Georgia gets yet another shot at Top 10 opponent; that it’s Florida is just a bonus
Georgia coach Mark Richt and the Bulldogs hope to be celebrating at the end of the Florida game like they were this time last year. (AJC photo by Jason Getz)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In September 2010, during his first year as Georgia’s athletic director, Greg McGarity had a meeting with all of the Bulldogs’ head coaches. He had several messages he wanted to convey, but one of the main ones was this: Don’t make Florida games bigger than any other.
McGarity has a unique perspective on the Georgia-Florida rivalry. A UGA graduate and one-time coach and athletic administrator for the Bulldogs, he also spent 18 years as the No. 2 man in the Gators’ athletic department. McGarity happened to arrive in Gainesville, Fla., not long after Steve Spurrier took over as football coach and swung the series in Florida’s direction.
During that time, McGarity noticed a trend among his former constituency. Defeating Florida — in any sport, but especially football — had become a fixation. He observed that it had become so important to the Bulldog Nation, and to the coaches and players as well, as to become a debilitating obsession.
“I wanted to debunk this notion that beating Florida was any more important than beating anybody else in the SEC,” McGarity said this past week. “It doesn’t count any more in the standings. I just felt like there was too much emphasis being put on beating one team.”
McGarity told his coaches that winning SEC championships — not defeating certain opponents — is the standard on which they would be judged.
To that end, the Bulldogs often tripped over Florida trying to do just that. They’d win only three of the 18 games with McGarity on the other sideline, and he observed Georgia teams often stretched taut with anxiety.
“It seemed like there would always be that one play where Georgia would drop a pass or throw an interception late in the game or something, and that would end up being the difference,” McGarity said. “It just seemed like they were too uptight. I think that was because they put so much pressure on themselves that didn’t need to be there.”
So McGarity’s primary advice as Georgia and Florida prepare to renew their rivalry for the 91st time Saturday: “just relax and trust your abilities.”
The SEC East is on the line again as the No. 10 Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1) and No. 2 Gators (7-0, 6-0) meet at EverBank Field. A Florida win punches its ticket to the Georgia Dome. A Georgia win gives the Bulldogs the head-to-head tiebreaker should they win out.
Georgia coach Mark Richt appears to have heeded the advice of his boss. The Bulldogs lost in overtime in 2010 and won 24-20 last year to help clinch an SEC Championship game berth. And as far as anyone can tell, there are no plans for any field-rushing touchdown celebrations or uniform changes as he has resorted to in the past.
“I think it’s one of those weeks as a coach where you don’t sit around wondering how you can motivate these guys,” Richt said. “They are motivated to play, so I don’t think that’s an issue. … Everything gets magnified in games like this. We have some experience with it. At South Carolina we didn’t handle it well. Hopefully we’ll handle it this time around.”
The Gators have revenge on their side, having blown a 17-3 lead last year to lose in coach Will Muschamp’s first season. But the UGA graduate echoed Richt’s sentiments that no special antics are warranted.
“You don’t need a bunch of pep talks this week to get them going,” said Muschamp, who went 7-6 on his first season at Florida. “What’s oftentimes lost in a game of this magnitude is the importance of making sure players don’t get too hyped too early.”
That might be the biggest concern for the Bulldogs. Senior safety Shawn Williams ignited Georgia’s fan base — and its locker room — when he ranted after Monday’s practice about the Bulldogs’ defense “playing too soft” and without passion. That’s the reason, Williams concluded, that after finishing fifth in the nation in total defense last season, Georgia is not among the top 50 in most statistical categories coming into Saturday’s game.
Williams’ comments touched off an impassioned response from his teammates. Tuesday’s practice was said to be one of the more spirited and physical of the season. At least two players came out of it with concussions.
“I feel like that woke a lot of guys up,” said All-American outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, who is returning this week from an ankle injury. “I think guys understand where Shawn’s coming from, and we all definitely respect him. We feel like it was just a challenge for us to go out there and re-focus ourselves and get back on the right track and play the defense we’re known for playing. That’s smash-mouth football.”
Georgia certainly does not sound like a tight team heading into Saturday’s game. While everyone around has been peppering them with questions about their record against Top 10 teams (1-9 since 2008) and their record against Florida (4-18 since 1991), the Bulldogs have spoken confidently and excitedly about getting to measure themselves against the mighty Gators once again in Jacksonville.
“I think our guys will be ready,” Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray said. “I don’t think it matters what a team is ranked or if a team is ranked or not ranked in this game. There’s going to be so many emotions. Guys will be playing harder than they’ve played all season long. It’s a fun game and I love being a part of it. I know I’ll be ready to go and I know my teammates will be ready to go.”
MORE GEORGIA-FLORIDA COVERAGE
- Georgia’s Jarvis Jones eager to wreak havoc again against Gators
- Notebook: Dogs look to resurrect rushing attack vs. Florida
- Malcolm Mitchell: ‘No better feeling than having the ball in your hands’
- Notebook: Georgia’s O-line will be shuffling again against Gators
- Starting defensive end Abry Jones out for season after ankle surgery
- UGA’s Mike Gilliard: ‘I felt disrespected and, yes, I took it personally’
- A look at Georgia’s next opponent: The Florida Gators
- Teammates, coaches react to Williams ’soft defense’ remarks
- Georgia players and coaches preview Florida game
- Notebook: Richt floats idea of coaching kickers himself
- Georgia’s O-line eager for another chance against an elite defense
- QB Aaron Murray will take offensive player of week honors into Florida game
- Georgia-Florida week: Will Abry Jones or Jarvis Jones play?
- Dogs struggle vs. Kentucky, but win sets up marquee matchup with Gators
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110 comments Add your comment
Dawgs 73
October 27th, 2012
10:52 am
No. 1 Braves Fan – While I hope you are correct, what factual evidence do you have that gets UGA to this outcome.
Joey
October 27th, 2012
10:52 am
“If the group of critical fans who constantly put them and Coach Richt down would let up a little and cheer more, they will do well.”
************************************
Geez, I’m embarrassed you wrote that post, myself. So if I yell louder today, we “will do well?” Hey, I was cheering in Columbia 3 weeks ago, and look where that got me.
But I’ll play along, Braves Fan, I’ll let up on Richt today – and by the way, I never criticize players. Players come and go, and we still under-achieve. It ain’t the players.
Go Dawgs!
Big Crimson 75
October 27th, 2012
10:52 am
For some strange, unpredictable reason, I like UGA today.
Believe it or not, Muschamp has more pressure to win this game than Richt.
Aaron Murray owes UGA at least 1 great win.
The Truth About Dawgs
October 27th, 2012
10:56 am
@Big Crimson 75
It’s possible. After all, how many times can you flip a danged coin and still have it come up tails?
Dawgs 73
October 27th, 2012
10:56 am
Joey – You are the voice of reason in a sea of unrealistic fans. At least you cheer without being a blind homer.
Joey
October 27th, 2012
10:56 am
Big Crimson 75, are you drinking this early?
You are right about Murray, and if we can somehow give him time, he will do some damage. His accuracy last week (I know it was UK) was unbelievable.
Our downfall will be when UF makes adjustments.
We never have an answer.
ARdawg
October 27th, 2012
10:57 am
Beast
The best team will win my friend. I predict a 27-13 Dawgs victory. I think our defense shows up
Joey, point exactly on the wins. Good comparison
ARdawg
October 27th, 2012
11:00 am
Murray has the ability, the talent and the knowledge to win this game. He has to direct it like it’s his offense. If he does, we win. If he doesn’t we lose. It hinges on Murray
Beast from the East
October 27th, 2012
11:05 am
Big Crimson,
Muschamp has ZERO pressure on him. His team has already exceeded our expectations for this year. We are pretty much guaranteed 9 wins and most of us had them going 8-4. No pressure at all. Next year will be a different story, as expectations will be sky high.
No. 1 Braves Fan
October 27th, 2012
11:06 am
Dawgs 73: Not sure what you mean about factual evidence. I just believe the defense will not play today like they did against SC and UK. Instead, they will play like they are capable, which I believe is as good as the Gators defense. As far as offense, The Dawgs are much better as the record shows. This is the best factual evidence I have.
Thomas
October 27th, 2012
11:08 am
Living on the Ga/Fla border it is about bragging rights. You have to win this game or listen to all the comments till the following year. The game that has mixed emotional ties among family and friends alike. You live in Georgia and support Florida is considered an act of treason. GO DAWGS!
Beast from the East
October 27th, 2012
11:08 am
ARdawg,
No one has been able to score more than 20 on us all year and that includes A&M and UT on the road. Is UGA’s offense, with the problems on the o-line, that better than them? I know the skills positions are very good, but you can’t run if there are no holes. Hope I’m right.
Big Crimson 75
October 27th, 2012
11:09 am
Big Crimson 75, are you drinking this early?
—-
No comment.
Dawgs 73
October 27th, 2012
11:10 am
ARdawg – Agree with you regarding Murray. The problem isn’t in his ability, it’s more his offensive line & coaching. If the big boys come to play today, then Murray should have a good day.
Here’s my problem with today’s game. My belief is that due to the weather (and were talking more wind gusts than rain), is that Bobo & Richt are going to try and force the running game (which UF will be ready for). UF has a HUGE advantage if Rich & Bobo decide to make this into a running/grinding ‘em out type of game. This in effect will neutralize UGA’s big advantage which is Murray.
I think we will learn a lot in the first offensive possession as I believe Richt will have us coming out in the I-formation, with two tight ends, and we will run the ball three straight times to prove our “man-hood”. While I love this type of football, I don’t believe that this team’s identity is a power running football.
Just my opinion.
Big Crimson 75
October 27th, 2012
11:12 am
Big Crimson,
Muschamp has ZERO pressure on him.
—-
Fla’s having a great season, no question.
Reminiscent of Bama’s 2nd year under Saban.
Muschamp doesn’t want to start 0&2 against UGA, so yes, there’s some pressure.
Dawgs 73
October 27th, 2012
11:13 am
No. 1 Braves Fan – I certainly love your optimism and “hope” you are correct. I just don’t see how UGA becomes tougher a few weeks after such wretched performances. We will see.
Joey
October 27th, 2012
11:15 am
ARdawg, Murray is a gym rat, and I bet he’s found the weaknesses in UF’s secondary. It’s Richt/Bobo’s job to protect him – and that’s what worries me. We will see soon if they are even thinking about protection – I would put Samuel in for pass blocking, or an extra tackle in the TE
spot. Will they?
I hope Richt knows a win today would shut up all of us who have watched him since ‘08, evolve into a “only average” head coach.
Dawgs 73, even while Richt’s belts are getting bigger, his coaching stature is shrinking. Hell I want this win this game for him worse than he wants it. These ugly losse on National TV are threatening his once-secure legacy.
Go Dawgs!
ARdawg
October 27th, 2012
11:19 am
Beast
A&M was the only good offense team you guys have played. If our bipolar offense gets the good guys today, your boys might see 30+ hung on them. Of course we could get the bad guys and struggle for 10. I say it again. It hinges on Murray
Dawgs 73
I wouldn’t disagree at all with that.
Joey
October 27th, 2012
11:20 am
“No comment.”
*****************
Haha! Join the club.
I’m so nervous, you’d think I’ve gotta strap on the pads . . .
wreckmaniac
October 27th, 2012
11:20 am
Relax ! These are dawg fans ! They never relax. This group has the highest incidence of coronary occulsions, hemorroids, night sweats, sleeplessness and mind-wandering of any fan base in the country. None of them are healthy. Even if they win today, they will continue to worry. Who wants to be part of this ?
Big Crimson 75
October 27th, 2012
11:24 am
The SEC East is on the Line.
This game tells everyone exactly where Mark Richt has his Program.
No excuses for UGA not to play their best ball of the year today!!
As good as Richt’s tenure has been at UGA(he’s done everything, butt win it all), if the dogs lose, it’s time for a change.
Big Crimson 75
October 27th, 2012
11:26 am
Kirby Smart would be perfect for UGA.
Joey
October 27th, 2012
11:27 am
“As far as offense, The Dawgs are much better as the record shows.”
**********************************
No. 1 Braves Fan, you are right, our offense (absent SC) has been almost spectacular. UF, meanwhile has been what, above average?
But, look at the schedules – we have played one team with a winning record, and UF has played 3 highly ranked team, two with stout D’s. So who knows how that factors in?
But it’s all about matchups – and nobody has any idea how those matchups will turn out, until they start hitting each other.
Go Dawgs!
Dawgs 73
October 27th, 2012
11:27 am
Big Crimson 75 – Absolutely correct! There is ZERO excuse for UGA to come out and play poorly. It’s one thing to lose, it’s another to come out undisciplined and look unprepared.
Big Crimson 75
October 27th, 2012
11:31 am
But it’s all about matchups – and nobody has any idea how those matchups will turn out, until they start hitting each other.
——
Now you’re talking!!
The great thing about College Football(with all these high-powered Mickey Mouse offenses out there), the Game is still won & lost in the trenches.
99% of the time, whoever brings the Wood is winning the game.
Obsever
October 27th, 2012
11:37 am
Muschamp’s defense has laid quite a few eggs when he was a Texas, especially in big games (see red river rivalry). This game comes down to how bad UGA wants it. The offense needs to keep there foot on the gas if they get a lead. The defense needs to just show up and contain Driskell. Coach Richt needs to unleash CTG on the sideline a few CHOKE gestures never hurts!!!
ARdawg
October 27th, 2012
11:37 am
Joey
we should see the Fr backs do a better job in pass protection as well. I wouldn’t bet the mortgage on a 2 tightend set though for extra protection. Bobo and Richt both are too hung up on 4-5 downfield receivers
Joey
October 27th, 2012
11:45 am
I know – I started to say that myself, ARdawg, but I did promise Braves Fan . . .
Obsever, I don’t know what Texas has to do with UF – I do know Urban Myer left Muschamp with lots of top-flight talent in Gainesville – remember one class (’09?) was called by ESPN as the best class ever.
UGA may have more skill position talent, but UF isn’t lacking anywhere else, especially on their lines -they are good and deep.
ARdawg
October 27th, 2012
11:49 am
Joey
It doesn’t make sense especially with Mitchell back as a wide out. We have the guys that can get open and the QB that can get it to him if he’s given the time
collegeballfan
October 27th, 2012
12:00 pm
“I wanted to debunk this notion that beating Florida was any more important than beating anybody else in the SEC,” McGarity said this past week. “It doesn’t count any more in the standings.”
Horse manure!
McGarity goes on radio a few days ago and says that beating GT is the top game on Georgia’s schedule. I am sure he knows that GT counts for nothing in the conference standings.
If you are in a conference, winning the conference championship must be the goal. Anybody on your schedule who is not in the conference must be second in importance.
Georgia v GT was once a conference game. But it has not been for decades. If the major goal of UGA is to beat a GT team that is 26 games over .500 for the past 52 years, then UGA has very low expectations for its program. Maybe that is why Alabama (2), Auburn, Florida (2) and LSU have won BCS national titles since UGA won its last SEC title.
ARdawg
October 27th, 2012
12:07 pm
ballfan
He can say what he wants but he can’t change the fact that I receive more pleasure when we beat FL and more angst when we lose to FL . I enjoy every game but none carry the emotion that does this game
Beast from the East
October 27th, 2012
12:08 pm
Any of you watching SC and UT? I suspect SC will take out some frustration on the lowly Vols today.
World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party
October 27th, 2012
12:31 pm
Greg McGarity was able to get everybody to relax except
new Defensive Assistant Coach Shawn ‘hit real hard’ Williams.
ARdawg
October 27th, 2012
12:33 pm
Beast
There isn’t much for choices for me in Oklahoma today. Mizzou/Ky AR/Ole Miss
ARdawg
October 27th, 2012
12:34 pm
I wouldn’t mind seeing Baby Dooley’s Vols stick it to SC
Lonnie
October 27th, 2012
12:34 pm
UGA 24 very good point! We have excelled in the last 12 years!!!!
World's Largest Outdoor Gator Beating
October 27th, 2012
12:48 pm
‘
Relax Dawg Fans.
Joey
October 27th, 2012
12:56 pm
Hey Lonnie, how about the past 4+ years??
I enjoyed ‘02 – ‘05 (and ‘07 except for the 2 losses to underdogs), but it’s been a long time since then.
How long is your statute of limitations?
Ask the Question
October 27th, 2012
1:13 pm
Spurrier made beating Georgia the focus of his program when he got to Florida. If Georgia coaches-in any sport-can’t handle the pressure of playing Florida, then Georgia needs some new coaches!!
Quit being timid McGarity, and do your job!!!
The Truth About Dawgs
October 27th, 2012
1:18 pm
Beast from the East
October 27th, 2012
12:08 pm
“Any of you watching SC and UT? I suspect SC will take out some frustration on the lowly Vols today.”
I dunno. South Carolina is about as lowly as are the Vols. It could go either way.
Whiznot
October 27th, 2012
1:28 pm
Wake up Dawg fans. McGarity, Richt and Murray are all from Florida and they have cleverly infiltrated UGA football in a scurrilous plot to ensure Gator dominance. All hope is lost!
Joey
October 27th, 2012
1:37 pm
A small hole in your theory, Whiznot – what about Ray Goff?
Other than that little item, I’m in . . .
j-dawg
October 27th, 2012
1:37 pm
Wow, for anyone watching the USC game, Marcus Lattimore’s career may have just ended with a gruesome knee/leg injury. Very upsetting injury, I pray he can recover from this and still be in the NFL.
Red Stick
October 27th, 2012
1:42 pm
Beast, Big Crimson,
I think Richt is the one who has the most pressure to win today. Who would have predicted that the Gators would be 7-0?
If Richt loses this game their SEC title aspirations are gone. Georgia was predicted by many to win the East and he will have lost to 2 of their biggest rivals, Florida and SC. This from a team that had the entire defense returning as well as Murray.
I’m looking forward to watching this huge game.
Georgia-Florida LIVE: Dogs try to take control in SEC East | Jeff Schultz
October 27th, 2012
1:48 pm
[...] – Chip’s story with Greg McGarity. [...]
Joey
October 27th, 2012
1:58 pm
You are right, j-dawg. He has been one tough player. Like Jarvis Jones, he let his play do the talking.
Hope it’s just a broken leg – that would be better than another knee injury.
I still think he came back too soon from the ACL – most players don’t get back for 12-14 months, and he was playing in like 9 or 10?
Joey
October 27th, 2012
2:03 pm
Four million dollars a year for this???
********************************
Hey, hey, hey.
Don’t exaggerate – that’s only if he gets all of his bonuses (East Champ, SEC Champ, BCS Champ) – so – it’s probably in the $3.2M range.
Now if you count the other under-achieving coaches on this staff, you would probably need to bump the total to roughly, $6M.
Not much bang for the buck.
Joey
October 27th, 2012
2:10 pm
“What’s lower than lowly?”
***********************
Somewhere between SC and UT. Lots of Richt Fan-Boys have blocked out everything occuring with UGA football since ‘05.
In their minds, we just won the SEC Title, and SC was lucky to beat us (for the 3rd straight year).
Cindy Hendrix
October 27th, 2012
2:18 pm
UGA players need to show up & play for every game not just 1! whether it is a conference game or non conference or a big rival game.Play hard, tough, strong with intensity, fight, & never back down you play from the opening buzzer to start to the ending buzzer in the 4th quarter until there is no time left on game clock. Do whatever it takes to win & get points! If this means a QB change do it whatever it takes to win if AM is struggling & not producing MR put in our backup QB & see what he can do for us to win if he does good & we win great! AM if you end up sitting out well next week you practice harder & earn your starting QB job back MR you do whatever it takes to win with the best player period!! If next year we are in need of a new coach go to a coach who has coached in the SEC with experience np Petrino!! KS how good is he without Saban? does Saban let him coach the D by himself or does he interject when he feels like it. 1 coach I would not mind UGA hiring is Tommy Tuberville now coaching at Texas Tech was coach at Auburn he can coach in the SEC he is very familar with SEC oppoents he coached in the west he would be coaching in the east if he was our HC he gets fired up is not afraid to take chances & he will do whatever it takes to win a game until the last play of 4th quarter he is a gambler. I love that! AS ALWAYS GO DAWGS SIC EM WOOF WOOF!! GATA!!
ARdawg
October 27th, 2012
2:20 pm
What are the Nerds so far this year 3-4? And who was that team that beat them so badly Middle Tennessee who?