Richt: ‘It’s hard to win nine in a row — period.’
What players and coaches on both sides were saying after Georgia’s 19-10 victory over Kentucky (transcript provided by UGA):
Georgia coach Mark Richt:
“I left the South Carolina game [when Georgia was 0-2] encouraged. I wasn’t encouraged that we lost, but I was encouraged that as we moved forward that we could win. I knew we had good leaders, good players and good coaches. We had to protect the ball and get after it. It’s hard to win nine in a row, especially when you need every single one to get back to the Dome. I’m just so proud of them right now.”
“Today was definitely a team victory. Everybody had to do their part. I thought the special teams played extremely well. The offense made enough plays and the defense did their thing.”
“Brandon Harton had to come through for us. Even though the ball came out a few times, he had over 100 yards. And Ken (Malcome) did a few things. Overall, the tailbacks protected pretty good. As the game went on, they made some plays.”
“Our defense stoned them again. Twenty-three yards net [rushing], that’s pretty fantastic. They didn’t throw that well either. Our defense played lights out I thought.”
“I am so proud of the guys for winning the SEC East. Guys could have quit, pointed fingers and found a way to fall apart. But they didn’t do that. Last season was pretty horrible by record, but the players never gave up on the coaches and the coaches never gave up on the players. We maintained our unity. That’s what carried us through the offseason and carried us through the early part of this year.”
“Kentucky played hard. We missed some opportunities, but we kept fighting. I’m glad there was not a lot of drama at the end.”
“You take it one game at a time, one play at a time, one practice at a time. It’s hard to win nine in a row — period. I’m just thankful that we did.”
Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray:
“It’s a victory. We didn’t play great, but it’s great to get back to Atlanta. We’re excited. We have our game at Georgia Tech first, but we’re definitely blessed [to be back in the SEC Championship game] this year. It’s a great feeling.”
“We just weren’t connecting [today], and you’re going to have those games. We just fought through it. The defense played great and we’re just happy to get out of it with a win.”
Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones:
“We knew they would come in with some confidence and that they were going to give it their all. Last time they were here they beat us, so we knew they were coming to play. We just came to battle and stepped up. “
“After the beginning of the season we were a little down, but you just have to keep fighting, and that’s what we did. Now we’re headed back to Atlanta, and it’s a really good feeling.”
Georgia safety Bacarri Rambo:
“It’s feels so good. The last time Georgia made it to the SEC championship I was in ninth grade, so it’s a great feeling. We put in a ton of work in the off-season and pre-season and it’s all paying off.”
Georgia cornerback Brandon Boykin:
“I’m feeling great. This is what I came back to do. It’s like a fantasy. As a senior, to win on senior day and to win the SEC East is a great feeling.”
Kentucky coach Joker Phillips:
“I am proud of this team and how they fought. A lot of people knew how much this week meant for Georgia, and no one talked about what we were playing for. We’re playing for pride, our university and an extra win. The game that this team played proved they played for each other as well. I am proud of them.”
“I said at half time that our defense had a lot of wins today. They forced some field goals instead of touchdowns that kept us in the game. It was good to see some young guys come up and make some plays. We had some guys who haven’t practiced lately and really came through with some good plays for us today. It was probably the best game this defense has played this year. We didn’t get pushed around, and we have seen Georgia push some really good teams around. I don’t think that they pushed us around.”
“We made some plays in the first half. We proved that we could move the ball on any defense that we face. We couldn’t get the run game started in the second half because of some of the schemes Georgia ran, but I am proud of the way these guys fought for each other out there today. No one can say we didn’t fight.”
“It’s hard to play against a defense that is as good as Georgia. This is one of the best defenses in the conference. We’ve seen Georgia hold some good teams to just a few points. It’s a tough to play against a team with great personnel, great schemes and athletic players.”
Kentucky wide receiver Brian Adams:
“There’s a lot of excitement coming back here to play. Athens is only 45 minutes from my house [in Gainesville], and it was really awesome for me to play here. I wish we had a different result, but I’ll remember this for a long time.”
“I think we are a lot better than we’ve been showing this year. It’s been frustrating. We have one game left, and we are going to come out and continue to play hard.”
Kentucky offensive guard Stuart Hines:
“It’s tough to deal with. It’s really tough to go out like this without going to a bowl game my senior year.”
Kentucky tailback Raymond Sanders:
“We never quit. We wear the wrist bands that say ‘never, never,’ and we finish ‘never, never’ with ‘never give up.’ I’m proud of my teammates. We played well today and never gave up. I want to congrautale Georgia and those guys over there on winning the East. Their ‘D’ is good and made plays when they needed to, and we didn’t execute well enough.”
Kentucky cornerback Randall Burden:
“After seeing what they did last week to Auburn, everyone thought they would run it down our throats all game. We focused on the game plan and played really hard today. We have seven more days together as a team. We are going to come out and play for pride.”
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372 comments Add your comment
Win P
November 20th, 2011
9:43 am
Postives: UGA has a great defense with depth. Special teams have played well in the last two games. Walsh maybe over his kicking problems.
In close games you pay more attention to officiating. The first penalities against UGA seemed to be for incidential touching. At one point, I wondered if the same official who called excessive celebrating against A.J. Green was working the game. Guess they wanted to send a message about controling the game.
Never thought UGA would have won 9 consective games. Three things brother me about UGA. Too many questions about the rb situation. Crowell will not make it at UGA, if injuries don’t get him something else will. Thomas is a junior and doesn’t read or believe the “rule book”. Rb position has to be one of the toughtest positions. You either hit or get hit nearly every play. K. King is NOT a “go-to-receiver”. Murray and the coaches started going to Charles after King somehow managed to missed 3 or 4 passes (some were bad throws via Murray). Murray maybe the best qb in the conference, but can he find a way to win against a good opponent?…not much evidence that he can. About decided the coaches earn their money.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
November 20th, 2011
9:43 am
when
Hit A Single
November 20th, 2011
9:43 am
Oh I forgot about Coach Johnson. Many Tech followers want him gone and he is a hell of a coach and they don’t know it.
UGA, You Really Have Nothing To Brag About
November 20th, 2011
9:45 am
Let’s face it, it’s a proud day for Georgia. We are finally sending a team to resprent us in the SEC Championship, but seriously, that is nothing to brag about. Especially in a season where the SEC East has been at its weakest moment since the conference was divided into East and West in 1992. Let’s take a look at the overall season for UGA.
While UGA played Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Auburn from the west, the other East teams faced LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas during their season. Overall, UGA had the weakest schedule out of everyone in the East. South Carolina played Arkansas, Florida played both LSU and Alabama (back to back), Tennessee had the toughest, they played Alabama, Arkansas, and LSU, Vanderbuilt played Alabama and Arkansas, and even Kentucky played LSU.
I have had to laugh at some of the fans. They are running around bragging about how the team had 9 straigh victories. This is your first time since 1980, not exactly something to brag about. That is a normal season for Florida, LSU, Alabama and recently South Carolina. For teams like Auburn, Arkansas, and Tennessee it’s expected and a goal.
The other false statement I heard from the talking heads at UGA. UGA is going to the SEC Championship for the 4th time in the last 10 years, more than any other SEC school. If LSU beats Arkansas this coming Saturday, it will be their 5th trip in the last 10 years. Let’s go ahead and look at the history of the SEC Championship, Florida OWNS it. Florida has been 10 times and won 7, Alabama 7 times with 3 wins, Tennessee 5 times with 2 win, LSU 4 (working on their 5th) with 3 wins, Auburn 4 trips with 2 wins, Arkansas is 0-3, South Carolina and Mississippi State are 0-1. UGA has been 3 times with 2 wins.
Of all the trips to the SEC Championship, Florida has 3 National Titles, Alabama and LSU have 2 National Titles, Tennessee and Auburn have 1 National Title. UGA’s highest ranking after winning the SEC Championship has been #4. This year, UGA will be lucky to break the top 10, even if they manage to pull off an upset over whichever SEC West team they face. Of course they still have to face Georgia Tech.
Let’s face it, Georgia Tech is no push over. Both UGA and Georgia Tech have had inconsistancies in their play this season (more so with Tech). This coming Saturday’s game is going to depend on who shows up. If UGA comes out like they did against Kentucky, it’s going to be a very long day for them. If Tech comes out like they did against Miami, it’ll be a long day for Tech. If they both show up, it’ll be the State of Georgia’s version of the LSU – Alabama game. If they both come out sour (UGA – Kentucky, and Tech – Miami), expect UGA to drop in the polls. Of course if UGA loses to Tech, UGA will not crack the top 10, even if they beat the SEC West representative.
Ferguson= Tek envious tek fan
November 20th, 2011
9:47 am
Ferggie, you seem really full of hate and envy for UGA. You probably should seek professional help. The only thing embarrassing in Georgia today is a post like yours.
HeeHawDawg
November 20th, 2011
9:48 am
When what? If you have a flat tire I can help you but Jacksonville is a long ways from here.
UGA- nothing to brag= tek fan
November 20th, 2011
9:50 am
Nothing to brag about…. UGA is going to the SEC Championship game… where is your team going?
Dawg48
November 20th, 2011
9:50 am
I can’t wait to see how the coaching carousel turns out this year…..
Arizona ,north caolina state Penn, Ohio st, ole miss as of now. Did I miss any?
One more week till tek trolls disappear
November 20th, 2011
9:54 am
To all the envious haters from tek…. this time next week we will be listening to how many yards rushing you acheived….that’s what you talk about when you lose
Hit A Single
November 20th, 2011
9:54 am
Man it is killing some that UGA is going to the SEC Champ Game. I love it. I just hope some don’t committ suicide. Accept it! Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh yea FSU is getting what they deserve. They treated Coach Bowden like crap.
Dawg48
November 20th, 2011
9:54 am
You left out Tennessee
Hit A Single
November 20th, 2011
9:56 am
3 SEC Championships for Coach Richt. Heck I may ask dad to change my name to Hit A Triple.
Hit A Single
November 20th, 2011
9:57 am
Dooley will get one more year.
Dawg48
November 20th, 2011
9:58 am
Arky will beat LSU!
You heard it here 1st
@Hit A Single
November 20th, 2011
9:59 am
Only having 2 conference wins, Dooley will be extremely lucky if he isnt tarred and feateher at the end of this season.
Dawg48
November 20th, 2011
10:01 am
Dooley want be their long……
My guess he will be a AD somewhere soon guy is to smart just to be a head coach…..
My opinion
@Dawg48
November 20th, 2011
10:03 am
This is not the year to be shopping for a coach. Your top performers will be gunning for Ohio State and Penn State. Everyone else will have to decide which is worse, what they have now or what is available for them
Paddy
November 20th, 2011
10:06 am
I guess it is safe to say that Carlton Thomas is not providing that good senior leadership for his team!
Dawg48
November 20th, 2011
10:07 am
Why would a big name coach want to go to Penn st or Ohio st?
Those schools are in turmoil right now.
Bill
November 20th, 2011
10:10 am
SEC – SEC – SEC
Techy fans – look at the late season standings – top 3 teams all SEC, 4 in the top ten, followed by GA. 5 teams in the top 15. Tech plays in a pony league, and does not even play well in it. Perhaps you can lead the nation in Basket Engineering.
@UGA- nothing to brag= tek fan
November 20th, 2011
10:11 am
What did UGA have to do to get to the Championship. You beat a very weak division. A 6-5 Florida Team, a 5-6 Vanderbuilt, 5-6 Tennessee, 4-7 Kentucky, 7-4 Auburn, 5-6 Mississippi State, and a 2-9 Ole Miss. It’s equivalent to Boise State’s schedule. So yes, we have nothing to brag about by getting a trip that is 40 miles from home.
@Dawg48
November 20th, 2011
10:14 am
It’s not about what shape they are in. It’s the Prestige.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
November 20th, 2011
10:18 am
Richt has backed the BOT and Admin into a corner with a contract that needs an update. Lets see how they guys play it.
ARdawg
November 20th, 2011
10:19 am
It’s Great to be a Georgia Bulldog!!
@Bill
November 20th, 2011
10:24 am
Not sure where you are getting you standings from, but they haven’t been posted yet. With all the top 10 loses, Oklahoma State could very well be #3. Oklahoma and Oregon may very well stay in the top 10. I wouldn’t expect Soth Carolina to move into the top 10 because they lack “toughness of schedule.”
Dawg48
November 20th, 2011
10:27 am
I will bet that it will be hard for Ohio st and Penn st to get the coach that’s top 2 on their list!
Hit A Single
November 20th, 2011
10:36 am
Did anybody hear the inadvertant whistle on the last play of the Vandy/Tenn game? Play should have been blown dead the minute the inadvertant whistle was blown. That kills all reviews. I was pulling for Tenn, but who is to say that some Vandy players didn’t pull up when they heard the whistle. You could see and hear the ball being marked down on the replay.
lamont cranston
November 20th, 2011
10:36 am
wonder how many uga football playa’s have out of wedlock, illegitimate chirin that the taxpayers are supporting? bet the number would surprise. guessing 30+…
Dawg48
November 20th, 2011
10:39 am
I did hear it , but it came when they thought the player was down.
HeeHawDawg
November 20th, 2011
10:41 am
I need some oinkment for my pig. Sooey!
zbulldawg
November 20th, 2011
10:42 am
LET’S not forget those 4 field goals by Blair THEY WHERE HUGE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks man
DawgVoiceofReason
November 20th, 2011
10:42 am
It feels great to be back in the SEC Championship game! That said, it has been a not-entirely-satisfying road to that goal. We lost to the two very good teams we played, playing terribly against Boise St. and dominating SC (giving up devastating big plays, losing in the end to SC). The rest of our schedule (that we went 9-0 on) turned out to be loaded with mediocre or poor SEC teams (still better than most) and two gimmes out-of-conference. It is always great to beat Florida, though, and we pounded the pretty-good team from the West, Auburn. We caught a huge break, though, by not having to play any of the three clearly best-in-the-SEC teams from the West, and as it turns out, the three best teams in the country. But now, we will get a chance to accomplish something important (beating Tech) and something truly incredible, if we can pull it off, by beating whoever wins the West. Personally, I would like it to be an unbeaten and untied LSU but any of those three would be very special, and finally prove just how good this UGA team is (or can be).
Go Dawgs!
St. Bernard
November 20th, 2011
10:47 am
Somebody needs to catch Malcome up on the playbook quickly and shadow him so that he doesn´t quit or get suspended in the next 8 days.
78dawg
November 20th, 2011
10:51 am
I’m really glad for CMR and Granthem, not so much for Bobo. But I am soooo disappointed in Crowell. He is a QUITTER. So you tweak an ankle. Most players would be walking around loosening it up to get back in. Crowell was content STANDING and LAUGHING with teammates on the sideline. I wanted to.punch him out. TV caught it all on tape and I suspect that coached got word and made him sit down. Can you imagine Murray, Stafford, Pollack quitting? I don’t want him on my team. CMR should suspend him and cut him loose. He has no HEART and very little character.!!!!
@DawgVoiceofReason
November 20th, 2011
10:51 am
Youre right, its one thing to be proud of the team. There’s no place for bragging about the road they took to get there.
porcelain doll
November 20th, 2011
10:55 am
i am i.c., hear me roar…
St. Bernard
November 20th, 2011
10:55 am
So, here´s a for instance: Arkansas beats LSU, goes to SECC, gets beat by UGA. Do LSU and Alabama play for the national championship as the 3rd and 4th place teams in the conference?
Brick
November 20th, 2011
10:59 am
Dry das tears all ye who had no faith in Richt’s Dawgs. Das Spurrier is now crying das river
American Rolling Paper Association
November 20th, 2011
11:01 am
We are proud to announce the selection of the UGA running back group as winners of the prestegious “Silver Bong” award., joining a former UTex running back and many rappers who have won this prized honor.
evil empire
November 20th, 2011
11:03 am
the BCS doesn’t factor conference titles in the formula…it is strictly SOS, poll driven…YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WIN YOUR CONFERENCE TITLE…just have to be able to win the beauty contest…
Bill
November 20th, 2011
11:38 am
Not hard to win 9 straight games when you have the easiest schedule in the conference. They didn’t play the top three teams in the conference/nation and will get waxed in the SEC championship game, regardless who they play.
BILLY JACK
November 20th, 2011
11:46 am
Well tech nerds your annual thanksgiving beating by Georgia is almost here.Please look closely at this one because this beating will be monumental.You are so obsessed with everything Georgia so dont miss a minute of this one.Coach Richt will have no mercy and will keep his foot on the gas.I think this game will shut you geeks up for the rest of the year.Georgia42Nerds14
dogdawg
November 20th, 2011
11:54 am
2011 SEC east champs!!!Great work UGA,Coach Todd Gratham should get a lot of credit for this years success.Worries me that now he is a hot item on the coaching market.The defense has saved this season for the fans and we are proud of you!Go beat Tech and LSU bring home the SEC and state championship.GO DAWGS SIC UM WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!!!!!!!!
lakeland dawg
November 20th, 2011
11:54 am
Crowell is soft needs to go somewhere and sit and smile while he twiddles his thumbs great back not even close.Thanks D for winning the game
AU in ATL
November 20th, 2011
12:05 pm
Try winning 14 in a row, that is REAL hard***
Rock And Roller
November 20th, 2011
12:07 pm
We whip Tech and LSU and wind up in top 5 this year! We win national title the next 3 years! We are back baby! Party at the Pink Pony after we whip Tech and LSU! Drinks and lap dances on me!
Spike 80DF
November 20th, 2011
12:10 pm
Grantham saves Richt and Bobo from being fired and then gets a big promotion elsewhere…..we’re stuck with these guys another 5 years….woo hoo
larry munson
November 20th, 2011
12:12 pm
we hunkered down and we are back in atlanta two weeks in a row , my god we have sugar falling from the sky.
ARdawg
November 20th, 2011
12:14 pm
The history books will only reflect a 10-2 Georgia team going into the SEGCG to meet the West champ, There will be no mention of some assorted Yahoo’s on some obscure internet blog’s contention that the only reason Georgia is there is because of a weak schedule. Good football teams make it to the Championship game. Just the way it ’tis. Get over it and get yourself a clue
Georgia Tide Fan
November 20th, 2011
12:43 pm
UGA sports blog Richt: ‘It’s hard to win nine in a row — period.”
And you beat absolutely NO ONE of significance. ROTFLMAO!
Saban’s current seniors are 46-6 over the last four years which includes a 12 game winning streak in 2008 and a 19 game winning streak in 2009-2010. Mark Richt has never accomplished that. I’m still laughing at his statement!