I have been hosting the “Mark Richt Report” on the Georgia Bulldogs’ Radio Network for some time now.  So many years, I forget how many.  During that time, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Coach Richt very well. 

So, I’m biased.

I want to see Richt and the team do well for many reasons; but mostly it’s because of my fondness of Richt.  He is a genuinely good man.  And he is a fine football coach.

And let’s put this in perspective.  Richt arrived at UGA in 2001.  How many head coaches are still in place at the same SEC school since 2001?

The answer is one, Mark Richt.  

He has built a great program, and is now bringing the Dawgs back to the SEC Title game for the fifth time.   With wins over Arkansas in 2002, a loss to LSU in 2003 followed by a win over LSU in 2005 and then a loss to LSU last season, the Georgia Bulldogs are 2-and-2 under Richt at the December event at the Georgia Dome.  And, only two other teams have appeared in the SEC Title game more than Georgia:  Florida and Alabama.

So, the record speaks for itself. 

But I won’t deny there have been bumps along the way.  There have been the many problems 20-something kids seem to get into in the offseason.  Once, after yet another UGA player was suspended for a brush with the law, I overheard one of my co-workers says, “Richt has lost control of the program.”

Baloney!  That’s why the Dawgs have had so many suspensions.  It’s because Richt is in control of the program.  What may have been “swept under the carpet” by other schools, have been handled by UGA with dignity and class.  It cannot be easy overseeing such a violent sport, and then expect the players to act like perfect gentlemen away from the field.  I am not condoning nor making light of players getting in trouble; I am saying it’s the way it has been handled that separates the good programs from the bad.    

You won’t ever hear of Mark Richt being in a motorcycle wreck with a former volleyball star.  You will never hear someone accuse him of deflating footballs to help win games.  He will never quit a program due to health reasons only to show up later to run the team.  He is true to Georgia. 

There has, over the years, been much speculation about him leaving to take over programs at Florida State or Miami.  Each time he has batted away those lies by saying that Georgia is where he wants to finish his career.

We are very fortunate to have Mark Richt at the University of Georgia.  Coach, this 38-0 win is for you.  Your club handled the victory with class and dignity. 

Much better than the way Auburn handled the win over the Dawgs at the same location back in 2010.

That is why UGA is lucky to have Richt at the helm.