UGA

By ugadog311

November 12, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

I loved the black jerseys, but I think they should only be used on special occasions and kept secret at that (just like Saturday). Otherwise, they will lose their appeal and make us look like another South Carolina or Louisville. I don’t think we should use them for a bowl game unless (and maybe at this) its the Sugar Bowl. They should only be used, at most, once per year—-and maybe not even that much. Think about how much cooler they will be if they are only used every 2 or 3 years.

By EmmettDawg

November 12, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Go Dawgs!!! Am I first?

By Wozzo the Wonder Dog

November 12, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Same as the old Richt. Remember the surprise swimming and diving trip before the Auburn game several years ago. Also the surprise trip to the equestrian center.

By dc dawg

November 12, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I think Mark Richt is doing an excellent job. I think you can feel it in the stadium on gameday’s now. Some fans in the past have complained that our “homefield advantage” isn’t very helpful because our fans were as rowdy as the Richt of old. I think Richt’s new attitude can be seen in the players and the fans. I think this new Bulldog attitude has also been noticed by the media. As many stories as there were about the negatives of the celebration during the Florida game, it was still attention. We need that extra attention later on down the line when there is question for who gets at-large BCS bowls. Georgia’s new “attitude” is very appealing to a sponsor of a big bowl. As hard as it is to believe our team has a reputation now, and whether you think its good or bad we are being talked about across the country.

By Dog the Gator Hunter

November 12, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Save the black jerseys for special occasions, and break them out at most once a year. Eventually, the Dawgs will get it handed to them while wearing the black jerseys, but at least its fun for the players and fans.

The jerseys feature an underused part of Georgia’s red and black color scheme, so I don’t see a problem. I’ve seen old pictures where the Dawgs appear to have silver helmets and numbers, so this talk about tradition doesn’t hold water with me. Which begs the question: why isn’t silver officially considered a school color?

By Ol Ball Coach

November 12, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

I feel sorry for Coach Richt. He is a man of great integrity having to lower his standards to appease the thugs on the team and the scum-sucking low-life Dawg fans.

By Chip Towers

November 12, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Just testing to see if everything’s working. Where is everybody?

By dc dawg

November 12, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

wow. thats intense. wearing black jerseys and blacking out the stadium apparently makes our team thugs and fans scum-sucking. good attitude, make sure you keep that up.

By General Neyland

November 12, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

I hope to see a few Dawgs at the Georgia Dome for the SEC Championship game in their black jerseys….spectators, of course.

By SuwaneeDawg

November 12, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Oops - hit the post button a little too early.

Anyway, I think this whole thing has been to get these guys to simply have fun. In retrospect, the Florida thing was probably a “good idea, bad execution” kind of thing in that, to the uninterested observer and Florida folks, they could have thought he was showing them up. Other than that, I think Richt explaided this pretty well after Saturday’s game - that they grind on these guys all of the time, how about if we just go out and have fun for once?

I, for one, like the “new” Richt. Although, maybe he isn’t so “new.” He may have always had it in him and now that he isn’t calling plays, he has the capacity to evolve as a coach. And who is to say that he isn’t doing this simply because this team needs it. Obviously in ‘02 and ‘05 they reacted pretty well to the mild mannered CMR. Who knows? Maybe in two more years or so, that team will react better to that approach. The bottom line is he is the head coach and he knows best how to motivate his team and get them ready to play. I hope the folks who have slammed him for bringing out his inner thug (ridiculous) will take note of that.

As for the black jerseys - I thought they looked really sharp. I hope they don’t over-use them. Break them out under special circumstances. Next year’s Tennessee game jumps to mind.

By The DawgMan

November 12, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Coach Richt has not transformed or changed. He is still the Great motivator and a Great God Fearling minded Coach. The only difference in this seasons is that he has more time to listen to his player and channel their energy into the right result. I wonder what would have happened if we lost to the Gators after that Celebration or if we Lost to the Tigers after playing with those black jersey. I know for sure that you guys will not be saying anything good about his techniques. All I know is that Caoch richt is only ripping the fruits of the labor that he has sown into this program by teaching his player to be God Fearling and to be Fearless in the Field. GO Dawgs!! and Lets continue our domination of College Football throughout the rest of this season and the next ones to come.

By Fort Worth Dawg

November 12, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

If Spurrier is the Evil Genius then Richt is the Angelic Genius. Chip, please post Coach Richt’s comments about the referee on the opposite side of the field during the Auburn game (very funny). Also, please ask Coach Dooley if he is still worried that Coach Richt is too nice for the job of head coach at UGA. Quite frankly, we beat Auburn last year and this year worse than we did with Herschel Walker — some of that is because Auburn probably had better teams back in the early ’80s, but even still … Coach Richt has beaten LSU in the SEC Championship Game and Auburn last year — both games I thought UGA had zero chance. He didn’t, to my knowledge, use gimmicks in either of those games. In fact, Richt sounded seriously depressed right before the Auburn game last year. Overall, I’d have to say that the lesson learned by the fans is that coaching goes way beyond game day coaching. Redshirting a large group of kids was his call. Recruiting outstanding athletes was partly his doing as well. Getting the team up for games without winding them up too tight is Richt’s job as well.

By the way, how did they get the jerseys into the right lockers in the dark?

By Redcoat88

November 12, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Don’t get me wrong, I think CMR is doing a great job and he has definately gotten us ready for two of the four games we needed to this year. The black jerseys were a nice touch. They brought the crowd together in a way that I haven’t seen in a very long time. When the team errupted from the tunnel the energy was amazing. We were part of the team, unified against a common foe.
However, I have to say the single biggest change in this year’s team may relate back to one person. Yes, I’m talking about Mr. Soulja Boy, Knowshon Moreno. Everytime he touches the ball you know that something big could happen. No matter if he is dancing on the sidelines or sprinting back to the huddle, you know this one is something special. I heard it in the crowd on Saturday from…Auburn fans. “And he’s only a freshman”, they said. “Wow, we’re in trouble”, the other answered. I even got one of them to high-5 me after his first TD run.
Yes, CMR is doing a great job, but you can’t deny the impact that a special player can have on a team. Go Dawgs!

By Mark

November 12, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

The black jerseys are just fine. Use them as they need them—- they can let the fans know the week of game of what color they’re wearing so the fans can dress in red or black. It can only be a secret once.

By Rob

November 12, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Special Occasions, and no more than once a year. If they’re successful when they wear them in the regular season, then they’re ok for a bowl game.

By noyellowinthisblood

November 12, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Ol ball coach, just because your cocks took a nose dive is that reason to bad mouth our team and fans. You should take a page out of the Auburrn fan’s book and have a little class chicken little.

By The Ole Ball Coach (aka the Evil "Genius")

November 12, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Dadgum, I never knew how hard it was to win in the SEC when you don’t have more talent than everyone else. If I don’t start winning some games, folks in SC will forget that I’m a “genius” and may start to hold me to account for my defective personality and provacative comments. 3-5 conference records are hard on an old coach’s reputation.

You know, some of these other guys in the SEC can coach some ball as well. Who knew? Maybe Zooker will need an offensive coordinator in Illinois after they run me out of Columbia in a year or two. Maybe I can teach some of them Yankee boys how to pitch and catch. I miss the days when I had the best team in the SEC, even if we were only the 3rd best program in the State of Florida most years.

-SOS, the HBC

By Old School

November 12, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Great game! I was there. Did any one see Marcus Howard, # 38, run over the Referee after one of the interceptions? He looked like he was trying to get to Brandon Cox but he floored the flag happy Ref who also called the Florida game.

By Dog44

November 12, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

I love the way Richt has helped the team relax and have fun the last few weeks… after all, it is still a game. And the energy has been intense and exactly what was needed. I’ve never loved CMR more.

However, I don’t think Richt’s character has not changed a bit, and that means all the discussion out there about UGA turning into a class-less, dirty program is going to bother him a bunch. (Remember his reaction to the post-game celebration at Vandy?)

I think these accusations (mostly by FL & AU fans) are way off the mark, but the fact they are out there will make a man like CMR work to demonstrate that UGA can have fun, play with energy, and still have class. CMR DOES NOT want to lose control. My hope is that we’ll be able to achieve this balance, and I think Richt is the man to do it. But I also think the players will be hearing from him this week about those unsportsmanlike penalties (regardless of what you think of the officiating.) Go Dawgs.

By wildboar

November 12, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

I loved the atmosphere the blackout brought. USC gathers the top recruiting class year after year because the players love playing for Carrol. I can see the same thing happening here at UGA with Richt. Black jerseys aside, I’m really excited to see how well the dawgs are playing. Looking at the top ten, I don’t see anyone that we couldn’t compete with on a neutral field. I really hope we get a chance at LSU for the SEC crown.

By DawgGrad311

November 12, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

I think that if Reverend Richt wasn’t known for being so stoic, traditional, and old skool in his past, none of the recent events would have grabbed so much media attention. I think if any run-of-the-mill coach from another SEC school would have pulled these stunts, it would not be a suprise.

But what we are finding out now is that Richt is morphing into a head coach. He took a while to transition from Off. Cord. to Head Coach. After he gave the reigns to Bobo, he realized what a head coach needs to be doing for his team. He may tweak it a little more, but he’s enjoying the ride.

Go Dawgs!!

By Dog44

November 12, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

I meant to say: I don’t think Richt’s character has changed a bit.

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 12, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

From 825 miles away the sight looked awesome on TV. I could tell the way the teams came out of the tunnels that the Dawgs had a lot more energy than the Auburn players. Me thinks the blackout was very effective. Liked the old Richt, like the new Richt even better. Finally some emotion out of him. Interaction with the players 1 on 1 during the game. Having fun with it is definitely working for UGA and Richt.

The black jersey should be reserved for after the Florida game. Dorsey Hill said on one of the other blogs that if the team beats UF then the seniors can choose when to wear them when appropriate the rest of the year. Not that they need any extra motivation but I think that is a great idea. BCS bowl could warrant them. Those are hard to come.

By puppydawg

November 12, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Ol Ball Coach, I feel sorry for Blake Mitchell and all the other players on your team that you will throw under the bus after Clemson hands you your 5th straight loss. You think you can run your mouth because you caught us early in the season before we hit our stride. Next year, you will be steamrolled. Guaranteed. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

By La Jolla Dawg

November 12, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Personally, I love the way Coach Richt has “changed.” His enthusiasm, much like that of Moreno, is catching. I believe Coach Martinez went off the chain on the sidelines during the Auburn game as well, and the players fed off of his outward display of emotion/passion too.

As much as I enjoyed the touchdown celebration during the Florida game, and the black jerseys last Saturday, what I appreciated the most was Coach Richt (finally) taking full responsibility for the Tennessee debacle. He said that losing was okay, but not showing up to play isn’t and he took responsibility for the fact that the Dawgs did not show up that day. I really appreciated that. In the past I have felt like he did not take enough responsibility for the team coming out flat.

Chip, any chance you or Carter will ask Damon Evans about this new side of Coach Richt? It would be interesting to hear from him what he thinks of the evolution of Richt. Given the importance of the two wins, I don’t think he will complain….

By Black Mountain Dawg

November 12, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Our coach is having fun, the players are having fun, the students are having fun, as is evident to anyone in Athens this weekend, and we are winning. So why is it some dawg fans are complaining? I have my opinion on the black jerseys, but honestly it doesn’t matter because I am not the one hitting the weight room year round, I’m not doing two-a-days, I’m not balancing sports with my academics and most importantly I’m not the one putting on the jersey on Saturdays. Like I said, I have my opinion on the black jerseys, but mine isn’t the most important on this issue. Go Dawgs!!!

By noyellowinthisblood

November 12, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Zoo, Sanford was rocking and had a great atmosphere all night with the exception of when AU took the 20-17 lead. When KM took the ball in to regain the lead it exploded. Louder than the first half of UT last year, but not quite as loud as LSU 04. The black out made it look as if there were not as many lights onn the crowd. Great time.

By wmd

November 12, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Most excited I’ve seen the Bulldawg Nation in Athens ever. I’ve been going to games since I was a little boy and graduated in ‘91. We have always been a pretty nice program, but we seem to fall short when it comes to becoming a dominant program. We (fans,players, and coaches) are reluctant to have the ARROGANCE it takes to win the NC or dominate the SEC. We hate Florida so much, but they have the attitude that wins Championships. Like it or not.

I believe that CMR will lead this team to a NC at some point soon, because I believe his system and processes are consistent. Mothers want their Babies to play for a Man like him. My impression is that he will do it the right way.

I didn’t like the end zone display against Florida, because “what goes around comes around.” Would Spurrier or Urban send a letter of apology to the SEC?……. I haven’t seen that type of humility from those type of coaches.

I think he realizes he’s been too restrictive on the players and needs to let them play with some reckless abandon. Off the field we’ve had some legal issues that have hurt our image. The players need to leave the nastiness on the field.

I like seeing CMR excited. He was looking for a leader to pump the team up all season. He decided to take it upon himself and I like it.

This Alumni loved the black jersey’s. I’d like to see them with all silver pants, when they wear black jersey’s. Keep them for special home games and BCS bowls. Don’t ever mess with the helmet. Can’t hurt to shake it up on occasion.

Go Dawgs!!!!

By hot rod

November 12, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

I LOVE THE NEW CMR, LET THE SENIORS DECIDE WHEN WE WEAR THE BLACK AGAIN, ONLY SPECIAL GAMES, ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS AND KEEP IT A SECRET TILL WE HEAR BACK IN BLACK WHEN THEY COME OUT OF THE TUNNEL GO DAWGS!!!

By The Ole Ball Coach (aka the Evil "Genius")

November 12, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

I said earlier in the year that I didn’t think much of our win in Athens, even though those Dawgs hung a “goose egg” on me in Columbia the year before and beat me in Athens the year before that (it was the players’ fault, as my genius cannot be questioned). Now I’m a LOT more impressed with it. Heck, I’m impressed with any win at this point, because they sure seem hard to come by these days. We stink as bad as those Ray Goff teams I use to make fun of.

By Big Dawg

November 12, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Chip to answer your questions,

1. Richt has already said they’ll probably break them out again for the bowl game if they’re fortunate enough to be the home team.

a. You cool with that? Yes Coach Richt has shown tremendous growth this year in becoming a true Head Coach and I trust him to be able to know his players and how to motivate them.

b. What about the future? IMHO they should be used sparingly maybe as one other blogger suggested if they beat Florida then break them out as a reward.

c. Would you like to see them utilize them once a year?

I’ll leave it to Coach Richt to decide that.

d. Save them for special occasions? Yes as I posted above after beating the Gators.

e. Put them away forever? NO our school colors are Red and Black and these did look appropriate to me.

By Lowcountry Bulldawgs

November 12, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

I owe Mark Richt an apology. After the UT game I was livid. I questioned everything about the state of the program and did so on the blogs for a good 7-10 days. I was tired of what seemed to be the same ‘ol same ‘ol. No need to rehash most will know what I mean. Often the excuse was that the team was”young”. I didn’t buy it. I was wrong.

Coach Mark Richt has transformed the team and the program over the past 6 years and I should have continued my loyalty w/o question. I love the University and the program beyond words and often take the loses way to serious. Over the past several games I have witnesses one of the greatest transformations of not only the coach but the entire football team. The team has came out with a fire and a conviction that I have rarely if ever seen. Mark Richt deserves all the credit in the world for this. My hats off to him and the staff. I for one have learned my lesson about doubting our coaching staff.

It is truly a great day to be a Georgia Bulldog.

By DWG

November 12, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Twenty years of games at Sanford and it’s the best game I’ve ever been to. Black jerseys looked great especially when you play with the intensity that we did. Richt’s attitude is more laid back and that’s great but we still need to make sure the team is disciplined enough not to get stupid penalties. As to be expected the biggest criticism I’ve heard from Auburn fans is that our guys come off looking like thugs dancing to Soulja boy… unfamiliar with the music but word is that it’s not the kind of song you’d want your alma mater to be blaring through the loud speakers. Not as big of a deal as the Auburn sore losers that I’ve encountered today would have you think. Hope we keep up the intensity the next 2 - hopefully 3 - weeks! Go Dawgs!

By Bandit Dawg

November 12, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

CMR is first a Christian, second a husband/father and then a football coach.He has his priorities in order and is having fun a his job. Fun is contagious. Red or black jersey does not matter to me.

By Bandit Dawg

November 12, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

CMR is first a Christian, second a husband/father and then a football coach.He has his priorities in order and is having fun a his job. Fun is contagious. Red or black jersey does not matter to me.

By 01' DAWG

November 12, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

It got the crowd into the game for 60 minutes. That is something that has not happened in a very long time. “Unity” was the objective and that objective was met.
Break out the black for special occasions and send out the memo before hand.
CMR is taking steps to bring his team and the Bulldog nation together. Having fun has helped teams like SoCal. And they have some national championships and Heisman winners….recently. How did the student section react? That’s what it’s for…the future donors to the University. If you don’t like the way they act or the dancing around, then stay at home and put on your old Perry Como albums and drink your Metamucil. Continue to enjoy losing to Florida and Auburn every year.

BTW, the majority of kids at the University listen to rap. And the last time I looked there wasn’t a large number of minorities here. Let it go! Dawgs eat the Cats!

By Bandit Dawg

November 12, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

CMR is first a Christian, second a husband/father and then a football coach.He has his priorities in order and is having fun at his job. Fun is contagious. Red or black jersey does not matter to me. I love them both.

By Chip Towers

November 12, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Lowcountrydawg: Very well put. Would you mind e-mailing me directly with your real name and info for publication?

By crs

November 12, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

hey chip, way to pat a fair weather fan on the back. Props for admitting you were wrong but I am so sick of these bandwagon dog fans who b*tch and moan one week and then the next week everything is fantastic.

By ugagal

November 12, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Like you, Chip, I didn’t think CMR would break more than 100 years of tradition and agree to the black jerseys, but I really hoped he would. I was at the game seated in a section of diehard season ticketholders who really didn’t understand the whole “blackout” thing. But because they loved UGA football, they wore black as asked. About 10 minutes before the tunnel entrance, someone in my section confided that she had a direct source from the Athletic Department who confirmed that black jerseys had been delivered to the team earlier in the week. Even then, deep down in my heart, I didn’t really believe Richt would allow it. But, Gosh, when the team ran out on the field in black, I thought the place was going to come apart! We could have lit up Vegas with all the electricity in the place. And except for about a 10-minute stretch in the third quarter, that feeling remained all day and into the night.

I’ll never forget how wonderful that felt, not as long as I live. That special feeling can never be recreated, but I think the swagger that it brought to our team can be. So I say, keep the black jerseys for “special occasions.” Use them once a year, but only when our team needs them most, and only if we beat Florida. It won’t be a surprise anymore, but each time they wear them, the team will be reminded of “The Blackout” and how on that day in Sanford Stadium, the entire Bulldawg Nation was One. I can’t imagine a bigger confidence builder than that.

By Lowcountry Bulldawgs

November 12, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Hey Chip,

Link to your email is not working. Let me know your email and I will shoot my info to you.

By YANKEEDAWG

November 12, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Those Black Jerseys will be the most sort after, most requested holiday gift this year in the Dawg Nation! Heck I’ve already gotten calls from my home state of New Jersey asking where they can get those Black Jerseys!!Moreno sure as gotten a lot of new Dawg Fans for us in the Garden State.. Go Dawgs!! Richt as become one of the best coaches,in this day and age, He humbles himself before the fans and gives credit to his assistant coaches and the players not like some coaches who take all the credit! or some coaches who leave thier star players in just to run up the score!!

By Toccoa

November 12, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

The black jerseys sure did look great on TV — more dresser than the home game red jerseys. It’s like the Dawgs got dressed up for a big important fight. They put the tux on!

I think it’s a great idea to have a special occasion uniform to pump-up everybody for a special occasion game. I mean how many football teams have a “dress uniform”? I noticed the national media like the black jerseys too. They look great!

Go Dawgs!

By david

November 12, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

http://www.coachoftheyear.com/

Everyone needs to go vote for Richt. Let’s get Mark into the top 5 so he can move on to the finals.

http://www.coachoftheyear.com/

By tim

November 12, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

lowcountry, it takes a big man to admit to being wrong. I love what richt has done with our program. I was a believer from the beginning. You just don’t jump off the bandwagon with the next loss. You have to be for the dawgs win, lose, or draw. I was too young to see herschel walker. My first years of being a dawg fan were during the mediocre years of the 90’s. Competing for SEC championships are what it’s about. Almost no one goes through the SEC without a loss and even then you aren’t guaranteed a shot at the NC. When the dogs went 13-1 they easily could have been in FL shoes like last year. When he started winning SEC championships I thought we had something special. I met Mark Richt and knew he is a good human, christian, and coach. He is someone that UGA can be proud of. Go dawgs!

By JB

November 12, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

You can tell how good he’s doing because the rest of the SEC has looked at those last two games and realized that they are all freshman, redshirts and soph’s and they don’t like what they see. As one AU blogger said this weekend in the Birmingham news, ” Georgia has moved up a notch in talent and left us behind”. They are going to be a tough team the next couple of years and we will take alot of flak from other SEC powers because of it. We will be called Thugs, FSU north etc etc. Get used to it DAWG Fans. Here we go. Down side, if we ran the table next year, We’d watch USC and Ohio State play for the national title. The powers to be will not let a southern team ( Fla not really southern) come out of here.

By Chip Towers

November 12, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

ctowers@ajc.com

By reality check

November 12, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

What a great job Richt is doing. The black jerseys were a great touch and Georgia’s young players have improved all year. Right now Georgia is playing about as well as any team in the country. Stafford is maturing, the wide receivers are holding on to the ball and The running game has been emphasized and brings a whole new dimension. The defense has solved its issues and is playing very well.

We are in for some great years

By Defacto Dawg

November 12, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Chip,

The hallmark of any great coach/leader/manager is the ability to find just the right tactics to motivate his team to heights they never thought possible. Coach Richt has found that “magic button” for this team and he is allowing them to play with the intensity and almost reckless abandon necessary to excel.

In loosening his hold on this team, Coach Richt has demonstrated an awareness that kids, and after all most of the players are still 18-22 year old kids, are motivated by different methods than other age groups may be. If it means drawing a deliberate celebration penalty or dancing on the sideline during TV timeouts, I’m all for it as long as Coach Richt doesn’t lose control. Personally, I don’t think that will happen because I firmly believe that Coach Richt is a man of such character and integrity that he will clamp down before any of the shenanigans reflect negatively on his team or the University.

As a long-time season ticket holder, and someone who most would classify as fairly conservative, I applaud Coach Richt for adapting his methods and tactics to fit the personality of this team. I’m not used to Soulja Boy or Back in Black being played over the PA system and I must admit that I cringe a little when I see the players dancing on the sideline during the game, but if these actions are born of mutual respect and admiration between a coaching staff and football team and the positive results continue, I say carry on and Go Dawgs!

One thing more, I loved the black jerseys and have long said that an occasional use on special occasions would be perfect.

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 12, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

david, nice link. Looks like we know what Lou Holtz does in his spare time besides tipping the bottle.

By AltamahaDawg

November 12, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, didnt realize the Lowcountry was in “the metro Atlanta area”.

By braveswin

November 12, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

I don’t see where anything has changed. I still see CMR as the best coach in the SEC.He was the best before the Fla game and he’s still the best post Aub. If the chips fall to allow Ga into the Champ Game the Dawgs will have earned the trip.If not then they don’t deserve the bus ride to Atl.Either way I think this is one of the best coaching jobs turned in by CMR and staff since his arrival in Athens.I, for one hope he stays for 20 more years.(Or longer)

By DawginLex

November 12, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

I am pleased with CMR. Now, on to the important stuff. How are we gonna slow down UK ? Let me tell all of you, they will come in here ready to play and ready to win.

They have already beaten LSU and went toe to toe with Florida. They can score on us. We must score at least 35-40 in order to win.

There defense is porous but plays and hits hard. They believe they will win out and all of the gaytors are already spewing about how they will get the rematch with LSU in the SECCG.

We must support these kids louder than ever this year. Saturday is the most important game of the season !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By NCDawg

November 12, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Well, the only thing left to do is paint the turf red for Kentucky. Let’s DO IT!!

By Dawgman90

November 12, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

31 years of following the Dawgs and I’ve never had the feeling of satisfaction that last Saturday brought to me. I’ve been to games as a student and alumnus, but I’ve never been prouder of the Bulldawg nation as a whole. We actually captured the interest of the national media!

Yes, the players played their hearts out. For the first time in a long time, I think the players felt they were playing for more than just themselves. The fans responding in all black was incredible and the players seemed to feed off of the energy.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to be there and I will forever regret not being able to be in the stadium along with the 80,000+ members of the Dawgnation that were there. At least on TV, it looked like an incredible atmosphere and that has been validated by several of my friends that were there.

I think the credit for this game goes not only to the players, but also to those that decided to show their support for the players’ wishes on a Blackout. Great job by everyone in the Bulldawg nation!

By JB

November 12, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

How can one argue with the results.

By Ed

November 12, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

JB, to me the real championship for Georgia and the rest of the teams in the conference is the SEC title, because it’s the only one they have any control over. Just ask Auburn in ‘04 or Georgia in ‘02 (13-1, and left out even if they run the table). Ask the ‘06 Gators for that matter: if a mediocre UCLA team does not pull off a monster upset of USC, Florida gets no shot at the title. Speaking of Florida, their ‘96 title opportunity came complements of a flu bug that hit 1/3 of the Nebraska team before they played an obviously inferior Texas team for the Big XII title, leading to an upset that put UF in the title game.

History is full of such things. Miami got a chance to play for the NC in ‘83 only after Georgia upset Texas in the Cotton Bowl earlier that day. FSU once got into the title game over Notre Dame (with the same record and having lost to ND no less) because Boston College pulled off a late-season upset in South Bend. Penn State has gone undefeated twice without winning a national championship because the AP and Coaches (or UPI) liked someone else better.

It makes for good debates, but I don’t worry about mythical national titles. Win the SEC enough times and a NC opportunity will come. With two conference titles in 6 years and a fair chance for a 3rd this year, Richt is on the right track for that.

By Bob

November 12, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Ed,

You are absolutely right on target with your comments. There is so much luck involved in just getting to the National Championship game. Some day it will happen. Right now, although some would just as soon let UT win the Division and have us win out and then go to New Orleans, I prefer the challenge of going to the Georgia Dome. We have two tough games to go and if we were fortunate enough to make it to Atlanta we would undoubtedly be a big underdog. Still, we would have a shot, particularly with how well the Dawgs are playing. Winning the East should be the first goal and then taking on a very talented LSU squad would be a great opportunity.

By The Ole Ball Coach (aka the Evil "Genius")

November 12, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

I’ve hated Georgia ever since they stole my last opportunity to win an SEC title as a player in ‘66 (I still see Bill Stanfill planting me in the Gator Bowl turf in my nightmares), but if I have another 5-loss season or two, I may be out of work. If Coach Richt needs a QB or receivers coach, well let’s just say I know a little something about pitchin’ and catchin’ the old pigskin. Who knows, maybe I can be the o-coordinator at Georgia after Mike Bobo gets hired as a HBC somewhere, if Charlie Weiss doesn’t get the job first.

-SOS, the HBC

By tim

November 12, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Bob, If we don’t get there we could still play in a BCS bowl but there is nothing like a SEC Championship. There is no one in college that is unbeatable except Kansas and Hawaii. ha. LSU could easily have more losses than us(FL, AU, etc) and we would be closer to home. The last time we played them in the dome in 2005 we were big underdogs and beat them like a redheaded step child from Auburn. I like our chances, but first we need to worry about beating KY or the LSU talk will mean nothing. Go dawgs

By DoubleDawg

November 12, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

The black was pretty cool this week, but only because we’d never done it before. If you use black every year, like some people suggest, it would become just another jersey, and wouldn’t pack anywhere near the same punch. Plus, there’s too much tradition in the red to minimize it by using black every year. Once every four or five years would be about right. And if we ever play for the NC, I sure hope we do it in red or white. (And the silver britches should NEVER go).

By TrueDogFan

November 12, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

I had the fortunate opportunity to be on the same flight as Coach Richt back when I was travelling for business. It was a flight to Tallahassee and I think he was going on a recruiting trip. I believe this was his second year as head coach. I told him I was a Georgia alum and he was very gracious and extremely humble about his accomplishments.

I should also note that he was carrying a Bible with him and that just made a big impression on me.

By UniversalDawg

November 12, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

I, for one, have never been more proud to be a Georgia Bulldog. This team has an identity and more importantly, confidence. I believe coach Richt has tapped into the emotion of the team and the fan base. Weather you like the black jerseys or not, the effects were seen in the play of the team, the fans, the recruits on the sidelines and in the media. All of these are positives for the program. I do believe if they are over used they will lose the “edge” that they produce from being worn for really special circumstances. I am a ‘84 grad and have attended many games. I would have to say I am a traditionalist and hate change. However, the AU game on Saturday was probably the most connected I have ever felt with the team and the most fun I have had at a game…ever. Sanford stadium was rocking; even more so than vs. LSU in 2004. I salute coach Richt and the entire coaching staff.

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 12, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Greatest conference in college football week in and week out. What 9 or 10 teams have qualified for bowl games so far?

By braveswin

November 12, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand the Miami references from these bloggers.Anyone who has ever seen(and especially those who have played) in a football game knows that 2 of the personal fouls were totally bogus,and a third was marginal at best.Even the announcers were baffled. It looked like payback stemming from Fla and that is a sad commentary on the SEC officials.The Miami references I’ll just write off as jealousness…GO DAWGS

By AltamahaDawg

November 12, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

bravewin, I assume that means “hey remember back when Miami used to kick our asses every year? Well you guys are getting like that now”

It’s the Bowden and FSU references I dont get. Is that supposed to be some kind of an insult??

I guess what concerns me most about all this attention around UGA lately is that fans from other schools are going to start to come into our blogs and try to be real mean to us.

By georgiadawgg

November 12, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

good going dawggs, if you play as hard against kentucky and the yellow jackets as you did against florida and auburn,smooth sailing.

By Ron Roberts

November 12, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

I say once a year w/the black jerseys. I wasn’t really in favor of ‘em to begin with, but they DID look sharp, so my stance has softened. I’m alright with the once-a-year approach, myself, with the seniors getting to choose which game each season.

Just a tip, though; I’d avoid day games in September and early October.

I think the attitude that Mark Richt has brought to the team this season only shows how special a coach he truly is, and is now finally getting to be for us. He’s a great Xs and Os guy, and a terrific motivator, but he had a hard time juggling both duties before. Now that he’s free to administrate the program and “enjoy” the game-day experience a little more, he’s free to let his coordinators do what they do (and they’re doing well, too) and he can provide the extra jolt of energy the team may need on gameday.

I can’t help but wonder where we’d be if he’d have found this mojo before Carolina and Tennessee. Hindsight’s 20/20, I reckon, but we’re clearly a better team than Carolina, and it just didn’t play out that way.

By braveswin

November 12, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Altamahadawgg,My guess is they are just jealous wannabees from the flats.It must be all of these top 5 National finishes that sets them off.Lord if that is truly the case the next decade should REALLY bring out the venom!! I have just never had to put anyone else down in order to feel good about myself.”Great people speak of Ideas,Average people speak of events,Small people speak of other people” Think that explains it?

By Mike T.

November 12, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Florida, their ‘96 title opportunity came complements of a flu bug that hit 1/3 of the Nebraska team before they played an obviously inferior Texas team for the Big XII title, leading to an upset that put UF in the title game.

Yeap, and they beat an FSU team that also had been hit with the Flu bug. Florida got alot help from the flu bug that year.

By Dawgs will lose

November 12, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

I thought the Black Jerseys were Sharp and with a touch of that intimidation factor thrown in along with it. Someone had suggested that Silver should be added as one of the university’s official colors, which I think would be a good idea as well. On the topic of CMR being New in his approach in coaching, Well… While at Georgia, CMR has always been a Class Act and will always be a Class Act . Georgia has a Great Coach in CMR. Some folks are calling it a transformation but I think it has something to do with gaining experience, being adaptive and building a program ,which is something he has been doing all along. Boy… Being a college football coach has a lot of pressure that goes along with it and yes most are paid very well to handle the pressure. CMR has Handled it extremely well. I think Richt is becoming an innovative coach as he continues to coach at Georgia. When you get down to it, I would be willing to bet that his basic coaching philosophy hasn’t changed all that much. Remember ,CMR is human and he’ll probably make some mistakes along the way but Georgia and the Fans should stand behind him , coaches and the team . We are headed in the right direction under CMR. I’m sure he will win us a National Championship at Georgia. Its Great To Be A GEORGIA BULLDOG!

By shane

November 12, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

mark richt has not changed,there is no”new”richt.the coach has turned over being qb coach and oc duties to bobo in the last couple of years.this frees him to do other things since all his thoughts are not involved in coming up with game plans,working with the o and other duties now delegated to others.richt can now concentrate on the big picture.he is innovative,smart,and not afraid to take chances.what if the”celebration”had backfired?what if we had lost in the black jerseys?a person that considers all the what ifs will never reach the top.we are playing to win now,and sooner or later our luck will change and it will cost us,but sooner or later it may bring a nc.playing not to lose never will.we fans have to remember this,and not get all over richt’s case when we lose a game.i think he sees a nc in the future,and he is building this team toward that goal.oh,all the people saying we are the new miami or fsu,thanks!i hope we have the success that those programs had.i have great respect for bobby bowden,and how many coaches did miami send to the pros?that’s some pretty good company in my book.

By Dark Corner Dawg

November 12, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

CRS.. I Don’t agree of your assessment of Lowcountry Bulldawg as a fair weathered fan. He is a passionate fan just like the rest of us. This guy has GUTS. He is MAN enough to give an apology. I too was upset with the state of the program after the SC and the debacle at Tenn. CMR TOOK responsibility for the Tenn loss because the dawgs looked like they were flat and they didn’t want it. I didn’t like the youth excuse as well but I still had a feeling that CMR would find a way. I know Lowcountry Bulldawg is a true Dawg fan at heart because we both live in SC and have to put up with these Chickens and Tigers. I might not agree with him sometimes but there is one thing we do agree on and that is we LOVE THEM DAWGS!!!!

By Cuz

November 12, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

I loved earlier where one of us said that Coach Richt loosenend up and learned how to loose, not lose, the control on the team. I think it is exactly the opposite. I think he has gained complete control of the team. And the only way to do this was to quit being the OC and become the HC. Everything starting with the week off before the Florida game, has been scripted by Coach Richt. He knew one way to get the team and the fan base at the Party, formerly called the Party, was to stage a celebration play. I do believe that he meant the team on the field, but the team decided it was a team celebration. I noticed he did not get mad about that and it set the stage for the rest of the game, Dawgs stoked and on fire, Gators confused and unable to match the intensity.

Flash forward to the Back in Black. Sure the seniors wanted it but it was a Richt decison. Having the fans in black requested by Richt on behalf of the seniors. The entire stands in black, team warms up in Red. Players go into pray, only the seniors know what is going on. And everyone kept the secret by the bond with Coach Richt. Richt puts out the uniforms, the lights come on, the entire team goes nutts. The only one in control, Coach Richt. He has achieved critical mass controlled by only one person, him. The fans are faked out by the captains in Red, then the team bursts on the field to Back in Black and the stadium goes wild. Nothing seen like it since 1980 Georgia Tech game. Mark Richt now has the control of the team and the stadium. Watching this, I knew the man had become the Coach that I knew he could become if he just let loose the controls of the offence. The game was now his, I had no doubt that we would win the game. The excitement continued through the game. Players dancing and having fun on the sidelines. Refs calling fouls that never occured. And the one moment when he asserted that he, and only he was in charge, the call to Bobo to have Stafford throw to Bailey to regain the momentum. It was all over after Knowshon ran it in. More dancing and even Vern Lundquist got into the act.

We have seen the evoloution of Mark Richt from Offensive Coordinator to Head Coach. Strap yourselves in, it is going to be a fun ride.

By BJohnDawg

November 12, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Chip,

I predict when Mark Richt retires many years from now, he will go down as one of the greatest coaches in the history of college football.

And he will do it will class.Will everyone love every decision he makes or play he calls.Of course not.Will he make mistakes in the future?Of course he will.But two things stand out about Mark Richt, he puts his arms around change in his personal and professional life, and he is always learning from his mistakes to better himself, his family and his team.

Georgia could not have a better coach and I hope when he does end his coaching career it is as the coach of the Georgia BullDawgs.

Go Dawgs!And to hell with Ga Tech!

By Replay

November 12, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Chip,

I find it quite interesting that this “new” Richt DID NOT APPEAR UNTIL AFTER we got our butts chapped by Tenn and a near loss to Vandy, well AFTER play-calling duties were handed off to Bobo. It hasn not been a gradual transformation from the ‘06 Auburn game of last year when play calling duties were passed on to Bobo to the Florida game this year, it was an immediate transformation at the Florida game this year. If it was directly related to the passing of the play-calling duties, then why didn;t we see a gradual tranformation beginning either at the end of last year, or at the latest, the beginning of this year?

I was one of the many alumni and fans who were VERY critical of CMR for his lack of emotion and display passion on the field (his ‘I d rather be fishin’ attitude’, the opposite of which I and many fans believed would have affected the players in a positive way, and it has, tremendously (not rocket-science here).

I have no problem admitting that I said we’d never win a NC with CMR as our head coach. That’s because I’ve never seen a head football coach in the Bowl Subdivision change like this. I’m still in shock, pleasantly I might add, that Richt has realized it’s okay to openly have fun and wildly celebrate accomplishments with his players and fans. We’re watching the maturation of a true leader, who now has all the qualities of a coach who can win a National Championship. Well, with ONE fault, he’s too loyal to staff members who work for him. He will have to learn to fire coaches when they are not performing well enough or when others can do a better job.

By A-ville Ranger

November 12, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

I’m fine with a personality change so long as his character doesn’t.

By L-Town Dawg

November 12, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

I’m really getting sick and tired of all the “thug” references and comments. It’s racist. It’s not coincedence that the majority of the play-makers of the past few games have been Black. And now we’re even more “thuggish” by wearing black jerseys? Get the h*ll outta here. CMR did what he needed to do to fire up the team. So what if players dance on the sidelines to music? Are the fans that dance in the stands thugs too?

I agree with everyone else. Black jerseys should be reserved for special occasions (i.e. bowl games). They’ll lose their appeal if we wear them too much.

By Dark Corner Dawg

November 12, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

Mark Richt is a Humbled MAN,A Christian,A Husband, A Father also an Adoptive Father and A Head Fooball Coach of the Best College as in THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA.

By Dark Corner Dawg

November 12, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

The Black jerseys was absolutely great exposure for the dawgs. I live in the upstate of SC was getting calls from Chicken Fans and Clemson Fans as well and I was BEAMING!!!! They wondered with astonishment! I also told them that they ain’t seen nuthin yet.

By never a fair weather dawg

November 12, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Be proud Dawg Nation. I have posted on here a few times in the past couple of months, mostly with sarcasm at folks ripping on our beloved Dawgs. Today I won’t do that. Saturday November 10 was a special day for me and many others. It was the Marine Corps birthday and man did I ever get one heck of a birthday present. I was a Marine and I will be one after I am dead and buried. I am a Dawg and will be one after I am dead and buried. I have seen many styles of leadership in my life and some don’t work out so well in the long run. Authoritative styles fizzle out when the fear subsides, passive styles fade out when the infatuation fades and stoic leaders lose command when there is no reward for excellence; but true leaders lean on something more than all of these others put together. They rely on a core set of unshakeable values forged deeper than who they even know themselves to be. They love their assignment and their charges. When an offense is made it is dealt with swiftly and with absolute control, and once the penalty is paid the offender is completely back in the fold. Thank you Coach Richt for displaying this to these boys. Thank you for staying your course and giving all of us one motivating show of greatness. That’s right folks, you got to witness greatness Saturday. Greatness from a team who loves their coach not out of fear or because he’s easy on them, but because he requires of them what he requires of himself every single day. Be proud Dawg Nation! Semper Fi Marines, Happy Veterans Day, God Bless America and GOOOOOOO Dawgs!!!

By never a fair weather dawg

November 12, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Be proud Dawg Nation. I have posted on here a few times in the past couple of months, mostly with sarcasm at folks ripping on our beloved Dawgs. Today I won’t do that. Saturday November 10 was a special day for me and many others. It was the Marine Corps birthday and man did I ever get one heck of a birthday present. I was a Marine and I will be one after I am dead and buried. I am a Dawg and will be one after I am dead and buried. I have seen many styles of leadership in my life and some don’t work out so well in the long run. Authoritative styles fizzle out when the fear subsides, passive styles fade out when the infatuation fades and stoic leaders lose command when there is no reward for excellence; but true leaders lean on something more than all of these others put together. They rely on a core set of unshakeable values forged deeper than who they even know themselves to be. They love their assignment and their charges. When an offense is made it is dealt with swiftly and with absolute control, and once the penalty is paid the offender is completely back in the fold. Thank you Coach Richt for displaying this to these boys. Thank you for staying your course and giving all of us one motivating show of greatness. That’s right folks, you got to witness greatness Saturday. Greatness from a team who loves their coach not out of fear or because he’s easy on them, but because he requires of them what he requires of himself every single day. Be proud Dawg Nation! Semper Fi Marines, Happy Veterans Day, God Bless America and GOOOOOOO Dawgs!!!

By SlimG

November 12, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Yo! Can u say BCS baby….Once we thump Kentucky(recently exposed)and GT we’ll be top 5. Thanks CMR for getting something done immediately or these fools would have ran u out of town. Great to see more tradition evolving at UGA. Go Dawgs! Sic’um!

By Bob

November 12, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Like a lot of others, I think the black worked, but it needs to be a once in a blue moon thing. I wouldn’t even favor doing it once a year. Winning is our tradition, red jerseys and silver britches is our tradition, and so let’s keep the traditions strong, and only break when we are on the verge of breaking the winning tradition, like we were this season. Good call, but let’s put it back up our sleeve for a good while.

By La Jolla Dawg

November 12, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

For those of you who are interested here is a link to Coach Brooks’ press conference. Pretty entertaining. Some audio from Coach Richts’ conference is on the site as well.

http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2007/11/12/15/1112Brooks.source.prod_affiliate.79.mp3

By War Eagle

November 12, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

test

By shane

November 12, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

i omitted my thoughts on the black jerseys,because to be honest,i don’t care.if lady luck smiles on us and we win the sec,leave it up to the players.thay can wear pink tutus and ballet slippers to the bowl if they beat lsu in atlanta,and i won’t care!

By true

November 12, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

BLAH BLAH, coach “butt cut cheese dick” richt loses to ky or tech and all u idiots go to b***, long term the gimmicks dont win ask daddy bowden

By Cuz

November 12, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

CMR was not pleased with our flat performance against UT. The only person I know was pleased was General Neyland. I think CMR realized that this young team needed a spark. He ignited a fire with the team celebration penalty after the first touchdown at the Party that has not and will not be quenched.

By War Eagle

November 12, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

I have never been critical of CMR and will not start now. It should be pointed out the players had a huge part bring CMR, from “Cool Hand Luke’ to “Fire in Your Eyes”. I believe players saw the potential of Moreno,who realized he could bring the team to another level. The players did the same with CTT, 2004(13-0) the leader #24, Carnell Williams. The players should take the bow for the change and CMR should be proud. Curran is also a good player…

By Gary

November 12, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

I agree with those who think the black jerseys should only be used on special occasions. What made this work was the fact we had never done it before. We don’t want to have to depend on gimmicks every week in order to get fired up for an opponent. This week for instance, we should have plenty of motivation since we were embarassed by Kentucky last year. I applaud Richt for the way he fired these dawgs up before Florida and Auburn. Time now for these dawgs to man up and finish the drill by beating Kentucky and Tech. Go Dawgs!

By Cuz

November 12, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Never a fair weather dawg, I humbly bestow upon you membership in the Noble and Sacred Order of the FANS OF CHAN for your incredibly moving post. Unbelieveable but true, this is the highest award that can be obtained on this blog other than the end of the year all blog team. Ask any member of the FOC.

By Gary

November 12, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Hey never fairweather, you’re my kind of dawg! Georgia could not have made a better choice than Richt and I hope he stays until he’s 80 like Bobby Bowden at FSU. Bloggers who fear he is leading a bunch of thugs are dead wrong. There’s a big difference between Georgia and Miami. There is a difference between firing a team up and encouraging unsportsman-like conduct. I wish those referees from the Florida game would understand that and get over it. Richt is still a class act, we’re just now seeing his fun side and I for one, like it. I would be very surprised if Georgia didn’t bring home a national championship within the next couple of years. I guarantee that prospects are looking at Georgia a lot more now and thinking about what a great program we have at Georgia and what a great man we have leading it.

By Dark Corner Dawg

November 12, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Never a fair weather dawg…. I welcome and congatulate you on being the newest member of the F.O.C. !!!

By Ole Dawg

November 12, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

I like a lot of Dawgs (Lowcountry and a few others) have been critical of Richt over the last couple of years. That doesn’t make us fair weathered fans. We don’t expect to win National Championships every year, only Alabama fans really expect that.

What we do expect is to be consistently competetive with the top programs in the nation every year. Our facility’s, recruits, resources, and support are equal to, or exceed almost every school in the nation. We should compete. That’s what we were so frustrated with. We couldn’t understand why we lose to Florida almost every year. We can’t understand why we didn’t show up against Tennessee.

I’ve said it several times here, it’s the coaches responsibility to prepare us to play. Richt has been a work in progress and is learning to become the Head Coach he has the potential to be. crs, I can’t recall ever hearing a serious Bulldog Fan call for Richt’s job. This blog is where we wear our hearts, we voice our frustration, we celebrate, and yes we occasionally call out people when we think they need it.

The Dawgs needed a wake up call and whoever phoned it in did one heck of a job. Maybe it was Erk and/or others from the other side.

I believe Richt is righting the ship and the Dawgs I see prowling the sidelines “NOW” remind me of the old “Junkyard Dawgs”. They are fun to watch because they are having fun. The team has found itself and has a “Chemistry” we haven’t seen in a while. This is a characteristic most of the greatest teams of all time have had. Richt found a way to either start it or nurture it until it caught fire, then he took it one step further and bonded the team with the fans, for at least a day and hopefully for some time to come with the “Blackout”. When you think about it it really was a brilliant, strategic coaching move.

Congratulations to CMR and the Dawgs, this fair weather fan sure feels a sense of satisfaction tonight.

By Dawg4life

November 12, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

We need to keep the black only to special games…maybe wear them every other year. You guys are right…wearing them every year nullifies the effect and makes them just “jerseys”. We need to keep them scarce, so that our players know that something truly special is happening or has happened if we wear them.

And I’m loving the new Richt. All those criticizing him are just haters who wish he were leading their program. I’m sure any Techie nerd would love to have a guy who can consistently win 9 or 10 games and go to conference championship games (and win them) and have his teams ranked in the Top 25 ALL SEASON. So don’t worry Dawg Nation!! All the insults are just their way of saying “We REALLY wish we were as good as you!”

By never a fair weather dawg

November 12, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

With much thanks and humility do I accept. Long live the FOC. I am sure that we will see a varitable cornucopia of clinical offensive genius from the mighty Chan Thanksgiving weekend. Seriously though, thank you. To the regulars who contribute meaningful and insightful dialog and whose opinions I respect. As true fans you are faithful in wanting an account for mistakes as do we all and most of you do so with dignity and grace. My handle was not about you but about those wanting to get rid of some or all of our coaches when we hit those bumps earlier in our season. Go Dawgs, flood the field with the tears of the K Cats and help the grass grow in the house that Chan built. Blood makes the grass grow green green green. Go Dawgs forever.

By never a fair weather dawg

November 12, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

With much thanks and humility do I accept. Long live the FOC. I am sure that we will see a varitable cornucopia of clinical offensive genius from the mighty Chan Thanksgiving weekend. Seriously though, thank you. To the regulars who contribute meaningful and insightful dialog and whose opinions I respect. As true fans you are faithful in wanting an account for mistakes as do we all and most of you do so with dignity and grace. My handle was not about you but about those wanting to get rid of some or all of our coaches when we hit those bumps earlier in our season. Go Dawgs, flood the field with the tears of the K Cats and help the grass grow in the house that Chan built. Blood makes the grass grow green green green. Go Dawgs forever.

By War Eagle

November 12, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Saban sitting over at Bama Hall, with a potential 7-5 season racking in 4M a year, while CMR probably 10-2 at 2.2M a year. Do you see the gap closing after this year? CTT hopefully 8-4, as I predicted before the season, gets 2,4M. He will get an increase to about 3,2M. I hope Tex A&M is out along with FSU and LSU.

By OrlandoDawg

November 12, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

I like the fact that Coach Richt has loosened the reins somewhat. I know that most of my UGA circle have secretly chafed at the staid, professional manner the Dawgs used to affect. Other teams would take sprigs of our hedges, dance on our “G” at midfield, taunt and ridicule us, and we would just sit there and take it. And when we won the big games, we were expected to act like we’d been there, done that. Football relies on emotion, and it’s high time we exhibited some. Too bad the SEC refs allow that behavior from some schools but punish others for following suit. That’s the only downside to these past few weeks.

By eric Cunningham

November 12, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

In life there are always doubters, such as some of the responses above. However, the success of Richt and his team are a remarkable turn of events for the program. I am truly grateful for the work ethic of all parties on the field and off. There’s nothing else to say. ec

By Lowcountry Bulldawgs

November 12, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

Hey War,

Speaking of Saban I have meant to mention this little story about him. Here in Charleston there is a player named Robert Quinn who attend Ft. Dorchester High School. Robert Quinn is one of the top 10-15 players in the state, but about a month ago begin to have spells of blackouts. Upon being taken to the Hospital it was discovered that he had a brain tumor and surgery was performed. The tumor is benign and he is expected to be back to 100%. His football future is still highly questionable to say the least. Now Robert is not only a top football player,but also a great student and the defending high school wrestling champion for 285 and over. So imagine the athletic future he has or had ahead of him, but thanks to Nick Saban Robert Quinn will have the chance still to attend Alabama. Nick Saban has told the family that football or no football that there is a spot for him w/ scholarship at the University of Alabama. Upon reading and getting more info about this my perspective has changed in how I hold Nick Saban. He is showing a tremendous amount of class and as a parent myself I have to look up to him for being able to put football aside and offer this young man the chance at an education-a free one.

By Chip Towers

November 12, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Replay Richt has been very open and honest about that. He said he was “sickened” by Georgia’s lack of fight after it fell behind against Tennessee and he thought they played flat against Ole Miss and Vandy. That’s when he decided to change his tactics a little. But the black jersey thing was planned before the season and I think that in itself was a pretty profound change… . What has impressed me about Richt most through all this is that he recognized what he was doing wasn’t working to the degree he hoped so he changed. Seems simple but that’s a noble trait in the best leaders of all walks of life.

By Jeff

November 12, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

The celebration in Jacksonville after our first score made us look like we never expected to be there. I’m sure Florida will remember it when we line up next year but our Coach will handle it then. The Bulldog Nation couldn’t have a better man to lead the program. Mark Richt is the best coach in the country. I’m proud to be a Bulldog!

By Lowcountry Bulldawgs

November 13, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Top 10 reasons why Lowcountry is not a Bandwagon fan:

10)Sat thru the entire UGA vs. NE Lousiana when the score ended up 70-6

9)Most sentimintal favorite players- Arthur Marshall, John Brantley, Chuck Carswell

8)Attended a Ray Goff football camp in 1992

7)Attended An Evening with Lewis Grizzard…this year.

6)Met Mark Richt at the Omar Shrine Temple- Along w/ Marcus Howard. Awesome!

5)Have been giving regular updates on AJ Green for 2 years…

4)Sat thru the entire game or debacle in 95 of UGA/UF

3)Remembers that Greg Talley didn’t have the arm strength to throw the ball out of bounds….sorry Greg

2)Used to pay $30 bucks a year to blog just for the UGA Blog

And the number one reason why Lowcountry is not a bandwagon fan (drumroll)….

His son is named after Herschel Walker…middle name is Walker. Thank you to my wife whom I love dearly.

Now I hope my fandom doesn’t get questioned again. LOL!

By Gen Neyland

November 13, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

zoo

You think ol’ Lou is a bourbon guy..?

Dawgs, One and All

No matter the outcome from here on out, I want to tip my cap to the Georgia Bulldawg football squad of 2007. We’ve seen them transform to a real contender, not only in the East and the SEC as a whole, but on a national scale. They have plenty momentum going their way and should represent the SEC well, no matter where they end up playing on New Years Day, or later…The East isn’t decided. It may come down to the last play at Lexington between UT and Kentucky. Nonetheless, most of you REGULARS know who I picked to win the East…But if the Vols take it, I promise I won’t be disappointed…They very well may surprise some folks, IF they get to Atlanta…Go Vols

By Potato Dawg

November 13, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

Georgia finally has that so long needed chemistry. Leadership has started to come forward. Frist in CMR He is leading with emotion and the team is following. But Knowshon is leading on and off the field. His cannot be dinied attitute has caught on with this group. He started the dancing on the sideline. These guys are playing like they are having alot of fun. I don’t think they can be stopped the rest of the way.

By SamoanDawg

November 13, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

I loved the black jerseys… it surprised me. I loved the old and the new Richt. To be honest I didn’t think Richt had it in him either. The thing that I love the most is, the players are having fun, Richt/staffs are having fun and most of all the fans are ejoying it.

War Eagle, have you heard from Buck.

Go Dawgs!

By Chip Towers

November 13, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s official. Lowcountry is the real deal!

By The Ole Ball Coach (aka The Evil "Genius")

November 13, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this

I don’t like all this talk about Mark Richt, not one dadgum bit. I AM THE RESIDENT GENIUS IN THESE PARTS.

Dang, when Lou Holtz pulled me aside and warned me about Columbia being a coaches’ graveyard, he wasn’t kidding. I wonder how many 5-loss seasons these folks will accept before I am sent on a permanent golf vacation. I need to start winning 10 games a season, because I’m not gonna survive on my people skills…

By Cuz

November 13, 2007 6:32 AM | Link to this

Samoan, Buck is reading but not doing a lot of posting. I think typing is painful. He would love to hear from you. e-mail me at emrbg@aol.com and I will get you in touch with him.

By tyyosh

November 13, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this

It’s Tuesday. Seems like it is time to turn the page and start focusing hard on a very dangerous Kentucky team. It’s too easy for a young team (and the fanbase) to get a bit ahead of themselves, as was the case after OK State.

By Wes

November 13, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

I agree that the black jerseys were indescribably cool, but they’ll lose their cache if they’re used too often. Georgia should focus on starting a ‘blackout’ tradition for one game a year (like the Penn State whiteouts) and only break out the jerseys for those…though wearing them in the Sugar Bowl would be pretty awesome, I admit.

By Kevin

November 13, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

I think the black jerseys are great, but should not be used too often. I think a great place to break them out next would be at LSU next year if they wear white at home as usual. That is a tough place to play, and maybe the extra motivation of the black would be a good thing.

By Billy Marett

November 13, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

What do you think of the idea for the Dogs to wear the black jerseys for the Tech game and possibly the SEC Championship since both Tech and LSU like to wear their white jerseys at home? Madison Dog

By UncleRoo-Roo

November 13, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Whatever the color - the bulldawg nation WAS UNIFIED UNDER A SINGLE PURPOSE WHUP SOME AUBURN AZZ

I have never been prouder of players, fans, coaches, waterboys, students, consession attendents, UGGA and dog fleas than I was on “Black Day” no thuggery just good ol Georgia Football -GO DAWGS!!

By alan

November 13, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

I can’t think of any more available gimmicks available for Coach Richt to use for motivating this team. Brace yourself for the reality of Coach Richt having to motivate this team himself. I think I’ll take a nap now… 75% chance Kentucky will win. You have barely beat Vandy, beat a banged up Florida team with an injured 50% functional All American quarterback and beat a ho hum Auburn team that probably could not beat Georgia Tech right now. Reality hurts.

By jake

November 13, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Keep wearing black jerseys when allowed til we lose. That’s my vote. I still have 2 Kentucky tickets on South side on 35 yard line for face value. Do I have to give out my cell phone #?

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 13, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

General, I figure Lou to be a gin guy. He is somebody who thinks he smarter than everybody else and thinks they won’t smell it on his breath.

By NewnanDawgCF

November 13, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

WOW! I wish I knew exactly how many games I have been to between the old days in school and the 16 years since then. I can tell you that Saturday, November 10th, 2007 ranks in the top 5 home games I have ever attended. The fans were definately the loudest they have been in the last 2 - 3 years; similar volume to 2004 LSU. It also just kept getting better when it came out that Richt and his seniors knew about this from the summer. How many of us could have showed the discipline to keep a secret like that at their age for that long? It is a true testament to the bond Coach Richt has been able to create with these guys; that bond has obviously gotten stronger with his release of the play calling duties. I agree with some of the earlier posts that this is more of an evolution of Richt, rather than a radical change. It’s fun to say, “who kidnapped our coach, and who is this new guy?” but really he has just made some realizations (i.e. the “we grind them…..” comments) and learned how to better relate to the athletes of today. The really incredible part is that he has not sacrificed any of his beliefs to do so. It was great to hear Ellerbe say after the game that “when the play is over, it’s over” and take responsibility for the personal fowls on defense. They refused to blame the officials no matter what the situation was. The players are learning how to have fun and stay intense, but also to stay controlled and focused. Coach Richt is obviously accomplishing his goal of building great men first, and great football players second. We sit right behind the Georgia bench, and I cannot imagine any recruit experiencing that atmosphere and not wanting to be there for the next few years.

The black jerseys should be kept for special occasions. Maybe keep a little theme like wear them for home games against an SEC west opponent that is ranked. Yes, I’m thinking of LSU in 2009. Oh, and let’s not forget to give a little credit to Coach Joe Tereshinski. He handles all of the video ideas and production, and creates most of the motivational themes; recall Coach Richt thanking him after the FL game. He has done a great job, and I love to see the collaboration between Coach T and Coach Richt.

Go Dawgs! Let’s get loud for them again this week against the Cats!

By UGAy sucks

November 13, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

UK will beat UGAy

By shane

November 13, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

az dawg,just in case you happen to read this blog,chris clay from your old high school rushed for 450 yds and four thouchdowns against albany high last week.that gave him 2022 yds for the year and placed him third all time in ga.albany geared their d to stop him,sometimes 9 men in the box,sometimes seven or eight and a spy on clay.the randolph clay coach out smarted himself in the first half trying to take what the d was giving him,score at half time rc 20 albany 14.in the second half he decided to ride his stud horse,clay got 25 carries in the second half,including td runs of 54 and 40 yds and rc blew them away.clay still doesn’t have any div i offers,AA school and his size,5’8” 165 lbs,but clemson has been flirting with him. i hope uga takes a long look,they could get a commit tomorrow!

By Forrest Gump

November 13, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

I am a UGA graduate and retired college professor. Under Mark Richt and Michael Adams, Georgia has produced the lowest graduation rate for scholarship athletes in the SEC. There have been far more player arrests and incidents of misconduct than there ever were under Coach Donnan or previous coaches, and these issues have essentially gone unpunished except perhaps for a suspension from a minor game. Against Florida, Richt intentionally flooded the field with celebrating players, creating a dangerous situation that could have resulted in injury. The four unsportsmanlike conduct calls in the Auburn game plus the rap dancing on the sideline exemplify the lack of sportsmanship that has characterized Richt-coached teams. Richt has created an environment of player entitlement at Georgia that is similar to that of the Atlanta Falcons under Jim Mora. In the short run, this atmosphere might win some games, but in the long run, Richt is doing a disservice to his players, who are supposed to be student athletes, and to the image of the University that has already suffered from the Harrick-Adams era of basketball.

By decatur dawg

November 13, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Okay, Great stuff going on here. So let me allow myself to beat on my chest a little bit……

I was one of the people that said early in the season that we lack motivation and always play flat when we shouldn’t. I said that emotion was at least or more than 50% of the game. I complained that CMR did a horrible job of having the Dawgs in the correct mental attitude before games, big and small. Not always, but most of the time. Especially evident in the SC, Vandy, UT games.

The few of us that shared this belief on this blog were trashed, and told we weren’t true UGA fans, and told go to the Tech blog, and that we “don’t know what goes on behind closed doors” , which I agreed, but said what was happening behind those doors was not working. I said that CMR’s one and only achilles heel was this lack of inspiration or motivation(on the football field) of our team.

Now……..it is time for some of you to ‘fess up! Our talent is and has been as good or better than AU, UF, FL, and certainly SC for a while now, and to see us muddle in mediocrity was frustrating. Now, can you see how emotion plays into this great game? Can some of you people actually allow yourself to be constructivly critical(on a UGA blog mind you) and accept that this was a problem? With CMR’s Xs and Os skills, our talent, and proper motivation, we are now playing at a level that I personally don’t think anyone in the country can match. All because of a little thing called Emotion!

Go Dawgs!!

Now, off of my soap box. I am totally mixed as to which I would rather have, us win out and TN lose, and we go to the SEC CG, or just win out and get that at large BCS bowl. Is it better to at least have a shot at an SEC Championship? or finish the year with no Championship, and just have a high ranking? Hmmmm……

By NewnandawgCF

November 13, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Forrest Gump, For a retired professor, you are not very intelligent. Coach Richt is in his 7th year. Graduation rates are calculated by how many of your players graduate within 6 years of coming to the University. Also, those rates are not calculated and published immediately. At most, we have one year of published graduation rates for players recruited and coached by Coach Richt, and I have not even seen that yet. The published graduation rates have been for players under Goff and Donnan. As for Adams, I’m with you on that one - he’s a power tripping jerk who could care less about students, athletes or not. He only cares about himself and his paycheck. I will also grant you that there were potential problems with the Florida celebration. I still think the idea was great, but in hindsight, I’m sure Coach Richt wishes he had instructed them to move completely away from the Florida players 1st to avoid any potential confrontation. Regardless, if you think Coach Richt has created a bad environment, you are sadly mistaken and need to take an opportunity to get to know this great coach, as well as several of his players. For each arrest, I can name numerous success stories of players from tough backgrounds that do graduate and became good, productive men in their post - college days. To compare Coach Richt to Harrick is like comparing D. J. Shockley to Michael Vick, but you probably don’t get that one either.

By Fort Worth Dawg

November 13, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Chip: Please do a blog where the only thing you put in it is “What did you think of the referees in the Auburn game?” and then stand back to avoid getting hurt in the deluge. We need a dedicated place to vent about this! I do not ever recall a game at Sanford Stadium (I watched this one on TV) where UGA played well, was leading at halftime, and the boos at halftime were deafening.

By gdawgfan

November 13, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

I criticized Cmr earlier as well and i stand by some of my criticizms, but the last 3 games he has done a wonderful job motivating his club. Can he take this team to a nation championship? I am not sure. I know next year he will have all the ingredients to a national championship team. Can he do it, We will see!!!!! As for The OLe Ball Coach! He opened his big mouth too soon and now his team will not win another game this year. Georgia will always be better than SC.

By decatur dawg

November 13, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Forest Gump, if that was a real post and you are a retired professor(at UGA? can’t tell), you are a complete idiot, and if you taught at UGA, then I am glad you are retired, because you have the brain of a rock!

Thank you NewnandawgGF. I hate it when people use stats that they completely make up or have no idea what they are talking about.

Get lost dumb-a$$!

By Manda

November 13, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Sorry to burst everyone’s bubble but we probably won’t be seeing the black jerseys after this season. I’m a student at UGA and coach has said that if we are the home team at the bowl game we would wear them, but they are bowl presents to the team!

By The Ole Ball Coach (aka the Evil "Genius")

November 13, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

November 12, 2007

Dear Diary:

Today the mood was somber around the athletic complex here at South Carolina. Folks seem to be avoiding me, and when I run into them, I get a forced smile and a quick greeting before they go on their way. Even more strange, the athletic director failed to drop by with my morning coffee. He hasn’t given me a foot massage since the loss to Arkansas, and really hasn’t been his same, fawning self since Georgia goose-egged us in Columbia last year.

I think everyone assumed, as did I, that my genius would translate into 10-win seasons and an SEC title by now, but we seem stuck in an endless cycle of underachievement and 5-loss seasons. There’s a sense that I’m not doing enough to justify my huge salary, especially after my old school hung half-a-hundred on us in Williams-Brice.

Bottom line, the buck stops here. And I’m gonna assign blame where blame is due: on my players and assistant coaches. Gotta go. I’m coaching the defensive backs this week.

-SOS, the HBC

By dawgfacedboy

November 13, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I think it’s great. Richt is doing something that you don’t see a lot in sports today, and that is HAVING FUN!!!! Sports are supposed to be fun!! It is afterall a game and these are kids playing that game!! The ability to take some of the pressure off and let loose a little bit can really go a long way for a team. Does anyone see Spurrier, Stoops, Carroll, Meyer, planning a surprise trip to the pool and doing a back flip? Does anyone see those coaches doing anything of the sort? It seems to me that college football has becom more of a money making business than being about going out and having some fun and trying to be successfull and win some games. Just look at the BCS!! The biggest reason they will never do away with the BCS is because all of the big wigs will lose too much money!! I think Richt should be commended for letting those kids be kids and have some fun and STILL taking care of business!!

By famous_bt8

November 13, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

Ole Ball Coach, you sure know how to make me smile, my friend.

By Ole Dawg

November 13, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

IMO the SEC Champion represents hands down the best team in the Nation. The voters may not say so but the play on the field speaks for itself. No other conference matches up top to bottom. The SEC Championship Game would be our National “Championship” game this year. Bet’s are if we got there and won, we would start in the Top 3 next year. My vote would be to win the SEC Championship vs a BCS at large berth. I would however be happy with either at this point.

Did I hear or read somewhere that David Pollack was at the game Saturday. Is he interested in coming back to the program as an Assistant Coach? A couple of years as an understudy, he becomes the Co-Defensive Coord, Willie takes a job somewhere else and another of CMR’s problems are solved. He’s now approaching the “Legendary Bear Bryant, i.e. walking on water status” If not Pollack, who else could we bring on? Imagine how tough we would be if we had a first class defense every week!

Almost forgot, Forrest, go play in the street….

By dld310

November 13, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

The change in Mark Richt’s demeanor and personality is dramatic - too dramatic to be “natural causes”. What kind of anti-depressants is he on and can I have some? It’s a good change; he appears happier, more content and apparently feels freer to share his emotions. But it does appear out of character - or what we used to know as his character.

By La Jolla Dawg

November 13, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

David Pollack is doing commentary for CSTV, so is Matt Stichcomb, they were in Athens covering the game for that network.

Don’t know if any of you knew Ted Hafer (he and his wife own the Grit) but he passed away on Friday. I knew him when I worked at WUOG back in the mid-late ‘80’s, anyway, he was a very nice guy who I am sure will be greatly missed by his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to them.

By Larry

November 13, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

If the Dawgs are the home team in a bowl game, they should wear Black Jerseys and Black Helmets!

By SavDawg

November 13, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

To the Ole Ball Coach (Aka Evil “Genius”), you my friend, are hilarious! Is anyone else laughing at these posts like I am? Good stuff, keep it up…Black Jersey’s = Sexy, but once every couple of years.

By GADAWG47

November 13, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

I think the black jerseys were a great way to inspire the fans and players, but I would not over-use them. I would just use them on special occasions and when the weather favors them. I have enjoyed watching CMR’s inspiraton these last couple of weeks. The Bulldog Nation needs motivation. I have been to 4 home games this year and the Bulldog Nation does not cheer well at times. Giving them an extra insentive to cheer makes the whole thing worth while.

Gooo…Dawgs Sic Em!!! Beat UK

By shane

November 13, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

forrest,the latest stats on graduation rates covered players recruited between 1996 and 2001.richt did not recruit these men and never coached some of them.so to place the blame for the poor graduation rate entirely on richt is blatantly unfair.as for arrest,i haven’t seen the data so i have no idea how many of donnan’s players were arrested,but 99% of players in trouble this year had traffic citations or offenses involving underage drinking.there was not one felony arrest and not one dui.when you consider that 99 players are listed on our roster and they are all young men in their teens and early twenties,many from low income,single parent homes,i think richt is doing very well.your statement that players were only suspended for one game was also untrue.akeem hebron was suspended for two semisters for two underage drinking offenses,that is uga policy for all students.he has been attending gma this year.hebron is a linebacker that uga sorely needed this year as there were no returning starters at that spot.before you post again i would suggest that you check your facts,as you have slandered a respected coach and a fine,moral person.BTW,you sound like one of my old proffesors,you hate to see a kid having fun!

By RabidDawg

November 13, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Frankly, I love the new hype!! I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

By UGATHUG

November 13, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

When Georgia was getting crushed by Tenn for a 2nd yr in a row and squeaking by Vandy everybody was saying those guys don’t play with any emotion, coach Richt can’t motivate his players to compete with top teams in the SEC. Now all of sudden the dawgs are playing with a emotion and enthusiasm, and you call them a bunch of thugs. Give me a break. One guy said that this team reminds him of the Fla. State and Miami teams of the early 90’s. You big dummy, those team won NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, and had the opposing team scared to get off the bus. Man oh man, well I guess going 9-3 and playing in the Outback Bowl is cool.You guys better wake up, times are changing, and if it takes playing Soulja Boy on the sideline, well so be it. You betta learn how to lean wit it and get behind those boys. Yuuuuuuuuuuulllllllllllll

By NW Ga Dawg

November 13, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Life-long UGA fan here and regrettably not an alumn—“just” a native Georgian (thank God).

I was really aggravated after the SC game this year and was perplexed as to why UGA lost that game; a game that they truly should have won. I think most everyone with eyes can see that now. And regardless of what SOS said, SC did beat a pretty good ball team that day—but UGA didn’t LOSE to a very good ball team (how’s it feel now, SOS?). After the UT game it was just perplexing. I had at least a dozen UT fans ask me what was wrong with Georgia that day (I work in Chattanooga). They were ALL as perplexed as I was and to a person all of them fully expected UT to get their heads handed to them, so you Dawg haters and any so-called UT fans on here saying you “knew better”—spare the lie. Many of these folks are season ticket holders who live in Tenn and aren’t worried what the fans of the 2nd most popular college team in Chattanooga think. They honestly didn’t know what to think about the Dawgs and this team that suddenly didn’t look very “Richt-esq” (to term an admittedly clumsly-looking phrase). I think it took THAT game though to bring CMR around to what we’re seeing now. In Knoxville they simply looked as though they didn’t get off the bus. It looked like they didn’t want to be there and it was not fear (again, spare us), it was WORSE! It was apathy. UGA players were quoted as being not ready or not motivated (!). That will bring forth some serious head-scratching. How can you NOT be motivated to play a major East Rival? No UT is not UF or Auburn for traditionalists, but that should not matter to 19 year olds who play in the SECE.

Richt KNEW he had to do something. The first indication was that huge decision to rush the field at first score gainst the Gators. It surprised the radio crew, it surprised the fans, it surprised UF, it even surprised the UGA coach—at least the scale did; as he did not expect the entire team to go out.

Then came the request for a “black out” by the seniors and the rumors that the Dawgs might even don black jerseys for the first time in the modern era. Richt played it like a maestro to enormous effect. Did that beat AU? No, but it gave them a good kick-start emotionally; not to mention the fans. One of the Chattanooga Times-Free Press beat writers said that when the ‘Dawgs came out of the tunnel in the black jerseys and the crowd erupted, he said, “it was one of the most goose-bump inducing moments that I’ve ever witnessed in a football staduim.”

In any case, I’d like to see the ‘Dawgs wear these black jerseys from time to time; perhaps make them like Notre Dame’s green jerseys. As long as they don’t mess with those pants that were revived a quarter century ago and the red helmet. PLEASE dont’ ever let them wear some swooshy looking gear like Va Tech does sometimes, nor all-black unis.

Go Dawgs! Take care of business against dangerous UK.

By MATTC

November 13, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

I DONT CARE IF THEY PLAY BRITTANY SPEARS NEW ALBUM ON REPEAT THROUGH THE SPEAKERS AS LONG AS THE DAWGS KEEP HANGIN 40+ ON PEOPLE. OK, MAYBE I WENT A LITTLE TO FAR, BUT YOU GET MY DRIFT.

I AM FROM TALLAHASSEE SO I KNEW COACH RICHT TWHEN HE WAS HERE. YOU COULD NOT MEET A BETTER GUY. HIS PLAYERS THOUGH HAVING FUN STILL ARE VERY FOCUSED AND VERY DISCIPLINED. ITS HARD TO FIND THAT IN A HEAD COACH AND WE’VE GOT ONE. COLLEGE PLAYERS ARE PUT ON THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE IT IS GREAT FOR THEM TO GET A CHANCE TO HAVE FUN AND WIN GAMES WHILE DOING IT. IT IS EASY FOR CRITICS TO JUMP ON A NINETEEN YEAR OLD WHO’S EVERY BAD MOVE HE MAKES IS SHOWN ON ESPN AND THE LOCAL PAPERS. THESE YOUNG MEN ARE HELD TO DIFFERENT STANDARDS THAN ANY OTHER KID THEIR AGE. THEY ARE ON THE FILED AND ON THE SIDELINES BECAUSE THEY HAVE WENT TO CLASS, KEPT THEIR NOSE CLEAN, AND PRACTICED HARD ALL WEEK. SO LET THEM HAVE FUN ON THE SIDELINE, LET THEM LISTEN TO WHAT THEY WANT AFTER A TOUCHDOWN THEY HAVE EARNED IT. SOMETIMES WE FORGET AS FANS THAT EVERY YEAR WE HAVE GEORGIA FOOTBALL, BUT THESE PLAYERS ONLY HAVE FOUR YEARS. MOST OF THESE PLAYERS WILL NOT PLAY AFTER THEY LEAVE GEORGIA. SO I AGAIN SAY LET THEM HAVE FUN.

NEXT YEAR WITH OUR STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE IF WE COME OUT WITH NO LOSSES OR ONE LOSS WE SHOULD PLAY FOR THE TITLE. I HOPE THE ENTHUSIASM CARRIES ON UNTIL SPRING AND THEN INTO NEXT YEAR.

AND LAST, GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!

By Semperfidawg

November 13, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

My 2 cents on CMR:

He experienced cancer up close and personal with his loving, watergirl wife and he is resolved to LIVE and LOVE each day!! I see that he is living the scripture, “THIS is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Oh,and I LOVED the black jersey’s, and I LOVE the excitement, enthusiam and execution of OUR TEAM!!

Go DAWGS!!

By Big Dawg

November 13, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Never a fair weather dawg

I welcome you Brother as a fellow Dawg and Veteran myself (USAF)to FOC. These have become exciting times the last three weeks as this team has become a very good and dangerous team who is capable of beating anybody. I just hope they keep it up. And for those of you talking about SEC Championships and/or BCS bowls let’s just concentrate on beating Kentucky all that other stuff will take care of itself.

Go Dawgs

By Semperfidawg

November 13, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Big Dawg - A belated Happy Veteran’s Day to you and others reading or writing on here!!

By chadf

November 13, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

i think its horrible that you can attack a mans charcter because he lets his team have a little fun!! I am a huge georgia fan and love coach richt, the team is finally meshing together and becoming the unit that i didnt think we would see until next year. All i can do is applaud coach richt. how many sec titles has georgia won since he got here?? thats what i thought, name another coach that can boast a resume that can compete with his??? glory glory to old georgia and to he** with all the haters.

By Ole Dawg

November 13, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Semperfidawg, you hit a good point. The cancer they went through had to be emotionally draining and a huge distraction for CMR. Haven’t seen much talk on that.

Big Dawg, your right. It’s easy to get carried away.

Lot of talk on ESPN radio today about the potential SEC coaching changes that could take place after this season. Spurrier, the Ole Miss guy, Tubs, Nutt, Miles.

By Vince

November 15, 2007 7:21 AM | Link to this

I’d like to see another story about the progress of the offensive line, with Searels weighing in.

For example, the leadership of Velasco, how is Big Cheese doing, and how are the frosh and redshirt frosh progressing and executing. What was it about Velasco’s performance that got him the SEC award - for those of us who don’t know much about the details of the job of an O-lineman. And, who is playing backup roles and getting snaps behind the starters, now.

Thanks Chip for the blog, its pretty fun.

By KingGator

November 20, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Richt played for The premier Thugs of college football (UM), was mentored by a shifty and somewhat shady character in Bobby Bowden (FSU), so what would you expect? Richt’s seedy side eventually had to manifest itself. At a time of extreme job insecurity, and tiring of hearing that same old song at the booster club functions, “coach, when you gonna beat Florida?”, he schemed and planned the totally classless and illegal celebration and taunting move, and that will forever be his albatross until he wins a NC.

Win or Lose, FL Will Always Own GA!!