This one should hurt and it should take us some time to get over it. We don't have that many good chances to beat those guys. I was a freshman in '73. In the 52 games since we are 12-40. 17 of those losses were one possession losses. But, this one is different - up 17-0 at the half, up fourteen with five and a half to play, several calls that if different would have given us the win, a fumble that if we recovered or if it did not occur likely gives us the W, 8 OT's, needing only a yard to win in the 7th OT. This loss was unprecedented. I appreciate the team's effort. I know they are deeply disappointed. All they can do is get back to work and try not to let this loss stay in their heads too long. As fans, all we can do is keep on supporting the Jackets.
The facts are not pretty - we beat Georgia four times in the 40's, seven times in the 50's, and four times in the 60's. That is an even rivalry. We felt the rivalry slip over the next three decades, winning three times each decade in the 70's, 80's and 90's. Not good, but enough wins to give you hope with a 30% win rate. The next slip hurt even more, winning only twice each in the 00's and 10's. That was certainly what led to Gailey's demise. Winning only one in 5 is pretty discouraging. Now we are five games completed in the 20's and are 0 for the decade. Friday night could have changed that with an amazing win, and our coaches and players know they should have finished this game with a W.
So, I understand that for fans this is not a loss that you get over quickly. But, I surely hope Key and his staff keep working hard at recruiting, player development, and improved in game coaching decisions. Grief takes time to get over, but time does heal. Go Jackets, and let's win the bowl game and then whip Colorado in Boulder next Labor Day weekend.