Mark Bradley

By Herschel Talker

November 29, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Damn right, Mark! Well put! This is all on the coaching. Specifically Martinez. Where else did the guys not learn to tackle

By T

November 29, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Georgia was overrated from the beginning.. they are a team with little heart and will lose again in the bowl game… Tech overachieved, had no business winning 9 games.. no business beating Georgia.. Georgia will be hard pressed to beat Tech over the next couple of years.

By muttley

November 29, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

sounds about right….

By CW

November 29, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Tech beats Georgia in Athens. Clemson whips South Carolina. Maybe now Dog fans will agree that the ACC is a pretty good conference and the SEC is two great teams and not much other than that.

By Renee

November 29, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

UGA needs some coaching changes at Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams coach. Congrats to the Jackets. They “Finished the drill”. They played the whole 60 minutes and made adjustments at half-time to what we were doing.

By Gordon

November 29, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

I am a Tech fan and the last thing I am going to do is talk trash to a team that has beat us 14 out of the last 18. And though I have my opinions like everyone else, I’m not going to pretend I know enough about football to know when it is the coach’s fault or the player’s fault. But it seems to me the real story was the excellent job that Paul Johnson and his staff did this year, not the failures of the UGA staff. I wish Mark had written about that. To take a team as young as Tech, with all the injuries (though not as many as UGA), with an offense that didn’t resemble the one run the year before, and do what this team has done is just remarkable. That is the story, not Mark Richt or Willie Martinez.

By Mark

November 29, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Great game today where the stars on both teams showed up & delivered. The rivalry was energized prior to the game because UGA fans realized GT had a top coach whose players had “bought in”. GT winning with character (down 16 in Athens!) will make next year’s game even more intense. UGA’s defense had 2 weeks to prepare and Tech still ran wild. Could be a turning point for both teams-time will tell. One thing is for certain-Tech has more heart than UGA and all those 4 & 5 star recruits.

By spike

November 29, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

The defense and special teams suck. Period. Pretty much all season long. This a season squandered. Reminds me of the Goff and Donnan era.

By D-Man

November 29, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

You are exactly right Mark..this was a sorry excuse for a game from the Ga coaches…my gosh, they had two weeks to gameplan…what would have happened if Tech had two weeks to expose Ga? I think the first half was won by Ga on talent alone..yes there were some plays the Ga players won on merit, but most were won due to the sheer difference in talent…but in the second half Johnson and staff made some changes and Ga obviously did nothing at the half to exploit further anything that Tech was showing them as weaknesses. Yep, it truely looked like Tech wanted it more…they changed some things and made td after td on us. Made our defense look silly…heck, after trailing by 16, they made our offense look like fools too. I would definitely say the second half collapse was due to coaching…BoBo and Martinez had nothing to give after Johnson and crew adapted. It’s a shame when your QB throws for 5 TDs and your team doesn’t win. Heck, we had two weeks rest, we were at home and our QB had a career day…what the heck??? I guess Stafford and Mareno will declare for the draft and then we will look like fools next year for not making it happen this year…while we had the chance!

By Cal Thomas

November 29, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

There’s a new sheriff in town. And his name is Paul Johnson. Get used to losing to Tech, Dawgs.

By Rascal

November 29, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Tech overachieved? Tech played hard and with heart, which I guess is how people and teams achieve - PERIOD! No more crap about Tech overachieving. They just had more heart and whipped UGA. Bottom line is that these kids are all so very close in talent, some come to play, others make excuses.

By brewdawg

November 29, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Think about what you said Mark. This was Richt’s first “abject failure.” A season where UGA might win 10 games is now deemed a failure. And already you’re talking about how UGA has to close the gap on Tech? Really? How quickly everyone has forgotten that 10 wins was once a benchmark for this program.

Look, there is no doubt that this year was not CMR’s finest moment, and you were spot on about UGA needing to get tougher and more disciplined this off-season. However, I grew up in the Goff/Donnan era, when we had a total of TWO 10 win years. And like I pointed out in the beginning, this “failure” of a year may still wind up as good as those two years.

UGA fans, realize what we have. The CMR era has produced arguably the best stretch in UGA history. So let’s not what has admittedly been a disappointing season lead to typical UGA fan unrest. We are in good hands. If you think we need someone else to take us to the next level, remember that Nebraska fired a guy in Frank Solich that had a .750 winning percentage and had taken them to a NT game. Now they may never sniff .600 again, much less a NT.

To Tech fans, congrats, and I will humbly take your hell for the rest of the year. That’s what rivalry games are all about. Have a good rest of the holiday season everyone, and go dawgs- no matter what.

By Mark Bradley

November 29, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

Usually there’s a game, even in a disappointing season, that a team can hang its hat on. I’m not sure Georgia even has that. LSU wound up 7-5. South Carolina wound up 7-5. Arizona State was terrible. Auburn and Tennessee were terrible. For a team that won nine games against a schedule that was supposed to be fearsome, who really did Georgia beat?

By mark

November 29, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Well said Gordon….it is OK to also say TO HELL WITH GA!!!!

By T

November 29, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Tech had two back with more yards than Moreno.. can the Moreno hype stop now???

Tech had two back with more yards than Moreno.. can the Moreno hype stop now???

Tech had two back with more yards than Moreno.. can the Moreno hype stop now???

Tech had two back with more yards than Moreno.. can the Moreno hype stop now???

Tech had two back with more yards than Moreno.. can the Moreno hype stop now???

Tech had two back with more yards than Moreno.. can the Moreno hype stop now???

Tech had two back with more yards than Moreno.. can the Moreno hype stop now???

By chad

November 29, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Get used to it boys and girls. This is just the beginning. UGAY is not getting any better, but the yellow jackets are another stroy..wooofff ahhahahah bit$hs

By singndablues

November 29, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

It is a shame that Richt fails to see what is so obvious to thousands on the outside. Poor coaching. It’s more than x’s & o’s. This team lacks discipline, basic technique and most importantly, heart. For the talent level, the defense is inexcusably bad.

Championship success will come only if he is willing to make the coaching changes needed to elevate the performance of this team to the talent level on hand.

By brewdawg

November 29, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Maybe that “hang your hat” game will come against Ohio State, which has improved dramatically since the USC game. (Yes, I’m assuming that will be the Capitol One matchup)

By sarfdawg

November 29, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

That’s the kind of hard-hitting journalism we’ve come to expect of you, Mark.

By Mediocre

November 29, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

I find it ironic that thUGA hit the pinnacle of mediocrity on this day….. The same day they dedicated a statue to the master of mediocrity, Vince Dooley.

Those of you that are old enough to remember recall the real Dooley. Not the one built up to be some kind of savior, but the “real” Dooley.

The one that won but 1 National Championship with Herschell? 3 yards and a cloud of dust Dooley? The guy thUGA fans were ready to ride out of town on a rail in the 70’s because of the most boring and unimaginative offense in the SEC? The guy that hired Goff and Donnan?

You guys kill me. You rail about your ‘destiny’ to win SEC and National Championships but you’re only an also ran program in the grand scheme of the SEC.

And just remember, when you did win the SEC Championship it was with Fulmer on the downward spiral, Zook at UF, and a Bama program in a state of turmoil.

By Yari

November 29, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

I am a huge dawg fan, but the lack of pride and toughness from this team this year has been embarrassing. Not once, even against LSU , ASU, or TN, the supposed “impressive victories” did this team ever look like a real number 1! Certainly, never looked dominant. I mean really, we coulda kept Jim Donnan for this effort!

By MyView

November 29, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

That 9-4 team from Staffords Frosh year and no Moreno would beat the 08 team. How is that possible?

By Disheartened Dawg

November 29, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

I’m sure Mark Richt is a nice enough fellow, but so were Ray Goff and Jim Donnan. And certainly one loss to Tech doesn’t mean he should be looking for another job. But I think his “niceness” has taken the edge off this team, as you said Mark. I remember Steve Spurrier saying, after “running up the score” on a hapless opponent, “It’s my job to score points and it’s their job to stop me.” Until Mark Richt takes this kind of attitude on both sides of the ball - both coaching-wise and personnel - this team will always seem to be a disappointment. We need someone to come in and fire up this team. Dooley was a fairly cool-headed guy, but Erk got the players riled up and going. Martinez’s calisthenics obviously aren’t doing the job. Before this game, I would have said that we were a top-15 team coming into next season…but I now realize that Ohio State is going to squeeze us like a bowl of Citrus in the coming game which will make us look pitiful heading into next season. I don’t blame Stafford and Moreno at all for wanting to get out of this mess…although an extra season would do them both well.

By spotts

November 29, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Honestly I don’t get college coaching. Fulmer went like, 180-50, won a national championship and got booted this year. This time last year Richt was being hailed as a genius and the man that would lead Georgia to the promised lands.

But I agree…you can’t blame all these penalties on the players. It ultimately points back to coaching. And good Lord…38 points with only ONE pass completion? 400 yards of rushing?? Richt needs more fire. Willy Martinez just needs to be fired.

By FLA DAWG

November 29, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Your comments are on point. I believe we are at the point where UT was at the end of last season (well, perhaps not quite THAT BAD) and they gave Fulmer another year - it was a wasted year.

My guess is Stafford and Moreno bolt for the NFL. And who could blame them.

I think most Dawg Fans would like Richt to stay forever. But he must unload Martinez.

Congratulations to GT. They deserved the win.

If The Dawgs are offered the postseason game against Ohio State I pray to God Richt has the sense to graciously decline. The Dawgs will be drilled by 60 points.

By jack

November 29, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

This years team has been consistant in one area of the game. They have consistantly lacked the killer instinct. It seems we get up by 7 or 10 or like today, 16 and we expect the opponent to lay down and die. When they don’t we don’t know how to respond. Way too many comebacks, way too many penalties, way too many predictable plays and way too many quarters where the team chose not go give it’s all. I still believe this “could” have been a great team. Could have been one of the best GA teams ever. But it never lived up to it’s potential. And I share the blame,,, Coaches and Players. If I see one me Shoulder Tackle I am gonna scream. How does a defensive coach at this level allow such childlike play? I could be wrong, but it almost seemed like Stafford realized that once the National and SEC Championships were gone, he really had nothing left to play for, and was just doing what he needed to to build up his NFL stock. What could have been,,,,,, but the pain of the reality hurts. You just hate to see good talent wasted.

By Joe Hicks Jr.

November 29, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

This game was a total #$%&@#$ failure starting from the top with Mark “Im really overrated” Richt to Willie” i still haven’t taught my players how to tackle” Martinez. this was an embarrasment to the school and all the fans of the state of Georgia!! Mark Richt, Willie Martinez and Mike Bobo all need to resign or be fired. Point, blank.

By Joe Hicks Jr.

November 29, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

This game was a total #$%&@#$ failure starting from the top with Mark “Im really overrated” Richt to Willie” i still haven’t taught my players how to tackle” Martinez. this was an embarrasment to the school and all the fans of the state of Georgia!! Mark Richt, Willie Martinez and Mike Bobo all need to resign or be fired. Point, blank.

By ben

November 29, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

mark, your comments about the lack of a signature win is interesting. aside from bama and uf who are obviously head and shoulders above the rest of the sec, the top 8 or 9 teams in the acc could tango w/anyone in the sec… and they’re all young. i hope we’ve heard the last of the “the acc is weak” crap.

i’m elated over the victory, but i refuse to talk trash. we beat a good uga team and the credit goes to pj. i was very impressed by the offensive performance by the guys in red and black, and i seriously hope the moreno and stafford will jump ship for the nfl.

By lawton

November 29, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

why do everybody keep giving mark richt a pass? i like richt, but everybody keeps sidestepping the real issue. saban, meyer, spurrier, those are big time coaches who if the defensive coordinator is really holding them back, they are gone quick. richt coaches soft and doesnt trust his own talent, which the other coaches and players pick up on and they play and coach the same way. richt is the bobby cremins of football, great recruiter and talent evaluator, but coaching on game day lacks. they never make adjustments either.

By Mark Bradley

November 29, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn’t say this — my column was slated to be from a Georgia angle, win or lose — but Tech has had a brilliant season and played a terrific game. I don’t believe Georgia wouldn’t have come back from 16 points down, but Tech did and made it look easy.

By jabster

November 29, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Props to the Dogs for some great offensive play today that almost beat us, but c’mon—quit whining about 9-win seasons already…just fix your D coaching and you’ll be fine…you might have been able to beat Bama this year with a proper D but Florida’s going all the way and nobody’s gonna stop them. No shame there, as much as it sucks for y’all.

Brewdawg—you’re right on and we’ll see you on the Flats in a year.

By Joe Hicks Jr.

November 29, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Fire all of those overrated non-coaching coaches. Richt, Martinez and Bobo!!

By rb

November 29, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Dawgs d has shat the bed!

By JC

November 29, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Up here near the Va border, we know the best “Tech” team in the ACC will be playing next week and the weaker one will be staying home in Atlanta.

By me

November 29, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

even the sun shines on a bee’s @ss every once in awhile. We are fine, just need to be tougher and put some of these lesser teams away early.

By deanwallace

November 29, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Mark,

How is your failure to predict the performance of the team a reflection of the coaching?

The fact that you think this is the most talented UGA squad in the last 8 years just proves that your ability to judge talent is highly suspect.

The fact that you bought into the preseason number one ranking just proves that you follow the opinions of others.

So in response to your own shortcomings in judgement, you decide that UGA coaching is at fault. Good job, hack.

By GoDawgs

November 29, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

I agree to some extent, but do you think Willie Martinez coached the guys for the last two weeks saying “don’t tackle well, just miss them.”

It’s always easy to blame coaches, but at some point the buck stops with the players. If Stafford doesn’t throw a pick 6, if we only have 50 missed tackles instead of 60 Bradley’s column is about how great Georgia was coached over the past two weeks.

By He Hate Gator

November 29, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

UGA coaches don’t last long when you give up 40+ points to Tech between the hedges and after blowing a big halftime lead….just ask Donnan. I would say Richt needs to be on the hot seat next year….can not have a repeat of this squandered season. His first task, sell Moreno and Matt on returning another season, 2nd, get a new defensive coordinator and special teams coach…

By La Jolla Dawg

November 29, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Mark, you have done a very good job of summing up the season.

What amazes me is the fact that so many of the problems were repeated over and over again, game after game. From excessive penalties, to problems on special teams, to poor tackling—we saw it all, over and over again. Why weren’t the problems corrected over time? As was stated in this column, there is a lack of toughness on the part of the head skipper. I think there is also a lack of awareness on his part. I’d feel a lot better if he or Martinez would take responsibility for the poor result. I don’t like reading quotes from Mark Richt that indicate he is not going to assign blame. If you won’t assign blame, take responsibility.

I do give Tech credit though, they played well and wanted it more.

Go Beavers, keep USC out of the Rose Bowl!!

By richtfan

November 29, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

Mark, no way on some of that bro.

One game does not make uga catching up to Tech. They didn’t even win their division in a mediocre conference where every single team had at least 3 losses. Every once in a while a blind squirrel finds a nut. UGA will regroup, lick its wounds and take it to tech next season after whipping yet another big 11 opponent in Florida. Losing hurts, but we have whipped the geeks so many times we’ve lost count.

By St. Bernard

November 29, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

five games giving up 38+.

Kicking the ball out of bounds not once, but twice in the last game of the season?!

enough said.

By Paul

November 29, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

No doubt this is the most disappointing and underachieving team of the Mark Richt era. While the preseason number one ranking may have been undeserved, Georgia certainly does not lack for talent. What they lack is a team. Both the defense and the unspecial teams got progressively worse as the season wore on. When a talented team fails to improve as they gain experience, that’s rarely just the fault of the players on the field. It may well be that the best thing that could happen to Georgia is for Stafford and Moreno to move on.

By Mark

November 29, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Willie Martinez must go. It seems he cannot adjust during the game. If Ga is going to be a national contender, the coordinators must improve. No one in the country is pursuing our coordinators. This is a bad sign. The ALA and GT game loses are due an obvious unprepared defense. I wonder if Martinez scouts the opponent or he just do the scheme every game. You can get away with that against inferior teams. It just seems he had no idea against GT and Ala. I never saw eight in the box against GT in the second half. CMR do what is needed. Fire Martinez.

By MAYORBOB

November 29, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

TALKED WITH A MEMBER OF THE UGA ATHLETIC STAFF LAST NIGHT…HE SAID..KNOWSHON HAS NOT GONE TO CLASS IN 2 MONTHS….HE’S GONE..

TAKE ALL THE T SHIRTS THAT SAY..FINISH THE DRILL AND GIVE EM TO GOODWILL..ALONG WITH THE BLACK JERSEYS…RICHT NOBODY IS BUYING YOUR HYPE ANY MORE…YOU LOOK AND ACT SO OUT OF TOUCH IN EVERY GAME..BIG OR SMALL…I AM NOT BUYING THAT YOUR RECRUITS ARE TOP 10 CALIBER…WAIT TILL PAUL JOHNSON WEEDS OUT THE CHAN RECRUITS AND BRINGS IN HIS OWN HORSES,,,TECH WILL OWN YOU…DOG FANS THIS COULD BE THE BEGINNING OF A LONG WINNING STREAK FOR THE BEES…

I SPEND $20,000 A YEAR TO SUPPORT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM…NO MORE..ECONOMY OF GOOD SENSE HAS MADE ME DECIDE TO GIVE THIS $$$ TO A WORTH WHILE CHARITY..

STAFFORD IS GONE..NEW NFL RULE IN 2010 WOULD COST HIM MILLIONS IF HE STAYS…

GO OLE MISS !

By JS

November 29, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

AMEN! I wish people would get off the koolaid and understand these teams are soft under Richt.

Let’s see, Paul Johnson’s team goes 3 days in pads, UGA goes 1. HMMMM, wow.

Does anyone get it now?

By GermanJacket

November 29, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Geez. Boo F’n Hoo, Mark.

I’d say that CMR has had a pretty good run as coach. You guys are jumping off the wagon and making excuses as fast as you can. Sure, throw him under the bus while you’re at it and good luck finding someone better.

By GTsteve

November 29, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

I don’t quite agree, sometimes it is just destiny. I went to a High School that ran the option and we consistently beat teams that had bigger and better players. I thought that CPJ was a great hire for GT, but I never expected this early success. Most UGA fans think that CMR is the best coach in the world and they are probably correct. The only thing that I truly know about UGA, is that they will not accept losing to GA Tech and Tech now has a Coach that makes beating UGA his number 1 priority. The great thing for us Tech fans is that he has the ability to do it.. CMR might be the best coach ever, but he better not make a habit of losing 3 games in the same season, with the 4-5 star recruits, or he will not be around to prove it.

By walleybutts

November 29, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

One simple question: If Tech is running a double wing, they have four backs in the backfield. Therefore, they can have only two eligible wide outs. Tech ran most of the game with one wideout split to the left and two to the right. Georgia spent all day covering a split out that was not eligible. The inside man on the right was not eligible. We had our strong safety covering a man that cannot go out for a pass. This is basic youth football. Most coaches in a nine year old league coach their players to recognize this.

By JH in Gainesville

November 29, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

What does it take? What does it take for Coach Mark Richt to realize there’s a problem with the defensive coordinator?

Five teams scored over 200 total points. How can you expect to win when the other team scores an average of 40 points.

If CMR let’s loyalty rule over the good of the program, he’s making a HUGE mistake.

I don’t want another year like this one. Willie has got to go … if CMR don’t pull the trigger and make the change, the Bulldog Nation won’t take another year without a major uprising toward him and the program.

To lose isn’t the worst thing … it’s being beaten and out coached that hurts the most. Poor coaching produces poor performances and we’ve had some of the worst performances ever with this year’s defense. Got to be the coaching … don’t make excuses … it’s the truth.

Special team coach needs to go as soon as possible. The longer this waits … the greater the cost and the more difficult it will be.

The media needs to put more pressure on CMR to make the change or take the blame.

More of the same old same old and CMR laughing it off and making excuses just don’t cut it anymore.

CHANGE MUST TAKE PLACE NOW …

By JH in Gainesville

November 29, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

What does it take? What does it take for Coach Mark Richt to realize there’s a problem with the defensive coordinator?

Five teams scored over 200 total points. How can you expect to win when the other team scores an average of 40 points.

If CMR let’s loyalty rule over the good of the program, he’s making a HUGE mistake.

I don’t want another year like this one. Willie has got to go … if CMR don’t pull the trigger and make the change, the Bulldog Nation won’t take another year without a major uprising toward him and the program.

To lose isn’t the worst thing … it’s being beaten and out coached that hurts the most. Poor coaching produces poor performances and we’ve had some of the worst performances ever with this year’s defense. Got to be the coaching … don’t make excuses … it’s the truth.

Special team coach needs to go as soon as possible. The longer this waits … the greater the cost and the more difficult it will be.

The media needs to put more pressure on CMR to make the change or take the blame.

More of the same old same old and CMR laughing it off and making excuses just don’t cut it anymore.

CHANGE MUST TAKE PLACE NOW …

By DarienJacket

November 29, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Thank you Paul Johnson!! This is a rivalry again. Ga. fans, congratulations on having a great coach like Mark Richt. I have been to every game since 81’ and as a Tech alum, we have won 8 times. When I hear/read these idiots who make even an off-handed remark that UGA should even think about anything other than a team under Mark Richt I laugh because they obviously never attended a class in Athens.

That being said, a new day has dawned. As long as Paul Johnson is on the sidelines for the Jackets, you have a problem. My best friend was a sports editor for the paper in Stateboro and has interviewed Coach Johnson many times. This man hates to lose. Really hates to lose. He finally has his hands on a program that can attract premier athletes and fulfill his vision of a TEAM that can beat anyone, anywhere.

I have a lot of friends that went to UGA and they are good people. Two suggestions:

1) Get rid of fair-weather Bubba who lives in Warner-Robins and can’t spell Athens much less attend a class there

2) Get ready for an annual WAR that this state has needed since the mid-70’s. The next 10 years between Richt and Johnson will be epic. GO Jackets and to Hell with Ga.!!!!!!!

By Frankly Speaking

November 29, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

Not trying to rub things in, but, quite frankly Georgia was overrated at the beginning of the season and now that they lost their 3rd game we’ve got UGA fans clamoring for Richt’s head, gnashing their teeth, and prepared to commit hari-kari. Got news for you, no matter how sophisticated you think you are, if you’re calling for Richt to be fired, then sipped the intoxicating brew and bit into the hype or the ratings freaks, too. Prior to the season, every pundit in the country was touting the talent of Moreno, Stafford, MoMass, but in the same breath were talking about a young, inexperienced line and a suspect Defense!!!

Those of you who feel like you’re head coaching material, step up to the plate. But, I think you’ll find that with the Defensive talent as it was this year 10-2 or 9-3 was a more realistic expectation.

Richt is the victim of the same hype that Tommy Bowden was at Clemson. High rankings give ignorant fans unreasonable expectations.

By MrGreggo

November 29, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

OK folks Tebow gained more yards then the whole UGAg team today. UGAg will play a nobody in the wait till next year or the who cares bowl. Take your mascots lead and go lick your wounds…..

Oh wait my granny just ran for 5 yards…..

By BoBo

November 29, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa

HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa

HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa

By Jon

November 29, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Mark, you have let your state and paper down. Your a biased man on a agenda, to discredit UGA’s accomplishments and their fans. Georgia’s defence was horrific, yes. but i promise the season wont be remembered for the losses , 3 OF THEM BTW (NOT 4), or for poor coaching. It was a good season, better than 100 other teams who don’t have their own paper wiping the floor with them. please AJC, don’t let mark write for your paper anymore, he honestly has no clue what he is talking about or anything of sports for that matter.

By heeldawg

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

For once, I have to agree with everyone…the best-prepared team won today. Georgia was done in by turnovers, penalties, poor special teams play and a lack of consistency on defense. Sound familiar? It should. It’s been the refrain we’ve heard all season.

NO Georgia team should score 40+ points and lose a game at home. EVER.

Congrats to Tech on a great game and a great season. No hard feelings—they’ve earned it.

And if Mark Richt remains blind to the fact that his coaching staff needs a shakeup, this game could be the beginning of the end for him, as well. Coach Richt’s a class act, but a head coach needs to be like a CEO. If there is an underperforming employee, that employee needs to go.

I don’t think there will be a whole lot of conjecture about what Georgia employees have underperformed this season.

Time for CMR to make the hard choices he needs to make to right this ship and put a true Bulldog defense back on the field. Before it’s too late.

By Daniel

November 29, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

I agree with the one gentleman who mentioned this article should have, or at least additionally, mentioned the job Paul Johnson did coaching the jackets. I am a proud member of the Bulldog nation, born and bred to cheer my Dawgs, but in service of my country I did attend the Naval Academy…having watched my alma mater’s resurgence in recent years, I’m not at all surprised. At USNA, the offense was never the issue. We might put 35-40 on a Tech or Georgia, we just might give up 40-45. Why wouldn’t PJ do more with a little more at with a greater athlete at GT? Should CM go? I don’t know. This defense has lacked the heart/edge of other teams at UGA. I don’t get it. But in the meanwhile, acknowledge we just out-coached by a great coach today. I told my friends in GA to watch out as soon as GT hired PJ (even while the ever condescending Tech alums/fans couldn’t believe they would hire him). Bet they’re pretty happy about now.

Anyway, always faithful: Go Dawgs! Go Navy! Beat Army!

By Steve

November 29, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

As always from the AJC. If Georgia wins it’s a great game. Great play and coaching. Should Tech win, It’s because of poor coaching on Georgia’s part or poor officiating. How about some credit where it is deserved. This game showed great coaching by the Tech staff and excellent execution by the tech offense. Bark Madley should stop wining like the homer he is. Bark, Go work in Athens for the PR department.

By HBTD1966

November 29, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Yes, it was a great win for Tech. I just wish the players wouldn’t stomp on the G and then vanalize the hedges. Have fun dancing in front of your fans after the game, but leave the hedges there when you go.

By G Roberts

November 29, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Totally disgusting. We had better players, but they won with mainly freshmen and sophomores on offense. It was clear after Ky that we had trouble with an option attack. Why didn’t we adjust? MR is probably too close to MM to make a change, but he should.

By G Roberts

November 29, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Totally disgusting. We had better players, but they won with mainly freshmen and sophomores on offense. It was clear after Ky that we had trouble with an option attack. Why didn’t we adjust? MR is probably too close to WM to make a change, but he should.

By ColaDawg

November 29, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

GO WILLIE GO AND TAKE BRYAN EVANS WITH YOU

By alan

November 29, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

I looked all through these comments, and could not find Huh?, the UGAy fan who’s been talking trash on Tech forever. Like I said in a post to one of Bradley’s columns earlier this week, Huh? actually is actually an acronym for Head up his a$$ (HUHA), and this game shows that there is nothing truer than that - Huh?’s head was obviously there if he thought UGAy had a better team than Tech.

And, by the way, Know Jon yet, Knowshon???? If you don’t know now, you’ve obviously got HUHA disease. And I think you know Roddy now too!!!!!

And all y’all UGAy fans and players can……..BITE ME!!!!!!!!!!

By Keith Strawn

November 29, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

These embarrassing defensive meltdowns have become a little too common. I don’t see how you justify bringing back the defensive coordinator next year.

By brian

November 29, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

Coming into the season, I thought “with this schedule, we can’t go undefeated. We will probably lose one, if not two games.” Funny, in retrospect, the games that we won that I thought would be tough..SC, LSU, Aub, ASU, UT….turns out to be wins against some pretty bad teams. The teams that turned out to be pretty good in retrospect, thrashed us (Bama and UF)…and we lost to a decent, if not gimmickly team in Tech.

Probably the most disappointing year since the Goff era in my humble opion. This team needs more toughness, more discipline, and more intensity and talent on the defensive side of the ball. Any way we can get Van Gorder back????

By baker

November 29, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

richt should forfeit his salary this season

By bishopbulldawg

November 29, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

As always, Mr bradley, you have hit the proverbial nail on the head. Tech beat UGA by out-coaching, out-playing and out-scoring my beloved dawgs. But that has pretty much been the story of the year. Most times, however, we were able to pull out a win on talent and desire alone. Unfortunately, not today. So Tech wins again for the 8th time in the last 30 years. Perhaps what you now need to write about, Mr Bradley, is what we saw today was the different directions of these two programs. Tech would appear to be a program on the rise; UGA would appear to be a program in demise! I feel sick all over!

By LawDawg

November 29, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Any Nerd that gets on this blog and says UGA will have a hard time beating Tech over the next several years and that Tech is going to be a better program than Georgia is VERY delusional. Georgia beat themselves in the game today. Georgia had won 7 in a row. My goodness, you can’t win every year. Enjoy it while you can techmites, cause it won’t last. Also, “tech showed class”? What a dumb statement. Their coach is a slob who constantly yells, spits and moans on the sideline and their players talk trash and rip up the hedges after they win. If that is class, I don’t ever want my kids to be in that school.

By hook or by crook

November 29, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

CMR will have three more seasons to produce a champion, and then he will be gone. Either UGA gets better next season (i.e. doesn’t drop its brain and get behind by four touchdowns in one quarter) or the team will shrivel and go 7-5, then 6-6. At that point, CMR is toast. Dogs are on the razor’s edge.

By jakesdad

November 29, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

interesting to me that nobody’s mentioned georgia wasting 2 of its 3 timeouts in the 2nd half - had they not flushed either of the 1st two they get the ball back at the end w/at least 30-35 sec only down 3. you can debate how much (non)tackling to blame on the DC/assistants but there’s absolutely ZERO excuse for bad clock management and that buck starts & stops at the top.

I know it’s a tough pill to swallow but at some point dawg fans have to face reality: they were just way overrated going into this year. being pre-season #1 means less than FINISHING 25th because the later, while still subjective, is at least based on ACTUAL PLAY versus pure hype, conference homerism, etc. don’t give me woulda/coulda/shoulda or try to tell me about Stafford/Moreno/etc - georgia got EMBARRASSED, not once - TWICE, and while they won’t admit in public, behind closed doors in their “we’re in the SEC - WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!” dream world this one’s the worst of all…

By redcoats95

November 29, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

CMR’s undying loyalty to his coach’s is admirable. Who wouldn’t want to work for someone in their own career who would defend them when things went wrong - especially when it happens because of things beyond your control? The flaw that I see is that CMR is losing his objectivity. Martinez had 2 WEEKS to get his unit ready for this game - 2 WEEKS! There is no excuse for not being prepared. What we saw today was not just a one time fluke - this was characteristic of the whole year. Martinez has been playing with Van-Gorder’s boys and each year, as one class graduates, they have gotten worse and worse. If CMR doesn’t open his eyes he is going to end up just like Ray Goff - a beloved coach, a really nice guy, a man full of integrity and love for his players, and FIRED.

BRING BACK VAN GORDER and demote Martinez.

Does anyone else see a lack of fire in CMR? Last year he was so full of energy and firing up his players, has anyone seen that this year?

By Steve

November 29, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Mark, you’re a sorry excuse for a reporter. So much for unbiased reporting. I guess when GA wins 11 or 12 next year you’ll be back on the bandwagon…what a piece!

By Eagle Fan GS

November 29, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

THanks Coach Johnson for proving the option can work in Div 1A. Thanks for showing the State what good coaching can do, I mean uga fielded their best team in 30 years and still didn’t win the national champ, the SEC, the SEC East or the State championship.
Go Eagles!!

By ESKE

November 29, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Virginia Polytech is going to choke next week and then they’ll choke in the bowl game.

By Navigator

November 29, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Bradley you was a hack in Lexington and you’re a hack here. It wasn’t the dawgs fault the pollster made them number one (were you one of them). They had an offensive front line with very little experience, and that doesn’t bode well for playing the competition they had to play. Neither Alabama nor GT was suppose to be this good this year, and Florida is the best team in the country. Let’s see how well they do next year having gone through the tough competition they faced this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if they went 11-1 next year.

By warhorse

November 29, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

This column demonstrates why Bradley is a poor excuse for a writer. First, he crowns UGA as national champion, without any justification other that press releases out of Athens.

Now, he blames the failure of the Dawgs on the coaching staff. How about this: the pups were overrated and guys like Bradley are part of the problem because their lofty predictions had no basis in reality.

By MCTGT1

November 29, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

1st year coach gets it done!!!! how sour does that taste dawgnation??? i guess you are all too busy scrapin the bumper stickers off your cars and takin down you flags cuz most of you are the biggest bandwagon riders of all time 45-42…. sorry to crash you vince drooley party! or your larry munson’ ed tribute… eat it!!!!!

By MCTGT1

November 29, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

1st year coach gets it done!!!! how sour does that taste dawgnation??? i guess you are all too busy scrapin the bumper stickers off your cars and takin down you flags cuz most of you are the biggest bandwagon riders of all time 45-42…. sorry to crash you vince drooley party! or your larry munson’ ed tribute… eat it!!!!!

By MCTGT1

November 29, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

1st year coach gets it done!!!! how sour does that taste dawgnation??? i guess you are all too busy scrapin the bumper stickers off your cars and takin down you flags cuz most of you are the biggest bandwagon riders of all time 45-42…. sorry to crash you vince drooley party! or your larry munson’ ed tribute… eat it!!!!!

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

November 29, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

keep those recriminations coming, I love it! The better team won period.

By alan

November 29, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

To JC:

Let me see if I understand this correctly: The best “Tech” team (the one in Virginia) is the one that had to win today to get to five wins in the conference, while the weaker “Tech” team already had five wins in the conference and could have scored 0 points today and still have gone to the conference championship game if Virginia had won???

That doesn’t fly although your win over us (17-14 @ VT - early in the season) does support your contention to a degree. In any event, GT’s overall record (9-3) is still better than VT’s (8-4).

Now let’s look at common opponents:
GT d. BC @ BC, BC d. VT @ BC; +1 for GT NC d. GT @ NC, VT d. NC @ NC; -1 for GT GT d. Duke @ GT, VT d. Duke @ VT; push GT d. FSU @ GT, FSU d. VT @ FSU; +1 for GT GT d. MIA @ GT, MIA d. VT @ MIA; +2 for GT VA d. GT @ GT, VT d. VA @ VT; +1 for GT

So GT has one more win than VT against common opponents. If you consider the head to head game to be against common opponents, then we’re even.

So, by my math, VT is no more than even with GT, and by no rational consideration of the facts can they be considered better than GT. In your twisted mind, GT is weaker than VT by virtue of the fact you beat us by 3 points at VT, early in the season, before we knew who we were??? I don’t think you’d want to face us now!

Now, let’s look at the rankkings - GT #22 in the BCS rankings, #18 in the AP poll, #23 in the USA Today poll, #18 in the ESPN U poll. Virginia Tech is nowhere to be found in any of the rankings, although they did get two votes in the USA Today poll.

This doesn’t take into consideration where GT will be after the polls are released tomorrow, nor the fact that GT will more than likely be in a New Years Day bowl game, while VT will be where?

You can take your “weak” argument and BITE ME!!!!

By hop

November 29, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

mark richt has been very successful since being at georgia,but i am afraid he is in total denial;just like the post game call-in show with eric zier. who lost his cool on the air when georgia people were discussing the awful performance of the georgia defense.

it is time foe someone to face the problem with some objectiveity. this is the first time the dawgs under richt have been faced with a major disconnect with the program.

it is all up to coach mark richt to fix the problem or we will see many more saturday’s like this one.

By Vince

November 29, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Georgia has that lack of killer instinct because they are afraid to pull the trigger. CWM has to go NOW. Florida is so far ahead of Ga not because of Urban Meyer but Florida dumped Ron Zook when it was apparent he could take them where they wanted to go. CWM cannot lead a defense that will win a championship and that is going to split the Ga nation. Remember Ray Goff stayed 7 years too long and Ga paid a terrible price for it.

By Music City Bowl Committee Member

November 29, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Jawja, you aint good enough for our bowl. You just got whupped by one of those 3 loss ACC teams.

Tech, there’s obviously a new sheriff in town. Congratulations, ya’ll are way beyond my committee at this point.

By Mark Bradley

November 29, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Ask yourself this: Which side had better players?

Now ask this: Which side won?

If you answered “Georgia Tech” to both questions, then I guess you can say coaching didn’t matter in this game. But I wouldn’t have answered “Tech” to the first question, so in my mind coaching absolutely did.

By Dunwoody Dawg

November 29, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

I agree with La Jolla Dawg. Today’s game was a repeat of everything we’ve seen all season long, just disguised as the triple option. We’ve seen it all before: missed tackles, penalties, like of fire by the players and coaches, and a lack of preparedness. It wasn’t as if the Dawgs didn’t know what Tech’s game plan would be, and they had two weeks to prepare. Inexcusable. Mark, I agree with your assessment that the problem is coaching. We’ve skated to a couple of wins on the backs of our very talented athletes, at no credit to the coaches. If CMR doesn’t make some key changes and put the team above his personal friendships and loyalties (read: Willie Martinez), it’s his employment that will have to be evaluated. Leaders have to make tough choices to be successful. That’s just the way it is.

By Tom, Resident Georgia Fan

November 29, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

You are right Mark. Who did we beat?Nobody that matters. Thanks for your insightful columns.

By Dawg 1980

November 29, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Before all you Techies sprain your wrists patting yourselves on your collective backs, remember you just had a team put 42 points on your celebrated defense. The only thing that saved you was a horrible, overrated, poor-tackling bunch of idiots on our defense that likes to run their mouths. The discouraging looks you saw on Stafford’s and Moreno’s faces was not because of Tech’s D; it was because they knew their own defense sucks and could not stop Tech’s running game. But still, congrats to Tech.

By SavTechIE

November 29, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

dISSIPLEN The spelling doesn’t matter. GA players antics off-campus reflect on character and respect for college athletics.

By dawgfan

November 29, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

I can go to the rec league and see 6 & 7 year old kids wrap up and tackle. I can go to the local high school and see kids wrap up and tackle. Why CAN’T I see 4 and 5 star players at a major college football program wrap up and tackle. Coaching, that’s why. Maybe once or twice a game a big hit will knock someone to the ground, but more often than not the play will continue on and the big hitter will be the one on the ground. It’s been this way all year and no correction from either the players or coaches. Believe me, the players know how to tackle, and the coaches know how to teach them to tackle. The blame falls on both. As for kick offs out of bounds, scholarships are renewed yearly. I think Walsh needs to pay his own way and see if that could motivate him to kick like he was recruited to do.

By Dawg hatin' Jacket

November 29, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Hey, redneck richtfan, just a reminder: Tech finished TIED FOR FIRST in their division, and lost the tiebreaker. Where did UGAg finish in THEIR division? Not in first. Not even tied for first. Cry, baby, cry.

By Dunwoody Dawg

November 29, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

I agree with La Jolla Dawg. Today’s game was a repeat of everything we’ve seen all season long, just disguised as the triple option. We’ve seen it all before: missed tackles, penalties, like of fire by the players and coaches, and a lack of preparedness. It wasn’t as if the Dawgs didn’t know what Tech’s game plan would be, and they had two weeks to prepare. Inexcusable. Mark, I agree with your assessment that the problem is coaching. We’ve skated to a couple of wins on the backs of our very talented athletes, at no credit to the coaches. If CMR doesn’t make some key changes and put the team above his personal friendships and loyalties (read: Willie Martinez), it’s his employment that will have to be evaluated. Leaders have to make tough choices to be successful. That’s just the way it is.

By TheItalianDawg

November 29, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

In 2005 and after Auburn game I said: Willie Martinez will bring disaster to Georgia, It doesn’t need a genius to realize that, when you screw up a game like that it is pretty obvious you are not qualified for the job. unfortunately, Georgia D have not looked good since Martinez got the job, it is a fact and here’s why: the team is not well coached, lack fundamentals, discipline, swagger and very hard adjusting to opposing offense. Willie should be fired, no question about it, it is the right thing to do. how much damage we can afford? willie Martinez: be a man and resign, you know its not mainly the players fault, you know you are not good at it. another season like this and Mark Richt will be on a hot seat, but either way we the fans and Georgia are the real losers!!!!!!!

By Jeremy

November 29, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

you people are sick. you too mark…martinez had the guys in place…they just didn’t make tackles. they are kids…most of you have never played sports so you should just keep the comments to yourself. mark you get paid to criticize…whooptie do…so easy to WRITE about how bad someone is…go put the pads on then maybe you’ll get some perspective. leave the kids alone and the coaches..

By the flats

November 29, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Needless to say, as a Tech fan, I am just elated: Huge wins this season over FSU, UM, and UGA (so called fast, elite Defenses). Over 300 yds rushing in each of those games I think. Dwyer needs to be ACC mvp. Team avg. for the year = close to 300ypg rushing! It’s hard to imagine how you can only pass 3 or 4 times a game and still totally befuddle a defense that knows you are going to run the ball at them. Great job jackets! And D.Rad: make sure PJ is happy.

By turkey

November 29, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Georgia is terrible.

By GatorGuy

November 29, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Former Congresswoman, Cynthia McKinney, D-GA says that crappy UGA football team is due to electronic voting machines. Not sure how to interpret that, but I think the point is, if you put your hopes/dreams in the Dawgs, you are really just Al Gore. Quite popular, but at the end of the day, still a loser. Too bad dawgs, that preseason hype sure had us fooled. Now on to the future. Coach Martinez gets sub-prime mortgage as long as he moves to another state. Coach Richt gets lifetime Chick-Fil-A gift card, but has to agree to only win 8-9 games per year. As Michael Vick say “That dawg not worth a Steve Bartkowski jersey”

By GP Burdell

November 29, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

THWG!

By JD

November 29, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Richtfan - dude, that mediocre conference is running your’s ragged. Can’t say much about the SEC if y’all are getting smacked by the ACC.

Who exactly am I supposed to be scared of? The only reason Bama is undefeated is because they play in the weak a$$ SEC.

By Me Again

November 29, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Here you go again Bradley doing your annual jumping on somebody’s bandwagon- you never come up with anything new or even interesting. It was not long ago that you wrote a column about UGA and Coach Richt and how there would never be a reason to even think about getting another coach until Richt retires. Now you want to blame him for all the losses and what you think is poor play. You can’t have it both ways Mark so make up your mind and get on with it. You rely on people having short memories so you can change your view in midstream hoping nobody notices. UGA and Tech are both 9-3 , one is happy about it and the other is disappointed because they didn’t reach all their goals. Tech is not even disappointed that they aren’t playing in the ACC championship game! I find that hilarious! And so are you!

By Ian Feinberg

November 29, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Look up dismal disappointment in the dictionary and you’ll see “2008” GA Bulldogs.”

By jim

November 29, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Bottom Line - an undisciplined team does not win games - an undisciplined team is the direct result of not only bad coaching but irresponsible coaching. I for one am sick of being beat by teams with less talent but better coaching.

By Ian

November 29, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Look up dismal disappointment in the dictionary and you’ll see “2008” GA Bulldogs.”

By TheAntiMe

November 29, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

Well, it looks like the Jackets are going to be ranked above the gutless wonders of 2008.

In the words of a smack-talking Bulldogs fan, “We’re still Georgia and they are still Georgia Tech.”

Yeah, smart guy. The team from Tech was obviously a lot less impressed with that fact than the so very entitled Bulldogs were of themselves.

By The Big Bug

November 29, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Wrong,JC! There is only one team universally recognized as “Tech” & that is Georgia Tech. You are simply VPI.

By cltgtfan

November 29, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

As a GT fan, I find all the Ugag fan complaints rather funny. As much as I hate to admit it CMR is a fantastic coach and I would love nothing better than to see you fire him so he could find greener pastures elsewhere.

PS. in case you haven’t noticed it yet, Mark Bradley is the ultimate muck raker. He loves nothing better than to write controversial comments about something he has never done (successful coaching) and sit back and watch the mess he creates. He did it with Gailey, now Richt and will one day do it to Paul Johnson. A little piece of advice to UGA fans would be to avoid Mr. Bradley’s comments in the coming weeks.

By MoMass

November 29, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

I agree with La Jolla Dawg. Today’s game was a repeat of everything we’ve seen all season long, just disguised as the triple option. We’ve seen it all before: missed tackles, penalties, like of fire by the players and coaches, and a lack of preparedness. It wasn’t as if the Dawgs didn’t know what Tech’s game plan would be, and they had two weeks to prepare. Inexcusable. Mark, I agree with your assessment that the problem is coaching. We’ve skated to a couple of wins on the backs of our very talented athletes, at no credit to the coaches. If CMR doesn’t make some key changes and put the team above his personal friendships and loyalties (read: Willie Martinez), it’s his employment that will have to be evaluated. Leaders have to make tough choices to be successful. That’s just the way it is.

By dawgsarejokes

November 29, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Georgia………..during all this whining did you happen to notice Florida won again as did Alabama?

Go to the corner and lick yourselves and whine away the night along with your season.

By Ian

November 29, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Some say we need to be patient because UGA only has a few senior leaders and will be more experienced next year. Well, I did a little research. FL has 3 senior starters on offense and 0 senior starters on defense. How can they do it and we can’t. I’ve been a CMR since he’s been here, but if you look at the trend - getting crushed by FL and AL, barely getting by the rest of the SEC and getting beat in Johnson’s first try - it doesn’t bode well for the future.

By eric stark

November 29, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

mark bradley…..

lets recount what you said 6 weeks ago queer bate.

i dont think you have a pair. you love the dawgs, you hate the dawgs. Has your scrwany A* ever plyed a football game in your life? I can easily answer that. I would have lit you up!

You are the first to jump on the band wagon……..jump on…….jump on……..and the first to jump off. you are a shame to your own thought. i would fire your wife for not kicking your a*! get a real job, ask your wife to tell you my name….nevermind..she called it out last night!

By EO

November 29, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Since VanGorder, GA’s defenses has progressively gotten worse.

There will be no championships without great defenses.

By EO

November 29, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Since VanGorder, GA’s defenses have progressively gotten worse.

There will be no championships without great defenses.

By Joseph B

November 29, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

I believe that UGA, with additional experience and coaching, would do well in the ACC.

The Jackets not only won BIG but have started a trend in the Tech direction.

By georgia fan

November 29, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

you can not win against a good team no matter what kind of offense you have without defensive backs that know how to tackle and special teams that are adequate.this georgia group is not a top twenty team even with top five personnel on the offensive side of the ball.its comical watching no9 on defense pj is no fool he knew who to go after the rest is history.mohamed,mathew,and knowshon looked like and played like the champions that they are.this is a sad ending.

By Captain

November 29, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

FREE WILLIE! Please!

By Tech Grad

November 29, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Tech got lucky….the refs were clearly on our side. In my opinion, Georgia won their 8th in a row…congrats Dawgs!

By screwgeorgie

November 29, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

thats right mutts. go back to eating your watermellons and jumping off diving boards. we’ll keep getting up at 6 am and preparing like we should. Face it morons, you were out coached, and as always, outclassed.

By gentleben27

November 29, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

a 9-3 season is perfectly fine and nothing to be ashamed of, if they had lost the 3 games with grace and dignity and if they had won at least some of the 9 games in a dominating manner against worthy opponents — UGA failed on both counts this year. UGA fans have a right to be disappointed after the abysmal failures against Alabama and Florida — games in which UGA was humiliated and outplayed in every possible way. UGA made it clear that — this year — they are not in the same category as Alabama and Florida. The Tech defeat stings worse because of the blown halftime lead. I think Tech and UGA could play another 10 times and Tech would win 9 of them. Tech seemed motivated and focused. UGA did not. Only a few of the players appeared to play with heart and emotion today, although I am sure that all of them care — only a few are outward in their expressions of enthusiasm.

I like Richt, though I never drank the kool-aid in 2000 like so many fans did — he used to be praised for the discipline he had instilled … everyone was weak in the knees about players puking during mat drills and then wiht “finish the drill ” and on top of that, he even had a team chaplain. He has suffered from the backlash from the hype that people heaped upon him for the past many years. I hope he will make the necessary adjusments. One thing for sure — he either needs to show some fire in the belly — or find an assistant who will.

By Dr. Morpheus

November 29, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Georgia had some outstanding performances today from MoMass, Knowshon, and Matt and many fine plays by others; but, the game was lost as Mark says, by a breakdown of discipline on the D side in the 2nd half. Two guys go after the QB, no one takes the pitch man, instant 6. Sylvester Croom is available- CMR needs to give him a call. This would have an instant impact on morale and a huge boost in the Spring. OK, you have to fire the best man in your wedding, no guts, no glory. TIme for CMR to man up.

By Tech Grad

November 29, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

CLEARLY that fumble at 8:04 in the 3rd, the knee was DOWN!!! Those refs were so much on our side.

By I hate rednecks!!

November 29, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Hey ya’ll, where’s that ………………….bulldawg j*******????

By jawga boy

November 29, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

What does UGA doe in the lockerroom at the half when they have a slight lead, play cards. It seems that a “DC” would be thinking, “Hmmm, we’ve beat these guys 7 years in a row and they really want to beat us. I bet they’re going to make adjustments to what we’ve been doing and come out attacking, so maybe we should change things or at least address it.” But it looks like Willie said, as he done all year, “Nah, we’ve got a lead and it worked so far so…we’ll sit on it.” The SEC has always been known for defense. We have let them down this year.

By onedawg

November 29, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

I’ve always thought that a well coached team, no matter the talent level it starts with, improves as the season progresses. Georgia just did not do that this year, especially the defense. This looks like the same defense that started game 1, no improvement.

By obeone

November 29, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Coach Richt isn’t tough enough to fire C. Martinez. Coach M. isn’t a man with enough honor to resign. Richt gets paid millions to make the hard decisions. But to him it’s just a family affair of good fun for one and all. It’s time the Athletic Director speaks up and lays down the law, fix the defense are ELSE. If he doesn’t them President Adams should take control and demand some answers to the problem, without Richts lame excuses “(I don’t want to point the finger at anybody, it’s not nice)”, Richt.

By Dorsey Hill

November 29, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

It’s official, I am done defending Martinez. And rather than spewing platitudes or bs about man coverage or blitzing, I will, albeit breifly, explain why. The basic plan was a good one. We played 5 dbs, assigned the de’s to the dive and the lb’s to the qb and the safety to the pitch. In the first half, it worked very well in that the d gave up just 6 points. However, because we did EXACTLY the same thing on EVERY play a few adjustsments at half changed everything. First tech saw that going weakside was to their advantage because the weak side safety had to cover a lot of ground to get to the pitch. Also they saw that if their wr chipped the safety it made it almost impossible for him to make the play. What the solution to this should have been is this: alter the assignments. Have a lb take the dive; have the de take the qb; have the corner dive inside and take the pitch man. Simply having these very modest adjusments you have the pitch man wondering if he’s about to get hit in the jaw while looking for the pitch. You have the qb wondering if the de is going to take his head off before he gets the pitch off. To not have those very basic modifications in assignments in the plan is not forgivable. You add to that the tackling issues, it is clear to me that we have to get smarter and tougher. These guys work too hard to not be given the chance to be successful.

By Red & Black

November 29, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Red and black are the school colors but today they symbolize embarrassment and a defensive beat-down. When the defense was being it’s typical porous self, it was being outdone by the kick-off coverage. kicking the ball out of bounds has become a Bulldog tradition this year and generally poor kickoff coverage has been the norm for the last few years. Penalties abound especially with the defense.

We know the difference that Van Gorder made when he was the defensive coordinator and things have deteriorated since he left. Coincidence? Personally, I hate criticizing coaches and I’m loathe to do so here. It’s just that with the talent level we have at Georgia, there seems to be a coaching problem especially with the defense and kick-off coverage. It doesn’t take an Einstein to see the problems with this team. I know Richt is a good Christian man and the last thing he wants to do is make coaching changes but it unfortnuately comes with the territory of being a head coach. Change is a part of life and change is on the horizon for this coaching staff. The only question is whether Mark Richt takes the lead or lets someone else do it for him.

By roswell dad

November 29, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

JOE HICKS, JR. OFFENSE HAS 42 POINTS, 500 YARDS OF OFFENSE, AGAINST THE BEST DEFENSE IN THE ACC. AND YOU SAY FIRE BOBO. JOE, WHAT YOU BEEN SMOKIN, BOY!!! YOU ARE A BAND WAGON DOG FAN WHO IS THERE TO CRITICIZE AND CRY WHEN THE DOGS PLAY POORLY AND STICK OUT YOUR CHEST WHEN THEY WIN…GET YOU A LIFE AND GROW UP BOY…OR GO OVER TO THE JACKETS AND WIN ONCE EVERY 8 YEARS..DOGS PLAYED A TERRIBLE 2ND HALF..IT HAPPENS, JOE, GET A LIFE AND GROW UP….MARK BRADLEY IS GROWING UP TO BE JUST LIKE HIS BROTHER TERRANCE MOORE WHO IS GOOD AT KICKING A MAN OR TEAM WHEN THEY ARE DOWN… SO GOOD AT CRITICIZING THE MEN WHO ARE ACTUALLY IN THE ARENA, WHILE HE SITS WITH ALL THE TIMID SOULS IN THE PRESS BOX AND CRITICIZES THOSE WHO HE IS ENVIOUS OF WHO DOUBLE/TRIPLE HIS AJC SALARY…WHAT A BUNCH OF BABIES….

By RAM

November 29, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Close the gap on Tech? You’ve got to be kidding. Beating Georgia is and always will be the end all and be all for Tech. They won for the first time this decade by a slim 3 pts and gave up a bunch of yards and points themselves, with Stafford carving up like a turkey. Now, I can’t explain how dissapointed I am with this season - there’s plenty of blame to go around - but the Dawgs will be just fine. I have faith in our staff and especially CMR. This simply wasn’t our year (I guess you could call this the year of the Jerk Coaches, as in Meyer, Saban and Johnson - fine humanitarians all). Merry Christmas, Tech. Enjoy the mountain top (of a 9-3 regular season) while you can.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

November 29, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

UGA is terrible! it is so good to see Tech kick the dawg doo doo out of them. All you crybabies are really amusing too.

By Dawg_fan

November 29, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

“Most talented group”- none of the ‘08 UGA defensive players would have started on the ‘02 team - Boss, SJones, Pollack, Gilbert, Clemons, Davis, Blue etc. Mark- lets do some research before you write this nonsense. Defense wins championships!

By CPJ for president

November 29, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

I love Paul Johnson. He is one heck of a coach. If you would have told me that Tech would win 9 gamea and beat teh Dawgs at the beginning of the seaon, I would’ve said your crazy. Georgia was ranked 1st not 2nd but first. We were like 60. Gah CPJ is great.

UGA played a great game today. They just fell apart. I am so glad to get that monkey off our back though. Coach Martinez has disapointed the dawgs though. But Richt is a great coach. You guys are lucky to have him. Although Paul Johnson is better. Well I hope you guys lose the bowl game because i cant stand the UGA fan base. To Hell With Georgia. GO JACKETS

By Bill

November 29, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

I all Bulldog but give Tech and Paul Johnson credit for doing everything that Georgia and Mark Richt didn’t get done. I’ve followed Georgia for over 35 years with season tickets for over 25 and this is clearly the worst defensive coaching job I,ve ever seen. If we didn’t have the athletes I would understand, but clearly we do. I just hope that Rict will make a change at DC.

By Dub

November 29, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Hats off to both teams! What a great game to watch. I’m very happy that Tech pulled it out in which most credit has to go to CPJ for managing the game. But Stafford and MoMass had career games and could have rightly deserved to win as well. Great game UGA and Tech! Hopefully this will turn into a good rivalry again.

Go Jackets!

By Andrew

November 29, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

By LawDawg23

November 29, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Right on every point, Mark. Paul Johnson has brought a lot of attitude to the Tech program and it is to be commended. In past seasons, Tech was not able to take advantage of poor play by the Dawgs to win. However, using a win against this bunch of Dawgs as a measuring stick would be a serious error.

By nevada dawg

November 29, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

Mark, I went to UGA and now live out of state but continue to follow your column because I enjoy your perspective and insight. I agree with you totally that this loss can be attributed to coaching. I can’t remember a year when UGA’s defense was this soft and has given up the points and yardage that it has. You’re right that UGA’s nine wins are questionable and when it comes to the big games the team just doesn’t show. I agree something has to change on defense and special teams, but Bobo’s offense put up 40+ points and that should be good enough to win most any game. For all the Tech fans, I’m sure after 7 years you have a lot of pent up frustration so enjoy it. As a parting note, remember when it was cheaper for UGA fans to by season ticket packages for Tech than to scalp tickets. See you next year.

By BromoDawg

November 29, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

The poor tackling was blantanly obvious throughout the second half, and it seemed to capsulize the entire season. Has there been any mention of Muschamp or even BVG coming back in the mix if there is a change at DC?

By football fan

November 29, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

When Terrence Moore said I will garantee a Ga. Tech win on sports talk last week I thought” what the hell have you been smokeing”? But he gave the reasons why a win for tech. So now I say to you ajc. you have one of the best and informed sportwriters in the country. My compliments to Terrence.

By Buzzwax

November 29, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Most fans, IMO give too much credit to the coaches when they win and too much blame when they lose. Here’s a little love for….

Roddy Jones, Jonathon Dwyer, Josh Nesbitt AND THE ENTIRE OL!!! The same line that was playing with back-ups at BOTH tackles!!!

Talk about coming a LONG way!!! If you watched GT’s Spring Game and said we would GASH MIAMI and UGA for over 400 yards rushing, EACH!!! (OK, a little love for CPJ and staff!!)

By BirdDawg

November 29, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

These two teams are both reflections of their coaches. Tech overacheived with less talent due to toughness and heart. Hats off to them and their no nonsense coach, Paul Johnson. Georgia underachieved with immense talent due to them being soft and complacent. A reflection of their too laid back coach, Mark Richt. They are both great coaches and wonderful football minds, but CMR needs to take notes from CPJ on how to get tougher on your players and make them a disciplined bunch. Give these Georgia players to Nick Saban or even (forgive me fellow Bulldogs fans) Urban Meyer and this team is undefeated and steamrolling towards the National Championship. Mark Richt is a truly nice guy which is why his teams will always finish second at best. Develop an attitude…a mean streak if you will, instill discipline in these talented teams of yours and watch the rest of college football grovel at your feet. Great Job Jackets…Go Dawgs!!!

By My Big Johnson

November 29, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

richtfan is typical of the ignorant, delusional and often toothless crowd that call themselves Dawg Fans. He says, “They didn’t even win their division.” Well FYI:

Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech are 2008 Coastal Division CO-CHAMPIONS…Get it? Probably not.

Stafford, Mass and Moreno play the FINAL games of their collegiate lives and still LOSE to a FIRST-YEAR COACH who transformed a pro-set offense into an “it’ll never win” triple option offense with 75 underclassmen on the roster (16 of 22 starters) and takes it to a woefully UNDER-COACHED and unprepared DEFENSE that had a BYE WEEK OFF…And leaves with a W from the home team’s field!! You can’t make this stuff up…

It’s only gonna get more BRUTAL once Johnson actually RECRUITS players for his style of offense instead of using what Can’t Coach Gailey left him…Bad News for Tech’s future opponents…Great News for those of us who believe that sometimes a contract-buyout can be a beautiful thing!

By gastr1

November 29, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

It would be nice if anyone, ANYONE on the team came straight out and said “I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THIS RESULT.”

But we don’t hear that. We hear ‘We really, really tried hard, and you know, it just didn’t work out.”

This team is a DISGRACE.

By DMM

November 29, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Martinass is a joke. he needs to go. Giving tech the ball on the 40 after every kick off is a poor coaching job. The lack of disipline and all the flags is on the coaching as well. the defense is a complete disgrace. Wake up CMR, either you find us a DC and OC or we will find us a new head coach. It is totally a embarassment to lose to a second rate team like GT.

By Doug

November 29, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

The foolish talk about Georgia playing badly is just that, foolish. Georgia played well…Tech played better. Georgia has a good football team. Tech had a better one today.

Georgia scored 42 points against Tech’s defense - ranked 19th in the nation. Tech scored 45 on Georgia’s 23rd ranked defense. PJ made critical adjustments at half-time; Richt still managed to keep his team in it.

Richt is a good coach. Johnson is a good coach. It’s a great day for football in the state of Georgia. But today, and for the next 364 days, it’ll be a better day for football on North Avenue.

Sting ‘em Jackets!

(And for my fellow Jacket fans who feel they have to insult the Dawgs - grow up. One time in 8 years is no time to be talking smack.)

By GaCracker

November 29, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

A very disappointing performance by the defense and special teams which has persisted all season. The Dawgs must find a consistent place kicker, both for field goals and kickoffs (too many short and O.B. kicks). They must develop a pass rush and tackle better. I think they should fire Willie and hire Charlie Strong from Florida if they can get him.

Erk Russell would roll over in his grave to see the Dawgs score more than 30 or more twice and lose (Alabama and Tech)!

By Edwardo

November 29, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Hey Mediocre,

At least Georgia didn’t share it’s national title with anyone, and we won all our games that year. Bring it.

By beach dawg

November 29, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Georgia beat no one this year and against its three toughest opponents the defense failed to even show up. They had two weeks to prepare and this is what they show up with. I am sick of excuses. MARTINEZ MUST GO.

By Joe

November 29, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

I just don’t know if the problem lies with the coaches or the “star” athletes playing with no heart. I cannot believe that the Dawgs were up 16 and let the lead just dissolve. If the problem is the players, then bench them and put the 2nd stringers in that may be amped to play. Make the 1st stringers earn it by playing hard instead of just playing. For the love of Pete, what happened?!

By Charlotte Jacket

November 29, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

JC- if you’re lucky enough to win next week, try not to embarrass the conference again in your BCS bowl. Enjoy this division title while you can. CPJ made beating UGA his #1 goal this year. Mission accomplished. When he gets around to putting “win division” on the top of that list, we’ll see who the lesser team is. You really did put it to Duke and UVA when it was all on the line.

richtfan- Agree with your handle. I am, too. I think he’s a great guy, and he’s done great things for your program. But your vaunted SEC was 1-3 against that mediocre conference just today.

And check your facts: Tech at least tied for our division title, which is a lot more than you can say for UGA. And before you get worked up about who is playing for the conference title, check the posts from last year when UGA tied for its division title. Speaking of losing count… how many UGA posters told us that UGA would still get a ring as division champs?

Math doesn’t seem to be your strong suit, but if you’re counting the number of times you’ve “whipped the geeks”, that streak now rests at zero.

Rest up, Jackets. Finally looking at a warm-weather bowl this season. Go Jackets!

By dan

November 29, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

I saw someone mention this in a previous blog, and I realize this is a big ” what if”. But what if Richt hired Sylvester Croom as his defensive coordinator? It’s not as crazy as you may think. Croom coached linebackers at Alabama most notably Derrick Thomas and Cornelius Bennett. His defensives at Mississippi State were very tough. Not only is he in need of a job but he believes in building character which would fit in well with Richt’s philosophy. And having an assistant with head coaching experience in the SEC would really help Richt( like Cutcliffe did for Philip Fulmer in Tennessee). I think Richt should hire Croom as the defensive coordinator, move Willie back to DB’s and possibly as Co-defensive coordinator. Of course it would really depend on whether or not Croom would want to do it. But I think he would be a great addition to Richt’s staff even if it’s only for a couple of years. I think he’s worth a look.

By dan

November 30, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

I saw someone mention this in a previous blog, and I realize this is a big ” what if”. But what if Richt hired Sylvester Croom as his defensive coordinator? It’s not as crazy as you may think. Croom coached linebackers at Alabama most notably Derrick Thomas and Cornelius Bennett. His defensives at Mississippi State were very tough. Not only is he in need of a job but he believes in building character which would fit in well with Richt’s philosophy. And having an assistant with head coaching experience in the SEC would really help Richt( like Cutcliffe did for Philip Fulmer in Tennessee). I think Richt should hire Croom as the defensive coordinator, move Willie back to DB’s and possibly as Co-defensive coordinator. Of course it would really depend on whether or not Croom would want to do it. But I think he would be a great addition to Richt’s staff even if it’s only for a couple of years. I think he’s worth a look.

By Orca

November 30, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Richtfan, every team in a conference having 3 losses is a sign of parity in the conference, not (necessarily) weakness. Kindly eliminate this from your list of “reasons” you think the SEC is better than the ACC.

Y’all used to brag about how the SEC just beat each other up each year so you never got anyone to the NC. Now that the SEC is 2 + 10, parity is for chumps? Weaksauce.

Congrats CPJ and the Jackets!

By Jon Dwyer

November 30, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

20 rushes, 144 yards, 2 TDs.

Do you know who I am now, Kno-show?

By Lilburn Dawg

November 30, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Mark, you are right. The pre-season prediction of #1 and having the toughest schedule in the country were both hypotheses that were proven to be wrong. At the beginning of the season I thought we really deserved to be ranked between 12-15 and now we probably will even be below that. The “tough” schedule turned out to actually be filled with weak teams except two great ones which we lost. Auburn, Tennessee, and LSU were supposed to be tough opponents but it turns out they are having terrible seasons otherwise we would be 6-6 or worse because we never would have beaten them in normal years.

I’m one that feels that we’ll always be able to win 8 or 9 games per season under CMR but never win any championships….either SEC or above. Some people on these blogs defend this record as if it is good enough for them and maybe it is. But for those of us who yearn for something better…..it’ll never happen and the defenders don’t understand why we feel so disappointed.

After today’s game, I predict Stafford and Moreno will go ahead and turn pro. For years at UGA, we’ve always fooled ourselves by saying “Wait till next year”. Well, I fear next year is going to be a lot worse than this year. I don’t think either one of them will want to stick around for it.

I have to congratulate the Jackets. They believed in themselves and in their coaches and simply wanted it more than us. We had the game on a silver platter at the end of the first half, but then turned around and handed the platter to Tech in the second half. We just didn’t want it bad enough.

By Lou Vales

November 30, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

Very salient points by most here. When you realize how pitiful this conference truly is—and I’m a 1969 Florida grad—as proven by the fact that the SIGNATURE WIN outside of the conference was probably Florida’s win over Miami or FSU. AND I’m not bragging about those wins because you have all seen Miami and FSU play. I have NO idea of how good Florida or Alabama are because of whom they have played. I have a sense that Oklahoma, Texas and Southern Cal would have gone 12-0 against Florida and Alabama’s schedules. And I’m pretty sure Oklahoma and Texas would have done it with ease.

Georgia fans, just be truthful to yourselves and realize you beat 9 DOGS, lost at home to a pretty good team and were destroyed by 2 teams that may or may not give Oklahoma or Texas a good game.

PLEASE!!!!!! No more SEC talk for at least a month—after the game saturday.

By Mad Dawg

November 30, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

Ever since people complained about the UGA celebration this season, CMR has become a wimp again and lost the edge that people praised. He cares if Urban Meyer likes him more than doing what it take and he got OWNED by any good team UGA played this year. WAKE UP COACH. It’s not that complicated.

By Colzer

November 30, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

I am a Dawg Grad. (89 ) and a Dawg through and through, but you have to give Tech the credit they deserve. The Tech players and their coaches beat us in the second half and we had NO answer for their Offense or their teams desire to win! I really have my doubts that Richt will address the problems with Martinez or fix what ever his own problems are that keep the program from jumpimng to the next level.( UF, OU, USC, Texas, Bama, OSU )At best we are yearly in the second tear of College Football. It seems Richt has never found the answers that his boss B. Bowden did at FSU when they were playing for yearly National Championships. Just maybe Richt can learn to be the Head Coach we all thought he was before this year started. Tech fans, I am really happy for you and glad to see a team and it’s fans enjoying the good times. I really don’t like football right now and I know it is beacuse of this years roller coaster ride. I guess it could be worse I could be a UT fan!!!!!!!!!!! GO DAWGS

By BAMA STAN

November 30, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

31-0 at the half?!!

Another Ugag CHOKE by the defense and special teams!!!!

UGA defense and special teams have hurt this team all year.

Off Field problems = on field discipline issues - UGA has proved that.

RICHT’s run is over - UGA did well when Florida and BAMA were rebuilding - but have been passed and the real UGA has re-appeared. A UGA that will always fight for 3rd or 4th place in position in the SEC.

Brace yourself for 2009 - UGA in for a 5-loss minimum season. Breaking in a new QB and RB. O-Line should be better. Defense will not be better unless Richt makes a change - same for special teams.

How many UGA kickoffs have been out of bounds since the Florida Game. Absolutely the worst kick-off team in the SEC.

Richt’s remaining tenure as UGA’s head coach will be DONNAN-ESQUE.

Now please excuse me - have an SEC TITLE game to prepare for!!!

Preseason number 1 - indeed!

ROOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!

By PHIL

November 30, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

Mark, and all the other detractors who believe GA was poorly coached, I have no idea what you see. The talent on defense IS NOT there this year as last. There were 18, count ‘em 18 season ending injurys. There are no defensive ends like we had last year. Coaches, Martinez included, does not teach belly bumping people down instead of tackling them. Players make those decisions during the game. Coaches do not tell players to get stupid penalties,( 2 of the 7 were on the kicker and at least 2 were offensive holding which could be called every play. I’d hardly call 3 other penalties “undisciplined”) players make those stupid decisions during the game. Coaches do not make kids make stupid decisions off the field, players make those stupid decisions. We have incredible talent on offense the line is so deep that even with all the injurys that we were able to have the conferences leading passer, rusher, and reciever. But the defense would up with one good tackle, one good linebacker and one good corner, everyone else is pretty average, and YOUNG or injured. To call for a change at defensive coordinator is to be ignorant to the game. Not sure why I bothered to type this it is so far down no one will read it,lol.

By dawgfan

November 30, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this

The GT fans on here saying that the ACC is better than the SEC….please notice that 2 SEC teams are in the hunt for the BCS Championship….and 0 ACC teams are in the running for it.

The dawgs will recover from this….go to the bowl and squeak out a win that the Offense will have to win for us because until Martinez is gone we will not be able to stop any one. I bet Erk is pleading with the good Lord to let him come back and coach since we obviously do not have a defensive coordinator. Willie needs to go…plain and simple….I know your friends with CMR…but place the blame where it belongs….one bad game…sure blame the players but lack of discipline, lack of tackling, lack of general defensive knowledge game after game and the blame has to go on you.

CMR…..you used to coach with the Criminoles……please know that Dawg Nation does not want to become the Crimidawgs….11 players arrested in one year…..the most unsportsmanlike penalties in the country…..and the show off attitude on the sidelines…..something has to change….discipline the team….if you dont we will not have a shot at another SEC title…..The team needs to have swagger and confidence as a team…not a team dance……

By dawgfan

November 30, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

The GT fans on here saying that the ACC is better than the SEC….please notice that 2 SEC teams are in the hunt for the BCS Championship….and 0 ACC teams are in the running for it.

The dawgs will recover from this….go to the bowl and squeak out a win that the Offense will have to win for us because until Martinez is gone we will not be able to stop any one. I bet Erk is pleading with the good Lord to let him come back and coach since we obviously do not have a defensive coordinator. Willie needs to go…plain and simple….I know your friends with CMR…but place the blame where it belongs….one bad game…sure blame the players but lack of discipline, lack of tackling, lack of general defensive knowledge game after game and the blame has to go on you.

CMR…..you used to coach with the Criminoles……please know that Dawg Nation does not want to become the Crimidawgs….11 players arrested in one year…..the most unsportsmanlike penalties in the country…..and the show off attitude on the sidelines…..something has to change….discipline the team….if you dont we will not have a shot at another SEC title…..The team needs to have swagger and confidence as a team…not a team dance……

By wreckmaniac

November 30, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

Its all about recruitin, ain’t it ? Who cares what UGA fans and the SEC think about the ACC. Thats like asking your babysitter how to invest your next million.

By wreckmaniac

November 30, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

The ACC was created to defeat the SEC;not to placate the SEC or to provide a whipping boy. We are here to defeat the SEC. For no other reason do we exist.

By wreckmaniac

November 30, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this

What ? Can’t you win a nat champ by just recruitin’? Dosen’t a great passing game always beat a great rushing game ?
Something strange is going on here.

By wreckmaniac

November 30, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

You Dawgs can now have that “breakout” game.

By nerdboy

November 30, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this

JC, Just be glad you played us early. GT would thump you now. Next year we’ll have Beamer so frustrated his goiter might pop.

By wreckmaniac

November 30, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

ACC vs SEC ? Good grief, people, there are 5 ACC teams that could beat Georgia.

By BlueDawg

November 30, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

No one should be too surprised by today’s outcome. UGA showed us early this season how overrated they were. Add to that the injuries and consistently poor coaching, and a 9 win season looks pretty good. UGA has a half-dozen marquee players setting themselves up nicely for the NFL and a lot of SEC mediocre players who look uninspired and undisciplined. It may be that the best tonic for this team would be for Stafford and Moreno to depart, so the coaches would be forced to construct a complete team or reveal finally how incompetent they really are. Accumulating stellar high school players is one thing, but it’s another thing to coach them to play to an elite level as a team. UGA lost this year to better coached, better disciplined, and hungrier teams who hadn’t read all the press releases about how talented UGA is. But no problem, by next August we’ll be proclaiming the Dawgs NC. But we’ll be the only ones.

By wreckmaniac

November 30, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this

Between the hedges ? Thats nothing but
kudzu from Valdosta. UGA is where it belongs and has always been, mediocre with fat heads. Richt will coach at UGA until he dies as long as he remembers the two main rules: 1. Have a top 10 recrutin class 2. Beat Tech. Beating Florida is not important.

By Disappointed

November 30, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this

Congratulations to GT on a great effort and win as much as it hurts to say.

Right on point Mark; also agree with Gordon and Ben.

We made the very same mistakes over and over without learning from them. Want CMR to stay forever, but want him to toughen up in his comments and his staff decisions and responsibilities. Hold them responsible; results are what matter.

We were darn lucky to win many of the games we did. Why is that not obvious to most? Don’t be thankful for 9 wins when we should have had a lot more. No heart is not a good description for most of these players, but it does apply to some. Not smart applies to more; coaching? probably!

A player who dresses out getting pulled for DUI 48 hours before the biggest game of the year! Speaks volumes about the program!

Zeier says its way way overboard to call for CWM head and maybe so, but do not at all agree that the positive trend is rocketing skyward. The only thing going skyward is the points given up by this defense. I am told that most all of them will be back next year (Is that supposed to be good news?). We got 9 of 11 back from last year! At this rate if we get them back next year and the same coaching, we’ll give up 100 points a game. Over 38 points for 5 games in one season!

Special teams NOT so special. We have kickers who can kick into the end zone but are not allowed! Keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result is the definition of…

Mark, please do research and document our starting position after receiving a kickoff over the last 2 years compared to that of our opponent after we kickoff to them. I am sure we would all be horrified. Wonder what CMR and Fabris would say about that! Even the worst teams on our schedule killed us on kickoffs! That stupid philosophy is what leads to kicking out of bounds also.

Congrats to Mohammed Massaquoi on a hell of a game and season! What an effort! Some of those passes were not easy to catch (behind or low, etc.). Great stat game Matt Stafford, but not a good one from you for those who saw the game. The pick-six was right to him while many passes were over, under, behind. Two touchdown passes were missed on one drive that ended in no points. At least 2 lob passes were lucky to not get picked off!

Defense is pathetic! Erk just died again. Marcus Howard and Kelin Johnson must have been more awesome than I realized; NFL has not realized it yet, either.

Holding penalties…1st and 20.

And for all of you out there who start talking about how many players we are getting back next year, etc., etc, etc…Guess what? Alot of other teams are talented AND young and a lot of them are getting coached up a lot better than we are! I’m not drinking THAT Kool-Aid this year.

Not a pessimist, just a realist! Never understood the thing about the glass half empty or half full. It all depends on your perspective, ie where you started. This year it definitely began full; if you spill half the contents it is half empty (in our case it is about dry).

Losing to GT is extremely difficult. Please don’t go to the Capital One Bowl and become the 1st team to lose to Ohio State in their 10 SEC games!

Thanks for listening to my therapy. My check is in the mail.

Go Dawgs!

By UGA75

November 30, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this

I’ve said repeatedly in this and every other forum available, Willie Martinez would have been fired by almost every other college coach in America, but Coach MR is too loyal by far. This team got by on offensive talent and never developed any character what-so-ever. There has to be some fire in the player guts to win, Tech did it today with less physical talent, but a hell of a lot more desire and just pure guts. I’m a Dawg through and through but if Willie M is back in the same capacity it will be the same story next year.

I know it’s a different era, but can anyone imagine what Erk Russell would have done if two teams scored more than 40 points on one of his defenses. We have players with talent, we just don’t have a head or defensive coach that can motivate players. I don’t think I’ve ever been more disgusted as a GA fan.

Congratulations Techies, your team played with fire and desire today, the better team won, period.

By TrueDawgFan

November 30, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this

To all the fair weather fans of the dawgs. What I think is funny is last year every one loved richt and the coaching staff. Now one year later every one is jumping off the band wagon. Yes we all know the Dawgs could have and should have done better this year with the talent they have. All I have to say to those fans is $@%& happens get over it and be a real fan. Support the Dawgs if your Dawgs fan if not get going we don’t need you bringing us down. Maybe next year will be better maybe not. Yes GA does need to clean its act up during the off season. I think Coach Richt will see to that. 9 wins and maybe 10 wins is a good season. It is a winning season. We all know the D needs to get better and it will happen. Go Dawgs!!!!!!

By GW

November 30, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this

You lost count because you are stupid, mutt lovers.

By Dr. K

November 30, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this

It is amazing to me that the coaches talk about guys being in position and simply missing tackles. Here is the reality fellows, a team that did not throw the ball a single time in the second half put up over 300 yards rushing and totaled over 400 for the game. When your offense had closed the gap, the defense failed in spectacular fashion. The defense did not play a pitch properly or successfully a single time in the game. It was as if they had not even worked on that aspect of the option. Georgia’s horrible defensive ends were exposed more than ever before. To stop any option attack, defensive ends are critical. They are responsible for stringing out plays as long as possible so the rest of the defense can rotate and fill gaps. They utterly failed today as they have against conventional offenses all year. With all due respect to Ga Tech, they are not one of the nation’s best teams. They have not enjoyed the level of success they had Saturday against any opponent. Did Martinez actually express pleasure at stopping the Jackets a few times in the first half? That is incredible. I’ve said it all year and I’ll state it one more time, Georgia has talented players on defense but they may just be collectively the most lacking group ever assembled in football IQ. One final note, its a good thing Georgia had an extra week to prepare or they would have given up 700 yards and 70 points. Bottom line, Martinez and his defense were today and have been all year a complete and humiliating failure.

By Bob in SF

November 30, 2008 3:18 AM | Link to this

Hopefully all the silly talk of putting Knowshon in Herschel’s class will finally go away now. The biggest thing they will have in common is that they both went pro early. And I don’t see how any UGA fan can bust on Stafford; except for the pick 6 to Burnett he played his rear off. I don’t see how the UGA D could look the O in the eye in the locker room after that game. I hope Stafford enjoys the weather in Detroit and working for Ford!

By Oscar

November 30, 2008 3:20 AM | Link to this

Jesus is a Tech fan. In HIM (Paul Johnson) we believe.

By Gator

November 30, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this

Until your head coach takes responsiablity for his team and his coaching staff and makes the necessary changes needed, than all you will do is cry.As long as you insist keeping MR up there on his pedestal,than quit your crying.Georgia Tech kicked your butt,accept it for what it is

By Gator

November 30, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this

somebody wanna tell me what WM has on MR for him to keep him? Dang that Georgia Tech made ya’ll look bad….real bad

By dawgfan1911

November 30, 2008 4:15 AM | Link to this

The crazy thing about this season is the look on the faces of the Georgia coaches during games where the team is making dumb fouls, not exrcuting and when the defense is getting kicked all over the field. Throughout the entire season Georgia never made a significant stop the entire year. This defense was horrible! The scary thing about it is that most of these guys are coming back and if the same defensive coach returns, we are in big trouble. Look at how much better Florida’s defense played this year, last year they were young, but talented and look what Charlie Strong did with those guys in just one year. Last year we were young and talanted and we regress. No one got better. Even Curran looked bad today. Mark Richt in a way is very arrogant about the outlook of this program as if he knows something that we dont. All I can say is, with Florida being as good as they are and Alabama being better, LSU will have a qb next year, Ole Miss getting better, we are in trouble because we are not getting better. Our players are not being coached properly. Look for down years ahead. Richt has two year left then he will be fired.

By Big G

November 30, 2008 5:01 AM | Link to this

To SC dawg, huh? and yellowblood:

I have read some of your past posts and quietly taken your insults about our gimmiky offense, played in a high school stadium, that we can’t sellout, and played in front of a nerdy student body.

Say what you want, you just got your butts handed to you by all of the above.

By tony

November 30, 2008 5:07 AM | Link to this

face it, we need a new head coach. mark richt is respondsible for this team failures. he allow his assist coach(martinez) to blame the players rather than taking responsibility for his own failures and he continue to ignore the fact that moreno is the team’s strenght.

the atlanta falcons is a different team because our new gm(dimitroff) has the ability to evaluate coaches and athletes.

the falcons is a different team because coach smith’s system works.

the alabama tides is a different team because coach saban’s system works.

it all falls on uga athleted director shoulders. will he hire a coach or will he force mark richt to hire a offensive and defensive coordinator that the players will gravitate to responsibly.

one way or the other, a change have to be made.

By Dunwoody Dawg

November 30, 2008 5:36 AM | Link to this

This was an embarassment for the University and the Dawg Nation. This team had everything going for it in the beginning with a #1 ranking, talk of Moreno for the Heismann, an NFL quality QB in Stafford, two great receivers, momentum from the prior season, lots of national exposure, etc. This team seems to have taken all of that for granted and never worked hard to accomplish what was right before them. I didn’t think we would go undefeated, but wtf? We got embarassed with each of our defeats and we didn’t really have a landmark win. This season was gut check time and we failed! I believe CMR will reevaluate the season and make adjustments in the offseason. If not, we might be in for another year of failed expectations. I still can’t get over the one single pass play by Yech. We KNEW they were going to run the ball and still couldn’t stop them. Thats’ coaching folks, especially when our team, even beaten up and injured, has loads more talent than the bugs. Like I said, an embarassment.

By BoBo

November 30, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this

Richt could not motivate a flea to jump on a dog. Uninspiring coach. His gimmicks gave out this year.

By Matt Daddy

November 30, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

A co- worker of mine who is a huge Georgia fan after the Bama game felt like Georgia was not getting the respect in the media from what they did in the Sugar Bowl and “how they came back on bama” please I’m a tide fan, bama put it on cruise. Georgia is the most overrated program in football. they are second tier, without herschel there would not be 1980. it is what it is, overrated and a also-ran

By doggone

November 30, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

MARTINEZ, WHO PICK THE PLAYERS FOR YOUR SCHEME? WHO TRAIN THEM ON ANGLES TO TAKE IN TACKLING? THERE ARE CHOICES ON DEFENSIVE PLAYS TO CALL WHO MAKES THE CALL? WHO HELPS THE PLAYERS WITH THEIR CONFIDENCE ? I THINK ITS THE DEFENSIVE COORDINATER, BUT MAYBE THATS NO YOU MAYBE YOU WANT TO BLAME THAT ON THE PLAYERS TOO.. RICHT WHO MAKES DECISIONS TO KICK AN ONSIDE KICK WHERE WE HAVE A RECOVERY CHANCE OR KICKING LONG WHERE WE HAVE SHOWN WE CANNOT COVER KICKS? THATS PROBABLE THE PLAYERS TOO BECAUSE YOU DON’T MAKE GOOD DECISIONS ….. GOOD COACHES ARE NOT THE ONES THAT SEEMINGLY COACH GOOD WHEN THEY ARE WINNING BUT ARE THE COACHES LIKE PAUL JOHNSON THAT WHEN IT CAN GO WRONG FIND A WAY TO RESSURECT THERE PLAYERS AND NOT GET CLOSE BUT WIN . WIN WIN THERE IS NO MORAL VICTORIES, EITHER YOU WIN OR YOU GO FULMER GIVE SABAN OR MEYERS OR PLAYERS AND YOU ARE NOT GOING TO HERE ANY COMPLAINTS THEY WILL FIND A WAY… AND IF THE DEFENSIVE CO-MARTINEZ WAS NOT THEIR JOB THOSE COACHES WOULD SAY WE DID NOT GET OUR KIDS READY TO PLAY IN THE 2ND HALF … NOT THAT THEY COULD NOT TACKLE ……. TECH COULD NOT TACKLE TO THINK OF ALL THE TACKLES THE MISSED AS MOMASS BUT THEY OVERCAME IT THAT WAS NOT THEIR EXCUSE…

By MrGreggo

November 30, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this

Geesh I guess that pre season National Championship is something to hold on???

Oh wait my Granny just ran for another 5 yards…

By jason

November 30, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this

I am tired of hearing UGA won 10 games for the whatever season. Couldn’t do that with Goff and Donnan. The only reason UGA can win 10 easy is the 12th game. The extra game. Face it, CMR is an average coach with average assts. I saw no change in game plan by tech in the second half. I saw a UGA defense just get sorry. It says alot when your susposedly all SEC LB #33, Mr. Ellerbee forget how to wrap up and tackle. A freaking senior who does nit know how to tackle. Another thing, I would kick Reshad Jones arse slap off the team. Poor exvuse for a safety, and a bad example to younger players on the simple basics of football. Now, I know I will hear it, They are just kids, how dare you call them out by name. Look, they ask for the fame. They ask to be special; to be spoiled. Well, then they should step and take the responsibility when they screw up. Unlike alot of you, I don’t blame CWM for this loss. He does suck after all. This loss was squarely on the LBs, and the Safeties. I saw that toss sweep in the first half going for good yardage. I knew UGA couldn’t stop it. The corner and safety on that side kept comin to far in every freakin time. And oh. how about the second half when Nesbit, the great running threat that he is, intimidated UGA with that running ability, that noone covered the pitch man. Not once, but a handful of times. Great game UGA, you deserved it. Like has been said so many times before, It’s not the losses. It’s the the losses occured.

By One Dawg

November 30, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

Ever since the loss to West VA in the Sugar Bowl, DAWG NATION has been calling for WILLIE MARTINEZ to be fired. The man is CLUELES! Richt, How much more do we have to put up with before you FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ?????????

By One Dawg

November 30, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

Ever since the loss to West VA in the Sugar Bowl, DAWG NATION has been calling for WILLIE MARTINEZ to be fired. The man is CLUELEsS! Richt, How much more do we have to put up with before you FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ?????????

By JJack

November 30, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

Too Bad, the TERMITES & the HIGH SCHOOL OFFENCE put you away!!!!!

By Fire JACKASS MARTINEZ

November 30, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this

Willie jackass Marinez should have been fored after the Sugar Bowl abortion loss to WVA, Now we get it shoved up us another year basically due to the lack of DEFENSE. Thanks again WILLIE for screwing it up for us another season, How much more of this moron do we have to take Coach RICHT????? Do Dawg Nation the favor and FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!

By Bo

November 30, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this

Great job Mark! Every dog has his day and yesterday day was Yellow Jackets day. Yes, UGA had the Horses but we, GT, had the jockeys and trainer=Paul Johnson.God Bless the USA.

By BigYank

November 30, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

So what’s up? Tech finally wins once in eight years and the UGA fans are ready to fire the coaches and dismiss the team…. UGA has great players, good coaches, and fickle fans!!! Tech’s DL was not putting pressure on Stafford. Tech QB Josh Nesbitt was tentative, looked slow, and did not have a good game. When Josh finally learns this offense and then begins to use his are - then Tech will be contenders once again…

By doggone

November 30, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this

MARK B. PICK A PLAYER ON DEFENSE , ANY PLAYER THAT WAS THERE LAST YEAR , AND TELL ME HOW THEY IMPROVED OVER LAST YEAR. WHAT DE IMPROVED WHERE IS THE SAFETY OR CB THAT IMPROVED, WHAT LINEBACKER IMPROVED AND DON’T TELL ME RENNIE OUR 5 10 200 LB LB SEE SPIKES AT FLA) IF WE WANT NICENESS SEE THE GOLF COACH IN FOOTBALL TOUGHNESS IS WHATS NEEDED. PLAYERS BECOME THEIR COACH IF HE HAS SWAGGER, CONFIDENCE, TOUGHNESS ….. THEY TAKE IT ON … BUT NICENESS ON THE FIELD , BE NICE OFF IT ALL THATS PROBABLE THE PLAYERS FAULT…. WHEN A PLAYER BREAKS FIVE TACKLES AND SCORES FOR OUR OFFENSE THE COACH PUT THEM IN THAT POSITION???? YEA RIGHT GOOD COACHES TAKE A PLAYER PLAYING ON OFFENSE AND PUTS HIM ON DEFENSE TO HELP THE TEAM VICE A VERSA WHEN HAVE WE DONE THAT….. THATS COACHING… GOOD COACHES LOOK AT PATTERNS LIKE A THINK NOW IN THE SECOND HALF THEY LOOKING TO PITCH MORE SO COVER THE PITCH MAN………..

By New Coach

November 30, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this

this is not the first time our defense has sucked, you can thank martinez for the downward spiral he has brought to our team since he arrived. we have just had some good players to keep him afloat as a coach and cover his butt to keep him around, maybe now with a young defense not able to cover his butt, his lack of coaching talents were exposed and he can go coach for tennessee or famu next year, it dosent matter just get him the hell out of GEORGIA!!!!

By MrDan

November 30, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this

Since ‘change’ and ‘hope’ seem to be words used to describe what we want for the future these days, here’s another useless comment for the blogosphere. Three (count 3) seniors on defense. Multiple season-ending injuries. You can’t fault the coaches and you sure can’t fault the players. What you can fault is everyone (including the writer of this AJC column) buying into the media hype at the beginning of the season. It was apparent in Columbia on 9/13 we weren’t the best team in the country.
The ‘change’ I would like to see is UGA’s defense become the killer defense we used to have back in Erk’s days. Our offense can hang with anyone if our defense keeps them in the game. The only ‘hope’ I can offer is the people writing in this blog and elsewhere who are critical of this team and the coaches will find jobs in other parts of the country.

By southerndawg63

November 30, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

look tech fans don’t get to cocky. you’re not even close to being where GA is. Your defense gave up 42 points so your not great. GT made adjustments at halftime and our “genius” defensive coordinator didn’t. By the way how many ACC titles have the jackets won. and their only national title was shared with Colorado. GA’s national title was only held by us. You got lucky once in seven years and have lost 14 out of 18. Don’t get used to it.

By TechBacker

November 30, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

After every UGA loss, their fans prove over and over why it is so easy to despise their program. It’s not just Tech, it’s every other team they play and around the nation. Ask any body that is not a UGA fan why they don’t like them and it’s the same answers; “I can’t stand them because their fans make it easy to hate them”. UGA fans can not give credit when it’s due. When they win, every team they beat is a great team. When they loose, yea, we all know that answer! Others have already said Tech was just lucky. Some have said so what Tech, you didn’t beat a very good team. These are the same that would have been screaming we’re 10-2 and should be going to Atl. had they beat Tech! So transparent, so hilarious, so ridiculous! Fact is, there is a new coach and a new faith that we are in the football business again. 45-42! THWG!!!!!! Go enjoy your one big victory of the year over LSwho??????

By maddog

November 30, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

Georgia’s problem is not just with its defense. Stafford again failed to make the plays when he needed to. No Show vanished when he was most needed.

Stafford reminds me of Eric Zier- loads of stats but poor results.

By Jeff Burden

November 30, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

Well as a Bulldog fan I must say I am dissappointed to say the least, not with just the loss to GT, but really now for a couple of years, you could this coming. 1.Absolutely clueless when it comes to simply lining up, the whole season as gone by and the players still don’t know where to line up, just disorganized all the way around. Mark has obviously not put his foot down and the players are not in shape, they can’t tackle and they can’t break up a pass for anything and way back since the Colorado game our pass defence has gone to pot. The offense is way to predictable, Richt needs to stop being such a PR man and get with program or else he will be looking for work. All these penalties and continuous trouble with the law is nothing but the lack of discipline, if he would work these players they would be to tired to go out and party and maybe they would what stadium they’re even in, Martinez and Bobo need to find new jobs and not with UGA. We can take getting beat, but please at least act and show some fight and heart on the field.

By Sam

November 30, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

I am a gator fan so in college football speak, I hate the dawgs. Having said that, I think that the injuries finally caught up to them the last half of the season. If you will note they were winning 28-16 at the half. When you consider that the backups are now starters who else do you have to put in when the starters get tired. Just my 2 cents worth.

By LoyalDawgFan

November 30, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

I think I’m as disappointed as I’ve ever been with our Georgia team this year. I’m equally as disappointed with Eric Zier on the Georgia call in show. The majority of the Dawg Nation is disgusted with Georgia’s poor defense. Georgia’s defense has gotten worse each year since the departure of Brian Van Gorder. A coincidence? No. When people express their opinions on these blogs or call in shows, I’m sick and tired of of diehards blindly thinking that the defense is going to be better with WM leading the way. This opinion isn’t based on yesterday’s loss, but on facts since the departure of Van Gorder. Eric Zier’s rant last night was disgraceful. Caller’s were constantly calling in voicing displeasure with the poor defensive performance and Zier and Williamson shouted them down and made them to sound like fools. That’s awful. I wish people would just research the defensive rankings with Van Gorder and without Van Gorder and the facts will speak for themselves. Blindly shouting down criticism of WM and the Ga defense is just going to embolden CMR to do nothing to correct the problem.

By Gator Fan

November 30, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

Southern Dawg… Can we say the same thing about last years win over Fl. 3 out of the last 19… And this years beating you took… Please get over it if MR was that good of a coach he would have never left FSU but FSU knew what he had. Let’s move on

By Bama

November 30, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

Don’t blame the game on Coach Martinez..He didn’t throw the pass GT returned for TD. He didn’t fumble the ball on kick-off. He didn’t fail to pick up 1st downs when needed. That’s 14 points +. Every team this year has had a hard time with GT offense. The games GT lost were mainly because of injuries to # 9 and injuries on D. UGA has great Coaches and players they just need to get serious again. I pull for both Teams during the year...The State of Ga. is Lucky to have two great Teams. Great Game Coach Johnson.

By Unseen Caller

November 30, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

I’m a GA native but was never a UGA fan. I attended GT but was never much of a fan of Ma Tech either, but that aside; which one of you AJC sports geniuses predicted at the beginning of the ‘07 season (last year) that the Dogs would have a bad season and had a QB with no talent?

By Mark

November 30, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

Mark Richt is one best coaches in nation..UGA would suck w/o him sometimes things dont go as planned..

By TW

November 30, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

CMR’s priority is his buddy Willie Martinez - NOT the Georgia Bulldogs.

Georgia is turning into a waste hole for talent. It will begin to affect our recruiting. Maybe then CMR will take the hint.

Oh, and if Willie is as CMR advertizes and he’s been a DC at a major school now for six years - how come nobody wants him as a head??????????????

Because if he wasn’t in bed with Richt he’d be coaching a high school JV - Donnan would have fired this guy after one year.

By jwatl

November 30, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

If Mark Richt could apply the same degree of discipline on his team and coaches, that he possesses in personal ego and swagger, he would have a competitive team. They have been on the verge of a melt down all year … remember Kentucky; and even Auburn!! With the talent Georgia had this year, this was a real shame! Will not be able to look at Richt as a real ‘coaching genius’ in the future. The athletic director might want to start doing some ‘looking around the NCAA’. It is pretty evident that Richt is just not in the same league as Sabin.

By The Fearless Forecaster

November 30, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

There is a reason Richt is NOT mentioned when there is a discussion of the SEC’s best coaches. As for the defense, Willie Martinez can now simply be called, “W,” (after GWB.) The special teams are horrendous, especially the kicker. The DB’s overrun plays, don’t protect the corners, and can’t tackle. Georgia’s defense has eroded since Van Gorder left and Richt is just too damn stubborn to realize loyalty to “W.” cost Georgia the season. Enough is enough! Also, Bobo’s call of having Caleb King run the ball with 4:00 to play, and waste valuable time, is emblematic of his lack of foresight. Wasting second half timeouts in a tight game is unforgivable. Richt gets an “F.”

By Steve

November 30, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Can UGA not recruit athletic players with a little more between the ears??? I mean, Bama, FL, USC, TX, OKL etc all seem to do it. UGA most certainly needs a real Defensive Coordinator and Special Teams coach! and…I will NEVER again get caught up in all the hype of recruiting classes and their ratings. This squad was grossly overrated. I am not sure if it’s that much on coaching or that the players, especially on defense are just average players. Rennie Curran is the only one I see that has NFL possibilities. Heaven forbid if he were to get hurt, who would make any tackles?????????????? Offense is different - they did their part.

By GTMike

November 30, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley..I am now convinced your job is a thankless one. When you have written your honest opinions of Tech, you get the nickname Bark Madly form the Tech fans. Now when you write your honest opinions about UGa, the Dawg fans hate you. You can’t win if you write your honest opinions, I guess. As Furman would say, selah…

Dawg fans, many classy posts, thank for that. Tech fans, win with class! We are excited precisley because UGa has developed a national program and won a ton under Richt, so we are happy to be entering the territory they’ve been in for a few years now.UGa fans, that’s a compliment.

Now, let’s both with our leagues next year and have a game the whole nation watches !!

By jimnalph

November 30, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Hey Edwardo, Regarding your comment about UGA’s and Tech’s national championship (singular in your notes), please be aware that Tech has 4 national championships to UGA’s 2 (all football championships). And at least Tech has one to share since 1980.

By dawgsarejokes

November 30, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

Hey at least all you dawgs can go to the pool and jump off the high dive boards…maybe someone will do you a favor and let all the water out so the rest of the nation can quit hearing your whine. Now shut up and get back under the porch.

By jwatl

November 30, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

HOW MUCH COMPENSATION ARE THE GEORGIA COACHES RECEIVING TO LOSE?? Maybe it is time to save some taxpayer money!! ARE YOU LISTENING UGA???? BOARD OF REGENTS??? PSSSST.. we are in a recession and the UGA coaches are not coaching!

By jimnalph

November 30, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Hey southerndawg63- see above note to Edwardo

By Housebroken Dawg

November 30, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

One thing I don’t see on the blogs is “Wait Until Next Year”. I think everyone knows that next year is not going to be pretty. We have no reason to believe it will be better unlike past years when we had unrealistic hope. I don’t think anybody even has any hope at this point.

You can bet that at LSU, Tennessee, and Auburn there will be some plotting, scheming, and changes made to correct their weaknesses in this year’s play. They’ll all be back where they used to be in another year or so. And if Kentucky and Vandy keep improving and Spurrier finally figures out how to get SC where he wants them to be and Nutt gets Ole Miss where he wants them, and Arkansas gets straightened out….we may be in for some really bad times ahead unless the UGA coaching staff figures out some things that we all see and makes changes or has changes made to it. I don’t want to end up being an equal of Mississippi State!!

By BullDawg79

November 30, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

The missed calls yesterday were so obvious I got tired of yelling at the screen. Numerous times, the UGA lineman had their arms wrapped around the Tech defenseman or pulling on their jerseys with the ref staring but doing nothing. ACC refs are the worst. Anyone who loves the game would see the obvious.

When we beat Tech, I want it to be a legitimate smackdown. Tech won yesterday in spite of the poor refs.

Given the difference in talent, the expectations, and two weeks to prepare for this “high school offense”, how can you not fire the defensive coordinator, especially after being up by 16 at halftime?

By TampaGator

November 30, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

Fire Martinez. Go ahead. It will be Georgia’s loss and some other teams gain! Georgia has excellent coaches. They simply did not have the right combination of players on D this year. By the way Mark, don’t ever call Urban Meyer…”Urban Crier”…ever again. Call him what he is…one of the best college football coaches in America. He is just one game from playing for the NC again. The only “urban criers” I know are Georgia fans, including Mark Bradley, who live in the metro Atlanta area.

By Rosezee

November 30, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS SABEN

*FROM PRESEASON NO. 1 TO DONE - - HAHAHA WHAT A JOKE - - AT BEST ITS SECOND TIER PROGRAM *

By TW

November 30, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Richt got his wings under Bobby Bowden. What he fails to understand is that the mild mannered Bowden surrounded himself with MADMEN on his staff.

CMR’s staff is soft, thus the product we saw yesterday - no chin.

Great point, Mark - a quick look in the rearview tells us the Dawgs beat NO ONE this year.

Sad - waste of talent.

By needums30663

November 30, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Who’s out here that can coach a disciplined,intense,aggressive defense? I am sick and tired of this bend but don’t break crap. Croom may be a good hire,heck let’s hire Pollack just to bring some intensity to this weak a$$ D.

By jakejack

November 30, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Very sad about Georgia. I’m a “former” D1 Football Coach/Recruiting Coordinator of 15 years. I love to watch good football these days. Georgia Tech plays “good football”..very tough under Paul Johnson. Coach Johnson has brought bvack what should be elementary to college football programs (He controls his program - the players don’t)…Paul Johnson could care less about designing his offense to recruit High School players…The option is not a “pro style offense”…and Coach J. wants people thst fit it…without regard to their “NFL Dreams”!!! That’s the way it should be! What’s wrong with Georgia - is what’s wrong with any talented - but underachieving team THEY LACK TOUGHNESS! It sickens me to say this, but the “tough teams” in the SEC are lead by Northern/Western transplant Head Coaches who Coach “Toughness”.. i.e.. Saban/Alabama, Meyer/Florida, Miles/LSU. What has happened to the SEC is the “Mike Slive” effect…i.e..The SEC is now being run by Northeastern transplants from the Commissioner to the Presidents.
What you are about to see is this .. most every SEC school who is looking to hire - will no longer hire the “good ole boy” Southern guy…proof = Tennessee /Kifin. Tenessee did not consider one “Southern” coach for that job.
Maybe this is the way to go. I love Mark Richt, he’s a good man. But are there any “Southern” born and raised coaches out there any more who Coach toughness - while still having the ability and social skills to be great ambassadors for their university and football program? Orgeron failed at Ole Miss - no social skills - but was tough…Name one high level college football form the South these days…and that is sad! Because I’m a “Southerner”…and it sickens me to see the SEC being taken over by non-southerners! But it’s our own fault!

By Mark Stallwrorth

November 30, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

I put the loss on number 9. On all the long runs, he was on line to make the tackle by wrapping his arms around the runner. Instead he played the bump game. Poor fundamentals. Poor Coaching. Has Coach Rich loss control of the team?

By Still there

November 30, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

The Dawgs have a 9-3 season and the “fans” act like they’re Tennessee. They’ve just gotten spoiled. Since when is 9-3 BAD? Bradley, take a look at your column of July 12. How quick we are to flip-flop—you ought to be a politician. You idiot “fans” rank the defense as failing when they did pretty good in the first half. The second half was another story….And what about the offense? Massaquoi and Stafford both had record days, Massaquoi will never play in Sanford again and his achievements are completely overlooked. Get over it crybabies. Philip Fulmer would give his job for this er, bad, season! Go Dawgs!

By Larry

November 30, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

I am ashamed of this team. Everyone needs to be fired. They deserve no bowl game.

By jerry

November 30, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Richt is two and six vs Florida and has a losing record against all three Florida coaches that he has faced. What reason is there to think that he has what it takes to turn this around. It does not take a Lombardi to go 10-2 with UGA’s schedule and talent.

By cjones

November 30, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

I believe that John Chavis is going to be available after the insurrection at TN. Who better to get an edge over the Vols? He’s got to want to beat the team that dumped him and Phil. I think he would bring new energy to the FL rivalry, and he would definitely not field a defense that would flat “quit.” TN’s offense failed. They never lacked a for a good defense, even through injuries and lack of talent.

By slider

November 30, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Coach Richt “lost” this team when he allowed and condoned their running on the field last year at Fla. Most of these kids would be in jail if they weren’t playing football. They are always looking for a reason to revert back to their natural “thug” mentality, and he gave them a pass to do it. His days are numbered. I am not interested in supporting a team who acts like this. I bet they are several other big supporters who feel the same way!

By Bruce

November 30, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe that Mark Richt is already talking about Georgia’s Bowl Game and about the Bulldog Nation showing up in big numbers. After yesterdays “heartless and embarrassing performance”, you couldn’t pay me to go watch this GA game to play in a Bowl Game. Is there anyway we could get Kirby Smart to come to GA from Alabama?

By Reality

November 30, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Hey NotLivingVicariouslyThroughOthers: This is Reality again letting you know that I’m not either. Just like I said when UGA got pasted by UF. Other than Bama and Florida…the UGA and the SEC is a joke compared to the ACC…The facts/records speak for themselves….Oh yeah and my team GA Tech is better than the DAWGS as proven yesterday….debate that loser.

By Bruce

November 30, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe that Mark Richt is already talking about Georgia’s Bowl Game and about the Bulldog Nation showing up in big numbers. After yesterdays “heartless and embarrassing performance”, you couldn’t pay me to go watch this GA Team go play in a Bowl Game. Is there anyway we could get Kirby Smart to come to GA from Alabama?

By David

November 30, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Richt is too loyal and too nice to do what needs to be done. Martinez and the Defense and Fabris and the special teams….are a joke. There is no accountability. When Florida looked bad, they made the necessary changes to get better and accepted nothing less than full commitment. This team is the worst tackling team I have ever seen, and poorly coached and I feel sorry for the kids. Why is a 17 year true freshman who is a power back and catches the ball going backwards EVERY time returning kicks???

By Upson Lee

November 30, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

November 30, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

I predicted right here that uga would lose three games at the start of the season.

Number 1 ga should have started in the top 10 not number 1. This is not a program like texas Fla that can start at the top and bounce back. Uga doesnt have that tradition yet so they were overwhelmed.

Number 2 Stafford is not as good as advertised with that leave it to beaver haircut. Sure he has a strong arm, but so did Mike Vick and ironic both of them deals with Bulldogs. You see what that got them. I predict he will be a faliure in the NFL so let him go.

Number 3 Morena is a descent back but what happened to him is he got to watching espn and looking at the pictures in the newspaper Lol and forgot to play the game. He will never be an everydown back in the NFL kick returner 3rd down back at most. 3yrs and he will be back in new jersey standing on the street corner. So let him go Caleb King and Asher Allen are better.

Number 4 Cmr is not a head coach. He is a great oc and that is what he should go back to. If he is to remain head coach he needs to get a new dc like today. wm needs to go.

number 5 Georgia has only one solution if they truly want to win. With all the talent that comes to Athens we should be a consistant top 5 team.

GEORGIA NEEDS TO EAT CROW AND GO AND GET THE ONE AND ONLY VISOR KING IF THEY WANT TO WIN!!!!!!!!!

STEVE SPURRIER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Doug

November 30, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Coach Richt is always looking to protect Martinez. We are not looking for someone to blame. We are looking for accountability. To many penalties, missed reads, blown assignments and sloppy tackling plus five games over 35 points equals poor coaching. If Richt does not hold his staff accountble for their performance we will eventually be looking at his management style with great care.

By Dawghouse1011

November 30, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Congrats to Ga Tech…Dawgs under achieved again…We got blown off the ball all day long on both sides…Defensive and Special teams need massive overhauls.Both sides of the of the line are way too soft.Our freshman kicker can’t kick the ball between the lines on kickoffs….This group of guys need to spend the off season working hard to get better.Love the Dawgs always….get back to work in the off season boys!!

By S.E. Dawg

November 30, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Folks, Mark Richt is not going to assign blame in public especially in front of all the media.

In his gut he knows what he needs to do but I’m not sure his mind will give in to do it.

By jack

November 30, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

I totally agree that Moreno is significantly over-hyped as a teammate. He should be called “no-show” moreno. How many games does he execute a spectacular run then taps his helmet. He plays 1 or 2 plays,,,then taps out. All to pad his stats. He may be a good pro, he is a periodically spectacular college player, but he is no teammate. See you Matt Stafford…you deserved better.

By Road Scholar

November 30, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Maybe it wasn’t coaching, but discipline? Most missed assignments against Tech’s offense is from being out of position. You can coach until the DAWGs go home (with a loss), but the players have to execute. Look at Massaquo’s improvement from last year; he executed.

Maybe if the UGA players stayed out of the bars and liquor stores, and go to classes (is that an oxymoron?), and practice, then maybe you’d have the discipline it takes to win the tough ones.

UGA played hard and the offense was inpressive. Tech executed with discipline. THWG

By John

November 30, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

You play a team that is ranked 3rd or 4th in the Nation in rushing and you blame giving up 400 yards on your coaching and defense??? You UGA fans are in true denial. Our offense is expected to get 300-400 yards a game. Against everyone - UGA included. Most teams do like you - they stop the runs for a short period but after a team runs on you 60 times, there are some mental letdowns. That is why this GT offense is so good. One lapse and the running back is carting down the field for a 60 yard touchdown run. The 3rd quarter was, by far, the most exciting thing I have ever seen. I have rewatched it 3 times already. I may just watch it again. My favorite though was that mid-50’s, bald headed local (who probably never even went to college) with his bald head painted. That, to me, exemplified why I am GT and not UGA!!!

By Goldminer

November 30, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry you had to actually sit down and write something. I’m sure the “Jackets fall short again” article that you were going to send in after the game is now in the electronic waste basket. You picked the easiest target, congratulations to you. Yes, U(sic)GA lost because of coaching. It was the SUPERIOR coaching at Georgia Tech.

By Junkyard Dawg '00

November 30, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Dunwoody Dawg states…

‘If CMR doesn’t make some key changes and put the team above his personal friendships and loyalties (read: Willie Martinez), it’s his employment that will have to be evaluated. Leaders have to make tough choices to be successful. That’s just the way it is.’

Wake up Mark Richt… We UGA fans may get a little restless at times but this one is easy… Defense and Special teams coach have got to go. NOW.

By Ga idiocy

November 30, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Ga fans are still calling the acc weak. I swear these are the biggest braindead zombie fans i’ve ever seen. they cannot accept the truth. who has bama beaten? they are going to get crushed by fla. there is one great team in the sec. bama is not one of them. here’s a little acc sec report card for these morons talking crap about the acc. man you are really in denial about your conference. the acc just proved today it would go 3-1 in a league challenge. Tech 45 Ugay 42 Clemson 31 South poop 14 Wake 23 Vandy 10 Fla 45 Fsu 15

yep u sure dominated you uga idiots. nice tough conference. who did you beat? you didn’t beat one ranked team. you get it now? expect ga tech domination over the next 10 years.

By T-rock

November 30, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Did the Dawg call in show end early yesterday? Zeir or Zaire or whatever his name is and Williamson showed great class to all the Dawg nation paying the bills. Eric is the one that called CPJ’s offense “High School”, but can’t take the heat when fans call!!!! You two guys SUC!!!! I almost forgot about Loran -What a joke!! Can Coach MR try to control his ASSistant coaches during the game - come on fighting and bickering on the sidelines!!! All in all a great day to be a DAWG!! I won’t say too much this year because this is only the first win in what is sure to be a better rivalry - GO FALCONS!!! LORAN what you got??” “Well Larry……..

By David

November 30, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Regarding the defense and what tried to pass for tackling, when was the last time Georgia scored 42 at home and lost? Erk is surely shaking his head.

By m

November 30, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Ugags loss did fall on coaching…but it was Tech’s coaching. The firing of the worst coach in the history of the world and the hiring of possibly the best coach in the country is what made the difference in this game. THANK GOD AND GREYHOUND THAT CHAN GAILEY IS GONE FOREVER!!!!

By Kay

November 30, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Hey…even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and then.

By JimDawg

November 30, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Is there a way to send the players to the bowl and leave the coaches at home?

By Ray-GSU86

November 30, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

I don’t think UGA was over-rated, they were over-confident, all season long. That is what happens when a group of 18-22 year olds start reading the hype. Even the AJC, the paper in the SAME TOWN as GT, ran “Know Your Bulldogs” all season long. Every Sunday, the AJC always devoted more coverage of UGA then GT. So they spend the summer reading about themselves and how great they are. This team is full of un-disciplined, immature, ego-maniacal athletes, and the coaching staff should have reeled them in long ago. When your team starts getting arrested weekly, you have problems, and the coaching staff did nothing.

That being said, I HATE UGA, and was thrilled they got beat. The Alabama game should have been a wake up call.

By sr citizen dawg

November 30, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Lewis Grizzard would not be happy. UGA does not have the leadership, system, discipline nor the talent to achieve championship levels. Does coach Jocullan know football ?

By buddyroe

November 30, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

UGA could/should have hired Paul Johnson after he won his 2nd National Championship at GSU. They were ignorant like the rest of the major college teams and made the “safe” choice. If PJ been hired at UGA when Richt was hired, UGA would have 2 or 3 NCs by now. But, UGA is now STUCK. They’ve got a coach who is good enough to win 9 to 11 games a year and keep his job, but will obviously NEVER win the big games. UGA is one notch above where they were with Goff (most don’t rememeber how good the Dawgs were in ‘92). At least when UGA lost 2 games in ‘92, the losses were close and respectable. In ‘95 (the year Goff was fired), UGA encountered more key injuries than I ever recall happening to a team. But, UGA sold their soul to the devil to win a NC. First with Donnan (who BTW was GSU’s ARCH enemy) and then with Richt. PJ was at least a little related to the UGA family. He had mentored under the great Erk Russell at GSU. But, UGA had NO WISDOM. Now the curse is a just above mediocre team FOREVER. And it’s not like PJ was 2000 miles away - he was right here in the state winning NCs at GSU. Not just winning, but dominating. But all you UGA fans with all your wisdom said “that offense” will never work at this level. Well, it worked. And it beat you yesterday. Your defensive coordinator did not lose that game for you - a great coach OUTCOACHED your mediocre coaches. Not just with his offensive scheme, but with his ability to coach players and motivate them to give 100% effort, 100% of the time. The man is a football general and UGA was too blind to see it, even with him RIGHT IN THEIR BACKYARDS. Congratulations GT on your great win and for having the wisdom to see past an offensive scheme.

By Karen

November 30, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Folks: Thank G*d this is a game! The rivalry predates most of our lives on earth. As a diehard Bulldog, I have Tech friends. These young men played their hearts out - on both sides. Their coaches worked hard. There were no life-threatening injuries that we know of.

The day after always starts the “search for the guilty.” Isn’t it wonderful that the worst thing we have to complain about is who won, or lost a football game? Please get your heads out of your backsides and look at the world around you. Next year there will be more turkey, and another football game.

We’re alive, and this great rivalry of headbutting and antler clicking will continue. Both teams played well.

As an armchair fan, its so easy to make a judgement, but I know from experience that the game looks different on the field. Let’s be thankful for two great institutions, and two great teams.

Go Dawgs! Congrats to the Jackets! Just wait till next year!

By Edwin

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

To Gordon, Excellent comment. Others should follow your example of honesty as opposed to being the prototypical Monday morning QB.

By 45-42

November 30, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Quit complaining about our coaches, Georgia is not that good. We still got the longest streak, 8!!!!

THWG!!!!!!!!!

By dawgfan

November 30, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Its a hard loss, but congratulations to GA Tech and a good season. Georgia clearly had the better talent, but lacks discipline and coaching on the defensive side of the ball. I think it is time to make a change at defensive coordinator. Special teams also needs to be revitalized.. if we don’t kick it out of bounds everybody seems to get good returns, I think it is time to consider a change there. Offensively we lack leadership, our offense is better than any other in the nation when we need to score points and they are focused. But if we have a lead they will stop playing. I think Stafford needs more time to develop. I hate to mention Tebow, but I think he found it after losing to Ole Miss. thats the drive that stafford needs to find. GO DAWGS!! Lets take the Bowl win in January and come back stronger next year.

By TNTOPDAWG

November 30, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

You people kill me. Both sides. Everyone is shocked when I tell people when asked that Tech is the most hated rival. 14 out of 18 and two of those were before replay and would be overturned had it been in play. Do your research before you comment on that. I have copies of the games and it was pretty clear. So how do you believe that 1 win against a team who lost 1/3 of their starting defense to injury this season is domination. Yes the bulldogs can’t tackle but that does not equal any kind of domination. That is why I hate Tech. You win one game by 3 points and all of a sudden it has become a series that you are going to dominate. As for the UGA fans. You drank the koolaid of the media in the off season. #1, what made us #1? The media and a dominate performance over a team that did not deserve to be in a BCS bowl last year. Our coaches are fine. We have players and will continue to have players. We will always own the Tech series. Mark Richt is one of the best coaches is college football period. His record in his tenure at UGA is proof in the pudding. His work with these young men off the field is phenomenal. And you will bring up off the field problems. That is all you have heard about. Find how important he has been to other players who listened to him and followed his guidance. I think you will find he is a pretty remarkable person. I am dawg fan and will always be a dawg fan. I will always dislike Tech more than any other. Go Dawgs!

By Dawgforlife

November 30, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Well said. In my job, I am evaluated and my employment is based not only on the good I do, but also by my failures. I can exceed expectations 95% of the time, but if I consistently do not meet expectations 5% of time on a yearly basis. I will be terminated for my lack of success on the 5% of time. Martinez should be evaluated the same way and thus be fired immediately. Likewise for Richt, he’s got to realize that 2 and 6 against Florida is not just how the game is played, in the professional world it would be seen as not meeting expectations. Sometimes in life you have to face the truth and hurt some feelings. That’s just life.

By 45-42

November 30, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Quit complaining about your coaches, Georgia is just not that good. See you guys in Atlanta next year!

THWG!!!!!!!!!

By 45-42

November 30, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Quit complaining about your coaches, Georgia is just over-rated. See you guys in Atlanta next year!

THWG!!!!!!!!!

By 45-42

November 30, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Quit complaining about your coaches, Georgia is just over-rated. See you guys in Atlanta next year!

THWG!!!!!!!!!

By 45-42

November 30, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Quit complaining about your coaches, Georgia is just over-rated. See you guys in Atlanta next year!

THWG!!!!!!!!!

By Penny

November 30, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Our son, who is an excellent student and athlete, thought he might want to consider Georgia Tech. After sitting next to the Tech students yesterday he informed us he would never go to Tech with those “geeks.” His Dad and I had never made anything but positive comments about what a good school (like UGA) Tech is. Funny that (at 15) he figured it out all by himself! After the game, we found a drunk/stoned? Tech student wandering around the housing projects lost and confused. Did we leave him there, vulnerable as he was? No, two different groups of Georgia fans stopped to help him (his mobile phone battery was dead and he couldn’t call his friends). We convinced him to let us at least take him downtown where people were (which he finally did)! I seriously doubt if any Tech fan would have done the same for a UGA fan. They win once in 8 years and now are talking total domination. What a joke!

By stuart

November 30, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

this is such sweet reading material…watching you dawg fans turn on each other and your program…it gives me such pleasure

please, continue and…is anyone planning on prosecuting that tech player with that stolen hedge in his mouth?

the guy on the team that owned you and then ate your b*** a* hedge hahahahahahahahahahahahaha

this is rich(t)

By Jaguar

November 30, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Perhaps the Bulldogs needed an extra extra week to prepare for that “high school offense”.

By dawgthabootyhunter

November 30, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

It would disappoint me greatly if CMR doesn’t clean house before next year. WM is a joke and the team has lost its swagger, big time. How would everyone feel if CMR let WM go and hired Chavis from UT as D-coordinator?

By bobthefirechief

November 30, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Here’s a thought to all of us GAWGA fans who are fed up with Richt and Martinez call the following public numbers and demand change

President Adams office number 706-542-1214

Athletic Director Evans 706-542-9037

Wanna Bee a Head Coach who will not fire anyone Richt 706-542-1307

These numbers come right off the UGA website and they say contact us if you have any questions. So let’s make our displeasure known to them directly, if you don’t call them and tell them firmly but respectfully then you can’t whine. Here’s our chance!

By Angry Dawg

November 30, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Two words: FIRE WILLIE…he is the reason for UGA’s 3 pathetic losses this season and if it wasn’t for a good offense we’d be 6-6 easily. Willie sucks!!! Wake up CMR!!!

By lisa

November 30, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

By MAYORBOB

November 29, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

TALKED WITH A MEMBER OF THE UGA ATHLETIC STAFF LAST NIGHT…HE SAID..KNOWSHON HAS NOT GONE TO CLASS IN 2 MONTHS….HE’S GONE..

Okay, this is a big fat lie for two reasons. One, our student worker has classes with Knowshon and he is there. Two, if he had been missing that many classes he would have not been playing. That is a NCAA RULE! Also, he would have been dropped from his classes at the midpoint if he had missed that many days. Not all classes keep roll but for athletes roll is kept. He may leave yes, and the way our fans are fair weather fans, I would leave too!

By PTC DAWG

November 30, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Congrats to GT. You earned it. You put up 45 and won the game.

Best of luck to you in your Bowl…

By Kyle

November 30, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

I like Mark Richt personally but until and unless we get to the point where we don’t worry about hurting other teams feelings by scoring to much and really take care of business like real teams do then it will be rare we have a chance at the SEC title game and no chance at a national title. This isn’t Pro where all that matters is just a win you have to go for the throat.

By mythbuster

November 30, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Another reason why polls, before (at the earliest) mid-October, are a joke. In August, Georgia had what most thought was the nation’s toughest schedule. They finished 9-3 and didn’t defeat a team currently in the top 25. Those preseason “experts” really know their stuff……also, no more talk of SEC greatness. You have two solid teams and the rest are mediocre…and I believe that you are 6-4 against the ACC for 2008.

By John

November 30, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Penny, your son is an idiot - like you. You should be sending him to the best school. Maybe you didn’t catch the GT - Un of Miami game on the 20th. We had a fly-by. Not the typical one - this one was the Space Shuttle. It had 3 GT alum on it fool!! That’s right - 3 GT in Space - 11 UGA in Jail. Send all your kids to UGA - the school and you deserve it for being so assinine.

By Ed Williams

November 30, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

What I most don’t understand, and I’m being serious, is why UGA caters to an overall ignorant fan base. It’s a good school with tons of achievements, but they deliberately market their football program to a bunch of clueless rednecks who never even went to school there, witness some of these posts. These people can’t even spell the words to convey the venom they want to spout towards their previously “beloved” coaches - Richt, Martinez, and others.

The truth? Georgia has never gotten over 1980, has a sense of entitlement to national glory dating back to that, and has done nothing to earn said glory since. Mark my words - Coach Johnson is just getting started, wait until he gets a couple of recruiting classes under his belt.

I’ll sum it up like this - Paul Johnson is now “The Man.”

By Ray-GSU86

November 30, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Something for you Dog fans to ponder over the long off-season;

Did you beat a quality opponent all year?

Man, I bet their were some beatings in the trailer parks last night!

And Penny, it is too bad your son will pass up a quality education at a quality school because of some Tech fans. Next game, sit in the UGA side. I am sure there are no drunks at UGA games. They are all in jail.

By SEC Football

November 30, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Give GT credit that they wanted it more than we did. Our defense cannot execute for an entire 60 minutes and this comes from coaching. I am not jumping on the bandwagon because the stats for this year speak for themselves. You do not give up this many points in as many games as we did and say there are not issues. We had injuries on the D-line but the problem has been in the secondary. Poor tackling and soft coverage have been a problem all year. Need to get some of the D-backs we are recruiting. Moreno has not been overhyped and everyone will see if he goes in the draft. he will probably be a top 15 pick. Stafford will also be the top 1 or 2 QB drafted. We will still be good offensively going forward and the recruits. I believe Joe Cox has one more year and he will surprise some people.This will give the young guys a year to get ready and learn the system.Rodney Garner and Stacy Searls have done outstanding jobs with the lines. We need a hitter in the secondary. Congrats to Tech as this should make the rivalry that much better in the years ahead. Dogs winning the SEC division and Tech the ACC division would make this the best game in the nation. We have a lot to do before we can get to that point!!!

By 89EAGLE

November 30, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Any Nerd that gets on this blog and says UGA will have a hard time beating Tech over the next several years and that Tech is going to be a better program than Georgia is VERY delusional. Georgia beat themselves in the game today. Georgia had won 7 in a row. My goodness, you can’t win every year. Enjoy it while you can techmites, cause it won’t last. Also, “tech showed class”? What a dumb statement. Their coach is a slob who constantly yells, spits and moans on the sideline and their players talk trash and rip up the hedges after they win. If that is class, I don’t ever want my kids to be in that school. Lawdawg Your team got out coached by a better coach than CMR. I wonder if you if you practice in south ga. PJ coached circles around your boy from FSU.

By big dawg 5410

November 30, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

I’m beginning to wonder if GA can ever reach the pinnacle with Richt as coach. Is he tough enough? We will see. If he has the guts to fire or at least demote his buddy Martinez and fire the special teams coach, then maybe he has what it takes. If not, then maybe Evans needs to stsrt thinking about a new had coach. This team did not improve as the season progressed. If anything, it regressed. The defensive coaching was a joke as was special teams. It is time to make some major changes!

By Ed

November 30, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Just before everyone starts to pile on Mark Richt just remember that before he got to Athens, the Georgia football program hadn’t won an SEC Title since 1982. Before he became coach in at Georgia the Bulldogs hadn’t beaten Tennessee in Knoxville since Ronald Reagan was President. The Georgia football team is in the best hands that it can possibly be in right now. Mark Richt wins and loses with dignity and carries himself with the utmost character even in the most trying of times. He has averaged 11 wins per season in his 8 years as coach something we thought we’d never see again during the Goff and Donnan era. The one thing that Georgia has lacked pretty much all season is a disciplinarian on defense. Coach Willie Martinez doesn’t have the demeanor with the defense that Brian Van Gorder had because opposing offenses feared Van Gorder’s defenses. Our best bet is to find another tough hearted Defensive Coordinator and give Martinez a different role such as Defensive backs coach, he did a much better job with a more defined role during Van Gorder’s tenure. And as for Georgia Tech, lest you forget that yesterday was the first time you had beaten Georgia in oh like 8 years, and you can have Paul Johnson and his wishfulbone offense all you want I’ll take Mark Richt anyday and beat you 7 our of 8 times.

By MB

November 30, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

It seems that Mr. Bradley is correct over the lack of an “edge” and discipline this year. The best execution against a decent Div I team was the W at LSU and even that seems less than impressive after seeing them strugle for the rest of the year against lesser teams. The preseason ranking was obviously way off the mark, perhaps we are becoming the SEC version of Notre Dame, OVER RATED or perhaps the Atlanta Braves of the 90’s where we win a lot of games that we should win, hear great things about the talent of the recruiting classes, and never live up to expectations. CMR = Bobby Cox. great guys that everyone loves, produce good to very good results, lots of wins but just can’t win the big ones consistently.
It’s interesting that Alabama and Florida have coaches with less tenure at their schools than CMR but are both poised to be more successful in a shorter period of time esp with the talent CMR has had. I suggest the staff spend more effort on recruiting for Def players as they have on Off. Clearly it’s needed.

By roswell dad

November 30, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

BAMA STAN: YOUR BEAT DOWN COMES THIS SATURDAY. DON”T BE TELLING US WHAT PROBLEMS WE HAVE AT UGA…OBVIOUSLY IT TOOK YOU A WHILE TO GET THE PEOPLE AT ALABAMA TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THE BAMA PROGRAM OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS…AFTER SATURDAY YOU WILL NEED TO GET A PAD AND PENCIL AND WRITE DOWN WHAT THE BAMA BOYS NEED TO DO TO COMPETE WITH THE BEST….DOGS HAVEN’T LOST TO LOUISIANA MONROE YET…

By John

November 30, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

89EAGLE, the loss hurt that much huh? Too bad for you!!

By dawg bone 5410

November 30, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Does Richt have the guts to get rid of his buddy Martinez? This was the worst job of defensive coaching I’ve ever seen. The whole season was a fiasco. The special teams coach needs to go too. If Richt won’t do it, Evans needs to.

By charlottedawg

November 30, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

As a UGA grad and lifelong Dawg fan I must say I am totally disgusted with the coaching staff - I have been hanging with CMR while many have been laying blame on him but this is it…If he doesn’t get rid of Willie prior to the beginning of next year and get a more agressive style on defense- I will call for getting rid of the whole d*mn lot of ‘em and get someone who can coach How can a UGA team with so much talent give up sooo many points week after week??? FIRE WILLIE FIRE WILLIE NOW!

By Dean Marshall

November 30, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

As a proponent of football plantations and producing piece parts for the NFL, I propose that we lower our entrance reuirewments at UGA further to draw in those boys who can’t make the already low entrance hurdle.

We have to do something. I read a quote from Paul Johnson where TECH only competed with us for five recruits this year. They get the bright, go-to-class students. We get the mules who have to be shepherded to class.

I am afraid our corporation is is dire straits ……

Dean Marshall School of Business UGA

By Wounded Dawg

November 30, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

I reaize that Coach Richt and Coach Martinez go way back, but the defensive collapse this year is simply unacceptable. When you score 42 points in your home stadium you should win every time. What I wittnessed yesterday was an undiscipline and unfocused defense and special teams that caused us to the lose the game. Never under Erk of Van Gorder would this travesty have transpired. I think Coach Martinez is a good person, but at some point the coaches have to be held accountable for the lack of fundamentals and lack of preparation. The time has come for Willie to go. People can say that the talent isn’t there, but that is a bunch of bull. Look at what Coach Sereals has done with a young offensive line. You’ve got to get the most out of the players you’ve got and Willie just isn’t getting the job done. I realize and appreciate that this is a difficult decision for Coach Richt, but it is one that MUST be made. Until we can field a top level defense, we’re never going to compete for a championship and that is a fact. I’m a lifelong dawg fan and UGA graduate and I’ll always support my beloved Dawgs, but change is needed at the defensive coordinator position and change is needed now.

By Todd

November 30, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

I loved see richt jump up and down with his players like he’s at a rap concert. That was some real coaching.

By GT78

November 30, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

You were right on with it comes down to coaching, Mark. I have watched a lot of high school girl’s basketball coaches the last few years, and I watched one in a particular for 4 years. He had talent on his team, but he never understood that it’s not about the talent, but how you get the best out of all the players on your team, and you create “chemistry”. He could never do that, because all he saw were the “princesses” on the team, which there were three. He never got the buy in from the other 7 players on his team, thus he always had a mediocre team.

The same thing happened yesterday, Coach Johnson doesn’t have any “princes” on his team, he sees them all the same, and he gets on all their cases when they don’t do the best they can, but also gives them all credit when they do their best. That’s what the best coaches do, they manage to get the best performance out of every player on their team.

You can call it heart, or whatever you want, but the GT team wins and looses together, as a team. That’s what was missing at UGAG this year.

By GADAWGFAN

November 30, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

What a joke listening to these tech fans. They win one game in the last (8) years and they have the dominating team. Give me a break… Thats exactally what the officals did in the first half for tech. Intentional grounding and bogus holding calls, Your very luckly this year but GA STILL OWNS YOU LITTLE BEES AND WILL SPANK YOU NEXT YEAR.

By UGA OWNS US

November 30, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

I think the gt rbs just false started again. It wasn’t called ONCE! Neither was the obvious block in the back on the first play of the 3rd Q. ACC refs weren’t going to let gt lose

By GADAWGFAN

November 30, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

What a joke listening to these tech fans. They win one game in the last (8) years and they have the dominating team. Give me a break… Thats exactally what the officals did in the first half for tech. Intentional grounding and bogus holding calls, Your very luckly this year but GA STILL OWNS YOU LITTLE BEES AND WILL SPANK YOU NEXT YEAR.

By Wyld Byll Hyltnyr

November 30, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Let’s get real. Georgia beats the teams it should and loses to the teams it should. Tech was the best team ikn the ACC and Georgia couldn’t beat them. The “talent” at Georgia is way overrated, Stafford couldn’t start for half the Big 12 teams (that’s why he wasn’t a priority recruit in his home region) and Moreno is no DeMarcus Murray. Georgia is what it always has been (except for the Herschel anonamaly) a secon tier football power.

By AJ

November 30, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

I cannot remember a team as overrated as UGA was. From the day they were named pre-season #1, I constantly wondered, “what do the sports writers and coaches know that I don’t?” And it turns out, they knew a lot less than I did. I knew UGA was not #1.

By AFDawg

November 30, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

I thought I would never say this — if Coach Richt doesn’t have the balls to fire Martinez and Fabris, then he needs to go too. Richt is the nice guy in the “good cop - bad cop scenario”. We’re missing the bad cop. Someone like Erk Russell or Brian Van Gorder who can motivate and instill the killer instinct. I’m tired of seeing our defense play like a bunch of pansies. If everything stays the way it is right now, does everyone realize what we’re looking at down the road? We’re looking at a seven game win streak by the Jackets and the overall series being even with the Gators in eight years. Why don’t we get John Chavois from Tennessee? I think the 2008 Bulldogs have broken my back. I think I’m over my obsession with Bulldog football. I just can’t bear to watch anymore — it’s too draining on my heart and blood pressure. It would be one thing if the team had inferior talent and played their hearts out, but for this talent to lose the way they have — I can’t take it anymore. I’m not going to torture myself during the bowl game. I would certainly hope Georgia turns down the Capital One Bowl. With Georgia’s current frame of mind — they’ll get embarassed by OSU or MSU. As for Knowshon and Stafford — thanks for the memories and good luck in the NFL.

By Carl

November 30, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Okay first off, congrats to Tech, looks like you have a good coach in Johnson. Hope he doesn’t get soft over time. Now for UGA. This is a talented team, sure there have been some injuries, but that was on the offense mostly. What I see or more correctly don’t see is that killer instinct in this team. How many games did Georgia play this season where they let a team that they were overwhelming in stats stay in the game with a chance to win late in the game. Against Tech, they’re up by 16 starting the second half and then fell flat. They had Tech on the ropes and didn’t keep punching. Then there are the games against Alabama and Florida where they didn’t even come out with a any attitude. This is about coaching, this is about not being mister nice guy and instead putting a on the field a bunch of foaming at the mouth chomping at the bit young men knowing that they can crush any team that opposes them. We saw some of that last year, but no where to be seen this year. If we don’t get that attitude like Alabama and Florida have, and what Tech had on Saturday then we will be always be a 10-2,8-3 team.

By Scoreboard man

November 30, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

A team takes on the personallity of the Head Coach. Mark Richt is: laid back, un-emotional, slow to make a quick decision. Sounds like our defense! 1. No discipline 2. No focus 3. No special teams play (We cannot keep a kick off in bounds 4. No passion 5. No heart

Mark Richt said a week or so ago that Tom Landry and Don Shula were pretty good coaches. Yes, however, they were at the PRO level where men are paid to get the job done or be fired.

College is not the Pro’s and you need not try to Coach a 18-20 year like they are in the NFL.

By Terrorist Roommate

November 30, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Our tickle piles last night were awesome! I hope the refs let us get away with everything again next year!

I’m a ramblin wreck from georgia tech and a helluva happy queer!

By Bamaboy

November 30, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Roswell Dad

Just another day at the office for the MUTTS from Loserville, GA. Nobody scaried of FL but you MUTTS. You know what UGarbage MUTTS needs to trade places with GA Tech and go to the ACC. One other thing, U UGA fans wish you were in Bama-FL position. Stop writing on the blog with you all JV HIGH SCHOOL DEFENSE at UGARBAGE MUTTS. So enjoy the Independence BOWL in Louisiana UGArbage. Flat out GA is WEAK. Since the SEC Championship game started the in ‘92. BAMA-FL HAS PLAYED IN THE MOST. WIN OR LOSE WE ARE THERE. SO COME AND VISIT US NEXT AT OUR GA(AL) DOME. BAMA 2-0 IN YOUR STATE THIS YEAR. U ALL SHOULD BE A SHAME TO ROOT uga.

ROLL TIDE!!!!

By tim

November 30, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

i love your column today. this is the same guy you were ready to anoit the greatest coach in the history of football. this team was cheated last yr and should have played for a nat title despite not winning their division much less the SEC. lets face it you hired a dirt bag 7 yrs ago a man who set some of the classied people i ever had the privilage of rooting against back 100 yrs,with his actions in the 2007 Ga Fla game. so you all want some chess with that wine? for the UGA faithful my age and older in my 50’s i apologize if i offend you but to the me generation 20-35 you are getting what you deserve. enjoy atl for the peach bowl

By DAWG BAWLZ

November 30, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

FUQUE TECH, FUQUE MARTINEZ…AND FUQUE RICHT.

BUT MOSTLY THE FIRST TWO.

GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Nerd

November 30, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

I guess Tech’s “flag football offense” can work against the mighty SEC. I can’t help but be pleased that the arrogant UGA fan base has been knocked down a few levels. I guess this isn’t “your year”… yet again. Maybe next year, right?

By harvardblue

November 30, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Been saying it for years: CMR is not a great coach. He’s a good one, but not great. Too many runs up the middle on 3rd and 8+. You just can win like that. He had his eye on the FSU job all along. He wanted UGA to be decent at best. He couldn’t have them doing too well because that would have hurt FSU’s chances of raiding the talent in South GA. (UF has since taken that over). Of course UGA doesn’t even recruit the south GA area. A point that Richt picked up on when he was at FSU. He thought Bowden would have been gone by now and he would be HC at FSU. Oh well, so much for UGA hype for the next 5 years. Hello mediocrity.

By IceDawg

November 30, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Incredible! One mediocre season and the arm chair experts, the real coaching geniuses, have come up with the most simplistic analysis and solution one could possibly make. The results of this season for UGA are probably the result of both less talented individuals at key defensive positions as well as a failure in coaching execution. But I hardly believe that one mediocre season is enough reason to suggest such. Most of the comments above sound like 2 year old spoiled brats. Definitely a lack of humility.

By Mark Bradley

November 30, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Mark Richt is a good coach. I think we all — well, most of us — can agree on that. But did Richt and his staff maximize the talent of this particular team? I’d say no. But you’re free to disagree.

By Housebroken Dawg

November 30, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Keep Coach Searles at all costs and let the others go. We may need to get a replacement for UGA VII before it’s over. He seems too mild mannered, too. He’s nowhere near what UGA VI was. So that’s where we are. A Pollyanna head coach that’s content with the program and can’t see the forest for the trees. I’m not wasting money on season tickets next year because there’s no reason to believe we’ll be winning many games. I hope we sit out a bowl. After watching Texas, Oklahoma, Southern Cal, Texas Tech, Florida, and Alabama, we simply are not on their level. We don’t have the athletes, even though many fans were fooled into believing we did, and we don’t have the coaching.

By Dawg Fan

November 30, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Fellow Dawg fans, it isnt the coaches fault,we are just the trash of the SEC. We get all of the left over crap that the real schools in the SEC dont want. We continue to say yes to thugs that dont care about the team, it is hard to coach thugs. Maybe we will have another top ten thug recruiting class and be ranked high again next season.

By jacketnation

November 30, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Thanks for that article Mark Bradley. This will be a season to remember; with UGA giving up over 400 yards rushing to the “lesser team”. We could not handle their receivers, but that was expected with a patched up secondary playing as man as three true freshman. But the over confident smass “A” dawgs got their hedges handed two them when the day was done. The triple option won’t work in 2008? Tell a bumble bee he can’t fly. Or better yet, tell a Yellow Jacket it can’t sting; in the rain, in Athens, tween’ the hedges.

By Dawg Fan

November 30, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Fellow Dawg fans, it isnt the coaches fault,we are just the trash of the SEC. We get all of the left over crap that the real schools in the SEC dont want. We continue to say yes to thugs that dont care about the team, it is hard to coach thugs. Maybe we will have another top ten thug recruiting class and be ranked high again next season.

By Pequod

November 30, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

It’s interesting how these overpaid, millionaire PE teachers, (also known as football coaches) receive “incentives” for winning this and that, the conference championship, a bowl game. Now will the bible thumping Mark Richt receive a pay cut for underachieving? I suggest that he does and the university can then turn the money over to the real functions of a higher education in teaching and research.

If so, then maybe my department will be able to offer a scholarship to its top incoming graduate student this year instead of waiting to see if we can find the money. And then we won’t have to see him go to Emory instead.

By Dead Munson

November 30, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Richtus needs to be fired. Right now. So he can devote more time to pimpin’ trux and sticking his tongue down his diseased skank’s thoat. Oh, to be sure, this is a minority opinion. NOW. However, after 1 or 2 more losses to tekmites, he’ll be as popular as Ray Goof and Don-nat.

By Jay

November 30, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

In order to be a great team in the SEC you must have a great defense. Our defense has lacked fire since the departure of players like David Pollack and Thomas Jones. I am as dissapointed as anyone with this season, but I am still extremely happy with Richt’s overall job at UGA. However, part of being a great head coach is making tough decisions. Our defense needs a new start after this season and that has to start at the top.

By KLG

November 30, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

As a UGA graduate who doesn’t actually hate Tech, I thought it was an interesting game. But wading through the insanity in this comment thread (except for the commenter who reminds us that back in the day there were an awful lot of “Dump Dooley” bumper stickers) reminds that this is the one day of the year I miss Lewis Grizzard. Even his famous “white space” column was more interesting than what the internet hat wrought. Get a life, everybody (i.e., UGA fans). It’s just football.

By Mr Real

November 30, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

To put things in perspective on Martinez:

Van Gorder’s defense gave up 154 points the entire season (not counting the bowl game) his final year at UGA. The most he gave up in any one game the entire season was 28 (opening day). His defense got stronger as the season progressed and allowed less than 20 points 8 times.

Martinez’s defense this year gave up 307 total points. The most he gave up in any one game was 49. Opponents scored more than 30 five times. The defense got weaker and gave up almost as many points its last 5 games as Van Gorder’s did the entire season (144).

I shutter to think what our record would be without our 385 points on offense. Coach Richt is no dummy. Martinez will be gone.

By War Eagle

November 30, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

There has been several additional bloggers since I wrote my first in 2004. From 2006-08, being second fan behind Auburn, I stressed now obvious UGA talent was not sufficient or position coaching was not present. Its a little of both, Auburn, Tenn and LSU are basically in the same boat EXCEPT UGA with its high profile offense, something the above schools lack. You win BIG GAMES on defense, UGA needs help on that side of the ball as does Auburn. If Stafford and Moreno leave UGA, Tenn and Auburn will be replaced by Ole Miss Bama and South Carolina as top SEC teams along with Florida, LSU

By next year...as always with the dogs...

November 30, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

eightinarow….still belongs to Tech!

MoMass will be making big bucks next year!

By Grammy Dawg

November 30, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Coach Richt is right everyone wants to blame someone when they loose. Let us blame someone then! The players. They came back and just quit playing their assigned positions in the third quarter. The coaches have had a lot of hurddles to cross with this group of players this year and the blame should be placed on the ones responsible the players. This coaching staff has been togather for most of our victories and are coaching this group as the past group of players you can teach all you want but if a student does not respond maybe you need to find a student that really wants to learn and would benefit from the prizes of the class like a scholarship and put the unwilling student out. It is not the coaches. It all comes down to the one playing the game. Stafford leaving let him go but will the reason be for the money or will he stay and show some things in life are more important to a person than money. Leadership, true to oneself and finally a victory. I see the bull dawg nation rising above this season to a better season. Everyone knew we had a tuff schedule injuries arrest deaths we have had a lot on our plate and I for one think our coaching staff has done the best they could with what you had to work with. As the song goes The Hell with Georgia Tech and all the rest!!! Go Dawgs!

By jacketnation

November 30, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Yes, you do recruit thugs and not only that; shortly after arriving on campus they get their fake student ID; the one that says their 21. It’s accepted at all 52 bars in Athens. Athlete drunkness is a common problem in Athens but what do you expect when there’s a bar for every 75’ of side walk. We don’t have anywhere close to the problem at Tech as you do at UGAG. Congrats to CPJ who is a better coach than any other in the land. He has won everywhere he has coached with his “it won’t work” triple option. He should win Coach of the Year without a doubt.

By Dickie Dawg

November 30, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Tech better enjoy Paul Johnson in the bowl game — then he’s off to Notre Dame after they fir the fat man.

By IceDawg

November 30, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Part of the problem contributing to unrealistic expectations is the recruiting hype that goes on. These are high school students. Who knows how they are really going to pan out until they get a year’s experience. Perhaps a class is not as talented as one is led to believe by the recruiting “experts.” UGA lacked size, speed and strength in key defensive positions and it showed. I think the players we had really tried hard but met opposition that was better, physically and skilled. There have been years in which UGA had the better players. Richt’s (and staff’s) coaching record speaks for itself. The greater variable is the players.

By fieldofdreams

November 30, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

For a guy who talks about Jesus so much, Richt doesn’t seem to care about the character of his recruits. We knew in August, with all the bad press in Athens, that this team was out of control, and badly overrated. Can anyone even guess how many Dawg players were arrested in Athens,(or anywhere else), this year? Only the police know for sure.

By T-rock

November 30, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

I tried to listen to the call in show last night but evidently Eric Z. and Williamson pulled the plug early - you guys should be FIRED!!! Can’t take the heat - get out of the booth!! You people must not know who the DAWGNATION is. I am a MAJOR contributor and if I want to call and B*** I WILL. If you guys aren’t gone my MONEY WILL BE!!!!!

By blackprix

November 30, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Come ON!

Give credit where credit is REALLY DUE —- to Paul Johnson, his staff and the players of Georgia Tech!

Not only was this a new coaching staff, a new offense but GT playing with ONLY 65 scholarships, lots of injuries, no depth, the youngest team in the ACC and a QB who has been bumped and bruised all year long!!

What happened to Georgia - they were beat by a team with lesser talent and depth at this particular time. They were beat by a better coaching staff who can only get better with their recruits and more depth with 85 scholarships coming back next year!

And, playing in Athens where Coach Richt doesn’t lose to out-of-conference foes? Hell no, this was not about GA THIS WAS ALL ABOUT how GT got it done despite the challenges stated above!

I can’t wait for Coach Johnson to have those 85 scholarships, the depth, the talent and the coaching … can you imagine!!

Georgia had

By PMC

November 30, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Mark it’s pretty obvious that they could find better help on defense in the coaching staff, but that’s been true since the first half of the Sugar Bowl against West Virginia when Martinez looked outclassed.

This team SERIOUSLY lacks talent on the defensive and offensive lines brought on by some early season enders and some players failing to step up and play.

I’m hoping this serious failure this season will end the puppy dog confidence this group had based on last seasons success, and perhaps they will learn to stop going out and finding new inventive ways to get arrested.

You say there isn’t a lack of talent? I disagree. Tech has 3 NFL caliber players on thier DL and a future pro bowler at safety in Burnett.

Georgia has 1 NFL caliber player at DT playing at the end of the year and a bunch of hopefuls. Thier secondary is TREMENDOUSLY overrated and they can’t tackle worth a crap. Perhaps UGA players should have been working on wrap drills instead of Tech.

You have to take your hats off to Tech, their people are less lauded, but I challenge you to tell me where UGA is MORE talented than Tech in more than WR, QB and RB. The rest of those kids look pretty close to equal or actually leaning to Tech.

By dawginduluth

November 30, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Mark Richt “loses with dignity.”

Mark Richt has “done better than Goff or Donnan [sic].”

Is that the bar set for Richt?

If so, this is pathetic.

We need a coach that coaches to get more out of his talent than they thought they could ever deliver. Not a “CEO” who surrounds himself with incompetents and defends their incompetence in a “dignified” manner.

We need a coach that knows how to teach the undisciplined discipline. When was FSU ever considered a disciplined team? Never. Hell, Richt doesn’t even know how to handle the rash of penalties. First, it was “you don’t want to throttle their aggressiveness.” Then, it was “we’re going to have to discipline the offenders.” That tells me he’s still learning on the job. You don’t pay $2.9 million for an on-the-job-training coach - that appears to be what we have here. For $2.9 million, there are plenty of other coaching options available that already know how to coach-up excellent raw talent.

Today’s game is more cerebral than ever before. Remember the old coach that said, “don’t think, react?” Those days are over. You’ve got to have some smarts in today’s game. Meyer and Saban are thinkers and teachers. Richt isn’t the brightest bulb, the sharpest knife and he now considers himself to be a “CEO” when we need a smart teacher, a real coach.

We can have a smart coach that can coach this talent to a national championship with character and dignity. And we won’t have to start him at $2.9 million. My fear is that Dooley and Evans won’t make the tough call. They’re happy with 8 or 9 wins and an occasional SEC banner. Dooley was.

By GatorJay

November 30, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Yes, It’s great to be a Florida Gator!!!! Go to hell, UGA!!! Ha,ha,ha - enjoy your butt kicking from OSU in the Capital One Bowl!!!

By dbc

November 30, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

This team is going backward in a big way. Stafford and Moreno have no reason to stay. Florida, Bama, and Tech will be even stronger next year. I predict recruiting will begin to suffer because no 4 or 5 star player in their right mind would want to play for an also ran with a limp noodle for a coach. Richt, you better do something and do it fast or you’ll be selling carpet full time. I simply cannot believe what these coaches have done with all the top five recruiting classes we have had over the last 3 or 4 years. The players not only look lost, but most of them lack any emotion or fire whatsoever. What happened to the team that dismantled Florida, Auburn and Hawaii last year? Did aliens steal our head coach and replace him with a giant stuffed bag of leaves? And where is that cardboard cutout of an AD when we need him? Damon, stop preaching about drinking and driving, jump out of the Jumbotron and do something. Anything! The two biggest sports, football and basketball are jokes. I guess we can all look forward to the Gymnastics or Equestrian seasons. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

By average dawg fan

November 30, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

the coaches let us down because waa waa waawaa waa

mark bradley has a biased opinion about waa waa waa waaaa waa

i only watch the dawgs so i have no idea how good CPJ and the triple option are so tech got lucky when they waa waa waawaa waaaa

i never set foot in athens except when the football team is playing, and i certainly didnt matriculate there so waa waa waaa waawaa waaaaaaaaa

to sum up, WAAA WAAAA WAAAA WAA WAAAA

By Mark

November 30, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

And the new ceo of walmart is a tech alum. Penny u are a lying idiot.

What impressed me was Johnson did all this was someone else’s recruits that didn’t even fit his offense. Wait until he gets his own recruits in, gets an o line that can also pass block and a qb that can throw consistently. We will be playing for a Nat Chamionship in 3 years. Watch.

By ATL GATOR

November 30, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Wait!! Isn’t this THE YEAR that Georgia was going to win it all? Then again all the puppy dog fans say this every year.

Face it. You need to start realizing that Georgia is an above average team with average coaching.

By mike

November 30, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

this is by far the worst loss in the CMR era…A trend of this team when they lose is to get down early and try to claw back (ex: alabama, west virginia, auburn 2004) but I cant recall a 16 point lead evaporating that quickly..TECH made the halftime adjustments and UGA coaches and players had no answers on the defensive side of the ball…To the offense, a great performance yesterday from the leaders to the offensive line, you deserved a much better fate…..

By Mark Bradley

November 30, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

I was talking to a prominent Bulldog of years past after the game, and we agreed on one point: The defense, which was thought to be smallish but quick and hard-hitting, rarely looked all that quick.

And here I affix my usual asterisk: Rennie Curran is the exception. Rennie Curran is a great player.

Somebody else who’s a terrific defender: Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan. He’s the youngest and the quietest member of that splendid front four, but Tech insiders have been saying all season that he might well be the best.

By Fred Jenkins

November 30, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

It was obviously a lack of coaching, and it boils down to the following things: an inability to form tackle, taking poor angles to the ball, alignment, taking on blocks properly, and being physically tough. This has been constant all season. Misalignment has cost Georgia at least 8 touchdowns this year. They can’t even line up correctly. Pitiful.

By ALW

November 30, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

First let me say that I’m glad that Ga Tech beat Georgia. I’m not a tech fan, but I do root against Georgia. And yesterday, Paul Johnson and the Jackets absolutely ran it down the throats of the Dawgs.

That said, am I the only one that thinks this is just a temporary 1 or 2 year window that the Jackets have to win in this series??

I say this because Chan Gailey recruited these players, and the players came to Tech with the idea of playing in a Pro-style offense. Thus, with a Pro-style offense, you get pro-caliber style talented players (Josh Nesbit, Dwyer, Jones, etc).

However, with this style of offense, a Josh Nesbit never comes to Georgia Tech. Nor will any quarterback with an above average arm. So, unless Paul Johnson magically stumbles upon a Tommie Frazier or Joe Hamilton (someone that can run and throw - and yes, you’re going to need to throw the ball), getting a QB to run this offense is going to be tough. Tech also won’t be able to recruit any decent offensive tackles with aspirations of being a book-end protector for the QB. So, the quality of your offensive linemen is going to go down. Tech won’t get any wide receivers at all.

All of which leaves Tech with Navy-like players in about 3 or 4 years.

Am I the only one thinking this???

By rustydawg

November 30, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Let’s blame 18-21 year old kids for a painfully obvious run of horrible defense. Brilliant! Lack of tackling is blamed squarely on coaching. Did you even read Bradley’s column Grammy?

UGA is destined to mediocrity until Martinez is fired or does the right thing and resigns.

By TampaGator

November 30, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Someone said on this blog that Alabama is not a great team. I got to watch a little of the game with Auburn yesterday during time out during the FSU/FLA game. Bama is about as tough as it gets. There defense is terrific. They will dominate by running the ball down your nostrils. Florida’s DL is going to have a real challenge in stopping Bama’s running game. They are going to have to play 8 up in the box, and that will make Bama’s passing game even better than it is. Bama’s D is outstanding. It is going to be a real challenge for the Gators this weekend. Bama and the Gators can match up to any team in the country. They are the two SEC teams that can. The rest of the SEC this year has been a big disappointment. I think next year will be a different story as a lot of the young QBs in the league mature. The SEC will be a monster next year. And, yest, the ACC is better than the SEC overall this year. No doubt about it. Boston College, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, North Carolina State and all excellent teams. None are great teams, however. The SEC has two great teams in Bama and Florida. So the ACC still has work to do to catch up to the SEC.

By Sec

November 30, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Let’s see. next year tech has games against miss st vandy and ugay. looks like a clean sweep of the sec. can’t wait to hear the ugay crybabies talk their sec smack as they did this year. you’re conference has one great team and the rest are worse than the acc. lol. i loved all the talk about how gt beat clemson and how bad they were and clemson blows out sc. duke and wake beat vandy, you’re 5th best team. lol.

By Reverand Richt

November 30, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

What I don’t comprehend is after Martinez returns next year that you will AGAIN blame Martinez instead of the Right Reverand Mark Richt who will have made the decision not to fire him. When you own a business and you continue to employ an incompetent at a high level position, whose fault would it be if your business is impacted. You all know the answer to this, BUT you don’t want to blame the Choir Boy because that would bring into question your view of him as a coach. SO!!!!!!! you will continue to bash the guys he surrounds himself with. One last way of saying this—If you worked for an accounting firm and kept messing up tax returns but the partner of the firm liked you would it be your fault that you were allowed to keep working there or the idiot partner??

By lostdog

November 30, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

There is enough fault to go around at GA for a long time to oome. I believe GA has peaked and will be an alsp ran in the SEC East for several years to come. I haven’t looked at the 2009 schedule, but we lose to FLA, GT, KY, AUB, SC, TN and Vandy if we don’t find a defense in a hurry.

By DEADDDDOG

November 30, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

here is the bottom line stat on ALL GEORGIA COACHES——-

11 PLAYERS ARRESTED IN LAST 11 MONTHS

they got to go——-RICHT is not the choir boy he acts like——he likes the FSU way and i am embarrassed and ashamed——enough said…

By dakota

November 30, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Good job Dawgs! I love ya but things needs to change. I don’t think Stafford or Moreno are ready for the pros. They still have work to do at UGA. I agree that Richt is too soft of a coach. Get in someones face! 26 unanswered points..pretty much sums it up..get back to basics. Need to find an Urk Jr.

By Lewis Grizzard

November 30, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

ATHENS, GA - Frankly, I dn’t want to talk about it.

By Mark Bradley

November 30, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

AJC college editor Doug Roberson and I were driving back from the game last night, and he asked me who Georgia should hire as defensive coordinator if Willie Martinez is fired. I pointed at the radio — we were listening to the Kentucky-Tennessee game — and said, “John Chavis.”

Now, do I think Willie Martinez will get fired? I do not.

By jacketnation

November 30, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

The SEC is much better than the ACC? Huh?

By CPJ fan

November 30, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

to alw:

you are the only one thinking this - tech won saturday because of chan gailey? puleeze.

the triple option is designed for schools that have student athletes. it makes winners out of smaller, smarter, more disciplined players and teams. how many important victories did gailey have with his “pro” style offense.

yes, a tracy ham makes the triple option much more effective, but remember, none of the big schools wanted him so he ended up at southern - there must be many overlooked high school gems out there who would love to run the offense for CPJ.

as for the wr question, those are made in college, not high school - by the way, tech won this game with some of gailey’s receivers already gone from lack of forsight - who were they again?

this tech team will get better - this is not a fluke.

By mike

November 30, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Mark Richt is getting back at him what he has sowed. Georgia is just a gimmicky trash talking team. This loss has been coming they have only saved themselves with big plays by Moreno in the past few games. the black out got stuffed down their throats by BAMA, the end zone celebration got shoved down their throats by Florida and now GT paid them back for the dancing they did last year on GTs home field after the game. All of this falls on Richt………..

By turkey

November 30, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Great column. You hit the nail right on the head. Richt has to make some very hard decisions or lose the faithful. CMR there are good DCs available this year.

By Supes

November 30, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Anyone talking sh*t about Moreno’s comment about Dwyer, who cares? Just 20 year olds talking smack, leave it at that.

Second, the loss is on the DEFENSE and SPECIAL TEAMS.

I’m proud of the way our OFFENSE played. Yes there were mistakes, that ill advised throw from Matthew for the pick six, and running Caleb King on 2nd down from the Tech 11 with 4:00 min left when we only had the 1 timeout left, using another timeout earlier in the game also cost us at the end (didn’t get the chance to get the ball back with time on the clock to have a shot at a tying field goal try).

Coach Martinez should be fired on Monday. That’s it. No if and or buts, he has consistently gotten outcoached by other offensive coaches and the UGA defense has gotten WORST not better as the season went along.

They are not Physical either. Where are the head hunters, the hard hitters? Renne Currain is about it.

The entire D-Fense scheme needs to be changed period. Bring in a new Defensive Coordinator with toughness, blue collar attitude and attitude of “we blitz all night and I don’t want to see them gain another yard”!

Coach Martinez has had 3 years of increasingly worst production from the Defense.

I give GA TECH credit (as much as it kills me to do so) for sticking to their plan and grinding out the running game.

Still, good coaching, good scheme is able to hold GA TECH to under 30 points.

UGA offense did enough to win this game.

Martinez and the Defense should be ashamed to be UGA Dawgs today after that performance.

John Chavis and Silvester Croom will be available, if Damon Evans is smart he also gives the guy at BC (Def. Coach) a call as well, (check out BC Eagles defense, blue collar, hard hitting what UGA used to have but don’t anymore).

I don’t blame Stafford or Moreno for leaving to the NFL (which they will), b/c if they come back they know they’ll have to score 50 points per game to have a shot with the current UGA Defense.

It doesn’t look to get better either, where are the next great UGA defensive players at???

FIRE WILLIE and FREE your Minds UGA Football Team! Your a&& will surely follow!

By North Florida Dawg

November 30, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Just like in the Fla game, our offense out-gained the opponent in total yards and first downs. When that happens and you still lose, it is the DEFENSE’s and the DC’s fault, NOT the offense’s or OC’s. Plus, you have to look a “special” teams, and where TECH had its average starting field position.

By Greenbriar Mall Coon

November 30, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

BOO GOT SHOT!

BOO GOT SHOT!

By John-N-Germany

November 30, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Wow what a year… Injury Bug, pentaly Bug, and more importantly Poor Defensive Play calling bug! which bye the way is the real reason Georgia isn’t at a minimum of 11-1.

Think about it gone are the pressure packed blitz’ of the Brian Van Gorder lead Dogs!

if we disect Willie’s defense and his calls since he moved up fron Secoundary coach it hasn’t been too difficult to figure out!

Although he was a heck of a secoundary coach, he isn’t adroit at running the defensive show… UGA has more talent then some NFL on the defensive side of the ball only to underacheive year in year out!

Take a look at all the linemen, DE’s, LB’s and DB’s that play on Sundays… then look at how there team did defensively in college.

Sure all coaches and coordinators make mistakes, but please tell me why you stay for the most part in a cover2 defense the entire game knowing your opponent averages a whopping 8 pass plays per game and you’ve allowed 4 plays on the outside edge in excess of 10 yards running? I mean any High School coach would know to draw at least one of the safeties up as outside run containment wouldn’t he?

I think Coach Richts needs to become more accountable here and I love him as a coach, however it seems he’s allowing Willie far too much control of a situation that must be addressed prior to next season… either demote Willie and get a guy in with a proven track record or soon Mark you may be the topic of discussion this time next season! oh and since we loss to the Bees a guy by the name of tenutta isn’t a bad place to start looking!

Go Dawgs!

By Augusta Bill

November 30, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Mark Richt is Chan Gailey with better talent.

By Erk Russell's Ghost

November 30, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Fire Willie Martinez and John Fabris. Any high school coach can tell you the best way to defend the option is not outside-in, but inside-out. On every single toss sweep ran by the nats, the Dawgs were beaten by alignment. EVERY PLAY. There is a reason the option went out of vogue….teams figured out how to defense the damn offense. Willie Martinez, leave gracefully before you are fired. John Fabris, worst job of coaching special teams ever. Georgia has the talent to come back and get to the SECC in 2009 with or without Stafford and Moreno. Bottomline: defense wins championships. Willie Martinez is not a winner. He stinks. Bye, Bye Willie and don’t let the dog door hit your arse on the way outta Athens, GA. John Fabris, retire. You stink.

By swga dawg

November 30, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

The UGA players must have played video games and listened to their IPODS during half time, while GT was being COACHED!!!

By Bob

November 30, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Look at ugay’s schedule next year. they got @ okla st first game. LOLOLOL

They will be lucky to win 6 games

9-5 @ Oklahoma State 9-12 South Carolina 9-19 @ Arkansas 9-26 Arizona State 10-3 Louisiana State 10-10 @ Tennessee 10-17 @ Vanderbilt 10-31 vs. Florida @Jacksonville, FL 11-7 Tennessee Tech 11-14 Auburn 11-21 Kentucky 11-28 @ Georgia Tech

By whatacrock

November 30, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

One name - John Chavis

By Reid in EAV

November 30, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

I’d love to re-play this season with a healthy Owens and Sturdivant. People still don’t get how much we lost by their absences.

By Mark Bradley

November 30, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

FYI, Willie Martinez said afterward that Georgia’s defensive problems “were not schematic. It wasn’t like they were getting leverage on us.”

Leverage, no. Yardage, yes.

By Mr Real

November 30, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Bowl payouts:

Capital One: 4.25 Million

Any BCS Bowl: 17 million

And what has Willie and his defense cost UGA?

By ugasux@fu.com

November 30, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Whine all you want you knuckle draggin A*******holes you got beat at home flat footed and YES YOU WERE WAY OVER RATED I WILL WIPE MY A$$ WITH THE SPORTS ILLUSTRATED YOU WERE ALL SO PROUD OF.

By bamadawgsc

November 30, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Oh boy. What can you say? Is it bye-bye Moreno and Stafford, hello to a future string of Music City Bowls?

And CMR, please quit dancing and acting like the ‘team buddy.’ Nick Saban might not be Mr. Personality, but it is clear he is serious about one thing: WINNING.

By ga_tech_92

November 30, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

The difference in the equation is Paul Johnson, not Richt or Martinez. Give credit where credit is due. Paul Johnson has the Jackets playing over their heads running through brick walls. UGA is a hell of a team and has a fine coaching staff. Let’s quit with the the finger pointing, it minimizes what Coach Johnson was able to accomplish against all odds.

WAY TO GO JACKETS…WAY TO GO COACH JOHNSON…WAY TO GO SENIORS!!!

By Cecil34

November 30, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Has anyone really examined or acknowledged the 1000 lb elephant in the room that for some reason gets swept under the rug?

The reason UGA cannot take it to the next level is not the coaching necessarily, it is the type of athlete that they have a tendency to recruit.

The vast majority of these players are not intelligent enough to think and self-motivate. They require a inordinate amount of hands-on help both on the field and in the classroom just to understand their assignments.

Most have no prayer of graduating, and are really just on borrowed time. Look at all the off-field problems CMR has with these borderline criminal, undisciplined characters he brings in, just because they can run fast with a football.

They are not loyal, have little heart when the going gets tough because they have no character.

Perhaps this is where CMR needs some devine assistance - start looking at young men who have character and a no-quit attitude, instead of bringing in someone because they look superior on a high school football field somewhere.

Then everyone would not be wanting to fire Coach Martinez.

By ALW

November 30, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Ok, CPJ fan, please show me where I posted that Tech won because of Chan Gailey. Good Grief. Learn to read.

Trust me, I want Tech to continue to pound UGA.

Tech won because of Paul Johnson, no question about it. The players are there, however, because Chan brought them there. The caliber of player that Johnson has to run that system is very good right now. Chan was just not good at coaching them up.

I think it’s a legitimate question to ask what kind of player he’s going to be able to recruit going forward to run this offense. Sure, he may be able to great running backs, but to think you can find a Tracy Ham or Tommie Frazier year after year is just crazy. The ONLY reason he has Nesbitt now is because he’s a holdover from the previous regime. That’s a fact. Nesbitt was primarily a passer coming out of HS - he wouldnt have come to Tech if recruited by Johnson. And who’s going to block for them? High quality O-line prospects want to be able to run and pass block - because whether realistic or not, most kids playing D-1 football have pro aspirations. That ain’t gonna happen at Tech.

I’m not saying that he won’t be able to recruit ANY good prospects. But, getting a collection of them at the same time is going to be tough.

By Dickie Dawg

November 30, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

keep pouring it on tech fans. CPJ is taking his option to notre dame. it’s done. the fat man is gone!

By Upson Lee

November 30, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN MARK RITCH RESIGNS HEAD COACHING POSITION. GEORGIA HIRES STEVE SPURRIER AS HEAD COACH. AFTER A KISS FROM HIS WIFE MAKR PLEADS HIS CASE TO SPURRIER TO STAY ON AFTER BEING REJECTED BY BOBBY BOWDEN. SPURRIER FLIPS HIS VISOR AND SAYS WHAT THE HELL YOU ARE A PRETTY GOOD OFFENSIVE CORIDINATOR AND KEEPS MARK RITCH. SPURRIERS OLE BUDDY CHARLIE STRONG LEAVES FLA TO BE DC @ GA. R GARDNER STILL COACHES DL AND GETS THE BLUE CHIPS RECRUITS COMING. GA IS AN INSTANT SUCESS.

By dannotdan

November 30, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

I believe that Mark Richt is a solid coach, a great recruiter, and a man we can all respect but the rest of the coaching staff is average at best. Year after year this staff is given amoung the best talent in the country and year after year they fall short of greatness because of average coaching and lack of discipline and accountability.

There is a reason that Georgia leads the SEC in arrests, penalties, and stupid penalties, it is a best tolerated, and at worst encouraged by the coaching staff. Remember Coach Richt learned the game at Miami where style is more important than substance, and players were never held accountable for cutting corners and playing outside the lines.

Georgia players have to be encouraged by Richt and the staff to make the spectacular play, the big hit, the highlight reel rather than to play smart and be accountable for your assignment. If it wasn’t encouraged or at least tolerated it wouldn’t happen week after week.

If it wasn’t encouraged Rashed Jones would not have attempted to pinball Dyer out of bounds he would have wrapped him up and put him on the turf or he would have been on the sidelines watching the rest of the game rather than being left on the field to overplay fakes and miss other assignments.

By slim

November 30, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

alw,

Interesting theory about why/how the quality of GT recruits might drop, but I’m not so sure.

GT will no longer get really good receivers—but we already saw that Calvin Johnson alone cannot get you a lot of wins.

Roddy Jones was one of the best players in metro Atlanta. I don’t think he was a ‘big time’ recruit. GT has always gotten players like him, and should have no problem getting more of them.

I think that all GT needs is to consistently get 3 to 4 star, very quick, type athletes. Should be plenty of these kids that are eager to run, eager to bust 60+ yard runs, that will consider GT.

By REALIST

November 30, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

It is really great to see that there are actually some Tech fans. You sure would not have known it the last seven years. Tech fans please remember, EVEN A BLIND SQUIRREL CAN FIND AN ACORN OCCASIONALLY. Maybe the Bulldogs can get lucky as well and find some defensive coaches.

By Mikey

November 30, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Defense wins championships.

See: Alabama

By vuduchld

November 30, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

This did not surprise me. I felt that Georgia was going to lose at least 2 games and it reality it should have lost 3 more! South Carolina, Kentucky and Auburn all were won deep into the 4th quarter and them Dawgs got lucky breaks.

People should have seen this coming from last year’s Sugar Bowl win. There was too much hype about how Georgia was going to be based on the thrashing of Hawaii, but let’s face it, both teams were really not that good. Don’t be surprised if Georgia loses it’s bowl game and finally, let’s give the ACC more credit for being a very competitive conference. They’re going to beat up on teams in their bowl games!

By Roscoe

November 30, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Richt is doing something that is all too common with success. First you allow someone else to control the AC in the car, then they choose the radio station, then they operate the stick shift, and before you know it you allow them to operate the steering wheel. He better get a hold of this team and that means the details. An undisciplined football team that can’t execute the details such as not wrapping up, allowing your running back to decide when he comes out of the game,numerous penalties is all a lack of discipline. Lack of discipline and fundamentals starts with the head coach. He better get his hand back on the radio knob, set the AC temperature, and put his hand back on the steering wheel. This collapse is Mark Richts fault and lack of discipline completely lies at his feet. This soft CEO approach to management is a collosal failure. Ask Wall Street.

By CarolinaDawg

November 30, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

The Tar Heels had 2 weeks to coach their 2 and 3 star players to contain the option, and they give up 7 points.

Georgia has 2 weeks to coach their 3, 4, and 5 star players to contain the option, and they give up 38 points.

Time for a coach to be handed a pink slip!

By IndyGT

November 30, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

ALW: Yes, you are the only one thinking that. Good coaches (like CPJ) adapt to the situation presented to them - For example, the halftime adjustments CPJ made during yesterday’s game.

By rob

November 30, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Bulldog fans . Want to see a well coached team ? Come on out to the dome and become a REAL football fan. On your way out you can pick up some Tech season tickets if you feel the need to watch a well coached college team. GO FALCONS !

By Whopper Dawg

November 30, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Ask yourself if the UGA program has been on the upswing in the last eight years?, the last five?, the last three?

I think the answer is yes. Richt to a degree is a victim of his own success.

That being said, there are obvious problems that need addressing: yielding ~40 points in five ballgames is terrible defense. Special teams and conditioning are also suspect.

I respect Richt for staying true to his staff, but sometimes you have to may changes to improve.

By You got to be kidding me

November 30, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Georgia beat nobody this year! I’ll be the first to say it! Coach Richt needs to really evaluate his coaching staff! Willie Martinez cannot put together a two-half game plan and special teams were abysmal! Did we not kick off out of bounds in every game we played this year? Giving teams the ball on the 40 yard line is like playing Arena football! How many times did we fumble punts or kick-offs this year? It seems like every time we did it led to an opponents touchdown! As for the offense… it was awesome and quick scoring but it led to the defense being back on the field too quickly without enough rest… Hey Bobo try running down the clock some…

By Kevin

November 30, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

We all know what needs to happen: Martinez and Janek need to go. Let’s see if Richt is man enough to do it. This season was an absoltue total failure. We did not beat one good team.And if Mark richt doesn’t step up, well i think he’ll be getting the “Phillip Fulmer Treatment” in a few years.The thanks for the memories coach, now get the hell out of town thing.And rightfully so.

And one more thing: Since when does a coach jump around in a circle with his players like a jackass or a bad rap video before the game. the only other HC I’ve seen do that was Coach O from Ole Miss. Who does richt think he is, Vanilla Ice? Can you imagine Saban, Tressel, Carroll,Stoops, or even Paul Johnson doing that. I think not.

By True Braves Fan

November 30, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

I am a GA Tech graduate, but I had the utmost respect for Mark Richt…until he orchestrated that disgraceful, bush league demonstation in Jacksonville in 2007. It showed a complete lack of class. I don’t think that either Dodd or Dooley would have even thought of coaching anything like that. After that, I no longer have any respect for Mark Richt.

By Navigator

November 30, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Having graduated from GT, and two sons graduated from UGA, I support both programs. I have a comment to both: UGA probably should have won based on talent, with a full complement of 85 scholarship players. Tech has had some bad years due to the foul athletic departments handling of grades, and 7 years on probation. Tech had 65 players on scholarship, and this is lost both on Gailey regime and PJohnson team this year. The triple option allows teams to play better than their talent, and the pro offense at Georgia needs a heady QB to make the offense potent. Stafford is a very good QB, who throws the ball as good as most. He hasn’t developed over the last three years as much as he should have. UGA needs a better defensive coordinator, and that’s a fact. Going forward, I think Tech and Georgia are going to have some great battles, with much on the line beside the outcome of one game. Thank God we have this to look forward to.

By Georgia Jaw Jacker

November 30, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

“I wouldn’t give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed about it.” General George Patton, Jr. CMR better let these words sink in and sink in good. Let’s face it Tech made offensive adjustments at halftime; the Dawgs were content to maintain the status quo on defense and got beat. I don’t believe this would have happened under Brian Van Gorder; the man made necessary adjustments and won more times than he lost. From a pre-season #1 ranking to 20th if we’re lucky and a toilet bowl… Bottomline Willie Martinez must go and CMR needs to reevaluate his staff, himself and the program and decide if he wants a national championship and is he willing to make the hard, nasty decisions to attain it; like running the score up on inferior opponents (Florida doesn’t seem to have an issue with it, nor does Southern Cal) so the BCS people will keep us ranked high. Another one of General Patton’s principals apply to the Dawg program: “No one is thinking if everyone is thinking alike.” If CMR keeps telling everyone it will be okay, then the program will keep going to the toilet. And finally: Victory in the next war will depend on EXECUTION not PLANS.” Bottomline it’s time for Richt to walk the talk or do the right thing and resign!

By Roscoe

November 30, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Great article Mark Bradley. Someone has to call out bad performance and calling it out is the first step in initiating change and throwing denial out the window. UGA coaching staff needs to get out of denial and excuses. A lot of this lack of discipline probably goes months and months back. Probably toward last season and it sets in like a disease. I watched Nick Saban chew the punter out on a botched punt even though he had a huge lead. That team is disciplined and hungry on every play. Unlike Georgia.

By Jim

November 30, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Georgia was not a top-10 team it turns out. But it is NOT the end-of-the-world either. Few people believed that Georgia would go undefeated with its schedule. With losses coming to top-4 teams and a 3-pt. loss to a top-20 rival, Georgia still ranks 3rd in the 12-team SEC.

The difference to me is that Georgia got better as the season went on last year, but not so this year….

By Jim

November 30, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Georgia was not a top-10 team it turns out. But it is NOT the end-of-the-world either. Few people believed that Georgia would go undefeated with its schedule. With losses coming to top-4 teams and a 3-pt. loss to a top-20 rival, Georgia still ranks 3rd in the 12-team SEC.

The difference to me is that Georgia got better as the season went on last year, but not so this year….

By DAWGPAPA

November 30, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

It all begins with the attitude that a number of UGA players have, and that is: I’m important, not the team. They strut around campus as if they are IT, most of them not going to class,constantly getting into trouble with bar brawls and DUI’s, …etc. This carries over to the field, this constant lack of discipline and focus for these prima donnas, starting in high school. It was evident in the game that many players were playing to just get the season over with, similar to the last couple of games, particularly after the Alabama game. The defense is the worst I’ve ever seen with weak tackling, a slow secondary that always seems to be chasing the other teams recievers, and numerous penalties again from dumbass players who either don’t know the plays or situations, or just don’t care anymore. All of this chest thumping, hip bumping in the air crap just shows what a bunch of prima donna fools that they are. YOU DID NOTHING SATURDAY BUT GET YOUR ASSES HANDED TO YOU! And the coaching from the defensive side, pathetic to say the least. Your job in addition to coaching these players up, is to motivate them to play hard every down. If you can’t do this find another job. Remember; there is no I in TEAM, make sure these players know this when they hit the field. You have one game left in your season, will it be another loss?

By Knuckle D

November 30, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Georgia needs to do a better job of recruiting. They should go after Fl’s recruiter, fire Martinez and get someone with NFL experience to come in and call some descent plays. Bobo is running plays from the Ray Goff era. Richt should have watched some old Ga. Southern film to see how to stop the triple option. Find the DC from James Madison during the time Charles Haley played and he will show you how to stop the triple option.

By My Big Johnson

November 30, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

richtfan says, “Losing hurts, but we have whipped the geeks so many times we’ve lost count.” Gee…Did you give the coaches and players a pep talk BEFORE the game?

That attitude is exactly WHY UGA lost this game…And it’s hard to change RESULTS unless you change the people making the decisions. Just ask GT…

By Montana Dawg

November 30, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Mark, you hit the nail on the head. Here are the facts:

1) UGA’s did not beat a single team that is still ranked in the Top 25. It beat South Carolina, Auburn, and Kentucky by 7 points or less. It’s tough schedule this year was a joke. Tennessee was the worst we’ve seen in years, and LSU was barely average this year. We got manhandled by FLA and Alabama with a combined score of 90-50.

2) UGA’s disciplinary issues were both on and off the field with both pre-season and during the season arrests of players. Like you said, the last game of the season and we still end up with 7+ penalties on the field. Discipline on and off the field revolves around the players themselves and the coaches who are in many instances their mentors.

3) UGA’s recruiting class is ALWAYS in the Top 5 (occasionally the Top 10). Yet, we cannot bring the program to the elite level. WHY? UGA has the talent year after year to be a consistent Top program but we can’t figure out how to get it done. You can’t blame this season’s self-destruction on injuries when we had some of the biggest playmakers in college football and still could only barely beat average teams. A lot of our issues come back to coaching and how well prepared a team is to play. We had 2 weeks to figure out Tech, and they still ran for 409 yards on us - 200 in the 3rd quarter alone.

4) The biggest concern I have is seeing another Georgia team unable to put in 60 minutes of real football. I have said this numerous times: Georgia has not played a complete 4 quarters of football all season. That’s coaching and discipline. There was a lack of focus, determination, intensity, and drive all season. Maybe all the off-field antics/arrests had something to do with that lack of focus, but again, that’s a coaching issue as much as anything.

By NELSON

November 30, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

A 3 POINT WIN IS HARDLY A STATEMENT OF DOMINANCE. UGA MADE PLENTY OF MISTAKES AND IT WAS GREAT TO SEE US CAPITALIZE ON THEM. DON’T FORGET THOUGH WE WERE HOLDING OUR BREATH ,PRAYING NOT TO SEE A REPEAT OF THE PAST WHEN UGA MADE IT 45-42. THIS GT TEAM HAS GREAT HEART AND HOPEFULLY WE WILL LOOK BACK ON THIS WIN AS A TURNING POINT IN THE SERIES. FOR NOW LET’S JUST BE THANKFUL FOR THIS WIN.

By benadawg

November 30, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

To say this season was a complete disaster is being kind. We have no mean streak in us, we are hated all over because we are a program that fancies itself more than we should. The officials seem to have been directed to flag at any and all chances. Could someone make me believe that was intentional grounding on Stafford? I am hearing stories coming from Athens of the players hitting the bars in athens, true or not they are believable with the lack of discipline we seem to have. I would have no problem sitting Rashad Jones in the bowl game. My god wrap the ball carrier up. Not even Thomas Davis could knock every back off their feet without using his arms now and again…Pitiful isn’t saying enough but you are only as good as your next game, put this one behind, tip your hat to Tech, make the needed changes, move on…

By W T

November 30, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Free Willie!!! No excuse for the poor secondary tackling except coaching. UGA must have new direction on defense. Feel sorry for the ofence.

By exdawgfan

November 30, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

This year last year was a failure due to the coaches i.e Richt, not bringing out the full potential of his players. Why did he take 3 years before Mohammad Masaqua(sp)could cacth a ball? The fact is, these players are not being coached to get them to the top of their game like Nick Sabban has. Oh, only took him what? Two years? We are going backwards not forwards and Richt needs to start coaching like he presents himself on the Ford commercials. Martinez needs to go, no if ands or buts about it. He has not built on what Vangorder left behind he squandered it. God help up next year..

By bamadog

November 30, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

no discipline, no leadership on defense,kickoffs out-of-bounds, playing (and coaching) with no emotion, defense can’t tackle, missed assignments,SOFT PRACTICE SCHEDULE, straying out-of lanes, penalties……. let me see….. should I continue my donations to the athletic fund? NO MORE! GET A COACH WHO CAN TAKE US TO THE TOP!!!!!!

By Andy

November 30, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Honestly, do you really believe that in over two weeks and through the end of the year that our coaches quit doing the drills for wrapping players up in practice and that for two weeks not one defensive coach talked about how to play the option. Oh I forgot all of you are coaches.

Seriously people, they out played us and as a coach you only lead the horse to water. Not one coach can make a play on the field.

GREAT YEAR DAWGS! Do not let Mark Bradley or any of these morons take away a successful year even if some of the goals were not met. Get the other wins next year.

By Roscoe

November 30, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

You pull players out of the game if they don’t wrapup and give the position to someone who will. Deion Sanders didn’t hit much but he had the good sense to wrap his arms around who he was going to tackle. Failure to wrap up is a coaching flaw.

By FLA DAWG

November 30, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark,

I couldn’t agree more with both of your opinions;

This means that if Richt has another year like this - more realistically worse, then he will be fired.

By T B HOGG

November 30, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

HOW SWEET IT IS! PAUL JOHNSON IS A REAL FOOTBALL COACH!

By TheAntiMe

November 30, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry Dawg fans. There is no way in Hades that the current Defensive Coordinator for Georgia will be back next year. CMR has always been very careful to not give the perception of throwing his players or his coaches under the bus.

I have no doubt that we will be seeing a new DC for the Dawgs next season. Think about it? If you were a prospective DC with the option to go to several different teams - all things being equal - wouldn’t you pick the team that has a Head Coach that handles this type of situation with diplomacy, tact, and a measure of class?

I believe that CMR is smart enough to make this most obviously necessary DC change without humiliating the outgoing DC. But have no doubt - Willie Martinez is already gone.

By Sid

November 30, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

D-Man: What adjustments did Tech make? We(UGA)just forgot to stay focused,stay disciplined,and not to be so overconfident.Everyone is to blame-from Richt to the Water Girl,Martinez,Special teams coach and players who have not learned to tackle. I can’t believe our players haven’t been taught.They share most of the blame-no leaders showed up this year with fire in their belly.They(the players) have forgotten what it means “to be a Georgia bulldog”!Let’s see what happens in the meantime and in the bowl game.In the mean time I’m gonna grieve over this one a long time!

By My Big Johnson

November 30, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

benadawg says, “Could someone make me believe that was intentional grounding on Stafford?”

Well, te QB has to be OUTSIDE of the tackle box and throw the ball BEYOND the line of scrimmage to avoid intentional grounding. Here’s the ANNOUNCER calling the play:

“Tech showing the blitz…Here comes the blitz…Stafford in the pocket…It collapses…Slingshots it out of bounds.”

If you watch the play, Stafford never moves more than 1 foot toward either sideline, dropping straight back under pressure and then he’s not even looking FORWARD when he just throws the ball out of bounds…In fact, he was looking at the Tech sideline when he just threw the ball off of one foot.

THAT’S WHY it’s intentional grounding and it was a GOOD call… If Stafford would have kept his composure and not freaked out, he wouldn’t have APPEARED to be just intentionally throwing the ball away and might have avoided the call.

By OhioDawg

November 30, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Let’s be realistic about this loss. For those of you that pin any blame on this one on the Offense. Get real. To EXPECT an offense to score every time it touches the ball is not realistic. At the beginning of the season, how many people would expect UGA to lose any game that it scored 42 points? No one. Watch the NFL today and tell me how many QB’s hit every receiver in stride without fail. It won’t happen. So don’t say, it was a great stat day for Stafford, but….. If he had thrown for 400+ yards and 2 TD’s, maybe. But he and the receivers made plays. 5 TD’s! Moreno ran well, but once again, did not get enough carries. He should get a minimum of 25 carries a game. Now the defense, that’s a different story. The defense needs to look in the mirror, starting at coordinator and going down. Willie had 2 weeks to prepare his defense for an offense that has been around for quite some time. It’s not like the option is rare because it’s new. It’s rare because defenses started finding ways to stop it. And 2 weeks to fix the tackling problem on defense. 2 fundamental problems, taking proper angles and wrapping up! If UGA meets Ohio St. in the Capital One Bowl and the defense doesn’t improve fundamentals, Beanie Wells will have 200+ yards. And then it will suck to be me, living amongst all these *%$^#@^! Buckeyes. Step up Dawgs, I know you can! GT, great game and great job by Paul Johnson. They saw our weaknesses and exploited them. Thats what good coaches do.

By bearcasey

November 30, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

SOUTHERNDAWG63: You’re still talking about a NC that happened 28 years ago. How pathetic is that?

OTHER DAWG FANS: Be proud. Your team played hard.

By Chris

November 30, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Bring in Sylvester Croom as Defensive coordinator. The man screams discipline and he will have the talent to work with. Miss. st was a bad situation for him.

By JH/GA

November 30, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Congratulation Tech — We UGA did not deserve to win the game. MR has had a disappointing year coaching (not the players but his coaching staff) and it was reflected on the field by the players in big games. MR has made the mistake of surrounding himself with MR clones (need different personalities) bad move on his part but is he still a “Great Coach Overall and We UGA Fans Still Love Him”. How is he going to fix this problem without letting someone go? Who knows and good luck because 2009 will be here before he knows it. I have faith in MR and that he (staff and team) will be better prepared in 2009 if not he will need to make some staffing changes to correct the problem in 2010.

By Kerryb

November 30, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

I wish all of these Tech idiots would shut up! You win one game since Clinton was President and you think you won the Super Bowl. We beat Tech for 7 years and we looked at it like we just be Vanderbilt twice in one year. You win and you want to print T-shirts. That is the difference in the programs and it will be back to that next year when the next streak begins. You can’t recruit in Georgia’s league and you never will. This year was just a fluke. I can’t believe that we gave you that game with you guys running a high school offense with second rate players. It was more of our mistakes than what you guys did but you will be back to reality starting next year. The moons won’t be aligned in Jupiter in some wacky way next year.

By DAWGPAPA

November 30, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

UGA FOOTBALL CHANGES FOR 2009 SEASON ARE: #1 Fire Willie Martinez and John Fabris, if Richt balks at this, fire him too. #2. Recruit hardnosed corners and safeties who like to knock a snot bubble out of someone. #3. Get rid of all of the player decorations that draw attention to them as individuals; headbands,caps,wristbands around the elbows and below the kneecaps (I never quite understood this one); dreadlocks (Bob Marley is not in attendance, nor is the local weed salesman); sandblast all of the tattoos off of the players arms (with the exception of their uniform numbers); and take those gloves off of their hands as they can’t feel the ball (if they scrape their knuckles put a bandaid on it, and to hell with the glove manufacturers payoffs); #4 Instill sideline decorum, none of the eyes in the stands, jivin on the sideline crap. they should be focused on the game ready to go in at a moments notice and kick some a*. #5 If the players can’t do …, this fire them too!

By eddie dawg

November 30, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

HEY MR BIG JOHNSON….. if you are going to explain the intentional grounding rule, you genius, then how about including the part about a receiver being in the area?? momass was IN THE AREA……and if you are going to explain how it should have been called on stafford, then please explain how it should have been called on the gt qb as well…..there was NO receiver in the area when he did it…….

By ugag

November 30, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

paul johnson yells at his players when they made a mistake.

richt shrugs it off.

and you wonder why you’re the 2nd most penalized team in the country? you have absolutely no discipline whatsoever, and it reflects on and off the field in the forms of penalties and arrests.

UGA has so much talent individually. Unfortunately, the parts don’t equal the sum.

By John B

November 30, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Congrats to North Avenue Trade School for making the DAWGS look like the horribly coached team they are. Offensviely, I’ll grant Bobo an extra year to gain some additional OC experience. The offense played a reasonably good game. Like so many other bloggers have stated, when you score 40+ points, you should win the game. The OL is still suspect with the young talent. I know we had a slew of injuries, but then again, that’s why you recruit. If we have such highly ranked recruiting classes each year, why don’t we have the talent to move in one lineman for another? Hmmm. I’ll take you back many years to Nebraska football under coach Tom Osborne. Why Nebraska? Well, he ran system, much like Bear Bryant did, in that he had at least two and many times three players on the OL and DL who could all start and when one player went down, NU just sent in another one and didn’t miss a step. That is called developing your talent. We shouldn’t have to make excuses about season-ending injuries. If you do that, as Richt likes to do to make excuses for poor play, then you’re telling the fans and your opponents we don’t have any real back-up talent. I will say I thought our OL played a pretty good game for the most part. Stafford isn’t mobile and suffred a few sacks and hurries because of it. Defensively, we looked like a Pop Warner team (my apologies to all the Pop Warner players). What more eveidence does Richt need to make a change at the DC and Special Teams coaching positions? Fabris and his kicking game is in total shambles. Why do we continue to attempt this lame directional kickoff strategy? It’s useless and in case common sense has escaped Fabris, the closer you kick a ball to the sideline, the more chance you have of it going out of bounds. We allowed GT great field position throughout the game. When you give a talented running game - even if it is the option - a short field, you’re placing your defense in a terrible position. Why give a team 60 yards instead of making them go 80? What has happened to recruiting kickers who could blast the ball in or through the end zone? This directional kicking crap is for wimps and losers. I can imagine Bryant, Switzer, Osborne, Devine, Rockne, Dooley, Dye, Ford, etc. telling thei kickoff guy to try to pin it in the corner. Richt needs to make a visit to Blacksburg, VA and have a chat with Beamrt this summer to drastically improve the Special Teams play. I like Richt and I think he has our program going in a winning direction. Yes, the Bulldog Nation has high expectations and a nine-win season might be good enough for GT, Ole Miss, Vandy, Maryland, S. Carolina, and North Carolina. But it’s not for UGA. Granted 10-win seasons are great, but with the expectations of this team reach Pluto, anything less is a huge disappointment. The stats don’t lie and our defensive unit has gotten progressively worse under Martinez. There is no other way to spin this, as much as he and Richt want to. The defense lacks discipline, commits far to many penalites, can’t tackle and the defensive backs are more concerned with hitting an opponent high as opposed to laying the wood to them. It’s a pathetic display of football. Go back to fundamentals. Martinez & Co. made no adjustments when GT started pitching the ball. I can’t count how many times I saw no one covering the pitch man. By the time Tech’s QB pitched, our DBs and LBs were four to five yards off the pitch man. We stopped, for the most part, the dive plays and the QB runs, but we were destroyed on the corners. How can a supposedly experienced coaching staff not see what the rest of us sitting in the stands saw? I don’t know what the DAWGS did at halftime, but apprently they forgot there was another 30 minutes of football to be played. I’ll say it - like so many others - Martinez has to go. Yes, the players are the ones who make the plays and all that crap, but the third quarter implosion was coaching. I’ve always been one to believe that a team’s personality is a reflection of it’s coaching staff, especially the head coach. Richt plays the role of the calm, cool, game manager stalking the sideline. When you’re up 28-12, you don’t put on the breaks. You crush your opponent. As much as I despise Florida, look at Meyer. He keeps the offense goign full speed. No way he calls off the gators and starts “managing” the game and playing not to lose. I was sitting in section 106 on the 40 yard line and had full view of the Tech bench. Paul Johnson was getting in his players faces and giving them “motivational” speeches throughout the game. He is also actively involved in the play calling. Meanwhile, Richt is over on the other side doing what? Granted he may not have the “get in your face” type personality. And he may in fact be a competitor. However, when your team is imploding in the third quarter and you wait until after the damage is done to have a chat with your team, that’s a bit too late. Look at Richt on the sidelines. No look at Meyer, Sabin, Miles, Muschamp, The Evil Genius, Stoops, Pete C (@USC), even Zook (at Illinois). These coaches are in the game. You can sense they want to win, even when they don’t. Then look at the ones competing for the National Championship - Meyer, Pete C., Stoops, Sabin - and you see a stark difference in coaching styles and team personality and intensity. Granted, I’ll take Richt over Donnan and Goff any day. He is a winner. But the difference in beating your rivals and winning your division, playing for the SEC and possibly playing for a National Championship, I believe you have to more than just the want to win - you have to have the will to win. And that is difference in Richt’s coaching style / team personality and, say, Sabin and Meyer’s. Johnson made sure his players knew they could win this game. Unfortunately, Richt did not. No matter what Richt says about his buddy Martinez, this was yet another example of how bad our defensive coaching is. How much more evidence do you need.

By ugag

November 30, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

paul johnson yells at his players when they made a mistake.

richt shrugs it off.

and you wonder why you’re the 2nd most penalized team in the country? you have absolutely no discipline whatsoever, and it reflects on and off the field in the forms of penalties and arrests.

UGA has so much talent individually. Unfortunately, the parts don’t equal the whole.

By John B

November 30, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Congrats to North Avenue Trade School for making the DAWGS look like the horribly coached team they are. Offensviely, I’ll grant Bobo an extra year to gain some additional OC experience. The offense played a reasonably good game. Like so many other bloggers have stated, when you score 40+ points, you should win the game. The OL is still suspect with the young talent. I know we had a slew of injuries, but then again, that’s why you recruit. If we have such highly ranked recruiting classes each year, why don’t we have the talent to move in one lineman for another? Hmmm. I’ll take you back many years to Nebraska football under coach Tom Osborne. Why Nebraska? Well, he ran system, much like Bear Bryant did, in that he had at least two and many times three players on the OL and DL who could all start and when one player went down, NU just sent in another one and didn’t miss a step. That is called developing your talent. We shouldn’t have to make excuses about season-ending injuries. If you do that, as Richt likes to do to make excuses for poor play, then you’re telling the fans and your opponents we don’t have any real back-up talent. I will say I thought our OL played a pretty good game for the most part. Stafford isn’t mobile and suffred a few sacks and hurries because of it. Defensively, we looked like a Pop Warner team (my apologies to all the Pop Warner players). What more eveidence does Richt need to make a change at the DC and Special Teams coaching positions? Fabris and his kicking game is in total shambles. Why do we continue to attempt this lame directional kickoff strategy? It’s useless and in case common sense has escaped Fabris, the closer you kick a ball to the sideline, the more chance you have of it going out of bounds. We allowed GT great field position throughout the game. When you give a talented running game - even if it is the option - a short field, you’re placing your defense in a terrible position. Why give a team 60 yards instead of making them go 80? What has happened to recruiting kickers who could blast the ball in or through the end zone? This directional kicking crap is for wimps and losers. I can imagine Bryant, Switzer, Osborne, Devine, Rockne, Dooley, Dye, Ford, etc. telling thei kickoff guy to try to pin it in the corner. Richt needs to make a visit to Blacksburg, VA and have a chat with Beamrt this summer to drastically improve the Special Teams play. I like Richt and I think he has our program going in a winning direction. Yes, the Bulldog Nation has high expectations and a nine-win season might be good enough for GT, Ole Miss, Vandy, Maryland, S. Carolina, and North Carolina. But it’s not for UGA. Granted 10-win seasons are great, but with the expectations of this team reach Pluto, anything less is a huge disappointment. The stats don’t lie and our defensive unit has gotten progressively worse under Martinez. There is no other way to spin this, as much as he and Richt want to. The defense lacks discipline, commits far to many penalites, can’t tackle and the defensive backs are more concerned with hitting an opponent high as opposed to laying the wood to them. It’s a pathetic display of football. Go back to fundamentals. Martinez & Co. made no adjustments when GT started pitching the ball. I can’t count how many times I saw no one covering the pitch man. By the time Tech’s QB pitched, our DBs and LBs were four to five yards off the pitch man. We stopped, for the most part, the dive plays and the QB runs, but we were destroyed on the corners. How can a supposedly experienced coaching staff not see what the rest of us sitting in the stands saw? I don’t know what the DAWGS did at halftime, but apprently they forgot there was another 30 minutes of football to be played. I’ll say it - like so many others - Martinez has to go. Yes, the players are the ones who make the plays and all that crap, but the third quarter implosion was coaching. I’ve always been one to believe that a team’s personality is a reflection of it’s coaching staff, especially the head coach. Richt plays the role of the calm, cool, game manager stalking the sideline. When you’re up 28-12, you don’t put on the breaks. You crush your opponent. As much as I despise Florida, look at Meyer. He keeps the offense goign full speed. No way he calls off the gators and starts “managing” the game and playing not to lose. I was sitting in section 106 on the 40 yard line and had full view of the Tech bench. Paul Johnson was getting in his players faces and giving them “motivational” speeches throughout the game. He is also actively involved in the play calling. Meanwhile, Richt is over on the other side doing what? Granted he may not have the “get in your face” type personality. And he may in fact be a competitor. However, when your team is imploding in the third quarter and you wait until after the damage is done to have a chat with your team, that’s a bit too late. Look at Richt on the sidelines. No look at Meyer, Sabin, Miles, Muschamp, The Evil Genius, Stoops, Pete C (@USC), even Zook (at Illinois). These coaches are in the game. You can sense they want to win, even when they don’t. Then look at the ones competing for the National Championship - Meyer, Pete C., Stoops, Sabin - and you see a stark difference in coaching styles and team personality and intensity. Granted, I’ll take Richt over Donnan and Goff any day. He is a winner. But the difference in beating your rivals and winning your division, playing for the SEC and possibly playing for a National Championship, I believe you have to more than just the want to win - you have to have the will to win. And that is difference in Richt’s coaching style / team personality and, say, Sabin and Meyer’s. Johnson made sure his players knew they could win this game. Unfortunately, Richt did not. No matter what Richt says about his buddy Martinez, this was yet another example of how bad our defensive coaching is. How much more evidence do you need.

By ramblin gamblin

November 30, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen every Tech game this season, some in person and the rest on TV. I’ve also watched a fair amount of UGA games and the biggest difference I see is that UGA seems to depend on Stafford, Moreno, Massaquoi and Green to do everything. In Tech’s case they seem to be 22 players knowing that every player, and not a few superstars win ballgames. It was evident Saturday. Also, add the fact that Tech is a better coached team than UGA. Paul Johnson has said all season that it’s about execution and every player doing his job on every play. For some reason it seemed strange to see Mark Richt calling a team meeting on the sideline at the end of the third quarter. Kinda late for a pep talk.

By ugag

November 30, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Dear Eddie Dawg,

I’m unsure about your gripe on one call. Was that one call that did you in? Or was it the 400+ rushing yards that left a scar in your unachieving season? No, you’re right, it was the blown call… Give your other dawg brethren an excuse for the next 364 days.

By benadawg

November 30, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

mbj your point is taken, however as i was in the stands, there was clearly a reciever there, the ball was thrown right over his head, the Tech coaches were signaling to the official intentional grounding and the flag was thrown. I believe that a record should be kept on all penalties and the explanation recorded for public view. The officials have to much impact on the game to not be fully accountable….As in the NBA scandel….Oh i was also listening to the radio call and Eric Zier said he had done this many times and not been flagged. But thanks for your view mbj.

By dawgsfan

November 30, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

the defense is not martinez’s fault, it is the players and the pour tackling Tech ran about 3 plays the whole game so not many adjustments needed to be made from the 1st half in which the defense only gave up 6 pts. on dwyers first td run of the 2nd half he broke i believe asher allens tackle than ellerber just dove into his hip instead of trying to wrap up and dwyer goes 60 yards and tech has the momentum, on roddy jones lat td run reshaed jones tries to push him out of bounds by shouldering him and he ends up scoring a td, on dwyers second td run the safety missed a tackle and tech already had a short field because richard samuel fumbled the kickoff

By godoggo

November 30, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

I know im sticking my head into a hornets nest but a lot of what has been said is so true. Having lived in this great state for 20 years, and marrying into a “very spirited” UGA family….I’ve grown accustomed to helping cheer for a UGA victory, when not playing my team, The Gators. My blood is Orange and Blue through and through. I try to call it like I see, and a lot of the problem I see is in the level of intensity UGA has when the going gets tough…..i sat covertly squirming several times this year at a UGA pub, with my UGA buddies wondering if they would pull it out in the end….the KY game was a prime example. CMR has to keep the intensity (ALL Coaches and Players) up during the game when the going gets tough !

You will see that wishbone again from GT…and the SEC now that they know your weakness (as mush despised Spurrier did with the run and gun/pass play….a new dimension to SEC football…..anotherward, all year long most teams destroyed, eliminated, or blew out your DE defensive ends to take the corner.

Don’t take me wrong……if my GATOR buddies knew I was talking strategy for UGA football, or knew I had had my picture taken with Uga (bulldog) not once but twice…I would be blackballed from them…..I live and breath all SEC football, minus Auburn : / rrrr ….but “you guys” have to not just play your game…..but be better at their own game in order to win…… Which I believe means a strong DEFENSE.

Isn’t it great though we are finally getting some credit here in the SEC and ACC after hearing Brent Musberger and mediocre Notre Dame for the last 25 years…blahblah….it has to make us all proud that in the top 10 at the end of the year will sit 4 or 5 SEC teams.

Go SEC and Go Gators

By My Big Johnson

November 30, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Hey you’re right eddie dawg…There were several GT receivers in the area where Stafford flung the ball off of one foot. After the Umpire makes the call, one of the Referees walks up and you can read his lips: “Was he inside the tackle box?”

It wasn’t a critical play that determined the OUTCOME of the game, like so many calls that went UGA’s way during the past 7 yrs.

You still had a lead, it was a 2nd and 9 play…But apparently it was enough to upset your fan base and your players so much that they failed to show up for the 3rd QTR. Go figure…

By Luke

November 30, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Let the Tech fans have their fun, they’ve won 4 games against Georgia since 1991, LOL. Dawg fans this is how the Florida fans feel about Georgia once a decade.

The Bulldogs had better hope Matt Stafford moves along with Willie Martinez and Mark Richt.

Stafford never improves, Richt is soft, and Martinez is terribly predictable. Richt has been quoted as saying his scheme has worked for eight years, why change it now.

Mediocrity will reign in Athens as long as CMR is the head coach. Flame on Dawg fans.

By Supes

November 30, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ and JOHN FABRIS on MONDAY!

Make a statement to show that the performance of the Defense and Special Teams in 2008 WILL NOT BE tolerated at UGA.

This is a defining moment in Mark Richt’s career as UGA headcoach. Do you continue to play the “good guy”, and be best buds with your coaching staff or do you lay the law down for NOT performing.

Oh, and Coach Martinez saying we had the “right scheme” is BS! UGA should have manned up on the corners, and played 4 DL and 4 LB the entire game. and brought LB near the end of the D-Line, like the Steelers do in the NFL. Jones should have been benched for not tackling and wrapping up, Dannelle was too busy talking rather than tackling as well. That ALL FALLS on Willie. He’s the Def. Coordinator. Get in their faces and get them doing things right, or replace them with someone who will. I’d rather lose with kids who try their hardest and shut the hell up than 5 star primadonas who are more interesting in “looking tough” and barking on the the field.

TECH had 1 PASS. How in the world do you complete 1 PASS and beat UGA at home? HOW? It’s on Willie and the Defensive players, that’s how. Put 9 in the box if you HAVE to, make them pass the football Willie! Just damn!

Silverster Croom or John Chavis won’t stand for BS crap like that, we need a change in defensive schemes and attitude all together. Also where are the recruits, the stars on the UGA defense? Five years ago, we had playmakers, multiple playmakers on the D-side of the ball, now we’ve got 1-2 guys who may get to play in the NFL in Currain, and Owens (when healthy).

R. Jones is the most over rated strong safety at UGA, he couldn’t carry Thomas Davis, Kelin Johnson or Greg Blue’s jockstrap.

FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ, restore the junkyard dawgs defense!

By EricADawgFan

November 30, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

The entire Defensive Staff Need to be FIRED Immediately……..

Coach Richt need to take over the defense until he can find replacements for the entire defense.

By notadawg

November 30, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

So do ya’ll still think you deserved to be rated number 1? Not me, I think 17th is great.

By jHack

November 30, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

This Georgia team had all the talent in the world when the season started. They lost some of it, but what they never had this season was discipline and an “attitude” that lasted. This season was probably a failure before it even started. Cosching, coaching, …coaching.

By Techfan1895

November 30, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

If only people got this excited about their taxes!!

Richt is a hell of a coach but you’ve got to remember these are 18-20 year old kids playing these games. Give em a break.

WTG PJ

By db

November 30, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Look Georgia just got beat by two much better teams in FL and AL, GT is a very good team but GA really need to focus on recruiting some defenders that can ACTUALLY TACKLE!This defense just plain stop trying….GREAT GAME GT….AND GA DESERVE ALL THE BLOGS THEY WILL BE RECEIVING….

By TNCaptive

November 30, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

MAN WHAT A NOVEMBER TO FORGET!!! First, FLORIDA scores 49 easily, OBAMA wins the Presidency, my 401K is now equal to a gallon of gas, we barely defeat a 6 & 6 Kentucky team and now THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!

By ED FROM ELLIJAY

November 30, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

FIRE MARTINEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FIRE MARTINEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HIRE KIRBY SMART FROM ALABAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!! HIRE KIRBY SMART FROM ALABAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!! MARTINEZ AND FABRIS(SPECIAL TEAMS) MUST GO! WHY WAS SAMUEL EVER TRIED TO RUN BACK KICK OFFS????????????????????????????????

By gt

November 30, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

let’s see how the dawg staff and team respnds this next year. cmr is not supposed to rip his team and coaches in the paper, dawg fans! he has proven his worth.

the greatest coach of all time-john wooden- said success is doing th best you can (paraphrase). the dawgs definitely failed, but especially the defense.

the famous junkyard dawg played with heart-all the time.it started AFTER A BAD SEASON and a loss to miami of ohio in the citrus bowl.

our offensive stars came thru- we have 4 pro stars in skill positions, and a young line.

i do not think the real problem is coaching, except they maybe recruited players without enough heart.. injuries have definitely hurt, but the d has not had it all year, and did not improve. the offensive line, tough young and also injured, did get lots better.

still, itis not time to call for heads and panic like gator fans. let us see what happens next year.

go dawgs always, and that includes cmr, who can coach and has a ton of class.

By Jack

November 30, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

I have been a DAWGS fan for ovr 35 years. I have never seen them quit like I did Saturday. While Georgia is rated year in year out in the top ten for recruiting I wonder if they are getting the right kind of people. Their lack of discipline with penalties or tackling can be traced back to the kind of player Georgia is now recruiting. How many Bulldogs had run ins with the law this year? How many “charachter” problems have there been? If they can’t have discipline off the field how can we expect it on the field?Until we start recruiting quality athletes who are quality people is the discipline problem going to go away.

By Eric

November 30, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Richt is a average coach, but an excellent recruiter!!! Georgia has top shelf players that seem to be better on the next level than at Georgia, that goes back to coaching and Richt. This years team is the most undiscipline team I have ever seen at Georgia, that’s falls back on the coaching staff. Missing tackles and penalties unfortunitly is the coaches responsiblity. Look at it this way, if it’s on the players then why have a need for a coaching staff???

By wreckmaniac

November 30, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

CMR has dreams at night about getting Mickey Andrews to Athens. About Pollock, if Tech has to lose to UGA I would prefer it to be with Pollock on the sideline. You can only have great respect for that kid. He is an ace

By kww

November 30, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

That is what I have been saying all year. MR is too easy on the team. They have had so many off the field diciplinary probs. The most penalized in the country. No heart and have lacked fundamentals LIKE TACKLING MR is a great coach but he has to buckle down and start rethinking his fundamentals as a coach for young men who need structure and dicapline - not just in athletics but also in life

By thogwummpy

November 30, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

My theory is that Martinez was burned by a deep pass as a child, and is so traumatized that he only defends that. No blitzing. No pass rush. Hell, even a Pop Warner coach will tell you that you defend the option by cheating up your safeties….but NOT Martinez! He plays ever down fearful of the deep throw. What, did he spend the week off watching LAST YEAR’s Tech film…and prepped for the passing game?!?! Sorry Willie…too many crucial penalties and points hung on UGA this year to keep you around; the Dawgs once vaunted D has been rudderless too long…and if you can’t play defense, you can’t achieve in the SEC.

By Con

November 30, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

For all the people that want to get rid of Coach Richt: The grass is not always greener. Remember how “wonderful it was before he came. Only two schools have finished in the top 10 the past 6 years (before this year) UGA and USC. Not bad company. Who would you replace him with that is better? Would they even consider coming? Are you positive they would be able to even equal what he has done? Alabama is having a great year. Rember their last few? There are schools all over the country that would love to have what we have. We were rated #1 in preseason. Look over the past years and see how many teams have gone on to win it all after being preseason #1. I would love to see some changes made on the defensive side, but we are VERY lucky to have Coach Richt.

By wncdawgfan

November 30, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Well said. What a mess and a disappointing season. The men are tremndously talented, but it takes coaching to bring it out in the right places. Last time I checked, it takes offense AND defense AND special teams to win a game. Thanks to the offensive coaching staff for bringing out the talent on their side of the ball this season. ‘nuf said.

By Reverand Richt

November 30, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

When you are defeated by a team whose athletes score higher on the SAT than your athletes you are in trouble.

I personally don’t want to hear anything about the Reverand’s missionairy work in Uzbekistan until he addresses this coaching staff. Great Guy! Great Humanitarian!! Great Father and Husband!! Beaten Down punk on the Sidelines!! Over a quarter of a century since we played fora “Meaningful” Championship. Anyone getting tired of waiting?? Bobby has grown senile at FSU, I just want to make sure we don’t have to see the insidious nature of the aging process play out here.

By RICK

November 30, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

What stood out to me most yesterday, is that both UGA and Tech have awful defense’s. Both have good offense’s but, please. If you score 42 points you ought to win. Good job Tech, you finally got us.

By cc

November 30, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

i am a tech fan and glad for the win. but two things stick out about the win and why georgia lost. the sense of entitlement first of all, me deserve a national title, we are the only team attitude from georgia fans, humility and common sense wins battles, after pride goeth a fall. the next is something that has to do whith upbringing and social environment and the lack of coaching that can prevent the negatives from the two before mentioned, HORSE COLLAR TACKLES, let ther be no mistake, let ther be no gray area, horse collar tackles are for wimps, and cowards and low class people who have no honor. i’m not a big guy and played plenty of football and i never had to do a chicken sh## thing like a horse collar. this ain’t a girls sport like nascar and baseball where it’s all abou the bickering, controversy and whining, this is football, man on man. testing yourself as a man against men. a horse collar tackle is a cheap shot and i see georgia doing it more than any other team. coaching. then when dwyer scored right after halftime, i guy just ran into dwyer no wrap up no tackling skills. that’s either arrogance or poor coaching. both #33 and #44 made key errors that lost the game for georgia. p.s. i’d like to see knowshon in the nfl, he ain’t ever gonna be ready for the big leagues, harmon. one real nfl linebacker hit and that potato chip is history. yeah, he’s got moves. yeah he’s got speed. but when it’s push to come to shove in the nfl, knowshon is made out of balsa wood.

By BoBo

November 30, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Jack - You are right, UGA does a great job at recruiting every year. The problem is coaching and the lack of discipline on AND off the field. When UGA gets a coach that can provide leadership and demand accountability, the talent on the team might be able to play like a TEAM. Number 24 is product of this coach, loads of talent, but no heart.

By wreckmaniac

November 30, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Penny: Don’t insult us with such drivel. How do you know what any Tech fan would do in the situation you described ? Do you think we would beat up a “stoned” UGA fan or student ? You need to get out into world and out of your coccoon and realize that we are talking about football here and not about who is and who is not benevolent. Just concentrate on what you are doing for mankind.

By BAMADAWG

November 30, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

IF OUR GUYS WOULD’VE JUST WRAPPED UP AND TACKLED WE WOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS CONVERSATION. JUST RIDICULOUS!!!!!!

By DAWG FAN

November 30, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

FIRE MARK RICHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SEND HIM BACK TO FSU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Danny

November 30, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

What a failure this year was, MR will never bring home a BCS championship to UGA, be satisfied with an occasional appearance in the SEC Championship. He’s not aggressive enough and it has gotten to easy to play for him. He gives the appearance he doesn’t care whether he wins or loses by keeping WM.

By wreckmaniac

November 30, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Wow, you dawgs have convinced me. Tech will not win another game against UGA over the next 5 years. I am convinced, according to your distorted logic, that UGA will lose or give away 3 of the next 5 with Tech.

By gdawg

November 30, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Nesbitt says, “they did not know what we were going to do”. I was at the game and I predicted which way they were going everytime. If we could have tackled (wrap up) and stayed with the assignment (Rashard Jones is the most disappointing recruit to go through Athens, maybe he will declare for the draft}. Hey Rashard, 3 guys do not need to tackle the QB someone has to take the pitch man. Hey Rashard, it isn’t 2 hand touch so quit trying to push the runner.

By disgruntled dawg

November 30, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

I’m tired of this fire Willie crap. CMR is correct that he isn’t going to point any fingers at anyone.Yes Mark Richt I agree and the blame goes to you sir and only YOU. I’t should and does rest squarely on Mark Richts shoulders because he is the head coach and is also being paid quite handsomely. There was no improvement in penalties,defense and special teams play through the course of the season whatsoever. In fact, it had gotten worse. Our team was manhandled once again which seems UGA is not as big and athletic as other teams that it has faced this year. The game yesterday reminded me of the Tennessee game two years ago in which our coaching staff seemed clueless during a second half meltdown. If Stafford and Moreno leaves next year, the dawgs will be in trouble because of lack of playing time from the back ups. I hope Damon Evans will be in his office early tomorrow morning to address these issues with CMR. THE BLAME goes to Richt ! The product on the field yesterday was a total embarrassment to the University and its supporters. It was a total disgrace while honoring both Coach Vince Dooley and Legend Larry Munson!

By wreckmaniac

November 30, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Darn, what a disappointment. I was really proud of Tech’s win until I read from the UGA fans who obviously know so much more than anyone that Tech was given the game by the refs. I will call our AD tomorrow and ask that he contact the NCAA about having yesterdays game recorded as a UGA win. Now I can see how the won-loss record between the 2 teams has become so distorted over the years. I now wonder if Tech has really won any games against UGA. It just seems that we want to cheat and I’m no longer proud of my team.

By Bob Perrow

November 30, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

I think Gordon is right. I’m a Dawg fan, but we need to give Tech their due. They beat us in a good game that was lots of fun to watch. Everyone was on the edge of their seats the whole game through.

As my (GT grad) pastor told me………”Now you have to do pennance by singing the Georgia Tech fight song somewhere between 45-42 times and you will receive absolution.”

Not bad for a Techie!

By My Big Johnson

November 30, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

The thing that surprises me most is how the UGA Defense had an extra week to prepare for a nearly 100% rushing offense and still got rolled. Didn’t anyone in Athens watch what happened to Miami’s D? Ask anyone who knows and PJ’s Offense is only stopped — or slowed — by maintaining assignments. When a defender leaves or gets blocked out of a lane, often they look up to see the back running for a TD. To PJ’s credit, he’ll run the same play, same personnel against you time and time again where other coaches may run some plays a single time in a game. Then every time you screw up, he makes you pay.

I LOVE IT! It’s such a different brand of football than Bore Me To Tears Gailey ran at The Flats. It’s good to see GT going out and playing a full 60 min game and taking it to opponents, regardless of their reputation!

And eddie dawg, as far as Nesbit throwing the ball away with 15 sec left in the half, he ran at least 10 yards toward the Tech sideline before throwing it clearly beyond the line of scrimmage. He wasn’t in the tackle box and could’ve thrown it anywhere he wanted (beyond the LOS)…

By JimC

November 30, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

To Penny: Would you rather send your son to a top school (GT), where he’ll earn a real degree that means something, or send him to one of the top ten party schools (UGA), where he’ll (maybe) get a silly, meaningless degree that won’t help him one bit to get ahead and have a real career?

If he goes to UGA, get him a job now flipping burgers so he’ll have some real skill to fall back on.

Or get him a job as parole officer so he can meet all the UGA players!

By Kenneth Klosowski

November 30, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

What’s wrong with these Dawgs? It has to be the coaching whether they were outcoached throughout the season or being hurt with its inconsistently and line play. Their defense went to sleep after halftime in Saturday’s game vs. Tech when they gave up huge chunks of yardage on one or two plays from scrimmage. Give Tech credit, they played extremely well and they we’re today’s good football team. Hat’s off to them.

By jwatl

November 30, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

BIG QUESTION: CAN A RICHT COACHED TEAM EVER TRULY COMPETE FOR A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP?? In all candor, do not think Richt is tough enough to take a national championship to the house! Get the notion that he is more swagger than executed action. What a big disappointment in his own backyard!!

By Sam

November 30, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Quote: Georgia was overrated from the beginning.. they are a team with little heart and will lose again in the bowl game… Tech overachieved, had no business winning 9 games.. no business beating Georgia.. Georgia will be hard pressed to beat Tech over the next couple of years.

END QUOTE Wow, one win in 8 years and all of the sudden Tech will become dominant?

By ramblin gamblin

November 30, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

For the few Dawgs on here saying they’d like to see Sylvester Croom become the new UGA defensive coordinator, I could not agree more. He’d be a good one. Tech scored 38 with their true freshman backup QB against Croom’s Mississippi State Bulldogs. Go head, hire him today! Tech beat three sets of Bulldogs this year: Gardner-Webb, Miss. St. and UGA.

By TheItalianDawg

November 30, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Supes, I couldn’t say it better, you hit the nail on the head!! no question about firing willie Martinez, In fact Im really surprised that Mark Richt didn’t fire him yet!! Martinez claimed he had the right schemes, but the players failed to execute, so the players failed to execute against: Alabama , allowed 41 pts Florida allowed 49 pts Kentucky allowed 38 pts LSU allowed 38 pts Auburn allowed 13 pts to most anemic Offense in NCAA history and almost won Georgia tech allowed 45 pts I can understand that the turnovers and special team contributed to the let down, but it is very clear to us our D is pretty bad, Georgia’s defense doesn’t scare anybody any more, its pathetic and loaded with individual star players shame on you Martinez just by implying its the players fault!

By itsallaboutrecruiting

November 30, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Why worry about the quality of recruits ? Thats what UGA is all about and see where they are ? Take the B players and make a conhesive unit and make plans to go the BCS. We at Tech should know something now about rebuilding. If I were CMR I would do the following: 1. Find good STUDENT-ATHELETES not just ATHELETES 2. Define a code of conduct 3. Enforce it rigidly 4. Put your best players on defense 5. Throw together some type of offense. It really doesn’t matter

By George P Burdell

November 30, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

*ahhhhhhhhhhhhh…. hahahahahahah…..” From No. 1 in these United States to No. 2 in this state: That’s how complete Georgia’s failure was.”………………….UGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXahhhhhhhhhhhhh…. hahahahahahah…..” From No. 1 in these United States to No. 2 in this state: That’s how complete Georgia’s failure was.”………………….UGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXahhhhhhhhhhhhh…. hahahahahahah…..” From No. 1 in these United States to No. 2 in this state: That’s how complete Georgia’s failure was.”………………….UGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXahhhhhhhhhhhhh…. hahahahahahah…..” From No. 1 in these United States to No. 2 in this state: That’s how complete Georgia’s failure was.”………………….UGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXahhhhhhhhhhhhh…. hahahahahahah…..” From No. 1 in these United States to No. 2 in this state: That’s how complete Georgia’s failure was.”………………….UGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXahhhhhhhhhhhhh…. hahahahahahah…..” From No. 1 in these United States to No. 2 in this state: That’s how complete Georgia’s failure was.”………………….UGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUXUGAy SUX