure no how to party and drink
Rob
September 27th, 2010
9:38 am
Fire CMR. GA fans must be the dumbest in the land if you think the coordinators are the problem. The buck stops with the top guy not your subordinates. This guy; CMR; is the worst coach in the NCAA and needs to go ASAP if the dogs want to win again. I hope the keep him beacuse I hate the dogs!!!
David
September 27th, 2010
9:41 am
Coach Richt,
I feel for you. With the players you have it is like Ron White says – “You can’t fix stupid”.
Glad you kicked that LB off the team for being “stupid”.
Gary
September 27th, 2010
9:44 am
I’ve said it berfore, I’ll say it now and I’ll continue to say this: If UGA proves itself so dumb as to fire Mark Richt, my day of being a staunch support of UGA football are over!!
Let’s put it like this: Richt won more games than Dooley, through his first few seasons. Richt brought the SEC Championship back to the University of Georgia — something that had been lacking, even while Dooley was still at the helm.
And, Richt is the kind of coach, who does what it necessary…He’s not a braggart, he won’t allow his players to get away with breaking rules, etc.
So, if they fire him, I’ll probably see about becoming a Georgia Southern or Georgia State University fan, because I cannot, for the life of me, see myself pulling for Tech!!
Rob
September 27th, 2010
9:52 am
Gary, Do you live in outer space?
Rob
September 27th, 2010
9:54 am
Keep CMR!!! The GA Bullpuppies will continue to be a second or maybe even a third class team!
Silver Britches
September 27th, 2010
10:05 am
I think Mark should take charge of the team and call the plays and get the team back on track, because he is a great coach as we have seen in the past. Coach bring back the past and lets get going and make something of the rest of the year.
FFFUGA
September 27th, 2010
10:07 am
Can we get Bobby Cox next season???
BILLY JACK
September 27th, 2010
10:09 am
It is not that we are not making plays and execution,we are physically getting knocked off the ball.We are getting little push on the offensive line.Our strenth and conditioning is the worst in the country.We must demote Bobo to QB coach,Coach Richt starts calling the plays again,Rodney Garner is forced to resign and the entire strenth and conditioning dept is fired before noon today.
Buck Belue wears a toupee
September 27th, 2010
10:10 am
I see great things in the future for our bulldawgs.
Gabulldawg47
September 27th, 2010
10:15 am
CMR should be calling plays. There was a short time during the game where he had the play book, he needs to be making the calls.
CB
September 27th, 2010
10:18 am
I hope so. Bobo must go…and please, take Brian McClendon with you.
ClantonDawg
September 27th, 2010
10:19 am
I was at the game Saturday and saw all the fuss on the field after the game. Not sure what it was all about but for some of the players to act the way they did…..it looked pretty classless to me. The guys are not playing to lose, that’s for sure but we need some leaders and playmakers on both side of the ball to step up. We have way too many arm-chair quarterbacks commenting on here. I’m also seeing what you see and I get frustrated too but let’s stay positive DAWG NATION! We’re in unchartered waters with CMR but he will right the ship!!
cantondawg
September 27th, 2010
10:20 am
First of all, i’m not in with the Fire Mark Richt crowd. I believe we should give him one more year to make changes and to bring in the recruit. However, if a change is made there is no question that Dan Mullen of Miss State is the man to get the job. What he’s done in two year at Miss. State is incredible. Last year they should have beaten LSU and this year almost beat Auburn and beat UGA.
Vick=Dog killing thug
September 27th, 2010
10:21 am
The UGA players on the sidelines tell the story as much as the players on the field. We’re getting our butts handed to us and most of the team is laughing and cutting up having a grand ole time. These young men don’t have a care in the world.
Vince Dooley
September 27th, 2010
10:21 am
I never thought it would get this bad.
dawggonebad
September 27th, 2010
10:32 am
I’m glad to see CMR and UGA send a strong message about getting arrested finally: IF YOU’RE A 4TH STRING LB WHO’S NEVER PLAYED YOU GET KICKED OFF THE TEAM. IF YOU’RE A 1ST STRING RB YOU GET A MEANINGLESS SUSPENSION.
dawggonebad
September 27th, 2010
10:34 am
Let’s face it, CMR will never get fired, and maybe he shouldn’t. But it is time the administration took him to the woodshed. It is as much CMR’s fault as it is AJ Green’s that Green has been MIA and it is all on CMR that we’ve become THUG U.
dawggonebad
September 27th, 2010
10:35 am
Maybe we need to get really bad before we can get the fire again to be really good.
dawggonebad
September 27th, 2010
10:36 am
I was among those calling for his head, but now it is clear, it wasn’t all Willie Martinez.
It Could Be Worse
September 27th, 2010
10:50 am
Usually it is great news when GT loses, but now it just means when they beat us in November we’ll be losing to yet another sorry team. (GT soundly beat MSU the past two years.)
vol4ever
September 27th, 2010
10:52 am
Im a Tennessee fan and feel your pain x 2 but I will have to say that you guys are exactly where we were 2 years ago with Fulmer. He is the big reason we are this far down on talent and he got lazy just like Richt. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions and bite the bullet and fire the guy. By the way I believe Bama Boy is GAY. See you in 2 weeks and we will see who can look worse.
Alan
September 27th, 2010
10:56 am
Please no more bible thumping coaches at UGA.Richt is finished.He is a religious lunatic who has no business coaching at my state university.I despise anyone pushing a religious agenda at my university.Go join your lunatic friend Tommy Bowden and you both can start a megachurch.Better yet you may be able to replace reverand Long in nearby Atlanta..Richt never had control of this program.
Blundermutt
September 27th, 2010
11:00 am
Michael Vick knew what to do with dogs that would not fight.