College Football Week 2: Michigan Win Underscores Georgia Disappointment

I got to see portions of two games tonight, with two very different fanbases. 

In one corner, the Georgia Bulldogs. Facing Armageddon, the dreaded 0-2 start looming on the horizon and the possible dismissal of one of our most successful coaches in school history, the very young Georgia football team went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the country in a fantastic game from start to finish. 

In the other corner, the Michigan Wolverines. Facing their first true test of the season, with a brand new coach, and playing under the lights at home for the first time in school history, Michigan rejuvenated itself twice inside of two minutes and stunned the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

I saw one main difference. A raucous Michigan crowd refused to allow their football team to die in an inspiring 35-31 victory. A partisan Georgia crowd practically shoveled dirt on top of theirs.

I am at a loss for words tonight after Georgia's 45-42 loss.  I have bled Red and Black for all of my adult life.  I was too young to enjoy our long forgotten National Championship of 1980.  I endured countless underachieving teams, coaching staffs, and seasons.  Mark Richt put us back on the map. 

I understand that moral victories count for absolutely nothing in the competitive super-conference of the SEC.  However, in this age of rogue boosters, renegade programs, and athletes bought and paid for, morality among men should count for something.  Our head coach is a universally respected class act.

Coaches do not throw interceptions.  They do not fumble the ball.  They do not blow coverages.  Coaches lead.  I see a leader in Mark Richt, and I am growing tired of our "what have you done for me lately" fanbase. 

Do you know what the University of Michigan has won since it fired Lloyd Carr?  Still can't think of it?  The answer is, precisely, nothing.  If you are going to replace Mark Richt, who are you going to bring in? 

A better recruiter?  No.  A better man?  No.  A better coach?  Maybe. 

But ponder this: Richt has been hailed as a great coach by the same fans who are now shoving him out of Athens.  Did the man forget how to coach?  I think not.

Our fanbase has been through tough times before.  Adversity comes to all programs.  Case in point?  Texas.  USC.  Michigan.  Notre Dame. 

What I saw tonight was a fan base that quit on its team.  So, to those of you who piled out early today, shame on you.  You didn't quit on the coaching staff.  You quit on your team.  Your homework tonight is to go home and watch the Michigan-Notre Dame game.  Watch it over and over again until you get the picture.

Tonight, I saw two football teams that refused to quit.  Every hurdle, every injury, every setback was met with a counter-punch. 

In the end, Georgia's youth lost to South Carolina's experience.  I, for one, still believe in this team and in this season.  To those of you that don't, find another team.  Just don't pick Michigan, because, judging by what I saw in the Big House tonight, they don't want you either.