Please pass the ketchup (so I can eat my words) | University of Georgia Football Fans's Blog

Sorry, y'all, but I have to get this off my chest. I have been badmouthing Coach Mark Richt about a couple of slipups last season. I guess I had really high expectations for that season. But upon reflection, I realized that the Dawgs were doing the best they could with what they had. Further reflection (that happens more and more as I creep further into my 40's) made me remember what we had before the Richt era. We had Jim Donnan, averaging maybe, what, 8 wins a season, then losing to Tech and making Dr. Adams look bad in front of rich donors? And then, before that, Ray Goff, oh God, Ray Goff!! I can't even say his name without feeling the acid reflux slide up my throat. So, what Coach Richt has done, on his very first head coaching job, is come in and take a tier 2 college program and put in at tier 1. We don't win 8 a year, we win 10 a year. We don't play in the citrus bowl, we play in the Sugar Bowl. We don't finish 24th, we finish in the top 5. The Erk Russell type defense is back, reminiscent of the fabled Junkyard Dogs. The running game is back, a la Coach "3 things happen when you pass, and 2 are bad" Dooley. The expectation level is no longer just beating Florida and trying to win the SEC. The expecation level is now winning the National Championship. You got the black jerseys going. You got the players puking in the trash cans during the offseason. You got Mrs. Richt tirelessly serving gatorade. You got national programs talking smack about you. You got these kids coming off the mat drills in amazing physical condition, putting it on you in the 4th quarter and winning the game. You got old fogeys like me in a constant, giggly tizzy. So, yes, I am happily eating my words. Sorry, Coach. Get after 'em.

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April 28, 2008 01:34 PM ET

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How do they taste? Man I hope you kick every teams' butt that you play this year except when you come to Tiger Stadium. We'll wait and settle that in the Georgia Dome. Wipe your mouth you got a little on.....yea, you got it.

CenLA Tiger

Tigerland, LA

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April 28, 2008 09:01 PM ET

I hope you guys lead the SEC to a theepeat

*LSU*

West Monroe, LA

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May 7, 2008 04:27 PM ET

UGA will be one of the best teams next year. Playing in the SEC will make you better... even Vandy played real footbal last year. Spurrier thought he would pick up where he left off in the SEC but now he realizes the SEC is loaded with many top teams. Coach Richt brought back character, leadership and a passion back to a program that has had great talent but no leadership. This team should be one of the best we have had in years but looking at our schedule; it better be. Just you mentioning Ray Goff makes me sick and a little angry. He had one of the best QB's to play at UGA and several incredible players; he was totally clueles.....................

drj0514

Total Comments (4471)

June 8, 2008 05:14 PM ET

Over-rated is the term that most comes to mind.

Georgia is a hot bed for high school football. Every year should be a "good" year for your team. I just can't see MR as being the only or even the major reason for your recent success. He is obviously a good coach but hasn't climbed into the top tier group yet.

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