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As of Thursday, Feb. 12, this little blog has relocated to a new home on AJC.com. It’s the same newspaper, the same Web site and the same writer (feel free to groan) — there’s just a new URL.

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Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > November > 03 > Entry

Timid Georgia fails to embrace potential

By Mark Bradley | Monday, November 3, 2008, 05:08 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The schedule didn’t undo Georgia. Actually, the schedule turned out kindly. Arizona State hasn’t won since Sept. 6, and Tennessee is so bad Phillip Fulmer just announced his resignation. The Bulldogs didn’t fail because of an ambitious itinerary. They failed because they didn’t give their ambition a fighting chance.

Even when Georgia was No. 1 in preseason, being No. 1 was treated as much as a nuisance as an honor. “It’s just a big bull’s eye,” Mark Richt said on Media Day, and you could almost sense the relief when, after only one game, his Bulldogs were No. 1 no more.

This time a year ago, a band of LSU seniors were on a crusade — not just to finish first in the SEC West but in the U.S. of A. True, those Tigers were lucky to lose twice and be afforded a chance to play for the BCS title, but they carried themselves the way a champion-to-be should. They played big in big games, and when they did lose they lost at the last gasp. Maybe it’s because Georgia doesn’t have as many seniors, but these Bulldogs lacked the same audacity of purpose.

They wanted to win it all, sure. Who doesn’t? But they were fairly timid in stating their intention, and they were unaccountably timid in their play. They were splendid in Baton Rouge and good at Tempe, but the other victories were more the work of great talent than a great team. And their two losses were simply shocking.

Alabama led Georgia by 31 points after 30 minutes. When you see such a score involving two brand-name schools, you figure the team on top must have returned a kick or a pick (if not both) for a touchdown. The Tide did not. It lined up and drove to five consecutive scores.

Before the Arizona State game, receiver Mohamed Massaquoi had said of his team, “We’ve got playmakers on both sides of the ball.” This was only technically true. Georgia’s defense includes one big-timer — linebacker Rennie Curran. The secondary hasn’t covered, and the front four hasn’t pressured. Georgia has but 16 sacks in nine games, and three of those are Curran’s.

On his Sunday teleconference, Richt again bemoaned the youth of his offensive line — “We’re playing a bunch of puppies,” he told reporters — but the offense has held up its end. The Bulldogs lead the SEC in total yardage. Alas, Georgia is ninth in total defense, 10th in scoring defense and 11th in pass defense.

Did injuries hurt Georgia? Sure. Trinton Sturdivant and Jeff Owens were huge losses along the two lines, but Georgia hurt Georgia even more. Penalties fueled Alabama’s first two drives, and a hands-to-the-face flag overrode a Tim Tebow interception on Saturday. I know some Bulldog backers feel the SEC has been out to get Georgia since last year’s celebration, but all five of those calls were legit.

I’ve defended coordinator Willie Martinez before, but I can see no reason why a team of Georgia’s pedigree should ever have a pedestrian defense. There’s no greater insult among SEC teams than being called soft on D — indeed, Florida’s Charlie Strong told reporters he’d used that label to goad his men — but that’s what the Bulldogs have become. And what, under Brian VanGorder, they never were.

Nor has this been Richt’s finest hour. He seemed wrung out after the LSU game, and that was the season’s apex. For whatever reason, this team hasn’t played with the focused fury of the 2002 Bulldogs, whose stated mission was to Knock The Lid Off. And now a grand opportunity has come and gone, and the shame of it is that Georgia seldom seemed to be knocking very hard.

Permalink | Comments (210) | Post your comment | Categories: UGA/SEC

Comments

By Burning Red

November 3, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

I feel kinda weird about this comments partly because there are truths to it don’t get me wrong i bleed red and black but we hav’nt had the kind of fire i thought or imagined when i heard we where number one, dissapointed? yes i am. the florida lose hurt twice as bad as the outcome of this season, i think this seasons sorrows are more the coaches problems than the players(play calling) still it’s not over maybe this will light a fire under are tails GO DAWGS!!!

By Joey

November 3, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Amen Mark. Unfortunately, there will be no assistant coach changes on Richt’s staff. These are his friends and they will be here as long as he is. It is such a shame, to lose two games by 90 points with all of that talent….

By Hairy Dawg

November 3, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Great teams don’t beat themselves like Georgia’s self-flagellation routine on Saturday. I don’t think the Dawgs could have overcome some of the things that happened against the Gators, but to completely quit after having constantly screwed up (you know, instead of playing smarter and competing…kinda like the Bama game in the second half) was the most disheartening thing. Saturday’s loss was easily Richt’s worst as a head coach. In fact, that loss was one of the worst in the history of Georgia football.

I’ll admit it. This loss had me searching the records. If Saturday’s loss also left you dumbstruck, go over to georgiadogs.com and look at the team’s past schedules and final records. Try to find a game in the last fifty years when Georgia was considered better than this year’s team and fell flatter than the one this past Saturday. I couldn’t find a single game that fits the bill.

By WPinAZ

November 3, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

**and they haven’t even played TECH yet!! YIKES!!!!!

By Scott

November 3, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

our program is the laughing stock of America right now. This Florida thing is completly ridiculous and we have nobody to blame but ourselves. The Dawg nation should DEMAND change in this series or we won’t keep supporting the staff. yes, i said it, top to bottom we have to DEMAND that this thing gets turned around! That includes CMR who we all love and respect. I’m sick and tired of every freakin’ year having to deal with this.
last year was a fluke. Tebow was injured and their defense was soft (alot like ours this year). Until we start making uncomfortable noise this will NEVER change. UF isn’t going anywhere. Too many Georgia people are just satisfied with an occational trip to ATL and beating UT and Aubie every other year. it’s ALL about the Gator folks. stop making excuses.

By richmonddawg

November 3, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

I want some accountability for the loss by the team leaders and the coaching staff. I never hear any of the coaches saying that they are sorry for the let down, nor any of the players apologize. People come on here and make fun of Tebow and Myer for getting teary eyed and showing emotions about the let down they gave to the people who follow their program, but none of that happens here with the Dawgs. And I am tired of being labeled as a bandwagoner because I am disgusted by this team. I have followed them for 24 years so I have seen the bad and the good, but in no way was i prepared to see this season having two embarrassing losses, and I want someone to apologize for the pathetic product that has been placed on the field in a season of such high hopes

By BugKiller

November 3, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Finally!!!

Someone at this fish wrapper is unafraid to go after Willie “Soft Zone Coverage” Martinez!!!

Someone really needs to show Mark Richt the Great Pumpkin’s press conference today to show you what happens when you refuse to make necessary changes to your coaching staff when they are needed.

I am sick and tired of Willie Martinez and his “bend, don’t break” defenses.

We need aggressiveness without the stupidness.

We need someone who isn’t afraid to bring pressure on the QB.

We need someone who can design a complex defense that will confuse a QB and not simply let them sit back and exploit our soft zones.

Georgia needs to go back to the Saban-well, like with Searls, and hire a Saban-defensive disciple to be our DC after firing Martinez in the off-season.

His line coach. His secondary coach. His linebackers coach.

It doesn’t matter!!!

Hand one of them the keys to our talent and watch the return of the aggressive, smart defenses we’ve been missing for the last few years!!!

By Keep It Real

November 3, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Here’s the Truth Dawg Fans:

CMR Does Not Have The Mentality To Compete in The SEC. Period!

He’s a great recruiter and nice guy, but you have to have a certain type of DOGGINESS (no pun intented) about winning in the SEC and CMR doesn’t have it in his blood. Its one of those things…you either have it or you don’t. Its just not in his personality. And Unfortunately, it might take the Dawg nation a few more years of not reaching the title game to realize it.

p.s. to all the ppl coming on this board saying that UGA would be crazy to get rid of CMR are alum/students from other SEC schools. They know if CMR is still around there’s always that chance, regardless of the level of talent, that they can pull out a win against UGA due to coaching inconsistencies. (aka Phil Fulmer)

By David H.

November 3, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

I am a lifelong Dog fan and a graduate of UGA and I will always love the Dogs. But I am very disappointed in the attitude of this team. They are a group of very talented underachievers who want to act like they have already accomplished something and are just hanging around waiting for the awards. They will lose to GA Tech if they do not change their attitude quick and focus on getting it done. I am a very rare fan because I am also a GA Tech fan and I see a Tech team with a burning desire to accomplish a goal. They continue to make steady improvement while UGA just seems content to exist until the season is over. I hate to say it but the difference is coaching. Paul Johnson is doing a wonderful job. The coaching staff at UGA isn’t.

By lakerat

November 3, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

UGA is the Clemson of the SEC and Mark Richt is now Tommy Bowden - is Damon Evans now Dave Braine?

By Rabun Dawg

November 3, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Please,no more National TV!! WE must be the laughing stock of the football world right now, pre-season #1, and getting blown out twice on National Tv is embarrassing, to say the least. I agree with the previous comments, where is the accountability for this debacle? This has been a season of major let down for the Bulldog nation, all the hype and very little production on the field. But, I guess the powers in charge will be happy for a paycheck from some minor bowl at seasons end! The fan base deserves more!!

By lostdog

November 3, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

UGA will probably lose some great recruits because of these two ugly losses. CMR has to take the blame and then let both the OC and DC know that this is unacceptable. UGA was once known for it D now it is known for its lack of D.

By A Mad Dawg

November 3, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it all day on these blogs, but here it is one more time. The AD needs to tell Richt that somebody is going to be held responsible for Saturday’s mess and that he is going to fire somebody starting with either the defense or offense….whichever he chooses. But if he fails to do so, then he himself needs to be looking elsewhere for employment because we are all tired of this mess.

He is a nice guy and I’d love to have him be my Sunday school teacher….just not my college football coach. Inside his guts he doesn’t have what it takes. It takes a real a**-hole to win championships.

But CMR is too nice to fire and hire new coaching staff. THAT IS A PROBLEM!! He has reached his Peter Principal potential. And I still demand to know whether he is even at practice during the week! I wish somebody at AJC would check this out!

And while I’m at it….Stafford doesn’t and hasn’t done a thing against teams of equal status. He has not shown the skills that a UGA QB needs to have. BENCH HIM! He couldn’t hit a runner in full stride down field 1 out of 10 times if his life depended on it. He is not a come-from-behind QB. Against small schools, he appears to have the skills of an elite QB, but it is quite evident that this is false hope from the Dawg fans. Did you check out the Texas vs. Texas Tech game to see two elite QB’s??? How about USC’s QB??? How about Oklahoma’s??? And how about Florida’s??? Stafford is not on par with these guys. Everybody touts how great he is and I just scratch my head and ask what in the he** can you be talking about?? This guy shouldn’t even be playing. Look at the production of points against Florida and Alabama!! I’d love to see Cox at starting QB next week.

With this bunch of coaches, with the exception of Searles in my opinion, we’ll constantly win 8-9 games per season but NEVER will we win a championship or even the SEC title again. I truly believe that!

And lightening will strike me down for saying this, but we could very well lose the rest of our games this season and maybe it would be the best thing that could happen. Then maybe somebody will require that something different be done. Now I’ll have to wash my mouth out with soap.

I graduated from UGA in 1972 and was a supporter many years before that. I went through a number of coaches and remember players like Buzzy Rosenburg, Andy Johnson, backfields such as Ricky Lake and Hunnicutt, and SO MANY others too numerous to mention. But long-time supporters who buy season tickets and make huge donations are fed-up!

Next year never comes so quit waiting for it. There have been too many years to recruit players so that we should NEVER have a “young” offensive line. What happened to the players we recruited 3 and 4 years ago??

Enough is enough.

By boomer

November 3, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Quit whining the dogs just are not that good….overated

By Florida Dawg

November 3, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

I live in Jacksonville and I now have to listen to this crap for another year…how would you like to see thousands of Tebow jersey’s everyday!! It’s sick! How many times do we think we can have the “talent” that we suppose to have and lay the most embarrassing EGG I have ever seen? I’ve been to 39 Ga-Fl games and this was the worst one I have ever seen. Where are the UGA coaches? Are they under a gag order?

By PAUL3084

November 3, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Very disgusted in UGA’s play and play calling. I love UGA football, but this was the breaking point. I know you can’t win them all, but Saturday was sick. There is no excuse for what happened. We have looked sloppy and uncoached all year. I know the UGA mentality is a win is a win and style points shouldn’t matter. However, when you train your guys to believe beating a horrible Tennessee team by less than two touchdowns and marginal South Carolina, Vanderbilt & Arizona St. teams in very sublime games, what do you expect against a real team. We barely beat South Carolina and I kind of expected us to loose against either UT or Vandy. That’s just sad.

By bamadawg

November 3, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

All of you are out of your mind!! Stop your crying and enjoy the games. We have extremely good coaches and fine players. Go write about something you know about. I’m tired of all the whining. Support your team or join all the other whiners in Alabama.

By dan

November 3, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

While I thought that the celebration last year was a little extreme, the attitude behind it is what I liked as a UGA fan. It was a statement, and it said: ” I don’t give a damn who you have on your team because if you want this one, you’ll have to crawl over my dead body to get it!” UGA played like it’s hair was on fire in that game and handed it to Florida. The Gators and the National media can whine about that celebration all they want, but the bottom line is that is the kind of mentality and swagger that wins National Championships. Every team has talent and most teams have good coaching, but what separates Championship caliber teams from the rest of the pack is preparation and the believe that they will impose their will on the other team. Championship teams expect to get everyone’s best shot b/c they know that the other team can’t handle theirs. The media hated the Miami Hurricanes in the 80’s and 90’s, hell half the rules that are made up in the NCAA now are from some of the stunts the ‘Canes pulled. But the bottom line is nobody wanted to play Miami because not only would you lose but you’d get blow out! And in time the media would evetually have to concede that ” yes, those Hurricane teams were some of the best in college football history”. The ‘Canes embraced this ” Us against the World Mentality”. I remember when the media wanted Texas to destroy Miami in the Cotton Bowl( much like they wanted UGA to be destroyed Vs. Florida this year). And the ‘Canes responded by thrashing Texas 44-3 and throwing back in everyone’s face that ever doubted them. And that’s what UGA should have done to Florida if they had any pride and ambition at all! I’m not saying the Dawgs should emulate the Hurricanes off field issues( although they’re trying their best in that department), but they most definatley should take note of their swagger. If UGA was a true national power, they would have said ” Hey Gators bring it, because we’re gonna hand you your a* again and you’re not gonna do a damn thing about”. But the Dawgs didn’t do that, which is why they will only see glimpses of their potential. That’s why they will always be second tier.

By MVP

November 3, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley,Chip Towers others @ AJC said Georgia would win it all, Dumb mutt fans bought into the hype. preseason rankings mean ZERO! But nooooo you mutts fans thump your chest saying we going win it all. u clowns acted like u won the nc title. keep dreaming UGLY WILL NEVER WIN A NC WITH THIS TEAM OR STAFF!

CHOKE…..THE OFFICAL DRINK OF THE GEORGIA BULLDAWGS!

By John J.

November 3, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Great fans (if you want to call yourselves fans) They lost A game, it is not the end of the world. Try to remember that these are still kids, very talented kids, and give them and the coach a break. This is the same coach that could walk on water after last year’s Sugar Bowl. Cut everyone some slack!

By Dawgs all Bark No Bite

November 3, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Hey UGA fans how yall feeling about the beat down from the Gators? Pretty stupid after all bragging about how UGA was going to beat Gators again. Eating crow right now right? I laugh so hard at that train wreck…blow out again on national tv lol…10 more years b4 ESPN GameDay visit UGA campus…Yes it sucks to be a MUTT fan…go ahead telling the world how Georgia going to win the title in 09!

By Sam

November 3, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

Georgia went from the “class of the SEC” to “Timid” all in the span of one week. Interesting!

By LAWTON

November 3, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

This is how i see it. Most people, myself included, like Mark Richt. We wanna see him succeed. Therein lies the problem, i think most people are in denial that Mark Richt isnt a big time coach. He is a excellent recruiter, but he is clearly the Bobby Cremins of the SEC, excellent recruiter, but game day skills is lacking. He clearly sends messages to his players that he doesnt have confidence in them in some games. The celebration last year, the sreen play on the FIRST play from scrimmage against Alabama, etc. It is what it is. Richt, unless he gets big time coordinators in here to run the show, will always have Georgia on the outside looking in when it comes to the National Title.

By Shogun

November 3, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

UGA played like the gutless wonders that they are. Georgia is in the top 5 EVERY YEAR in recruiting. So why are they mediocre? Gutless, plain and simple.

By BRANDON

November 3, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

I love UGA and I love Mark Richt - I’m not one of those fans who cry and complain every time we don’t play well, but I do think Georgia lacks intensity on defense and under Van gorder we did not have that problem. Maybe coach Richt could remain loyal, keep Willie on the staff - but without question I think a change should be made. This is not just one slip up- Georgia has not looked dominate on defense since Van gorder left

By mricht

November 3, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

UGA fans whine. They complain when they win and they make excuses when they lose.

It’s going to be another season down the toilet when you lose to Auburn and Ga Tech. You didn’t make it to the SEC championship yet again, and the SEC couldn’t be any easier for a decent team this year.

Go Dogs! Choke on a bone!

By George

November 3, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Bark, WOOF!, WOOF!, WOOF!! Bark Maddley, you just don’t get it!! The most delusional UGA fan now seems to understand that the media buildup at the end of last year and the beginning of this year was unrealistic. I’m a business person and certainly understand the realities of marketing. Create interest in your product. I also am a Georgia native (living in another state and part of the country) and understand the number of UGA graduates in Georgia and the other “UGA fans” who couldn’t even find Athens with a Nuvi. However I don’t understand how you could prostitute yourself to spout emotional utterances throughout the football season (Woof, Woof, Woof!!) unless you are either a Grady school graduate (Woof, Woof, Woof!!) or the AJC pays you lots of money for creating trash and trivial dribble for the Woof masses. Whatever. Just don’t attempt to appear fair and unbiased, Bark Maddley.

By Heyberto

November 3, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

As frustrating as the loss against Florida is, the large number of injuries at Key strength positions is undeniable. People were doubting Georgia’s ability to get through the schedule prior to that.. so is the season really a failure? I don’t think so. Despite mental mistakes in that game, Florida was a better team. We lost to two teams that are now in the top 5. Not where we wanted to be, but its not as if we’ve pulled a Clemson and lost to crappy opponents.

By rp

November 3, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

One loss, a bad one granted, but fire everybody in site. If UGA ever has a season or reaches the point the the U of Washington has the fan base will have a meltdown. The paper will have to close the site. Richt will have to leave the state. All it took at UW was a coach being fired and some bad choices on replacements and bingo 11-33 in a few years.

By Reality Check

November 3, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

I’m really smart but still love UGA football. I have multiple degrees from Northern schools. As hard as it is to say this, George has a point. Mark, you need to be more objective.

By foxdog

November 3, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

John Chavis will be looking for a job !!!!

By Tom Cox

November 3, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Has there EVER been a game in the long and storied history of college football where a team amassed about 500 yards of total offense, outgaining their opponent, and got routed? I suspect not. I don’t know what it means, but something’s strange about it.

By country boy

November 3, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Well said Mark. I am disappointed in my underacheiving Dawgs. Does Richt not understand the inferiority of his coaching and his staffs coaching this year?? So obvious. Richt is beginning to remind me of Tech’s ol’ basketball coach Bobby Crimins. Somehow he could recruit awesome talent to Tech but was so lost on the X’s and O’s of coaching. Sure sign of this is to struggle with lesser talented teams and bow to evenly talented teams. Sounds familiar.

By ALDawg

November 3, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

realty check, george, sam, mvo

*y@& u and your horse you rode in on,

Cum on down to Athens and look us up. remember deleivarance.

By Shogun

November 3, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

ALDawg, learn how to spell. Also, your team stinks and is basically the biggest bunch of cowards that I have ever seen take the field in football.

By country boy

November 3, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

sc#@w off j@#ks, Mark is right on. The current dawgs suck! we need a new coach now- fire Mark now and get a real motuvator- someone from the South who understands the importance olf UGA football- tired of downer Sundays.

By Great video my UGA Dawgs

November 3, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

GO DAWGS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD9U0BJ2LFo

By George

November 3, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

We all made fun of Urban for crying after a loss but that him crying shows how much he wants to win. Richt just smirks and makes excuse after excuse. He gets paid $3 Million a year to win a NC. Yeah, he’s a nice guy, cares about his players blah blah blah blah.. I don’t give a rat’s arse about that. You are paid to win and keep the players out of trouble and he has done neither. We have beaten LSU a few times and that’s it. We do win most of the ones we’re supposed to but we don’t win most of the big ones.. Until our coaches make winning the #1 priority, we are 2nd tier… 8 years coach, 8 years is plenty of time.. I say forget about this year, it’s over..Give Richt another year to win the NC and if not…..Let’s bring on the next coach. In the meantime, fire BOBO and Martinez.

By truth be known

November 3, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

The demise of the dawgs is 2fold. One problem is that the team simply never had the horses to win it all. The o-line is just too young and even if it wasn’t that young its just not that great. It all begins upfront with an o-line controlling the line of scrimmage.

There is no dominating pass rusher like last year in Marcus Howard. One player like that on a dline can make a difference. If you don’t believe that look at the difference without Howard and also look at Bama’s dline with that new monster noseguard Cody.

Secondly, its the attitude of the team and the coaches absolute failure to correct it. What an undisciplined bunch. 11 arrests and we still have a couple of months left in the year. Bama and UF may have dominated the dogs but all the stupid penalties and simpleton mistakes sure didn’t help things.

After the bama debacle a poster wrote in that he knew the dogs were in trouble before the game even started. He looked and saw the dogs players waving to the fans, dancing and jumping around as if they had already won the game, looking at the jumbotron, scoreboard, etc., basically just too busy showboating rather than preparing for a game. He looked at the Bama players and they were focused, paying attention to their coaches, a quiet resolve and confidence and most of all concentration in the game at hand. That was why we got hammered. It was a complete difference in attitude and preparation. How else do you explain Saban taking an undisciplined looser bunch of Bama players and in his 2nd year building those loser yahoos into a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, Richt still doesn’t have the sense of resolve or purpose and discipline built into his program 8 years into his tenure. In 2 years those yahoos are exactly where we thought we should be. Freaking imagine that!

The UF game was just a rehash of the bama game. The dogs got all full of themselves and undisciplined after beating LSU. Someone forgot to tell them that the game was a mirage as LSU also rolled up 497 yards of offense and the margin of victory was because of 2 int returns. Anyone with any objectivity could have seen this coming. The meltdown and recipe for disaster was the same. Part of it was Florida but a lot of it was simply stupid penalties, missed opportunites, just a total lack of discipline and focus.

If Stafford and Moreno both go pro early then the dogs start all over again with a new qb and it will take another 2-3 years before we have an upperclassmen qb capable of leading a championship charge. At that point CMR would be in his 11th year without an nc. And if Fla keeps winning over the next 2 years then we can all see what’s directly ahead. Turmoil and a very strong possibility that CMR is on a very hot seat in the next 2 years. If it happened to Fulmer and its already happening to Tubberville then it will happen to CMR. This is not at all farfetched, especially if Fla. continues its dominance. Just something to ponder even though Halloween is now over.

By Murray Silver

November 3, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

MARK: WELL SAID…Right on the mark…and to be completely honest, I thought they were LUCKY to be SC…I think GA. needs a new defensive coach, and a new head coach…Richt hasn’t got the fire in his belly…and Stafford is playing MEDIOCRE!!

By ALDawg

November 3, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

shawgun, i mayh not be able to spell,butt i luv my dawgs and they are not cowards. They may git confused now and then on the field but I just read that almost 17% of our players eventuully graduete.Just because Mo keeps raisin his hand doesnt mean he is afraid.

By THE ROCK

November 3, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

COACH RICHT NEEDS TO CALL WILL MUSCHAMP FROM TEXAS AND KIRBY SMART FROM ALABAMA TO GET THEM TO COME COACH AT UGA . WM HAS THE FIRE OF A DEFENSIVE CORDINATOR LIKE ERK RUSSELL .

By Blake

November 3, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

None of you seem to remember 1990-2000. We never broke through during the Goff/Donnan years. Coach Richt changed all that. We WILL the Championship under him. It’s just a matter of time. As far as being too “nice”, has anyone heard of Gene Stallings? Jim Tressel? Bobby Bowden? Lou Holtz? Lloyd Carr? - all nice guys who finished FIRST and WON CHAMPIONSHIPS.

By the way, I’m fed up with losing to Florida, too.

By jeff

November 3, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Wow—I’m a Gator fan and can’t believe what I’m reading. I think UGA fans should try to recall where their team was before Richt. Since then his teams have won the east 3 times and the conference title twice. I would think that beats the hell out of the 1990’s.

By Shogun

November 3, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

I knew they were cowards when I saw Moreno hiding on the bench next to UGA, refusing to go back in the game. At the same time, UGA was hiding in his cage, refusing to come out! One of the funniest things I have ever seen.

By D-Cider

November 3, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

hey, Mark: Braves win the WS, yet? has GA been crowned National Champions, yet? there are better teams out there. put down the kool aid and the pain killers and come back to reality

By MarkRules

November 3, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark: I thought you said Richt’s unsportsmanlike penalty was a “brilliant” coaching move??? Don’t slame your hero mr. richt—-he can do no wrong.

By 1UGADAWG

November 3, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Great Disappointing Article, I totally agree with you Mark. Something has to change for UGA! Whether it is personnel changes or some fires get lit, something has to happen for a full season!!!! I love my Head Coach, but I think maybe he needs to do a little more studying also!! We have the talent to be a top 5 team every year (At least for the next 4 years). Florida is not that much better than us. We have to do better!!!! Stafford and Moreno: I know you guys may take a lot of critisism, but bring your Butts back next year to help my Dawgs show the nation what it is like to bleed Red and Black!!! GO DAWGS!!

By ALDawg

November 3, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

shotgun u are ovveously a good guy with that name UGA was not afraid,jest cold. moreno is thebest young rb in the country when hes readhy to play, he just gets too excited sometimes and has to taake a break to get ready to score tds. Havent you seen him jumping overt the players and flying through the air like sooperman to score. best back since Hersel

By truth be known

November 3, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

CMR is still a good coach but he has got to get a serious handle on the mindset of this team. All I am saying is that compared to a lot of other teams this team’s attitude is just crappy. They would rather lose looking good than win ugly and they are definitely more show dogs than football dawgs.

Look at the mindset of this team against say, Florida. After Florida got beat by Ole Miss Tebow cried I think. He then apologized to the whole UF fan base and promised that kind of performance would never happen again. What did the dogs do after the Bama game? It seemed like they didn’t learn anything. They congragulated themselves on winning the 2nd half. A good punt return and a couple of tds in garbage time is no reason for celebration.

That game was nothing more than sheer humiliation and everybody knew that except the dawgs fans. And what the heck was CMR smiling about as he was being interviewed by Holly Rowe before walking into the locker room at halftime. Judging by his smiling, jovial nature you would have thought his team was up 31-0 at the half. Did anybody notice that?

Against UF dogs players just said we lost because we beat ourselves. Rennie Curran said without a doubt the dogs were still a better team. Several other players echoed the same sentiments. Unfreakingbelievable!!!!!! It seems this bunch never learned anything after the initial whipping by Bama on national tv. What on earth is wrong with these guys. Is Mark Richt listening?

By BobDawg

November 3, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Good Column, Mark… Basically Florida gave us enough rope to “Hang” ourselves.. We got intoxicated by the pass success from the 20 to the 20 and then turned the ball over to a stingy Gator defense… Remember the call from Bobo when we were 2nd down and 3 yards down in the red zone the 1st quarter?? We had Stafford drop back and he was sacked…Where was our power running game???? Unbelievable…..

By teddy

November 3, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

well i guess its time….you have ran your course, Willie Martinez. BVG only gave up thirty points once(34 vs. LSU 03’ SEC Championship) but he did twice his first season as DC(31 vs. AU and 38 vs. WVU) then 51 vs. UT 06’ and 30 vs. UF, 34 vs. Troy 07’ now this yr. 41 vs. UA and 49 vs. UF….WILLIE MARTINEZ GOTTA GO! i want Kirby Smart from AU or Dick Bumpas from TCU

By dawgman

November 3, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Perhaps the UF loss is a silver lining to a dark cloud. A new attitude, a new scheme and new coaches after this year. Underachieving is not acceptable. Status quo is also unacceptable.

I would put a muzzle on Marino’s hot dog antics, remind Stafford/Bobo of the old attiage that only three things happen when you pass and two of them are bad (and over 30 yards improve the negative odds) and find someone that wants to hit on defense. I’d also put in an offseason rule that says one off field incident equals no scholarship at Georgia.

One more point…Stafford refuses to scramble because he wants a pro career and avoiding injury is necessary to get there…he throws long to show off his pro calibre arm…but someone needs to make him watch 24 hours of Eric Zeir game film and ask Stafford to write a paper on Zeir’s pro career.

This is the second strait year where CMR has an unmotivated team with serious discipline issues. Maybe we are recruiting the wrong kids, talented but self centered.

Certainly Georgias coaches are at least the second best in the state this year. Maybe lower.

I do believe Florida and Bama are very good, but so is Texas Tech, USC and Oklahoma. And we didn’t just lose, we got killed.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

November 3, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

The Tide rolled and The Gators chomped that Dawg a*. Those two teams are worlds better than UGA and they both proved it by stomping the living hell out of them. As usual, the Dawgs were over-rated and, when not playing the Sisters of the Poor, got the Dawg doodoo kicked out of them. Tech will put another boot in they a* too!

By 1UGADAWG

November 3, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

“TRUTH BE KNOWN”, You hit the nail right on the head man!! I’m tired of the “everything is going to be ok” attitude from my coach!! Get some fire under your butt coach!! Demand excellence!! You sure recruit the best players, get some results!! Lets Go Dawgs!!

By dawgtired

November 3, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

I love it, its what UGA needs, a wake up call and question every coach. Especially the DC. Remember when Dooly coached he had Erk, Bowden has Mickey Andrews, Texas has Will Muschamp. Meyer has Strong who has Richt’s number, pants size, etc.

Lets hire Strong!!

By GeorgiaGirl'09

November 3, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

As a UGA student and Dawg fan for life, I was stunned by Saturday’s performance. Obviously we’re not going to lose to Tech or Auburn like some idiots are saying on here (try basketball, football clearly does not sustain your attention), but I and the rest of the student population down in Jacksonville found the situation unreal. The players got shell-shocked and quit in the 2nd quarter: disgusting (and hard to say, since many are my good friends). We had absolutely no defense, Tebow got as much time in the pocket as he wanted, and then escaped to the endzone whenever he felt like it. For the entire season, our D has put no pressure on ANY QBs and WM is to blame. Coach Richt is a good man and a great coach, he just needs better help. Period. And for the rest of you bitter, non-Georgia fans, recognize truth: UGA absolutely deserved to be preseason #1 b/c there was NO COLLEGE TEAM IN THE WORLD who could’ve beat us at the close of last season. We also deserve to have dropped to where we are now, b/c we’re playing like pansies. Still, Go Dawgs

By The Grinch

November 3, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Some of you people make me sick. If you’re a real Georgia fan you’re still wearing your gear and wearing it proudly. Of course it hurts to lose to ANY team, especially Florida. But anyone here who considers themselves a Dawg and is now convinced Stafford suddenly stinks or coach Richt should be fired…well, I’ll just be polite and say the real Dawg fans would appreciate it if you’d go haunt another blog. Yes, they laid an egg on national TV against our biggest rival. Yes, it’s embarrassing. Yes, the position of Defensive Coordinator should be re-evaluated (not based on one game, but the whole body of work. There’s WAY too much talent on D to be pushed around like they have been).

But y’all are so SPOILED. Imagine being an Ol’ Miss fan, or some other program that’s just as likely to lose as win (or worse). I’ve been to Oxford, and it doesn’t matter WHAT the record is they’re cheering in the streets when they win and somber but respectful when they lose. What’s Richt’s winning percentage, anyone? You want to go back to Goff or Donnan and kick it in the Outback Bowl every year? I wore my colors proud then too, by the way.

Next year when we get Owens and Sturdivant back and this line’s jelled from this year’s experience…if Stafford and Moreno come back I feel we’ll have a solid shot at the title. And even if we lose 10 games I’ll still be sportin’ the gear.

GO DAWGS!

By luke

November 3, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Is it safe to say that the SEC has passed by some great coaches like Phil Fulmer, Tommy Tuberville, and Mark Richt?

I’m not so sure we can put Richt in that category yet but if he hangs with Bobo and Martinez next year tickets in Sanford Stadium may become drastically cheaper than the last few years.

By Bob

November 3, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

All of this whining assumes that Georgia is a top tier program. Florida beats Vanderbilt and Kentucky every year because Florida is an elite program and they are average programs. Much like Vandy and Kentucky, Georgia is a nice little program who got their big win last year and had their little endzone dance. Now, it’s back to reality - getting brutally beaten by the Gators yet again.

And another thing - why does Georgia have to pull some stunt in every big game (ie- black jerseys, endzone dances)? Act like you’ve been there before.

Oh yeah, and stop lecturing Gators on class - that endzone celebration was totally classless.

Georgia makes me tired. I’m glad we beat them every year. It makes living in Atlanta much more tolerable.

By D'Marcus Jefferson, Kappa Alpha pledge at UGA

November 3, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

I have one word to say about the Florida game and what it means to UGA’s title hopes: POOF!!

By flog2424

November 3, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

The fair-weather dawg fans on here need to grow up….you are not five year olds. For those of us who loved this team before CMR, there were many times of turmoil, yet we have stood by this team and will continue to do so. We truly dont understand how lucky we are to have a coach that cares so much about his players. These are young men who are here for more than football, they are here to get a piece of paper and to make something out of their lives. Yes, Ill be the first to admit that this year has been a bit of a disapointment, but without CMR, we would not have half the talent we have now and would not even have thoughts of even being able to go into the Florida game with a chance to go to a National Championship. Last time i checked we can still be a two loss team with only losses against two teams that will probably be in BCS bowls….last time i checked that is pretty darn good.

I know everyone in Dawg nation wants a NC and this year was talent wise as close as we have been since the days of Hershel, however; you do not fire the head coach for this.Especially a guy who over the last five years has as many wins in College Football as the likes of Carrol and Stoops. Yea, with different coordinators we might be better off or might have even had the NC last year. This team is learning a valuable lesson in the fact that you cannot live in last year. You have to live for today. If Stafford and Moreno stay, i can almost guarantee that this will be the amped up team from a year ago.

Its too early to tell where next year will take us, but i am ready for this Saturday and the rest of the year. Go Dawgs sic’em!!

By dawgthabootyhunter

November 3, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

MARTINEZ AND BOBO HAVE TO GOGO!!!

By benadawg

November 3, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Amen grinch, i’ll be sporting my gear no matter what, but the fact is we have no fire on defense. period. we are putting players in a position to fail, onside kick,our Our DB’s can’t cover me. maybe willie could get the UTC job in chattanooga. remarcus Brown running kick-offs is atrocious, I am thinking Mo Mass Or AJ there. give me someone that can….

By Just some Thoughts

November 3, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

I was sick as hell leaving the game on Saturday … especially knowing that I set my DVR to record the game and possibly the worst debacle in GA/FL history was waiting on me when I returned home. I just finished watching the 1st half and part of the 2nd and am ready to offer my honest opinion of what happened. I have never been a fan to make excuses but after what I just saw … there was no way in heck GA was going to win that ball game. For what its worth: 1.) The officials were absolutely horrible. Cases in point: a. the 1st down review - Tebow was obviously a yard short no ifs ands or buts and on that play rennie gets raped by an offensive lineman b. the fla center was jerking his freaking left arm all day .. is this ok? .. does he get a pass for having torets? c. The first pick stafford threw-Haden gave AJ a friendly hug there before racing to the one with stafford’s throw .. that was blatant as u know what d. The 44 yarder to murphy - even danielson on CBS said it looked like a nascar move when murphy pulled ashers jersey and ran by him. 2.) Everyone is calling for change. Change what? The play calling was fine IF WE EXECUTE !!! Did Bobo think Chandler would keep running in the endzone? I would be willing to beleive that he was suppose to sit down and not run away from the throw. Immediately after the play you see stafford holding his hands up as if to tell chandler he was suppose to stop. 2 plays later Moreno lets one clank off his face mask out of a 5 wide receiver set .. i thought that was an excellent play. 3.) Way too many missed opportunities. Richt recruited and got the best kicker in the nation and he shanks 2 of 3 right there in the first half .. is that CMRs fault for getting the #1 kicker knowing he would miss? .. people raised sand about the onside kick but if we get it … its a great call. We moved the ball at will but didn’t capitalize .. this is not coaching … even down 14-3 at the half i felt like we were still in control of that ball game .. stafford was getting his brains beat in .. i commend him on staying in there and battling .. i was a big critic but now im sold .. he is a great one .. noone converts 3rd and 19, 3rd and 13, 3rd and 8/9 after taking that kind of a beating. hats off to my Dawgs .. they played harder than all of us is giving them credit for just because we look at the scoreboard .. we will bounce back .. no doubt … how many of you will bounce back with us? or are yall gonna pin it on A COACH or A PLAYER? Richt and his staff have my vote … for what its worth

By Todd

November 3, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

All of you so-called GA fans who have turned so negative in the face of a little adversity make me sick! Of course, no fan is happy with how the AL and FL games this season have turned out. But for people to respond with such negativity is uncalled for. If we go 10-2 that is still a fantastic season and most schools would love to have that kind of season. Remember, it’s just a GAME people and there are far more important things in life than football. Maybe if the TRUE fans supported the team instead of complaining all the time, the pressure on them would not be as bad. I would love to see how these so-called fans would handle the pressure. It’s very easy for them to be judgmental from the comfort of their recliners or their seats in the stadium. If you can’t support Coach Richt and the Dawgs through both the good times and the bad then we don’t want you as fans - why don’t you go and root for Tech from now on!

By wwjd

November 3, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Why don’t all you haters on this post get together, drink some beer and come up with a great solution. You all seem like such experts! Hey, or find another team, I’m sure the gators would love to have you. Or how about Alabama. Hey, they are undefeted. How about some compassion and encouragement? Go dawgs!

By JoeDon

November 3, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

For me, the Dawgs have almost become like the Atlanta Braves. Year after year of the team choking when it counts and leaving the fans out in the cold with another season of unfulfilled hopes and dreams. That seems to be the story of teams in the state of Georgia. Eventually, I gave up watching the Braves and I’m beginning to feel that way with the Dawgs. And NO to those of you who might want to write me off as a fair weather fan. I’ve not been that way ever toward UGA, but eventually you get tired of it.

By wwjd

November 3, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Why don’t all you haters on this post get together, drink some beer and come up with a great solution. You all seem like such experts! Hey, or find another team, I’m sure the gators would love to have you. Or how about Alabama. Hey, they are undefeated. How about some compassion and encouragement? Go dawgs!

By PTC DAWG

November 3, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Negative fans stink.

By joe joe dawg

November 3, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

You guys wanting to hire Will Muschamp to instill the right attitude in this team are right on; but UGA will never get Will as a DC. Will wants to be a HC and UT or Clemson or maybe AU will be his next stop if UGA doesn’t act soon and pull the trigger on CMR. Richt is a good guy, likable coach, good recruiter…he’s a Ron Zook. UF pulled the trigger on Zook early to get UMayer; UGA needs to do the same to get Will Muschamp; before we see him on the opposing sideline every season.

UGA is paying CMR way too much money to get these thrashings on National TV repeatedly. One big loss maybe; but repeated blowouts after having top recruiting classes every year, paying goobs of money to send kids to Hargrove to get eligible, CMR is just not getting it done. No more endzone tickle piles please!! Muschamp can get these top recruits ready to play without kindegarden antics! Dump CMR and his salary now while there are still some good coaching candidates available.

By Urban Spurrier

November 3, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

I absolutely LOVE seeing the Bulldawg Nation in misery!

Why? Because UGA has some of the most obnoxious and delusional fans in the country.

The way you clowns crow about UGA tradition, you’d think y’all had won at least three or four national championships in the last 10 years.

But, no, the Dawgs haven’t even sniffed a national title since Herschel still had one personality.

The fact of the matter is this: there’s not a major college football program in the country that’s done LESS with MORE.

UGA is blessed with a great recruiting base, fantastic facilities, deep-pocketed boosters … and y’all STILL can’t win it all!

And y’all WON’T win it all as long as y’all are led by the biggest phony in college sports, “Saint” Mark (p)Richt.

Just like his senile mentor, Booby Bowdown, “Saint” Mark talks a good game about character, but in reality, he doesn’t give a hoot about the off-the-field behavior of his players, as evidenced by the numerous arrests.

And, if you don’t think there’s a correlation between the team’s lack of discipline OFF the field and its lack of discipline ON the field, then you don’t know ANYTHING about football or human nature.

Of course, y’all are UGA fans, so it’s a given that y’all don’t know spit about football.

Oh, and one more thing: It’s GREAT to be a Florida Gator!

By Sam

November 3, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Makes you feel a little silly for saying that Georgia would definitely beat Florida doesn’t it Mark? Love the articles, keep ‘em coming!

Go Gators!

By Ennis

November 3, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Man oh man. When things are going good Richt gets all the credit as being a great coach and motivator. When things are bad the coodinators are suddenly horrible. Which is it, you morons? Last year, did Richt take the team to the pratice field by himself or did the coodinators have something to do with the turn around. You guys are idiots. The biggest loss to the team they can’t replace is the senior leadership of Thomas Brown. When Know show goes silent he always picked up the slack.

By Enough is Enough

November 3, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

If Richt can’t win the big ones with this team, then someone tell me when? We should all wear paper bags over our heads until we beat UF, which will neve happen again with Richt against Myers. I’m embrassed beyond reproach. Tubberville will use us to save his job.

By Titan

November 3, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

You know why Jesus couldn’t have been born in Athens….They couldn’t find three wise men and a virgin.

By Mark Bradley

November 3, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Georgia doesn’t need a new head coach. Mark Richt is demonstrably one of the best in the business. But sometimes a national championship is as much a function of circumstance as excellence. (Ask the 2004 Auburn Tigers.) That’s why it was so deflating to see Georgia take the No. 1 ranking and do nothing with it.

By mcdawg

November 3, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

aside from richt’s first season-this loss was the first one i have attributed to the coaching

we had them on their heels and let up-we were beginning to pound the ball and decided to get cute instead of sticking down their throats-no feel for the tempo of the game

By scrumpdawg

November 3, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

I’ve been saying Willie M’s got to go since 4th and 22 against Auburn. Pay what you have to, but get Van Gorder back in Athens and bring back that Dawg D that carried this team through the early part of the decade. Do it now!!!

By joe joe dawg

November 3, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley

You are wrong there buddy. Here’s some teams with some of the best coaches in the business: USC, UF, UT (Texas), OSU, Bama, LSU… sure, those teams get beat; but when do you see them get thrashed unmercifully twice in the same season, or when it isn’t a rebuilding year? Richt is a good coach; but far from one of the best in the business. UGA will always make a bowl game with CMR at the helm; but not a championship.

By TheAntiMe

November 3, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

As a recruiter, Mark Richt has landed some of the most talented players that have ever played for the Bulldogs. This year the Dawgs have as much, if not more, talent than any other team in the SEC.

The problem is that on a roster loaded with talented players on both sides of the ball, only 2 of those players (Curran and Moreno) seem to have that very vital something all champions have known as heart.

Heart will, almost always, win out over talent and there isn’t a team in any sport that can win a championship without a substantial measure of heart.

It’s very easy to see that this year’s Dawgs are lacking that vital component. In games where Georgia jumped out in front they often played as if they were just sitting around expecting their opponent to come back instead of just continuing to play hard and put their opponent away.

Their lack of heart especially showed in their two biggest games this year. When their opponents jumped ahead by more than one touchdown, these Dawgs just laid down for their opponents to stomp all over the lifeless Dawgs and pretty much stopped fighting altogether.

Even in the Alabama game when the Dawgs scored 30 something points in the 2nd half - they didn’t come to life until the 1st half was over and they were down by 800 or so points and the pressure to win was totally off of the Dawgs in a game that had long been decided.

I hesitate to say this because I will always love my Georgia Bulldogs but, then again, I’m not so sure that many on the current roster care at all anyway:

I have seen few Georgia Bulldog teams with as much talent, collectively, as this year’s team. It saddens me to say that never have I seen a more gutless bunch, as a whole, as the 2008 Georgia Bulldogs.

By Don

November 3, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

None of you were ever on the team so dont take it so personal. Richt is a good coach and Georgia is a good team. Dont get so upset when they dont live up to your expectations. I am sure they dont expect anything out of you.

By Chris

November 3, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Ok, some of you guys are absolutely out of your mind and have no clue. To say we should get rid of coach Richt is flat out ridiculous. You are an idiot if you think that. And whoever thinks coach Richt doesn’t have the mentality for the SEC, are you forgetting that the guy has only lost 4 road games in 8 years? Some of you expect to win the SEC and play for the national title every year. Reality check…nobody does that!!!!!

Another thing, all this griping about how our team didn’t get excited about being number 1 is retarded. You have to play these games on the field. What you say or don’t say to the media doesn’t have anything to do with how you play on the field. I guess Bradley thinks if we came out with a public mission statement for the year, then we would be undefeated. That’s flat out ridiculous, and thats why you play the games.

By FootballJones

November 3, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Didn’t Richt get an $800,000 raise last year? Wasn’t everyone upset that he was paid less than Meyer, Saban and others? How much of a rasie will he get this year. by the way 2-6 against the Gators including 1-2 against Zook and now just 1-3 against Meyer. Oh yeah check the record…We have been favored in 6 of the 8 UF games Richt has coached. He can not man up with the big boys…will somebody please let Richt off the hook and hire Martinez to be a head coach. He doesn’t have the guts to make the right call. Trust me we will always be good enough to win 10 a year, but as long as we play Florida every year, we won’t achieve jack! Wake up CMR…the Gators are eating your lunch!!

By Ever Gator

November 3, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Now Mark Bradley comes to his senses…preach on Mark!

By C from Marietta

November 3, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Did the little Bulldog fans lose game? Get OVER IT! It’s only a game. They should be favored to win the last three games. I will take 10-2 and a New Years Day Bowl. Does any of those idiot fans remember the Hula Bowl days under Donnan? What a bunch spoiled little kids.

By swampman

November 3, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Georgia has always been and will always be a second tier program. Some things never change. 49-10. Let the big dog choke!

By DP

November 3, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley says it was “so deflating” to see Georgia do nothing with their #1 ranking.

Mark, aren’t real journalists supposed to maintain a reasonable level of objectivity rather than acting like fans and openly pulling for a team? Aren’t there standards like not cheering in the press box, things like that?

By C from Marietta

November 3, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

DP,

This is an ATLANTA sports column. Get over yourself.

By RAM

November 3, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

With all due perspective, if there is any semblance of ‘Justice’ in today’s sadly-silly world of college football, Mark Richt’s Georgia Bulldogs will win the National Championship very, very soon. A summer of relatively minor - and typical of college students - legal scrapes notwithstanding, I’m confident the Dawgs will have their day…doing in the right way (as opposed to ‘Urban’s jerk off, it ain’t cheating if they don’t call a penalty Way’). More than lacking discipline, this year’s Dawgs just don’t have any true (and non-injured) Senior leaders. Say what you want about coaching, a team either has such player leadership or it doesn’t. Sure, I’m incredibly dissapointed about our 2 losses, but about the only thing more sadly amusing than hearing supposed Bulldog fans spout off about ‘playcalling’ is the twisted notion - so gleefully declared by many in the sports media not named Mark Bradley - that Urban Crier and his goon gators could be anything approaching ‘classy’. Give me a break with the Gator love fest.

By CG

November 3, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Did anyone else notice the officials obvious bias towards Florida? They gave Florida the first down on a play that was 2 yards short of the marker, even after review. The interception negated by a questionable flag that was thrown after the play was over. Two times, offensive and defensive pass interference wasn’t called that led to Florida scores. It seemed after this turn of events things changed and the Dogs couldn’t get anything going afterwards. Florida is too good to overcome blatant bad calls like that. I still agree with most everyones comments about the play calling and the soft play of the D.

By Fed Up Alumni Dog

November 3, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Everybody wants change in assitant coaches especially defence. Well then the bulldog nation has to put it’s money where it’s mouth is. In big college athletic programs the only thing that really counts is money. Money talks everything else walks. If you want change talk with your money. Remember the coaches still get paid their big salaries if they win just enough games to keep the money flowing into the program. What should the bulldog nation do to be heard? It’s simple don’t buy tickets to what will be a third rate bowl game. At least not until some of the desired changes are undertaken at Georgia. The UGA athletic department will wet their pants if tickets are not selling to the bowl game. If however, everyone enjoys the current mess then by all means greedily buy those tickets and continue to support the mediocre performance at Georgia. I fear the bulldog nation does not have the guts to take such a bold stand and will roll over and take it somemore. Only MONEY will have the impact needed to shattered what has become the usual status quo.

By Gus

November 3, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Trully professional and skilled coaches don’t need gimmicks to get their teams ready for big games. Do you think Bear Bryant or Tom Osborne ever thought of changing jersey colors to psyche out an opponent? Did they need to entice players into juvenile, thuggish pranks that diminish the sport and infuriate opponents—like the end zone celebration in Jacksonville last year? No, they just plain knew how to motivate players and staff to give 100 percent in every game—especially the big ones.

Mark Richt is a hell of a nice guy and a good Christian man. He is a great recruiter and a decent offensive coordinator. But he is an abomination as head coach.

In a recessionary economy with so many skilled people scrounging for work, it is nauseating to see a man undeserving of such a high paying and prestigious job continue to pace the sidelines at UGA.

Until Georgia replaces Mark Richt with a real head coach, be prepared to lose to the better coaches in the SEC (and at Tech). By the way, Richt won’t have Phil Fulmer to kick around any more in TN—although that task had become dicey before today’s news.

By The Big Bug

November 3, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Richt is actually Perry Como in disguise.The spokesman for Xanax.

By dbc

November 3, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

All you gator mental midgets have no clue. The same ones who gloat here are the same ones who I’d bet have a life that is not so great. Congrats to Florida, the players who stayed focused and the fans who are good sports. It takes no balls at all to run your mouth and berate everyone about how great you are. It takes COURAGE to say congratulations to the other team and their fans. We lost big, we know it and now we move on. To the ones who want to rub our noses in it, your children must be very proud.

But I do agree changes need to be made somewhere within UGA’s staff. We alums are relentlessly pursued for funding, and our $$$ should produce more from a $3 million coach and his disciples than these results. If a cog is broken, it’s CMR’s duty to UGA donors to fix it. And Willie is the weak link. That’s just life in big time college football. Otherwise, go coach at The Citadel. And a message to Knowshon. I’ve lost all respect for you. You are obviously saving yourself for the NFL. You were a warrior last year, now you tap yourself out of games to save your precious resources. Take your money and dance your a* out of Athens. Herschel you will never be.

By ouch

November 3, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

anyone following from the beginning of this year could see this coming. all the arrests were a harbinger of things to come. they signaled loss of a singular purpose and goal. once the games started, it was a series of lackluster wins. yes, wins are big in and of themselves. but great teams don’t have to defend a win. they put up the points and instill the fear in all comers. with this team, i never felt confident going into a big game like i did in the second half last year. last season was a group of guys who were hungry and focused. this year, from game one, it was as if they assumed that showing up was all that was involved in winning. against alabama they expected empty black uniforms dominate a rabid, ready, and confident team. they were wrong. against florida they assumed last year was enough to prove a change in trend. it was not. even the game against lsu, with 52 points on the board, there was no time to relax. the game was never confidently in hand. this is a great collection of talent. individually, they are amazing. as a team they are pretty good at best. pretty good doesn’t score style points. pretty good doesn’t seem intimidating. pretty good isn’t playing in the bcs championship game. pretty good isn’t playing in the conference championship. pretty good is lucky to play in the capital one bowl. the goals of this season were stated at the end of last season’s last game. they will not be reached. so i will do what has become a true georgia tradition…..look to next year.

By Hey RAM

November 3, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Why are the Gators goons? Was it the illegal chop-block that ended a player’s season in last year’s game? Oh, wait! That was from a UGA d-lineman. In case you’re wondering, the guy whose season was ended by that coward in last year’s game was the same guy that put the spin move on Fattford and returned Know-sho’s fumble inside the 10. And don’t talk to Gator’s about class after last year’s endzone celebration. Why didn’t y’all try that this year? Oh, yeah. It’s because y’all finally put it in the endzone on our 3rd stringers with 3 minutes to go.

By BirdDawg

November 3, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

The operative words are discipline and desire and Georgia lacked both. It would be easier to swallow if Florida and Alabama were appreciably better, talentwise, than Georgia. It would be understandable if Georgia played hard, but just got outworked by two motivated teams. The first statement is wrong and the second is only half right. They did get outworked, but they never played hard. They not only lost to their opponents, but they lost the battle against themselves. Alabama and Florida didn’t have to win these games, Georgia handed the games to them.

By The stats don't lie

November 3, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Here are the stats from this game:

Stafford passing: 18/33 for 267 Tebow passing: 10/13 for 154

Emmanuel Moody rushing: 7 for 71 Knowshon Moreno rushing: 17 for 67

Percy Harvin receiving: 3 for 52 Muhammed Massaquoi: 5 for 112

Total yard Florida: 373 Georgia: 398

Time of possession Florida:28:52 Georgia: 31:08

The Dawgs dominated in 4 out of 5 categories. The Difference! Turnovers! Gators: 0 Bulldogs: 4 all of which went for 4 Gator TD’s

“Victory favors the team that makes the fewest mistakes”.

By Reality check

November 3, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

All the negative posters just want to keep forgetting about the tremendous amount of key injuries we have sustained this season!! The Dawgs/starters that were rated number one at the beginning of the season are not the same ones that have been playing - think Sturdivant, Owens, Ellerbe, Vance, Southerland, Chandler, etc. Which other top 10 team is playing as many freshman on their line (not to mention kickers)??? I think dawgs fans have to get their expectations in check - being a huge dawg fan myself, it is easy to see only a season of W’s. No one said this would be a cakewalk of a season. The AL and UF losses chaps my arse as much as all the other true blooded dawgs but you come away from these losses with the lessons - remember last year after the TN loss and everyone was running for the exits? Let’s not forget who finished 2nd in the freakin’ Nation last year! Every team has tough games - hell all these gator fans kickin’ the dawgs when they are down seem to want to forget their humongous bust in the swamp to Ole Miss! I stand by the team with all my heart and know that they are going to learn a great lesson from this defeat and use it to their advantage for the future! CMR and the team are champs and will continue to fight on!

By BCS Slave

November 3, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley,

Great column! Through the course of the season when I made such arguments I was attacked. I think it took the Fla game to open some fans eyes. UGA has not looked like a championship team. With our potential…it has broken my heart.

As I’ve said many times, our defense has looked far too soft. They seem to lack fire. Our offense has seemed too simplistic…too vanilla. It is too easy to game plan against.

There are times when a more complex offensive scheme can cover size mismatches or weak areas on an offense. The same thing happens with defenses as well. This is a coaching decision. Richt has either used bad judgment in choosing this philosophy or he chose it because his players lack the intelligence or the talent to do more. I don’t believe for a minute we don’t have the brains or the brawn to play more complex schemes. It is purely a poor decision by Richt to go in this direction.

With that said…it is a problem Richt can easily fix. Stop using an offense from the 1970’s and expand it. Make scoring points a passion. Then hire a defensive coordinator who plays a more aggressive style. Get some swagger back on this team.

By G8TR

November 3, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

At UF, we’re huge fans of Mark Richt. Like Coaches Goff and Donnan before him, Richt represents our best hope for continued UGA mediocrity (or worse). So, please defend and keep him around your storied program as long as possible.

Try not to think about the fact that his FSU coaching career was marked by leading superior talent over inferior ACC teams in the 1990s, when his competition was mostly “college lite.”

Try not to focus on the fact that he’s a natural-born Miami Hurricane, whose innate sense of good individual and team behavior was forged in the angelic environment of fellow convicts at “The U.”

Try not to remind yourself that his mentor Bobby Bowden’s rules of team discipline apply (first, look the other way, then issue light punishments and schedule-favoring “suspensions.”)

Try not to focus on the fact that under Richt’s leadership UGA has found entirely new ways to be embarrassed and humbled (losing to Vandy at home! The Alabama blackout on ESPN! Humiliating UF timeouts!)

Try to convince yourself that Richt’s serene sideline demeanor is steely determination and not complete cluelessness (except for the occasional bone-headed decision to try an onside kick). Remember, you used to wish Donnan would show more fire. Now you have a coach that shows no pulse!

So, please. For our sake. Keep Mark Richt. After all, we don’t want the UF-UGA series to ever, ever be competitive again.

By CMR

November 3, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

It’s just a game, Dawgs. It’s highly casual. No need to fret. Relax,enjoy life.

By Urban Meyer

November 3, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

You’re lucky that we let you score. Tebow thought it would be down right Christian to give you guys a touchdown.

By Dr. Morpheus

November 3, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with the critics of CMR and the coaching staff. The two losses this year were not just losses- they were embarrassments. Something has to give. However, I disagree with those who blame Matthew Stafford. He has made plenty of big plays in big games (which some of you seem to have completely forgotten) and has progressed steadily over the past 3 years. It was not Matt’s fault we got demolished by Bama and emasculated by UF. In fact, I strongly object to blaming any of our players. These are the guys who chose UGA over everyone else and we need to support them. The buck stops with CMR and I look to him to do what it takes to bring out our best. That’s why we pay him the big bucks.

By ButlerDawg

November 3, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

To ‘Just Some Thoughts’, I agree with you on a few points from the Florida game, but did you not wonder why the heck Martinez didn’t have someone watching Tebow when our O put the D in those horrible situations? Please tell me that you or I or anyone else in the Dawg-nation should have known to have a guy watching Tebow at all times and go after him once he decided to duck and run with the ball!?!? And all of your defenses about Richt and the rest of the staff for this game are immediately tossed out the window after what happened with Bama and Martinez against LSU! Nothing more than high-school football against big-league play! Heck even my Asian-Techie pharmacist noticed that and gave me heck about it! Richt’s staff needs an enema on both sides of the ball, plain and simple!

By Rennie Curran

November 3, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

I wish you Gator fans would just leave us Dawgs alone and go comment on some of the many articles that now have you picked to be in Miami come January. Besides - we’re definitely the better team. Just a few turnovers held us back is all…

By Kingfish

November 3, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

What is wrong with Moreno. Two, three good plays and it’e to the sidelines. Every time the offense seems to get on a roll, Knowshon goes to the sidelines and Bobo has to change up the play calling to fit the personnel. I see no fire in this team, no discepline. It’s as if the team believes all the hype and never thinks it has to prove anything. The coaching staff needs to get in the plaers faces and either the present starters start to make plays or go to the next in line. Let’s find 22 that really want to play and will sell out.

By Knowshon

November 3, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Aw come on Gator fans. That score was actually closer than what the scoreboard said. Seriously. If that field goal hadn’t clanked off the $%&*$ goal post, you would have only beat us by 36 points, so back off.

P.S. No disrespect intended to you Mr. Spikes.

By see you later

November 3, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

hey Mad Dawg…just a quick comment on your earlier rant about Stafford… what do they see in this guy??? How about every NFL offensive coordinators dream. He will be gone after this year and good for him. The fact is, he might not ever be and elite quarterback in college, but that’s nothing you should hold against him, it’s just a different skill set.
Your quote… check out the Texas vs. Texas Tech game to see two elite QB’s??? How about USC’s QB??? How about Oklahoma’s??? And how about Florida’s??? Stafford is not on par with these guys. Everybody touts how great he is and I just scratch my head and ask what in the he** can you be talking about?? This guy shouldn’t even be playing. Look at the production of points against Florida and Alabama!! I’d love to see Cox at starting QB next week. Of the QB’s you listed only one will be playing on Sunday’s and that’s Bradford, maybe Colt. Not every great talent is meant to excel at the college level - remember Terrell Davis. Go Dawgs and bring on Logan Gray.

By hotrod

November 4, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

dogs quit saturday late in the 3rd quarter,just damn quit,I was ashamed to be a dawg

By MiamiDawg

November 4, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

For a team with this much talent to be so unmotivated and undisciplined….

Fault must lie with the coaching staff. If CMR is either unwilling to see or unable to act to remedy this fault he should be thrown out with the rest of them.

By Pete in Fort Myerse

November 4, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this

First off, don’t talk to me about fair-weather fans or newcomers. I’ve been with UGA since Larry Munson was a newcomer broadcasting in monotone and Erk Russell was still getting bloody before games. I think Mark Richt is a tremendous coach with two major shortcomings. He can’t recruit linemen, and he can’t get his team ready for the big games. Think back to Tennessee last year, and Alabama and those F—— Gators this season (just a few examples). There hasn’t been a blue-chip recruit on the offenslve line since Ritcht’s first year. I want the Junkyard Dawg attitude back. We haven’t had it since Erk left. Where is the defensive coordinator who can bring it bacx? And young Mr. Stafford isn’t ready for the NFL, no matter what all those agents will be telling him. He needs another year of college — time to learn when it’s time to just throw it away and not get picked.

By Robards

November 4, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

Sorry Mark. Maybe next year—at least if Stafford and Knowshon come back.

By Pete in Fort Myers

November 4, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

You have no idea how tired I am of listening to all these Florida blowhards down here — and I’ve been hearing it pretty much on a constant basis since I moved here in 1991

By captain Midnight

November 4, 2008 2:48 AM | Link to this

Your problem is you alwalys over rate the local teams. You pick with your heart and not your head. I am a local born and bred Georgia boy but this Georgia team was over rated from the start. I hope you have learned something from this year after letting your emotions get the best of you and picking the Braves and Dogs. You did mention may not be the best team is Georgia and I agree with you. If Teck can get there quarterback healthy they can beat Georgia.

By heeldawg

November 4, 2008 5:50 AM | Link to this

I agree with Mark—something is wrong with the 2008 Georgia team, but it’s not a lack of talent. It’s a disturbing lack of competitive fire, a lack of fury, a lack of motivation. The great teams demand excellence in all phases of the game. Moreover, they demand it internally, with players taking the lead and motivating other players, chastising them if they fail to produce and motivating them to do better. Georgia has a few such players—Southerland, Curran, etc.—but no group of individuals who refuse to accept defeat in any form or fashion. Where was the anger after the loss on Saturday? I saw Georgia players making statements like, “It wasn’t as bad as the score.”

What? One of the worst losses in Georgia-Florida history and it “wasn’t as bad as the score?”

I cannot for the life of me understand how this defense can be so prone to giving up big play after big play, particularly after being so solid down the stretch last season. Some of that, clearly, has to do with the lack of a pass rush from the edge (who would’ve thought we’d miss little Marcus Howard so much?). And, yes, the injuries have hurt—-particularly the one to Jeff Owens, who tied up so many blockers in the middle that it was difficult for people to get hats on the ends. But why is the talented secondary so soft? What happened to the All-world seasons we expected from Reshad Jones and Asher Allen? How can the pass coverage be out of position so often in critical situations?

The answer partly lies in coaching, to be sure. Mark’s right—Van Gorder’s defenses NEVER performed like this. And the playcalling on both sides of the ball in key situations has been questionable at best (the onsides kick Saturday, for example, was one of the most ridiculous play-calls I’ve ever seen, and the play-calling this season in the red zone has been way too cute). But it’s more than that. It’s player execution. It’s a blatant acceptance of mediocrity. It’s a tolerance among the PLAYERS for mistakes that would’ve gotten my head ripped off by my teammates in HIGH SCHOOL.

The Dawgs need to stop pointing the finger at each other. Individually, they need to man up, point to themselves, and demand that the last few games of this season matter. No, they’re not playing for an SEC or national title anymore. The reality is, few teams get that opportunity every year. But they are a better team than they showed Saturday. They need to have a little pride, play with intensity each of the next few weeks, and vow to themselves that they will not accept a defensive performance like the ones of the last few weeks. They need to hammer the rest of the opposition into oblivion, starting with Kentucky and ending with their bowl opponent. They need to get their swagger back. Knowshon, stay in the game and carry the dang football! Rennie, motivate your teammates to play with the same fire that you play with! Don’t get down—get even!

It all comes from within. That’s the secret of every great team.

By JH in ?Gainesville

November 4, 2008 5:50 AM | Link to this

Driving back from Jacksonville I realized that the “bend but don’t break” defense continually gives hope to the teams we play. I’m so tired of Willie’s defense’s lack of passion … lack of vicious “junk yard” bite … lack of burn the hair off the opponent.

I think CMR likes Willie and Willie is a nice guy but he totally lacks the grab them by the throat and choke them mentality. I would like to see Willie given JUST ONE MORE YEAR to turn it around or get out of town.

I hate losing anytime but over 100 points (yes, I said 100 points) scored against us in two losses …. it’s TOTALLY unacceptable.

CMR, no MORE MISTER NICE GUY ON THE FIELD … Get the fire and let it burn. To have the fire, you’ve got to pull Willie’s and Bobo’s chain. This isn’t kindergarten …. it’s college football.

Put the “BITE” back in the Bulldogs and in the next three games lay it on the line like it should have been ALL season.

If Willie and Bobo don’t burn it up these next three games… You MUST make changes in the offseason.

Ten wins are good but continual losses to Florida, SC and UT because of poor defense and bad play calling are no longer acceptable.

The “Bulldog Nation” is upset and expect mediocre football to be unacceptable to all….

Great coaches make good players great. Average coaches make great players good. That’s exactly what we’ve seen at Georgia this year.

By HH

November 4, 2008 5:55 AM | Link to this

Let Fulmer’s firing be a wakeup call to Richt. This man won 150 games and won a National Championship in 1998. The GA fanbase may not be as rabid as UT, Clemson, Auburn or LSU, but after the national television embarrassments of this year, a few more a*-kickings like these will give even the most pro-Richt fan pause.

If UT can buy Fulmer out for 6 million and Auburn can buy out Tubberville for 6 million (when they can him at the end of the year), then UGA can find 2 million to can Richt. RICHT better get smart and dump WILLIE and BOBO and find somebody who can do the job, or, in a year or so, Richt will be hitting the trail himself. As an old UGA professor of mine once said, “a word to the wise is sufficient.” WISE UP, RICHT!

By Grandpa

November 4, 2008 5:55 AM | Link to this

Is it too late to protest the Florida game? Maybe we can have a recount or a mulligan or something, come on.

By Bob perdue

November 4, 2008 6:36 AM | Link to this

All of you want a scapegoat, blame the MEDIA. I have NEVER seen such high epxectations on a team as I saw these past months. The bigggest offender-THE AJC. Front pages news, every friggin day. Give me a break. Know your dog- talk about overexposure. These are student athletes that are too busy practicing, watching film, and studing to deal with such nonsense. This so called newspaper called this team the next NC so many times I felt nauseous. Overhype the player and they get full of themselves. I would feel bad for these players but as a Gator fan I can only feel sorry for them. UGA athletic should take a lawsuit against AJC and esp this clown/slug/loser Mark Bradley for damages.

By chazz

November 4, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this

They lost more than just a couple of linemen, Mark. Furthermore, it is not just the guys that are out for the season; a lot of guys missed full preparations in the Spring and Fall because of injury. Say what you will, but half of the team was playing in high school or on a scout team last year. Essentially, you don’t know what the hell you are talking about.

Somewhere in the next three to five years, UGA will play in the championship game (maybe more than once). Richt has turned a program around. How many NCs have had an o-line comprised of true freshman? He will adjust, and make coaching decisions. The players will grow up.

I was as disappointed as anyone over Florida. I hope the UGA players and coaches remember that bitter taste for a long time. But for guys like me and Mark Bradley who don’t really know a lot about playing division I football… well, it’s just not our place to lay judgement on an overall program like this. Put simply, it’s a hell of a thing to lay the yoke of the entire history of a program on an 18 year old’s neck. It’s okay to be critical of the strategies and/or performance. It is not okay to judge people personally that you don’t even know and call it journalism.

So, I hope the rest of the UGA fans will join me Saturday at 12:30 to pull for our team against the cats. The first step to blowing the lid off is taking it out on Kentucky.

By VADAWG

November 4, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this

Richt is not tough enough on his team. He clearly has the raw talent needed to compete at the highest level of college football. Unfortunately, his players lack discipline as well as physical and mental toughness not to mention motivation and fire. I lay all of this on him. For Georgia to reach its full potential Richt needs to make some serious changes on his staff (especially Martinez) and crack the whip with his players. It would not hurt to recruit some players who really want to play for UGA and not for themselves and fat NFL contracts.

By Big Al

November 4, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this

Boo Hoooooooing in Dawgland. What a wonderful sound! Mark Richt will NEVER win a national championship for Georgia.

By Kennesaw Dawg

November 4, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this

And let’s just get real petty here…. I’ll say that even UGA VII can’t live up to the legacy of UGA VI. UGA VII looks like he hasn’t figured out why he is there or what to do. He appears to have no interest in the game and to have no life or spirit in him. He wants to spen d as much time in his doghouse as outside cheering on our team. Oh….wait a minute……hmmmmmm………come to think of it….maybe he is the right mascot for us.

By AtlGator

November 4, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this

Hey Bradley..maybe Richt can give them some purty new black/red/gray jerseys to get ‘em fired up! Oooh, new clothes! Richt made it personal and Urban won’t lose that game again.

By jerry

November 4, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this

Florida has had 3 head coaches since Richt has been at UGA. He has a losing record against all of them vs Florida.

0-1 vs Spurrier

1-2 vs Zook-who was fired for incompetence

1-3 vs Meyer

Florida does not even consider UGA as their biggest rival-its Florida State.

If UGA is going to turn things around against Florida they have no choice but to upgrade their coaching staff-and don’t be surprised if they start to lose some big name recruits to Tennessee now that Phulmer is out. Word is they are going to hire a big time recruiter.

By snapshot

November 4, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this

Let face it, the Gators own the university of georgie.

By Dan

November 4, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this

It’s easy to see that most of the guys writing in here have never played a single down of football! Get a life! You’re knocking the same coach (MR) that you were gaga over less than a year ago. You’re fair-weather fans who let two-bit hack reporters like Schultz and Bradley goad you into spitting on one of the best coaches in the game. As good as FL is now - don’t forget they lost four games last year. It turns around quick!

By nativebird

November 4, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

As a lifelong Gator, it doesn’t get any better than this. Own up boys, the programs are simply not at the same level, is not and has not been for some time. You should stop talking to yourselves and take a little outside feedback. Head Coach is simply not all that as much as you want him to be. a Miami backup qb and a lifelong OC, that tends to look for bags of tricks (endzone dance, blackouts, onsite kick saturday, etc.) to motivate his team and surprise his opponents. It does neither in the SEC. CMR needs to go back to the ACC where that might fly. You got to LINEUP and MANUP in this league, for more than one play. Your New Jersey running back is all about ME, not team. He gave up on you guys Saturday, beleve it. Gave up. Spent more energy between plays and talking on the sideline once the going got TOUGH against a REAL defense of MEN. Your Texas quarterback has been on a three mission to show the NFL his cannon arm. Not win for Georgia football. Believe it. Georgia fans are great, they are ALL about Georgia football. Your team however has got no heart…and your star’s can care less about Georgia. Buck belue (Georgia native) and Herschel (Georgia native) would have DIED for you guys.

Gator (and Alabamamm LSU and others) football players ONLY care about winning for FLORIDA football.

Get over your HATE and jealousy of the Florida Gators and clean your OWN shop, then pop off.

By 59bulldawg

November 4, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

Whether or not someone has ever played the game is irrelevant! Bradley’s points are well-taken. CMR is a nice guy but he needs to grow a pair and make changes to this coaching staff. There’s no way that Florida’s talent is 39 points better than Georgia’s. I know players make plays but last Saturday Georgia was not ready mentally or physically, nor did they have a good game plan. That I put on CMR and his staff.

By jerry

November 4, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

Turns around quick? Richt has had eight years to turn it around against Florida. He hasn’t done it yet.Bradley and Shultz are not two bit hack writers. In fact they are too quick to praise and too slow to critisize UGA. Note Bradley’s comments about how great the Dogs were early in the year. Dan needs to get a grip on reality. UGA does not have a great football program. Since 1937 they have a losing record vs Florida. They have losing records vs Alabama,Auburn,Tennessee,and LSU. In other words a losing record against any body who is anybody. Some people want more from UGA. What’s wrong with that, Dan?

By RICARDO

November 4, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

IF YOU DUMB DAWGS DON’T LIKE FLORIDA WHY DO YOU COME HERE EVERY YEAR FOR YOUR ANNUAL BEATING BY THE GRINNING GATORS. AS BR’ RABBIT SAID ,” DON’T THROW ME IN THAT BRIAR PATCH.”

By ugablows

November 4, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

seriously, has any college team done less with more talent than what uga has had over the last 15 or 20 years?

By Bill

November 4, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Ga is not as good on offence or defence as Fla and it showed.Fla speed is unmatched in the SEC.Fla could be the best team in the country.Teams don’t win NC on paper,they win on the field.

By For Real

November 4, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Theres no way in he!! FLA is 39 points better than GA. Go back and watch the game. I could have QBed the Gators. Stafford showed some guts right there stepping up and making some of those throws. The calls were so bad against GA .. it was like .. whats the use? We get screwed on Tebows run when Rennie gets mauled, AJ gets raped and they take it back to the 1, Murphy catapults past Asher with his shirt tail. This game was BS and theres not a team in the country that can come back after being crapped on like that. Watch the freaking game and you will see our defense hitting them right back in the mouth while the game was still a game. I wish i woulda had a sling slot and marble everytime i saw Tebow look over to the sideline for a play call after we got set. Talk about gimmicks .. Meyer is a good coach but that offense of his is a gimmick. It will be figured out and when it does he will be on his way out. Tebow is a great FB but not much of a QB … although I will say he is gamer and lover of FLA football. There is nothing wrong in Athens dawg fans .. suck it up and be proud to be a Georgia Bulldog !!!

By Chris

November 4, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

To those who think Georgia fans don’t support the DAWGS when we want someone fired is B.S. True supporters want the DAWGS to do well, and if CMR doesn’t make changes after this year, we will always be second best. Willie Martinez should be fired today! He should’ve hit the beach the same time Phill Phulmer did. Our defense has been below par ever since he became D.C. Just look at his first year in 2005. We gave up 31 at home to Auburn, and were down 28-0 to W.V. in the sugar bowl before losing 38-35. 2006 we lost to Vandy and Kentucky, eventhough we scored over 20 ourselves, and were blown out by 50 something to the hands of Tennessee. Last year, Tennesse jumped out to a 28-0 lead before winning 35-14. This year 31-0 lead for Alabama at the half, and then there was Florida this past weekend.

This is a very obvious trend that needs to stop. Willie’s scheme is too soft, they try to play too safe, and it will not work in the SEC. Not to mention, he doesn’t have a clue how to make adjustments when another team is scoring on us at will.

Fire Martinez! Please! That will atleast get us headed in the right direction.

By Thinking Ahead

November 4, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

You said it, Mr. Bradley. The Dogs never really put up a fight, and never acted like they were as good as they should be. Even now, if they run the table and finish 11-2, it’d just show that they can perform only after the pressure is off.
BTW, I agree with ugablows (above), if you consider Ga’s talent base and talent level, their historical record is pretty tepid.

By If The Bag Fits

November 4, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Kroger will furnish paper bags for players and coaches to wear for the remainder of this season.

By eddcunningham

November 4, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

Georgia has played two really terrible games against two really powerful teams. Georgia is not a top ten team this year. But, they are a young team with plenty of promise for the rest of this season. An 11-2 record is still a possibility and next year Georgia may be waiting in the wings for one of its best seasons ever. Most of you on this vent have never played a down of organized football or prepared for a game over a week of practice or tried to overcome adversity during a ballgame. You have played thousands of games on a computer or game system and think that you have all of the answers. True Dog fans are willing to accept that good seasons come and go and by the way 11-2 or 10-3 is not a bad season. It may be disappointing but maybe we were overrated at the beginning of the season. Coach Richt’s loyalty to a friend is to be admired unless all of you that are calling for Martinez to be fired are really backstabbers to your own friends. Any way that you look at this Georgia will play better and will maybe have the opportunity to play some team like maybe Ohio State in the Outback Bowl or Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. And true Dogs will be barking in front of the t.v. and wanting to see the Dogs win while the rest of you grumble and complain about a season that could have been.

By gator mike

November 4, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Finaly, Mr. Bradley writes an astute article. I am a die hard Gator, and I enjoyed evey minute of Saturday; however, I fully realize that game was only one game in the scheme of college football. The Gators could easily blow one again as they did to Ole Miss if they are not focused. College football is played by very young men. UGA has good players, and Mark Richt is a good coach. I am fairly sure that UT or Clemson would love to have Richt as their next coach. I totally agree with some of the UGA Fans that he may not have the killer instinct like Urban Meyer and Steve Spurrier, but he is a Cane/Nole which means he does have some venom in his blood and his dumb ##s dance last year proved it. I have said it many times this year that the problem with the UGA Fans is that all ya’ll started barking too much after you beat a mediocre Hawaii team in January. All of the talk about UGA injuries and youth is also b.s. Look at UF’s youth and injuries. I was in Jax for the game, and all we heard before the game was that stupid barking and being told how the dawgs were going to crush the Gators again. Put a muzzle on your constant barkers, and back your team whether they win or loose. Last year, UGA whipped us fair and square. We did not like it, but we did not abandon the team or the coaches. You UGA fans have been saying that Gator Fans are whinners, but your whinning this week is worse. You half baked UGA fans need to grow up and support your team. You hate Florida only because you do not own us any more as you did int the 80s. UGA Fans need to grow up. GO GATORS BEAT UGA!

By Carl

November 4, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

What I saw on Saturday and the week leading up to it was an a dog with its tail between its legs. I truly believe that Richt let himself be embarresed by the “Celebration” and was bound and determine not to do a thing even remotely similar this year. So, instead of firing the Dawgs up, he succeeded in neutering them to the point they couldn’t perform. You could easily see that there was no fire in their bellies. The Gators were full of confidence, revenge and bravado and it showed, just check the score. They wanted to make a statement and did, the Dawgs wanted to avoid making a statement, but ended up making the biggest wrong statement of all. Well, CMR, you didn’t let the team do anything embarassing this year, except get you butts handed to you. Think the media will be anymore forgiving this time? I want that Coach back that we had last year with the fire and emotion. Not this neutered dawg we have now.

By Rob

November 4, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

I think UGA has more problems on defense than just CWM. Everyone keeps saying that GA should do better with all of their talent. Someone please tell me who they are referring to. The only player with talent on D is Curran. No one else has stepped up all season. Gamble had a brief flash but later in the LSU game he completely missed a tackle (along with 4 other defenders) for a long touchdown. There has been zero pressure from the front 4 period and they get pushed back by every team they face. Truth is, this is a very mediocre defense across the board. Not just the coaches but players too. I can’t believe CMR actually said he thought they played pretty well overall! Maybe that’s part of the problem with this team. Lastly, there doesn’t appear to be any leaders on this team, especially on the D.

By Dawg Fud

November 4, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Good article, Mark.

I agree will Carl’s post.

GO DAWGS! Beat UK!

By BP

November 4, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Georgia got beat by a much better Florida Gators team. You can’t turn it around by simply yelling about it, or wishing it so. The Dogs got whipped. Badly. Bemoaning injuries, play calls, referee calls, or coaching changes nothing. Next year, the coaching will be the same (and Georgia has damn fine coaches). The intensity will be the same (no one can argue the players and coaches wanted this one badly). Tebow will probably be gone into the NFL (that should help dramatically). So maybe next year will be more of an interesting game. For the record, I am a GATOR, and while I enjoyed the whipping this year, I do know that Georgia has a damn fine coach, staff, players and great fans. They all always come to play. Some years we whip, some years we get whipped. Its all part of the tradition we share.

By Aldo

November 4, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Most of you don’t read the posts here, so I have no reason to believe that you will read this one but I have to get it off my chest. The only way the Dawgs will EVER play to their potential is to make two coaching changes. One, we need a change in defensive coordinator. And two, we need a QUALIFIED offensive coordinator. Bobo may be a good QB coach, but I think we all know that he is not a offensive coordinator. Changes at these two coaching positions would make a monumental difference in this team next year. Don’t think an O-coord makes a difference? Look at Tenn. Cutcliff (sp?) has a briliiant offensive mind. Don’t think a D-coord makes a difference? Look at VanGorder and Erk. Just two examples. CMR needs to get over this friendship thing and make the changes necessary.

By UGA93

November 4, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

To those who call us whiners, complainers, and fair-weathered fans because we’re pointing out problems that we believe need to be fixed, I have serious issues with your definition of “supporting” the program. If it means that you only voice the positive even when it’s clear that there’s a pattern of the team being outplayed (and seemingly) outprepared in big games at least once or twice a year, then I think you’ve confused support with complacency. We’re not betraying the program; we want to see it succeed.

You were probably the same people who criticized those who wanted to see the Donnan era end. It was clear that he needed to go, but we’d get the same comments: “We go to a bowl game every year; you should stop complaining, etc.”

Bottom line: we support the team. The program IS clearly better than it was. But are there glaring flaws that need to be addressed? Clearly the answer is yes. If you deny that, you’re not a supporter of the program. You want it to remain at its current level.

By Aldo

November 4, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

UGA93-Excellent post, excellent point. Couldn’t have said it better myself.

By Kevin T.

November 4, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

I think it is time to look at a new Defensive Coord. The perfect guy out there is a former DAWG and he has the experience of coaching under Nick Saban. KIRBY SMART is the man for the job. I would be willing to bet we can lure him back to his alma mater.
On a side note I too am sick of losing to UF. These DAWGS need to show some fire, on the other hand a bunch of you whiney so called DAWG fans need to support our team through the good and the bad, if not go pull for someone else!! GO DAWGS, and I will be there no matter what bowl we go to! CMR give Kirby a call!

By wwjd

November 4, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Come on dawg fans, let you lights shine! Stop being such downers.

By dale

November 4, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Urban’s final minute timeouts were the most cowardly display of bravado I’ve ever seen. Real guts, Urban.

By D.Ellis

November 4, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

1 Returning 3 starters in the D-Back Field was thought to be a blessing and a strong point on this team. False-Our DB’s continue to get beat on a weekly basis. Thats a fact. R.jones came out as the #1 recruted safety in the country. As did Eric Berry. There is no comaprison in the 2. 2 Our D-Line..of course we are missing our best has ZERO pass rush. None. Florida’s line man handled them in passing situations. They did good against the run..but only because of the support from the LB’s and Asher in his CB rover role. Last year the role started with a Pass rush. There is ZERO pass rush on this team. 3-Stafford has not developed under this coaching. Maybe in reading defenses and checking into right plays…but there is no way he should be throwing it around like he is. He is still a roller coaster of a QB…AS A JUNIOR. 4 Knowshon should not be allowed to dictate his playing time. Coaches do that. That is what coaches get paid to do. Say who plays and who doesn’t in certain situations. 5-There doesn’t seem to be any leadership on this team. Last year Velasco and Johnson led this team on both sides of the ball. Who is doing that now? 6-Most importantly- No one took control of this team and led them when they where annointed #1.

Jsut my opinion. I’m over the game. All the other fans should be as well. We got beat. We got beat bad. But don’t beat a dead horse. Let the toher fans have their fun because you know waht we wouod be doing the same thing if the shoe was on the other foot.

Congrats Gator fans. You guys killed us.

Mark-Those are jsut observations.

By Kevin T. Valdosta, Ga(TITLETOWN)

November 4, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

I agree with you Dale, Urban is a punk and he showed it with those timeouts! Again CMR call KIRBY SMART….

By UGA93

November 4, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Kevin T. & the rest, please see my post above. Aldo, thanks - and I agree with you that two of the biggest changes that could be made are with the coordinators. Are we saying Richt needs to go? I’m not. But I’d be shocked if anyone who truly follows the program closely hasn’t seen a pattern over the past few years of the team looking flat, unfocused, and unprepared at least once or twice a year. It didn’t start with this Florida game. If you’re a supporter, you can name the games. I don’t need to do it for you. And as you look at those games together, you find the same set of problems. We want those problems to be addressed.

By Aldo

November 4, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

UGA93-Excellent post, excellent point. Couldn’t have said it better myself.

By Ben

November 4, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Old Steve Spurrier had it right talking about the recruiting classes of Goff. All those top ten classes and what do we do with them? Coach down; not up. Doing less with more talent.

By monty

November 4, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

I watched the replay of teh game again on Sport South. And we were in that game Midway through the 3rd quarter, actually driving the ball loooking like we would score then came the interception. At that point Buck Belue (who was announcing) said that could be the game,that shift in momentum from possibly being 14-10, and now its going to be 21-3 instead. It was a back breaker and sucked all the life out of GA. Belue knew you can’t allow that kind of shift in momentum and win against an equal or slightly better opponent.He knew the self inflicted mistakes were going to be the death nail.

Having watched the game again I didn’t see FLA dominate us like BAMA did. I saw a poorly prepared talented team shoot itself in the foot repeatedly. Like an unforced error in tennis. Does anyone doubt that if FLA had Richt and Ga had Saban or Meyer that Ga couldn’t have won this game? I do. I don’t personally care for either Saban or Meyer, but I do believe they are better big game coaches and able to prepare their players.

By Twisted

November 4, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

To all the Dawg excuse-makers…

Injuries didn’t matter. UF had lost 6 players for the season to ACL tears - that’s more players than UGA lost. Included in that list was pre-season AA Cornelius Ingram, starting safety Dorian Munroe and co-starter at DT Tory Epps. UF also has lost starting offensive guard Jim Tartt to a chronic shoulder injury. He can only play for a handful of plays in a game and has missed over half the season. Harvin didn’t play hardly the first few games with heel surgery. Injuries are part of the game.

Officials’ calls? You spout off about the Richt challenge play, but you fail to mention the obvious poor spot on the Tebow 3rd down run inside the 1 yard line. Even the TV announcers said that if he didn’t get in it would be marked at the 3 inch line and be a first down. And the Wynn penalty had direct impact on the play. Unless you weren’t watching, it was the O-lineman that was pushed by his face back into Tebow that caused Tebow to throw off balance.And it was a legit call.

And to “stats don’t lie”, learn the stats before you use them, dummy. UF didn’t score TDs on each of the 4 turnovers. They punted after Doe’s interception. And if you are going to quote yards…include number of plays and yards per play. I guess you conveniently forgot those. And time of possession is the most irrelevant stat in the history of football…it almost has no correlation to who wins.

Bottom line…you don’t fall behind 49-3 because of your excuses.

By Rebecca O Baton Rouge

November 4, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Most of the comments are well taken. But as for coaching, has everyone forgotten the Donnan (sp?) and Goff years? Richt did come in a turn the program around. I agree about Martinez. He is no VanGorder and we certainly haven’t had any Junk Yard Dawgs in a very long time. Let’s bring them back!!I am a native Athenian, a three time grad of UGA and a long time football fan and I’ve never seen such soft defense in all my days. Start growling and showing some teeth!

By Fantasy Dog

November 4, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

We got jobbed by the refs! Ask any Gator player and he’ll admit that Georgia won the game every which way except on the scoreboard (and the stat sheed, but that’s a technicality). Aint no way Florida wants another piece of the Dogs. If I were Kentucky, Auburn or Tech, I’d beware. Cause the Dogs are really angry now, and are sure to take it out on the rest of their opponents. Bama and Florida are lucky they played’em when they did. UGA #1 Perhaps not based on their record, but you know what I mean. Right?

By mike

November 4, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

To quote Spurrier after Georgia beat SC a few years ago “the game was there to be had.” Georgia drove the ball and outgained Florida. But a couple boneheaded calls by the officials (negating a Georgia pick and ingnoring Florida’s offensive PI on a touchdown) changed the game. Tebow is the media darling and after a year of constant crying he and Meyer got their baby bottles.

By larry

November 4, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Mark Richt is a wonderful human being; maybe that’s what keeps him from being a completely successful coach. Urban Meyer is a worthless jackass; but, his teams swagger and win. Willie Martinez and John Fabris have got to go!

When a team doesn’t live up to its potential, it is the coach’s fault 99% of the time. I don’t want to lose Richt; but, some serious soul searching in in order.

By Old Dawg

November 4, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

I’m so sick of hearing CMR & his players say “sometimes life deals you adversity & how you react to it determines what kind of person you are”. They haven’t reacted at all to getting their a!@$# handed to them & embarrassing themselves & all of Dawg Nation. What a bunch of sissys. They sound like they are in Sunday school or talking to a psychologist. Ga needs to man up & hit every team that they play every week. They also need to quit dancing & celebrating after every rare good play. They need to take care of business & celebrate after a undefeated natl. champ season. We look like a bunch of idiots, players & coaches (especially).

By Redcoat

November 4, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Aside from all the loser Tech fans that want to stir the pudding, I think many of UGA’s fans are getting tired of underachieving.

Mark Richt is a good person, I love what he has done with this team and would prefer him as the coach to all but Dooley. However, this doesn’t mean that he has a free pass when accountability is needed.

Loyalty is a great and preferred trait; blindness is not. I would ask that Mark take a serious look at this team and make an honest assessment of the change that is needed.

Every program needs to grow and change. This is part of the process of getting better, to evolve. Do I like Willie M? I don’t know him - maybe I would like him. Do I like his style of Defense? Absolutely not. I have never embraced the “bend but don’t break defense”; at the same time I don’t believe that every down is a blitzing down either. However, I see no such higher thinking in Willie’s Defense schemes.

I am not a coach, I have never made a living coming up with schemes or developing players. I HAVE watched football enough to understand when a D is playing zone, man, or soft…and the fact that I am a fan provides me with every right to speak my mind on a program that I support - both as a fan as well as with monetary contributions.

I sincerely hope that Mark takes note of Fulmer’s press coverage. Fail to perform or make the necessary changes and the coach will be gone. Fail to win over the fans by showing them fruitful wins, growth of the program, and that your (the coach’s) plan is being achieved and you will be gone.

Richt - I think you are the right person for the Georgia job - please take an honest look at this program and MAKE the changes that need to be made. Otherwise….

Any chance we could get Van Gorder as a head coach???

By Jim

November 4, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

I am a proud dawg fan, but today I couldn’t me more dissappointed in our fans, even more so than the team. Part of the problem with this season is that the media (and many of the most vocal fans) decided that the fact that we had Stafford and Moreno back automatically meant national championship. The fact is that we were unsettled on the offensive and defensive lines. We lost our best pass rusher. Before the season really began we lost our two best linemen. This team is still very young. Young teams tend to make more mistakes. The media and the fans put this team (unfairly I might add) on a pedestal of their own making and now are furious that the team has not lived up to the bar that probably was set too high. To suggest that Coach Richt cannot cut it in the SEC is silly beyond belief; we should be so lucky to have a coach like him.
That said, anyone has the right to be disappointed in the play of the defense this year. We have the athletes. The difference between this defense and others appears to be toughness and preparation. The Florida game was a fine example. I counted at least four times where we were out of position when the ball snapped and/or blew coverages. Two of those plays were touchdowns. We are not playing freshmen in the secondary; these are all return starters. There is simply no excuse for that. Also, there were way too many arm tackles; I saw on several occasions that our secondary guys dove blindly at Tebow’s feet and missed. Again, there is no excuse for that at this level of play. I will not fault the defense for giving up 49 points to Florida when the Gay-tors starting field position averaged our five yard line, but I will agree with the other bloggers that there need to be personnel and/or coaching changes on defense. A seeming lack of preparation has been our hallmark in the biggest games under Martinez. He either needs to engineer an organizational change in the mindset of this defense, or he needs to be replaced. Those calling for his immediate termination should recall the Jim Donnan years when we had four coordinators in four years and were awful on defense. Martinez is a capable coach; however, the mindset of this defense must change if the dawgs are ever to get to a championship level. Personally, I believe our year is next year, even if Stafford goes pro. End transmission.

By CMR

November 4, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Just chill out!

wait till we get all of our players back for next year.

Our line will have “jelled” and we will have the best RB/QB tandem in the nation.

Relax, its all good!

By MountainDawg

November 4, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

As a die-hard Dawgs fan, no way do I advocate firing CMR. He’s gotten the program back (closer) to the level we should be. With some adjustments in coaching & alot more discipline, we can right the ship fairly quickly,

That being said, Bradley makes alotta valid points. UGA hasn’t played with consistent focus or (apparent) fire enough. I’ve never cared for CWM soft approach & think he blitzes far too little. He’s a solid DC, but needs to get much more aggressive with blitzing. The OL is decent, but young & mistake prone. Stafford has tons of talent, but hasn’t reached his full potential. The mental mistakes (missed catches, missed tackles, turnovers) are probably the number one issue. We’ve cost ourselves a slew of points from lack of execution/focus.

No doubt we’ve had the talent & (slightly) under-achieved. I say slightly because I truly thought we’d loose 1-2 games…just not get blown out. Still, we have a good chance (if execution is vastly improved) to win the rest of the games & land in a good bowl (possibly BCS if there are some key losses in the top 10-15). However, if CMR doesn’t crack down on focus & alleviate the sloppiness, there’s a very good chance we drop to AU &/or Tech. Irregardless, I’m still pulling for the Dawgs 100%…GO DAWGS!!!

By ace

November 4, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Do you realize that Richt has never fired a coach? That is totally abnormal considering the problems that he has had. I guess his philosophy is “a team that prays together stays together”, coaching team that is. He does so many Mickey Mouse things, such as his wife and ten year old daughter being on the sideline. That is the kind of thing you see in the pee-wees. Can you imagine being a player on the sideline p** off and having to look around to see where the coaches wife and daughter are before you can say damn! Better yet can you imagine Pete Carroll, Spurrier, Saban or any of the top coaches having their wife and daughter dispensing water? He has too many things on his plate besides football. He was hired to coach football not preach. Those ninety-five thousand fans sitting in the stands could care less what is happening in Honduras or the Ukraine when thay are getting their a* handed to them by Florida, Ala., etc. Unfortunately it is never going to change because winning is just not a priority, if it was he would realize his coaches failings and do something about it. Damon Evans along with the big contributors are going to have to demand more accountability, that is what is needed. What is even worse is that he had Kirby Smart on his staff and he had him coaching running backs, go figure, and guess what he is doing now, he is the DC at Alabama! Richt is really just not smart enough to be the HC at a major program, period.

By lovethemdawgs

November 4, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Joey, where did you learn to add? We lost to Alabama by 11 points. Good team to come from behind like we were and only lost by 11. Lost to UF by 39. Now by my adding that’s 50 points, not 90!!! I don’t pretend to know anything about football, but maybe coaching changes (not Coach Richt) does need to be made. But win or lose, I love my DAWGS!!!!! Either be a dawg fan all the way or get you another team. You people sound like Steve Spurrier when he describes his own team!!!!!

By CMR

November 4, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Who is up for bowling this week?

We are doing lots of team building exercises.

UGA will be back. Wait till next year!!!

By ugasux

November 4, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

U is for unmotivated G is for God Awful A is for Azzholes. I told you all before no national championship no SEC championship no sheot. The only thing Sherman did wrong was not taking a hard left and burning Athens to the ground.

By ugasux

November 4, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

U is for unmotivated G is for God Awful A is for Azzholes. I told you all before no national championship no SEC championship no sheot. The only thing Sherman did wrong was not taking a hard left and burning Athens to the ground.

By ATL Hurricane

November 4, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Dan, you were write. The “U” did have an US against the world mentality and no one liked them for it. Unfortunately, with attitude and swagger comes a lot of dislike from the entire college world. Is GA ready for that? UM just didn’t care what anyone said. To me, your QB

By ATL Hurricane

November 4, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Dan, you were right. The “U” did have an US against the world mentality and no one liked them for it. Unfortunately, with attitude and swagger comes a lot of dislike from the entire college world. Is GA ready for that? UM just didn’t care what anyone said. To me, your QB seemed rattled and confused. UF defense was better at stopping the run. UGA defense needs to play with more intensity and urgency. I am waiting on Caleb King. Is he going to play after Moreno leaves? This year GA did have a championship team to me. Sorry for the lost.

By Jeff

November 4, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

In response to blake’s comments: “As far as being too “nice”, has anyone heard of Gene Stallings? Jim Tressel? Bobby Bowden? Lou Holtz? Lloyd Carr?”

Yes, they were all nice guys, but they’ve got some intensity to them, something Mark Richt lacks. How many times have you seen something go horribly wrong (be it a bad play or a bad call) and the camera pans over to CMR only to see him there with a confused and blank look on his face? He needs to be throwing clipboards around and letting somebody have it…

No, we WILL NOT win a national title with Mark Richt as head coach, unless we’ve got a coordinator or two on the sideline with a little fire in him (like our beloved Van Gorder). We need someone to get our boys in line and fired up. Dooley would never hire a TOUGH head coach because he always wanted to be the gestapo at UGA. Damon Evans is in here now and I think he has the balls to hire a smashmouth kinda guy to lead our football program back to the top. We get the best recruits year in and year out… there are just no excuses anymore!

By The Ole Ball Coach

November 4, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

First half….

  • The Teebow first down that didn’t happen- even reviewed and the Refs were flat wrong. Teebow 1 1/2 short and Curran was held. Refs give UF 7…

  • On side kick was stupid by UGA but would never have happend if the refs had not screwed up in no.1 above …Refs Screw ups = 14 points UF

  • Georgia did shoot itself in the foot & missed Fgs ..Worse case UGA leads at half 3 to 0

    • 2ND HALF

  • Georgia is driving down with a pass to Green - Haden wraps his arms around AJ pushes off intercepts and runs down to the 1 yards line. Refs no call gives Flordia 7 more.

  • Florida throws bomb after wr pulls himself forward pushing Allen backwards again no call. Refs give florida 7 more that is 28 points the Refs have given Florida….

  • Georgia in desperation continue to shoot itself in the foot … Moreno fumble Chandler slipping in end zone failed TD, Moreno dropping TD pass ETC. ETC.

  • Refs awarded Florida the game.

    • Florida may have actually scored 21 on their own - which with UGA stumbling all over the field scored 10.

    Flordia still won but the Refs and the UGA Offense was offensive.

    By Joe the Plummer

    November 4, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

    The “C” in CMR stands for clueless, right?

    By OompaLoompaObama

    November 4, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

    More excuses, more whining…you guys got yer tails handed to you because of a stupid stunt. You deserved it, so shut up and take it. Move on.

    By Algonquin J. Calhoun

    November 4, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

    The refs had nothing to do with it. The Gators applied the boot to the backside of a talentless, ill-coached bunch of thugs who fold up everytime they take on a real team!

    By Bankerdawg

    November 4, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

    Any reasonable assessment of our team through the first nine games must admit that we are undisciplined and make too many mistakes.

    That is the bottom line.

    I think we have a very good team, and admittedly we are not as good as I thought at the beginning of the year, but we simply must get a handle on our young men.

    Also, it is my feeling that any bloggers above making references to missed and/or wrong calls as being a primary reason we lost the game (in Jax) are completely missing the point. Good grief.

    I can only hope that our coaching staff is not taking a similar stance, and are working to actually solve our problems.

    Go Dawgs! Beat Kentucky!

    By The Ole Ball Coach

    November 4, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

    By The Ole Ball Coach

    November 4, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

    First half….

    The Teebow first down that didn’t happen- even reviewed and the Refs were flat wrong. Teebow 1 1/2 short and Curran was held. Refs give UF 7…

    On side kick was stupid by UGA but would never have happend if the refs had not screwed up in no.1 above …Refs Screw ups = 14 points UF

    Georgia did shoot itself in the foot & missed Fgs ..Worse case UGA leads at half 3 to 0

    2ND HALF

    Georgia is driving down with a pass to Green - Haden wraps his arms around AJ pushes off intercepts and runs down to the 1 yards line. Refs no call gives Flordia 7 more.

    Florida throws bomb after wr pulls himself forward pushing Allen backwards again no call. Refs give florida 7 more that is 28 points the Refs have given Florida….

    Georgia in desperation continue to shoot itself in the foot … Moreno fumble Chandler slipping in end zone failed TD, Moreno dropping TD pass ETC. ETC.

    Refs awarded Florida the game.

    Florida may have actually scored 21 on their own - which with UGA stumbling all over the field scored 10.

    Flordia still won but the Refs and the UGA Offense was offensive.

    By monty

    November 4, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

    I would like for someone, anyone, to stand up and say “We are better than this!” CMR or Stafford, ala Tim Tebow,somebody with fire in their belly and a passion to win. Shed some tears, throw some chairs! ANything but ridiculous excuses about our young offensive line. THe intensity of Urban Meyers on the sideline was palpable. After they took TEbow out of the game he paraded up and down the field urging the crowd on and in effect celebrating before the game was over with the fans. I didn’t like it but I admire his passsion to excel to embrace the joy of the moment. He was like a kid on CHristmas morning. Sure he was rubbing it in. Just like Moreno and company on the sideline last year dancing.

    By Mobile Dawg

    November 4, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

    It’s nowhere near time to consider a head coaching change, I think most intellegent alumni and “well meaning fans” agree. When I criticize the staff it’s intended to be constructive, although I know they don’t listen and it has no impact it’s the only real voice I have.

    One bit of advice Richt should heed is that it is time to circle the wagons, identify the problems, and come up with comprehesive solutions. I thought we did that last year after the dismal start, apparently not. Whether that be assistant coaching changes (loyalty aside), additions to the staff, or new philosophies, that’s Richt’s call, but the clock has started ticking. At 3 mill a year and in charge of a superprogram it isn’t easy. I believe our program has peaked and stalled. It hasn’t reached the level it should be at, or is capable of being at. Unfortunatly the bar is high, 10 wins a year isn’t good enough today, we can’t compete consistently with our biggest rivals and we’re pathetic on the national stage. It shouldn’t take Evans or anyone else stepping in to address this.

  • Defensively we’ve regressed.
  • Our attitude isn’t what it needs to be.
  • We’re consistently outplayed and outcoached in big games.
  • We’re undisciplined.
  • Our offensive game plan is off course.

    • Richt doesn’t seem to be admitting the fault is his, i.e. his continued excuses after the lopsided losses. He has to take ownership and make some tough choices and changes. When you run with the big dogs, you’ve got to get off the porch and learn to pee in the tall grass. Earlier posts this year, and last year, I said he was a work in progress and was continuing to learn, eight years of OJT is about enough for me with the continuing sickening losses we experienced this year. Good luck to Coach Richt, he’s a good man and I’m really hoping he succeeds. Like I said before, I’ve supported the Dawgs for 40 years and with a little luck I have a good many left to go.

    I’m a loyal Dawg, but I want to see some effort and evidence that CMR gets it, and is willing to try and do something about it. Status quo and lip service never has and never will buy my vote. Man up to the job and tell me what’s wrong and what you’re going to do to fix it. With that said, I’m going to quit complaining, I mean giving constructive feedback and go back to enjoying life.

    Everyone have a great day and make sure you vote, our country has bigger problems than the Dawgs do….

    By JD

    November 4, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

    Hold off on Willie Martinez now. Lest we forget there were a lot of 3 and outs by the offense in the 1st half of the AL game, and the Defense “held” UF to 14 points in the 1st half, after 2 missed FG’s, an onside kick that gave UF great field position. Don’t forget that 2-3 of the turnovers that Florida got in the 2nd half put the ball inside UGA’s 10. People are complaining about Martinez, but all this “scoring” etc., that is occurring is a direct result of the offense not doing their part and at least a) staying on the field for more than 3 downs to rest the Defense (and to make adjustments) and b) providing the D with horrible field position (red zone immediately). I mean c’mon. Willie ain’t great, but this “high powered” offense of ours ain’t playing their part either.

    By secondguesser

    November 4, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

    Well I hate to burst your bubble “ye old ball coach” but absolutely NONE of that s#@% happened the way you saw it. the way it happened for the ages was UF-49 UGALY-10!

    By mike

    November 4, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

    It must be election time when the Georgia team that dominates in total yardage loses the contest because officials in Florida are corrupt.

    By UGA Elvis

    November 4, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

    Come on Bulldogs, lets get our 10 wins, and rack up another top 10 final ranking.

    Stafford and Moreno - stick around!

    By warhorse

    November 4, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

    For sale: One Bulldog jacket used for only one game and a pair of Dawg flags with only 800 miles wear and tear. I will buy new stuff in a few years when the Dawgs again can compete with the Gators.

    By Blackberry Cobbler

    November 4, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

    The longer I see CMR, the more he reminds me of the now old Bobby Bowden. Too much “aw shucks”, “too much excuse making a too little tail kickin, too much trying to be Mr. Cool and Mr. Composure and Mr. Preacher, too much “we’ll just have to try better next time”.

    I, for one, have had enough. I team that is last or near last on defense in the SEC and the most penalized in the NCAA, is not a UGA team to be proud of……… and yet this coaching staff has no solution or sure seems not to.

    By gtmellon

    November 4, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

    I went to UGA in the 90s and got 3 years of Goff and one year of Donnan. Third in the East, dreams of someday making the Citrus Bowl. When I was there UGA almost beat TN. That was exciting.

    Now the Citrus is a disappointment, a double digit AP ranking sucks, and we might only win 10 games.

    I was lead to believe UGA football would be better this year, but it sure is a lot better than it used to be.

    By Ed

    November 4, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

    Other than some red zone issues in a couple of games, Georgia’s offense has been impressive. The problems we saw in Jax resulted from getting behind and having to throw too much, which took Moreno out of the game and made the offense predictable to a talented defense. Georgia still had as many yards deep in the 4th quarter as Florida had (not sure what the final tally was).

    The problem is obvious - the defense is terrible. It seems to get worse each year under Martinez. His numbers actually wouldn’t be that bad if he was the coordinator at 75% of D-1 schools, but Georgia is loaded with blue chip defensive talent. And it’s not like he has to defend against Big XII offenses on a weekly basis, either. The SEC is still first and foremost a defensive conference, and Georgia isn’t measuring up.

    I appreciate Richt’s loyalty to his assistants. I appreciate the fact that he doesn’t let fans and other sources of pressure determine who stays and who goes on his coaching staff (unlike say, Tuberville or Fulmer). But there’s been a noticable drop in the defense since Van Gorder left after ‘04. Bizarre incidents like uncovered receivers (think Auburn ‘05) and players out of position (Tebow’s pitch to Harvin last week) and ridiculous personal fouls that nullify turnovers (Ala. and Florida this year) and complete meltdowns (West Va. in ‘06 Sugar Bowl, Tenn. in ‘07, Alabama this year) have become all too common.

    You may occasionally outgun top opponents like we did against Fla. last year or LSU this year, but not consistently. Let’s hope that Richt figures this out on his own. Soon.

    By The Ole Ball Coach

    November 4, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

    Last Florida post ….Need a real headline “Refs cheat Dawgs” and the Real Story on why the Refs missed some many calls……

    UF Lb tackles moreno and stays on top of him face mask to face mask talking smack moving his head back and forth Refs no call….. If a UGA player had done that he would have been ejected at once. What was the Ref thinking?

    Teebow first down 1 1/2 yards short even reviewed and the refs still got it wrong …. why? Also even though Teebow was stopped .. CBS showed many times that that a Florida lineman was holding Curran. also not called. UF 7 Points

    Haden interception return on that play AJ Green was held and pushed …no call.. again CBS showed it over and over. UF 7 points

    On the Long UF TD UGA’s DB Allen’s jersey was grabbed and and he was pushed back Again no call UF 7 points

    Stafford was hit late several times … now you got … no call…

    UGA held on several plays again no calls

    Late in the game after it was over and decided … the Refs decided that had better start calling some on Florida so it didn’t look so mis-matched I even think Florida ended up with more penalty yards than UGA.

    But the ones that where not called was very costly and Penn wagers crew should never be involved in another Georgia game in their life time……

    What reporter has the nads to go interview and review the game with Penn his crew and the SEC officials????

    Now onward with the Kentucky Wildcats.

    By Mark Bradley

    November 4, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

    I’ve tried to resist the Bowden-Richt comparisons, but it is worth noting that the former has only had one undefeated season — in 1999 with Weinke and Warrick. And Florida State was playing in the ACC, which was then a one-team league. (I know it also played a good out-of-league schedule.) But I was surprised to hear Mark Richt say it was hard to have consecutive “peak” games. In the SEC, it’s hard for everybody.

    By Tom Trojan

    November 4, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

    Anybody stop to think that UGA has lost to two pretty good football teams? GO DAWGS!!!

    By mgdg8r

    November 4, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

    Yep, looks like Florida is back in the puppies’ heads!

    By BCS Slave

    November 4, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

    Why in the world would the SEC allow Penn Wagers to ref that game?

    Mark, how do they make such determinations?

    By S.E. Dawg

    November 4, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

    I don’t give a damn what any of you say, I’m going to Kentucky to support the Dawgs. Bit*ching and moaning will get you no where. I would hate to have any of you as a boss. If I were to kick back for just one minute after busting my butt all day and you walked by my door you would think I hadn’t done a thing all day. That’s call snapshot management. It the mindset.

    By He Hate Gator

    November 5, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this

    To be honest, something has been wrong all season…not sure what. Is Richt OK? Or is he having a tough time with the pressure at that level? Or is it something else? Is there a health issue going on?

    By gator

    November 5, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

    These are the georiga fans that we have come to love the last 16 yrs. good to have you back guys, back to 10-2 georiga.

    By Gene

    November 5, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

    Richt fanned the NC myth last year, and the whine was picked up by Adams, Sonny Perdue and the GA legislature. Anyone who thinks that there is not a connection between player arrests, poor academics, and poor performance on the field, is not paying attention. Richt’s players seem to behave as they please, both on and off the field. How many times this year have we seen Georgia players jawing at Richt? Contrast Georgia player behavior with that of Alabama. Saban’s players were sitting on the bench, focused on the game. They weren’t dancing or preening for TV cameras. Apparently Moreno comes and goes as he pleases. By the way, the 2002 team consisted mainly of Donnan’s recruits, who were role models compared to those of recent years.

    By Greg

    November 5, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

    I keep reading the same things like “he’s a nice guy and a good coordinator, but lacks the fire to win the big one” or “as long as he’s here we’ll go to a bowl game but never win a championship”.

    You know who that sounds a lot like? Chan Gailey.

    What you guys are feeling here is what us Tech fans felt the past few years. Florida is to you guys what UGA has been to us the past 7 years.

    By SC DAWG

    November 5, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

    UGA will never win a NC as long Richt keeps Martinez as our defensive coordinator. period! He has got to go!!!!!!!!!

    By ramdawg

    November 5, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

    He Hate GATOR…GOOD POST something has been wrong all year,i dont know if its chemistry or what example tenn game 2 redzone plays stafford throws to green inside he goes outside,happens again later on.Those two plays cost us 14 pts ,and that was after a bye week.Defense its scheme offense its execution,not good.

    By ATL Gator

    November 5, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

    Christmas has come early for us Gators. Reading this brings a huge smile to my face…

    I’ll take 5 more wins in a row, then we’ll let UGA have one.

    By 13-1LiftTheTrophy

    November 5, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

    This has been quite enjoyable reading. Some blaming the refs, some blaming the coaches, some blaming the team. A few have said , “we just got beat by a better team.” The sun will rise tomorrow UGA fans. You can slice the dismantling that you were handed 30 different ways. In the end. You got beat by a much better team. More talent, better coaching, more mature. I wouldn’t rub this in your face had I not heard 364 days of how UF would get drubbed. You should feel like real dolts after all the talking you did. The lesson you should take from this is , regardless of your teams talent or who you “know” will win, you should ALWAYS conduct yourself with maturity. That has been completely absent and look what it got you. The University of Florida Football Team is more mature than The University of Georgia Football team by MILES. You have one year to grow up. We look forward to seeing all you loudmouths next year. If you have a shred of sense in your arrogant minds you will come to that game and act like a church mouse. Play hard, but SHUT UP !

    Cheers

    By Pi$$onaDAWG

    November 5, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

    UGA is what UGA is and will always be—OVER RATED—Fake Fat butt Blondes—High School Dropout Fans—-Redneck Deer Hunters—Beer Belly—JOKES.

    By WildBill

    November 5, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

    I have received emails from my buds as far away as Arizona, north to Chicago, and everywhere in between. They know I am a long time dawg and are asking what happened to the dawgs football team. I am tired of trying to fabricate a sensible answer to my friends. I fumble around with the usual stuff, penalties, poor defense, an offense that seems confused, and a head coach that is a nice guy but lacks grit. And tonite, a really sweet sounding young lady called during dinner asking for my yearly donation to UGA. I was nice to her, but told her in no uncertain terms that the dawg nation has been humiliated twice this year, she can read the papers too, and when I see SERIOUS changes, I might consider renewing my pledge. In other words, forget it honey. I am put out with the dawgs at the moment, and I won’t get in the game till the dawgs do. Its SIMPLE AS THAT!

    By Vin Stooly

    November 5, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

    Please allow me to summarise.We are a lousy team. We have beaten no one. Our hot shot recruits are overrated. The team is overrated. We have no heart.We cry about the officials when we get trounced. The coaching staff sucks. Our fans are an embarrassment to the entire state.

    We need to clean house starting w/Richt & staff.Let Moreno & Stafford go pro & start with a clean slate.

    By Georgia93

    November 6, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

    Let’s be clear - no REAL GA fan would want Richt to leave. The nerds have invaded a lot of what is said on here about getting rid of CMR - heck, they have even resorted to referring to their own coach in a similar fashion (CPJ).

    Unfortuantely, the trend with Little Willie is VERY clear. The Points Per Game allowed under his watch have increased year after year. Offense may when games but DEFENSE is what win championships. Right now we don’t have a Defense. Little Willie is better suited at a lower Division or maybe the Conference USA where the offenses put up points because the other team’s defense are shat.

    I understand that Richt values loyalty and desires continuity among his coaches. The real question is “is the continued drop in our defense acceptable to CMR rather than his commitment to the program he has agreed to lead?”.

    Keep Richt - fire Little Willie.

    By Tom Becker

    November 6, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this

    Demand Richt Resign.

    I demand that Richt resign effective noon tomorrow. Let the assistant coach play out the season.

    I cant believe Richt hasn’t the self respect, integrity, love of the game, or honor to admit that the Florida game proves he’s not fit to coach a bedpan league of diapered bingo players.

    I wont allow Richt to smear the Georgia Bulldogs anymore.

    Lets start our media/blog campaign to get rid of Richt.

    GET RID OF RICHT. (Everybody shout this out your windows). Get rid of Richt! Get rid of Richt!

    Commenting is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F

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