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It has been a frustrating last few weeks for Georgia, but head coach Mark Richt says the Bulldogs have no intentions of giving up.
On Tuesday, Richt told the assembled media at his weekly press conference that the Bulldogs were going to keep working and keep fighting.
“We’re Georgia,” Richt said. “We’re a team. We work together. We’re gonna fight. We’re gonna fight together. We’ll do the things we think we need to do to get better as we go. But the Georgia people can count on us fighting our tails off and doing it in a way that everybody would be proud of in our young men, to get better. So that’s where we’re at right now.”
Richt was asked to rationalize the season…..Richt said “It’s not over No. 1 … but we’re battling.”
— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 3, 2015
There has been plenty of speculation about Richt’s future since last Saturday, when Georgia lost 27-3 to archrival Florida, but the longtime head coach has ignored it. And he has advised the players to ignore it, too.
Richt asked about questions about his future from national media. He says he tells his players to “ignore the noise” good and bad. — Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) November 3, 2015
Mark Richt said he has had no conversations with Greg McGarity about the program or assistant coaches.
— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 3, 2015
He is also trying to ignore outside suggestions and criticism, saying the coaches know what needs to be fixed.
Richt: “There’s a lot of good constructive criticism out there. … but we know it (what’s wrong, too.” — Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 3, 2015
Richt said he told players to ignore negativity: “Negativity brings people down.” https://t.co/2A0ifUIchy — Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 3, 2015
Nevertheless, he understands why many fans are frustrated. Georgia started the season 4-0 and was ranked in the top 10, but has lost three of its last four games.
Richt: “I don’t blame people for being mad.” https://t.co/2A0ifUIchy — Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 3, 2015
Richt indicated the quarterback competition was wide open this week. Junior Faton Bauta (who played against Florida), senior Greyson Lambert (who started the Bulldogs’ first seven games) and sophomore Brice Ramsey have all gotten playing time under center this year. But the head coach also said he’d like to get some stability at the position.
Mark Richt says Georgia is “basically competing” at QB and other positions on offense this week. So no starting QB announcement today. — Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) November 3, 2015
One player who could see more playing time is running back Keith Marshall. Marshall, a senior, rushed for 759 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman, but has battled injuries the last two years. He has averaged 5.5 yards per carry in his career with the Bulldogs.
Richt says Keith Marshall “is in a good position to get more totes this week.” https://t.co/2A0ifUIchy
— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 3, 2015
The coach also said that Dyshon Sims would be getting more work on the offensive line. Sims, a sophomore from Valdosta, Ga., can play tackle or guard. Richt would not say if any coaching responsibilities had changed since the Florida game. But he did indicate that he won’t be taking over play calling duties from first-year offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
“Not really,” when Richt is asked if there has been any dissension or disharmony within his coaching staff. No issues. — Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) November 3, 2015
It’s not often that a quarterback becomes the team’s punter, but last Saturday, Ramsey assumed punting duties and averaged 43.4 yards on five punts. Richt hinted that Ramsey would remain the team’s punter this week.
Coach Richt likes these questions about “punting.” — Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) November 3, 2015
Georgia (5-3) hosts Kentucky (4-4) this Saturday at noon. The game will be shown on the SEC Network.
