ogredawg, these days I sometime think that I am "mellowing" out and give me another day or two and "mellowing" is not in my vocabulary.
Know where you and I come from, both of us have seen and done many things. Speaking for myself, some good, along with that some that were not nice to look at when I reflect on "myself".
Never dreamed that I would be talking to many folks about high school, college and NFL football at my age, as much as I do. Could be what keeps me "kicking".
Guess I have come to appreciate the fact that Mark Richt is showing a side that I don't think I have seen before. Seems to me he is at a point of "understanding" that the way things were a while back, they are not the same now.
Watching closely to Richt's actions on the sidelines especially the last two seasons, the frustration could be seen if we looked close enough. Truthfully, think he finally realized that "he" had to "change" some areas of being a head coach.
While a single game that counts has not been played with the current group of coaches, Richt does not say the same things he did a short while back. Do I believe that he was feeling pressure, yes I do. Do I think he is feeling pressure now, yes, but some things have changed and I totally believe this. I think some things have changed in his "mind". Whether or not for the better, soon we will see.
Richt is not a Saban type, some coaches try to emulate Nick Saban, but that has to be in the genes, otherwise it will not work.
Have mentioned on our board before that we have two coaches that have proven records in all phases of football. Another reason that I often refer to our defense as Pruitt/Rocker and Company. Cannot speak for every coach that resides on the defensive side of the ball, can speak to Pruitt/Rocker. Both of these men bring a "different brand" of football to Athens. Mark Richt finally got the message after the mistakes he had made in the coaching area, known as defense.
One thing that many may not know but . . . . Mark Richt came from a college (FSU) that believed in scoring points. Bowden at one time was known as a "gunslinger" of a football coach. There was a long period that any college playing FSU knew they had to score a lot of points to win. That is exactly the philosophy that Mark Richt was basically trained under and brought to Georgia. Worked for a short time, however like urban meyer and others found out, you want to win in the SEC, you have to play defense.
Last thingy, (for now)
Don't think I have "ever" seen as much excitement surrounding UGA football as we now see. All of this has happened in my way of thinking . . . . because Mark Richt found out the "hard way" that to stand a chance in the SEC, better play defense. Also believe that fans have caught on to that and think they have seen change for the better, not change for changes sake.
Taylor made his bed, now he has to sleep in it, whether or not he is picked up by Auburn or Louisville, I am proud of the fact that Mark Richt did not hesitate to release him. That sends a much needed message. Me thinks. That is leadership 101.