I hit a link to this page at Marty’s site based on a tweet I saw yesterday justifying McCarron’s invite to the Heisman ceremony. Since I couldn’t care less about the award, this isn’t meant as a knock on McCarron, but I found myself sliding my eyes down to number 13 on that list. And then I made a couple of lists of my own. Like this one. And this one.
Aaron Murray had one helluva year, folks. Unlike AJ, he did it with a motley crew of a supporting cast. And unlike AJ, he walks away with a slew of career SEC records. Yet it’s remarkable how quiet an awards period he’s having. Before you blame his situation on the team record, think about it for a minute. There are SEC quarterbacks who are legends who never won a national or conference title. Murray sounds like he’s fated to be the guy about whom people say when asked, “yeah, I remember him… he was pretty good… but…” Why? Because that’s the narrative that’s been dealt to him.
Frankly, that kinda sucks. How does he not deserve better than having to shake off that big game reputation, which has been thoroughly shredded this season anyway?
I was going to take this post in the direction of wondering what that says about how the football program is managed at the very top – the Heisman push for the sake of the Heisman may be meaningless, but positive promotion for Georgia football is anything but – and then I see that Bernie and Tyler have already plowed that ground. And like them, I can’t help but wonder if this passiveness creeps into other areas.
Our complete and total lack of carpe diem when it comes to things like Heisman campaigns (because in all honesty we should have been promoting two candidates starting in June in the very least) and sticking up for the players on the field when officiating and NCAA rules fail them is astounding. We have an eternal take it easy as it comes attitude. Forever willing to accept our lot in life. Hoping for the future while getting kicked in the crotch by any and all comers.
Additionally, go ahead and explain away the rematch with Nebraska in the upcoming Gator Bowl as old Bill Snyder throwing himself a hissy. But also ask why we don’t have anyone that can dictate the selection procedure with authority? Who is representing Georgia’s best interest? You think Chris Burnette and Artie Lynch came to the University of Georgia wanting their last game, their last trip on the bus with their teammates, to be against a team they played 12 months earlier? Who is going to bat to make sure these players get what’s best for them?
I’m only asking because UGA continually promotes our athletic programs as above certain standards and doing things “the Georgia way”. Yet it is a mere casual observance to fancy from a SkyBox. A simple play toy to enjoy several times a year instead of a business to run, market and promote.
Embarrassing. Dawg fans deserve better. And the University of Georgia’s athletes certainly deserve better.
This wasn’t even a money issue. There was no real cost associated with promoting Murray’s stellar season; it’s just that nobody at B-M thought it was worthy of a special effort. It makes you wonder if there’s anything that would qualify as special enough.
Maybe you don’t think this matters much, but I’d ask you to consider a couple of things. First of all, the postseason gets a lot more subjective next season. Buzz, like it or not, will play more than it did before. If you’re not willing to push yourself if need be, don’t count on the next guy to do it for you. And don’t be surprised when you’re on the outside looking in on the playoff field.
The second point is for a narrower audience, the folks who think Richt needs to move on and that Georgia can do better. What gives you the impression there’s a mindset that makes that automatic?
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UPDATE: More thoughts on this topic at Hey Jenny Slater.