As a coach, one of the sayings I constantly use as an example to my players comes from the Bible (Luke 12:48): “To whom much is given, much is expected.” I’m sure Georgia football coach Mark Richt has this verse stapled to the wall somewhere in the Dawgs’ locker room, for this season will be his ultimate challenge as a coach.
For the first time in school history, the Georgia Bulldogs have been chosen by college football coaches around the nation as the top team going into the season. While an honor, you’ll still need $3 to go along with the recognition to buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks. While many coaches would cringe at the label, Richt has welcomed it, saying “it’s the opportunity of a lifetime” for his players. The last team to go from preseason No. 1 to national champion was USC in 2004, so it can be done.
Remember that Trojan team? They had a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback in Matt Leinart. (The Dawgs have a Heisman candidate in Matthew Stafford.) The Trojans had a great backfield that included non-starter Reggie Bush. (The Dawgs’ backfield might be even better with Heisman hopeful Knowshon Moreno and freshman Caleb King.) But once again, there’s a big difference between what’s on paper and what actually happens. Give a good coach the player he needs and he’ll make good things happen. Richt’s a good coach.
With 72 wins and a .791 winning percentage in his seven years at Georgia, Richt has already climbed into the elite of college football coaches. Although many coaches would be satisfied with such a record, Richt wanted more and knew he could get more out of himself and his team. In last year’s game against Florida, Richt broke from his norm. Knowing that there are no boundaries for passion when it comes to playing football at the highest level, Richt encouraged his team to do the unspeakable: he told them to celebrate in the end zone after Georgia’s first touchdown. It was a brilliant move that forced the team to focus on execution and the after-effects are still being felt.
Every coach dreams of winning a national championship. Not many coaches have the opportunity. Remember, there are 119 teams in FBS (or Division I-A) college football competing for the same thing. Being No. 1 going into the season is nice but Richt knows that “the postseason poll is the one that is most important.” The Dawgs can see it, taste it and feel it. But can they do it? With Richt in charge, the answer is yes.
Georgia fans, get ready for the ride of your life. There will be a parade on Baxter Street in five months. This Georgia team will “finish the drill.” And “Mark” my words, in 2009, fans might be getting a repeat.
But that’s just my opinion.
Dankosky can be reached at kdankosky@scoreatl.com.
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