AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRicht: Dogs in title talk to stay
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I had a very enlightening interview with Georgia coach Mark Richt yesterday. It was actually for a story I’m working on for next week. But I had to conduct the interview amongst all the other press that covers the Bulldogs daily and Richt’s answers were poignant enough that I’d imagine some of them will use it before my story comes out Central Michigan week. So I figured I’d share it with the loyal readers of the UGA blog.
The crux of the story I’m working on is, as consensus preseason No. 1 this season and after finishing No. 2 last season, obviously Georgia is in the national championship picture this year. But what I wanted to know from Richt was, looking around at the talent on his practice field, at the players just gone and the ones just coming in, does he feel like he’s gotten the Bulldogs’ football program to the point that it should be contending for the national championship every year.
In a nutshell, Richt said he did. He talked about not being sure when he first arrived at Georgia from Florida State whether he could get it to this point but firmly believed so after that first season. And since then, winning two SEC titles and four Eastern Division titles and playing in three SEC championship games and finishing 13-1 another year, Richt believes that proverbial lid he referred to removing has been knocked off. Basically I gathered that he feels like, if not this year, then the next or the next or the next.
Richt pointed to recruiting as the biggest factor for why he feels this way. He said their closing rate on prospects is very, very good. One publication said the Bulldogs brought in 37 players for official visits last season and signed 23 of those guys (one ended up playing pro baseball and another’s at prep school). The point is, he said, when he talks to recruits in Georgia and, perhaps more importantly, in other states nowadays, they’re usually pretty interested in the Dogs.
I plan on talking to some others outside the program to get some more perspective before crafting my story next week. But in the meantime I’ll share a couple of his quotes and y’all let me know what you think.
Richt on if he thinks this is the way it’s going to be from how on:
“Yes, I think so. I think we’re doing a very fine job of evaluating talent and hitting on a high percentage of the ones we’re going after. I don’t know what the record is across the country but if you look at how many guys make official visits and, of those, how many commit and sign with Georgia it’s pretty good. I’ve forgotten the number now of how many you can bring in any given year but we haven’t even come close to bringing in the number of official visits we’re allowed to bring in because we’ve just really hit on a really high percentage of the guys we’re going after. If you get every other one you’re doing really good but we’re at a better ratio than that and have been there probably the last three recruiting classes.”
Richt on how prospects react to Georgia:
“The name recognition and even the response you get when you make contact with a kid across the country, that may be your best indication. Early on, some in-state guys weren’t all that interested. Now most of them at least have a high-level of interest in us. Somebody may snag them away by looking at a depth chart or maybe a family tie or something like that. And sometimes somebody might just do a better job of recruiting a kid, he just connects with a coach or something. But out of state we’re getting a lot more guys excited about hearing from Georgia than before, by a long shot.”
On not being awed about being No. 1:
“I really and truly don’t think we’re a whole lot different than the last four, five, six years. After our first season I really believed that we could win the Southeastern Conference. The first year I just didn’t know. I didn’t know what we had. Georgia hadn’t won [an SEC title] in 19 years or something. There was probably a reason why and I didn’t know what it was and I didn’t understand the league. There were a lot of things I didn’t know. So going in I didn’t know what to expect. I just wanted to try to get the thing going in the right direction. But after the season was over, I was like, ‘you know what, after close [losses] to Auburn and South Carolina, if we had won those games we’re playing for the Southeastern Conference championship.’ So I was like, why not us? I didn’t think we were very far away personnel wise. I thought it was more a matter of changing attitudes and beginning to believe.”
Your thoughts?
PRACTICE UPDATE COMING THIS AFTERNOON.
Comments
By Next year
August 28, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Wow, CMR has converted to a true UGA fan. Always Next year, next year, next year. That should be the mutts new motto!!
By Left knee hurts
August 28, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Every year contending is a dream come true for my favorite team!
By uga_b
August 28, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
I thought Donnan always brought in good talent; they just never wrapped up on tackles or played consistently. Biggest differences now are the depth and overall team speed. I would still like to see some productive recievers, a 1,000 yard rusher year to year (thank you Knowshon), and the kicking game remain strong. Hopefully, Reshad can take me back to the safety All American days: I miss being spoiled.
I think one of the big reasons that we can compete nationally is the allure of Athens. I really hope they don’t overdevelop it because I am starting to get worried. Oh, and the girls…Milledge during Rush…sun dresses. Enough to make a grown man cry in his bourbon.
By Stephen
August 28, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Nice Post…i like how CMR feels that we ought to compete for it each time…we EXPECT to be there…..
By Maddog
August 28, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Nextyear, why don’t you stay on the Tech blogs and get yourself hyped about playing another bowl game on a blue field.
By griffindawg
August 28, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
CMR is the real deal- two years ago the staff knew UGA was getting close. All of the staff that was at FSU in it’s prime know what a championship football team is and they saw it comming down the track for the red and black…
By MDawg
August 28, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
YES! I was ecstatic last year when I first heard CMR mention in an interview that he feels like we can finally talk about winning an NC! All signs point to the Dawg’s staying here for a while. With our schedule this year we could still run the table or go 8-4, my guess is 11-1 or 10-2. So if this season doesn’t turn out like we want it to do not despair we’ll be knocking on the door for the foreseeable future! I’d love to see a Dawg Dynasty but right now let’s just win a NC then go from there.
By bamadawg
August 28, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Good article…everyone will say “i told you so” when we lose one were not supposed to, but after suffering through the malaise of the mid- 80’s and 90’s, who can honestly say that the dawgs aren’t in the best shape we’ve been in for a long, long time. Quality starts at he top, and CMR and staff are among the best in the NCAA right now. Put another way, which SEC school wouldn’t trade staffs? Oh and how many in row over your instate rival? Good luck Dawgs, the whole nation is gunning for you.
By Chuck Carswell
August 28, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
I know that Richt gives coach speak, but I can’t help but drink the Kool-Aid because his results provide the sugar.
If he says we can do something, I’ll be the first to sign up.
I look forward to a fun year on the field with Munson pouring through my earphones.
By GetSome
August 28, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Hey Next Year,
Pay attention in class and when you graduate from HS in three years - maybe you can show up at ghetto U in downtown Atlanta (along with 15,000 Chinese nationals) and take your beatings every year by the Red and Black.
By Bob Sacamano
August 28, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
If there’s anyone who understand next year more than any fan bases out there, it’s S. Carolina fans, Tech fans, and you know what, go ahead and add Vol fans to the list, too.
I mean, they last won the SEC in 1998. Funny thing, I thought, for some reason, that the Vols were some dominating force in the SEC in the 1990’s, like Florida was. Florida won 6 SEC titles during that time (of course, they were playing catch-up, as they had never won before… ever).
But Fat Phil has only won two SEC Titles in what, 16 or 17 years of coaching?
That’s what all you Vol fans are hanging your hats on?
Shoot, Coach Richt has won two SEC Titles. In seven years as our coach.
And with the way he’s built our team, he’ll be adding a few more titles to the pile real soon.
He also owns a 4-3 record against Fat Phil.
And here’s the real beauty for me: when Georgia wins the SEC this year, that gives us 13 SEC titles.
Tying us with, yep, Tennessee, for second-most SEC titles all-time.
I understand we’re all chasing Bama in that regard, and they’re at 21 right now, but still…
… I wonder what’ll feel like, Vol fans, when Georgia overtakes you as a historically more important team in the SEC?
Just one less thing you can hang your hat on. Y’all seem to be losing a lot of stuff like that here in the latter years of the Fat Phil Administration.
By CyberDawg
August 28, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
As Dooley once said Richt was the best hire he ever made. For several years now they have had the talent equal to every other top program in the country and as long as they keep winning that will not change.
The key to the NC for UGA is to stay healthy, develop depth and the hardest part which is to play with a high level of intensity every single game.
Go DAWGS!
By ....
August 28, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Sacamano- Have you finished crying about not getting your tickets yet? Explain to me that
By Whopper Dawg
August 28, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
I agree with the Coach Richt. In fact, we may be better next year. He really has it going. Every team that wins the national championship needs some breaks, maybe we will get them this year, maybe not. For sure, we don’t have a national championship schedule. LSU, OState, Oklahoma and USC do. So if not this year, than the next or the next as he says, but we should be a top ten team every year, I think that is realistic, and one year when we catch the breaks, watch out. That is all you can do since we play in the SEC.
By Bob Sacamano
August 28, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Nope… I got a full package of season tickets.
What doesn’t compute is how other Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores didn’t receive full packages.
Again, it is all a play for GREED by our fascist university President and his Puppet.
By OldSchoolDawg
August 28, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Even great teams need a bunch of breaks to win an SEC championship… even more for a national championship. Some things, you can control; others, you can’t.
Think about how great our 1980 - 1983 teams were. I personally believe the 1981 and 1982 editions were the best. But which team won an NC? 1980, the year we got the breaks.
If you need a more recent example, think of all the breaks LSU got last year (most notably WVU losing to Pitt, a 23-pt. underdog, on the final weekend). OMG!
All Dawg Nation can ask from their beloved pigskin program is to be exactly where it currently is… in the running every year. Then, if the ball bounces our way, UGA wins the championships.
Whenever I hear CMR speak, I’m amazed at how cool, calm and collected the man is. Did you listen to Tuesday’s press conference? I wondered how he can stay this way, especially with all the hoopla surrounding the 2008 season (#1 ranking, bruising sked, etc.).
Then, as I read Chip’s Q&A with this dude, it occured to me that CMR doesn’t get stressed about any one play, any one game, any one season, because, as Chip put it: he knows he’s here to stay… at or near the top.
CMR’s thought process goes like this: “So the ball doesn’t bounce our way today… no worries. There will be other plays, other games, other seasons. Stay near the top, stay focused on the things you can control, and odds are that UGA will get the breaks it needs to be SEC and/or national champions one day real soon.”
The thought also occurs to me that I (and many other Dawg-loving fans) would do well to think this way. Not just for football, but in everyday life.
When we win the championship, it will be real sweet. Meantime, Dawg Nation can rest assured we’ll be pretty dang good every year while CMR is at the helm.
By nola dawg
August 28, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Chip - good post and looking forward to reading that full article soon.
question for you… where is Boling lining up in practice? Is he going to be the RT in game 2? Or will he replace Glenn at RG?
I sure like to see him in one of those 2 spots. That way we have 3 (Davis, Vance, Bolinng) experienced guys for C. MI, USC, etc… with Glenn and J. Davis rotating in on the right side.
Thanks Chip!
By vern the vol
August 28, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
What my good friend Bob fails to mention is that the Vols also won the national title in 1998, not just an sec title. Also, Fulmer dominated UGA in the 90s, winning 9 in a row. Also, we dominate UGA in head to head competition and lead the head to head by a large margin. Also, we have more national titles while you dawgs are stuck in the notorious one club. Did I mention that your one national title came 28 years ago? Make it 29 and counting cause you dang sure won’t win it this year. Lest I forget didn’t we rack up 86 points in 2 blowout wins over you in the last 2 years? I forgot to mention the game in your house 2 years ago where we hung 51 on you. While we all agree Bama easily leads the conference in conference and nat’l titles and head to head against everyone else we are not that far behind them. They only lead us 45-38 in head to head, no one else in the SEC is even close to them head to head except us. We also are not that far behind them in alltime #s of wins. Its Bama, then us not being that far behind, and then everyone else is a distant third behind us. I think we own the head to head against everyone else in the conference. Georgia is 5th or 6th in the conference as far as all around head to head competition, overall winning %, and alltime wins, etc. You are no more than middle of the pack and until u eventually win the sec again you still trail us in sec titles. You are nothing more than a middle of the pack SEC team who has had one good 3 year run 1980-1982 in the history of your program before having some moderately good success under Richt. I say moderately good under Richt because as far as I can see you still haven’t won a nat’l title under Richt while we’ve won one in the last 10 years. And you won’t win one this year after we come into our “home away from home” and hang another 51 or more on your arses. P_ss off you small time, mediocre mutts!
By Heath
August 28, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Sacamano - Thanks for once again proving that UGA fans are for the most part classless. Instead of discussing football on the AJC blogs it mostly turns into insulting other teams in the SEC or Tech. The Vols have whipped UGA the last two years and still get no respect from a lot of UGA fans like yourself.
By No Disrespect
August 28, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
While I admire coach Richt and believe he has taken the UGA program to new heights, I also believe he is a fool for throwing this out there. Georgia has always done a great job of recruiting and that talent has not always translated into wins- ie. Quincy Carter, Terrell Davis. And while he has won some SEC championships, he did not even play for one last year. It looks like Mark Richt is showing more of the arrogance of late that in the past he has tried so hard to avoid.
And yes, I’m a Tech fan but I also think that Coach Richt may be right given the talent level. I just don’t agree that a coach should throw this out there prematurely and should instead reach the pinnacle before declaring that his team is a perrenial contender.
I welcome any trash talk you may have in response to this, but I’m in no way disrespecting a great team in UGA.
By Georgia Fan
August 28, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Georgia has been playing on a national championship level since 2002. We just haven’t put it all together at the right time yet, and there is no guarantee we will in the future either. I am still glad to see that Richt isn’t shying away from the national title talk like he used to though. You almost get the feeling that 10 or 11 win seasons simply aren’t enough anymore, and that is a good thing. Georgia has no reason to aim for anything any lower than being #1 every single year.
By Football Is Here
August 28, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
I have a man crush on Mark Richt and I’m not afraid to admit it.
By ottdawg
August 28, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
“Vern The Vol”?…. ‘nuff said…
By ottdawg
August 28, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
“HEY VERN!”
your name says it all….
By Johnny Majors ate...
August 28, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
His booger on the sideline during the 1988 game! I saw it live on ESPN! Still have the tape.
It just proves that in Vol nation booger eating starts at the top!
By RN Dawg
August 28, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Vern the Vol, you have good points about the 90’s HOWEVER, We are talking about the record since Mark Richt has been at Georgia. He has won 3 SEC East Division Championships ( tied for 2), won 2 SEC Championships and has been in ranked in the top 10 for at least 5 of his years. Now, I ask you what have you done lately?
By TK Harty
August 28, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Football Is Here, you crack me up……..
By Bob Sacamano
August 28, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Sorry… in the scheme of things, SEC Championships are won on the field.
Mythical National Championships are not.
If the Dawgs win the SEC this year but fail to play for the MNC, I won’t consider this year a failure.
The thing is, CMR won’t either.
Our 13-1 SEC Champion team from 2002 has been ranked AHEAD of the 2006 and 2007 SEC Champions, who finished 13-1 and 12-2. What else did those teams win? The MNC.
And given the fact that OSU has completely s—t the bed in the last two MNCs, then I’m sorry, but I refuse to believe they were the best team in 2002, undefeated or not.
Luck, Vol fans.
Luck gets you the MNC. You of all fan bases should know that. If Clint Stoerner doesn’t fumble, y’all don’t have an MNC, but y’all would still have the SEC Championship that year.
By Sick of crybaby Tech fans
August 28, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Richt didn’t throw anything out there. He was responding to questions asked of him by Chip Towers. He did not make any predictions or guarantee anything. He was simply sharing his opinion on the state of the program. He is entitled to have an opinion. Just like you are entitled to b!tch and moan when he says something you don’t like.
Arrogant? That is laughable. Look to your own coach if you want arrogant. The guy has yet to coach a down of BCS football but acts like a reporter has slapped his mom if they even raise one question about his offense. He has proven absolutely nothing. Richt has proven that he can make Georgia in to one of the best teams in the best conference in a America. Cry about it Techie.
By TK Harty
August 28, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Johnny Majors ate…You crack me up too!
By uga_b
August 28, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
I am not sure how you really win a fictional national title. I am pretty sure how you win an SEC Championship game, which we have been to 3 times since UT won one. If Vols fans want to quote NCs, let’s quote all fictional NCs not just the ones we like. We one won in 1942 and a few other years finished number one.
I don’t suspect you will sneak up on the dawgs this year and, maybe Chip can confirm this, I bet that is the one game circled on our calendar.
The truth probably is that Vern wasn’t happy a few years ago when we kept stomping on their face with a hobnailed boot, and has grown a pair based on their recent success. Someone tell me the next time two historical teams tee it up between the hedges; otherwise, I am not listening.
I agree w/ OldSchool, the man was stating that the team will be competitive on a national level; something it wasn’t before he came. Outside of UCLA in basketball (84 games?), nobody wins every year…just ask the Patriots.
By borodawg
August 28, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Great post Oldschooldawg. CMR definitely has the program in the right place and it appears it’ll stay that way. My only wish is that Dawg Nation would concentrate more on winning SEC championships cause the rest will follow. One game at a time and hopefully win the SEC. NC talk is just talk; it might take a perfect season AND luck. The polls are finicky and will knock you socks off with one loss. Wait and see; one loss and the media will be all over the Dawgs and will show no mercy. Gooooo Dawgs! Beat Ga Southern!
By Brooks
August 28, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
VERN THE VOL,You have some of your facts wrong big guy. Georgia is third all-time in conference win % behind TN And Bama. Georgia has 12 SEC titles while TN has 13. Tennessee only leads the head to head series by like 5 games. Georgia still has a 9 game lead on Florida in the series so that tells you how dominate we were before Spurrier. Georgia also has 2 national titles not 1. You act like Tennessee is some awesome football world power. Looking at the stats Tennesse isn’t as wonderful as you think. Tennessee has produced alot of average teams just like Georgia. Don’t go spouting off too early about the trip to Athens. GO DAWGS!!
By reality check
August 28, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Georgia’s recruiting classes in 2003, 2004, and 2005 received some high marks by the so called experts in the recruiting reporting business. But when you consider the numbers lost because they couldn’t qualify academically they were only okay, not great.
At that point Georgia had to take some academic chances on recruits. Now they are in a position to take fewer and that has a huge impact.
Georgia’s results since Richt arrived are some of the best in football. Last year was a surprise to most, especially since last year’s team was one of the youngest in football. This one is too and it appears success for the forseeable future is in the cards.
By david
August 28, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Vern,
Put on your orange shirt & get busy picking up the trash.
By Gen Neyland
August 28, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
It all looks good on paper. Once they start flying around, we’ll see…
Personally, I’m looking forward to Schultzy’s weekly pick ‘ems. I think he finished 2007 with a record of 16-351…or was it 351-16..?
By Michael Scharff
August 28, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
O.k., what’s the crazy deal with the Sports home page and the Georgia section having the old articles about UGA VI?
By Dogs#1=sec down this year?
August 28, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
highly ranked recruiting can mean many early pros.
By stomlin
August 28, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
BOOGERS, that’s halarious! Glad football is starting back up. Go DAWGS!!!!!!
By volnation55
August 28, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Hey Bob and RN Dawg
What has TN done lately?
Hmmmm…won the SEC East last year (yeah, we won and don’t try to claim titles we didn’t actually win)
Since 2000 and God (i.e. Mark Rich showed)
played in SEC championship game
TN 3 (01, 04, 06) GA 3 ( 02, 03, 05) FL 2 (00, 06)
SEC titles (using crazy UGA math with ties)
TN 4 GA 4 FL 3
TN has crushed UGA the last two years and scored a combined 86 points
TN has won 3 out of 4 against UGA UGA didn’t not beat TN ONCE IN THE ENTIRE DECADE OF THE 1990S. Fulmer is 11-5 all time against UGA Fulmer is 6-2 against UGA in ATHENS
Not too bad for a program on the downside, huh?
Mark it down…TN has a ton of talent this year and either TN or FL wins the SEC east.
Notice how LSU, FL, and TN fans don’t feel the need to constantly tell everyone had great they are.
Like Kid Rock says “It ain’t cocky if you back it up.”
Time to back it up UGA…prediction 9-4 for the mightly dawgs
By joe
August 28, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
You dog fans can bash Vern all you want, but he’s correct in pointing out the NC titles, SEC title and SEC wins per program. Bama is first, followed by TN, with UGA, LSU, Auburn and UF in some order after that. UGA has had a couple nice seasons in the past 7 years, but to say they will compete for NC’s every year is ludicrous as every program has down years where they will be playing in the chic fil A bowl (or worse)…that is where UGA was playing just a few years ago, right? And if you want to address recent history of the past 2 years, UGA is 0-2 against UT, 1-1 against SC and 1-1 against UF. That is not dominating the east by any means…and I expect that trend to continue this year as the pups schedule is gonna hurt…just you watch.
By Kendawg
August 28, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Considering CMR’s last three recruiting classes and how it’s shaping up for the 2009 class, it would have been less than honest if he said UGA would have been less than a top ten team for the foreseeable future. With the coaching staff and the talent in Athens, the Dawgs are going to be in the hunt for the MNC for at least the next three years. What would make anyone think this is going to change? CMR has stated repeatedly that he is not going anywhere and he has done a very good job of maintaining continuity on his staff. I can actually visualize our recruiting getting better. What team in the country would not like to have both Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenburger committed to them?
By Bob Sacamano
August 28, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
All of the Vowels are still p** because we got to play for sUGAr and finished No. 2 in the nation…
… and all they can say, in their whiney-est voices, “But we beat y’all… it’s not fair!”
LOL. Georgia since Mark Richt arrived: 2 SEC titles, 4 East titles, 3 BCS Bowls, two BCS Bowl wins, and never out of the AP top-25, or lost more than 4 games in a season.
Tennessee since Mark Richt arrived: no longer the big bully from the 1990’s (still only won two titles in 17 years of Far Phil).
What a difference a coach makes, huh Vols?
By srcdawgrome
August 28, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
To vern the vol, you sure seem proud to be behind bama, is that what fat phil shoots for. i forgot, fat phil would be behind a blind woman in a wheelchair in the 40. can you spell David G. & David P.
By AltamahaDawg
August 28, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Bob, you can’t be a facsist AND a capitalist pig at the same time. Which is it? Does he exert too much insitutional control blocking free markets, or run the university too much like a business? We need to pick our slogans for the picket signs.
BTW, tell your buddies, there are lots of student full package deals on Ebay right now. Been selling the entire package for about $250 more than the university price. Thats pretty damn cheap lesson in supply and demand if you ask me. I’ll burn that in gas next week. While you are at it, run down the students who are selling those and pelt them with rock and garbage, while chanting “down with the man!”
Just picking on you a bit, but really your pals can all get in, relax.
By mcdawg
August 28, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
uga_b makes agreat point about the Donnan years-we didn’t didn’t tackle-that is the biggest difference i have seen in the CMR era-the other thing i recall CMR stating was that UGA didn’t practice hard-they were too soft-perhpas this helps explain all of the injuries
By Johnny Majors ate...
August 28, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Terrell Davis was not highly recruited! Davis transferred from LBSU after George Allen died and was granted immediate eligibility.
Please before Vowel booger eating fans make post get your facts straight.
Maybe a second helping of Majors boogers might help!
By THUGA
August 28, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
CMR finally thinks he has enough thugs on campus to finally bring THUGA a national championship. I for one do not think so.
That offensive line will be shredded apart by LSU. LSU is the most talented and well coached team in the conference.
Maybe next year Thuga
By Bob Sacamano
August 28, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Uh, no.
Vern is not correct in many of his assertions.
Georgia has 2 consensus National Titles (1942 and 1980) along with 3 other non-consensus titles we don’t claim (1927, 1946, 1966), which, unlike Alabama, Ohio State, and USC, we don’t claim to make ourselves look better.
Georgia is not middle of the pack in the SEC in winning percentage. We’re right at the top along with Bammy and the Vowels.
I was correct. The Vols have 13 titles, and we have 12. We will catch and pass y’all. That was the whole impetus behind my original posting, the fact that y’all think you’re hot s—t. yet, in 17 years of Fat Phil, y’all have won exactly the same number of SEC titles that Mark Richt has won in 7 years.
Also, Richt is 4-3 against Tennessee. But if you want to take recent history (which can be as long as 18 games if you’re a Gator fan), I always say, the only thing that is recent is what happened last game. Yep, y’all won. Congrats. We finished No. 2 in the nation. I’ll take that, thank you very much.
Anyways… Vern was off on many points, but what can you expect from an ignorant hillbilly?
He just don’t know no better. Know what I mean, Vern? Hahaha!
By THE Ohio State Buckeyes
August 28, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
H-awg Wash
By tom
August 28, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Love your column every day - love Coach Richt. Dr. Thomas Johnson Class of ‘74
By P.W. Herman
August 28, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Sacamono I’m a dawgs fan and you sir embarrass me. Dawgs fans like you that give us a bad name. Go bang your cousin and quit bloggin
By Red Clay Hound
August 28, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
General, I always look forward to your posts. Any friend of Cuz is ok in my book.
Personally I’m tired of waiting to see how it all pans out. It’s been a long off-season. Let’s play some football!!!!!
By Nick
August 28, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
To Vern the vol:
It was only 8 wins by UT over UGA in the 90’s, btw. 92-99.
By Next Year
August 28, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry for my post. I just realized I’m a total Idiot. The Dogs will win the MNC, and CMR will win the presidential election. Florida will get knocked down to their knees (where they belong). 2008 is the year of the DAWG!!!
By Football Guy
August 28, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahahahahaha!
By Wrong Bob
August 28, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Actually UGA didn’t finish in the top 25 in 2006. You don’t get ranked when you lose to Vandy and Kentucky in back to back weekends. So yes even Marky Mark Richt has finished outside the top 25.
By DisneyDawg
August 28, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Refreshing how CMR doesn’t feel the need to poor-mouth the program or dampen expectations. It was a good motivational ploy for Coach Dooley, but it’s nice to know the HC of the team has this kind of confidence, not just for this year but in the program overall. It’s not bragging if you can back it up.
BTW, don’t know how many others saw this comment from Urban Meyer: “When the dog is hungry, he eats.” The allusion was to Percy Harvin, but it’s nice to know he gets how it is with Dogs…
By UMich
August 28, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Wrong Bob, No, UGA DID finish in the AP top 25 in 2006. Know your facts before posting.
By THE Ohio State Buckeyes
August 28, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
LOL. How many kids do you get out of OH, PA, MI, WI? ZERO! Most of them don’t even know (or care) exactly where the state of Georgia is located. It’s just a place they drove through once on their way to Florida. To them, (and 95% of the rest of America), the SEC is the basackwards, Deep South. One big NAFTA car belt state of SC, GA, AL, MS, and LA. Add TN & KYians because their family tree’s don’t always fork either. LOL
By OKCBULLDOG
August 28, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Vern the Vol- We all can agree that historically Bama and Vols are top two winning programs in SEC, But your assessment of the Bulldogs being 5th or 6th in the conference I don’t agree with. Here are the facts: All time records and head to head; Alabama 787-314-43 pct..706, Tennessee 778-325-55 pct..695, Georgia 713-381-54 pct..644, LSU 692-378-47 pct..640, Auburn 676-388-47 pct..629, Florida 628-372-40 pct..623. Head to Head Georgia have a winning record against only Florida of the other 5 while Tenn. have a winning record against Florida and LSU. You mention Alabama specifically, Tennessee VS Alabama 37-45-7, Georgia VS Alabama 24-35-3. Tennessee VS Georgia 19-15-2. With these numbers Georgia is no worse than third all time in this conference. They are one of only three programs with 700 or more wins and they are third in the conference titles. I just don’t think you are giving us the credit we’ve earned.
By Next Year
August 28, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
If not this year, then next year is our year This slogan has been a uga standard for over a decade now. Finally, CMR is realizing this. He doesn’t have to ever win a MNC, just a couple of SEC titles and then a few loses to vandy, and kentuky to even things out. As long as he can continue to say Next year will be a great year, and if not that, then the NEXT YEAR then he will be great in Athens. Where next year is always the best year
By BCDawg97
August 28, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Volnation55
What does this mean?
“SEC titles (using crazy UGA math with ties)
TN 4 GA 4 FL 3”
What math are you doing? Since 2000 - UF and UGA have 2 SEC titles and UT has zero.
Congrats on your 2 game winning streak over us, but I’ll take UGA’s relevancy on the national stage since 2001 over UT’s.
By hahahaha!
August 28, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
That Tennessee fan used a Kid Rock quote to back up his point! HAHAHAHA! Thank you for writing the joke for me! Could you be a little more stereotypical? Maybe drink a PBR and kiss your cousin while you say that? I can not wait til you ignorant rednecks make your way down to Athens so we can whup yer tails all the way home. Vols suck b-lls.
By AltamahaDawg
August 28, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
“But if you want to take recent history (which can be as long as 18 games if you’re a Gator fan)”
You got that right Bob.
18 and exactly 18, not 19, not 20, not 25 not 30, not 10 not 5, not 4 , not 1. Just 18.
By Kendawg
August 28, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Actually, one of our best players is from New Jersey. Another is from Texas. One of our 2009 commitments is from Massachusetts. Like it or not, we’re getting players from all over the nation, and it’s only going to get better. They recognize that the SEC is the premier conference in the country.
By get oer yourself ohio state
August 28, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
The reason UGA hardly ever has players from those states on the roster is because we hardly ever recruit any! Why would we need to when our state is the fourth most fertile football recruiting state in the nation (behind FL, CA, and TX…..not OH, MI, or PA). We can stay almost competely instate and be a Top-10 team every year.
By Jason
August 28, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Vern - you know, it’s funny. Any of us can reference statistics that back up our point and twist an argument to work to our advantage. However, if I ask you to tell us which program (UGA or UT) is in better shape right now, it’s really not even close. You have to travel back to the year 2001 to find a year where Tennessee rank higher than UGA in the final AP bowl.
UT hasn’t gone to a BCS bowl since Nebraska beat you in the 2000 Fiesta Bowl. It that same period of time, UGA has been to 3 (winning 2).
One program has a coach on the hotseat, while another has one of the hottest coaches in the nation.
I’ll admit - you guy’s beat us the past two years. But, by the end of the last several seasons, their isn’t a VOL fan out there that wouldn’t trade places with UGA’s situation.
Also - WRONG BOB - nope, you need to check your facts. The final AP top 25 poll in 2006 raked the Dawgs 23rd - two spots higher than UT. BTW, that’s the only year since 2001 that UGA didn’t finish in the top 10.
Man do I love college football!
By JM
August 28, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Hey Next Year,
Obviously you had a rough upbringing as a child…. Just b/c your life sucks that doesn’t mean you need to rain on everyone else’s parade. By the way… who is your favorite team?
By OSU Fan
August 28, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Every year contender? That is impossible for an SEC team. How can you do that with a NCAA suspension at least every 5 years on avaerage?
By JM Dawg
August 28, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Hey Next Year,
Obviously you had a rough upbringing as a child…. Just b/c your life sucks that doesn’t mean you need to rain on everyone else’s parade. By the way… who is your favorite team?
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 28, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Alt,
Great point! How far do you go back to prove a point?
Also can we stop making fun of PBR? It was voted best beer in America in 1893! Lets substitute Keystone Light in its place. PBR has more class than a Keystone!
GOOO DAWGS!!!
By Huge Man
August 28, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Its amazing how short memories are in college football. This blog was much different just last year, mid-way through the season.
Half of the people on here were calling for Richts head after a last second fumble saved you from another loss to Vandy. Not even twelve months ago.
Now its national title expectations year-in-year-out. So much for reality.
By HPW
August 28, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Please go back to Ohio you gel haired, losers. Who cares about the state of Ohio. Nobody would go there for any reason. Your girls look like guys and your guys look like girls. You suck at life! You are the same bit*s that got thrown around the field when you tried to play against the SEC for a national title. If Ohio is so great why are you down here and getting on a UGA blog. I know as a UGA fan I would NEVER get on a osu blog because I could care less who you losers think is going to be cast in the new lord of the rings movie. GO HOME
By Tom
August 28, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
So you’ve won one, why can a team not win two or three in a row? What happens to a team after they win a championship? Where does that desire go? Was it used up? Not hungry anymore? Three programs have been right in it in the BCS era, USC, LSU and OSU. But every team that wins it since Nebraska in the 80s can’t win it the following season.
Also, to the TheOhioState guy…every state in our fine nation has backwards, uneducated, loudmouth idiots. I have traveled extensively in Ohio, MI, PA, and IN, (as well as almost all the states and several other countries) and I really pay attention to regional differences, accents, trends, etc., and I can say without a doubt that some of the worst offenders of what you would call “redneck” behavior comes in the areas surrounding the old Rust Belt…all those states I called out. I will be in Dayton in two weeks, and Columbus for a week after that…HUGE people…not tall, but about 250lbs give or take, many with OSU t-shirts from Wal*Mart all with these black shorts that show off their unnaturally white skin that looks as if the sun never shines there. So before you start tossing rocks out of your glass house, you had better recognize your own world.
By Fun with Statistics
August 28, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
All time record against teams CURRENTLY in the SEC:
Tennessee: 354-198-21
Georgia: 335-214-22
HOWEVER, if you remove from the record games against Vandy and Kentucky, here’s how it stands:
Tennessee: 216-152-17
UGA: 240-188-18
Yeah, sure Tennessee has more SEC victories than UGA. Forgive me for not being impressed by UT having played those 2 SEC cellar dwellers 55 more times than UGA has played them.
In case you were wondering, UT has also played Miss St. and Ole Miss a combined 38 more times than UGA.
By mark
August 28, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
To all OSU fans: YOU PLAY ONE TOUGH GAME A YEAR!! EVEN THE DEGREE OF THAT TOUGHNESS COULD BE ARGUED!! YOU ARE 0-?? AGAINST SEC TEAMS IN BOWL GAMES!! YOU’VE NOT ONLY BEEN BEATEN THE LAST TWO YEARS IN YOUR BOWL GAMES, BUT EMBARASSED!!!!! YOU SCHEDULE IS A JOKE!!!! DON’T EVEN TRY AND DENY THAT FACT!!!! IT MUST BE NICE TO PLAY 1 TOUGH GAME A YEAR AND BE IN THE NC CONVERSATION!!!
By HPW
August 28, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
I actually dated a man from Ohio, a real Stud Muffin, just didnt wanna advertise it to thw world. Now that our yummy-licious QB Matt Stafford appears on “Gay themed Quarterback” sites, I guess its alright to say it loud and proud….”I’m coming..Out…’I;m coming O-U-T…Want the world to know, gets my man a blow, I;m coming…OuT.
By JP
August 28, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Gator fan here, full disclosure. The Dogs should be a consistent top 5-7 team every year. CMR has done a great job recruting. But he’s also a great coach too.
By KJ
August 28, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Once more, for our delusional OSU fans:
http://www.ryanparkersongs.com/2008/08/sec-is-better-than-big-10.html
By JM Dawg
August 28, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Hey, Huge Man..Gotta ask, ‘How fricking huge”, mmm,..My lover Manuel matriculated at Ohio State, and what a great skool that is, nothing like the imbredds down here, all related to one another. Our favorite movie here is Hee Haw, wez all brothers down here, litrally. Southern skolls dos a decent jobs learnings us, and wez pretty good at football, “Touch football’ fellaz down here likes that, and Waffle houses.
By McFunkdikschlaben
August 28, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
We’re now a reload and go program. I welcomed the preseaon ranking because it brings tons of attention across the country to our program. If we continue to put Arizona St. type teams on our schedule there’s no reason why UGA can’t become a national program instead of just a SEC elite program.
By my momma always said
August 28, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Stupid is as stupid types.
By HPW
August 28, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Thanks for writing that as me Ohio cool guy. That is the exact thing that I am talking about. Ohio State fans are losers. It doesn’t get more obvious then that right there.
By big o
August 28, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Just like I said earlier this week we reload not rebuild. The powers that be should give Rodney Garner what ever he wants to keep him. He is the rain maker as far as recruiting at UGA DO YOU AGREE CHIP ?
By Bob Sacamano
August 28, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Altamaha… the reason why there IS a black market is because all students who want tickets don’t have the opportunity.
Adams is a fascist dictator.
He unlilateraly makes changes to the university with no input from teachers or the SGA.
The UGA SGA is, in my eyes, the weakest and most ineffectual SGAs in the country.
And I understand full well that for students to get tickets, the “newest” or poorest alums get left out in the cold.
To that I say boo-frickity-hoo.
When they were students (unless it was last year) they never had to deal with this ridiculous greed from Adams and his Puppet, Evans.
They can wait a few years as their donations build.
The University if for the STUDENTS.
It’s high time Adams remembers that, as he tramples on our student rights with his tyranical plus-minus system which is already hurting UGA under-grads when it means getting into grad school, because a 3.0 at UGA is really, at a place like, I don’t know, anywhere else, probably something like a 3.5.
Yeah, did you know that an A is no longer an A at UGA?
Get a 90 to a 92, and that’s no longer a 4.0. It’s an A minus, with is like a 3.8 or 3.75.
It’s ridiculous.
DOWN WITH ADAMS!!!
By JDawg99
August 28, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
JP, Thanks for the classy post. While I hate the gators (due to their success against the dawgs), Florida should also be a perennial MNC contender based on their talent and coaching. In fact, I think Florida gets slightly better talent than GA because apparently the top recruits no longer want to go to Miami or FSU. I give GA the edge in coaching.
By JT
August 28, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Thank God for Coach Mark Richt!! GO DAWGS SIC EM WHOOOF WHOOOF WHOOOF WHOOOF
By Pago Flyer
August 28, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Actually, Ohio State thinks they should have been pre-season #1, and they’re mad about it and will go undefeated this year.
By TybeeDawg
August 28, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Lowcountry, I got one better…I mean worse…Old Milwaukee’s Best Light.
I find all this talk about football history somewhat irrelevant…If I wasn’t part of the history, I cant relate. I dont really care who we beat the 5th game of the season back in 1958 nor where we were ranked.
By DisneyDawg
August 28, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
mark,
You nailed it. The Buckeyes are fortunate indeed to be able to circle 2 games a year that might be competitive. It’s a travesty (another one) that the BCS allows for this in their polling. I know that the apologists argue otherwise, but strength of schedule is ignored in the human polls. How many times do you hear “OSU has a fairly easy schedule, BUT they are still talented enough to be top 5”? That makes it obvious that SOS is overlooked in favor of “potential” and hypotheticals.
The’re not the only team that the human polls prop up on shaky assertions, but the most prominent at the moment. It’s dispiriting for other schools to have to prove themselves on a yearly basis that such programs are given high rank as almost a birthrite.
By Red and Black
August 28, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Get over Ohio st- Fact-Cornerbacks and kickers come to UGA because UGA is THE FACTORY for cornerbacks and kickers,Look it up in the NFL records page online.This year we picked up two players from Fl.The #4 QB in the US and the #1 kicker in the state of FL.Fact-UGA is #3 in the number of players going into the NFL.Some recruits esp.cornerbacks and kickers sign up with UGA if they are looking to go pro after they get out of college.
By crimedog
August 28, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Adams is the Dick Cheney of university presidents and Richt is his Condolesa Rice.
By reservoirDAWG
August 28, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Can we just get the season started already.
By DisneyDawg
August 28, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
That last sentence on my last post should read “that have”, not “to have”. The sentence doesn’t make sense as is. Sorry.
By Joel in ATL
August 28, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
I’ll be honest. I was one that felt Donnan was a good coach and should have gotten another year in 2001. I really thought he had us on the right track and the recruiting would be the key. Yet I also realize that he wasn’t retain because of a dispute with Admams, that’s life and Coach Donnan is still very well respected and hasn’t said a bad word about the school or the program.
I liked the hire of coach Richt because I use to love watching FSU and their offense always was deep, so when Richt was announced the coach I knew it wouldn’t be long before GA had quality depth. Coach Richt has laid the foundation the last 7 years and he will continue to build on it. From recruiting, player development and disipline (every school has arrest so go figure) he was able to show ther fruits of that on the field. EVERY year there has been a suspension at a spot that allowed another player to step up and get that playing time and produce, in years past FLA and TN would have been able to expose the lack of tdepth. Richt is a gamer and he is cool calm anc collective but you know his min dis always churining an dwhen you have a coach liek that you can be very dangerous. Georgia is here to stay as long as Richt is here and doesn’t let Rodney Garner or Stacy Searls go anywhere. I was a teeny bopper in the 80s and all I heard was GA Football but growing up in HS in the 90s I’ll admit I really didn’t think GA Football was as good as I was “taught” to believe, well Richt has restored that three-fold. No disrespect Coach Goff but ‘92 was your best season, and Donnan your best season was ‘97. Richt….hasn’t had his best season yet!!!
By uga_b
August 28, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Lowcounty, you just made me laugh. I know remember that the last time I was up in Vol country for a game I bought a camoflauged 12-pack of Busch light (Busch written in electric, or was it, neon orange) to show the roommates.
By AltamahaDawg
August 28, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
disney, they call that “pulling an altdawg”.
By JP
August 28, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Vern, How many BCS bowls have your Vols been to since 1998? Zero. Where has the Vols ended up at the end of the year. Behind UGA in the polls. The Vols have lost their last two SEC championship games to LSU. UGA beat LSU for a championship in 2005. You are living in the past. Good luck aganist UCLA.
By Token Gringo
August 28, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Is there actually a difference between Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin? Let’s list their merits… ummm… Ohio does have 3 of the fastest dying cities in America. Michigan has the worst economy in America. Wisconsin has women bigger than their cows. Why exactly would we bring turds from that area down to spoil our sun and fun?
By Zeb
August 28, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Hey Tybee, I used to drink Milwaukee’s Beast in college. Man….talk about some nasty stuff, but we could get a case for about 6 bucks.
And guys, I seriously doubt The Ohio State guy has ever been to Ohio. Probably a tech fan just stirrin the pot, so don’t bite on his stupid rants. Only a poser or an absolute idiot would come on here talkin smack after they got their teeth kicked in 2 years in a row by SEC teams.
By Fort Worth Dawg
August 28, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
How many of you are participating in the “Wear your College Colors Day” (or whatever it’s called) tomorrow? I’m wearing my UGA shirt - I’m not the only SEC grad in my office (if you count the Vandy grad).
By Maddog
August 28, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Black Knight (aka the ohio state buckeyes), why would we WANT any kids from you neck of the woods. If we get to the NC game we want to have a chance to win! Keep them in the Big 2. After all:
OSU = 0-13 alltime against the SEC
OSU = losing bowl record
OSU = less bowl appearances that UGA, less bowl wins that UGA, but MORE bowl losses to UGA.
As Drew Sharp (sportswriter for the USA Today and the Detroit Free Press) recently wrote about Michigan: “It’s risky guaranteeing impending Michigan doom this season, because it still plays in the Big Ten, and the Big Ten remains teh most overrated conference in college football. This is a guy who lives in this area, knows the colleges in the conference, and holds the opinion of most knowledgeable southern football fans. Give it a rest buckdance!!
By BringBackRayGoof
August 28, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
It’s all chitter-chatter from Richt until he actually does something. Beating Hawaii in the Sugar just isn’t that big of a deal. Beating the Gators is, unless you choke on the the GameCocks and get frog-stomped by the Vols.
By baloney
August 28, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
My brother could whup yore a**. That’s about how silly you guys sound.
By Bob Sacamano
August 28, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Yep, 28 years old, Tech Techno-Terrorist. Yeah, I saw how you spammed my email account (which is a crime now, BTW), and now that you’ve been stupid enough to usurp my name again, I will be requesting the AJC to