[su_spacer size=”40″] Let’s get the easy and obvious out of the way. If there was a National Championship awarded for high character, good morals, caring for your charges, and building a family atmosphere, the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall Sports Museum would have one glass wall filled with trophies and monuments dedicated to that Richt’s accomplishments. As a father, I could not imagine turning my son over to a finer leader and staff in the hopes he would continue to develop into a responsible man ready for the world “outside the lines.” From that vantage point, Richt’s ability to “win” and his measure of working with what he has is unquestionable and unparalleled in my opinion.
[su_spacer size=”40″] But football IS about keeping score. And with the 2015 season less than 50 days away, every team still has a chance to win the National Title, but only one will succeed. The debate rages on in newspapers, on message boards, and on sports talk radio about the “Lead Dawg” following SEC media days. So, let’s weigh the facts and determine if you are persuaded to see things differently or remain steadfast in whatever belief you may stubbornly hold.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Let us take the “CON” side of the Richt era first:
[su_spacer size=”10″] 1.) Most glaringly, Richt has not won a National Title in 14 years at the helm of the Georgia program.
[su_spacer size=”10″] 2.) Richt has not led UGA to a National Title game appearance.
[su_spacer size=”10″] 3.) Georgia has not won an SEC Title since 2005.
[su_spacer size=”10″] 4.) In Richt’s 14 years at UGA, the SEC has had a team win the National Title 8 times.
[su_spacer size=”10″] (Alabama – 3, LSU – 2, Florida – 2, Auburn – 1)
[su_spacer size=”10″] 5.) UGA has an overall losing record (2 – 3) in SEC Championship appearances.
[su_spacer size=”10″] 6.) The Dogs are 22 – 26 (.458) vs. ranked SEC opponents.
[su_spacer size=”10″] 7.) The Dogs are 10 – 17 (.370) vs. Top 10 SEC opponents.
[su_spacer size=”40″] The “Pro-Richt” perspective:
[su_spacer size=”10″] 1.) Richt, heading into his 15th season, has an overall record of 136 – 48.
[su_spacer size=”10″] 2.) The Dawgs are 78 – 34 in SEC Conference play since the beginning of the 2001 season.
[su_spacer size=”10″] 3.) Richt’s hounds have captured 6 SEC East Titles and 2 SEC Titles in 14 seasons.
[su_spacer size=”10″] 4.) Georgia is tied for most bowl victories (10) by an FBS team since 2000.
[su_spacer size=”10″] 5.) Richt and company have sent 87 players to the NFL since the 2001 Draft.
[su_spacer size=”10″] 6.) Georgia had not competed for an SEC Title for 20 years before Richt’s arrival.
[su_spacer size=”10″] 7.) Richt sits behind only Saban, Spurrier, & Les Miles as a head coach vs. Top 25 teams ALL-TIME!
[su_spacer size=”10″] 8.) In 14 seasons, under Richt, Georgia has nine double-digit win seasons and only 1 season under .500.
[su_spacer size=”10″] 9.) During Richt’s tenure at Georgia, some SEC opponents have gone through some very trying times.
[su_spacer size=”40″] FOR EXAMPLE:
[su_spacer size=”40″] Alabama: From 2001 – 2007 had a record 27 – 32 and ran through 4 coaches, one of whom was fired before he ever coached his first game.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Tennessee: Although Fulmer coached through part of Richt’s tenure, the Vols have struggled to find a level of consistency, with Lane, Dooley, Chaney, and now Butch Jones at the helm. The Big Orange are 34 – 39 since their most consistent coach since Johnny Majors was let go for not “winning enough”.
[su_spacer size=”40″] So, what’s the bottom line? Is Richt destined to be good but not great? Is Richt going to be that “close but no cigar” coach? Or will Richt and the University of Georgia eventually be rewarded for staying the course, maintaining a level of consistency and finding a way to break through the National Championship barrier? Because in truth, for all the ups and downs, all the highlights and lowlights, the joyous memories, and the agonizing losses, a TITLE is the only thing missing from Richt’s resume. And for my money, I’ll still bet on THIS coach!