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
Dawg Tired
September 3rd, 2012
10:16 am
“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.”
Gurley will not be the starter if Malcome is able to play. Why? Because Gurley is clearly the best back. Does this make sense? No. Is this one of many reasons why the so-called 6th best team in the country looks like they don’t have a clue on the field? It totally confuses and distresses players when the best players don’t get the nod from the coaches. They talk to each other and ask questions like, “What the hell is going on around here?”
In addition, when a team from upstate NY comes down here and is better acclimated to the heat and humidity than we are something is dreadfully wrong. Now our own coach is saying we didn’t play well because it was too hot and humid! Think about that! Shouldn’t the weather Saturday have been to our advantage and to a team from upstate NY’s disadvantage?
We are in deep trouble.
joe taxpayer
September 3rd, 2012
10:16 am
if he had said uninspired, lackadaisical, unprepared, inconsistent, that would have been truthful but old man football now that angers me
kingdaddy
September 3rd, 2012
10:20 am
Dawgfan13
I totally agree about Bennett. Good possesion reciever who loves to block. He had a great game all around Sat. Big-time team-player who gets mismatches because of his size. Bobo needs to use him and the TEs more. Saw a lot of good blocking from Merrit Hall too…
Larry
September 3rd, 2012
10:21 am
Mizzou’s gimmick offense has some good company in our gimmick defense (which scored 2 TDs Saturday) and our gimmick PR team (which scored 2 TDs Saturday). One of our gimmicks on offense was the ground game, which scored 3 TDs. Our gimmick passing game managed only 2 TDs.
Reggie's Balls
September 3rd, 2012
10:23 am
UGA is ranked 6th??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!! what a joke.
joe taxpayer
September 3rd, 2012
10:23 am
Guys we are not Alabama we are not an elite program. Why do you hold CMR to such a high standard of excellance. Go to the game, tailgate and pass the wine and brie. Maybe if everything goes our way we will be 10-2. What more could you want. Let S. Car. get destroyed in the SEC championship game. Hey we will beat Tech. Wait till next year CMR will have another highly ranked recuriting class.
Truman
September 3rd, 2012
10:23 am
Out with the old and in with new with the newly added Mizzou Tigers taking the helm in the SEC East. If buffalo could put 20+ points on the board then MIZZOU will put 40+ with the best receiving core in the SEC. Once Truman has Uganda playing back with our passing game, that’s when we attack with Lawerences change of pace speed with the draw. Georgia and the rest of the SEC is in for a rude awakening. The whole sec conference has been smug and cocky since mizzou was accepted in true sec. Now it’s time to slap you guys around and realize some humility…
WDE
September 3rd, 2012
10:25 am
@bamaguy great post indeed lets see how Mizzou feels after the season , and great showing vs the Wolverines.
WDE
September 3rd, 2012
10:26 am
@Truman great post and now little fella lets see if your bunch can back it up.
Missing players HURT UGA
September 3rd, 2012
10:27 am
Just like when selfish AJ Green sold his jersey and missed 4 games, these guys are hurting UGA due to their infractions. UGA has too many selfish guys. This is why UGA struggles year in and year out.
TEAM CHEMISTRY has been altered by their actions. Game day chemistry I am talking about. It DEFLATES the entire squad. Even Mitchell hurting his ankle shocked or shook up UGA pre game. Injury was not his fault but Mitchell not playing did impact UGA’s D.
UGA alum, class of 71 & 73
flatsdawg1
September 3rd, 2012
10:28 am
Well, here we are again, the expectations sky high and the inevitable comparisons to Alabama and poor first showing that’s typical of Georgia teams. To me less bright spots than the opener last year and last year we lost a couple, if that had been a boise or anybody decent we would have a loss. This Missouri team can beat us with our secondary having missing pieces we could be in for a barnfight. Obviously Gurley and I believe Marshall will be stars. We should have Marlon Brown back and he could easily be a star if Murray and the o- line have consistency. O line will be an issue all year I’m afraid. Defense missing half its players will surely be much better. You look at Alabama and you just say Wow, same team from last year. We have two potential great runners, they have 4 or 5. We have a shot, I thought Richt did his best job last year coaching them to the SECC , if he can do it again this year, we will have a chance at Bama.
Missouri DT already giving Georgia some locker room material | Saturday Down South
September 3rd, 2012
10:30 am
[...] Sheldon Richardson was asked whether or not he watched Georgia’s game earlier on Saturday before his game. “I watched [...]
Larry
September 3rd, 2012
10:31 am
C’mon, Truman. Let’s show good sportsmanship. No one knows who will win Saturday.
kingdaddy
September 3rd, 2012
10:34 am
Larry
Aaron Murray: 15-26- 258 yrds.—3 TDs! THREE TDs Larry! ZERO INTs. Larry! ZERO FUMBLES LOST Larry…How about the Big W Larry? I saw several recievers hit in the #s who dropped passes Larry! Did we watch the same game or are you just another Murray hater??
Dawg Tired
September 3rd, 2012
10:34 am
Sadly, the boy from Mizzou sees things clearer than our coach.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can stop it
September 3rd, 2012
10:36 am
Well, it’s certainly not “big boy” football.
Larry
September 3rd, 2012
10:37 am
kingdaddy:
I don’t think I’ve said anything disparaging about Murray or the ‘Dawgs.
joe taxpayer
September 3rd, 2012
10:38 am
flatsdawg1 I agree . UGA STOP fans comparing us to Alabama. They eat sleep this stuff 24/7/365. They go ape over poor play. They demand the best every game. Really, do you want to be like that. They are the lunatic fringe of college football. Lets be happy with 9-3 or 10-2. The games are fun and CMR recurits really well. I got my 1980 Betamax tape of our national championship year playing now. Who cares that the last year of the Korean war is closer to to the H Walker era than this season.
Dawg Tired
September 3rd, 2012
10:40 am
I see every one singing Bennett’s praises. I agree, but come Saturday that stud receiver named Brown from Memphis will get the nod to start over Bennett. More evidence of the incompetence of our coaches. Arguably our two best players will not even start unless the so-called starters at their positions are hurt. Pitiful!
kingdaddy
September 3rd, 2012
10:40 am
Truman
Keep talking, love your post…
Larry, Murray did a good job, but he’s just one play away from an injury. Conner Shaw can’t lift his right arm today. May not play against East Carolina next Sat…
The Bear
September 3rd, 2012
10:40 am
What is up Dog nation? Time to strap it up and hang an “L” on the boys from Missouri!
Larry
September 3rd, 2012
10:44 am
Anyway, regardless of styles and strategies, the game Saturday night will be decided by the usual suspects: blocking, tackling, not being out of position, not turning the ball over, not killing drives with penalties. There’s no lack of talent on either side. Making things click is what it’s all about. Let’s see who clicks! Should be fun! :>)
joe taxpayer
September 3rd, 2012
10:47 am
Larry —- if those are the keys to the game than we are in big trouble.
Larry
September 3rd, 2012
10:49 am
With the kind permission of Georgians (et al.), I would like to participate in this forum through the season, and (if I live long enough!) into future seasons! I shall attempt to refrain from distasteful compositions (which I save up for Jayhawkers, elsewhere). :>)
kingdaddy
September 3rd, 2012
10:50 am
Sorry Larry
was responding to your 10:21 where you said our gimmick passing game only had 2 TDs. Didn’t mean to come down so hard bro. My apologies…
flatsdawg1
September 3rd, 2012
10:52 am
I see this one as a shootout, Missouri will come out slinging it with success, they have a 6′6 freshman receiver that will have a package set up I’m sure. We will have to throw it to win, We will be playing from behind in the first quarter and will be tested. We will then settle down and run it down their throats and pull it out in columbia 37- 34, God willing lol
kingdaddy
September 3rd, 2012
10:52 am
Happy Labor Day!
What’s up Bear…
Larry
September 3rd, 2012
10:52 am
joe taxpayer:
Best that we all remain humble. In past times, I’ve had to endure losses to the likes of Bowling Green, Troy…the list goes on! ;>)
The Bear
September 3rd, 2012
10:52 am
UGA should be chomping at the bit to play this game! Missouri supplying plenty of bulletin board fodder. It has hit ESPN already!
Dawg Whisperer
September 3rd, 2012
10:53 am
Truman… seriously, we want to stick with those comments. If so, you may want to change your blog name to Falseman.
The Bear
September 3rd, 2012
10:53 am
back at you kingdaddy!
Larry
September 3rd, 2012
10:56 am
kingdaddy:
No problem, just misunderstanding. I was referring throughout to Mizzou’s “gimmick” offense. You won’t catch me talkin’ trash here — I hope! But, I am inclined towards wryness. :>)
LHarding Dawg
September 3rd, 2012
10:56 am
It was about average for Georgia for a starting game. It was hot and humid and it has to be tought to be 300 pounds playing football in that weather. I’m at the lake and on Saturday, there was no wind, and the humidity was high. The offensive line has a long way to go but they will get there. Playing a real game is much different that playing a controlled scrimage game.
All in all, we have a ways to go, but in my opinion, well get there and be fine.
Shut Up
September 3rd, 2012
10:57 am
augusta dawg shut the hell up. i guarantee you youre the “biggest UGA fan”….that also never went to UGA. And im from Augusta so dont make us all look bad.
joe taxpayer
September 3rd, 2012
10:58 am
I’m a Georgia fan. Look up humble in the dictionary you will see a picture of UGA fans. We have nothing to crow about.
Dawg Whisperer
September 3rd, 2012
10:59 am
Murray needs to play under control because he has the necessary skills. No caffeine please.
GTJeff
September 3rd, 2012
11:02 am
I think yall are really reading into this game too much. 1.It was the first game of the season. The team was a bit rusty. 2. It was Buffalo. Not really a team you can get motivated to play.
As far as Mizzou,what a d-bag. I hope they go o-fer in SEC play this year.
kingdaddy
September 3rd, 2012
11:07 am
I hope Coach Richt has explained to all the other coaches the urgency and importance of second effort in practice this week. I don’t think they will get a trip to the pool this week, lol. CTG needs to “break one off” in HIS DEFENSE. Hope Malcome is ready and Theus is taped and ready to go Sat.
Hey guys, when was the last time we had no turnovers and only 22 yrds. of penalties???
flatsdawg1
September 3rd, 2012
11:14 am
As a bleeding red and black dawg fan, I want us back in the SECC , but we know every game will be tough in the SEC, there is no easy schedule. Look at Vandy, SC, even Tennessee looks better. Then of course there are the gaturs. It’s like Chris Berman says, that’s why they play the games. Dawg whisperer, I agree, Murray looks like he chugged three red bulls overthrowing a plethora of guys! When he makes adjustments throwing the ball (i.e. underthrowing) is when he gets in trouble, he will be doing that in practice this week, so some picks will probably happen in Missouri. I think Grantham will have the D ready, especially with that bulletin board gift! But who will play and not play, that’s the question.
Larry
September 3rd, 2012
11:16 am
Just a bit more about ever having done “anything significant” on a football field. Mizzou owns road victories over the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, USC, (Bear Bryant’s) Alabama — and 3/4 over Bob Devaney’s Nebraska teams, including two straight in Lincoln — all of which were played during those teams’ years of prominence. More recently, as another example, we defeated “Big Game” Bob’s Okies for the viewing pleasure of ESPN’s Game Day crowd. In our last Cotton Bowl, we destroyed Arkansas with our gimmicky ground game. And if Steve Spurrier has ever defeated Mizzou, I can’t recall the occasion. I’m not puffing up with regard to this Saturday, which figures to be a close game. I’m just saying that Mizzou on a football field is at least significant. Go “o-fer” in the SEC? Go ahead and bet on it, chum.
BIG TECH
September 3rd, 2012
11:20 am
The Mizzou is right on his assessment of Georgia’s team… There games are horribly hard to watch and what he meant about Georgia’s games being old man football is that it’s coached very conservatively.. On the other hand, Bama, LSU and Florida, Auburn and Florida when Meyers was there are very wide open in their play calling and I think this is the reason why these teams have won championships! Georgia either needs to open up their playbook more or get an aggressive coach because you guys have beasts of athletes than can be just as good if not better than Bama and LSU….
Beamer
September 3rd, 2012
11:26 am
The MIzzou player was an idiot. Why in the world put that kind of target on your back? Talk is cheap on Sunday before a game. Let’s see how he feels next Saturday night.
Ray Tardinski
September 3rd, 2012
11:27 am
More epic dilusion from the dawg nation. Take a history lesson for once, your team is overrated and even with your paid wussy schedule UGAY will still finish 2nd or 3rd in the East. Expect a Vandy loss as well. Book it.
Badland Dawg
September 3rd, 2012
11:28 am
I glad to see others in the USA see the same thing I see…CMR is a old time football guy and so is this team…it has been for a long time…Missou is going to give bobo and CMR a lesson in big time football…and its comeing FAST… OUR BEST 11 WILL NOT EVEN BE ON THE FIELD AT THE SAME TIME…..THE WAY OUR QB PALYS YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME…..HAPPY FEET MURRAY…..MISSOU 35 UGA 17
WDE
September 3rd, 2012
11:34 am
@Ray Tardinski newsflash sport now one listens to anyone who ends with “book it” …sorry its just the truth now back to your hole.
RunninWithTheDawgs
September 3rd, 2012
11:35 am
joe taxpayer — I totally agree with your 10:38 post. If you spend money to buy tickets and food and beverages for tailgating, and you have great company in good friends and family, then you tell everybody you had a miserable day because we lost, you’re taking this stuff to seriously. GO DAWGS
Joey
September 3rd, 2012
11:39 am
“…you tell everybody you had a miserable day because we lost, you’re taking this stuff to seriously.”
*************************************************
Yeah buddy.
That’s a living, breathing reason it has been 32 years . . .
Go Dawgs!
ozzfest
September 3rd, 2012
11:41 am
TRUE.
OUR COACH ACTS LIKE AN OLD MAN AND WILL NOT FIRE HIS WEAKEST LINK…MIKE BOBO.
AND ACTS ALL “BIG BROTHER” BY NOT TELLING THE FANS IF CERTAIN PLAYERS ARE GOING TO PLAY. THANKS MARK.
OUR AD ACTS LIKE AN OLD MAN WITH HIS “FLORIDA SCHEDULING”…1ST NON-SELOUT IN 12 YEARS.
OUR FANS ACT LIKE AN OLD MAN – ONLY AT SANFORD STADIUM DO THE FANS IN THE 50 YARD LINE SEATS SIT MOST OF THE GAME. SAT IN SIMILAR SEATS AT AUBURN, BAMA, A&M…EVEN THEIR OLD MAN FANS ***STAND UP*** DURING THE ENTIRE GAME!!!
…FLYING TO ST LOUIS FRIDAY…BRINGIN’ THE “GURLEY MAN POWER” TO COLUMBIA!
Rock Hard for the 'Cocks
September 3rd, 2012
11:42 am
Them’s fightin’ words. Wonder if Jawja will show up and shut them up.
VA
September 3rd, 2012
11:44 am
For the fooball compromised “old football” means you don’t run a spread offense. Too bad Georgia has never lined up against a spread offense they’re really going to be in for a suprise.