UGA’s Richt volleys ‘must-win’ questions, players defend their coach
Georgia coach Mark Richt found himself on the defensive for a brief time in Tuesday's press conference. (Photo provided by DawgTime.com)
ATHENS – Just three days after Georgia’s season-opening loss to Boise State, Georgia’s Mark Richt is already getting the type of questions reserved for November of a horrific season.
Twice Richt was asked during his weekly press conference Tuesday if he felt Saturday’s game was critically important to him as the Bulldogs’ head coach.
Phrased a different way by two different reporters three minutes apart, Richt gave the same terse answer.
In the first case, Richt was asked if he viewed the South Carolina game as “pivotal for you and your program.”
“I view it as a very important game,” he said, without further elaboration.
A short time later, a reporter from a South Carolina newspaper asked if Richt felt like it was “a must-win game.”
“Didn’t I just say it was a really important game?” Richt snapped back.
“But is it a must win?,” the reporter repeated.
“I think it’s a really important game,” Richt said, now glaring. “You want to ask me again? Because you can, and I’ll answer it the same way.”
And so the tone was set for this week’s SEC opener against No. 12 South Carolina (1-0) at Sanford Stadium on Saturday.
It could be argued that the game was already markedly more important than the opener against Boise State. But after the Bulldogs (0-1) fell 35-21 to the No. 4-ranked Broncos, the perception is that Richt’s job is on the line against the Gamecocks.
That’s certainly the message that Georgia’s players are getting. And they left little doubt Tuesday as to where they stand on the issue.
“We always try to play for Coach Richt, seeing how much he’s done for us,” said junior defensive end Abry Jones.
Said senior tight end Aron White: “I feel like we’re defending Coach Richt just like he defends us. We’re playing for him just like he’s coaching for us. We’re behind him 100 percent. I have complete confidence that all the players on this team are playing for Coach Richt, regardless of what we might agree with or not agree with. He’s still our coach, we’re still his players and we’re in this together. We have full support for him, We’re pulling for him, we’re playing for him, we’re doing everything we can.”
The fan reaction to the Bulldogs’ loss on social media platforms and blogs has been prolific and vitriolic. Likewise, it has been nearly impossible for players and coaches to avoid the negative feedback.
“I didn’t even check my Twitter account,” tight end Orson Charles said. “We know everybody we have in that team meeting room is all we have. If things are going right everybody’s going to jump on board. If they’re going wrong then that’s when things start breaking down. I just pray that the fans stay behind us. Yeah, we let them down in that first game. But I don’t see us letting them down the rest of the season. We just have to come out there and bounce back from this loss.”
Said White: “We catch a good bit of it, now more than ever. I remember coming in in ‘07 and they were coming off disappointing season and there were a lot of people saying a lot of crazy stuff back then. It just comes along with the territory. You have a bad season, you lose games and people are going to talk. You’ve just got to rise above it. You’ve got to tune it out and realize you’re playing for the guys in that locker room.”
Regardless, the players insist fan sentiment and negativity won’t have an effect on how they play against the Gamecocks. As always, it will come down to blocking, tackling and execution.
“We’re not trying to worry about that,” quarterback Aaron Murray said of the hot-seat talk. “We’re just taking it one game at a time. We just know it’s a big game just for ourselves, to get back rolling in the right direction, to get a win under our belts and to get a big win against a great opponent in an SEC game. It’s a huge game. We definitely don’t want to start 0-2 an you don’t want to start 0-1 in SEC play, especially against a team like South Carolina that’s predicted to win the East. We just want to get the ball rolling and get a big win this weekend.”
– Chip Towers
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813 comments Add your comment
BIGMIKE
September 6th, 2011
6:41 pm
I Hope some of the guys at Georgia read this….You are headed in the right direction…I’ve played and coached football all my life and I’ve been a UGA fan since the 60’s. Every team has it’s ups and downs but you can tell a team has turned the worm when they CARE as much as the fans and coaching staff. The talent is there to succeed. Now that being said…..
–The offensive line is young and inexperienced. Lost three in the offseason. Nobody’s fault, just the way it is.
–Murray was put in a a position to fail due to the plays called required him to hold the ball far too long for the inexperienced line and tailback to hold off an extremely talented defensive.
–Tailbacks were put in a position to fail for the same reason as above. Adjustments should have been made to correct this but apparently that was not an option. These coaches have been around long enough that they see and know the same things we do.
–Inability to keep the Boise St offense off the field with ball control is what cost UGA this game. The defense played well. Boise QB did not complete any big yardage passes. They did what UGA should have done….3-5 yard passes with occasional runs that stretched the field.
–With more experience UGA will beat them and may well play them again at the end of the year for the national championship.
–I saw USC play last weekend as well and am convinced that UGA can beat them. If that happens, they could conceivably finish the year with one loss. They will improve each week…again they are young for the most part and many of them will be back next year.
–If it wasn’t for their recent lack of success, this team would be heralded for it’s potential. But it sells more papers and air time to have Richt on the “HOT SEAT”. Bologna, this team ranks right up there with the 1980 squad. I do believe something has to be done regarding game strategy and I’ll guarantee you Richt does too, but he’s not going to publicize it. JUST BACK YOUR TEAM AND GIVE EM A BREAK. THE ARE WORKING THEIR COLLECTIVE BUTTS OFF TO DO WHAT EVERYONE KNOWS THEY CAN DO. BUT WHAT I’VE SEEN WRITTEN ABOUT THEM FROM THEIR “OWN”, COULD BE COUNTERPRODUCTIVE AND DEMORALIZING. You’re all being MORALE VAMPIRES.
20 year dawg
September 6th, 2011
6:42 pm
went to the game , I hate losing more than anyone …. but these BANDWAGON FANS HAS GOT TO GO …. THESE YOUNG MEN ARE PEOPLE’S CHILDREN … IT YOUR KID WAS OR IS PLAYING ON THE TEAM AND THEY DROP A PASS OR THROW A BAD BALL WOULD YOU SIT THERE WHILE SOMEONE CALLS YOUR KID AN
I D I O T …. I DON’T THINK SO THESE KIDS CLEARY WANT TO WIN THEY ARE NOT TRYING TO LOSE THE GAME THERE IS NOT THRILL IN LOSING .. THEY ARE NOT PAID FOR THE GAMES ” see ohIo state , north carolina et all ” IF YOU ARE GOING TO GET MAD AT ANYBODY LAY BLAME ON THE COACHES WHO ARE GETTING MILLIONS TO PUT THESE KIDS IN A POSITION TO WIN …. BLAME RICHT, GRANTHAM , BOBO , ET ALL FOR MAKING NO A D J U S T M E N T S … EVEN BOISE COACH PUT A DIFFERENT QUARTERBACK IN FOR CHANGE OF PACE EVEN THOUGH HE HAS A ALL AMERICAN STARTER … WHY DID WE NOT ??????????????????????????????????? WHY?
MarineDog
September 6th, 2011
6:43 pm
Although this was a very disappointing loss, I will continue to support the team. Hopefully the rest of the season won’t look like this game. I’m not sure if Richt can survive if things spirals out of control. Not sure if Ga. is not that good or if Boise is as good as advertised or a combination of both? However, as a lifelong fan, I’m still supporting the team; win or lose.
@NCBF,
Thanks for the support. We need it! Should be a good game as usual this weekend.
Reggie
September 6th, 2011
6:43 pm
Offense needs to help defense out by converting 3rd downs, sustaining some long drives, winning time of poss by 5-10 min+. Either short passes or rushing game should do it.
Quit complaining fans!
September 6th, 2011
6:45 pm
GIve these kids and Richt a chance. Sounds to me like there’s a fire lit under them now, especially since the Broncos, who done slapped the hush puppies right out of their mouths, just moved from #5 to #4. I’m gonna watch this game Saturday and I will be rooting for the Dawgs! Seriously, some but not all, of you fickle little fans need to keep your cake holes shut and just back up your team. Half of you people whining and complaining have never played any type of organized sport in your life, let alone Division 1 football, so back the hell off! GO BRONCOS!!!
Elmer
September 6th, 2011
6:45 pm
I don’t see how it will help the following things if Richt takes over play calling. The players that got winded playing in the air conditioned Dome aren’t going to be magically in better shape by Saturday. The defense isn’t suddenly going to become competent. The offensive line still won’t be able to play effectively. I doubt if Murray will suddenly be able to get rid of the ball faster. It’s nice to have someone to blame and that’s human but this thing seems to need a heck of a lot more fixing than having Richt call the plays. It won’t hurt but danged if it’s going to fix this thing.
KELLEN MOORE
September 6th, 2011
6:47 pm
i am sorry if i had anything to do with this , but central florida gave me recipe!
Willie Martinez is a defensive Genius
September 6th, 2011
6:47 pm
Grantham is a CHUMP. Too bad NFL (Not For Long) doesn’t apply at UGA.
KELLEN MOORE
September 6th, 2011
6:49 pm
well said bigmike , wish i agreed.
BOWEN
September 6th, 2011
6:50 pm
Why are you all a bunch bandwagon fans quit getting down on your damn team it is just going to make it worse. you are a fan or you arent. I dont know about the ones talking all the BS but I was born a Dawg fan and even if we have another losing season I will still have their back and at least try to encourage them back on the right track. If you want to talk S*** go be a fn gator we dont need you.
Dawgs1
September 6th, 2011
6:50 pm
It’s unfortunate that the players have put themselves in the Us against the world mode when the world includes loyal Georgia fans. Yes, a true loyal Georgia fan is one that is upset with what has been going on in Athens for several years and is tired of hearing how it is being corrected and then fed more of the same crap.
We are not against the players and not even personally the coaches, but look for better coaching of these athletes. They should be playing 100% for themselves and each other and there should not be a question of whether they are playing 100%. If they want to exclude the loyal Georgia fans who pay for the entire experience, they should be careful.
Helmets coming off on every play because there is too damn much hair under the helmet, chest pounding when someone makes a play they should make when they are getting their butts handed to them (down by 21 points), inability to make a yard against a team that is 45 lbs per man lighter, and excessive offensive penalties are embarassing to the loyal Georgia alum.
CMR is indeed a very good man and a great representative of the university. I do not question his character or ideals. I am not sure he has the fire and ability to take our team where they deserve to be. It seems he made a lot of changes since last year. He’s had time to study football and become an expert, but it needs to show on the bottom line.
AD McGarity is no fool. He will move at the appropriate time if things do not change quickly and I have complete trust in him.
Castle Pines Canine
September 6th, 2011
6:50 pm
Here is a novel idea, let’s run about 10 plays on the ground and 4 pass plays. Let’s run them to perfection. There are very few things that a D can do to stop good excecution, aka UGA vs Boise, when they do, the audibles should be automatic. We don’t need a NFL playbook, we need a simple game plan. WHy can’t anyone figure this out?
dawgfan2003
September 6th, 2011
6:50 pm
I’ll buy it for another week. Go Dawgs! Maybe the defense will finally come together and shut down Lattimore. I say tag him with a Jarvis Jones spy the whole game. Put the big corner Commings on Alshon Jeffrey to try and limit him. Play man to man with those two guys. There is always the possibility and hope on any given Saturday. Sometimes it just all comes together. I just want to see a relentless team for 4 quarters.
Mark (I want to be their friend) Richt
September 6th, 2011
6:51 pm
mark:”let’s be nice and play nice because I want them to like me.”
Reggie
September 6th, 2011
6:52 pm
A run, even if unsuccessful, gives your defense a much long time to rest, than an incomplete pass.
Offense:
-work on 3rd down conversions
-defense work on red zone defense
KELLEN MOORE
September 6th, 2011
6:52 pm
well said bowen , wish i agreed!
Castle Pines Canine
September 6th, 2011
6:52 pm
It used to be hit the first lick, now it is jump on the first snap
Reggie
September 6th, 2011
6:54 pm
Offense will try to get the rushing game going as a first option.
If that doesn’t work, go to the short passing game for possession.
Feel pretty sure we’ll get this ironed out.
Not much to fix.
Uncle Tom
September 6th, 2011
6:54 pm
You gotta run the ball to win. You gotta run the ball to win. gotta run the ball to win. You gotta run the ball to win. You gotta run the ball to win. You gotta run the ball to win. You gotta run the ball to win. You gotta run the ball to win. You gotta run the ball to win.
Quit complaining fans!
September 6th, 2011
6:55 pm
If you whiny, fickle, blubbering, non-spelling, uneducated, illiterate, so called fans can do any better, go don a helmet and/or put in for a coaching position. Bunch of armchair QB’s.
Destin Dawg
September 6th, 2011
6:57 pm
Spurrier started Conner Shaw.. .. to get Garcia’s attention… and give him a chance to make the come back…. do you think Richt/Bo Bo would think of starting or playing Hutson Mason or Christian Lemay ???? Murray made some bad plays… missed passes… etc.. play ‘em all !!! mix it up… you’re getting OUT COACHED… again… Spurrier will win ?? I hate it !!!
rdudawg
September 6th, 2011
6:58 pm
Dawgs are BACK! Beating Boise St is just the beginning. We are clear favorites to win SEC East and play for title in the Dome part Deux!!!
Put the above in a headline on this Dawg Blog and these bandwagon fans will begin to believe it’s the truth.
Stop being disappointed in the Dawgs…be mad that you got fooled by an offseason of hot air and hype that was totally undeserved…yet totally expected from Dawg Nation. New recruits, schemes, and workouts were never going to turn a losing football team into SEC contenders.
Winning is cyclical…we’re in the trough currently. Getting a coaching staff that can compete with the elite in the SEC would be a step in the right diretion.
So tired of hearing about 4.4 forty’s and “blue chip” teenagers. Time to get some heart, fundamentals, and passion.
Mr. Lattimore
September 6th, 2011
6:59 pm
Can’t wait to run around, over, and thru your defense yet again on Saturday. Prepare for a display of bruising dominance.
Destin Dawg
September 6th, 2011
7:00 pm
Murray said he needs to watch more film…..??? Hell he needs to practice passing.. looked like Joe Cov !!!
Quit complaining fans!
September 6th, 2011
7:00 pm
I’ve actually eaten potatoes up here in Boise that were more educated and better spellers than 9/10ths, that would be 90%, of the UGA fans who have posted on here!!! Back your team Hillbilly’s!!!
dolla dolla bill
September 6th, 2011
7:01 pm
enough with the “they’re just kids” b.s….uga football is a business; these men signed up for this. if life in the sec is too tough, go back to mama’s…or go play at ga. southern, don’t think they have a blog…if fans want to boo them, it’s their right…they bought the ticket…thats just the way it is
What?
September 6th, 2011
7:01 pm
Enter your comments here
DAWG with two bags over head
September 6th, 2011
7:01 pm
Yet again we have a long set of comments where the blind homers want the rational fans to just sit back and take everything in stride, or just go away. This type of attitude is also going to do wonders for our program (not). Many, many times, stretching back to the Sugar Bowl against WVU, have we seen a Richt-lead team come into a big game or a season for that matter, completely unprepared, undisciplined, and out of shape. It seems as those who want other fans to go away have just woken up in 2011 and don’t remember the last few years. Programs like Auburn, Florida, LSU, and Alabama absolutely would not tolerate this level of coaching. Guess which teams win the Conference and BCS titles? Guess which team fights to stay out of the SEC East cellar?
We all want the same thing in the end. Some of us have already read the intervening chapters and have skipped to the end of the book. The sooner we all turn to the last chapter, the sooner we’ll get OUR program back to where we want it to be. We need everyone, so please drop the “real fan” remarks.
funny...
September 6th, 2011
7:02 pm
How the h3ll does Mike Bobo still have a job.
I mean really.
Tdawg
September 6th, 2011
7:02 pm
What a hoot. The players are defending coach. Wow guys I have a unique idea. If you would defend that goal line a little better then that would help you guys in defending coach Ricth. The offense was overwhelmed at best and the defense couldn’t cover nor tackle my grandmother. Worst tackling secondary that I have ever seen in my life. Well, no better than last season’s bunch anyway. To make matters worst they are suppose to be fast. Heck them slow arse crackers was running circles around them all night. With all that speed that they are suppose to have, why not man up on the WR’s. Shoot I would rather see them try and make the QB’s throw incompletetions than let the WR’s catch the ball, because as I been saying the past 2 years. It don’t do any good letting the recievers catch 2 ot 5 yard passes when those bunch or week kneed DB’s let those 2 and 5 yard passes turn into 10 and 15 yard runs. I don’t care how fast they are coach, just put somebody out there that has some idea as how to make a tackle for crying out loud.
Mike Tamburo, 3rd string UGA QB
September 6th, 2011
7:03 pm
Coach Richt, put me in! I was at Boise State for a year but transferred down to the UGA because Kellen Moore was 100 times the QB I was. But I know all his tricks, put me in coach!!!!
MountainDawg
September 6th, 2011
7:03 pm
BSU is a legit top 5 team. That being said, the Dawgs coaching staff needs to find away to get these kids to meet their potential. Just being able to run a 4.4 40 y/d or having a 40″ vertical leap doesn’t make one a (de facto) good football player. The OL & DL need the most improvements. Also, CMB’s play calling is far too predictable. CMR needs to take the play-calling back & demote CMB to QB coach.
shankit
September 6th, 2011
7:04 pm
Well, at least the Under Armour Terrapin uniforms were more
gaudy then the Nookie uniforms. I couldn’t bear to watch the
game against the Canes with these duds. Never pulled for
the Canes, but it apparently now has become not necessarily
pulling for a team, but Russell vs. Nookie (I go with Russell)
or Russell vs. Under Armour (I go with Russell.)
What has college football become?
Castle Pines Canine
September 6th, 2011
7:04 pm
Why don’t you panty waists go so this to some of the kids face to face. I bet the staff would let you. Put on some pads though, you might have to defend your position
What happens if...
September 6th, 2011
7:05 pm
UGA happens to pull one out against SC? Then this bandwagon fanbase does a 180 and the Dawgs are back! Same thing for you at the start of every season…”we’re national champion contenders” and after 2 games…nope we suck, fire richt! You pups crack me up… keep going to walmart and pick you up a hat that has a big G on it and then burn it two weeks later.
Dawgs1
September 6th, 2011
7:05 pm
Watch the film.. Try to emulate Boise State and their execution and preparation.
funny...
September 6th, 2011
7:06 pm
Yeah, a second for the “they’re just kids”. No, no they’re not. Last time I checked all over 18. All can do as they please (save for drink alcohol, wink – wink)
I love the hollier than thou people posting here, take your lessons and chidings elsewhere. It’s the internet, get some tougher skin or go home.
Coffee County GA Fan
September 6th, 2011
7:07 pm
Go ahead and lose to SC and let’s get it over with. YOU’RE FIRED and take Bobo and Grantham with you since you are so loyal to them.
funny...
September 6th, 2011
7:07 pm
Win or lose against USCe doesn’t change the fact that Mark Richt is 14-13 over the last 27 games.
14-13. That’s pathetic.
Should have been excused after the Liberty Bowl.
Damon Evan’s mild retardation saved Richt for a year.
Elton John
September 6th, 2011
7:09 pm
I just luv the new wear that Nookie and Under Armour
is “cummin” out with, I just ordered the “hole” college
football series that Nookie and Under Armour teams are
fondling against. I just luv the tight ends.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 6th, 2011
7:10 pm
What happens if…
You can guarantee I wont do a 180 360 or 720 if we beat SC. I frankly wont be surprised
All it takes is changing up the playbook. The talent is there
This staff has to beat FL 2 yrs in a row or at least every other year and start compeating for East championships before I join this bandwaggon again
yogi1
September 6th, 2011
7:11 pm
Bobby Bowden taught Coach Richt a few offensive plays but over time He and the BoBo have forgotten most of them. A fresh new coach with new ideas would be nice. when you keep doing the same thing over and over and you still get the same bad results, it is time for a change
bk
September 6th, 2011
7:11 pm
I would just like to see some emotion from Richt on the sidelines that he is not
happy with the performance.
wastedyears
September 6th, 2011
7:12 pm
IM A DAWG FAN ..BUT S CAROLINA WILL WIN 42-17 SADLY DAWG NATION ITS TO THIS POINT INSTEAD OF SPREAD THE RED IT SHOULD BE RED IS DEAD IVE EVEN GOT A NEW CATCHY SLOGAN….. UGA FOOTBALL..ITS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSE ONLY ..I MEAN THIS IS WAY PASS THE POINT OF BEING SAD .ITS LIKE A CIRCUS ONLY AFTER ONE GAME
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 6th, 2011
7:12 pm
Damon Evans was too busy looking for red panty parties to worry about UGA
North Georgia Dawg
September 6th, 2011
7:12 pm
I was at the game and here are my observations….
Boise State – They obviously did their homeowork, prepared well, and had a great game plan. Where they gave up size and atheleticism they made up for it in calm collected execution. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact they have a lot of 5th year seniors (very important in big games). After the first few exchanges on offense, Boise State settled in and started to dictate the tempo of the game to UGA. Are you asking why we didn’t get pressure on Kellen Moore? Well I assume Boise expected UGA to bring the pressue and one way to combat that is by making adjustments at the line. It is very hard to put pressure on a QB of Moore’s caliber when after you have called a specific Defensive play they send a player in motion and create mismatches and hesitation by our players. We played very reactive (Willie Martinez) defense. Although, we did not give up alot of big plays, Boise State had the patients to take what we gave them and slowly but surely score 28 unanswered. Overall Grade A+
UGA – We were not prepared mentally or physically period! We had every advantage to win this game; location, talent & fan presence. We were not patient, at least Bobo wasn’t when it came to play calling. We…. Oooh what’s the use…. We sucked!!!! Fire Richt!
Bandwagon fans!!!
September 6th, 2011
7:14 pm
If UGA does beat SC, you bandwagon, inbred fans will turn around, start screaming how great your team is and how you’re gonna take the SEC Championship! I guarantee you fickle fans will change your tune if you win! GUARANTEE IT!!! BANDWAGON FANS!!! You fans are what give college football a bad name. UGA fans have been known for years to be the whiniest fans in the NCAA, not just the SEC but the NCAA! I would rather watch my Grandparents make out than read anymore negative comments on this blog, from so-called fans, about your Dawgs! This would never happen to Boise State!!! We stand by our team, win or lose! But we did win, so GO BRONCOS!!! And for you real UGA fans, in all seriousness, Good luck with the rest of your season, I will be rooting for your team, mainly because it’s sad that a guy from Idaho has more respect for your Dawgs than a majority of your bandwagon fans!
FLA DAWG
September 6th, 2011
7:14 pm
South Carolina wins this by 14 points.
John Smith
September 6th, 2011
7:17 pm
Did Georgia have a couple of different players wearing the same number? If so, why? I bet all you Georgia fans wish you had Coach Martinez back. Keep talking all this smack like the Barnes kid and Coach Richt will be gone. Name the coach you would choose to replace him? Kirby Smart? You have got to be kidding! Name his replacement, come on, let’s hear it. Show your football smarts all you great coaches.
Middle East Dawg
September 6th, 2011
7:18 pm
I hope and pray that Orson Charles is right. I REALLY…reallyreallyREALLY try and support my head coach and what he’s doing, but it’s just getting sad man…..sad sad sad man. I love him…he’s a man of God…the type of PERSON I’d trust my son playing for and learning from, but unfortunately BIG TIME college football coaches are judged (Coaching Wise) off wins and losses. We REALLY need to beat South Carlina. A loss in a close game just won’t due. So Fellaz…..if you REALLY love having Coach CMR around….. just win IN SPITE OF the horrible plays that will no doubt be called on 2nd and long as well as 3rd and long. And on defense…just win baby in spite of being in a 3-4 set that is more suitable for professionals at the next level. JUST WIN…….PLEASE!! And If I sound desperate…….I am.