Richt on late fumble: ‘That’s as basic of a play as we’ve got’

BOULDER, Colo. — Comments by Georgia coach Mark Richt after the Bulldogs’ latest loss, 29-27 to Colorado on Saturday night:

On the fumble on Georgia’s final drive: “That’s as basic of a play as we’ve got. You say, ‘What’s our No. 1 running play?’, and that was it. They got penetration, obviously, but you’ve still got to be able to secure that ball for a 4- or 5-yard loss. You’ve got to hold on to it, but we didn’t. They made a play.”

On Caleb King’s night otherwise [100 yards rushing on 12 carries]: “Yeah, Caleb played real good. He broke a lot of tackles. [On the fumble] I think he was trying to make a spin move as he was getting the ball. It was his instinct to try and make somebody miss. But you’ve got to get the ball first, and we just didn’t do that. Caleb gave great effort; he gave great runs. When the ball was secured to him, he wrapped it up real well. Unfortunately on the exchange, he didn’t.”

On the team’s morale: “Am I worried about it? It’s hard. It’s not easy. But I have a lot of faith in our guys. They’ll stay together; they’ll keep working. No one’s going to give in or quit, and nobody’s going to do a negative thing within our ranks. I’m confident that everybody on this football tam is going to keep working. … Losing is not good, but there are a lot of good things that come out of it as far as effort and attitude of the group. There are a lot of things that I can point to that the coaches will be proud of these games for. But the bottom line in football is wins and losses, and right now we haven’t gotten one in a while.”

On A.J. Green’s return: “It’s nice to have A.J. You could see tonight just how talented he is and how dangerous a player he is. He’s a momentum changer, and he did [change momentum]. We reversed the momentum of the game, and … he made our offense spark. He’s definitely a special player and a special kid…. There are plays you can call that go to a guy, but we didn’t go that way because of protection or coverage, so that’s where we started with him.”

342 comments Add your comment

WTF?

October 3rd, 2010
9:45 am

Unreal!

Richt is trying to cover for Bozo’s boneheaded flea flicker call with the win almost assured on a Walsh kick.

Scott

October 3rd, 2010
9:45 am

That fumble didn’t cost us the game, our coaching did. Why in the hell are we playing these close games? Why can’t we blow out a team like CU? We should never have been in that situation in the first place.

Smell

October 3rd, 2010
9:46 am

You all do know what that smell is today don’t you?

It’s them trailer parks burning this a.m. from them Ugag fans rioting.

CMR

October 3rd, 2010
9:47 am

Can you handle the TRUTH …. WE ARE a JOKE……!!!!!! The wait until next yr crap is 30 yrs old…….. are we the most overrated program in the history of college football?

Nub,
We are not overrated.The last time I checked we weren’t even rated.If you haven’t heard all we have to do is win out to win the sec east,then beat a so so bama team to win the sec championship,that puts us in the big game.So the nc is still in reach.Have a little faith in the Good Lord and your coach.The past 4 games is just a way of staying under the radar.

WTF?

October 3rd, 2010
9:47 am

Will we tear down the goal post IF we beat Vandy?

BTW, Bama looks very crisp and workmanlike. I remember when UGA looked like this, but I’m getting old.

tell me again

October 3rd, 2010
9:50 am

And as an observation – I thought we had two very good RB’s in Ealey and King at the start of the year but after watching other teams throughout the country and in the SEC it is pretty obvious that King and Ealey are good but not elite RB’s….they are not that strong (Ingram and Richardson), fast (Demps) or capable (anyone that can hold on to the ball)….I am afraid we were drinking the kool aid when we recruited some of these guys – and whatever happened to Marlon Brown – the second coming of Green? Don’t you rememeber all of the hoopla when we signed that kid? And after two years he’s shown us what? Oh well…

Just Wondering

October 3rd, 2010
9:50 am

Georgia Tech won last night.

How about Ugag?

UGAG is gitting the ncaa death penalty, he he ha ha

October 3rd, 2010
9:51 am

LAST IN THE SEC! HE HE HA HA

Just Wondering

October 3rd, 2010
9:51 am

Who ever told you King and Ealey were elite running backs. THEY LIED TO YOU.

Just Wondering

October 3rd, 2010
9:53 am

In addition. Who ever told you King and Ealey were GOOD running backs. THEY LIED TO YOU.

Brian Vangorder

October 3rd, 2010
9:53 am

This is sad. No one realized how much of the coaching puzzle I was until I left. Richt has got to go back to running the offense and find another co-head coach to run the defense. And what the hell is Bryan McClendon doing coaching the running backs?

You Probably Read This

October 3rd, 2010
9:54 am

Georgia Tech won last night.

Big Dawg

October 3rd, 2010
9:54 am

CMR

October 3rd, 2010
9:54 am

Georgia Tech KNOWS how to WIN games.

UGA KNOWS how to LOSE games.

Yes You Know It,
Winning is the easy part.Trying to come up with new ways to lose each week,now that is the hard part.I think we have been real good the last 4 weeks at keeping us in the games until right at the end,kind of like taking a dager to the heart of all those Uga fans.They will be singing my praises when we win out,almost like Moses delivering us to the promised lands.

OVERPAID ANYONE LATELY?

October 3rd, 2010
9:55 am

Last week 2 coaches got paid a lot of $$$

Ga coach was paid $65,400

BAMA coach was paid $80,700

WHO DO YOU THINK EARNED THEIR $$$

UGAG is gitting the ncaa death penalty, he he ha ha

October 3rd, 2010
9:55 am

That smell in Athens is a strong and powerful odor of mendacity!

russ555

October 3rd, 2010
9:55 am

Sorry, I was wrong about the dogs, maybe they are a bad as you think. I see Uga’s sub didn’t make the trip. Sounds like smart little bulldog.

I've GOT IT

October 3rd, 2010
9:55 am

Richt red-shirted the entire team this year.

WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!!!

Boobie Bowden

October 3rd, 2010
9:56 am

That weren’t no flea clicker, that was my patented fumbleruski play that I taught St. Mark down in Tallahassee. Course I only used it once a decade and he has used it against South Carolina, and Mississippi State and Colorado and….

I've GOT IT

October 3rd, 2010
9:58 am

Must be that the practice just ain’t no good.

LMAO,,,,,,LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSERS!!!

tell me again

October 3rd, 2010
9:59 am

After reviewing the last play – it seems obvious that was a designed flea flicker that went bad…why else would King turn around to face Murray and look like he was about to toss him the ball…..CMR is just trying to protect Bobo…..misplaced loyalty, coach…..get rid of the boy – he’s not an SEC level OC. He should never have gotten the job to start with. With all of the money at UGA we can afford to hire a great OC.

I've GOT IT

October 3rd, 2010
9:59 am

Must be that the practice SQUAD just ain’t no good.

LMAO,,,,,,LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSERS!!!

Gainesville Dawg

October 3rd, 2010
10:00 am

You armchair quarterbacks and talented coaches, apply in Athens in the morning. I am sure with your knowledge and talent, you would be hired.
We are all disappointed about the loss, but we did not have to play it!!! Yes, there seem to be some problems,but we must support the Dawgs!!!!
They need fan support!!!!!!!

I've GOT IT

October 3rd, 2010
10:00 am

It was DISH Network’s fault!!!

LMAO,,,,NEXT EXCUSE BOYS.

RxDawg

October 3rd, 2010
10:01 am

We stink :(

Jakar Hamilton – Stinks

O-Line – oh come on, you girls shouldn’t even suit up.

Our RBs…..yeh all of them – stinks. I saw a post that said they might be point shaving….that poster might be on to something.

I keep seeing people talk about all our “talent” and how the coaches can’t call the right plays for them. HA! Sorry, this team ain’t talented. Not in the least. We have a handful of good players, and truck load of complete crap. These guys suck and I can’t believe it happened to us…but it did.

For god’s sakes, why do we not bench these upperclassmen morons that can’t get it done?

I've GOT IT

October 3rd, 2010
10:02 am

It was the schedule. Shouldn’t have played that powerhouse team from out west. Should have played Northwest Maine Jr. College.

Dawg Fud

October 3rd, 2010
10:03 am

Sug, what are you smoking?

GB loss

October 3rd, 2010
10:04 am

Let’s do a fans out!

Pete

October 3rd, 2010
10:04 am

Gee, ain’t it funny when UGA plays teams other than Vanderbilt, Kentucky, or St. Marys School for the Blind. Reality really sucks, huh Bullpuppy Nation ???

tony

October 3rd, 2010
10:04 am

Jim Donnan gets the boot with a winning record so why does Mr.Richt gets a pass? He at least won a championship at Marshall.

1996 Georgia 5-6
1997 Georgia 10-2
1998 Georgia 9-3
1999 Georgia 8-4
2000 Georgia 8-4

If they keep Mr.Richt they can’t justify for not given Jim Donnan time to build a championship team at uga.

Old Gold

October 3rd, 2010
10:06 am

What a list: An uncharacteristic miss of a short field goal by one of the best kickers in the game. A late fumble setting up what could have been the game-winning field goal. The return of perhaps the best wide receiver in college football this season, cut short by cramps.

Had any one of the things listed above gone the other way, Georgia has a win. The same could have been said last week. And the week before. Three or four plays, and Georgia is 4-1, not 1-4.

Georgia will likely lose to Auburn and Florida (but you never know). Tech is struggling too, and is a tossup. Kentucky, Tennessee, and Vandy should be wins, but again, who knows. Personally, I think the Dawgs split Auburn and Florida, and win three of the others listed above (along with a win over Idaho State). Likely record 6-6, worse case 5-7, best case 7-5.

Considering a RS Fr QB, a new defensive coordinator and scheme, and a jersey-selling receiver who took himself out for a third of the season, maybe not such a bad year. The question is, what comes next year? If the discipline finally sets in – and that’s the biggest problem in Athens, I think – then even without A.J., look for improvement – unless you change coaches.

tony

October 3rd, 2010
10:06 am

Oh, by the way, how many players got arrested and suspended under Donnan’s watch?

bbcsickdawg

October 3rd, 2010
10:08 am

did see some hard hits by the defense at times some urgency on offense bad news dont see many teams left they can beat

russ555

October 3rd, 2010
10:08 am

tony – Donnan was fired mostly because he couldn’t control his players off the field, on the other hand, Richt – wait – never mind.

I hate Saturdays

October 3rd, 2010
10:10 am

I understand Snellville High School has an open date 2012 for a home and away.

That will cut down on our travel time, and it will be a close game.

They are a talented bunch, and it will take our greatest effort.

Good news, bad news.

October 3rd, 2010
10:10 am

George

October 3rd, 2010
10:12 am

Even though Bobo is a lame OC and should have been fired last year, there is no way he called a flea flicker at that point in the game. Come on guys, there is just no way that call was for a flea flicker. There was penetration and King was trying to spin to avoid the rush before he got control of the ball.

Complete meltdown

October 3rd, 2010
10:12 am

Party Boys and Thugs = UGA football team

Complete meltdown

October 3rd, 2010
10:14 am

Fire Stacy Searles, McClendon and Boo Boo the clown !

rosezeee

October 3rd, 2010
10:16 am

IF YOU’RE NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION – YOU’RE PART OF THE PROBLEM!

EMAIL McGarity and tell HIM how you feel!!!

gmcgarity@sports.uga.edu

rosezeee

October 3rd, 2010
10:17 am

This is Georgia Football – – start it at the 55 second mark!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yDMEX57Lyc&feature=related

UGA Mom

October 3rd, 2010
10:18 am

I just don’t understand how a good, god fearing, church going man like CMR would lie about an obvious flea flicker? I guess he’s not the honest guy we thought he was.

Gainesville Dawg

October 3rd, 2010
10:18 am

The DAWGS need fans’ support right now. Yes, we are disappointed!!!!!!!! In three games we have lost because of a fumble??????? Makes me wonder why? It almost seems planned. Is there someone/something Out there that we cannot see???? I know this sounds weird but I have uneasy vibes.
See you in Athens next Saturday. Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!!!

UGAVIII

October 3rd, 2010
10:19 am

Does anybody remember Saban’s first season at Alabama with the 3-4 defense? They went 6-6 including a loss to ULM. It takes time to learn the 3-4 scheme and coverages. If Richt can hang on for another season, the defense should be much better next year. And, hopefully the offense will be better as well since Murray will have playing experience (assuming Bobo is fired).

yarddawg

October 3rd, 2010
10:20 am

Fan support is what the University of Georgia needs, but, If anyone does not think that that was a flea flicker type play is crazy! Its very obvious that Mark Richt is or was covering up for what has to be one of the dumbest calls at the time when it was called in the a long long time. Come on Mark Richt lets don’t forget the christian part of your life, at least don’t lie for the man, with that B.S.

dawgfan

October 3rd, 2010
10:20 am

The things that need to be fixed aren’t getting fixed. Its the same crap week after week after week. I cannot believe the audacity of Richt trying to spin positives in a 1-4 season. Its becoming pretty clear that our players are coddled and soft. I still think the world of the guy as a human being but as a head coach he has completely lost it. Its time for him to go.

DawginOH

October 3rd, 2010
10:21 am

I’d love it if as many people were calling for Van Halanger’s head as they are Coach Richt’s. These players are not in shape. Period. That problem can be remedied in the weight room.

Last year’s two-a-days led to injuries before the season started. This year’s one-a-days are leading to players getting injured during the season and getting physically manhandled by cupcake teams like Colorado and Mississippi State.

The common denominator? A TERRIBLE strength and conditioning program. Have y’all seen the kind of monsters lining up for Alabama? I bet their biggest offensive lineman outweighs ours by 50 pounds.

Dawg-gone-it

October 3rd, 2010
10:28 am

Suggestion to A.J. :

while sitting around for 4 weeks….ever think about working out?

sure you have great talent, but we NEEDED you the ENTIRE game.

and don’t give me the “light air” crap..you didn’t KNOW that?

Football Nazi

October 3rd, 2010
10:34 am

Hamilton and Cuff should be benched along with Rambo!

NO BOWL for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SEC FAN

October 3rd, 2010
10:36 am

Did any of UGA fans see Alabama and Saban take care of FL and Urban? Need I say more? You know what you have to do.