Sports Columnists

By Maryland Dawg

November 6, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

You are absolutely right Mark, we have to get back to the basics. I think finding an OC should be a top priority right now. Richt has too much on his plate to continue this workload. Great leaders delegate, he needs to find a young hot shot out there. Hey, who is running Bobby Petrino’s offense? Regardless I will be there for the dawgs and I still believe in Stafford, he will be the man one day above that bozo Tebow. Coaching has to improve and improve quickly.

By reality check

November 6, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

There is no question Georgia has disappointed this year. The defense is especially disappointing and I don’t understand why Richt won’t use the running assets Georgia has in abundance.

But your criticism of the 2005 champion team is out of line Bradley. That is a solid accomplishment. People who criticize achievement usually have deep feelings of inferiority, which in your case, Bradley, may be the most genuine feeling you have ever had.

By Robb

November 6, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

Way to fuel the fire Mark. While you may be write about many of your finer points, you couldn’t be more wrong about the overall state of the program. Losing to teams like UK and Vandy aren’t moments to be proud of, for sure, but it’s FAR to early to be writing off the future of the program. Ranking of Recruiting classes is a joke. No one ever knows how they’re going to pan out, and the rankings are just one of those things your profession does to try to measure something that is unmeasurable. But… all of you “journalists” have to write about something, so if you need to try to find a story when there really isn’t one, then I guess that’s what you have to do.

By FlaDawg

November 6, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

Only two or three comments today? Oh yeah - it’s a Mark Bradley column.

By Missouri Dawg

November 6, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

You are right-on about the needed OC. Also needed is a different DC. Way too many underachievers that need to be motivated to greatness. Talent alone does not win championships. It takes teamwork,motivation,desire,skill & sometimes luck. I still am & will always be a Dawg fan no matter the outcome.

By BeattieFeathers

November 6, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

I want to see what BULLDAWG has to say! BULDDAWG, how about losing to Kensucky and Candy? LOL!

By By John

November 6, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

It is difficult to use the running assets when there is a below average offensive line to handle the blocking. The offensive line problems will also be a problem next year not to mention the average receivers. Bradley is righT on the money with his overall analysis. Basically GA. is a bottom feeder team in the SEC. GO DAWGS.

By jg

November 6, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

Dear Coach Richt,

Hire Chris Hatcher (Valdosta State Head Coach) as your OC. Check out his accomplishments. His teams not only throw well, but also run the ball well. Please check him out. Next, go after Muschamp. He will give us the fire and attitude we so deperatly need.

Thanks Coach

By Dawgstache

November 6, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

Although Bradley is clearly a bitter little man to criticize the 2005 SEC championsshipteam, I agree with most of what he has to say about the current state of the program. However, anyone who didn’t know Georgia was going to struggle this year doesn’t know very much about football. You cannot continually sustain the losses that Georgia has sustained and continue to win (see Miami and Florida State). It will take a year or two to get these players mentally strong enough to finish games. We should not have been able to compete with the stronger teams on our schedule this year, but our $2 million per year coach should have the foresight and humility to hire an offensive coordinator and a defensive coordinator worthy of a top 10 program. Nuff said. Decline the bowl game and get this season over.

By Rickerdawg

November 6, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

Mark, downplaying the Dawgs 2005 SEC Championship is really a show of just how much you don’t know. Yes, the dawgs are having a down year and there are many reasons for it such as young talent, injuries and yes coaching, but Coach Richt’s a smart Coach and I truly believe he will have us back to where we have been accustomed the last few years. There’s alot of work to do, offensively and defensively, but it will get done. Mark, it’s easy to to critique a program from where you sit, but do you really know what is in this team’s heart and also what will happen next year, No you do not, but continue to write as I find your columns interesting, even with your so-called knowledge of football.

By I-DOG

November 6, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this

Mark,

I think those points are fair. I am surprised that no Richt team finished in the top 20 in offense? Seems like we have had some teams under him that routinely score 30 points??? Not this year, of course.

If Richt wants to hire an OC, that is fine with me, but it doesn’t mean that this will automatically solve the problem.

I trust in Richt to get the job done and figure out how to turn the ship around.

By jonathan

November 6, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

Vince Dooley will you let another coach succeed? Move our off week to the week before the florida game and that makes it the middle of our season…NOT 9 games in a row. Not that it would have made a difference this year, but who do we need to beat year in and out…FL, maybe??

By Reasonable Dawg

November 6, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

You always hear people say that the coaches have not forgotten how to coach after a bad spell. True, but maybe they are not coaching as hard these days? Along w/ recruits thinking they will walk into the programs previous success? Maybe the talent is better and just needs to be coached up? Well maybe that’s all correct and if so then we are not “in trouble”, as you seem to imply MB. Maybe we just need to work harder next year. GO DAWGS!!!

But a consistently used running threat couldn’t hurt. Could it?

By GW

November 6, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

Most of Bradley’s points are valid. I also remember a column he wrote after Georgia beat Clemson 30-0 to open the 2003 season. He pretty much said Georgia was a Top 10 lock forever with Richt as coach. Maybe Richt believed the same thing going into 2006. There’s many problems but no doubt a coach like BVG on the staff is sorely needed. This started with the Florida game last year. Bradley, the SEC championship game was in the Georgia Dome in 2003 also. LSU won that one, but they did have Saban as coach.

By Nate

November 6, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Everyone seems to keep baggering the offense, but lets not forget that there is a TRUE freshman playing quarterback. I mean did people really think that Stafford was going to waltz out on the field and be as good as a fifth year senior. Obviously some people did. Yes there seems to be some questionable calls on offense. Yes there seems to be a lack of ferocity on offense. But not all problems should fall to the offense. The defense and the coordinator seem to be the real problem. Lets think back. Since Willie took over the defense what real top 25 team have we shut down with this supposed great defense. Hmm West Virginia did a number on us last year and so did Auburn. This year Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky has made it look easy. Yes the offense has not given the defense must rest, but if the defense who is supposedly so great cant shut down anyone who are we kidding but ourselves. To me the team is lacking a defensive coordinator, a wide recievers coach, some ferocity on both sides of the ball and a leader. Hopefully during the offseason a leader steps forward and takes the team under there arms. UGA program in trouble nahhh just needs a jumpstart.

By austindog

November 6, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

If you’re going to discount the win by Georgia in the Georgia dome, why don’t you discount the Florida win in Jax? What’s the difference?

(“it’s not a home game, it’s an hour away from campus”)

By mad dawg

November 6, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

Best Bradley article in a long time. Where have you been all year?

As far as OC, who do you hire? Chris Hatcher? Norm Chow? Mike Martz?Brad Scott?

What about DC? Muschamp?Woody Widenhofer? Larry Coker?Chuck Amato?

What about Offensive line? Hugh Nall? Coach Tricket from West Virgina( used to be at Auburn?

I don’t see Richt making any changes unless somebody really lights a fire. I want a change. I don’t care if they played at georgia or coached before at Georgia( muschamp) just pay for the best available and go from there. I don’t care if they have fire or whatever either, just play some dad-gum football! We are too good of a program to lose to Kentucky and Vanderbilt, there is no excuse coach! We were outcoached and unprepared!

By HT

November 6, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

The 4 Losses to TN-VANDY-FL-KY have been caused by [1] the collapse of the defense in the 2nd half of the season, [2] missing critical field goals and extra points and [3] FUMBLES, not interceptions. TN-VANDY-FL-KY GOT 42 PTS OFF OF LUMPKIN, RAILEY AND TERANINSKY TURNOVERS, WHILE THEY GOT ZERO POINTS OFF OF STAFFORD INTERCEPTIONS. Why blame a freshman for a senior class that has collapsed on both defensive and offensive lines. Stafford’s interceptions resulted in zero points for KY and zero for FL, Vandy, TN. He has 9 interceptions in 5 games but they have resulted in zero points to the 4 teams that beat us. The defense has given up 144 points in the last 5 games [29 pts/game] and we have lost 4 out of 5 games. In our first 5 wins, the defense only gave up only 24 pts total. How can you ever win if you are giving up 29 pts a game. If it keeps up, AUBURN AND TECH games will be over by the end of the 1st Quarter. The offense is scoring enough points [24 per game] to be 8-2 or 9-1 if the defense had not fallen apart. Against KY, the defense gave up a game-winning-drive again, just like Vandy, after Stafford engineered the go-ahead touchdown. The key point of the game was when GA was down 17-14 with 8 mins to go and Stafford engineered a 83 yd scoring drive and ate up 5 ½ mins of time to put us ahead 20-14. Then Andy Bailey missed the Extra Point for his 7th missed points for the day [2 other missed FGs] All the defense had to do was stop a 70 yd drive over 11 plays to win the game with 3 mins 40 sec left in the game. Instead KY goes 70 years on 11 plays eating up chunks of turf at 6, 11, 5 , 14, 9, 6, 7, 8, 1 [for a 1st down], 3 [for a TD] leaving only .59 seconds. Stafford only had 59 seconds to go 63 yds and the odds of an interception is likely. This loss lies at the feet of the DEFENSE, not Stafford

By statesborodawgfan

November 6, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

Times are tough in Athens, but I believe our Dawgs will live to see another day in the near future. I will admit the our boys have not played very well this year. The defense has looked lost at times and the offense has been horrible. I believe that we should look to the coaches because the plans start with the coaches. It is their job to ensure that we are implementing a great gameplan. Second, they should bench established players who are not performing. Thirdly, they have to motivate the players. I believe that our beloved UGA is one of the best programs in the nation, but these guys seem to walk out there to play on Saturdays like they are playing for a Division III program. We have got to show some pride and finish this season on a high. We won’t make it back to Atlanta for the SEC Championship, but we could certainly affect Auburn and GT. It amazes me how the CMR bashers appear after losses but they are the same individuals who glory in the SEC Championships and Sugar Bowl win that CMR has brought to Athens in his tenure. I agree that CMR needs to consider an OC, but it has to be his decision. I agree that Willie Martinez needs a good kick in his rear end at the minimum. Overall, I think the performance of the coaching staff is questionable, but it is stupid to say that CMR needs to be fired. I believe we will make a return to the SEC Championship in the next two years if we are able to mature Matt Stafford. Oh, we need not be so hard on him. Most people won’t remember the interceptions when he takes UGA to BCS games down the road. They will say that he is the greatest quarterback ever at UGA. Guys, I know times seem tough, but we have to pull for our team. Fair-weather fans need to find another team to pull for because the real Dawg fans bleed RED and BLACK. Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By juggs

November 6, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this

Talent, sure it’s there, perhaps not in abundance but the dawgs have talent. What’s missing is smarts, drive and heart.

Seems like these guys are out there just to be out there. MoMass moves like he’s asleep, same for QMoses and a bunch of the other guys.

What concerns me is that there may be an issue with CMR’s ability to get these kids to ‘nut up’. And if a coach can’t get them to do that, then it doesn’t matter how talented they are.

Killer instinct wins games.

By kendall

November 6, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

Beattie Feathers. go back to volquest or gamecock forum where you belong. NEITHER of your two teams are even going to the SECC. As usual.

As far as CMR goes. Yeah, we need an OC bad. And cWM needs to go. Now. Right now. Along with Eason and the Alabama reject. Its time to take our team back.

By trueugafan

November 6, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

How about the idiots that are saying “decline the bowl game” “we dont deserve a bowl game” WE NEED A BOWL GAME!!! Does no one think an extra month of practice may be needed???

By champs to chumps

November 6, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

In only one year! LOL!!!

By marty

November 6, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this

The Georgia team I watched last year was, what, 11 points from going undefeated?

No, we must focus on the negative here at the ajc.

Hey Tech fans, what’s this loser going to write about you next year?

By trueugafan

November 6, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone saying “we don’t deserve abowl game” “decline the bowl and get this season over with” HELLO Anyone out there think an extra month of practice is a bad thing??? My what smart arm chair fans we have

By NDDawgFan

November 6, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this

The bottom line here is that Richt does not see coaching a top flight football program as his number one job. If he can’t get his focus on the collegiate game, perhaps he’s better suited to coaching Upward Football, a program that doesn’t even keep score much less worry about winning.

By UGASUX

November 6, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

We all agree now UGA SSSSSUUUUUUUUUUUXXXXX!!!!!!!

By JF

November 6, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

In 2005 Georgia won games. Period. Doesn’t matter how. Doesn’t matter what anyone else did. And you weren’t nitpicking the wins back then. Now, you want to sound like you knew all along. Hilarious.

In 2006, Georgia isn’t getting the job done. Different year, different team. Drops, turnovers, a weak interior d-line, inexperience at quarterback are huge factors. Perhaps a key problem was not having a solid quarterback to transition between Shockley and Stafford/Cox. (Joe T III was never the guy.) The ‘big 3’ running backs have never lived up to the hype. And how many times do I have to watch Paul Oliver watch someone catch a touchdown right next to him? (If I’m Calvin Johnson I’m licking my chops…) Can anyone fill the shoes of Thomas Davis and Greg Blue in the middle?

Point is, “the program” has not fallen. Tennessee had a cruddy year in 05 and are back and strong in 06. Down year. Talent’s there. Coaching’s there. Let’s see if you write a piece next year about how ‘you knew’ Georgia wouldn’t stay down long.

By bug

November 6, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

marty, he will write the same thing as this year…Tech beats dogs …again!

By Mike

November 6, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget that Grossman threw 4 Int’s against Ole Miss in 2002. Florida lost by 4 points and Ga. went to the Dome. Does anyone realize that Ga. has never gone 5-0 in the East? Just think what this year would have been like if Ga. had played Ark. and LSU instead of Ole Miss and Miss St.? Georgia Tech on the rise…..Georgia on the dive.

By Top Dawg

November 6, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

Mark: I thought you were too generous and kind to the program. This team is woefully inept and shows no signs of improving any time soon. Flashes of decency like in the Florida game are preceded to losses to Vandy all too quickly replaced by losses to Kentucky. And since when did losing (as long as it was close) to teams like Florida cut it at UGA??? My, how the times change….

This team needs to check its attitude and spirit. Both seem to have left with Pollack, Greene, Shockley, et al.

By not really a dawg fan

November 6, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

I am not really a Dawg fan but I am a Mark Richt Fan….you fans are so fickle…he has done a great job restoring UGA to Prominence in his tenure….praimarily because he is a hnds on coach….the folks at FSU are crucifing Poor ole Bobby because since Richt left the offense is struggling…he is a winner and he does so with class…those who cricize have no idea what it is like to Coach and what is required….most have never even played…The fans asked for a Freshman QB and they got him…what about the injuries…some folks don’t have a clue mostly those that would cricize Mark Richt!

By Mike

November 6, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

MARTY the Georgia team I watched last year was, what 9 points away from going 7-6. It’s funny how you look at things sometimes.

By Roswell Ed

November 6, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

The worst part of all this is that the DOGGED NATION has reduced my favorite game of the year to the Lincoln Financial time slot.

Hell we usually get Ole Miss or Vandy at that time of day.

Thanks a lot.

By Dawg-gone

November 6, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this

Richt may want to look hard at the Miami and UNC jobs before the heat gets too hot. I think the folks at the U would be glad to have him, and the folks at UGA will be happy. UT exposed Dawgs for what they are, then Vandy and UK kicked in the door. What a fall from grace (SEC Champs…that seems like forever ago. Time to get used to mediocrity again. UT, UF and SC appear to be on the rise just as UGA is settling back into 3/4 place in East. I knew it was too good to last. Hunker down Larry…it’s going to get ugly.

By Murph

November 6, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Right on the money. I can add nothing more.

By Vince D

November 6, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

The past 3-4 years may have been the best for a long time. Momentum is a hard thing to stop, and hard to get. Look at last year’s record close and see that it was NOT a great year. Exposed several weaknesses that have been blown wide open this year. How embarrasing to get beat by VU, UK, et al and then have to represent SEC in Shreveport. I far cry from New Orleans. With several players leaving for NFL, losses may be impossible to fill next year. Dawg fans, get used to it. Hunker!!!

By Bryan

November 6, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Bradley, I seem to recall you writing an article after last year’s SEC Title game titled, “SEC title is coronation in every sense…..Richt, UGA program peak together”. Among your praising of the Dawgs, you claim that there is a stability in Athens that isn’t present in Knoxville or Gainesville anymore. Now, you write this article that is a complete 180 from last year’s article.

My point is that you are a complete fair weathered writer, who jumps on & off the Richt/Dawgs bandwagon. Anyone with half a brain can see this. This type of flip flopping on your part gives your yearly articles about Richt & the Dawgs about as much validity as Terrell Owens claiming that he is a team player.

Yes, I am a GA fan, and yes I kept last year’s AJC Sports page after GA beat LSU in the Dome.

By Roswell Ed

November 6, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

Bryan,

You mean to tell me that the DOGGED NATION got overly excited about winning the most mediocre SEC East since the split the last couple of years?

By SOS

November 6, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

What a wonderful thing to see the mutts and their fans come down to Earth. I see more of the same in ‘07.

By Matt

November 6, 2006 09:36 PM | Link to this

Is it just me or are ALOT of people getting a kick out of Georgia’s struggles this season?

By SOS

November 6, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Bryan, I think you stumbled onto the answer yourself…Your mutts reached their “peak” last year…Now they are on a downward slide as evidenced by their losses to Kentucky and Vandy. Bradley was right on both counts for a change…

By Matt

November 6, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

Is it just me or are waaaay too many people enjoying UGA’s struggles right now? It’s definitely a testament to the power that Georgia has become.

By DawgWorks

November 6, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

Mark, you say, “Mark Richt’s reputation notwithstanding, Georgia has never ranked in the nation’s top 20 in total offense during his six seasons on the job. It was 49th in 2002 and 2005, 58th in 2003. When a school recruits as well as this — five consecutive top 10 classes, with a sixth on the way — there’s no reason for such a pedestrian yield.”

Well, nice spin on the stats Mark.

What you fail to mention in your article, so as to give perspective to your point, is that NOT A SINGLE SEC team has finished in the top 20 in total offense in the NCAA the last 4 years. Yep, you heard it correctly—not a single one. Despite the fact that many other schools recruit lights out too. And have had just as good of offensive talent to work with.

Even Auburn’s 2004 team, that featured 3 NFL first round draft picks (Carnell Williams, Ronnie Brown, and Jason Campbell), and had an offense led by one of the more respected offensive coordinators in all of college football in Al Borges, only ranked 25th in the land when the season was all said and done.

Curious, why do you think that is? Could it possibly be on accout of the fact that the SEC plays the best defense of any conference in the land? And historically has accounted for nearly 1/5 of the top defenses on the top 25 charts? Do you honestly not think this has a lot to do with it?

Anyway, continuing our lesson plan for the day…Did you realize that UGA’s offenses under Richt actually rank 2nd in both total offense and scoring offense in the SEC since Richt came to Georgia, based on average ranking within the conference?

Lastly, Richt’s 2001 offense had a final NCAA ranking of #21 in total offense. But, you fail to mention that. And I have all idea it wasn’t unintentional, given a finish just one notch away from the top 20 you mention, just doen’t have the shock value you are looking for in these types of articles.

Anyway, we are obviously having a rough year across the board and not just on the offensive side of the ball. And you make a good point about running the ball as being a good strategy this year to take the pressure off Stafford.

But, no offense, when you use stats, please don’t spin them to massage your own points.

By TechFan

November 6, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

You guys are upset that UGA lost vs. Dandy Vandy and Kentucky Junior High…..but you will be REALLY asking for MR’s head after getting KICKED out of Samford Stadium by GT.

By wmddawg

November 6, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

I think we are having the season that most Georgia fans thought we were going to have when Shockley took over for Greene last year. He had the Dawg Nation very worried going into last year, and what a surprise he turned out to be. All this belly aching about firng coordinators and so forth is ridiculous. We need offensive lineman to stay in school, get in the gym, lose some weight, learn to move and run block(ex:Denver Broncos). Coach Richt probably should’ve pulled a Redshirt off one of those 6 freshman lineman we signed last year.

Defensively we can not stop anybody when its 3rd and long. Throw it in the flat against Georgia and my 3 yr.old could get a first down. Corners play soft all the time, and we never rush three and drop our “All World” D-Ends to contain the flat or the outside edge (except against Florida in the second half). It’s been going on since we lost BVG to the NFL. Martinez just needs to adjust sooner. It took him getting down 28 points to an inferior WVA team in the Sugar Bowl before he adjusted and Shockley and S. Bailey got us back in the game. We need an enforcer at Safety so that the middle isn’t so soft.

Pull Andy Bailey’s scholarship. Stop fumbling. Catch the football (Muhammad, Martrez, Mikey). Recruit better athletes on O-line who aren’t neccessarily the biggest but are “Mean” and have some feet. Run the ball better to sustain the clock. Turn Stafford loose. Beat Tech and Reggie Ball with his Gangsta ‘toos, and we’ll All have a Merry Christmas.

It’s still great to be a Georgia Bulldog. Wouldn’t have it any other way!

By Bob C

November 6, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

Somehow winning 10 games a year for four years in row is not quite good enough. Throw an off year in the mix and somehow we have a “fall from grace”. Even last year, after a conference championship, Mark seems fit to over analyze who we beat and who we lost to. This conference championship means less since we were 1-3 against top 25 teams, and hey let’s not forget the conference championship was home game, I suppose. So what?

There is no fall from grace. As a season ticket holder, I could care less that we finish 58th in total offense when we win the conference championship. Why didn’t Mark mention where we finished defensively, by the way.

It is only natural they UGA has an off or rebuilding year. We will bounce back.

By Bryan

November 6, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this

Roswell Ed, how do you figure the SEC East was mediocre last year? Probably because your team didn’t win it…right? Nice logic. Using your logic, I will just say that this year the SEC East is mediocre because GA will not win it.

SOS, we are on a downward slide, but we’ll peak again.

By Who's Your Daddy

November 6, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this

Fire Martinez, Fire Martinez, Fire Martinez.

By StonecoldDawg

November 6, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this

Mark, make sure you make the same downplaying comments about GT when they win the ACC this year.

By Chris

November 6, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

The Truth is UGA plays the eaiest Schedual in the SEC of any team that recruits so many top players. Georgia has maybe 4 games each year where they play teams with equal or better talent. Uga should sleep-walk most years to an 8-4 record but this year all those top prospects were not coached-up to their potential. So little game experience, cost so many games. J. Schultz this is no 10-2 team & you are 7-3 on your predicted W’s-2-L’s but game summaries is way off. I predict you will be 8-4 on your UGA predictions cause GaTech will win.

By Roswell Ed

November 6, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

Bryan,

Tell me how good USC, UF, UT, Vandy and UK were last year.

By JackeTexan

November 6, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

Being a Yellowjacket fan, I usually find myself rooting against the Dogs. But having been in losing slumps throughout my college football watching career (1-10 my freshman year, never beating FSU, and like 7 losses or so in a row to UGA, etc…) I know how it feels to be down. But you guys will not be down for long. Your players are too talented, fast, and big for them not to come out of this slump. It really seems like the main problem is that you have such a young quarterback. If you look your defense is very well ranked, but trust me, even with a good defense, if your QB throws interceptions or if your RB fumbles a lot, you will lose games. (Even with a flashy new OC)

The only thing that surprises me is that CMR didn’t have a good sophomore/junior QB sitting behind Shockley last year. JTIII is decent (being very generous), but he is definitely not the type of QB that would keep you from recruiting some young talent.

But now back to reality…The Yellowjackets have been the whipping boys of Atlanta for so long, that I and the rest of the Yellowjacket fans are going to make the most of this year…Who knows when the next one will come along.

GO JACKETS!

By Don

November 6, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

Finally a Bradley article I can agree with. He needs an Offensive Coordinator and he needs a new defensive coordinator. As a matter of fact I think most of the position coaches are not good fits. MR can say what he wants but the teams poor performance is the proof. As far as the players go there is clearly a lack of a leader on this years team. No David Green or D.J. Shockley around. MR is completely misussing his talented running backs. I don’t recall ever seeing two of those guys in the backfield at the same time. None of them ever get enough carries. Offensive Line is bad and that seems to be the case every year. Offense has never been very productive under MR and there is no excuse for that with the kind of talent Georgia recruits every year. I expected 4 losses this year but not the way they have occured. This team is close to being 2 and 8 at this point instead of 6 and 4. Anyways, Go Dawgs!

By trottinghome

November 6, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

Well at least none of or players “Volunteered” to go to jail after the ugly loss against Vandy or the Cats.

We’ll Be Back

By OoltewahDawg

November 6, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

Dawg-gone, granted the team is having its problems in all phases of the game. Chnages probably need to be made, but only Richt can make them. Right now he sees things as an execution issue, and is not likely to make changes in his staff. Your answer is to go after his job. Now, if that is done, who do you think in their right mind would want to go to a school which fires a coach with Richt’s record after one bad season? I submit that we would wind up with a coach like Ed Oregon at Ole Miss. No, thanks. I’ll take Richt any day over Oregon.

By Dan in Albany

November 6, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

Chris, I wasn’t going to get into this, but how does UGA have the easiest schedule in the SEC. Every year, we play the SEC, which is the toughest division in the country, plus we get Auburn every single season. Then we rotate the rest of the SEC west. Let’s see, South Carolina plays Miss. State as their annual SEC West opponent, Kentucky gets Ole Miss. Tennessee gets Arkansas. Heck the only SEC team that can compare to Auburn is Florida, who plays LSU annually. So, each year UGA gets the rest of the East, plus Auburn, and then two of LSU, Bama, Arkansas, Ole Miss and MSU, plus Tech at the end of the season. Please don’t talk schedule, because you’re team will lose. I agree with most of Bradley’s comments, especially about getting an OC. I really agree we need to change our DC. I’d love to see Rodney Garner get a shot, and then make some changes at Linebacker and DB coach.

By trottinghome

November 6, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

Well at least none of our players “Volunteered” to go to jail after those ugly losses to Vandy and the Cats

By bulldog_greg24

November 6, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

Where has reality gone with UGA fans? We knew with JoeT playing we could lose 3 or 4. Were it not for wussie kicker we’d be 8-2 right now. Place blame where it belongs. Bailey sucks and we gave him a ship? Yeah, the defense has played like stink all year, but if the wuz makes the kick against Vandy and one of the two field goals and the XP we are 8-2 right now. Not happy, but not ready to abandon the team. Place blame where is should go, not on the kid Stafford. He put his head down several times Saturday and willed his way to a first down more than once. He was bruised and bloody, but showed us the future when he took the team 80 yards in the 4th quarter for a potential win. Blame the culprit for the 2 inexecusable losses and lets hope his days as a place kicker are over!!

By Bryan

November 6, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

Roswell Ed,

UT had a bad year, KY & USC were about the same, maybe UK is a bit better. Vandy was pretty good last year as they beat UT & took UF into overtime in The Swamp. UF beat GA. Your argument has no point.

Depending on who a person pulls for, anyone could say that the SEC East is either strong or weak. GA also won the SEC East in 2002 & 2003. I guess you will say that the SEC East was mediocre those years as well. Sounds like according to you the SEC East is always mediocre when UGA wins. We did destroy LSU in the Dome, who were ranked 3rd at the time.

By bulldog_greg24

November 6, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

To all you morons calling for Stafford’s head, get a freaking life. We beat UK and Vandy if we have a decent high school kicker. Bailey is pathetic. Sure, Stafford made 2 or 3 bad choices and seems to continue doing this, but he stepped up on the last drive and showed his maturity and talent. He took us down the field for the win, but forgot to milk the clock down. Our crappy defense was pathetic yesterday. Kelin Johnson missed 4 or 5 tackles and finally got yanked. Other than Tony Taylor, our LBs are missing in action. While I am not totally sold that Stafford is the answer he gave us a chance to win. All the defense had to do was step up and make a couple of plays that last drive. I thought when Raley was nearly decapitated the defense might grow a set and actually hit somebody. We need changes, but CMR has stated he will not fire anyone based on one season. Heck, he makes way more than Damon Evans so who is going to tell him what to do? He has a fat new contract with a big payout if we do run him off. GA has always beaten UK and Vandy because we had kickers who could make big kicks. We don’t have that now. I was initially against us going to a bowl, but face it folks….our young kids need the extra practice. We redshirted too many kids this year. The defense could use Quentin Banks, Hebron and the stud DE we signed. Our LB and safeties (with the exception of TT) sucked yesterday. We got out played for sure, but had the darn kicker executed we would be 8-2 right now instead of 6-4. We need to play some of the kids at LB and DB the rest of the way. Also, we had 6 OL on scholarship dressed on Saturday. Nick Jones is a Sr, who played Guard most of his career. Why has Ian Smith gotten no snaps? Jones is a Sr, we need to get Smith ready for next year, move Jones to guard since Watts looked really bad after Turner got hurt.

By Dale R

November 6, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

As a Seminole fan, I feel your pain about the coaching aspect. Richt should not be underachieving the way he is. He did wonders at FSU and FSU had the number 1 offense in the country when he left us in 2000. I have all the faith in the world in coach Richt. You guys will be fine in time, this is nothing but a case of youth rearing its ugly head. UGA will be back on top soon enough.

By Lowcountry Bulldawgs

November 6, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

yep!

By Hooper

November 6, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this

Good Article Bradley, those of us that aren’t blinded by “potential talent” understand that this is the most under achieving bunch ever to wear the RED and Black. Listen you blind goonies, I’ve been holding season tickets for 40 years, yes 40, I’m only 52 years old and I’ve been a season ticket holder for count em 40 years. I know more about football than all you couch potatoes ever will. Bradley told the truth, you don’t like it then you’re a fool. The 2005 time was lucky, Tn had a rotten year just like us this year, Fl beat us, Aub beat us and why, players with unlimited ability not playing up to their ability, not being coached up to the next level. Dick Sheridan said that now that Richt has his own players expect some down time. 8-4 or less. We’ll last year we got lucky, winning the SEC with two losses. WE could have closed it out with a win over Fl, we could have closed it out with a win over AU but no, it took a win by SC to get us there. 3 times last year the defense gave up over 400 yards, no title team does that. We’ll give Richt the benefit of the doubt and I’ll be in my seats next year for the 41st season. Let him lose 3 or more games next year with the talent he’s got and all we’ll be is mediocre from now own. Lot’s of “talent potential” and no more trophies for it. Go DAWGS!! I’m still pulling for you. BEAT the hell out of au and tech

By UGA Forever

November 6, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

Where does Mark Bradley get off saying we have “more talent” now than in 2002? That’s an asenine statement. 2002 had an offense featuring the best O-line in the SEC, Gibson, Edwards and Gary at receiver, Watson at TE (I don’t see Martrez Milner catching passes from Tom Brady anytime soon), Musa at RB and Greene at QB. The defense didn’t just have Pollack but guys like Sullivan and Swain at DT, Boss Bailey MLB, and safeties Sean Jones and Kentrell Curry.

I don’t see anywhere near that kind of talent on this team, especially at the WR, DT and safety positions. We’re undersized at DT which is probably a big reason why we’re getting run all over and Moses and Johnson can be neutralized. Help might be on the way in some of these areas, but we certainly don’t have the depth of talent we had in 2002. That’s one of the misconceptions that has led to overly optimistic expectations.

By Missouri Dawg

November 6, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this

Pathetic!!! How many dawg haters are out there ??? We must really ruffle your feathers to get you to come off your couch & actually THINK for a change…GEORGIA RULES !!! NOT JUST FOOTBALL BUT IN EVERYTHING…GET USED TO IT…GO DAWGS !!!

By UGA Forever

November 6, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

As I say that, I by no means am indicting Richt’s recruiting. We’ve recruited plenty of talent, but there are definitely some gaps this year. I think a lot will be filled in ‘07.

That’s another thing that boggles my mind, is that the same people that have been marvelling at CMR’s recruiting for the past five years all of a sudden think he can’t recruit. Get a life people! We have a few holes, partly because we’re redshirting some good players and we’ve had a ton of injuries.

The notion that CMR all of a sudden can’t recruit is almost as dumb as the “fire Richt” comments. And for the last time, he didn’t have any of Donnan’s recruits last year, that was all Richt recruits and we won the SEC.

By whatyagonnado?!?!?!

November 7, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

bradley, i gave you alot of criticism over the bradley for your last article being lazy, glib, and superficial. it seemed in your last article that you do not enjoy writing. but i must say that you did some fine work on this one and wrote a great article. i pretty much agree with everything you said. good job. keep it up. the revisionist history was somewhat painful to hear and although i do not completely agree, I do have to say that there is significant slippage in quality of the impact players on this team. in the richt era, we have had 2 good Qbs, musa, mcmichael, watson, pope, edwards, johnson, gibson, gary, brown on offense being guided by that strong senior laden o-line from 2002. on defense, the names are too many, being led of course by pollack, odell, boss bailey, blue, davis, sean jones, etc., etc. BUT who is that guy on this team? Tony Taylor seems to be the only one. Most of the superstars and stars of the past fice years were donnan’s recruits. now that we are stuck with richt’s own kids, we do not seem to have anything. as the democrats will learn tomorrow, when all you got is a guy named taylor, then you ain’t got very much. When the season ends and you can not be wowed by at least 5-10 names on your team, there is problem either with the talent level or the coaching.

Retool, Rebuild, Reload. Do whatever CMR. get us 9-10 wins next year and then 14-0 in 2008 with the sec championship and national championship in hand and stafford making Kiper look good with his predictions by becoming the first overall pick

By cw

November 7, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

there are a lot of things that cost a team to lose a game, drop passes, penalties, bad qb decisions, bad passes, fumbles, missed assignments, not hustling, bad coaching decisions, and the like…. so everybody is involved. you could win dispite those error. but when you lose those are the headlines… we don’t have bad coaches, but at critical times they make bad decisions and thats the one thing that can’t happen… the other thing i hate is redshirt… it a player can help us now why redshirt them.. who does it benifit…. nobody… we need speed at running back and we have not had it for years… receiver no speed, linebacker no speed …. d line no speed.. all that is bad decisions by coaches don’t listen to the magazine as to who is a blue chipper.. find kids that have passion and want to play…. and want to improve… by the way who told thomas brown that being the strongest player on the team is a goal … he should be the fastest not the strongest .. we don’t need another fulback we need a running back… muscles slows down small guys… reaction time not as quick….. we have a chance at both auburn and gt , just like we did in every other game this year… M R put the players in better position to Win…. finally MR u know coming into the season stafford , cox or barnes was your best chance of winning … why did you not prepare them in that way instead of claiming that joe t was the man .. were you scared to lose one of them.. never should a coach compromise to keep a player . you only lose when you do that.. the cream will rise to the top or its not the cream….. anyhow… GO DAWGS..

By Whopper Dawg

November 7, 2006 12:25 AM | Link to this

Whoa pilgrim, let’s not toss the baby out quite yet. Problems, sure, but Richt is a fine coach, and I hope that he will be here a long time. It is a down year from recent Richt history, but remember that we are comparing to RICHT history. He is a fine man and a fine coach and I, for one, am proud to have him. It has been since the Hershel days that we have won an SEC Championship, and we have won two in his short tenure!!! Aubrun and Tech may beat us, but you know what, we may just whip them too. Let’s play the game, go Richt and go DAWGS!!!! Sic ‘em!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By BullDawg Rick

November 7, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this

The 2006 campaign has been a disappointment, fer sure.. But I DO NOT think the entire coaching staff suddenly “forgot how to coach”…

I feel there is no on field leader.. That being said, there is TALENT.. With that being said, we just might sneak up on AU and or Yech… (I said “might”…)

CMR is a fine, upstanding head coach.. He will “right this ship” and in another year we’ll be competing for championships… AGAIN!!

By surfrider

November 7, 2006 01:12 AM | Link to this

The real analysis Mark (eventhough you make excellent points) was the recruiting of Shockley. At the time, the Staff did’nt realize that Greene would turn out to be so good. That left a void that is appearing this season. Never, ever, have a QB void that is more than two years is a Golden Rule of coaching. Meaning There should have been a Jr. on the team ready to play. There is’nt. The second problem is defense. A Ga. defense should never be this bad with all the talent the state has to offer. So a new DC is needed.

By Thomas

November 7, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

I skimmed the column becasue Mark Bradley is an ignornat Jag Off. At the beginning of the season, he was writing that the only thing left for Mark Richt was to win an NC. Now, he is pointing out offensive misgivings. I guess next year he will write that the only thing left for Gailey is to win an NC. Oh, and I loved his classic 1996 Braves win it all prediction.

By Roger

November 7, 2006 01:52 AM | Link to this

stay true to the red and black, Go Dawgs, Richt your awesome, you are our COACH and we know we will be back!!!

By Head Coach

November 7, 2006 01:56 AM | Link to this

Isn’t it strange how the Bulldogs and Braves 2005-2006 seasons have mirrored each other ? One overachieving season followed by the disaster that should been apparent from the start.

By GTAlum

November 7, 2006 02:30 AM | Link to this

Oddly enough, I root for UGA to win every game they play(except the last regular season one), and I’m pretty disappointed in this year for you all. My loyalties go GT, Georgia, ACC/SEC teams, and then screw all the other posers. Anyway, I just do not understand why Cox isn’t being given more of a chance. He clearly rallied the team and avoided the upset from Colorado. It seems as though the offense respects him as a leader; so why is he not the starter? Just wondering, is there something I’m missing here?

By RedandBlackAttack

November 7, 2006 02:44 AM | Link to this

This article is spot on folks. Step away from the Kool-Aid for a moment, breathe, and take a REAL look at the Dogs.

Martinez was a terrible defensive backs coach under VanGorder. He is a terrible defensive coordinator now. He also was Richt’s teammate at Miami. Is Coach Richt going to let his buddy go or not? Calloway’s O-line strategy is terrible as is Mason’s with the receivers. Coach Richt’s inconsistent play calling is getting old. I like Coach Richt, and I am glad that he is at Georgia right now. However, if the Bulldogs execute as poorly as they have this year with their uninspired play with inconsistent play calling, then there has to be some changes made to the coaching staff. There is too much talent on this team that Coach Richt has recruited to come to play at Georgia to get the results that we have seen this year and hints of in last years games against West Virginia, Florida, Georgia Tech, and Auburn. I hope that Coach Richt will see the light and improve the coaching staff for next year.

I also would like to see more of Joe Cox playing at QB. Stafford throwing 12 interceptions is unacceptable. What is he actually learning by throwing that many picks? Joe Cox’s play has not played him out of playing time. His play should warrant him more playing time. Where is his play? Hopefully, it will not be transferred elsewhere.

Ineffective, uninsprired, and poorly executed play by the Bulldogs points to one area, and that is coaching. The poor results of the team play has resulted from poor coaching and poor play calling. The coaching has to improve. Coach Richt is the head coach. Hopefully, he will improve his coaching staff, and also get an offensive coordinator. Gooo Dogs!!!

By DANGEROUS

November 7, 2006 04:20 AM | Link to this

MB is right! Ga can’t beat Fla and Auburn! Last year we didn’t beat either and won the SEC, whoopie, that sux! Poor coaching is the cause and if you don’t think so you are in denial! Also, to even start thorwing the D under the bus is b******. Our offense blows and can’t keep the ball. Four to Five turnovers a game and on the short side of the field will hurt a defense! Hey offense how about pulling your weight and stop relying so heavily on the D as all of MR offenses have since he has been here! In a rebuilding year for a powerhouse you play the good teams at least some what close and you don’t lose to those your suppose to beat! If Ga doesn’t make changes they will have a tough time winning another SEC and wont come close to winning a NATL TITLE! MR came into this leauge when it was down, no Spurrier or Cutcliff, and he got by, now that is all changing and he had better too!! Hey MR I’m not spoiled, I want you to start putting pansies away and beat FLA and AUBURN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Elliot

November 7, 2006 05:12 AM | Link to this

Why does everyone give Stafford a free pass because he is a freshman? Greene started out strong as a freshman and never faltered. Freshman quarterbacks can be successful in the NCAA. Stafford is not.

By ncdawg

November 7, 2006 05:45 AM | Link to this

Mark, to say that last years regular season was a prelude to this years collapse is ridiculous. Unless a team runs the table in the SEC, you can put a negative spin on any team that finishes with a winning record. EVERY great team in the SEC has had or will have a down year (look out Florida; I think next year it’s your turn). But all that aside, I’m quite dissappointed in this years Dawg team, especially knowing we have the talent on defense to win (the coaching philosophy to win is another story). The prelude to this years collapse was the Sugar Bowl. They were not ready to play that day. And that same not-ready-to -play mindset carried on into this season.

By spud

November 7, 2006 06:24 AM | Link to this

Did any of you read the headlines? M.R. IS NOT GOING TO MAKE ANY COACHING CHANGES. will you just SHUT-UP about a O.C. a D.C. This coaching staff is not going to change this year or next year so stop thinking and suggesting names of coaches that would come, once again here it is COACH M.R. IS TO LOYAL TO HIS COACHES AND PLAYERS IF ANY CHANGES ARE MADE AT THE END OF NEXT SEASON IT WILL START WITH M.R. HE WILL EITHER WIN OR LOSE WITH HIS COACHING STAFF THE PRESDENT THE A.D. WILL TRY TO CONVINCE HIM TO MAKE CHANGES HE WILL NOT I REPEAT HE WILL NOT MAKE CHANGES EVER. now someone please argue that point.

By SouthernDawg

November 7, 2006 06:50 AM | Link to this

20 points is plenty to beat UK or Vandy. 30 should beat Tenn. The offence has a lot of problems but we lost those games because the Van man headed south. The S.E.C. has always had the defences to stop high powered offences. Fix the defence and we start winnning again………..

By TJ

November 7, 2006 07:03 AM | Link to this

Tennessee didn’t have such a good year last year and they’re making a comeback. We’ll just have to see what happens next year.Go Dawgs!Hunker down!!!!

By Dbow

November 7, 2006 07:06 AM | Link to this

Bradley, just a few short months ago you wrote that the football program at UGA is the top of the SEC and you spent the next few minutes praising what Mark Richt had been able to accomplish. So, now you bash us? How can you possibly think you have any credibility left amongst AJC readers? UGA has been victimized somewhat by poor scheduling: no off day until after this week, no patsies since the beginning of the season (Vandy and UK are SEC teams so they don’t qualify). If you don’t believe a team needs a week off just look at what the Lions did to the Falcons after an off week!!! You are grasping and gasping here Mark, show some growth if you ever want to be known as a “Sports Journalist”.

By a weak SEC...

November 7, 2006 07:07 AM | Link to this

…did indeed have a lot to do with UGA winning the SEC last year. That team realistically overachieved and definitley benefited from an overall weakened SEC last year. I think what is happening now with the UGA program is providing more of a true sense of what this program truly is, that being an adequate one, but not a strong one. It’s easy to beat up on the likes of Vandy, Kentucky (even though that didn’t happen this year) and the Mississippi schools, but UGA has had a hard time with the upper tier teams in the SEC, Florida, Auburn and Tennessee.

By JB

November 7, 2006 07:27 AM | Link to this

CMR will let the plane crash into the mountain with all these coach’s on board. He is loyal to a fault. I’m telling you folks he puts those coach’s and their families before this football program. Go off on me if you want to, but it’s the truth. I think he’s forgetting that the football team belongs to the citizens of Georgia and he is the care taker of it. If it does not produce a crop, you make changes. I see crops dying in the field. He refuses to water them.

By jacket

November 7, 2006 07:30 AM | Link to this

* FACE IT DAWGS… YOUR TEAM STINKS *

Defense Stinks Offense Stinks Special Teams Stink

What a waste for talented players to come to this program. obviously, the coaching staff is weak

By jerry

November 7, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this

The one single thing that jumps out is that the Dogs offense has not finished in the top 20 in any season for a coach that was supposed to be an offensive guru. Even when Greene and Shockley were seniors.

By the real dog fan

November 7, 2006 07:38 AM | Link to this

LISTEN TO THIS. WE NEED HELP BADLY. RICHT IS BEING VERY LOYAL AND STUBBORN /STUPID ABOUT THE CHANGES ABOUT THE CHANGES MY YOUNG SON ASKS ME ABOUT. SERIOUSLY WE NEED AN ASSISTANT COACH WHOM I WISH COULD BE JIM DONAN. WE WILL NOT WIN UNTIL M.R. DECIDES TO CHANGE HOW HE DEALS WITH THE STAFF AND THE COACHING UP OF HIS BLUE CHIP TOP TEAR PLAYERS WHOM HAVE STARTED TO CONSISTANTLY UNDERACHIEVE UNDER THIS WATCH?????

By John C

November 7, 2006 07:42 AM | Link to this

With friends like Mark Bradley… who needs enemies? By the way, Bradley… how many wins did Coach Richt have during his first 5 seasons at UGA? Oh yeah… 52! GO DAWGS!!!

By jacketnation

November 7, 2006 07:45 AM | Link to this

This is the best football season we have seen in a long time. What could be better than the Jackets winning and the dawgs losing. If you can’t beat Vandy and KY, that says a lot about how sorry your program is. Go Jackets!

By jacketnation

November 7, 2006 07:48 AM | Link to this

Tell us, what bowl are you guys going to?

By TR

November 7, 2006 07:51 AM | Link to this

I’ll be the first to admit, as a devoted Georgia fan, that our team this year has fallen apart on numerous levels. Our young players aren’t performing like we thought they would and our veterans aren’t leading like they should and making big plays. Not to mention the coaching. But for God’s sake man, why would you point towards last season’s SEC championship as a fault of this year’s performance?

I seem to remember you writing praises on behalf of the Bulldogs earlier in the season (Mark Richat and a NC anyone?). But hey, I guess it’s easier for journalistic skill and integrity to shine through when all you have to do is pick apart and denounce one particular team. Way to be the best journalist you can be Bradley. Jackass.

By Eric S.

November 7, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this

W. Matinez hasn’t got it as a DC. I realized that when I watched Arkansas run all over us last year. Every decent running team has done it ever since. He MUST be replaced.

By JB

November 7, 2006 07:57 AM | Link to this

It will be fun watching TECH next year playing
Duke without a QB with ANY game experience and NO CJ…. Duke 17 TECH 0. Be hard to find you guys next year…….

By Bulldog55

November 7, 2006 08:01 AM | Link to this

Went from 5-0 to 6-4. Can’t remember one like that for the Dawgs. Also was number 3 on the defence scoring list after 3 games.

By dawginduluth

November 7, 2006 08:04 AM | Link to this

No leadership amongst the players and none amongst the coaching staff. No national championship with Mark Richt. Ever. His contract was sweetened for doing what he was hired to do…a big mistake. What’s the incentive to perform at a high level, now????

By Help

November 7, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this

Its Richt fault. He should have been playing another quarterback during the past few years to get him ready for wheen Greene and Shockley left. He is to blame

By Reggie Reg

November 7, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this

How does MR get a free pass for this year? Where was the three headed monster running game this year? The running backs can’t shine if not givin the chance to. MR chose to show case this Fr. arm and foget about the other talent on the team. I do believe Stafford is the future but wasn’t ready this year. It seems that he get’s a free pass for his error’s and the rest of the team (recievers and backs) get the blame.

By Tiya

November 7, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this

Everyone is talking about THE DC. You need to look at the OC. When you got a quarterback that has thrown 3 times as many interceptions then touchdowns. That is a major problem, abandoned the run when Gregg Lumpkin was running his best for a BS passing game. The games we won was not by Matt Stafford, Cox bailed him out of many games. When will Cox get the opportunity to prove himself.

By scott

November 7, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

The one problem I have this year is that after the performance that Joe Cox gave he was basically placed in mothballs. I thought that unfair. His results have been the best of all three. Look for him to transfer from Georgia.

By Raleigh Dog

November 7, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this

Hey, do any Dog fans outside Georgia hate GXtra as much as I do? It sucks. They should go to I-Tunes or something more reliable to get the games and call in shows. Up here we’re screwed cause GXtra is so freaking unreliable.

By Trying Objectivity This Year

November 7, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

“Of Georgia’s 11 victories, only four were achieved against teams that managed winning records. Against teams that finished in the Top 25, the Bulldogs were 1-3.”

Thanks for the information. Candidly, I’ve wondered about UGA’s performance against top teams for a long time. It does appear that the past several years have been an illusion, especially considering that UT and UF were uncharacteristically down.

By Middleman

November 7, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

It’s funny how everyone has the answers!! The problem is this; Georgia is not Ohio State or USC or Texas. Georgia has never been able to substain year after year of greatness. Except this fact and you will not be disappointed with the down years. Tech has far more achievements than Georgia and we know that with admission requirements and recruiting competetion that their will be down years. Georgia & Tech battle each year for recruits, thank god Richt didn’t think much of Calvin Johnson, huh? Look, Georgia will be good again, don’t sweat it!! Tech is not great but they’re good. The key to tech is sustaining those good years, I.E. 9-3 or 10-2. No worries Dawg fans, you’ll be back next year better than ever.

By dawg30

November 7, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this

Hey Mark it is really easy to beat down a man when he is having a bad year. So we’re having a bad year. Every program goes through it.You don’t have to add fuel to fire. Leave that to out of state folks. Watch out your going to get a letter from Sonny. Yes we have some issues but they can and will be fixed. Besides give the team as a whole credit. At least they don’t beat up each other at bars like the players of Tenn. They are still united. Dawgs win by a point Saturday.

By lojak

November 7, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

Hey Georgia fans,once again many of you are offended when someone offers the least bit of critisism and realism to your thought process. Just admit to yourselves that the 2005 SEC championship was a little lucky, a little tainted. That doesn’t mean you don’t count it, just realize that facts that were presented are facts. Florida had a new coach, Tennessee was way down and your out of conference schedule was as usual… nothing. Take the ring, but deal with reality. You can’t win every year in the SEC, period. Personally, I think the great King Richt has now found reality himself. Recruiting is only a small part of the battle. In many cases, you need the 3 and 4 star players with heart to carry a program. go Vols

By Tech

November 7, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this

We might s well start routing for tech

By earl the pearl

November 7, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

Bradley you are stupid for picking on 2005. Truth be known we came within an eyelash of going undefeated. Auburn beat us on a last second play. If Shockley plays against Florida we beat them. Then WVA with their fake punt kept us from getting the ball back. We were a scoring machine in the 2nd half. 11 points total from going undefeated.

By 2N4YEARS

November 7, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

—” but the gradual aspect should have been evident a year ago. We all missed it for a rather basic reason: In 2005 Georgia won the SEC.”** Speak for yourself, Mark. I didn’t miss it. Last year we could score, in most circumstances, if needed, to make up for our D-Fence collapsing. Now, even an extra-point isn’t guaranteed. Wow how these Bulldogs have slipped. Never mind, they haven’t slipped. They’ve flat-out fallen!

By austindog

November 7, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

Georgia has not won the past few years because TN and FL were down. The Vols and Gators have only won when Georgia was down.

Florida did not exist until the Goff/Donnan years. Their last title was when CMR was a rookie coach with a freshman QB.

By JF

November 7, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

All this negativity is ridiculous. Yes, this is a tough year for uga, but EVERY school has these years at one time or another. We need to find other things in life to worry about. We can’t win the SEC every year. No one ever does that. If the next few years we go 6-6, 5-7, 7-5, then we may have a problem, but until then, lets find something worthwhile in life to worry about.

By Thinvikingfan

November 7, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

It’s obvious to me that Georgia has three huge problems: O-Line, Wide Receiver, and LB”s. These position coaches have consistantly proven to have inconsistent players. Throughout history Georgia has been blessed with a dominating O-Line, but not under Callaway. Our wide receivers do not develope, and our line backers are often out of lanes, look confused and are not nearly as agressive as their talent would suggest. Staff changes must be made!

By crow

November 7, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

Easy to kick a man when he’s down Bradley, there braveheart.

By jeff

November 7, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

Isn’t there a board for GT and Tennessee fans? I am sick and tired of them coming over here and dumping on Georgia. Tenn 5-6 last year and Tech having its usual 1 good year per decade. Go to your own board

By lsufaninga

November 7, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

I’m an LSU fan living in GA and I hear the same things from you guys about Richt this year that I hear about Miles. Let’s not forget though that about 10 years ago 7-4 would have been great years for either of our schools. Miles has lost 4 games in 2 years and Richt just won an SEC championship. I’m not saying it doesn’t suck to lose, just keep in all in perspective. LSU could still have Curley Hallman and you could still have Ray Goff.

By JoeFann

November 7, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

Unfortuntely, Mr. Bradley misses some basic points. Georgia’s offensive problems are threefold: poor line play, inconsistent receiver play, and unimaginative play calling. This senior-laden O-line has neither opened consistent holes for RBs nor protected the QB. Catching woes are well-documented. My 15 year old is 85% accurate in predicting Richt’s next play. It’s pass on first down. Run on second down. Screen, draw or tight end on third down. Don’t we scout ourselves?!?!?!?! Where’s the toss sweep? Where’s the reverse? Where are the quick slants? Mix it up more!

On defense, Mr. Bradley is correct. This D-line is massive and quick. And underachieving. Conditioning should be addressed, especially if they’re going to be on the field so much. Linebacker play has been solid, with minor exceptions. DBs have cover skills, but not tackling skills. Actually, that can be said about the whole defense. Recent trends at all levels seem to value “the hit” more than the tackle. Nobody “wraps up” anymore. Martinez’s schemes have been suspect at times (Tennessee, Vanderbilt) but I’m not ready to give up on him yet.

Our special teams are a mixed bag. Returns have been good to great, but kick covering and protection has been atrocious. Is Fabris on vacation? This used to be one area we could always count on as dominant. We sure miss Coutu!

We used to win the “intangibles,” too. Now, all these hot-shot recruits must be spending too much time reading their hype. The fire just doesn’t seem the same with this bunch. Oh, well. At least the recruits are reading now.

By jeff

November 7, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this

jacketnation

What bowls have you been to the last 10 years? What is your record in those bowls? I beleive Utah stomped you in the Smurf bowl last year. Your team won’t be s** next year without CJ. Enjoy this while it lasts.. Tool!

By jeff

November 7, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

By a weak SEC

We benefited from a weak SEC last year? I beleive the same can be said for Tech in The ACC this year. Who is there opponent gonna be this year Wake? Powerhouse.

By Woody

November 7, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

MB is accurate, but I don’t know how he (or any other writer) types this story and FAILS to mention the Offensive Line. All offensive suggestions must consider the total lack of O-line depth, which leads to no job competition in practice and to fatigue on game-day. Suffice it to say that any power running game begins in the offensive line. It is easy to believe that all other Georgia problems — kicker, WR and TE, DB, interior Defensive line — will be quick-fixed next season. But the Dogs have 8 scholarship O-linemen on the 2006 roster who are NOT seniors. Three of those are Freshmen currently being red-shirted, and one is McKinzey who is injured and may never contribute. No coach, no program — nobody — can win like this, and it is probably not a problem that can be quick-fixed.

By DJISTHEGREATESTQBEVERTOPLAYINTHEHISTORYOFFOOTBALL

November 7, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

Funny how the QB guru MR could get a QB ready. For three years he told everyone who would listen why it was important to play the back up QB in meaningfull games and times. That is until his favorite took over last year. Then the only thing important was keeping a smile on DJ’s face. So he went into this year without a QB with any experience.

What a suprise we stink so bad a QB this year.

By Dan

November 7, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

I think some of yoour comments are fair in regards to the 2005 season. UGA did benefit from a weak schedule although that wasn’t their fault. You play the schedule you are given. UT was in the top 5 and crapped out. We were banged up against Florida that year and almost beat Auburn. And that whopping we put on LSU shouldn’t be downplayed. They were perhaps the most talented team in the SEC last season. And against WV, well the Dawgs just got outexecuted against a team they underestimated and got what they deserved which was a loss.

I think one thing people aren’t talking about is how UGA’s opponent’s have gotten better the last couple of years. Yeah, Vanderbuilt and Kentucky aren’t good teams but they have recruited better athletes and gotten better. Should UGA still beat them? Yes. But neither of these teams are as easy of an out as they were three or four years ago. And UT even though they had a bad season last year, lost 3 of those games by 4 points or less. The same is true with the Dawgs, 3 out of their last 4 losses have been by a touchdown or less. So just as things aren’t as good as they seemed a year ago, things aren’t as bad as they may appear this year.

By marty

November 7, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

Georgia/GT is going to be great. GT has GOT to win this year. There are no excuses to be made. A GT win this year will be no great achievement after UGA lost to Vandy and KY. But a GT loss, whooa nellly!

By bill

November 7, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

Bottom line coaching is an issue and Richt just said there will be no staff shake up. So why doesn’t he see what everyone else sees? What happened this year was obvious last year. We rarely dominant another strong team.Richt may be too nice to be a “great” head coach. Someone once said winning isn’t the most important thing. It’s the only thing.

By H_Charles

November 7, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

lsufaninga is 100% correct. The sky isn’t falling! EVERY team has down years, and let’s face it — UGA doesn’t have the football pedigree of elite programs that have the right to expect greatness every year. Despite what delusional Dawg fans may think, UGA has always been a 2nd tier program. It isn’t an OU, USC or an Ohio State. Never has been. Richt has this program knocking on the door of the top tier, and has taken UGA from a Clemson type program to a Tennessee one. That is a big achievement. One bad year doesn’t change that. If he has a 2nd one, then the call for changes could come.

By ChampDawg

November 7, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

Richt was hired away from FSU for his offensive skills. I have yet to see it at UGA. Totally disappointing. It’s time for CMR to get some fire in his belly and earn his damn salary! If he’s pleased with his staff as he says he is, then it is obvious he doesn’t have a clue. A defense that can’t tackle and can’t defend, receivers that can’t catch, an offensive line that can’t block, no running game, poor play calling, and the QB fiasco……… and he’s PLEASED. Clueless, absolutely clueless.

By jeff

November 7, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

Amen H_Charles

By pETE

November 7, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this

Great points. I have had lingering doubts about the coaching staff. The offense statistically has never been dominant during Richt’s tenure and the defense was a paper tiger last year. I believe that with the player talent we have, Georgia consistently underperforms. We need a Charlie Strong as the defensive coordinator and we need a good offensive coordinator. I am afraid that Richt’s loyalty to his current staff will blind him to this deficiency and that we are doomed to several more years of underperformance.

By bug

November 7, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

dogs…it’s THIS year…not last 4 or next! Did you guys see the vent about CJ playing “D”….Stafford to Johnson!!!LOL!!!

By Rob Hicks

November 7, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

Brian Van Gorder was the savior for this team and he is long gone. Willie Martinez is no Van Gorder.. Willie must go. Simple as that.

By Nick

November 7, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

This seems to be an accurate analysis of UGA coaching. However, there are a couple of points that were missed. Spurrier and Cutcliffe left the big 2. That leaves Fulmer, Zook, Vandy and Ky as the competition.

By marty

November 7, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Brian Van Gorder is to Tubby Smith what

Willie Martinez is to Ron Jirsa.

By Lee

November 7, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Good column. It’s absolutely right on and people need to know that Richt has been more lucky than good. We’re looking at another rebuilding year next year, too.

By brad

November 7, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

jeff,

Before you start tossing GT & UT fans from this blog try cleaning up your fellow UGA fans on other blogs first. If you’re fans are going to trash our blogs then the reciprocal should only be expected.

Yeah, you guys have had a bad year, but your program deserves some of the criticism you’re receiving. From the ballyhooed assertion that you have a Top 10 team earlier in the season to the reality that you do not even have a Top 25 team currently.

Tech will deserve a similar “adjustment in attitude” if it loses to UGA this year. You, as well as many others, will find great joy in reminding Tech fans that you beat Tech in an otherwise down season.

My point is that turnabout is fair play. Take your lumps like a man when you deserve them. Your team is not very good this year, but you do have an opportunity for redemption against Tech. I hope Tech wins, but if they don’t I won’t begrudge you or other UGA fans gloating. Likewise, Tech fans are enjoying the delusions of UGA fans being exposed now.

Go Tech!

By Bingo

November 7, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

Does anyone remember another SEC team over in Bama that was all hot to fire a good coach. That coach survived and has the team back in the top ten. If Tuberville had been fired Auburn would still have a good team and the new coach would be getting the credit for a quick turnaround. The staff may need a mixup but let MR have a shot at fixing this.

By Greg

November 7, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

Changes are essential. “Stay the course hasn’t worked in Iraq and it won’t with UGA football”

By FromundaCheeseDawg

November 7, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

Are you the same Mark Bradley that earlier this year proclaimed UGA as the “Elite Program” in the SEC? Weren’t you the one who added to the hype by saying “Georgia doesn’t rebuild, it reloads.” Oh how times, perceptions and the reading of tea leaves can change!

Mark - If you sift through Athlon’s, Sporting News, Sports Illustrated et al. preseason predictions, you’ll note that nobody and I mean nobody gave us a snow balls chance in H*ll to win the SEC East. Everyone picked Florida to win it and most had UT in 2nd. So why is it that everyone is tripping out when UGA did exactly what most predicted? Nobody expected UGA to lose to Vandy & Kentucky, but I would bet that nobody would have thought Miss. St. could beat Alabama, or Vandy would barely lose to Florida etc. etc.

In case you haven’t noticed we have a young and inexperienced team that has played 10 weeks in a row without a bye week. Could Richt have handled things differently. I’m sure he’d be the first to admit he has so nuggets of wisdom to takeaway from this campaign. The point is simple… THE SKY IS NOT FALLING IN ATHENS!

By Scott

November 7, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

Doesn’t Herschel have a son (or even a daughter) about 17 years old out there somewhere?

By JB

November 7, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

The people on this blog who are saying that everyone has an off year, gotta expect an off year, one bad year we can stand, we’ll be back BLAH BLAH BLAH do not study our program. They watch the game for 3 hours and don’t think about again till the next kick off and say Oh we love you CMR. Those of us who study the roster, see who’s leaving, see who coming, follow the progress on these so cslled blue chips see the writing on the wall. Martinez ain’t the man, LB’s are not SEC caliber, our DB’s are fair and NOT COACHED, our scheme sucks on both sides of the ball, We run the same old plays that don’t work, NOTHING NEW. the OL is a mess, no depth and none coming, no fire on the staff or team, whew, I could go on. It’s NOT AN OFF YEAR….. WE ARE IN TROUBLE ! EVERY coach this year we’ve played said WE WERE EASY TO PREPARE FOR. IF it’s a RAP MUSIC CROWD, OUR COACH’s ARE GOING TO PLAY COUNTRY MUSIC ! WE AIN”T CHANGING THE GAME PLAN WEEK TO WEEK FOR NOTHING !!!!!!!!

By FromundaCheeseDawg

November 7, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

HT, Great Post! You’re correct… our opponents have scored 0 points on Stafford INT.’s - a point few seem to realize.

By Dan

November 7, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, but I gonna say that even Brian Van Gorder is overrated. Yeah UGA had a strong defense when he was there but they had great players( Boss Bailey, Pollack, Gibert), none of whom he recruited. Van Gorder ran a aggressive defense that could KO the run, but he was exposed against teams that could throw the ball well and had balance on offense( LSU in 2003, UT and Auburn in 2004).Martinez is a good coordinator. However I do feel his team lines up in those Nickel Packages a bit too much which tends to give up a lot of yardage against the run. When his team blitz they do pretty well( like against Florida this year). But Maritnez is a Defensive back coach, so he is comforable in the Nickel Packages. That’s fine, but he should mix it up a bit more, because UGA doesn’t have the type of players that can stand there and take on Double teams. They are small and fast and they need to move around to keep oppossing offensives guessing. I think Martinez has room for improvement, but I don’t think he should be canned. His team still needs to tackle. No Blitz or defensive scheme can help you there.

By CK

November 7, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

Been a Dawg Fan for 30 yrs and I find it hard to beleive that just because the Dawgs are going thru a rebuilding stage that anyone could even suggest Richt should look elsewhere. You guys are rediculous. Last year they are SEC champs and every one rides the bandwagon. This year they show signs of weakness and you are ready to write them off.

So they could lose six games this year. Big deal… Stafford is getting the experience he needs to lead this team next year and a fresh crop of receievers will be here as well. I hope no one gets seriously injured when they jump back on the bandwagon next year.

There are very few teams out there who can call themselves dynasties. That is the expectation of every dawg fan but reality is that 11-1 10-2 seasons are very good seasons especially in the SEC. I do not expect

By Linda

November 7, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

Bradley,

Why don’t you go and write about politics? You’re just as wishy-washy as any candidate. Admit it. You don’t like the Dawgs and really are enjoying their downfall this season. Did you play any sport at all? I’m thinking not.

By Chip

November 7, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

CMR is a great coach and we are arguably in the toughest Conference. On both sides of the ball, I believe he will make the right decisions on what needs to be changed. In my opinion, MB’s review of the past two seasons is accurate and Coach Goff’s comments on Sunday’s radio show are dead on.

He was answering a question about why UGA had come up short this year.

“Coaches give their players the opportunity to be successful, but I believe all of this comes down to Great players, making Great plays and that has not happened this year”

By Pitbull

November 7, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

Good article, Mark. Every program experiences down years and UGA is no exception. I remember plenty of 6 and 7 win seasons under Coach Dooley and then he would come up with a bunch of fighters and win the SEC or a major bowl. People who expect 10+ wins every season are unrealistic and in my opinion spoiled band wagon jumpers who can’t tolerate a team’s struggling through a touch season because the wagon jumpers usually have a low self esteem problem and try to build it up by associating themselves with a winning program. When the program struggles or even loses a game, their self image goes to hell and they can’t handle it. It is more about themselves than it is the team record.

The great thing about college football is that there is always a next game and a next season. There is a chance for redemption. And the fans who mouth off forget that these are college students that are playing football for a scholarship and are not perfect either on the field and in the classroom. They have good days and bad just like the rest of us.

I hate to lose just like anyone else, but learning how to lose and to cope with it and still compete and work your way out of it, even if it takes time is a part of educational development, and that is the purpose of college and one of the true lessons that football was intended to teach.

The other is how to treat your opponent with respect even when you beat him, as he has showed the guts to step out on the field of competition and take you on. That is also a great lesson to take out into life, especially in the competitive business world.

I think these things are not only lost on band wagon fans, but they are also lost on the media. I think the world of college sports would be a better place without sports writers that fan the flames of discontent, and it would be better without sports talk radio, which I consider to be the whore of college football.

I think the basic fact is that the coaches and players are just like many of the rest of us. They do their best and sometimes it is good enough, and sometimes the people that they are facing just do better. Those who cannot accept it need to go to the bathroom and take a good crap and then switch over to support a professional team, which is a business whose sole purpose is to win games.

By jacketnation

November 7, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

Just wait till…this year!

By jacketnation

November 7, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

WA WA WA, bunch of cry babies. Why do keep talking about what you did in the past and all this shuda, coulda, woulda? Your team just needs a QB with experience and your kicker got hurt. That’s all that is really wrong. When you can’t kick a field goal and your QB is throwing lots of bad balls, your going to lose. You have a great head coach who is also an awesome person as well as a recruiter.

By 2N4YEARS

November 7, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Chip, while I agree with a lot of what you’ve said, you need to realize something: Forget about being a perennial top-10 program. Forget about 10-wins every season. Forget about having a ‘down’ year. Forget about the money within the program. Forget about EVERYTHING except football for just a minute. Football, Football, FOOTBALL! When you have very talented ‘student athletes’ dropping balls, not blocking well, not making field goals (or extra points), and just overall not showing much emotion, there is something going on further than what we see on the surface. If Vanderbilt, Kentucky & Colorado have less talented ‘student athletes’ that can do all of these things BETTER, then there’s a problem somewhere. It doesn’t take someone with an IQ over 180 to figure that out. We can all sit here & debut where the problem is, but Coach Richt knows better than any of us where the problem lies. It’ll be interesting to see how he decides to ‘fix’ it. And that’s not being a ‘Bandwagon Fan’, Chip. I’ve followed GEORGIA Football since 1980 when I was 11 years old. I believe so far that Richt is the best thing that’s happened to UGA in a long, long time. Lets just hope I’m right.

By RD

November 7, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

Bark Madley- just like the rest of the writers for the Athens Journal and Constitution is just about as fair-weather as the majority of the Mutt fans out there. Loose and half of them disappear. Win and there all back out in the open running their sucks.

By 2N4YEARS

November 7, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

Linda : No, M. Bradley didn’t play sports. He’s also a rabid TECH fan.

By BuLLdawg

November 7, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

What has happened? I used to come on these blogs, throw out the most useless stats I could find and try to spin them into something that made our team look like they could win the super bowl any given year….

Now, I’m just like all of you: Accepting my male pattern baldness, finishing up my degree from Devry (yeah, i never went to uga, whataboutit?), boxing up hundreds of dollars of UGA clothes and hats I got from Wal-Mart, taking all the sticker’s off my old chevy truck….

It’s sad when our team stinks like this. It makes me realize how pathetic my life is without a successful UGA team. What do I have to live for?

By dj shockley

November 7, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

i say we keep our DBs 6+ yards off our opponents receivers…seems to be working great this season! i say we continue to start our slow LB’s who are even slower when it comes to mentally recognizing that a running play is about to happen..same goes for Tra Battle..what a joke. CJ Byrd Donovin Baldwin..get some SPEED out there!!!! I cant wait for Akeen THE KILLER Hebron next year to show our D how to play FAST AGGRESSIVE defense.

Lame excuse by Richt ” we stopped running Lump bc UK put another man in the box”…so what!!!!! the #1 rule for ANY offense should be to RUN THE BALL UNTIL THEY CAN STOP YOU (no matter haow many people they have in the box)

By Brian In NC

November 7, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

Good article but I think it’s just a case of too much success of late and not enough work of lately. The dawgs will work harder this off season and as a result be much better. We do need an offensive cord. so coach can tend to over seeing the whole program and secondly we desperately need lineman on both sides of the ball.

By The_Ghost_of_Myers_Hall

November 7, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

Mark B -

Good article today and, for the most part, right on target - the debatable points being those about last year’s success. Sure Georgia had a favorable circumstance but they were good enough to capitalize on it by solidly beating a good LSU team - Les Miles or no. The Georgia Dome factor you cite also had nothing to do with that win as seen in the debacle against West VA and LSU’s thumping of Miami in the same dome one month later.

Otherwise, your break down of the trends and current season, especially regarding the running game, are on point and the figures don’t lie. To your list of troubling trends I’d add two things which we are seeing year-to-year: a lack of mental toughness and tepid or flighty intensity. The former is evident in the dismal inconsistency of Georgia receivers and the latter is seen in too many big games or games against sub par opponents. I believe both of these problems factor heavily into the poor record last year against ranked opponents including the loss to West VA. Georgia was widely picked to win most of those games because they had the more talented team. While I agree with one blogger that recruiting class rankings are suspect at best, there’s no question that in the recruiting wars there is a distinct difference between the “haves” and “have nots”. And Georgia is definitely a “have”. That said, the onus lies squarely with the coaching staff.

But it’s not solely a staffing problem, it’s more subtle than that. Before simply shuffling the coaching staff and adding an OC, both of which I think are needed by the way, Coach Richt needs to first rethink the whole personality of his staff. Because, along with top talent and some good ideas, Richt’s staff seems to be missing that element of wild-eyed, nail-biting, and in-your-face intensity needed to complement his own calm and collected demeanor.

• UGA Class of ‘89

By drdawg

November 7, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Interesting that no one ever mentions our AD, Damon Evans. Evans, not Richt is ultimately responsible for all football issues. Richt reports to Evans, doesn’t he? Where is Evans on the need for an OC and a change in the Defensive Coordinator? Why has Evans seemed to be off limits? He is the boss.

By ugablows

November 7, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

face it, the secret to your success over the last few years left two years ago…..Brian Van Gorder.

and don’t expect a turnaround next year ala Tennessee, don’t forget they hired David Cutcliff to come run the offense for them, i don’t see Richt giving up the controls to that anytime soon.

ps. your beloved dawgs have quit…your going 0-3 for the rest of the season, assuming that some bowl wants you.

your the worst fans in the country, and everyone is reveling in you misery…hahahahahahahahahah

By GA in WV

November 7, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

I was at the GA vs UK game. I am not a UGA fan but it would have been nice to see them win. Heck, even put forth a better effort. GA did nothing after scoring 14 points. I have seen high school teams in GA play better.

By Dawg_For_Life

November 7, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

I think the dawg nation needs to calm down and remember that UGA is in the toughest conference in the country. Yes we lost to Vandy and UK but we have a 18 year old kid starting at qb who was playing in high school this time last year, an offensive line that has lost numerous recruits for whatever reason and now we are basically starting players on the OL that were probably designated as backups when recruited, we have a freshman and soph starting at DT’s, and our DB’s just aren’t very good with the exception of Oliver but we have recruited well at DB and these guys will be ready in a year or two. Does anyone remember the days with Gump when UGA couldn’t even complete with UT, UF, AUB? I think Richt has done an outstanding job of raising the level off competitiveness against the upper tier SEC schools. THE DAWGS WILL BE BACK, COUNT ON IT!!

By don

November 7, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

Ga. will be fine coach Richt has done a great job with the bulldogs and is to be commended. I think some of us need to show that we are really bulldogs fans. After all we have won two out of the last three Sec championships, LET’S GO, and grow together.

By clauderdawg

November 7, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

Right on it, as per usual, Mark! The above-mentioned “communal ferocity” is the fine line separating this season. You would think with ERK displayed on all the helmets might inspire us some. Enthusiasm and a few leaders has been the difference. Great point about the running game, as well. We can play with any team in the SEC but, we have lacked the emotion that has always bred our success! If we could muster up some “fire,” we’ll finish strong against AU and Tech, but we’ll have to go back to coaches breaking boards with their heads and James Brown dancing on the sidelines!!!! GO DAWGS!!!!!

By JamesD

November 7, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

jacketnation Does anyone find all of the jacket posts similar to jacketnation’s to be really funny. It really must suck to be them. The pent up frustration jacket fans must contain. They have one decent season, UGA has a down season and this is what happens. Well I guess it’s good for someone. I know if I had to root for GT year after year I would probable kill myself. I can’t wait until next season when they are back to same old JACK IT’S. My favorite is how jacket fans are bragging about their recruiting. UGA would be p** if their recruiting was going as bad as GT’s. Look up the rankings and player ratings GT is no were close right now. Once a Dawg always a Dawg. GT well just once and a while right jacketnation, sure as hell didn’t hear any smack the last 5 years. I’ll say hi to you guys while I can, because I’m sure I won’t see you on this blog for too much longer. Once again it must really suck to you.

By Auburn

November 7, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

Auburn is going to put the beat down on you. Then Tech will. All that criticism that you have given Tech about a no name bowl, you’re now there. Enjoy mutts.

By Thinvikingfan

November 7, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

EVERY YEAR WE SIGN A LOT OF O-lINE RECRUITS, BUT SOMEHOW N. CALLAWAY LOSES THEM. THE ONES THAT MAKE IT AREN’T COACHED PROPERLY. WE DON’T “RUN-BLOCK” WELL OR “PASS-PROTECT” WELL. OUR WIDE RECEIVERS, WELL, YOU KNOW THE STORY THERE. MARK RICHT HAS SIMPLY GOT TO MAKE CHANGES. A GOOD OFF. COORD. WOULD BE A NICE ADDITION ALSO. THEN HE CAN SET BACK AND BE A HEAD COACH, AND MAYBE DO A BETTER JOB OF TIME MANAGEMENT. AS AN OFF. COORD. MARK RICHT IS AWFUL. AS A HEAD COACH/RECRUITER/ REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNIV. HE IS GREAT.

By WoodstockGT

November 7, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

Good article Bradley. Many dawg fans think your hard on UGA, but didn’t you say after the 2002 season that UGA was now a “dynasty”? That was great prediction, wasn’t it? One problem UGA has is it relies to much on player hype before they actually produce on the field. Stafford is a freshman- enough said. It hysterical to think this team was actually ranked 10th earlier this season.

By Bill

November 7, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Georgia fans, take heart. As a devout Yellow Jacket fan, I understand how you feel. Don’t worry too much. Richt is quality and will bring your team back within 3 years to the top. Tech needs to establish the same dominance that UGA has acheived since Richt took over. Really…think what is what like when Goff and Donnan were there!!! Tech is having a very good year and I will treasure finally beating UGA again. Can’t see Richt getting a poor recruiting class 2 years in a row, so hang in there. As for the comments by the mentally challenged Marty and JB, you are the precise reasons many Tech fans despise UGA..l. and though I honestly believe GA will be back under Richt, don’t think Tech is going to fall apart anytime soon. Look at the various recruiting services…all think Tech is having a banner year. Wouldn’t it be incredible for Tech and UGA playing for a BCS shot in the near future??? Wouldn’t it be great for the best state in the USA to have annual battles that could mean title implications??? Just look at Baseball. Basketball is heading that way, too!!

By Truthman

November 7, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry, Mark.

Just as the Bush crime family, with Rove in the role of Iago (look it up, dummies), it’s always the messenger that gets blamed for pointing out the truth!

Go Democrats! Go America!!

By EJB

November 7, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

Observations from a Tech Fan:

Anytime you win a conference championship, (especially the SEC) it’s a great year and quite an accomplishment. I disagree w/ Bradley’s point regarding last year.

Don’t quit on a winner - see Michigan this year. Georgia will be right back there in the hunt next year.

By brandt joel

November 7, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

great article

By DJUGA43

November 7, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Mark is just a fickle liberal that will jump at the opportunity to pout something down. Just wait until he has something good to say about the program and acts like he knew it all along.

By 2N4YEARS

November 7, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

Truthman : Now you’re bringing Politics to the UGA CFB blog?? And what ‘dummies’ are you referring to?? I bet it eats you up that GW Bush has a higher IQ than John Kerry, along w/ a higher college GPA. Now, lets get back to Football.

By Casey Daniels

November 7, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

just a reminder, “Every Dawg has his Day” Go Dawgs!

By Truthman

November 7, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

2N4YEARS,

All I can say is “Yeah, right!!

My feces is smarter than “W”

W is an AWOL POS.

Kerry actually served and was awarded real medals!!

Either way, say goodbye to the House and, hopefully, the Senate!

All Hail Speaker Pelosi

By bamafan

November 7, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

I’m not a Georgia fan and will never be because of the rude fans I have met but realize they are young as Alabama’s team is and hopefully everything will turn aroun next year. Just remember as I have alot of years lately, that a bowl is a bowl no matter who you play. ROLL TIDE !!!!

By BilboBagginsWreck

November 7, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

Kerry’s gigantic mouth may have sealed the deal for the Republicans. What a complete and utter moron!

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 7, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

Mr Bradley (aka aspiring to be Carter Strickland level journalist). Next time we won’t even let you get near the bandwagon. Doomed we are, the sky has fallen (crank up the REM tune here). Mark look at last year? Are you nucking futts? One play against Auburn. Lack of plays (blitzing)against UF. Your right WVU sucked (not) and we should have rung their necks (but lost by a field goal).

Our problems this year have resulted from basically one unmade decision at the beginning of the year regarding the QB position. Period.

BTW, All you opponents better wear your shoes out kicking us while we are down this year. Go ahead, kick baby kick. Talk all your trash, yak, yak yak. Because the Dawgs will be back and better than ever. Count on it.

By boone

November 7, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

First- Bradley is not disrespecting the 2005 team. Face reality, he is right on. Second- in my opinion and my opinion only, the problem lies in recruting. Just because you are getting some of the best talent in the country, doen not make them the best fit for the TEAM. Football is still a team sport and you can not put the blame on individual players. Lack of a rushing attack also stems from a lack of an offensive line getting the job done. The passing attack is not helping the running game. No pressure on the QB makes life difficult for the DB’s. It is a team game and it is time for people to step up. Also look at the off season police reports. Richt is getting in guys with a lot less character and a lot more off the field problems. If you have guys with good character, they tend to be more coachable than guys with great talent. And there are kids out there that have both. The kids with bad character will keep the kids with good character from coming to UGA, making the TEAM less coachable and resulting in less wins. This is not a knock on Richt. He is possibly one of the best young minds in the game. If boosters will back off and let him do his job, there is still time to fix this!!

By 91Wreck

November 7, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

As much as I hate to admit it, the problems at UGA will easily be fixed in 2 years maximum. UGA will probably contend for an SEC title next year.

Richt is about to sign a great class of offensive lineman (several four star rated players). He will search JC’s this year to temporarily plug any holes.

As soon as the OL comes around, the great talent UGA has at every skilled position will blossom. The improved offensive play will keep the defense fresh and allow it to dominate like they did under the days of BVG.

We had better win this year.

By John

November 7, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

For one Mark, do you just watch football, or do you actually know something about it. I’m going to go with the first because it seems your knowledge of football is about as good as my yet to be born child. Yes Quentin Moses has had the breakout year statistically, but those are just statistics. I you would actually read around the country NFL scouts have not notched him any further down on their list. I you would learn football and actually watch an entire UGA game, instead of just watching on quarter and writing an article acting like you saw the whole thing you might notice that Quentin Moses has over 20 QB hurries, numerous tackles for a loss, and most importantly redirects plays. What I mean by redirecting plays is that even though he is not in on the tackle he constantly is sending running backs to the middle where help is because of his outside penetration. Just a side note he forced Dallas Baker (a Florida receiver in case you didn’t know) to alter his path and then drew a phantom face mask while making the crucial tackle. By the way Dallas Baker run a 4.4 forty and was forced to stop and change path by a defensive lineman, you find me someone that athletic at might Georgia Tech, and if they do have one he probably isn’t even legally eligible. I know your excited because Tech is half way decent this year, but they still have date in Athens, and by the way we play a little more physical in the SEC than the ACC.

By Mountain Dawg

November 7, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

The “Marky-Do” List…1) Fire Martinez, 2) Hire the top available OC/guru/wiz, 3) Recruit 2-3 stud OL & 1-2 DTs from JUCOs, 4) work these kids into the ground with mat drills & gassers all spring & summer. Richt needs to get hardnosed on these snotnoses & toughen them up! With 4 top 10 recruiting classes, there’s NO excuse for a 4+ loss season…period.

By Romeo

November 7, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

does anyone not see that UGA is vastly overrated. you have in UGA a team with top 10 recruiting classes every year but have one victory this year against a team with a winning record. all this talent they get every year but have nothing besides sec titles. if not for poorly coached lsu uga might be the worst coached team in the sec. without the horrible coaching job being done on talent alone uga should never lose to kentucky and vandy in the same year. all the talent they have and get beat by two of the weakest teams every year in the sec. it is going to get far worse for uga before it begins to get better.

By Bulldog1992

November 7, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

I think we’re jumping the gun a bit by calling for Willie’s head, but there is no doubt he better step it up in 2007. The defense runs too may soft coverages on pivotal 3rd and 4th down plays. I can’t tell you how many games I have watched where we are playing off the receivers on 3rd and 6 or 4th and 4 and allow the other team to just catch the ball in fromt of us. We need to get our swagger back on Defense and get aggressive.

Regarding the OC position, I owuld give Richt one more year to get it through his head that you use the assets you have (see Arkansas and McFadden) — I know our O-Line is not as good as other teams but if you stick with the run and put some creativity into the calls (say 2 backs in the backfield) when you have Ware, Brown, and Lumpkin we could be much better. This would open up the passing game or at least force teams into some man coverage.

Anyway, next year is a pivotal year for UGA - do we bounce back like UT or do we stay mired in mediocrity and under achieving.

I will always love the dawgs and I think Richt is the man, but we need to make a few adjustments in our mindset.

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 7, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Auburn, Nice post Techie! Just post as a Techie next time. One thing for sure, no matter what bowl (IF we are invited) we won’t quit. But I guess this year we are walking a mile in your gold and black shoes, and you know what? It sucks.

By JamesD

November 7, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

My name is JamesD. I am a total moron. I tried to make a post above that was meant to be trashmouthing Tech, but it didn’t go over too well…Anyway.

BuLLdawg and I…well…we have a little thing going on. It started out as just some playful experimenting. I thought it was normal….

WAIT A MINUTE, WHY AM I TELLING YOU ALL THIS??? NO! DON”T HIT POST!

By gdawginkalamazoo is the gayest name ever

November 7, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Well well, the kalamazoodawg is here. You know what one of the dumbest things ever to hit the internet is? People who use “dawg” in any part of their screen name, post name, or email address. If someone could ever get a virtual brand that says they are a douchebag, that’s it.

I thought about being a dawg fan once, it’s trash like you that kept me away. I really think you need to put a gun in your mouth. Without a good football team, you just have nothing to live for. That’s how pathetic your life is. Sad really. Are you even considered a human being? I doubt it. It’s all over.

Since you aren’t spending your days barking like a Jackass, it’s time to maybe get that old broken-down Camero working… It really is trashing up that nice piece of land your manufactured home sits on….

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 7, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

91Wreck, Thanks for the support. I love the last line of your post though. We were thinking well UT took care of us. We better not lose to Vandy that would be bad, IF we lose to UF it better not be a big margin, then the unthinkable what if we don’t rebound and we lose to KY. Awwwww man! So I know what you are going through. Better happen this year. Thanks for the kind words.

By jacket

November 7, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

Hey GTAlum - I wish you had gone to a different school. You don’t deserve to call GT your home if you root for the Dawgs. Pathetic!

By kenny

November 7, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

tom brady threw 4 interceptions sunday…trade him. fire the coach…geez guys..stafford is a freshman…i’d rather have him than reggie ball, wouldnt you?

By J.M.

November 7, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

Bradley, you’re out of your mind if you think this team is more talented than the 2002 team. We’ve got good talent now, but it is at a lower level than any time during the CMR era (and probably the Donnan era as well). The offensive line is not deep nor particularly skilled. Our secondary, especially our safeties, are not as skilled or physical as they were in 2002. Not even close. Ditto for the middle of the defensive line, where we don’t have a big dominant space-eater like Johnathan Sullivan.

I’m not giving the coaches a pass because they’ve obviously done a pathetic job. We should be better than 6-4. But I don’t think there’s any question that we’re in a down-cycle this season as far as talent goes.

By Red

November 7, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

Two SEC titles lately is impressive. But one NC since World War 2 isn’t the kind of record that supports the arrogance of the dawg fans. Where do they get the arrogance? They hardly have the kind of pedigree of USC, Notre Dame, FSU, Nebraska, etc. So why do they act like they do?

By sadsoutherner

November 7, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

please take bvg back as your dc!!!

By JamesD

November 7, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

It seems I hit someone’s nerve or spoke the painful truth. I have imitators, awesome thanks for the compliment. Once again it must suck to be you. Now go back to your own blog and I won’t toy with you anymore. If UGA looses to GT it about time and it is your year. I will congratulate you. If UGA pulls off the upset, Wow how stupid will all of you look. With all of UGA’s talent they could accidentally back in to a win, especially when you QB is Reggie.

By Lovemydawg

November 7, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

Bradley, you have little writers syndrome. That is like ” little man” syndrome for writers who feel inferior. Its people like you and Shultz that Governor Purdue was talking about who have half empty glasses all the time. I have forgotten more about Ga football than you will ever know. Therefore your analysis of Georgia football is totally irrelevant. Go kiss up to the Yellow Jackets who feel as inferior as you do about themselves. You are a good fit

By Big Dawg

November 7, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

TO: austindog

Your two points below are right on.

To: Middleman

I would like to correct a few of your statements about Dynasties i.e. USC, Oklahoma, Ohio State, well all of these teams have gone through lean times as well. USC before Pete Carroll hadn’t won a National Championship in over 10 years, OK before Bob Stoops hadn’t won a NC since the 70’s and Ohio State before Jim Treschel hadn’t won a NC since 1967 and matter of fact until this year Ohio State fans were saying the same thing about Treschel, that all his real good players were recruited by Coach Cooper.

Look at Michigan they went 6-5 last year and now they are undefeated, ranked # 2 and in two weeks will be playing Ohio State for the Big Ten Championship and a spot in the BCS National Championship game. Over the last five years they have been progressively talking about firing their head coach Lloyd Carr because they haven’t been able to beat Ohio State since Cooper left this is even though he won their only outright NC in 1998. The only other NC they won was in 1948 was tainted because they lost in the Rose Bowl.

Georgia has not won the past few years because TN and FL were down. The Vols and Gators have only won when Georgia was down.

Florida did not exist until the Goff/Donnan years. Their last title was when CMR was a rookie coach with a freshman QB.

So all my fellow Dawg Fans need to relax and remember Coach Richt is a great coach and our team will be fine. I know it hurts to see our team struggling and losing games that they should have won, but things will get better. Coach Dooley is right about the coaches concentrating on Auburn and then GT and leaving all the stuff about staff changes until after the season is over. Go Dawgs

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 7, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this

gdawginkalamazoo is the gayest name ever

Sounds like you are the one with the issues dude? Glad you aren’t a Dawg fan dumba$$. Sounds like you need to lay off the Dungeons and Dragons and go get a girlfriend. Pu$$y would do wonders for that attitude of yours. That’s just a guess though. That or small farm animals.

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 7, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

Big Dawg, Thanks for spelling that out. People tend to forget. USC for all the hype and recruiting the past few years has one NC. Texas was the first in a long time. Keys are of course going undefeated but winning the SEC with one loss might even get you into the game. So I think the goal of winning the SEC is not shortsighted but beating UF and AU is imperative. From the looks of the past two years we aren’t that far off.

By chris

November 7, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

This article is ridiculous. Saying that Mark Richt is not cutting it calling the plays because the offense ranked 49 in the country last year is an absurd conclusion. His play calling at times is questionable, and he acknowledges that. However, no SEC team is going to be towards the top in total offense when you see the defenses to the caliber of Alabama, Florida, and Auburn every week. Look at Louisville and West Virgina, no kidding they are in the top of the league in offense, defense is overrated in the Big East and in the ACC for that matter. That long Miami run last weekend sums up the ACC, how do you go in a pile of 10 defense players and not one can wrap up the ball carrier. It’s pyhteitc. Horrible article with no logic.

By to zoodog

November 7, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

just keep thinking the 3 point loss to WV was a “W”….must be the lake effect snow already…LOL!!! Note, this is this year! and you cannot beat KFC! or candybilt!

By Buzzmeister

November 7, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

The entire article galvanizes ESPN’s claim last year that the UGA program is overrated. The win against LSU was lame, then came WV and the throttling in the Sugar Bowl. Now, we have reached Mecca with losses to Vandy and UK.

Your problems are:

1. Lack of respect for your opponent
2. Lack of humility in the stands
3. Too much focus on Rivals.Com and Scout.com
4. Focus on spotting talent that is off the radar screen
5. Overanalyziation: layoff CMR, and let him do his job. Good coaching talent is slim, and you cannot afford to try and find another Ray Goof.

Athens places far too much emphasis on recruits and stats, and not on national titles. You also shoot your drunk mouth off far too much, and now it comes home to roost.

Call it day, and focus on gymnastics.

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 7, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

to zoodog, show me where I ever called that a win my friend. Never have and never will, it was a loss but “nut” one of those “Utah” losses.

By Hobnailboot

November 7, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

This column sucks. The Dawgs lost a few great players in 2004, but lost almost no players overall. LAST offseason, they lost a TON of players, even though none were true standouts. 3 starters in the secondary, both starting DTs, some OLs, leonard pope, mcclendon and (due to injury) sean bailey. mix in a worse injury situation this year than last and it’s easy to see how things aren’t going nearly as well for this team.

By Cuz

November 7, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Call a pass play on fourth and no time left to beat Auburn and win the SEC and you are an offensive genuis. Call a pass play on the two yard line the results of which are an interception and you are an idiot and need to get a Coordinator to call the plays.

From genuis to goof is not a large distance.

Zoo, looks like they are after you again. I have started laughing at the people that call me a moronic idiot. Just roll with the punches my friend.

What bowl are we going too Techies? None if we don’t start winning.

By JB

November 7, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Bradley you’re not on my Christmas card list, but I have to admit that you make a good point or two. The flaws that I see with our team right now are:

1. Inability to run block

2. Lack of sound tackling technique

3. Poor pass catching skills

4. Unimaginative defensive scheme.

5. Poor in game defensive adjustments

Solutions:

1. New offensive line coach

2. New receivers coach

3. Reatain Martinez as secondary coach and seek out Will Muschamp as or Charlie Strong as DC.

4.Assign play calling to someone in the booth rather than from the sidelines (Of course the guy that called P-44 Haynes and 19 X take-off certainly hasn’t gone braindead)

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 7, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

Buzzmeister,

Now that is funny. A Bee telling us what is wrong with our program. GT the program of consistency and excellence. Glad you guys are having a great year and will be playing for the ACC Championship. Good luck with that.

Last year we would have been underrated (expected to finish third in the SEC East). This year we were overrated (expected to finish third in the SEC East but actually bringing up the arse end of it). But we can’t really run any smack on anyone after getting beat by UK and Vandy.

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 7, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Cuz, yeah you would think people have better things to do. Even in a down year the jealousy just eats them up. That I just don’t understand. I guess it makes them feel better about themselves. Whatever works for them.

By pockasnocka

November 7, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

Kregg Lumpkin is another Rodney Hampton, but you apparently can’t get that through Richt’s head.

By columbusdawg

November 7, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

First thing-Jeff Brohm at Louisville or one of Jeff Tedford’s assistants at Cal would relish the opporunity to become the OC at Georgia. GIVE IT UP COACH! YOU SHOULD FIRE YOURSELF AS THE OC!! You had the mix between Greene and Shockley and you failed to produce a top ten (hell top 20!) offense. Second, Quentin Moses has shown that he is nothing without a good supporting cast-he is no playmaker, that or he is biding his time until the NFL payday arrives. Third, either Jamie Newburg and all these recruiting gurus are selling us oil or coach Richt doesn’t know how to use the talent he’s got. Good call Mark-too many so-called top ten recruits for this program to be in the state that it is. All the sudden it seems Tech is getting it while Georgia slowly goes backwards. I refuse to believe it. Next season will be telling. “Pride before reason” coach Richt. I am suprised that a man of your character can’t see it.

By JS

November 7, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

BRAVO!!! Finally, people are seeing it my way. Richt is better than Goff and Donnan, but definitely no Weis, Spurrier, Fullmer, or Meyer. His offensive teams have been mediocre at best. I think Bradley laid out all the stats for all in the Dawg nation to chew on for awhile. Wake up people!

By Pops

November 7, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it before and I will say it again. I WOULD RATHER SUFFER SOME LOSSES FROM TIME TO TIME AND HAVE AN HONORABLE COACH WITH AN ETHICAL PROGRAM THAN BE KNOWN AS SOME MISGUIDED PROGRAMS (MIAMI FOR INSTANCE). Richt is a fine coach very caapable of analyzing the situation and making the right moves. He is earning millions because he is smarter at this stuff than all of us combined.

By Nate

November 7, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

Roswell Ed is a homo and the only woman he’s ever kissed is his moma.

By dewan lee

November 7, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

Mark Richt cannot beat UF and any other coach would be fired. And playing Stafford no matter how many Int’s he throws is not right. Just cause you have the golden boy arm does not make you the second coming of TD Jesus. Jeff George proved that already. If Stafford aint good enough have some guts and play someone who is. Give Joe Cox a fair shot and Blake Barnes since this year is over. We dont play to go to .com bowls we want NC which Richt has not delivered as he always finds a way to squander the talent at UGA. Be honest people who has he beat that was a top 10 team and stayed a top 10 team. The only top 10 teams he has beat ended up being overated. Dont fool ourselves we deserve better. Remember when beating Fla was our birthright now because of a couple of SEC champs (down years) we accept losing to UF,AU, and now soon to be GT. Stop this maddness and make everyone accountable for their play and coaching.I bet you that the Jimmy Claussen kid can come in to UGA tomorrow and perform better than Stafford. Watch Claussen next year with Charlie Weiss and tell me that freshman are supposed to struggle. People that is freshman in the NFL not college. If you are supposed to be the next #1 pick then you should dominate and look domnating not keep throwing picks and throwing late or trying to throw 1000 mph and say well it hit the receivers. Even Elway took something off from time to time.

By Duston

November 7, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry bees, the Dawgs will be ready to play yall and will show you who is the best team in the state. Tech Sux!!! GO DAWGS!!!!!

By Hunter

November 7, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley’s an idiot. He’s a swooning fan boy one year, and a critic the next. If you’re the freakin’ Kreskin of college football, why didn’t you publish columns last year about Georgia’s imminent doom?

It’s easy to criticize when you’re sitting in the catbird’s seat at what is arguably the worst metropolitan newspaper in the country. Even Savannah has a better paper than the AJC.

Whether you’re a Tech fan or a Dawg fan, count on the AJC to take side with the winning team and berate the losing team. It happens every year. Rubbing salt in the wounds, wiping our butts with this rag of a paper.

Screw yourself, Bradley.

By Feel The Stinger !

November 7, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

Maybe Tech can get someone a little stronger than georgia on the schedule next year. As far as whats wrong with georgia, well the day they fired jim it was a sign of things to come, and now that all of his recrutes are gone Marks boys show the true signs, sorry but its the truth. its more than playing football, you have to be smarter than the football. well I could keep on but Im not.

Good luck in your bowl game with duke. The purdue farms chicken bowl.

By TiftDawg

November 7, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

I sure like the earlier suggestion of Hiring Chris Hatcher and Will Muschamp…

As for the Stafford criticisms, he will be a stud. As soon as it became evident that this was no championship team, it became appropriate to let MS learn ubder fire and prepare for future seasons. It’s been painful at times, but it will pay dividends.

By Ga Southern Fan

November 7, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this

Like Rodney Dangerfield said, “Take our coach, …Please!”

By Ga Southern Fan

November 7, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

Like Rodney Dangerfield might have said, “Take our Coach,…Please!”

By Bull Dawgham

November 7, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

Very good article. As a Georgia fan, this season has been very depressing to me. The most telling factor is that Georgia has a losing record in the SEC. Also, any time you lose to both Vanderbilt and Kentucky in the same season, something is very definitely wrong. I’m afraid it’s going to take more than one season to right the ship.

By doggonegadawg

November 7, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

It is ironic that Bradley calls last season one in which we all failed to see the signs. The problem is that the last time Ohio State won a national championship they had a very suspect offence and were lauded as a team that managed to pull out the victories. You can’t have it both ways. Last year UGA won when it had to and won the SEC. Not very impressively I might add. For the past four years the Dawgs have averaged ten-plus wins a year, won two SEC championships and played for a third. If this is what we should expect out of Richt and Co. then so be it. I take the licks once every six years. Note, now a win over UGA commands the tearing down of goal posts. How many goal posts were torn down by the opposition when the esteemed Mr. Dooley was coach? Everybody who wants to berate and denigrate should just shut-up. Tell me about your favorite team’s record over the past four years. Does it stack up? Note: only USC is better (Not South Carolina).

By Dwayne

November 7, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this

I honestly beleive that if Mark Richt had Herschel Walker in the backfield he’s only run him 3 times in the 2nd half!

By em

November 7, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

My vote is for Will Muschamp for DC!

By Dr. Dawgpound

November 7, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

Bradley, kiss our a*.

By Palmetto State Dawg

November 7, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

Hey Feel the Stinger!, do you even have a college degree? Judging by your spelling & grammar, I seriously doubt it. You couldn’t get into Devry Institute much less GA Tech.

“Maybe Tech can get someone stronger than GA on the schedule next year”??? I almost fell out of my chair laughing when I read your ridiculous comment. Lets do a quick comparison of the two football programs. GA leads the overall series by a comfy margin, we have beaten Tech 5 straight years (including a 51-7 thrashing in 2002),our stadium holds 92,000….Tech’s holds like 45,000, we have won the SEC twice in four years, and Tech has been to toilet bowls. If anyone should try & get a better opponent then it should be GA trying to find someone else.

Like I’ve said before, you Tech fans kill me with your absurd cockiness. If I had been whipped 5 straight years by my state rival, I would keep my mouth shut.

Feel the Stinger, you’re a pathetic idiot.

By brent

November 7, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

MIKE BOBOI repeat MIKE BOBO. Pray about it on Sunday, Mark, then drop the leash and promote the guy.

By jbirdawg

November 7, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Well, Mark, writers have to have a take, and your take was slanted to make your point. There is a lot to disagree with here, however. For starters, and I doubt this is true, but it seems almost like you are writing this story based completely on stats. Stats never tell the whole story.

In 2005 UGA was picked third in the east preseason. I mean, how in the world could we win when we lost every one of our play makers on O and D? You suggest we got by on an easy schedule and didn’t perform against teams ranked in the top 25. Was that teams that finished the top 25 or was in the top 25 when we played. Maybe we had something to do with them moving out of the top 25. Either way, we can’t help the scheduling or how teams fare in a given year. Arkansas has a better record this year. It doesn’t mean they were not tough last year. If you paid attention to the games, you will know that UGA had to play UF without the services of DJ Shockley and still had the ball with a chance to win the game at the end. That was with JT3 and UF knowing we had no passing game, loading the box against the run, yet we were still right there. I don’t think it is fair to just say, that’s a loss when assessing this team. Even my Gator friends concede that UGA would not have loss that game with Shock there.

One comment that I find really slanted and unsubstantiated, given your reliance on stats, is your comment that the win over LSU had mitigating factors, the GA Dome and Les Miles. If you don’t respect Les Miles, fine. Since you are a stat guy, give him his due. He lost one game, an unlikely overtime loss early in the season to UT. The won everything else in a very, very tough season. UGA compeltely out coached them and out played them. UGA dominated them. Nobody else in the SEC was even close to playing them like that. As far as the GA dome is concerned, there were tons of LSU fans there, and I was there in ‘03 and don’t remember the dome being much of a home field advantage then. So that is crock.

UGA’s D exposed vs Auburn? Yes. Auburn’s D exposed vs UGA in the same game? Yes. Unlike any game all year. UGA hung 30 on Aub and had identical yardage, somewhere around 500 yds. Auburn won the game. But there is great probability that if Tra Battle had not remained on the field with a concussion that he would have been in his two deep position, and would have been poised to stop the 4th adn 12 play. But that is history. WVA? Who else shuts them down? Great scheme and heisman like runners in an offense that UGA never sees. People still forget it was a 3 point game.

UGA’s problems are this…….too much inexperience at most of the skill positions D and O. That coupled with attrition and injuries on the OL. We replaced 3 DBs that had like 88 combined starts between them, with guys that had 2. The DT starters are true soph and rFR. WRs are primarily FR and Sophs, with a couple of JRs that have had limited playing time. The QB obviously has come down to Stafford. MS has made a considerable amount of mistakes and that seems to be all people want to talk about in regards to him. However, if you have been watching you have seen a kid making eye popping passes. Great plays. He is getting better each game with his audibles, going to 2nd and 3rd receivers. Running the ball. Even Gary Danielson said during the UF game, “few QBs can make that pass”. The kid is dynamite. Just young dynamite, and he is getting invaluable experience this year.

We are playing 3 FR CBs, 1 first year starter Soph CB. They have imrpoved and have received invaluable experience as well. Even though we will be young on the OL next year we will have a lot more bodies and will be able to rotate. I think the young safeties will bring more power to the position which has been sorely lacking this year.

This year is far from what is going to be the norm. Richt and staff have not forgotten how to coach. UGA is one of the best programs in the SEC and will continue to be in the hunt for the East, year in and out. Just not this year.

Once Zook’s great D recruits are gone, we will see how Urban’s Gators do.

By No Dawg Fan

November 7, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Bradley’s right. This year is just an extension of how things have been going under the current leadership.

At the end of the regular season last year, the two best teams in the SEC were LSU and Auburn. Division structure allowed UGA to sneak into the conf. championship game.

Richt is a man of character and a pretty good offensive coordinator. However, he doesn’t seem to be adapting well to the head coach role. It’s obvious that changes have to be made. Ultimately, he will have to shake up his coaching staff or UGA will have to remove him.

Of course, there’s a good chance that both the FSU and Miami jobs will be available after this season and Richt has ties to both programs. Should be interesting to see what happens…

By GATORS OWN YOU BEEATCH

November 7, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

NOT SURE WHY YOU CALL THEM DAWGS, WHEN IN REALITY THEY ARE A PUNCH OF PUSSIES

By frank the tank

November 7, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

Mark, a third mitigating factor about the victory over LSU; LSU played 11 or so consecutive games after the Katrina rescheduling and we didn’t get their best in the SECCG due to their fatigue……….Shock Dawg was ,and is the man, but had a distinct advantage over LSU due to LSU being physically haggard (just look at the LSU beatdown of Miami after a month of rest).

Also, after JT3 was inserted into the 2005 ARK game it didn’t take a rocket scientist to know that JT3 wasn’t the best option to lead us to a victory over FLA…….even then, after the loss to FLA in which Joe T. was a better TE than QB, it didn’t take a whole lot of insight to realzie that Joe T. was not the answer to lead the Dawgs into 2006. The opening drive of the FLA game ‘05 again proved it was evident that the throw to Milner was underthown (of course Milner could’ve caught it, but it WAS underthown) Coach Richt is loyal to a fault and it is unacceptable to think that JT3 was the best option going into 2006. He had to run a scaled back offense against ARK and FLA in 2005 (example all of the QB draws against FLA including one at the end of the game which proved we quit) but i’m supposed to believe that in 6 months time he all of a sudden he has complete control of the offense despite his obvious lack of an arm against speedy SEC defenses?

Stafford and Cox should have had the reigns since the beginning of the season even though its tough to sit JT3 because of his legacy…but we are paying Richt to make decisions that might make kids feel bad because their are 85 or so other kids that deserve the best chance of winning. if you can honestly tell me that JT3 gave us the best chance of winning in any game he started this season i wholehartedly disagreed with you (Coach and others) and i think their is plenty of evidence to back it up (‘04 Tenesse fake punt debacle, ‘05 Ark and unfortunately it had to be further proved in ‘O5 FLA).

Coach, you are a good man but make the tough decisions: commit to the run, sit the senior QB if he doesn’t have the talent…….and remember, a runing back averageing 5 yards per carry needs to run the ball more than 9 times a game.

Finally, our team is soft and losing BVG leaves us with no one who will not accept giving up 30+ aginst AUB last year, WVA and 51 at home to Tennesee this year….lets see some emotion form the coaching staff and some accountablity…….it will certainly rally the team around you instead of making them feel like they suck……Coach, please take accountablity for the debacle and your team would be more likely to rally around you………

Finally, 1-5 against FLA under coach richt is unacceptable…..i’m dismayed tha he hasn’t intilled a spurrier style repect for the hatred of the rivalry. Coach , focus on the Floida game each year and let the team know that losing to them is unacceptable……..blame a loss on your poor coaching after you speak to the media the team will rally behind you……i’m tired of wathcing us come ou flat after halfime…..is no one yellijng at these kids?………Erk would bust heads and we miss BVG more than ever….he would inspire our boys and make the tough decisions……..

By brad

November 7, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

I find it funny that “fans” are calling for the heads of the coaches after one less than stellar season. If the internet had been around in the ’60s would Vince Dooley have made it to see his national championship year? In VD’s sixth year the Dawgs went 5-5-1…

You guys might also want to note that Larry Coker listed to folks like you and had a yardsale on assistant coaches after last season. How well is Miami playing this year?

By Chuck_Uuga

November 7, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this

What a shame that Bradley writes a respectable article and the usual CHILDREN (who don’t have enough guts to identify their team) have to come on here with their ludicrous comments of “get used to 3rd/4th place in the East” or “Tech will beat UGA next year” or “Richt is going to Miami.” Seems like the same bunch showing how little they know about UGA football, the roster of players, the coach…or football in general. Atlanta “football fans” are by far the DUMBEST MORONS of any city in the nation when it comes to college ball. You CHILDREN need to understand something…Mark Richt has more talent in the freshman class, sophomore class and reshirted then any other program in the SEC. He has adopted the FSU model and outrecruited FSU for the top players in Georgia and the region. This model will enable UGA to ROLL in football over the next 3-4 years. The seniors this year were what’s left of the Feb. 2002 class (many of whom were lost to injury or other issues). The recruiting picked up steam after 2002, and the players that are all over the field this year are almost all younger. The OL is the only place of concern entering 2007. If Richt gets in some JUCO OL help as well as develop what is already at UGA, it is a CERTAINTY UGA will play for the SECC in the Dome in 2007. Oh, and remember this name…Knowshon Moreno. He may be the next Garrison Hearst.

By 77Dawg

November 8, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this

Mark, this is my first with your blog. And hope to do many more until the drilling is done. I will say it again that MR is a wonderful man never wants to hurt anybody felling. Seniors get to play alot no matter how terrible they are. Well any ones will get old sometimes. Here is my advices;* WRs - run routs with the speed that optimized to the ball speed. Learn how to catch a greased nerd ball (they are light and small) plus it is fun to catch it with hands not with your body. RBs - must wait for the hole don’t hit it too fast, and make your own hole sometimes.DBs and secondary must play as a gang not one individual showing off. All Ds don’t listen to your coach, he is a spy from somewhere. All defensive players ignor what Martinez said and play it for yourself. MR We love your.

By Lee Robinson

November 8, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

Right on Mr. Bradley. UGA’s defense has been the offense’s crutch the past 4 years under Richt, and now VanGorder’s gone, so has the winning. I’ve never understood why the Dogs dont have that killer instinct to go for the jugular when they’re ahead in a game like Florida or Auburn or LSU does. Richt’s lack of emotion on the sideline can’t help matters any. Sometimes the players need that fire from a coach. It’s certainly not coming from the Georgia fans, it never has. I know there are rebuilding years, but this is ridiculous. Enough with the recruiting rankings, too. It’s always the same. UGA always ranks high in recruiting game, but the players never live up to the potential. Case in point, Massaquoi. You would think he’s never had a ball thrown directly to him.

By NYDAWG

November 8, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

Want the quick fix to get back to dominence? Buy out Ga. Southern,and get VanGorder to back at 1.2 million a year to take over the defense.Didn’t we pay POS Marion Campbell a mill a year to let up just as many points as dollars he earned? GO DAWGS,and i’m losing it only getting to watch them 4 to 5 times this year! Instead of of at least 10 times.

By This team has one major flaw...

November 8, 2006 03:38 AM | Link to this

Richt sucks.

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By This is to all you idiots

November 8, 2006 03:45 AM | Link to this

Quote from Richt: “I’m not really sure where we are…The story just hasn’t been told yet for this season.”

Now will all you hard headed Richt lovers finally admit Richt is an idiot????

We are 6-4 with losses to Vandy and Ky for the 1st time in 33 years. That’s where we are. We have the worst team to put on a Georgia uniform since 1990. That’s where we are.

Richt is in denial, just like all his beloved fans.

By To all you Richt lovers...

November 8, 2006 03:49 AM | Link to this

So, Richt is a great coach? Do you also think Eason and Martinez are great coaches? Because Richt does.

If nothing else makes him a sh1tty coach to you, I hope that you know that great coaches don’t keep sh1tty assistants. Therefore, Richt is NOT a great coach? Comprehend? Dipsh1ts.