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Vance Leavy
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It’s now been almost 24 hours since the humiliating loss that our team suffered to the Florida Gators in Jacksonville. And I assure you that it has taken me this long to even attempt to pen this editor’s note. Like most of you out there, I’m both angry and dejected. But while I was designing this issue’s cover a few minutes ago, I finally made a turn for the better.
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As displayed on our cover, Stand Tall Dawgs says it all in my opinion. And that goes for everyone who loves Georgia, from our coaches to our players, but most importantly our fans.
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Yes, the 2015 season has turned into what seems like the worst disaster ever, but it is in times like these, that we must remember what we love most about following our football team. It’s the time shared with good friends, be it for home games in Athens or traveling for rivalry roadies. And like always, the season has churned by in a blink of the eye. Basically, we are down to the month of November, so while the times aren’t great, I do implore you not to let it erode your spirits so much that you miss out on one of your favorite hobbies. Shake off the cobwebs and load up your car this weekend and make the trip to Athens for the Kentucky game.
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Our players need to feel the support of our team now more than ever. I can only imagine how terrible they feel right about now. After all, they have been the ones who have put in all the hard work. The results of the last month have to be brutal for them. But they will stand tall this week in practice with the goal of immediate improvement. Surely, we the fans can follow suit.
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And I’m sure no one is taking these bad losses worse than our head coach, Mark Richt. BI’s photographer Rob Saye took this photo of Coach Richt with his wife, Katharyn and son Zack before the Florida game. It’s a great photo of them, each with wonderful smiles. Obviously, those were erased as the Florida game unfolded. I made the decision to include the photo because I think it is important that everyone remember the human side of college football. Yes, wins are a must, but creating a family within the football program is equally important. Richt has done an excellent job of this during his 15 years at Georgia and has won a slew of games in the process.
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However, now he does find himself with a football family with some issues. I will expect nothing less than him standing the tallest as their leader. In that role, some hard decisions will have to be made. Staying the course when what you’re doing isn’t working simply won’t cut it. Now, I certainly don’t have the answers for what it’s going to take to get his team back on track, but I do believe trying some different personnel across the board is paramount.
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As has been documented across multiple mediums, Coach Richt’s record in big games since 2008 isn’t good. And rightfully, this is where the frustration is justified for the Bulldog Nation. How long is the fan base supposed to let their own football family be out of sorts without thinking a change is the only way for improvement? Many folks have been there for a while and that contingent certainly strengthened from the poor performance in Jacksonville this week.
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I think it’s safe to say that Coach Richt must get things heading in the right direction as soon as possible. I certainly hope it happens. However, if it doesn’t, then I wonder if Richt will have a realization similar to what Steve Spurrier came to earlier this season at South Carolina?
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Richt’s players need to step up and start playing the game of football like they have been taught. Stand Tall Dawgs. And like I said earlier, Bulldog Nation, that’s where our heads and hearts need to be as we all attempt to pull out of this funk. See you in Sanford on Saturday. Go Dawgs!
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Make sure to check out Bulldawg Illustrated’s latest print edition: Stand Tall Dawgs, digital issue available for free online. CLICK HERE.
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