Sports Columnists

By animaldr

November 9, 2005 07:30 PM | Link to this

I think I will read this article every night before I go to bed.

I grew up watching those early 80’s teams. But when I was at UGA you could see the slip. We still always beat Fla, but…

Now my kids grew up just having to stick with the team. 8-4 started to look good. Now UGA football is back where we all want it to be.

I wonder where all those Fire Richt Now people have gone over the last two weeks? If we beat Auburn we won’t have to hear from them until next year. But lose to Auburn and they will visit this site by 1AM Sunday.

This will be a tough game. Auburn is becoming the team in the west. But this is what college football is all about.

GO DAWGS!

By Doug

November 9, 2005 07:53 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t agree with you more. I don’t agree with every play Richt calls, but I wouldn’t trade him for the world, nor for any of the other guys currently coaching in the SEC. (Yes, including Spurrier.)

Standby for the crybaby hordes of Tech fans sure to come on here whining about how Mark Bradley likes Georgia too much. Kiddies, didja ever stop to think that maybe he just recognizes a good coach when he sees one?

By Frank

November 9, 2005 09:30 PM | Link to this

Coach Richt has taken the Dawgs to a whole new level. Beats the heck out of the 90’s when we almost never won a big game. We’ve lost some big games under Richt but we’ve won our share too. He’s had trouble with Florida but I really believe a big part of that has been scheduling and venue. To be back in the SEC Championship game three out of four years (assuming we take care of business) would be fantastic. I, for one, have not forgotten the bad old days. Don’t agree with everything Coach Richt does but I wouldn’t trade him and I don’t believe you could have a finer man working with and coaching these young men at such a crucial time in their lives.

By dawgfaninbama

November 9, 2005 10:06 PM | Link to this

Agree with pretty much everything you said except the comment about “spotty disciplinarian.” It’s pretty obvious that Coach Richt responds to every single incident in a consistent manner. There have been numerous suspensions and several players dismissed from the team. He is doing all he can do with this - respond consistently, without fear of it losing ball games. I think the longer you see him at Georgia, the more this strategy will prove to be successful in lowering the occurrence of behavior problems.

By Top Dawg

November 9, 2005 10:14 PM | Link to this

Right on brother!

By Max Sizemore

November 9, 2005 10:23 PM | Link to this

Richt is indeed a fine head coach, but as Bradley pointed out in an earlier column Richt must hire an offensive coordinator. Great leaders learn to delegate, and that is the vital next step for UGA’s program. Without it, Georgia will never challenge for the national title.

By dawgsrule179

November 9, 2005 10:25 PM | Link to this

Mark Richt is creating a dynisty, UGA will be solid for years to come, and yes he will get a National Championship if he stays at UGA.

By THWG

November 9, 2005 10:42 PM | Link to this

Great article…so craftily written that the idiot dogs didn’t notice the slight put right in the middle…”Georgia has emerged as the gold standard in what used to be considered the most difficult division.” Richt hasn’t done anything…it doesn’t take a genius to win at a football factory against a schedule as weak as uga’s. All one has to do proficiently to be a successful coach at uga is keep the thug players out of jail and on the team.

By jason45

November 9, 2005 10:53 PM | Link to this

FIRE MARK RICTH NOW

By Ralph

November 9, 2005 10:59 PM | Link to this

When Muttland starts playing the top teams when they are at the top of the game, I will start believing in Muttland. Unitl then, Muttland is much ado about nothing.

By Dawgstyle

November 9, 2005 11:05 PM | Link to this

O.k.,so who is your team thwg? Are you thwg or thug?

By Robert t Mcneilly

November 9, 2005 11:05 PM | Link to this

bobbyuga The person that made the comment about Ga.players being thugs must have been talking about a tech because they are the only team with a player going to jail for trafficing DRUGS.

By Dawgstyle

November 9, 2005 11:13 PM | Link to this

45 must be a techie,he/she wants coach Richt outta here so they might win & he/she can’t even spell his name.Yep,classic techie stuff.

By Dawgstyle

November 9, 2005 11:20 PM | Link to this

Thank you Frank.It’s good to hear from a “Bonified Dawg” every now & then. And yes techies,we spell it DAWG not DOG.

By Dawgstyle

November 9, 2005 11:22 PM | Link to this

I nominate Mark Bradley for President. Anyone second that motion?

By Nicholas Irwin

November 10, 2005 01:30 AM | Link to this

Ugh…gag me.

By Michael

November 10, 2005 01:41 AM | Link to this

Just FYI to everybody Georgia didn’t miss out last year on a tiebreaker. We had 2 conference losses, UT had one (the other loss was to ND). One David Greene toss into the end zone from threepeating as SEC East Champs. Who would’ve dreamed of that during the Donnan days?

By Nicholas Irwin

November 10, 2005 01:41 AM | Link to this

Here’s a nice little rule of thumb people, if you have to tell yourself that you’re the standard bearer of the SEC, then you’re not. You’re no Florida of the mid ’90s or Tennessee of the late ’90s. Everyone, without exception, who knew anything about college football, knew that these teams were by far the best team in the conference in those respective years and that it would take a mighty feat indeed to knock them off their perch. I suspect that if you took a poll, you would find it relatively split between you, LSU and Auburn as to who’s the best team, or the standard bearer if you prefer, during this period. Perhaps you get the slight nod because you’ve been at it for four years, as opposed to three with LSU and two with Auburn, but please…corronating yourself kings of the SEC seems petty and stupid to everyone other than you. Get over youselves. If you lose to either Auburn or LSU this year, the one of those teams that wins the West gets the honor.

And Bradley, your UGA a*-kissing has reached a new low. There was absolutely no point to this article whatsoever, especially now. Maybe if they win the SEC this year, I could see writing it, but to write it now is laughably stupid.

By Nicholas Irwin

November 10, 2005 01:45 AM | Link to this

And Michael is right. Would five minutes of research kill you? My goodness. That’s really inexcusable.

By D-man

November 10, 2005 04:39 AM | Link to this

Alright, all my Dawg fans, listen up..the D-man is here and court is in session…first of all, Nicholas Irwin could not be more wrong. Yeah, Nick..you read right. You talk about how UGA cant claim to be a standard bearer because 4 yrs isnt long enough to prove one’s program for such an honor..and in the very same stroke, you are talking about how the FL team of the mid-90s and the Tenn team of the late 90s are better examples. Excuse me, but MID 90s and LATE 90s are not much different than the LAST FOUR YEARS my slow friend. I think FOUR years of quality football is exactly long enough to measure a football programs progress. It is obvious you are just prejudiced against UGA. So…your opinion doesnt count. I sentance you to FOUR YEARS of probation. During that time, educate yourself baby. Alright Dawg fans..court is in recess…D-man out.

By Walter

November 10, 2005 06:56 AM | Link to this

UGA sure has a leg up on GTU at this point, although the boys from the Flats may have something to say in two weeks for a change.

By Northwest DAWG

November 10, 2005 07:20 AM | Link to this

I like MR and respect him as a man,but ,rember, 2 years ago Tuberville was almost run out of Auburn because he had a lot of talent but hadn’t been able to win. What did he do after the attemted back stabbing? He went out and hired the best offensive coordinator he could find and look at the results. I hate to say this, but unless MR looks in the mirror and faces the truth about his game day coaching and does something about our offensive play calling, SC and Fla will be 2 losses to begin the year with. Look at the way “Joe Pa” after all those years of doing things one way changed his offensive playing calling and started playing underclass men and He’s about to win the Big Ten. I’m scared to death about this Sat. Go DAWGS big time, I hope

By airduke

November 10, 2005 07:45 AM | Link to this

Anyone who spends time wishing Mark Richt would get an offensive coordinator needs less free time. Of course UGA can compete nationally with him calling the plays. They already have(3 straight top 5 finishes). Noone has EVER called a play for Steve Spurrier and I’d say he’s had some success. As far as our schedule, it does appear a little weak, but we HAVE to play Tennessee, Auburn, and Georgia Tech every year. We have no choice. UGA picks up Colorado next year. They’re pretty good and best of all they beat out GT for the 1990 National Championship. Finally, UGA will regain SEC Champion status in another 3 weeks and change. I know it makes alot of people angry, but this is the way it’s going to be for a long time, so you may want to get used to it.

By geechee

November 10, 2005 08:01 AM | Link to this

Nicholas you narcissistic needle dick you are attacking UGA fans because Bradley wrote a piece about UGA?

You said among other things “corronating yourself kings of the SEC seems petty and stupid to everyone other than you.” I doubt seriously that corronating is even a word and even if it is I doubt it would spelled this way. To use your exact words “Would five minutes of research kill you? My goodness. That’s really inexcusable.”

Secondly, there was no mention of the word kings anywhere and once again they were Bradley’s words. Then you say “Perhaps you get the slight nod because you’ve been at it for four years, as opposed to three with LSU and two with Auburn”

“Perhaps you get the slight nodâ€?? So you actually in a way agree with Bradley but still UGA fans are “petty and stupid” because Bradley said it.

By Dawgs for Richt

November 10, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this

In my opinion, the reason we are where we are is not talent, maybe not even coaching, but the class that our program carries with it. You will not even get an arguement out of this extremely biased Dawg that Tennessee has more talent than we do on a regular basis. The reason we win, is because we have a man of faith and character leading us. I believe Fulmer is a coward and blames everything on outside forces. He is never just beat by a better team. On the other end of the spectrum, you have Mark Richt who has our players loving each other first and playing for each other second and you see where our program has risen. All the quarterback controversy has left Tennessee in shambles this year. There are two camps, a Clausen camp and an Ainge camp. One will not play for the other. Here our team of character is, with a four year quarterback controversy (a black and white one at that which can be even more volatile.) Why did it work? Character. Shockley and Greene respected and loved each other instead of asking “what if”, and the rest of the team followed suit. Now Shockley is the star he was said to be and deserves to be and I know Greene is one of his biggest fans. Why is this? Thanks to the character of our head coach and staff. We don’t have head and shoulders better talent than most though we will soon. But, a pack of deer lead by a wolf can defeat a pack of wolves lead by a deer. Thanks Coach Richt and keep up the good work.

By C-TOWN-DAWG

November 10, 2005 08:45 AM | Link to this

I wish all these UGA bashing Tech fans would remember the last time their program was heading in our direction. By the way isnt it basketball season anyway, should’nt you guys have on yellow wigs and dancing in place waiting for another tournament exit. I say bravo to Mr.Bradley for reconizing a job that is being done well. Living in Columbus(John Daly-driver and 3-wood from Auburn)I have to tolerate daily articles about the GREAT Eagle program, I believe the writers down here have presses at AU. This is the one game each year that I look foward to the most. I have 2 neighbors that are hugh Tiger fans and I know that they will have those AUBURN flags flying high as the sun drops Saturday night, but a Dawg win I can awaken to see Thanksgiving Day flags at attention- GOOO- DAWGS!!! SIC” EM

By D-man

November 10, 2005 08:57 AM | Link to this

Ah, yes…your hearing it from the D-man first..hear it today, print it Saturday night…DAWGS WIN OVER AUBURN: 21-14!! D-man…OUT.

By jim

November 10, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this

It’s nice to finally hear something positive out of an AJC sportswriter. Given the Braves winning the division, the Falcons in first place, UGA w/ only 1 loss and Tech w/ only 2, I’m amazed at the flood of negative articles written about the home teams. As a Tech alum I’m happy for the UGA fans and wish their team the best except for one Saturday a year. They certainly have a program of which to be proud.

By GDAWG

November 10, 2005 09:59 AM | Link to this

Hey! UT late 90’s, FLA mid 90’s, great teams, no argument from me. Was I jealous. Yep. UGA last four years great teams. On an up swing rebuilding this year. Top 2 or 3 recruiting class this year if not #1. Should you be jealous. Yep.

By Paul

November 10, 2005 10:23 AM | Link to this

Hey Mark:

If I was going to name a program as the premiere football program in the SEC since Mark Richt has been around, I’d go with the program that has the most SEC Championships, most BCS bowl wins and most NC’s during that time period. I’ll give you a hint; it’s not the Dawgs.

Geaux Tigers

By BIGNCDAWG

November 10, 2005 10:27 AM | Link to this

Jim thanks for the classy post and yes it’s good to see ajc finally write something postive about home teams.

A DAWG for life

By Olde Gator

November 10, 2005 10:31 AM | Link to this

While it is correct that the pups missed the SEC championship game in 2004 only because of a tiebreaker, I recall that they got in the game in 2003 only because of the tiebreaker. Let’s tell both sides of the coin, Mr. Bradley.

By Dawg Fan

November 10, 2005 10:48 AM | Link to this

There is no single dominant team as yet for this decade. LSU has won more SEC titles in the aughts, but they also had a couple of mediocre seasons in between. Georgia’s been more consistently good so far, but we need to actually win some titles before we officially become standard bearers. And for the LSU fan who thinks LSU deserves the honors for their NC, the only difference between Georgia in 2002 and LSU in 2003 was that Ohio State and Miami managed to make it through unscathed, keeping us out of the title game.

By Dawg Fan

November 10, 2005 10:50 AM | Link to this

When did title become a dirty word?

By BIGNCDAWG

November 10, 2005 11:03 AM | Link to this

D man I think it will be DAWGS, but 17-14

By NGA Dawg

November 10, 2005 11:11 AM | Link to this

Yes Jim, the class is appreciated (above). It’s too bad more fans (all schools) cannot show good sportsmanship. This applies to teams as well. As one poster insinuates above, the character of the Georgia program—beginning with it’s head coach, is “paying dividends.” However win, lose or draw, character should be part and parcel of who you are as an individual or as a team. Good things are happening at UGA because good things lie at the foundation of the program (character, teamwork, recruiting, sound strategy, etc). Do the Dawgs win every game? Of course not, but they’re going to get their share—and then some. Beat those Tigers on Saturday night, win the SEC Championship, and make us proud. Go You Silver Britches!

By the way, Happy Birthday USMC (#213 I believe).

By CW

November 10, 2005 11:18 AM | Link to this

As a Tech fan, I’ll give Richt his due. The past year or so AJC ran a column about what made Dooley a great coach. He almost always won the games he was supposed to and won a fair amount of his big games against equal or better teams. Richt seems to have UGA in about the same place. Even during the Goff and Donnan years, UGA recruited great talent. The difference is that Richt seems to be able to get more out of that talent than the other guys.

As far as hiring an OC, I think it is hard for alot of coaches, Gailey and Richt included, to find an OC that they think can do the job better than they can. In Gailey’s case, not sure I agree. But I think it’s pretty hard to argue with the succes that Richt has had.

Other than a few minutes of the FLA game, haven’t seen much of Georgia this year and don’t know how good your pass defense is. Everybody is focusing on Auburn’s running backs, but I think their wideouts are what makes them dangerous. If you can contain Obamanu & Aromoshadu (sp?) you can shut them down. They both had a great game against Tech and would have won except for the 4 picks Cox threw in his first start.

By Ala. Jim

November 10, 2005 11:27 AM | Link to this

Doug, watch out how you talk about hordes of Tech fans. I graduated from Tech and I’ve put several responces about Richt on this Blog. One saying he’s the best coach in the country and one saying he reminded me of a young Bobby Dodd. High praise from a Tech fan!

By DirkDawggler

November 10, 2005 12:12 PM | Link to this

I think Richt is still learning, evidenced by his conservative playcalling against Florida. I wish we had a dedicated OC, but I will not ever complain about where we are and where we are headed. I believe a Mythical National Championship is just a matter of time…and if Richt stays in Athens for 15-20 years, I’d say more than one. Good times, these be! Cherish it…because nothing lasts forever.

By Huh?

November 10, 2005 12:23 PM | Link to this

So let me get this straight. UGA wins all of one SEC title over the past two decades, squeaks out a couple of wins in the Outback Bowl over middle-of-the-pack Big 10 competition and now their the flagship football program of the conference?

Uhh, OK.

By DawgByte

November 10, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this

I think Georgia is in good hands - anyone with a mind can figure that out. Is Georgia the standard bearer of the SEC? Certainly up for review. In my opinion; like the Braves, UGA needs a couple more SEC rings to make the coronation legitimate.

Personally, I think an OC would be beneficial to our team. BUT, it’s obviously got to be somebody that is a value add over what currently exists. Hiring an OC for the sake of making its fans happy isn’t the right approach. Hiring an OC that exclusively runs the Wishbone, probably ain’t such a hot idea.

Out.

By JamesDAWG

November 10, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this

I like D-Man you have to respect someone who talkes in 3rd person.

Go Dawgs

By JamesDAWG

November 10, 2005 01:12 PM | Link to this

sorry talks

Dawgs 23 Auburn 21

By Jimmy

November 10, 2005 02:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand all of this hostility between the Tech and UGA fans. UGA’s success has nothing to do w/ Richt or the top 10 recruiting classes. I moved here three years ago from Texas and they started winning, plain and simple. Tech fans sorry that I havent rubbed off on your team. Heh

By sj

November 10, 2005 02:56 PM | Link to this

Why is there any discussion about MR’s success as a HC? His record stands alone. Just as exciting is the player talent he is bringing to our program.

My only current concern is the DC. Martinez is way too predictable.

By sj

November 10, 2005 03:05 PM | Link to this

Just to vent. I hate Auburn like a house cat hates deep water… like a 2 yr old hates an ear exam…like a microwave hates a steel fork.

They are the icon for classless, low self esteem, cult followers of college sports. Pretenders, cheats, whiners, and spin masters.

Look at what happened today…their ‘starting’ LB (Sears) was ‘suspended’. Is it a coincidence that the player who was the starter before Sears is coming back for the game? This slimy, no account, dirtbag Tuberville is the most overpaid (>2 mil/yr)employee in the world.

By Chris

November 10, 2005 03:19 PM | Link to this

Why do people think we lost a tie breaker last year to Tenn? They had one conference lost we had two. As for the Tech fans, it is all about jealousy. They realize UGA has become a Top 5 program nationally, while they are struggling to be a Top 5 ACC program. It is a good time to be a Dawg.

By fred russo

November 10, 2005 03:40 PM | Link to this

All this sounds great but! why can’t he recruite the top players from Georgia. Why is he so consertive in play calling.

By sj

November 10, 2005 03:46 PM | Link to this

‘… why can’t he recruit the top players from Ga?’

Answer: Because they can only give 25/ yr (unless some start school before July) and he is getting the top players from around the country.

Please click the following: http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=135&p=9&c=8&sTeamofInterestNodeIds=740&yr=2006

and count the number of 5 star players (hint: more to date than any other school in Div I). Then wipe the crow off your lips.

By Spoon

November 10, 2005 04:25 PM | Link to this

sj, you know I grew up less than sixty miles from Athens…the son of an somewhat apathetic father who graduated from Auburn. But it was igorant/malicious people like you who made me learn to hate the University of Georgia with a passion to rival that of Hitler’s to the Jews. Fortunately I have develope friends that are Georgia students and graduates and found out not all Georgia fans are as low class as the ones I grew up around. Just thought I’d let you know you are bringing down anyone who has ties the University of Georgia by being such a dick. Its a great rivalry and God knows I love watching Georgia lose, but theres no need to be malicious. Grow up.
Oh and Hoorah to the Marines Corps birthday.

By sj

November 10, 2005 04:32 PM | Link to this

Spoon. I left off one Auburn characteristic that your post reminded me of…self righteous.

Also, maybe you can use your own ‘spoon’ to dig your way to an Auburn editorial.

By Spoon

November 10, 2005 04:40 PM | Link to this

Self righteous…hmmm maybe…but name someone who isn’t? Just remember you when you start slinging mud, you should know how deep your resources are. Like your comment on Sears getting suspended…I believe you used the word “classless”…so what word would you use for all of UGA’s preseason problems? Sear’s violation is the first for us since 2003…how many has Georgia had? Mark Richt is a great coach and recruits great players…but great players do not always equate great people.

By sj

November 10, 2005 04:57 PM | Link to this

Sears violation is the first one REPORTED. Your clueless catfish cook coach will do anything to win and avoid accountability (including blame everyone but himself). My guess is he would not have suspended Sears if he needed him.

The ONLY good thing I can think of about your team is that 3 juniors that could have gone pro stayed in school for last yr’s season.

Why is there a revolving door of coaches? Why did Hugh Nall have to be OC in 2003? Why did you have TWO personal jets to bring in recruits? How many times in the last 3 decades have you been sanctioned by NCAA? How can you justify a last minute cancellation of the FSU game because of fear of a loss? Explain a schedule of nonconf games that reads like a high school?

By geechee

November 10, 2005 05:31 PM | Link to this

Spoon, here’s at least one UGA fan who is in agreement with you. sj’s post above where he rants about his hatred for Auburn and its fans is totally classless as well as clueless and is the equal of some of the vile posts by UF fans on this blog. I’m not sure what he is referring to with the comment on the suspended player and I’m not sure he does. You also gain bonus points for keeping your responses on the high road. Aside from that, GO DOGS!!!!!

By T Man

November 10, 2005 05:53 PM | Link to this

Outback Bowl does not equal “standard bearer” LSU has 1 National Championship and 2 SEC Championship since 2001.

By vetteDAWG

November 10, 2005 09:26 PM | Link to this

The DAWGS are just were we need to be. We have the BEST coach in the SEC.I’d have to say Coach Richt has made @ least 99% of the correct call’s - No body is perfect.Take away Coach Richt’s 1st year & we have lost ONLY 7 games. 2 of them came to LSU in the same year they won the National Champ.Fla. just seem’s to have our # , 3 loses to them & the other 2 to Auburn & heck they went 13 & 0 last year.The future is VERY BRIGHT for the DAWGS. Coach Richt does not lose games we are suppose to win. Goff & Donnan did. Letting Tech get LUCKY & get us 3 straight years got Donnan fired.Tech is not even in our league now. Also concerning the article be Terrance Moore a week ago - the DAWGS are 7 & 0 against the ” mighty ” ACC since Coach Richt got here.

By Chuck_Uuga

November 10, 2005 09:28 PM | Link to this

Always fun to read all the UGA haters posts. What they don’t get is Richt has only been at UGA 5 years. He is already accomplishing more than Fulmer did in his first 5 years, and pretty close to what Spurrier accomplished. Not sure UGA beats Auburn Saturday, in fact I think there is a > 50% chance we lose. But Richt will have this team ready to contend next season when the Florida and Auburn games roll around, and I seriously doubt UGA wins any less than 9 of 12 games the entire time he is head coach. He WILL win several more SEC titles, and there is NO DOUBT he will win a National Championship. His recruiting is superior to anything ever seen at Georgia since the late 1930’s/early 1940’s. Players are coming from all over to sign up, and there is NOTHING any of you LOSERS from Tech (or from currently mediocre programs like UT, SC, UF)can do about it!! Oh yeah, Fulmer did not win an SEC title until his 5th year, and Spurrier took 7 years to win a NC. So Richt is looking pretty good right now.

By Dawgstyle

November 10, 2005 09:32 PM | Link to this

Spoon you show class in your words,you sound like the kind of people I like to be around. There’s nothing wrong with showing a little team spirit while remembering that off the field, at the end of the day,we’re closer to being the same than we would like to admit most of the time.As a Dawg fan, I’d sit next to you in the stands anytime. GO DAWGS!!!!!

By Chuck_Uuga

November 10, 2005 09:35 PM | Link to this

Oh, to all of you LSU fans, IT’S OVER! You won’t win squat after this year with that moron as your head coach! Good luck, he won’t be able to recruit like Saban and he doesn’t have near the discipline necessary to get your players to succeed. Why did you hire a coach whose best record ever for a season was 8-5?!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

By Chuck_Uuga

November 10, 2005 09:39 PM | Link to this

Fred Russo, you are clearly an idiot. Totally ignorant statement.

By Dawgstyle

November 10, 2005 09:56 PM | Link to this

sj,I have friends that went to the cocktail party this year & told me that they talked to other UGA fans that saw a gator fan urinate in a cup & dump it on UGA fans in the level below him. I’ve heard this from games before and kinda wrote it off as a rumor to get Dawg fans riled up but it seems to me that this is a growing trend for gator fans.It’s just plain sick & infantile if you ask me. I think “classless” belongs to them hands down. Would you agree?

By Spoon

November 10, 2005 11:59 PM | Link to this

Dawgstyle, I’d take you up on your offer…one good thing about the AU/UGA game is its pretty much guarenteed to be a good game. Lol I must be getting pretty mellow as I’m getting older for a Dawg fan to say nice things about me. Oh for a lack of class example, I have been in Baton Rouge and have witnessed some pretty vile things. Nothing is more insulting than for the band to curse and as one give you the bird while they march on the field…is it any wonder that several of our players went to blows with them a couple of years ago? be glad y’all don’t have to play them every year.

By Mash

November 11, 2005 12:03 AM | Link to this

Mark, I’m gonna have to disagree. As a diehard UGA fan and alum, I’m becoming increasingly wary that Coach Richt is turning into Marty Schotnheimer Jr. A good coach but will never have what it takes to deliver a national title. Just once, I want to see this team on the field with another national power (USC, Texas, Miami) to truly evaluate where this team is at. Each of Richt’s teams have been loaded with talent. The fact remains, that this team has lost to a less talented Florida team 3 out of the past four years and struggled to put away a number of terrible teams.

I mean, if Spurrier or Charlie Weis had coached this same team the past three years, would they even have lost a single game? As a UGA fan this kills me to say, but to be completely honest, I don’t think so. And that’s why I don’t think Richt is a top flite coach. Maybe if hired an offensive coordinator, things would change, but until then - I’m done with expecting this team to ever compete for a national championship.

By Michael

November 11, 2005 12:59 AM | Link to this

First off, I am a UGA grad. Still, I think the Richt era is being overvalued for a number of reasons.

During the Richt era, our four principal rivals (Florida, Tennessee, Tech, and Auburn) have all been in down cycles. (Granted, Auburn was good last year, but Tuberville was almost run out of town the year before because of Auburn’s struggles, namely 14 losses the previous three years.)

Prior to this year, UGA has played 17 games under Richt against opponents who ended up in the Top 25 of the AP’s final poll.

UGA is 8-9 in those games.

We have only one win against a team that finished in the Top 10 – Tennessee (#4) in 2001 which can charitably be described as a miracle win (but a win nevertheless).

We played four other games against teams that ended up in the Top 10. The scores are not pretty:

Florida 24-10 (2001)

LSU I 17-10 (2003)

LSU II 34-13 (2003)

Auburn 24-6 (2004).

Besides the 2001 Tennessee win, our wins over final Top 25 teams came against teams who ended up with the following number of losses: 5, 4, 3, 5, 3, 4, 4, and 3.

Three of the eight wins against ranked teams came in the final minute: Tennessee 2001, Alabama 2002, and Auburn 2002 (another miracle). Another win was in OT (Purdue in Outback Bowl).

When we did win the SEC championship game, we only had to play a very suspect Arkansas team, which ended up with 5 losses.

As of today, despite their struggles, we are .500 against our three main SEC rivals (UT, Auburn, and Florida) during the Richt era.

Conclusion:

(A) We have been VERY LUCKY because (1) the down years endured by our principal rivals, (2) we have been spared playing top quality opposition (primarily b/c of #1), and (3) the two biggest wins of the Richt era were miracle comebacks. Case in point: in 2002, we went 13-1 and won the SEC Championship. Florida had 5 losses (but still beat us), Tennessee had 5 losses, Tech had 6 losses, Auburn 4 losses, FSU 5 losses, and Arkansas 5 losses. The only quality win was over Bama, a team that still had 3 losses. Even then, we needed a miracle just to reach the SEC title game.

(B) When we have faced really good teams, we have been slaughtered.

(C) Ultimately, we have beaten one premium team (Tennessee in 2001) in four years.

(D) The danger is that if Florida, Tennessee, Auburn, and Tech rise up again (not to mention South Carolina), UGA is poised to fall from its perch very quickly, especially next year when we lose a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, including the offensive line and Shockley.

(E) The principal differences record-wise between the Richt and Donnan eras stem in large measure from the quality of the opposition.

By kendall smith

November 11, 2005 06:51 AM | Link to this

Mash, you are correct. but if you bother to dig deeper, you will see that in the 90’s the same was true for both ut and uf. There cannot and will not ever be more than two dominate teams in the conference. Thats the way it works. Nice try.

By STephen

November 11, 2005 07:00 AM | Link to this

I agree. We are now mentioned by the major college analysts as being a force in the SEC and the nation. We didnt get that under Ray Goff, or under Donnan. Thanks Coach. Im behind you all the way. Good article Mark Bradley. Thanks for the TRUTH

By Sam

November 11, 2005 07:36 AM | Link to this

OK, Lets face it, you do have to be positive about the Bulldogs, but the SEC standard bearer is a stretch giving the fact UGA DID NOT go to the SEC Championship Game a year ago, hasn’t beaten a very good Auburn Team yet ( should they lose they will not go this year… remember Florida), and oh speaking of the Gators… They can’t beat them with or without a good Quaterback ( see David greene). I am not bashing the job done by Mark Richt. In fact I think he is a very good coach in all phases. The Bulldogs are a solid Football Team, but they DO NOT carry the torch for the SEC!!

By mercury

November 11, 2005 07:47 AM | Link to this

MR is a good coach. I respect his ability to keep the program top teir in the SEC. However, UGA fans ask yourselves this, would UGA be able to maintain this streak if Spurrier had not left UF? NO they wouldn’t. MR is not the stategical mastermind everyone claims that he is. Spurrier is by far the best coach in the SEC. Just look at what he has done at SC. Don’t be surprised if SC beats UF.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not a gator fan or a fan of “cocks”, but I do recognize coaching talent. Granted Spurrier was a wash in the NFL, but there aren’t many coaches that are successful in the NFL. Mark you better hope and pray that UGA beats Auburn and then wins the SEC championship game. If they don’t you will be eating crow. UGA will be the Buffalo Bills of the SEC. Just to keep you UGA fans on your toes…UGA will not beat Auburn. DJ is a good QB but the Auburn Defense is going to come after him and after him in a hurry.
One other thing, to Mark Bradley, for anyone to claim any team is the gold standard of the SEC has to be an insane. Year in and year out, nothing is certain. Tennessee was supposed to win the SEC this year by many peoples predictions…kinda laughable now…but nothing is certain in this conference and any knowledgeable SEC fan knows this.

By Larry

November 11, 2005 07:48 AM | Link to this

Michael,

Good job of using facts to illustrate the truth.

Richt is a very good coach doing what is expected. A top ten state in high school football talent—and Georgia is certainly this—should produce a top ten team consistently. Just like Bobby Cox, Richt is blessed with great talent year in and year out.

BUT, what turns a very good coach into a great one is crunch time. We all know Cox is the worst postseason manager in history, and many of us are now becoming suspicious that Richt may not have the preparation, in-game coaching, and definitely key-moment play callings skills to transition from good to great.

However, unlike Cox, Richt can still change/improve.

I hope he will!

By geechee

November 11, 2005 08:20 AM | Link to this

Mash, you and Michael below you, look like Fric and Frac. I haven’t even read his post yet but he seems armed with numbers. I love those guys. Getting back to your post, if you disagree with Bradley fine, that does not make you any less a fan. I’m sure there are many Dogs’ fans that may disagree or would have waited till after this season or at least till after Auburn to make Bradley’s argument. You should have stopped after that first sentence however because the rest of your post is just a diatribe on Richt and thus on the team.

You seem to be someone who still can’t get over the Florida loss. I would never try to come up with excuses for why we lost that game but, I’ll say this to you because you say you are a Dogs’ fan, for you to judge this coach on this game as if it were a normal game, when you are well aware we went into that game without the most talented player on the team, who also happened to be the starting QB and we were also without Golston who was basically the starting QB of the defense and beyond that, the defense was banged up, with others missing much playing time, to the point it was a second string defense is NUTS.

Your second paragraph shows you grabbing at straw to try and make your case for firing Richt. To say that you truly believe that Spurrier or Weis would have been undefeated at this point in their fifth year with the same players that Richt has had is the wildest, most ignorant statement I have read in sports in years. Spurrier is in his 16th year of coaching in college. Has he ever had an undefeated season? I’m not really sure but I don’t think so and if he has its one or two tops in 16 years. Has Charlie Weis even been a head coach in college before? Again, I don’t know but I doubt it so his lifetime record if I’m correct is 5-2. Give it a little time bub.

You are repeating the “get an OC� mantra because you’ve seen it or heard. Why don’t you tell us exactly what this OC would be doing and what then Richt would be doing as far as there duties? You have no idea do you?

You finish with “I’m done with expecting this team to ever compete for a national championship.� Great, that takes a lot of pressure off the rest of us. It has been tough for all of us the past five years trying to please you with this imperfect team, being that you are this perfect man living this perfect life. Mash……see ya

By geechee

November 11, 2005 09:18 AM | Link to this

Michael your post is even better than Mash because you seem to have done some homework so you have this great argument. Just because you can argue better than someone in no way means you are right.

Your whole post comes down to pointing out that the reason UGA is 49-11 is because we have just hit this great lucky streak and has it nothing to do with Mark Richt. Your biggest argument is that all our rivals are in down cycles so it has allowed us to rise up. Do you think that sports’ teams just slip into these up and down cycles like the economy that sometimes just can’t be explained? Has it never dawned on you that the reason they are in down cycles might be because of poor coaching or that players who probably might have gone to those schools instead came to play for Richt?

You point out that Richt is 8-9 against top ranked teams and conveniently leave out the man is 49-11 in his 4.5 years at UGA. He is 49-11. That is in the top 5 records this decade and like number 1 in history for his first 4.5 years. Who exactly do you think those 11 losses came against? Using your numbers, 9 out of Richt’s 11 losses came against ranked teams which, actually makes Richt’s record look even better than it did before your post.

Your conclusion is that Mark Richt is the luckiest coach in NCAA history and that our rivals are coached by far superior men who are just in a down cycle in their lives and shall quickly be popping out after therapy or AA or be free of whatever mysterious force is keeping there teams’ fortunes down. At that point we will go back to fighting Vandy and KU for the cellar.

You and Mash keep us posted as to how your Fire Richt Now campaign is going because laughter is the best medicine.

By geechee

November 11, 2005 09:54 AM | Link to this

I know, I typed there instead their. I guess I was starting to slip into a down cycle at the end.

By Spoon

November 11, 2005 01:34 PM | Link to this

I think in the SEC any coach that can win an average of 9 games a year should be left alone. National titles are hard come by now days and if there was a playoff it would become even hard for one team to go all the way. I would agree with teams being cyclic in the SEC to an extent…Florida under Spurrier was hardly a cyclic team though. They just dominated year in and year out while the “ole” ballcoach was at the helm. One could say he instilled in the teams down there an attitude that it didn’t matter who they played they were still going to win. Cocky maybe but the man had a domination of the SEC that no one has rivaled except maybe the Bear. If I was going to say the problem Richt deals with more than his sometimes poor play calling is the lack of a killing attitude. He just doesn’t seem to have the want or desire to flat out dominate the league. Whats more intimidating a good team or a team that crushes their opposition? Florida flat out intimidated people with Spurrier, Georgia under Richt is just a damn good team you have to play…sometimes its that slight edge to that turns a real good team into a great one. Oh Spurrier never had a undefeated season in the SEC, his only National Title came in ‘96 when he had one loss to FSU. The media had them play again in the title and Florida won in the game that counted.

By Madness

November 11, 2005 03:02 PM | Link to this

It’s good to see so many positive comments by either the media or fans. It’s a shame some folks just have to always find something negative to say. Although we all thirst for another National Championship, it’s been better during the Richt era than it had been for several years. Let’s do it this week against Auburn!

By the way NGA Dawg, appreciate the shout out to the USMC. Oorah! 230 great years. Don’t forget to keep supporting our men “over there”.

By Chuck_Uuga

November 11, 2005 03:07 PM | Link to this

Michael, You are dumber than a bag of hammers. Your points are made in hindsight, and you clearly do not understand jack about building a winning football program. Come back and post on here when you’ve been following Georgia for 35 seasons (like I have). Unbelievable. For all intensive purposes, using your rationality, Tenn should have fired Fulmer in 1997.

By mike

November 11, 2005 03:30 PM | Link to this

Flagship by default. Even then I don’t agree. With all of the talent Richt has to work with I would have to say they are underachievers. When Vanderbilt boosts your strength of schedule your conference is down. Calling UGA the “Flagship” team is wishful thinking at best. Without a doubt Georgia is getting ready to see rough times. If Richt couldn’t beat Urban Meyer this year, I doubt he will ever be able to in the future. Spurrier will have his system and his players in place and will again dominate Georgia. Fulmer can’t beat Georgia with a QB named Clausen, but that won’t be a problem next year. And if Richt doesn’t beat Auburn this year, I don’t see him beating them consistantly because of Al Borguess. Richt is on minute 14 of his “15 minutes of fame.”

By Michael

November 11, 2005 03:50 PM | Link to this

Chuck_Uuga and geechee —

Nowhere did I say that Richt should be fired. Nor did I remotely come close to saying that Richt is the luckiest coach in NCAA history. So don’t put words into my mouth.

I love Richt and am proud that he leads our program. He has clearly improved the status of UGA nationally. And just to be clear so you do not distort me later on — he does not in any way, shape, or form deserve to be fired. He show great signs of becoming a legendary coach. That said …

My only point is that much of our success record-wise during the past five years is plainly derived from the level of our competition. This is not Richt’s fault. He can only beat those teams that we play. Certain teams that we beat at the time seemed much better than what they were in reality (Tennessee this year, for example).

Does this rely on hindsight to a degree? Sure. In hindsight, the 13-1 year — while a wonderful experience and a needed tonic for the UGA program after years of frustration — was derived in meaningful part from a very soft schedule, including weak competition in the SEC title game and the Sugar Bowl. Again, this is not Richt’s fault. But it’s the truth.

Are you really suggesting that the plain struggles of UT, Florida, Auburn, and Tech have not benefitted UGA greatly? The answer is obviously yes. Is Richt’s rise singularly responsible for the struggles of these other programs? Clearly no.

Richt is a very solid coach, but it is crazy not to concede that his timing has been fortuitous.

Richt’s greatest strength is his ability to pretty much win every game that he is supposed to win.

Richt’s greatest weakest is the performance of his teams against elite competition. UGA has looked awful in those games.

Because of the struggles of our rivals the last five years, however, Richt has been spared too many games against elite competition.

In contrast, Florida and Tennessee were invariably in the Top 10, and often Top 5, during the Donnan era. Both won national championships. Tech was usually ranked, and even finished in the Top 10 one year.

Maybe Richt’s record would be the same even if our rivals had fielded better teams during the past five years. We don’t know. But the evidence of our performance against elite teams suggests we would’ve lost more had our competition been better.

Is Richt a good coach? Absolutely. Is he a great coach? The jury is still out. Is UGA the SEC’s new standard-bearer? Not until we win more games against elite competition.

By geechee

November 11, 2005 05:17 PM | Link to this

Michael since you have broken the whole NCAA down for the last five years, how about discusing the schedules of USC or Oklahoma.

You made this statement “We have been VERY LUCKY because”. Very lucky all capitalized for extra emphasis.

You talked about games we had to come from behind like that is a bad thing. Come from behind victories for a coach are a very positive stat not a negative one.

You make the statement “Richt is a very solid coach, but it is crazy not to concede that his timing has been fortuitous.” I guess everyone defending UGA against your attack is crazy then. Why can’t you see the oppsite side of your own coin? It is very possible that the reason these other teams have gone down in the last four years is because Richt arrived and that players that in the past would have gone to UT, UF, UA came to Athens instead.

Look at the freakin conferences that USC, Texas, Ok play in. UGA plays in the SEC if you have not heard. No conference has produced more top ten teams since 1990 than the SEC.

Have you listened to Donnan on ESPN? To put him in the same category as Richt, now that is crazy.

By vetteDawg

November 11, 2005 09:42 PM | Link to this

All of us S.E.C. fan’s should step back & take a look @ this confrence over the past 13 year’s.The S.E.C. has had 4 DIFFERENT TEAM’S to WIN the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. Ala /Fla. /Tenn /LSU. In 2002 the DAWGS were 1 (@ FLA) interception from possibly Going 14 & 0 & maybe getting a shot @ playing for it. Every one knows how Auburn got a raw deal last year.One play with the DAWGS & Auburn playing for it last year, who know’s. The S.E.C. could easily have won 6 out of the last 13 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. This confrence is a HARD one to win & who ever does is a DARN GOOD TEAM. The point is all these people who put down the S.E.C. are either brain dead or just stupid or both.I beleive the DAWGS WILL whip Auburn (KY & Tech / no problem). I hope Ala. win’s out & we get a shot @ them. But, who ever comes out on top in Atlanta on Dec. 3rd I will be pulling for them in their Bowl Game. Take a look @ the “mighty” (sic)ACC they had to add Miami/Va.Tech/B.C to get any respect.When they added FSU in the early 90’s how could a team win the conference EVERY YEAR. It took ,what 10 years before they even ever lost a confrence game.Year in & year out there is NO DOUBT the SEC is the BEST & toughest confrence to win.If who ever wins it they deserve it & they deserve RESPECT. GO DAWGS

By PJ Dawg

November 11, 2005 11:57 PM | Link to this

What a joke of an article…hey Bradley, could you kiss our Dawg asses anymore? Coach Richt hasn’t even had an undefeated season at UGA….so how can he be setting the standard?

Pathetic, Bradley…at least, be somewhat subjective and just a blatant a*-kisser

By Dawgnfla

November 12, 2005 02:59 PM | Link to this

Hopefully Richt is watching how Spurrier is beating the Gators, maybe he can learn from him. We should have never lost to Florida.

By Dennis

November 12, 2005 07:42 PM | Link to this

Now lets all sing cum-ba-ya. You have to win more than one Championship in a decade to become a standard bearer. After waching the USC/Fla game I would have to say “make the best of it this year bulldogs, you ain’t going back anytime soon”.

By Larry

November 12, 2005 11:33 PM | Link to this

Just finished weeing possibly the worst coached game in Georgia history as they lose to Auburn. This team is poorly coached in so many areas. They can’t manage timeouts, can’t put 11 players on the field, wide open oponent receivers on 4th & 10.

This team can’t beat Florida who lost to South Carolina and was lucky to beat SC and Arkansas!

We need to face it, Mark Richt is a great guy but his team is terribly coached and he just may be the worst play caller I have ever seen.

By Bill Helvig

November 12, 2005 11:53 PM | Link to this

If If’s and but’s were candy and nuts oh what a party we’d have!. TT is 5-2 vs. uga. He has an undefeated season, Richt does not. I believe that TT has a more solid claim as the Standard Bearer of the SEC than does Richt. 31 - 30. Oh yeah, we spanked your p*** cats last weekend to. Come on Mark, wake up and smell the coffee! WDEWDEWDEWDEWDEWDEWDEWDEWDEWDEWDEWDEWDEWDEWDEWDE WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!

By Bill Helvig

November 12, 2005 11:56 PM | Link to this

Sorry Andy, I had to say it.

By Bill

November 13, 2005 12:11 AM | Link to this

As a long time UGA fan (since 1957), I agree that Mark Richt is a good young coach. Please let us remember that we had pretty good ones in Vince Dooley and Wally Butts. I am concerned, however, that inferior Florida teams over the last five years have beat us four times and that tonight we still have stupid penalities and mixups that cost us the Auburn game. To have them at fourth and ten and let them complete a simple post pattern over the middle for 50+ yards is inexcusable as is the delay of game and time out snafu on the two point conversion play (which may very well also have contributed to the loss). Right is young and still learning. I hope he is willing to hire a first rate offensive coordinator, not for just play calling but to develop an offensive philosophy and work more on execution. The offensive team makes way too many silly mistakes and missed assignements and the wide receivers (who are all highly regarded)drop too many balls, particularly Bailey. The analogy of Tuberville is not really apt. He was a defensive cosh with co- coordinators on offense before he hired Borgue. Richt needs to tighten up his staff and make sure that every coach is putting the best players on the field, getting the maximum out of them, and not doing the kind of decision making and scheme calling that put your players in position to lose the game to a good but not great Auburn team and a poor Florida team. To that end, I submit that next year will be critical for Mark Right’s program. Will he really keep on going and actually beat all of the big three or will he regress with a new quaterback, fairly young offensive and defensive lines as Bob Stoops do this year? Finally, I wish his teams would be more physically dominating and less finesse oriented. They get too many players hurt against weak opponents and if their timing or focus is slightly off, they lack that line up and whup their butts attitiude that characterized the best Dooley and Bear Byrant teams.

By vetteDAWG

November 13, 2005 09:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Bill Helvig : You are 3-2 against Coach Richt. I hope you tune in & WATCH ON TV the DAWGS & LSU play for the SEC CHAMPIONSHIP Had Auburn took care of business early in the year YOUR SMACK TALK might hold water, but NOT NOW.I always pulled for Auburn unless they were playing the DAWGS.Out of CONTROL NUT’S like you make me want to rethink this.

All you drunk UGA fans (sic) that posted your vents as soon as you got home or PROBABLY sat @ home & watched it, I hope your sober enough now to realize how lucky UGA is to have Coach Richt. I was @ the game as I have been since 1966 - I saw 2 GREAT football teams playing their hearts out. It was a CLASSIC 31-30 SEC game. The BAD thing we came up 1 point short. C YA’LL at the SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ———

By George

November 13, 2005 10:28 PM | Link to this

As usual, you wouldn’t know a good football coach if Steve Spurrier was right in front of you. Mark Richt is average at best. I grow sick of reading your comments. Why does the AJC always allow people with no knowledge of a topic to write on it…extensively? I guess that’s why noone with an education buys that old rag!

By mike

November 14, 2005 09:48 AM | Link to this

FLAGSHIP????????????????????????????

AUBURN 31-30

By markbradlysucks

November 14, 2005 02:22 PM | Link to this

Mark Richt, the fleet admiral, had the WINNINGEST QB in NCAA HISTORY in David Greene and managed: 1 Music City Bowl, 1 Sugar Bowl, 2 Outback Bowls. If this is the standard - the SEC is screwed.

By sportfan

November 14, 2005 02:53 PM | Link to this

Michael; you are truly knowledgable in your assessment of UGA football. CMR is a nice guy, with a lovely family BUT will never be the coach of a National Champship Team. He is too conservative, too lax on his players and by not designating an Offence Coordinator is lacking in self confidence by not releasing this duty to someone else. Sad but true.