Missouri player: UGA plays ‘old-man football’
Missouri does not enter the SEC shyly. Quite the opposite, based on comments by one player.
According to an article in the Columbia (Mo.) Daily Tribune on Sunday, Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson was asked after the Tigers’ 62-10 victory over Southeastern Lousiana Saturday night if he watched the Georgia-Buffalo game on television earlier in the day.
“I watched the game. I turned it off, too,” Richardson was quoted as saying. “… It’s like watching Big Ten football. It’s old-man football.”
Then this: “If we execute, nobody in this league [the SEC] can touch us. Period.”
Missouri, which officially became an SEC member on July 1, opens play in its new league by hosting Georgia at 7:45 p.m. Saturday in sold-out Memorial Stadium.
Georgia coach Mark Richt laughed when informed, on his weekly teleconference with reporters Sunday evening, of Richardson’s comment.
“’Old-man football?’ Well, I don’t know what he meant by that,” Richt said. “But bottom line is, we got to get after it and do what we do well, and they’ll be trying to stop everything we’re trying to get accomplished.”
The game provides multiple challenges for Georgia, not the least of which will be the emotion associated with Missouri’s much-anticipated SEC debut.
“It’s a huge game for them, no doubt,” Richt said. “It’s a huge game for us, too, though, because we’ve got our goals. And they’ve got their goals. Shoot, to me, it’s the biggest game of the year, no doubt. … It’s a monster game.”
Being the visiting team for Missouri’s SEC opener “is not the best draw,” Richt added. “But it is what it is.”
Aside from the sure-to-be-charged atmosphere, another major issue Georgia will face: Missouri’s spread offense, led by dual-threat quarterback James Franklin, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound junior who last season passed for 2,865 yards, ran for 981 yards and accounted for 36 touchdowns (21 passing and 15 rushing).
“It’s a problem,” Richt said of defending Franklin. “A quarterback who can run well is a problem. … And they’re going to spread you out. They’re going to get you in a lot of four- and five-wide looks. … It’s a space game, and space is the enemy of the defenses.”
Franklin had surgery on his shoulder in the off-season but reportedly did not have any problems with it in the opener against Southeastern Louisiana, an FCS team. He completed 13 of 21 passes for 131 yards and ran six times for 39 yards.
Comparing Missouri’s opener with Georgia’s performance in its 45-23 victory over Buffalo, “it looked like [on film] Missouri’s boys played harder than our boys played,” Richt said. But he added that the Bulldogs “probably played as hard we could” considering the heat and humidity in Athens.
Etc.
As of Sunday’s teleconference, Richt said he had received no updates on the status of any of his team’s injured players. … Richt on Connor Norman, a former walk-on who started at safety against Buffalo: “Overall, Connor did a good job. I can think of one play where he missed a tackle out there in space, but just about every safety in America is going to miss a tackle here and there when you’ve got too much space with a back.” Richt said Corey Moore “continues to push hard for playing time [at safety], but right now we think Connor is more ready to play.” … As expected, Richt stayed mum on the status for the Missouri game of suspended players Bacarri Rambo and Alec Ogletree. “We’ll know when the time comes,” he said. . . . Despite Ken Malcome’s hand injury and Todd Gurley’s huge opening game, Richt wasn’t ready to publicly commit to the freshman Gurley as Georgia’s primary running back for this week. “Well, he’ll definitely get the ball, that’s for sure,” Richt said.
– Tim Tucker, AJC
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465 comments Add your comment
REALLY COACH?
September 2nd, 2012
10:43 pm
IF CONNOR NORMAN IS THE BEST OPTION AT SAFETY, THEN SOMETHING IS WRONG SOMEHWERE. THIS IS BIG-TIME FOOTBALL AND HE STANDS OUT ON THE FIELD FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS. COME ON COACH.
peachfuzz
September 2nd, 2012
10:44 pm
Watch Oregon, Clemson, and now UNC, run plays within 16 secs after ball is marked. That’s what the recruits like. Soon FB will be like speed chess. UGA better switch to “boy ball” less they fall behind.
Russa
September 2nd, 2012
10:45 pm
Not much to say here except, I guess we’ll see on Saturday
Big Crimson 75
September 2nd, 2012
10:46 pm
Cody — I thought We expanded a little too soon.
I think Slive was fearful TX & Ok were headed to the Pac 12.
Mizzu & A&M were not my first choices either.
I’d rather have Fla St, VT, the U or Clemson.
10-2 is a good year! Right?
September 2nd, 2012
10:49 pm
Wow. Talk about a lack of respect for your opponent. Thank you, Mark Richt and Mike Bobo.
But I hope Georgia plays old-man football, as is, we’re-gonna-run-it-until-you-stop it football, especially when Georgia’s OL outweighs Mizzou’s DL by about 20-30 lbs a player, on average. But I doubt Georgia does that. Hence, the lack of respect from the Mizzou player. Obviously he is not in awe of playing UGA this week.
Rick James
September 2nd, 2012
10:50 pm
@Dick Enewe
When has UGA won a game that could be considered a BIG GAME?
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How about the two SEC champioship games Tech troll?
UA Grad
September 2nd, 2012
10:54 pm
Missouri has a destiny ending with pain and destruction.
Rick James
September 2nd, 2012
10:57 pm
@Dick Enewe
Here is the prob. UGA is basically the only school in a state that produces I think the 4th most NFL players. So, UGA pretty much gets the pick of the litter. So since there are better high school players in GA than there are in AL and LA then it must be coaching. Bring in the WV coach and put CMR on the road!!!
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You obviously did not read what you wrote before you hit enter..Nobody could puposely write something so pointless
chase
September 2nd, 2012
10:58 pm
Georgia, just like Bama and LSU play a more PRO-STYLE offense…that’s why those teams are in the top 5 for players sent to the NFL
Teams like MIZZOU must play this new spread and “gimmick” type stuff to try and even the playing field with tteams who have better talent and just line up and play football
kral
September 2nd, 2012
10:58 pm
well I personally would not think any football player from a major program would be in awe..they have played some pretty big time programs…and why get hyped about the regular season..just throw bammer.lsuer..usceer..orregonee..in a play-off..right now..heck it will save a lot of injuries..and without a play-off…save alot of time and bad blogging ..like this one..mine
Pitbull
September 2nd, 2012
10:58 pm
Got a feeling that kid from Mizzou is going to get his clock cleaned and his bell rung from a couple of Dawgs who will have his number before the game is over.
Roadrunner
September 2nd, 2012
11:03 pm
If ‘old man football’ is hard-nosed smash mouth football then this Bulldog fan is all for it. If anyone watched Alabama dismantle Michigan last night they saw some ‘old man football’ for sure! Go DAWGS!!
Tdawg
September 2nd, 2012
11:05 pm
I’m as big a dawg fan as anyone on here, but to say that UGA was holding anything back against Buffalo it utter and total BS. Murray is the same ole Jekyll and Hyde QB he was last season. The D-Line was man handled by the Buffalo O-Line and the out side pass rush, what there was of it, was constantly over pursuing the QB and leaving gaping holes for the QB to run through. There was absolutely no inside push. Probably had something to do with Buffalo dominating our D-Line statement I made earlier. Where the he!! were the inside linebackers. They were playing so deep I couldn’t tell where the heck they were most of the time. Brandon Smith is not a D1 CB. Gurley and Marshall have earned the right to start at TB, so give them the starting nod. To early to judge the O-Line. WR’s were just average, the RB’s were pretty good,the QB not so much. The entire defense gets a failing grade. Punt coverage hasn’t improved any. At least the kick return defense looks to be better, probably because the kicker was sailing the ball into the endzone on all of his kickoffs. One things for sure. The dawgs will have there arses handed to them next week if they don’t get their heads out of their arses.
funny....
September 2nd, 2012
11:06 pm
Other than Clemson like 8 years ago, I can’t think of a Richt team that opened the year guns blazing.
Last year Georgia lost to Boise. Then came out and lit it up against USCe. Had Aaron Murray not given them 17 points the outcome is probably different.
The key to the game is Murray. And well, unfortunately for Georgia, he blows every big game.
Jerry Seinfeld
September 2nd, 2012
11:12 pm
Georgia seemed like they weren’t even trying to rush the passer yesterday, other than Jarvis Jones. It’s like the days of Willie Martinez. They didn’t blitz much at all and kept their linebackers way back to prevent the big play. Something tells me they will be much more aggressive against Missouri. I’m not going to give up on Murray. He’s got to get better when getting blitzed, but he’s had some really good games for us. If the running game helps him out, I think he can have a good game against Missouri’s defense, which isn’t exactly SEC-caliber.
Jerry Seinfeld
September 2nd, 2012
11:14 pm
Wide receivers were just average? Um, the receivers played better than anyone minus Gurley. King and Wooten played great and they didn’t exactly drop a lot of passes. I don’t understand anyone saying our receivers didn’t play well.
ylojkt
September 2nd, 2012
11:18 pm
Cody, to say that Baylor wasn’t a good team last year is either stupidity or ignorance. Watch some football out of the mighty sec for a change. Do you even know who won the Heisman Trophy last year?
Cody
September 2nd, 2012
11:25 pm
They had an electric offense, but a lousy defense and I am sure they wouldn’t hold up against a good SEC defensive line. RG3 was tough, but that defense was terrible. Look at their bowl for an example. Missouri’s schedule last season and their wins impressed few people.
Cody
September 2nd, 2012
11:26 pm
Of course, RG3 won the Heisman. But his team was not that great overall. Defense wins championships and I don’t think Missouri has much defense.
Natureboy809
September 2nd, 2012
11:27 pm
Has anyone pointed out to Mr. Richardson that Missouri historically has a losing record against the Big 10?
Fair n Balanced
September 2nd, 2012
11:28 pm
I think we are in trouble. GA did on Sat what it always does with cupcakes….just enough to win, we didn’t build any confidence and the OL gave up 3 sacks…..you gotta be concerned going into MO.
Paul in NH
September 2nd, 2012
11:40 pm
“Missouri is just not that good. Last year they lost to Kansas State, Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Baylor and Oklahoma. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State were pretty good, but the other three weren’t that good”
Arizona State weren’t good but there was nothing wrong with the other 2 teams. Kansas State were 10-3 with a final ranking of 15.
Baylor was 10-3, had the Heisman Trophy winner and finished with a final ranking of 13. Both were above #16 ranked Oklahoma.
I talked to coach this morning
September 2nd, 2012
11:42 pm
He said one thing I liked is Murray didn’t have any turnovers, and Gurley was impressive. I can tell you he was clearly frustrated at the dropped passes. He said every time one of the receivers came over to the bench he would show them how to catch it at the top, but they just werent pulling it in. His mind is in a good place, he’s ready for missouri, and I have to believe they are going to get a pounding.
just sayin'
September 2nd, 2012
11:47 pm
WOW….you really care what a 19-20 year old kid says? Get a life.
humpomg
September 3rd, 2012
12:01 am
this guy shouldnt get too excited. There’s a difference between. The sec and Georgia isnt Southern Louisiana
Triple Lindy
September 3rd, 2012
12:02 am
Maybe the Karma train pays a visit to Sheldon just like it did Melky.
Go Jackets!
September 3rd, 2012
12:17 am
Hey Dawgs…….KICK THEIR ARSES………………hope u go 11-1, guess what the 1 is…;-)
Techer84
September 3rd, 2012
12:20 am
As a Tech fan, i hope Ga goes into mizzou next weekend and cleans this teams clock…Since when is a pro style offense “old man football”?. Talk about the arrogance of a program(player) that has barely been in the discussion on a national scene the last decade. I will say that Ga looked pretty bad against BU but I, unlike others that have stated a strategy to “hold back” or “hide” their plays, think it was the players thinking that they could just show up and win and therefore coming out flat. If Ga plays like they are capable, they beat up what used to be a nobody b12 team, nothing more, nothing less. With that being said UT looks like the team to beat in the east at this point..
Cobb Dawg
September 3rd, 2012
12:31 am
We played with what we had Sat and we didn’t show our hand. Mizzou didn’t get any film on us and their coaches know it. A 19-year-old kid made an ignorant judgement and will probably eat every word. We used simple, off-tackle running plays and pitch-and-catch passing ones. The D played prevent all game long and we didn’t show our pass rush D hardly at all. Anyone who watched the game Sat and thinks that it was UGA football will be surprised this Sat. I think CMR played a little chess with Mizzou.
Cobb Dawg
September 3rd, 2012
12:36 am
P.S. Gurley is scary good. Much too early to say great yet. And Marshall’s right there with him. These two have the potential to be the best frosh duo ever. Time will tell.
Bulldog22
September 3rd, 2012
12:37 am
Missouri congrats on beating SE Louisiana, but ya’ll know nothing but square dancing and bull riding there which doesn’t have anything to do with football. Georgia will win and win big the defense will be ready and be prepared for Ken and Tod to run over two hundred yard together. Go Dawgs!!!!
The Bear
September 3rd, 2012
12:47 am
Alright UGA Mizzou players popping off about the SEC and they haven’t even played a conference game yet. This is a perfect game for UGA to send a message!
Bulldog22
September 3rd, 2012
12:49 am
Bold Statement Dawgs WIN the SEC Champ on Dec 1 in the dome its time to bring it back to GA
tony
September 3rd, 2012
12:50 am
UGA and KY are the only sec teams that Mizzou hasn’t beaten. Let’s keep this team winless against us. Give Mizzou a heavy dose of Gurley/Marshall and plz handcuff Aaron Murray unless we need his services.
Preston
September 3rd, 2012
12:50 am
John, you’re an idiot. UGA puts more players in the NFL than most. STFU and get a life.
Preston
September 3rd, 2012
12:52 am
Good point tony! Murray is NOT impressive. The running game should be enough to handle these punks.
7576DAWG
September 3rd, 2012
1:00 am
Because I think we could have 4 defensive starters out and maybe 5 , Georgia wins 38- 24. If we get Ogeltree, Mitchell or more back Georgia wins 38-17. Any win will be good news playing in Missouri and them trying to show they belong in the SEC. They also know we are co favorites to win the SEC east which they are in. One of the keys to the game will be if Murray can follow up his Buffalo play with no turnovers.
Dirty Tiger
September 3rd, 2012
1:21 am
GA doesnt stand a chance, they are getting ready to play the most underated football team this year. Welcome to the ZOU!!!
GTBob
September 3rd, 2012
1:24 am
He is basically right. The SEC is very good at football but most SEC games are pretty boring to watch. Personally for me, watching Oregon play last night was more entertaining than last years national championship.
owendawg
September 3rd, 2012
1:47 am
I have been a bulldog fan all of my life,and I really love them dawgs ….but if we play like we did sat against buffalo…I don’t see us winning anymore games…bobo got pass happy….not enough balance in our offense…on the d side of the ball…they should have never scored….a lackluster performance…need to play every game as it was the biggest game of there life…everybody needs to get after it…like there is no tomarrow….then maybe we will have a shot at the east title…right now it does not look good for them dawgs……step it up guys…time to hunker down and SEC football…damn
Robert
September 3rd, 2012
2:12 am
I am really starting to despise Richt more and more with every idiotic thing he says. We played as good as we could in the heat and humidity… Really? Really? Really? You practiced and trained in worse heat and humidity and Buffalo didn’t seem to have a problem with the heat and humidity so that my friend is a piss poor escuse! Wasn’t ready to commit to Gurley as the starting RB? WTF? He has no business being a head coach in the SEC! He is stealing money from the University for accepting a paycheck and being happy with halfass results. I have been saying since 2008 he was out of touch and he shouldn’t be the head coach of UGA and I will continue to say it.
#FireRicht on twitter if you agree.
Mike
September 3rd, 2012
2:14 am
Sheldon Richardson is better than any lineman UGA has and will be a top 15 pick. Book it. He said the same thing about Texas and then went out and showed them.
j-dawg
September 3rd, 2012
2:35 am
Dirty Tiger – serious question. What makes Mizzou the most underrated football team of the year? The pundits give them no shot because they have inferior talent, an undersized O-Line, a gimmick offense, and now have to play against the big boys. They don’t really seem all that underrated to me.
UGA89
September 3rd, 2012
2:44 am
Please UGA beat Missouri!!
j-dawg
September 3rd, 2012
2:47 am
Mike – I have to admit, Sheldon Richardson is a very good player. He was a highly rated recruit who shows more athleticism than most lineman. However, many people criticize his technique, and as you know he is coming off serious shoulder surgery. I suppose he could be a 1st round NFL pick, but right now they don’t predict him to go until well after the 2nd round. He’s gonna need a really good season to raise his draft stock that high, and his poor technique doesn’t indicate he can make that sort of jump. He wasn’t even all-big 12 last year. Is he the best Mizzou has to offer?
Bulldog Bill
September 3rd, 2012
3:57 am
Old man football???? Well let’s make ‘em mind their elders!!!!!!!
Go Blue
September 3rd, 2012
4:11 am
Here we go…a mid pack Big 12 team against the best of the SEC east. I bet on UGA by 3….think they could finish at least 3rd in the Big 12, My team can’t compete against the SEC west yet. But, as I admitted, we are a year or two from being back, I do think UM could win the east with the same schedule that UGA has. After watching S Car barely beat Vandy and UF barely be Bowling Green, UGA wins by default and plays in the championship game.
I dropped my fried twinkie
September 3rd, 2012
4:13 am
Richt & Bobo smell like used DEPENDS
7576DAWG
September 3rd, 2012
4:16 am
Richt said it right “THIS IS A MONSTER GAME”
I dropped my fried twinkie
September 3rd, 2012
4:16 am
a mid pack Big 12 team against the best of the SEC east. I bet on UGA by 3…
A MID PACK and the SEC east best and you only give 3? HAHAHHA LMMFAO……..3? Puz E go 10 if it is the SEC. east BEST…………………You are a JOKE and so is your bet.