KNOWing How to Hit Your MARK!

Growing up in the South and being a University of Georgia alumnus, it should be no surprise that I am a big college football fan. Obviously, I love the DAWGS!!

After being upset by South Carolina in Athens and then being demolished by Tennessee in Knoxville, the Bulldog season seemed lost early this year.

Then something changed.

To his credit, head coach Mark Richt changed.

Like any effective leader, Richt realized that to change the results, which had been disastrous so far, he had to change what he was doing.

To that end, he made several changes. To start, he listened to the players. Based on their comments, he realized that the game had become too pedestrian, too much like work. He encouraged the players to have more fun and to be more demonstrative during the games.

He orchestrated the now famous (and infamous if you are from Florida) touchdown celebration versus Florida. If you haven't seen it, when Georgia scored its first touchdown versus Florida, the ENTIRE Georgia team ran onto the field to dance and celebrate the touchdown. The excessive celebration cost UGA like 30 yards in penalties, but the tone of the game was set, and Georgia played with passion and reckless abandon.

Knowing that the players feed off of their leader, Richt became more emotional, hoping that the enthusiasm would be infectious. The normally staid Richt was high-fiving his players, barking at officials, and smiling. At the end of the Florida game, he found his wife (who works as a water girl during the game), and kissed her like it was the first time he had ever kissed her.

His energy and passion was infectious. It inspired his young team to play to win instead of timidly playing not to lose.

Lastly, Richt maximized the talent that was on his team. One of the biggest changes was the decision to make Knowshon Moreno, a redshirt freshman, his primary ball carrier.

If you haven't seen Knowshon run, don't worry. You will. He is THAT good. I would not be surprised if he wins the Heisman trophy in a couple years.

Knowshon has excellent balance and terrific speed. Plus, for his size, he is extremely strong. But what makes him such an incredible runner is how he finishes his runs. He punishes players, even bigger and stronger linebackers, by putting his head down and ramming anybody in his way. He NEVER gets pushed backwards.

Best yet, Knowshon always JUMPS up after being tackled, and SPRINTS back to the huddle. He has boundless energy and enthusiasm and the other Georgia players have been swept up by that emotion.

From these two men, much can be learned. Check results. Change if you want to change results. Be relatable. Have fun. Be enthusiastic! Finish! Drive! Do what you want your teammates to do, and they will likely follow your lead.

Good luck to all! And Goooooo Daawgss! Sic 'Em! Whoof! Whoof!