…it’s the color that flows through the Dawg’s veins. This season, that color is a surprising one.
It’s yellow.
UGA and the Mark Richt era are on shaky ground. If there is one thing the decision makers over in Athens can’t stand, it’s an in state rival having more success than them.
Georgia is 4-4. They have four games left.
Georgia Tech is 8-1. Ranked in the Top 10. Prospects of an ACC Championship. The sky is the limit.
Both teams will play each other at the end of the season as usual, and in here we find the rub. Georgia is no longer sure of themselves or a victory over the team from The Flats. This is made especially so thanks to a 26 point third quarter in last years match up that lead to a 45-42 Tech win in Athens. This years game is in Atlanta.
Now with whispers of a Richt firing and a potential change at quarterback thanks to Joe Cox’s ineptness, flux is a kind word for the Bulldogs.
UGA went into their annual beat down against Florida…erm…”The World’s Largest Outdoor…erm…that SEC East rivalry game in Jacksonville, thinking that a change of scenery would strike fear into their opponents. Florida, being the reigning and defending National Champions, thought nothing of the black helmets or black pants. They just saw dinner. A 41-17 blowout later, and things are not looking up.
If UGA were to fire the best coach they’ve had since the “glory days” of Herschel Walker, whose rushing touchdown record was broken appropriately enough by Florida quarterback Tim Tebow during the game, it’s hard to see how things could get any better.
This is the same Richt who until last year, owned Tech. He had never lost to the Jackets, even as an offensive coordinator at Florida State. Now, because he didn’t deliver on a #1 pre season ranking a year ago, and his continued failure to meet unrealistic expectations this season, Richt appears to be on the chopping block. This is the problem with the UGA in a nut shell. The place is run by nuts.
Perhaps only Clemson has more lofty expectations. Perhaps not.
The problem with Athens is, they want to be in the conversation every year, and they think the SEC gives them that birth right. Sadly, the SEC also holds Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, two teams Tech defeated on the road. Mind you, the defense left a ton to be desired.
UGA is not elite, and really have never been. They were the best team for one season almost thirty years ago. They also had a running back that was very good. That too was thirty years ago. Since then, they’ve won three SEC Championships, two under Richt. Which leads to the asinine idea of firing him. Try Chan Gailey on for size.
Tech would kill for three ACC titles in that time period. In fact, the third ACC Championship since Tech’s last National Championship may come at the end of this season.
Athens should also get over the idea they should always be better than Georgia Tech. Not gonna happen. The tides have changed. Paul Johnson is doing for Tech what Richt did for UGA in 2001.
The only difference is, Johnson may be the coach to lead the Jackets to the promised land and their fifth National Title. Meanwhile, UGA is stuck with two, and should be more appreciative. They could be like Boise State, and stuck with none.
