Intensity of rivalry, upsets of last weekend help keep Tech foremost on Georgia’s mind
ATHENS – Kansas State coach Bill Snyder emerged from the Wildcats’ locker room after his No. 1-ranked team had just been dismantled by unranked Baylor 52-24 this past Saturday night and he fell on the proverbial sword.
In his postgame remarks, Snyder talked about not handling well his team’s situation. And by “situation” he wasn’t talking about blocking and tackling the Bears that night in Waco. He was talking about the Wildcats’ place among the BCS contenders and all that comes with it.
“I don’t think we handled the situation as well as we should have been able to,” Snyder told reporters after the game. “It had nothing to do with young guys wanting to be successful. They wanted to play well; they wanted to play hard; they wanted to win. We just couldn’t handle the environment as well as we could.”
Suffice it to say, Georgia coach Mark Richt doesn’t want to find himself in a similar situation following the Bulldogs’ game against Georgia Tech Saturday at Sanford Stadium. His No. 3-ranked Bulldogs (10-1) moved into the “environment” to which Snyder referred thanks to Kansas State’s loss and to the one also suffered by No. 2 Oregon at the hands of Stanford a short time later.
If Georgia can get by Tech this Saturday, it’s SEC Championship game matchup against No. 2 Alabama (10-1) on Dec. 1 will be a national championship semifinal. But the reality of this week is, the Yellow Jackets (6-5) — as champions of the ACC’s Coastal Division and Georgia’s most bitter rival — pose a much more formidable threat than the 4-5 Bears did to Kansas State.
So what is Richt doing to avoid a similar fate? Nothing, really.
Richt’s approach has been to not make SEC championships or BCS scenarios any part of the discussions he has with the team. He’s not forbidding players from talking about it or having ESPN’s SportsCenter blocked from the locker room television sets. But the Bulldogs are sticking hard and fast to their weekly routine.
“We meet every day and, kind of like we do every week, we talk about who we’re playing next, what kind of challenges they bring and what we need to do on a daily basis to get ready for it,” Richt said Tuesday. “That’s really all we do.”
How the players are handling the situation depends on the individual. For the most part, they seem to be embracing the moment and enjoying being part of the discussion.
“Every time you flip a channel, that’s all they’ve been talking about the last couple of days,” freshman tailback Todd Gurley said. “It’s kind of hard just to put it out of your mind when you’ve got fans tweeting you about that. But we’ve still got to finish off Tech. On Sunday, we can talk about (BCS implications).”
Said junior offensive lineman Kenarious Gates: “I love SportsCenter; it’s probably the only show I watch. I like to see what’s going on around the world and in different sports and how other teams are doing out there. When they’re talking about us and the BCS, I like to hear it. you just can’t let it get all into your head and stuff like that.”
That’s the key, the Bulldogs said, not getting caught up in the hype.
“There’s only so much you can do to avoid it because it’s everywhere,” sophomore linebacker Amarlo Herrera said. “You just can’t put all your feelings into it. And whatever they say shouldn’t ever be motivation. We should be motivated all year by the goals we set for ourselves.”
Amazingly, despite a 35-7 loss to South Carolina in Week 6, they are all still there for the taking. The biggest thing working in the Bulldogs’ favor is the fact that Saturday’s opponent is Georgia Tech. Georgia’s upperclassmen are making sure the underclassmen understand all the ramifications of that.
“If they were to beat us, it’d ruin everything we’re doing and they’d love that; that’d be perfect for them,” senior linebacker Christian Robinson said. “We want to beat Tech, that’s obvious. And we’re trying to help those younger guys who have never been in this atmosphere to realize the significance of it.”
Said senior flanker Tavarres King: “I told Todd Gurley (Monday), I said, ‘man, if you remember how bad we felt after losing to South Carolina this year, you’ll feel 10 times worse losing to these guys.’”
Richt likes the sound of that. In the meantime, he’s working pretty hard himself to avoid any BCS questions. And that goes beyond the half-dozen he tip-toed around during his weekly news conference on Tuesday.
“I had to hang up on my mom,” he quipped. “But, I mean, the staff’s not asking me. I get here about 8 in the morning and leave at about midnight,so there’s not many people I talk to outside people in the building. So we really don’t talk about.”
That’s all right. Everybody else is.
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185 comments Add your comment
DIT
November 21st, 2012
10:32 am
But you don’t play UGA and hence, again, no SEC East title…..AGAIN! and no shot at a NC……AGAIN. It will stink when ClemPson beats you and you lose your bowl game. a 4 loss season when you thought you were going to win it all……….AGAIN! Go Dawgs!
South Carolina – where the men are men and sheep are nervous.
ARdawg
November 21st, 2012
10:34 am
Tech is a complete and total embarrassment to the weakest conference in the nation and the proud State of Georgia
I-DOG
November 21st, 2012
10:34 am
Plain Truth:
So, if Jenkins said yes to tech and accepted a scholarship, he would turn into Matt Damon’s character in Good Will Hunting solving theoretical math equations that only a dozen people on earth can simply by stepping foot on campus and donning white and gold. However, he chose Georgia and by putting on Red and Black and living in Athens, he turns into snoop dog?
Anyone buying this?
ARdawg
November 21st, 2012
10:38 am
I-DOG
Only plain truth and a few other assorted nutbags from Tech buy that. In fact most of the Tech nation realize how stupid that is
Joey
November 21st, 2012
10:40 am
Ready for obamacare, Mobile Dawg? Or just gonna pay the “penalties” at tax time?
rhbDAWG1
November 21st, 2012
10:48 am
Disgusted Dawg – I am also a “disgusted Dawg” – with the likes of you and your ilk whining about everything you don’t like about Mark Richt.
Joey
November 21st, 2012
10:50 am
I agree, I-Dog. Without a doubt the three biggest games Richt will ever coach. He has the talent and has the stars lined up to where he can control this.
When you consider the talent on this team – it makes you wonder what on earth happened at SC?
What other team has: 5 possible 1st round picks on defense? The caliber and depth of our WR corps? the caliber of our RBs? Our #1 Rated QB?
Even Richt has to know, with this schedule, and this talent on both sides of the ball, and the BCS situation, it’s now or never.
UGAy Sucks
November 21st, 2012
10:53 am
UGA sucks. struggle against Ten. UK. Got the waxed against S Car. I know that ALA will kill Georgia. Tech has a real good chance. Just depends on if the UGA players can stay out of jail long enough to play this Saturday.
Ace
November 21st, 2012
10:54 am
Murray is gonna get hurt and taken out. Bountygate in the NCAA.
UGAJD
November 21st, 2012
10:54 am
@ The Plain Truth – Look at the NCAA’s most recent graduation rate rankings: UGA’s rate is 69% (equal to Michigan and above Virginia), while Tech’s is a paltry 55%. I’ve had good friends who’ve played football at Tech, and if you think all of the football players are sitting in class studying integral calculus, you’re an idiot.
robodawg
November 21st, 2012
11:10 am
Players might best just keep the TV off for the next couple of weeks. Don’t let the ESPN talking heads get into your heads. Nerves of steel are what we need most right now. Go Dawgs, finish the drill!
Ace
November 21st, 2012
11:18 am
What you will need is a QB after the 1st quarted, the bounty is out.
Bama
November 21st, 2012
11:36 am
I am pulling for the Dawgs to beat GT. That being said I dont think they have enough to beat Alabama but if its GA or Alabama playing for the title either should beat ND who have not played anyone all year.
I-DOG
November 21st, 2012
11:37 am
Joey:
I was certainly critical of the team’s performance at USC, but the good news is, it never happened. It is wiped clean in that Georgia has a 3 game playoff from here on out and the one loss has no bearing on their chances at an SEC and national title.
However, they have to win each game to keep advancing and Bama is not an easy W.
Of course, if UGA beats Bama there will be many bashers on here talking about how OVERATED the tide are and how the win was meaningless.
WDE
November 21st, 2012
11:40 am
UGAy Sucks want some cheese with that whine sonny?
NCDawg
November 21st, 2012
11:43 am
Ace – that isn’t even funny. Go crawl back in your garbage can.
BTW: If you take Murray out a whole bunch of folks on these boards are going jump for joy… they think he is the ONLY reason the Dawgs didn’t beat SC.
Countdown to a Beatdown
November 21st, 2012
11:47 am
You know it’s coming dorks.
It’s inevitable, just like people falling out of your “stadium”, even though there’s plenty of room to move around.
After UGA crushes you, you will represent your imploding “conference” with a .500 record. You will be crushed, on Comedy Central, or whoever carries the ACC Championship, and sent home without a bowl game.
I can’t wait for the excuses on Monday.
ARdawg
November 21st, 2012
11:49 am
Bama
Naturally you wouldn’t think Georgia “has enough” to beat Bama if you are a Bama fan. I can respect that but, I think you are wrong. I would expect a very good game and Georgia coming out on top convincingly regardless of what happens with Tech but, look for that to be another embarrassment to the ACXC
NCDawg
November 21st, 2012
11:50 am
I-Dog – good way to look at it. What happened in the past can’t be changed but these 3 games are totally in the Dawgs control. This season will be remembered MORE for what happens or dies not happen in the next 3 games. It is a playoff and just like the NY Giants last year what happens in the 2nd season is all that really counts. People whining and complaining about how the Dawgs played earlier in the year just remember that lesson. The Dawgs have the opportunity to win it all. 120 odd other teams would kill to be in our position. Whine and cry about the schedule all you want…the Dawgs beat the lesser teams…something K-State did not. Think on that for a while.
NCDawg
November 21st, 2012
11:51 am
doh! dies=does
Jake from State Farm
November 21st, 2012
11:57 am
Dawgs sound hideous.
NCDawg
November 21st, 2012
11:59 am
For those of you bugs that are seriously regretting your allegiance, there is still time to repent and come over to the light side. You should not suffer for a lifetime for a bad choice. Whether it was choosing the wrong school, family ties, or merely choosing to root for insects, you can correct the mistake. Just do not wait until after Saturday… you can spare yourself the pain.
tell me again
November 21st, 2012
12:00 pm
Let’s see Buzz. First of all, your program was stripped of it’s last title. 1 – 1 = 0 . And Miami just defaulted and gave you a ticket to the ACC game. What did you say you’ve “won” again? How can you “win” your division when you’ ve lost almost half your games lol What a conference!
Ace
November 21st, 2012
12:09 pm
Mason forced into action, red shirt gone.
Ace
November 21st, 2012
12:09 pm
Cut block linemen – no protection.
Ace
November 21st, 2012
12:10 pm
Riche will be under the bus.
HardTruth Soldier
November 21st, 2012
12:21 pm
YELLOW FEVER, You have permanent fever ! Do you really think that GEORGIA is going to let this 6-5 team who has played a mediocre ACC Schedule really get in there way? That witches brew ya’ll making on North Ave got you feeling really good, We even thank GSU for prepping us for the beat down that we’ll give you this week….. BUZZ 2011, What Kool-Aid you drinking? Bigger fish to fry! You guys are 6-6 (AFTER GEORGIA WINS) going into a ACCCG that’s gonna see FSU beat ya’ll like a White Dude lost in East L.A……. And finally, GT BOB, MY Favorite dreamer. You know your Jesse Jackson(keep hope alive) dream is just that a dream. See you and Jesse failed to realize one thing, “Do something other than dream”. After we slaughter ya’ll though, I tell you what, Rent a van in advance and come watch us in Miami……. RollTide, Ya’ll gonna get a Beat down from your Big Brother in the East, you think A&M Beat you down, you ain’t felt nothing yet!
kingdaddy
November 21st, 2012
12:23 pm
You can tell the nerds are in a lot of pain. Their annual humiliation at the hands of the Doggies is upon them once again. The inevitable crushing of the bugs begins this Saturday @12:01…TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK…The Techies are scared, but trying to show false bravado, but as usual, we will call your bluff and laugh at you as you cry to your momma and and make vain attempts to placate the boys in your tickle pile. Boo Hoo, lol…
Aldo Raine
November 21st, 2012
12:31 pm
Tech people on here spewing thier ACC title BS with a 6 and 5 record! It’s funny becasue he is fat!
Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
November 21st, 2012
12:33 pm
UGAJD
November 21st, 2012
10:54 am
@ The Plain Truth – Look at the NCAA’s most recent graduation rate rankings: UGA’s rate is 69% (equal to Michigan and above Virginia), while Tech’s is a paltry 55%. I’ve had good friends who’ve played football at Tech, and if you think all of the football players are sitting in class studying integral calculus, you’re an idiot.
========================================
Name names if you know people otherwise you are just telling lies with no PROOF.
It is easier to graduate or stay playing eligible at UGa with the easy courses.
kingdaddy
November 21st, 2012
12:35 pm
Ace
you’re more like a deuce. Middle Tenn. St. said your team hits like girls and will lie down like a little biotch in the second half…
All of Georgia's Teams Fan
November 21st, 2012
12:36 pm
I like both teams, Im rooting for both sides, super happy that both Georgia Teams are in their conference championship game and i hope both of em win, but this year im leaning towards UGA to win because they have a chance of bringing a ANOTHER NATIONAL TITLE to georgia once again in 32 years, but im still rooting for both teams…..GO GEORGIA!!!! BUZZ BUZZ & ROOF ROOF!!!!
Conway
November 21st, 2012
12:37 pm
UGAy Sucks…that’s what you Tech boys are known for in Piedmont Park!
kingdaddy
November 21st, 2012
12:40 pm
Smart
With all the bull-shiz being slung by both sides, try not to get your panties (or thong) wadded. Both sides flinging doo….
rpollardrealtor
November 21st, 2012
12:51 pm
I’m packing up the Truck and Leaving Tampa to head up to Atlanta and have a great Thanksgiving with the Family and see my Dawgs squash those yellow jackets!!!! Lets Go Dawgs!
Think back to that moment ......
November 21st, 2012
12:52 pm
think back to the moment in which Coach Muschamp scolded and scolded and then glowered while mumbling to his Gator player having just been flagged for a cheap shot. THINK about having a nut job like he IS and compare to always calm, CMR. I prefer the latter.
GO Dogs. STOMP TECH !!!
Bama
November 21st, 2012
12:57 pm
ARdawg
Just so you know I am not bashing GA in the least, they have a good QB and a decent offense and if they do happen to beat Bama I will be pulling for them to win it all. I think that Alabama has to much for them all across the board. I have very serious doubts that if GA does win it will be an overwhelming victory, First things first we have to get by Auburn and you have to get by GT. Good luck on saturday.
DIT
November 21st, 2012
1:04 pm
@Bama – I tend to agree with you. On paper Bama should beat UGA. As we both know my friend, stranger things have happened on Championship Saturday. Which ever team wins, and I do hope it’s my Dawgs, I hope that ND is crushed in the NC game.
ARdawg
November 21st, 2012
1:08 pm
Bama
I didn’t take it as a bash. I see some holes in the Bama D and I don’t know that your offense will be overly productive against our D but our OL is still a bit suspect. Might make the difference. If it does, I’d say you guys win. If not, we’ll have more offense than you and we should win. I don’t see a repeat of 08 nor an easy win for Bama as seems to be the favorable pick by the talking heads. A close friend and Bama fan told me he’d prefer to play anyone but UGA
NCDawg
November 21st, 2012
1:09 pm
Just to add some historical perspective – The Dawgs, since 1980, own a 24-8 advantage over Tech. During that period Tech had a 3 game win streak in the late 90’s to make it more respectable. During that time Tech actually won a National title. Despite having the ability to field good teams on occasion, the Dawgs have owned Tech since 1960. That record is 37 -15. The series record is 62-39-5 in favor of The Red and Black. This is despite Ga Tech being a football power until the mid 50’s.
In contrast – the Auburn vs Alabama rivalry is only 41-34 in favor of Alabama, despite the Bear Bryant years.
I hope you enjoyed this statistical interlude brought to you by The University of Georgia Pest Extermination Service – Stomping bugs is what we do!
I-DOG
November 21st, 2012
1:14 pm
Pazian,
I am one of the “whiners” that predicted a 3 loss season after the Florida win. I certainly hope I am proven wrong, but keep in mind that UGA still has three games to play.
Hopefully Richt solidifies his legacy with 3 huge wins, but it is possible that they could lose games too. tech has put some points on the board this season so this isn’t a sure win. UGA has not beat a team as good as BAMA in at least five years and the bowl game will be a challenge.
At this point all we have is an opportunity, but what an opportunity it is!
Bama
November 21st, 2012
1:24 pm
DIT
You are exactly right that anything can happen on game day. I think Saban will have them ready for Auburn and then we can move on to the SEC title game with GA. GA cant be looking past GT,,, I dont think they are going to laydown and let GA cruise in to the SEC game. Nothing would make Auburn and GT happier than to spoil it for us.
Milburn Drysdale
November 21st, 2012
1:28 pm
My question to the Nerd Nation is…who is gonna cover Tavarrus King?
ARdawg
November 21st, 2012
1:31 pm
Bama
I can say with a high degree of certainty, the Dawgs ain’t looking past Tech. Doesn’t matter what the records are in this game, it’s the “hate”
ARdawg
November 21st, 2012
1:33 pm
Milburn
You might want to question the bugs, who’ll stop Gurshall?
Habersham Dawg
November 21st, 2012
1:38 pm
I would love to see TK get 6 catches for 300 yards and 4 TDs against Tech.
NCDawg
November 21st, 2012
1:38 pm
ARdawg – the bumbly bees have actually done ok against the run this year…it’s the pass that has done them in. Having said that, they haven’t faced any backs as good as either of our guys. They will probably stack the box as just about everybody has done and chose to get picked apart. I guess it hurts less to give up big pass numbers or something.
Bama
November 21st, 2012
1:49 pm
ARdawg
Good I hope they win. And I hope we see you in the SEC game. I look forward to watching it should be a good one.
ARdawg
November 21st, 2012
1:51 pm
Bama
Maybe I’m biased because I am an SEC homer but I expect the SECCG to be better than the BCSCG
Good luck to your guys this week.
Old Dog Class of 80
November 21st, 2012
1:57 pm
The Dawgs have won every game I expected them to win this year. They won one game – Florida – that I had predicted them to lose (just before the game) – thanks to six Fla turnovers and Jarvis Jones. I predict they will win easily this Saturday. I predict they will lose to Alabama (although I hope for an upset). I am not predicting the outcome of any Bowl we might be in. Our record in Bolws is not impressive.
All of this season is in spite of, and not because of, Richt’s coaching. I have not seen anything that I could ascribe to CMR – unless he was the one to recruit Jarvis Jones. He still plays Aaron Murray exclusively. Thank goodness AM is better this year. We STILL don’t have a special teams coach – I know, we don’t need one because we can win even if we don’t make point after kicks.