Richt makes two changes, including one suggested by talk-show caller
Amid a four-game losing streak, Mark Richt decided on at least two changes Monday:
- First, the Bulldogs practiced in full pads on a Monday during the season “for the first time since I’ve been at Georgia,” Richt said on his weekly radio show shortly after the practice ended.
In the past, the team has practiced in shorts and helmets on Mondays, focusing on conditioning and special-teams work. But Richt had the team don full pads because, as he put it on his radio show, “We’re not tackling good enough. We’re not blocking good enough. We’re not physical enough.”
The first-team offense went against the first-team defense, and the second-team offense vs. the second-team defense, in Monday’s practice. Richt called it “a very high-spirited, high-contact scrimmage.”
- The second change will come just before the start of Saturday’s game against Tennessee in Sanford Stadium. A caller on Richt’s radio show, “Jill in Hoschton,” told the coach that she’d love to see him lead the team out on to the field “clapping and high-fiving our players like [Alabama coach Nick] Saban does.” She said she’s never seen Richt do that in 10 years.
Richt promised to follow the caller’s suggestion.
“The reason I’ve been the last one to go is I want the players to be able to have their moment hitting that field,” Richt said. “But you make a good point, and here’s what I’m going to do, Jill. I’m going to lead the pack coming out of that tunnel, OK? Now, I hope I don’t pull a hamstring and I hope they don’t run me over.
“But I think it’s a good suggestion. So just look for Coach Richt to lead the pack.”
Another caller, “Will in Sylvester,” had a change in mind, too, asking Richt if he plans to begin calling the offensive plays.
“Right now Mike Bobo is calling our plays,” Richt said. “And that’s the way it is right now.”
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343 comments Add your comment
Lilburn Dawg
October 5th, 2010
7:46 am
Hey BigDawg, “For the second year in a row I can’t see how the heck we lose this game.”
How about change that to: “For the second WEEK in a row I can’t see how the heck we lose this game”. But we know what happened last week. And UT has been playing some tough ball even with the players they have this year.
Kevdawg
October 5th, 2010
7:47 am
MARK – Carlton is 5′7″ 175 lbs. Linebackers will throw him around unless he can grow a few inches or gains 50 lbs. He is fast and quick. I have seen him in spring games where they get him the ball in the flat and he has some room to work. We don’t use him that way now. He is not an every down back and needs to be put into situations where he can succeed the majority of the time. We are asking the kid to do things that if he succeeds 25% of the time we are lucky. It is not his fault we put him in these positions.
If Bobo is calling the plays, why doesn’t he insure the proper personnel are in the game to run it? If you need a back to block (King is the best blocking back) then why isn’t he in the game? If McClendon does not have the right back in the game, the Bobo should walk down and have a talk with him.
It just seems to me that we do not play the game, on either side of the ball, based on the personnel we have. On D, they are saying we don’t yet have the personnel to run the 3-4, then why do we do it? A good coach should adjust to get the most out of the players that he has, not try to get them to do something they admittedly do not have the personnel to do.
zinoDawg
October 5th, 2010
7:52 am
They should play in their red practice helmets. No 1-4 team should have the black G on their helmets.
Dawg Trainer
October 5th, 2010
7:55 am
Come on Dawgs. You’re taking the fun out of UT/UGA week. Back in the summer, you were raking the Dawg Trainer over the coals when he told y’all that Athens was Neyland South, Dooley would own UGA, and to keep his hedges trimmed and watered.
Fast forward to October. Yes, Tennessee is 2-3, but the only game we were totally outclassed was Oregon. The Vols are young and hungry. The Dawgs are treading water, just trying not to go under.
76 more hours, ladies. Dooley is coming to Athens, and he’s bringing Hell with him!
Disgusted
October 5th, 2010
7:56 am
CMR will probably get stuffed for a 4 yd loss while running out with the team since no one can block.
MURPHY
October 5th, 2010
8:00 am
Something occured this weekend that really proved to me the meaning of football in the south. I live in Jacksonville and this town is somewhat mixed as far as the NFL-Jaguars go. They are alot like us Dawg fans in that they are hungry for success from their team. By the way I dont like the NFL-College all they way for me. The talk last week leading up to Sunday was the possible firing of the coach DelRio and the trading of Garrard the q.b to anothet team. The fans just knew that with Indy and Manning comming to town it would be another loss. Well as many of you know the Jaguars beat Indy. Come Mon the city was a buzz about the win,people rejoicing at work and Jaguar flags flying on cars. The point is we are very passionate about our football in the south,and a win means alot to the fans and supporters. Could a win on Sat for the Dawgs do the same. We need it in a bad way.
VaHiDawg
October 5th, 2010
8:10 am
How about this for a change:
ACTUALLY LOOK AT THE TAPE FROM THE OPPOSITIONS PREVIOUS GAME
SadDawg
October 5th, 2010
8:13 am
Crazy Vol, at least UGA has been in every game, right to the end. How about the Vols?
Dwayne
October 5th, 2010
8:19 am
How can anyone say Richt deserves to stay? He is 1-4, only win was against a 1AA school. GA might not win again this year. Geeeez, I dont hate the man or the team, but please stop thinking that coaches have earned the right to lose like he has been losing and keep a job. GA has made him a millionaire, he will be alright if he gets fired. He could just open a sweat shop and make his 48 kids work for supper.
RealDawg
October 5th, 2010
8:26 am
Go Dawgs. Negative people suck.
gabugman
October 5th, 2010
8:31 am
Freedawg, Buck Belue, and any other Homer that might be listening,
As a “fan” my allegiance is to UGA football and their success. I am only interested in their being the best. While there will be administrators, coaches and associates that assist in UGA reaching toward that goal, those same folks will one day be gone. I appreciate their contributions to the program as long as I think they have the best interests of the U in mind. When I start to believe that they DON’T, are distracted or have become incapable, I expect someone to replace them that can facilitate the team reaching its goals. Because I believe someone else may be capable of doing a better job, I am no less a “fan” for wanting more for UGA. In fact , YOU are not a “fan” if you insist on accepting the same mediocre results from the same staff over and over again.
Is it safe to assume that we all agree Willie G had to go? That he was not able to effect his postion successfully? That there were other coaches available that could do as well or better?
OK.
Who hired Willie G? After 4 seasons of declining defense why didn’t the principal decide on his own that he needed replacing? Why was he forced into the decision by the administration? Because he is inept and does not have the best interests of the team at heart. He is decidedly dedicated to his friends and family. A fine characater trait for sure. I’m certain he is a great man and human being. But he puts his relationships ahead of the teams’ best interests. And when you show your priorities lie there, you are no longer the best person for the job.
Mark Richt just wants to mission to inner city youth. UGA needs a football coach that exhibits passion about the position. Time for Richt to go on permanent mission. Perhaps he can travel to the middle east and try and convert a few of the radical Muslims that seem to think christians need exterminating?
jaxf
October 5th, 2010
8:31 am
Perhaps CMR could let CPJ call his plays. Oh wait, if only.
Tick Tock
October 5th, 2010
8:32 am
It’s all great until you get smacked in the mouth.
dawgster
October 5th, 2010
8:33 am
Amazing..some of you idiots on here that are complaining about the dawgs and wanting Coach Richt to do something…Well he is doing that…They practiced in pads on Monday and will do it again Tues..I mean people he knows there are problems and the coaching staff is trying to correct them..what else do you want…I hear calls for him to call the plays and throw Bobo under the bus…well him or nor other coach is going to get that…thats not how you get respect…Believe me that situation is being looked at but its not going to happen like so many of yor want…The dawgs need the support of our fans and we need to stay behind them…We can still do some good things this year and hopefully if this recruiting class, which by the way has the potential to be very, very good with some key players needed at certain positions…Eveyone can be down on the coaching staff and demand changes, that is your right, but at least give the Coaches and these players the rest of the seasong and see how it plays out and thank the lord that you guys that all you can do is bash the team are not in the position as our new AD is when doing what is right for UGA..
MURPHY
October 5th, 2010
8:33 am
As much as I would like to smack talk this week to the Vol nation,I find it hard to do so with the lack of ability to win displayed by our team. Dang Ive been looking forward to this game for a year and I believe it will be another dissappointing Sat.
treyingeorgia
October 5th, 2010
8:35 am
Guys it is a little too late in the game when you’ve been totally tuned out by the players… unfortunately it is time for a change… someone who actually commands respect and doesnt put up with this crap… do you think for 1 minute a coach that preached discipline would have kept Cuff in the game after 3 personal foul penalties- what did Richt do he? enough said… we need a coach and not a best friend to the players… We are an embarassment right now and that is unacceptable…
Later
Common Sense
October 5th, 2010
8:36 am
Who cares at this point?
Ive been a Dawg for 30 plus years. This program is sunk.
30 more years for a national championship?
Wow, Saban and Meyer seem to have it figured out in one-fifth of that time.
Saban and Meyer will be 6 feet under before UGA wins another.
And so will I.
How you like my math?
Yesterday
October 5th, 2010
8:39 am
Maybe Jill in Hoschton can start calling the plays too!
Complete meltdown
October 5th, 2010
8:40 am
Is that the same Dumb botch that told Richt to use the black Grambling helmets last year?
Troof
October 5th, 2010
8:40 am
Top prospects, what I love most about that article was the huge list of official and unofficial visitors Bama had this weekend at the UF mauling. See Dawg fans, Saban is coming over into your backyard and starting to take your best players. Don’t worry, it’s happening in other states as well. Bama grabbed DePriest from the middle of Buckeye country.
With the talent in Georgia, all Richt has to do is recruit the state and coach them up. First part is happening, second is not. No amount of running ahead of the team or chaning jerseys will help that.
Do the right thing UGA fans. Pay his buyout and move on. The longer Richt stays the further and further you guys will fall behind us and Florida. Heck, with the strides Auburn and Arky are making you are becoming third tier in the SEC.
ROLL TIDE ROLL!!
SadDawg
October 5th, 2010
8:41 am
Well BigDawg, it’s like this. Any, and I mean any below-average team with a good DC can stiffle the predictable, outdated Rich/Bobo offense. UT was mediocre last season but held our offense to 3 points.
It’s even worse this season. We play in the Power I until we get behind by two scores. Then Bobo puts Murray in the shotgun, which he should be the whole game, and the offense flies up and down the field. We get close or (last Sat) ahead, then it’s back to the I, and the 3-and-outs.
Of course we should beat UT, but we won’t. UK proved last season that it’s no longer a big deal to go to Athens and beat the Dawgs, especially if you have decent coaching.
My local high school (Charlton County High) could go to Athens with his own assistants and the Dawgs would be at least 3-1 now. Unlike Richt/Bobo, he plays the offense his personel dictates. He has won state championships in successive years with the Spread O, then the option.
When he had a Murray type QB, the boy rewrote the GHSA record books (until Hutson Mason got most of them).
UGA has two record-breaking QBs (Murray and Mason) who thrived in the Spread offense in high school, yet Richt/Bobo sticks them in the power I, trying to make pocket-passers out of them.
Why has it not occurred to them to try this, especially with the mediocre numbers our O is putting up? Bobo puts Murray in the gun, and he makes plays. He goes right back to the I, our offense struggles.
Ray Ray Goff
October 5th, 2010
8:44 am
This is my last offer:
I will come back and coach and Keep Richt as OC on one condition….
No diving off that 10m Board. I am very easy to get ear infection
in pee pee water.
MURPHY
October 5th, 2010
8:44 am
Troof,
That 4 million that Saban was paid when arrived looks like quite a bargin now. Remember all the uproar that contract caused? Looks like a good deal to me.Imagine what it will cost us to make a head coaching change
FLA DAWG
October 5th, 2010
8:44 am
UT will beat our Dawgs by 21 or more.
Did you see the UT / LSU Game!?
The Dawgs have not played with that kind of intensity in YEARS.
Yesterday
October 5th, 2010
8:45 am
Maybe they can hire Damon Evans back to lead the team on the field with a pair of red pantied on his head. That ought to fire em up!
Cardinal Sin
October 5th, 2010
8:49 am
Simple request to Coach M R. Go back to wearing black pants with the white tops and white pants with the red….just to change it up.
Stay focused.
Gators win the East again in 2010!
Yesterday
October 5th, 2010
8:51 am
It is “nice” the coach will lead the team on the field. I have not seen anyone talking about this being an emotional return to Athens for Derek Dooley. Really hard to get a feel for this game.
MURPHY
October 5th, 2010
8:55 am
Yesterday,
I promise you Dooley wants this game in the worse way. He will be very classy if he wins but I bet he does back flips in the locker room. He is a class act and I wish him well. It will be good to see a Dooley back in Sanford Stadium just not in orange.
dawgster
October 5th, 2010
8:56 am
treyinggeorgia…whether you agree or not with the decision to leave Cuff in the game, Coach Richt explained it last night on his talk show….saying that he would have been pulled except that Branden Smith received another concussion and that Cuff and Smitth had the majority of the reps there…With that being said..the roughing the kicker was bad luck, thei kid was trying to make a play, had he been a step quicker he actually may have blocked the kick…i don’t think its totally fair to throw him under the bus for that one…but i will say that he is getting beat on many plays in the passing game…
Yesterday
October 5th, 2010
8:57 am
Agreed.
RJM
October 5th, 2010
8:59 am
Why haven’t we seen the the fire shown by the Defensive Coordinator during the seasons first game.
If I remember correctly he was all over a defensive back for screwing up that it continued even after a commercial break. The fans in the stands loved it. That is the kind of attitude we are missing. Screw up and feel the pain.
Run, ealey, Run
October 5th, 2010
9:00 am
Yeah buddy, with the Vols coming to town & a win almost assured, I am sure dogville will be shouting to the heavens that richt leading the dogs onto the field & practicing in pads has set the tone for a winnig season. I imagine the trend will continue until the realization that richt’s teams lack focus & have for a number of years. A quick fix maybe needed, but the bottom line is it will not carry over for long. Just look at the black g at Florida. There is a problem in dogville, but you folks have blinders on and refuse to accept the possiblity it starts with and is richt.
Yesterday
October 5th, 2010
9:02 am
Saying my prayers extra hard this week that we don’t have to hear “Rocky Top” over and over on Saturday. I don’t think I can take it.
dawgster
October 5th, 2010
9:04 am
Saddawg…First of all Murray and Mason came here to be QB’s in a pro-style offense…that is one of the main reasons that Murray did not go to the gators…he did not want to be spread type QB all the time…Even his high school coach said as much..as far as your high school coaches…well they do a great job…but the SEC Div 1 Football is not high school…You seem to have all the answers..why don’t you schedule a meeting with our AD and tell your plan for success…Why not try something like staying behind this team at least till the end of the seasnon, and who knows maybe with a few baounces in our favor here and there and having AJ back, maybe, just maybe we will win some games that we are not expected to…Maybe i’m just being a homer…but i will trust the coaching staff, our players and AD with this program instead of a bunch of whinning bloggersl…go dawgs
takedowndawg
October 5th, 2010
9:04 am
The lack of team confidence currently is cancerous. We need a win bad. And, we need it NOW!!!! Like a J. D. Wentwert commercial!!! Yes, our defense does look confused generally and I attribute it to the new Grantham schemes. Our current crop of defensive lineman and linebackers were recruited based on a 4-3 defense formation. I am willing to be patient with Coach Grantham for a year. After that, no so much. I am sure that this is a controversial statement, but,I also believe our team could use some ethic diversity on the defensive side of the ball. We have not had it for years. I think that it could be beneficial. Next, this team is in dire need of PLAYER leadership, particularly on the line. Where are our leaders? Please step up, young men!!!!!Come on DAWGS, let’s get our act together.
Steve
October 5th, 2010
9:06 am
What’s the old adage about a coach following the advice of people in the stands?
Yesterday
October 5th, 2010
9:08 am
Do you think Saban and Meyer have taken suggestions from their call-in shows?
dawgfacedboy
October 5th, 2010
9:10 am
Definition of insanity- doing something the same way over and over and expecting a different result. I don’t mind him trying something out. If they go out and win the game I bet most of you will call for him to do it again.
Yesterday
October 5th, 2010
9:11 am
The bottom line is, why are we in the position to need to take suggestions on the call-in show? Nuff said…
dawgfacedboy
October 5th, 2010
9:12 am
Coaches try different things all the time. Baseball managers shake up the lineup, football coaches bring out black jerseys or lead their team on the field when they don’t normally. Finding a way to connect with the players is the key.
Dawg Forever
October 5th, 2010
9:12 am
Jill…. GREAT idea! You are SO right we need some enthusiasm from CMR. He is our leader and needs to step up… This could be the spark that gets us going. TA (NACM)
Charles
October 5th, 2010
9:13 am
Some years the breaks go your way and some years they don’t this being one of those years. Richt is a fine person who needs to get in his coaches and players faces and get the point across you can not win games when your heads are not in the game, you can not win games when you allow players who commit three personal fouls remain in the game. Focus on the game and quite all this trying to get fans in the game with this silly attempt to be cheerleaders. If that what you want try out for a cheerleaders spot. If your heads are in the game and you are playing like you want to win the fans will get in the game.
dawgfacedboy
October 5th, 2010
9:15 am
Yesterday- what’s the down side of this particular suggestion? She didn’t suggest a change in anything that could actually affect the outcome (scheme, starters, benchings, play calling). If you don’t think Richt is desperate for a win then you don’t know coaching.
Leading them on the field gives the appearence and feeling that he is a LEADER, which I believe a HC in any sport should be.
LMAO
October 5th, 2010
9:18 am
hosay cosayco
October 4th, 2010
10:21 pm
do you think richt planned this so he could fall into FSU job/
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? FSU HAS A QUALITY COACH IN JIMBO FISCHER SORRY THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN RICHT TO FSU LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY WERE HAPPY HE LEFT.
Blackberry Cobbler
October 5th, 2010
9:20 am
Can’t block, can’t tackle, can’t hold onto the ball, can’t call good plays……………… but, by all means, let’s not worry about those silly things. Let’s just practice 1 extra day in pads and come up with another gimmick.
See ya CMR.
What a pansy.
Jborodawg
October 5th, 2010
9:23 am
Some of you people, every time CMR does something you have a negative response about it. So what if he leads the team out?
“…we need…some good ole fashion 2 and 3 “star” recruits…”
Do what?! See next post…
“….Richt needs to take a bigger interest in recuiting like Saban and Meyer. The HC has laid back too long and now it is time for him to assume more of a interest in the program…I feel we pass on too many talented players…Bow in the direction of the west and bring in Saban…”
That’s just totally ignorant to say that CMR isn’t interested in recruiting or the program. UGA is “generally” top 10 in recruiting. And, there are a LOT of great coaches that don’t rant and rave on the sidelines (eg B.Bryant, Joe Pa). If you haven’t seen the “fire” from CMR during the games, you haven’t been watching. Bring in Saban? Do what?!
“….I did hear a rumor that he got onto Grantham in game 1 when he jumped the d”s a$$ for giving that long TD vs L-Laf….”
Just that, a rumor and a stupid one at that. CMR said in a news conference that he LIKED CTG doing that.
“…I do not think Coach Richt has forgot how to coach. I think we hit a bump in the road and need to work hard to get better. I still love and support CMR as a coach and ….the measure of a man is how we handle adversity….”
Amen, brother! That includes the fans being able to handle adversity and not scream for firing coaches; that CMR is “soft”; that CMB doesn’t know how to call plays; that CMR doesn’t care; that CMR doesn’t know how to recruit; ad nausea. CMB didn’t fumble at Colorado; if Caleb had busted up the middle for five yards it would have been a “brilliant” play. After all, we have to be able to run the ball. The line didn’t block and Caleb got hit as soon as the ball was handed off. You don’t think the coaches preach ball security and tackling and blocking? Our record is abysmal and disheartening. The coaches know that and the players know that. I think they’re working hard to get better. It’s time to get behind the team and support em, through thick and thin. Some of you have just lost it and aren’t handling the adversity very well. This too will pass.
Goooooo Dawgs! GATA and beat the Vowels!
PS: It was not a flea-flicker.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 5th, 2010
9:23 am
Its Funny how “We Fans” had to tell Richt to kick the ball in the endzone and for some mysterious reason UGA is one of the leaders in lowest return ydg in the SEC now
Now were having to tell him its the offensive play calling that needs changing
And Im almost ready to tell him his defensive coordinator needs to find another job but Im not quite there yet since the offense has more 3 and outs than any team Ive ever seen
Lake Oconee Dawg
October 5th, 2010
9:29 am
Coach, until you get rid of the thugs, Georgia will stay in the lower end of the SEC. Make a believer out of the “one” who test the rule you set down. Then respect will come to you!!! and the Dawgs.
Yesterday
October 5th, 2010
9:30 am
I agree, if the coach leading the team on the field helps, hey go for it. But, obviously that by itself is not going to change the outcome of the game. Does the team need to be fired up and play with more emotion? Heck yea and if CMR leading them out does that, then Jill made a great suggestion. The problem is the team has to follow through and execute for 60 minutes. Here’s hoping the OC adapts his play calling to what works instead of sticking with what doesn’t.
SadDawg
October 5th, 2010
9:31 am
Okay, dawgster, how’s this? The Dawgs are gonna run the table, and finish 9-4!!
I am behind UGA. I’ve watched every play of every game for years, and was a contributer/season ticket holder from ‘78 through ‘92, when I moved to far away to go to games. I do support the Dawgs, but when I see talent wasted, as it has been for several years in Athens, I like to express my opinion. Isn’t that what this place is for? Doesn’t my post sound reasonable, compared to the “fire Richt” folks?
I am of the opinion Bobo should be demoted back to QB coach, teaching our QBs footwork, drops, reading defenses, etc. He is over his head in designing and calling plays for them, though. Like Lane Kiffin said, “Georgia is the easiest team on our schedule to prepare for. They’re still running the same stuff they have for 10 years.”
I don’t have all the answers, but apparently, nobody in charge does either.