Comfort from a Gator Fan

To all the Dawg fans out there here is word of comfort from a die hard Gator fan. I am from Florida but have lived just north of Athens since 1989. I have been surrounded by the enemy for a while and have never gloated about the success the Gators have had over the Dawgs in recent years (well maybe a little).
The reason for my post is that I am astonished to hear some of the comments regarding the Dawgs lack-luster performances or Mark Richt’s performance of late. Man, some of you fans have a short memory. The Dawgs used to stink and are now one of the powers of the SEC thanks to Richt. For a decade, I always considered the date with the Dawgs as a sure victory. I gave it no more worry than I would give Vandy or Kentucky. That all changed when Richt came on board. I now worry about UGA as much as any of them. Do not let your heart be troubled by what appears to be a weakened team. Remember that this truly is a rebuilding year. I have no doubt that Richt will have this team back in top form very soon. Remember Tennessee’s downfall last year? Vols fans were screaming for Fulmer’s head. Ridiculous! He’s a great coach! So is Richt. And fortunately, I believe Meyer will be for us. I screamed for Zook’s head but that was justified.
That’s all I have to say.
Obviously, I hope for a big victory for the Gators this weekend but I bet the game will be closer than people expect.

Thanks for a class post. May the best team win. Personally I thought Zook made some questionable decisions while down there ( off the field stuff) but thought he had the right attitude and wanted to improve the program. His players sure thought a alot of him.

Thanks for the incouragement GatorinGA. I'm a Dawg fan in LSU tiger land so i know what mean about being surrounded by the enemy. Anyway.... i hope we make a game of it and atleast cover the point spread!

It's nice to finally meet a Florida fan that understands how to talk class football. You are certainly welcome here and good luck to your Gators. As of late, both teams have made some tight games, hopefully this won't be any different.

Hey, I have lived in Georgia for almost 20 years and this in my home.
My parents still live in Florida and I go back often but I would never leave Georgia. I love it here and all of my friends, co-workers, etc. are Dawg fans so I'd be a fool to talk smack.

Oledawg, yes, the Gator playes did repect Zook and I remember them carrying him off the field after one of his final games. Also, you say, "may the best team win." Well no dought the best team this year is the Gators but the best team does not always win. I will say that the Bulldogs were much better that the Gators from 2002 - 2005 and went 1-3.

Love your post, appreciate your words of comfort, and I'm not calling for Richt's head on a pole. I am a Dawg in Seminole country, have been for 14 years, and was thrilled when CMR was hired at UGA, because I knew from watching him down here that my days of eating crow for these Criminole fans about UGA was over. UGA has learned to win over the powers that once beat us every year (Tennesee) on his watch, and we all appreciate it. However, he has yet to convince his team that they can win over the Gators. You have to admit that there have been times over the last 5 years that UGA had the better team (2002, 03, 04, and 05) but was only able to win in Jacksonville one time. (2004). On the other hand, UF had some really good teams they put on the field during the Dooley years, and they couldn't motivate their guys enough to win over us back then. It comes and goes in cycles. We once couldn't beat Tennesee, and now we have beaten them in 2000, 01, 02, 03, and 05. Although I dont wish UF ill will, because I would take them over any other team in the east besides UGA, I do wish CMR would be able to motivate his team into believing they COULD beat the gators every once in a while. 2 wins in 16 years just isn't good. 1 win in 5 with CMR isnt good. While he was with FSU, he was able to convince the Criminoles they could win over UF, so why can't he do it now?