Bulldawg 12, charleston sou, 2014

Georgia-Charleston Southern issue

Athens w w w. h i - a t h e n s. c o m

FROM THE EDITOR: VANCE LEAVY With so much to be excited about after our Bulldogs’ thumping of Auburn under the lights in Sanford Stadium, it is now extremely difficult to write my weekly offering as the severity of Todd Gurley’s injury was just confirmed by UGA. Unfortunately, Gurley did in fact tear his ACL and more than likely will never play another down in a Georgia jersey.

To his credit, Gurley sent out a tweet saying “No Pain, No Gain …” which is a good sign that the young man is dealing with the harsh news with a positive outlook. We all know that injuries are a part of football, but it still stings like hell when we see one of our players suffer one.

The good news for Gurley is without a question he is surrounded by a team and fan base that will support him to the fullest through his recovery.

That love came through whole heartedly over the last six weeks during his suspension and now even more of it is needed for #3.

Unfortunately, all of us in the Bulldog Nation, dealt with a similar situation at the end of last season when former quarterback Aaron Murray suffered a similar injury in the third to last game. In situations like this, there are two choices … either you rise to the challenge or you let it beat you.

Without question, I know what this 2014 Georgia football team will

do. They are going to finish like champions and that starts Saturday when Charleston Southern comes to town.

And boy, there is still plenty to play for in this season after the impressive victory over Auburn.

Yes, the yearly goal of making it to Atlanta to play in the SEC Championship is now out of our team’s control, as it will take a Missouri loss. But they can dictate the outcomes of the final two regular season games. I’m never one to get overconfident about any opponent Georgia plays, but a victory over Charleston Southern should occur provided there’s not a complete loss of focus.

And that will set up, a final season collision with Georgia’s arch enemy, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who are firing on all cylinders right now. Just the mention of their name, makes my stomach growl. And you can bet with this week off, they are chomping at the bit to roll into Athens in a few weeks and break our Dawgs’ hearts.

On page 5, Jeff Dantzler reminds all of us the importance of beating Tech. He is dead on in saying that how our team plays this Saturday will go a long way towards whether we win this year’s state championship or not.

And I will take it a step further by saying that the support of our fans in Sanford Stadium the next two weeks is paramount. The night game versus Au-

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burn was over the top with electricity.

But can the Bulldog Nation duplicate that intensity when faced with playing two straight noon kickoffs?

My vote is yes and it has a lot to do with all the factors that make our stadium game days so special. From the fans to the band to the cheerleaders to the majorettes, each working together is what provides an atmosphere that our players thrive in. For that reason, this issue’s cover is donned by our National Champion UGA Majorettes. This year, they won three national titles and feature twirler Nicole Jenson won College Miss Majorette of America. Kudos must go to them for their incredible achievements!

With that being said, let us all end our final two games of the 2014 season with a bang. That starts Saturday at high noon. I look forward to seeing you there with our game faces on. Go Dawgs!

• Editor : Vance Leavy • Creative Director: Cheri Leavy • Multimedia Director: Greg Poole • Sports Guru: Jeff Dantzler • Layout/Design: Cheri Leavy, Vance Leavy • Sales: Caroline Kinney, Nancy Kenerly • Sports: Jeff Dantzler, Murray Poole, John Frierson • Sports Intern: Logan Booker, Jordan James • Interns: Emory Kole, Frances Plunkett, Molly White • Sports Photography: Rob Saye • Columnists: Carlton DeVooght, Rob Sherrell, Loran Smith • Delivery: Jack Abernathy, Will Hayes, Bear Jordan, Tim Roberts, Cullen Sewell, Thompson Sewell, Champ Vance Georgia-Charleston Southern, Nov. 18, 2014

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LOGAN BOOKER

GATA, Todd Gurley ... and thank you!

By Logan Booker Bulldawg Illustrated

That one was fun. But unfortunately the price was steep.

42-days on the road and a bad loss to Florida was not nearly enough to get the spirits of Bulldog Nation down.

Instead, Athens was boiling over with excitement this past Saturday as the anticipated return of Todd Gurley had finally come. With revenge on the minds of everybody wearing red and black in the Sanford Stadium stands on one of the coldest games ever played in the Classic City, Georgia managed to put together one of the most complete games in years.

And on this day, I had the opportunity to break my normal work routine and sit with my fellow UGA students in the infamous section 109 instead of working the sidelines like normal. An opportunity and decision I do not regret and certainly will always remember.

Crammed in our seats over an hour before the game, the students were the 12th man from the moment the first of our classmates wearing a red helmet poked out from the tunnel to warm up. And when Todd Gurley first emerged in full uniform for the first time since the last home game in what seems like a lifetime ago, we had no idea it would also be his last.

Some special moments exhibiting the bond between classmate and athlete that can only be found in college athletics came during the game itself.

You’re well aware of why Gurley had to sit four games.

And agree with the punishment or not, it’s what is warranted as outlined in today’s NCAA handbook. But the students viewed this month long ordeal as a slap in the face to one of their own. And that’s ok.

As Gurley finally took to the Sanford Stadium turf, into deep coverage for an Auburn kickoff, every student on

hand, all 18,000 of them, raised one hand straight into the air with their pointer finger touching their thumb, leaving three fingers raised in support of their neighbor, classmate, friend and athletic idol. During which, you could barely hear your own thoughts as the screaming voices of all were in phase one of rendering themselves useless the next day.

Sitting there with my classmates in the middle of this display of support and affection reminded me of something I often grow complacent of when covering the team from the media side. This was the college football I fell in love with growing up and am passionately pursuing any way possible to make into my job so that I can always be around it. This was not the objective aspect that scares me so much as I often forget about the nostalgia of what made me fall in love so long ago.

And when Gurley ran that kickoff 105-yards for a would be touchdown if not for a holding penalty halfway through the play, 18,000 students bonded by the support of one man amongst boys jumped, screamed, cried and hugged once strangers as the Sanford Stadium stands literally shook. Gurley was back.

As the game went on and it slowly became apparent that Georgia was going to dominate the whole way with Gurley doing Gurley things and his now-beloved sidekick Nick Chubb doing Nick Chubb things, a relief fell over the stadium. The manner in which Georgia lost at Auburn the season before will always leave a slight bad taste in the mouths of those who remember it. But as shamed former Bulldog turned Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall continuously failed at moving the ball forward, the frustrated fanbase of Georgia slowly began to peek over at the orange-clad fans with a sly smile as if “We hope you enjoyed last year.

Because that was not normal.”

But with five minutes left in the game, Gurley went down on a run and instantly grabbed his knee on the Sanford Stadium turf. A hush fell over the crowd that had been partying hard for the previous three plus hours. Not a single student said a word to another. Instead, once again, as if this

photo by Rob Saye

tragic moment had been rehearsed and planned for, every hand of every student went up in unison with the same three-finger gesture as earlier. But this time with deafening silence. Nobody spoke. Nobody speculated. Nobody bowed his or her head in disbelief or shame. Instead, 18,000 plus were on the turf with one of their own.

The next day the suspected worst was confirmed. A torn ACL in his left knee ended one of the most roller coaster seasons of any athlete the sport of college football has ever seen. From leading Heisman Trophy candidate to four game suspension for signing his name on jerseys to an epic comeback under the lights in Athens, it all came to an end with an awkward planting of a cleat and the snap of a knee. And in all likelihood you have now watched the greatest running back since Herschel Walker carry his final football in the thick Georgia air.

Gurley may have worn the No. 3 on his jersey, but when he carried the football on this night his entire university and everybody affiliated came together as one and carried it with him. Just as it fell with him too.

GATA, Todd. And thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED

Fine tuning time on Saturday ...

By Jeff Dantzler Bulldawg Illustrated

On the heels of one of the most impressive victories by Georgia over Auburn in the grand and storied history of the deep South’s oldest rivalry, the Bulldogs eye the future. The 34-7 triumph over the then top-ten Tigers marked the third time in four seasons that Georgia has rocked Auburn – 45-7 in 2011, 38-0 in 2012.

Georgia shouldn’t have too much trouble with Charleston Southern this week – though keep in mind the Buccaneers did fight Southeastern Conference foe Vanderbilt tooth-and-nail before falling 21-20 in Nashville. Then comes the biggest game of them all.

Perhaps if Missouri loses to Tennessee or Arkansas, a date in the SEC Championship Game awaits.

But thoughts certainly turn towards Tech, with all due respect to the Buccaneers, one of the most improved programs in the old Division I-AA, now the Football Championship Subdivision.

In his 14th season as Georgia’s head coach, arguably Mark Richt’s greatest accomplishment is a 12-1 record against Tech.

This could be the finest Yellow Jacket team the Bulldogs have faced since Richt’s tenure began. If not, they are certainly there with the 2008 squad that beat Georgia and the following year’s Atlantic Coast Conference champions.

Make no mistake, Tech is gunning for Georgia. The Yellow Jackets players, coaches, and most of all, their fans want it bad. Tech is off this week, with all eyes towards the Bulldogs and putting an end to Georgia’s dominating run in the series.

The Jackets thought they had it a year ago. The Yellow Jackets led 20-0 in the first half and were smelling not just a win, but a blowout. Of course the Bulldogs came storming back and won the game 41-34, with Todd Gurley carrying four times for 50 yards and two touchdowns in overtime, and Leonard Floyd making the big defensive play.

For the Georgia people, there is NOTHING worse than losing to Tech. The Bulldogs need to be clicking heading into the showdown in Sanford Stadium. Tech is loving the early noon kickoff, hoping for early empty seats and a second victory over Georgia between the hedges in the last four Athens meetings.

Losing to Tech in Sanford Stadium is as low as it gets for the red and black faithful. So the second Saturday’s game with the Buccaneers is over, all attention shifts to the Yellow Jackets.

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Georgia’s greatest coach, Vince Dooley arrived in Athens 50 years ago. In 25 years as the Bulldogs head coach, Dooley led Georgia to six Southeastern Conference crowns, the 1980 national championship and 20 bowl games. Only once under his watch did Georgia have a losing season. Dooley knew how important the Tech game was, always calling it the biggest game of them all. This was especially true when his career in Athens began in 1964. Georgia won four straight over the Yellow Jackets in legendary coach Wallace Butts’ final four years at the Bulldogs helm from 1957-1960. But that was on the heels of the dreaded drought, when the Bulldogs lost eight straight times to the Yellow jackets from 1949-1956. Tech then won three in a row between Butts’ and Dooley’s tenures. So that was 11 of 15 years losing to Tech. That was a dark time for Georgia. Meanwhile, Tech had established itself as a powerhouse under Bobby Dodd’s watch, especially during the 1950s.

Dooley’s first team beat Tech 7-0 in 1964 and it was announced at game’s end that the Bulldogs were bound for the Sun Bowl. Georgia would win five in a row over Tech, and during his career, Dooley led the Bulldogs to a 19-6 record against the Yellow Jackets. He was 3-0 against Dodd, most notably in 1966 when the once-beaten SEC champion Bulldogs beat then-undefeated Tech 23-14. In the 50 meetings dating back to 1964, Georgia is 38-12 against the Yellow Jackets. Of course a pair of fumble calls – one that was and was ruled not a fumble, and one that wasn’t, but was called one – and Tech not being penalized for having 13 men on the field and a couple of heartbreakers that didn’t go Georgia’s way will forever sting. It could be even better than 38-12 in the last 50.

There may be other opponents, Florida in particular, that some Georgia fans want to beat more. But Tech is the game that Georgia has to win. Or Christmas is cancelled.

So next up is Charleston Southern and what do the Bulldogs need to do to get the win and be clicking on all cylinders for the biggest game of them all?

Georgia’s defense must tackle and play assignment football. The Bulldogs strive to keep the focus and fire on the heels of one of the most outstanding defensive performances by the Bulldogs in the 21st century. Defensive ends need to “set the edge” and keep containment. Georgia’s defensive tackles must get a push. The linebackers have to play assignment football, but also make plays. Same for the secondary. With Charleston Southern, what Georgia needs out of the defense is a sound tackling and hard-hitting performance. Wrap up and take to the ground – with a purpose. Missed tackles against

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The Bulldogs don’t need any bad habits heading into the clash with Tech.

The same goes for the special teams. It has come miles and miles from a year ago, but there have been breakdowns, in particular in the losses to South Carolina and Florida. Even in the win over Kentucky when Isaiah McKenzie returned both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown, the Bulldogs had three Led Zepplein-esque Communication Breakdowns. Georgia has to be sound in the kicking game to finish the campaign in strong fashion.

Offensively, keeping the running game going is the prime focus, despite the loss of Todd Gurley to a torn ACL. This is also a great opportunity for Brice Ramsey and Faton Bauta to get valuable snaps at quarterback. The same goes for numerous young players who will have the opportunity to get extended playing time “while the band is playing.”

Georgia should cruise to victory and the Bulldog faithful should enjoy a wonderful fall day between the hedges, as yet another football season draws near a close. But the moment the Chapel Bell starts ringing, all attention must turn to Tech.

Because from the very second the game went final a year ago on the flats and Georgia pulled one out the Yellow Jackets thought they had, all Tech has been thinking about is beating the Bulldogs and pulling off pieces of the hedges for lifetime memories.

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BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED

By Murray Poole Bulldawg Illustrated

ON THE FIELD

THE BIG FIVE

Realistically, there shouldn’t be any way for the FCS Charleston Southern Buccaneers to defeat the University of Georgia when the two teams meet at high noon Saturday in Sanford Stadium.

But, thing is, the Bucs of Jamey Chadwell did come close to upsetting another Southeastern Conference opponent, Vanderbilt, back on Oct. 11 in Nashville when the Commodores held off a Charleston Southern second-half rally to nip the Bucs by 21-20.

And certainly the South Carolina school, a member of the Big South Conference, is catching the Bulldogs at a good time, what with Georgia coming off the huge SEC battle with arch-rival Auburn and the Dawgs likely looking ahead to their annual donnybrook with state rival Georgia Tech the following Saturday.

So while an upset of David vs. Goliath proportions is very unlikely to happen this coming weekend, just maybe the vast underdog Bucs, who entered this past Saturday’s game at Liberty sporting a 7-3 season mark, can at least take the fight to Georgia in the early going.

And if Charleston Southern can somehow be successful at these Big Five factors, the Buccaneers just might even be able to make the game interesting entering the halftime break

1. Play with the nothing to lose, everything to gain mantra

There is no way possible for the Bulldogs to be highly motivated for this football game, with it being sandwiched between the Tigers and Yellow Jackets. So Buccaneers, come out and sell the ranch, throw caution to the wind and hit Georgia in the mouth with your very best shot from the opening whistle on. Let the Bulldogs know you’re not intimidated in the least in this contest.

2. Play with the confidence you did against Vanderbilt Admittedly, Georgia and Vanderbilt aren’t in the same time zone, talent-wise, but you Bucs gained confidence as the game went along in Nashville that October day and almost pulled off the huge upset of an FBS team. Take that same confidence and swagger into this game and don’t let the Bulldogs put you in a deep hole at the outset.

3. Slow down Georgia’s powerful run game Let’s face it, Charleston Southern can’t allow the Nick Chubb-led Bulldog running game to hog the football all day and expect to keep this game close. Somehow, someway, get a stalemate with the UGA blockers up front and limit Gurley and Chubb to 3,4 yards at a time and not allow the long TD jaunts. And Bucs, you have been efficient in rushing defense this year, allowing just 127 yards per outing entering the Liberty game this past weekend with junior linebacker Aaron Brown (No. 6), at 6-0, 220, being your tackle leader.

4. Keep the Bulldogs off balance with a good run-pass mixture The Buccaneers have a capable passing quar-

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terback in 6-1, 207-pound junior Austin Brown (4) and top receivers in 6-3, 210-pound senior Nathan Perera (3) and 6-0, 175-pound sophomore Colton Korn (11). You also own capable ball carriers in 5-10, 218-pound senior Christian Reyes (20) and 5-8, 180-pound sophomore Mike Holloway (27). Keep the Georgia defense guessing with your play calling, that’s the only chance you have of moving the football.

5. Don’t give up big plays in the kicking game Obviously, if Charleston Southern’s special teams break down in this game, they will have no opportunity at all to give the Bulldogs a decent battle. Especially, don’t let Georgia’s dynamic kick returner, Isaiah McKenzie, flip the field on you with his long-distance runbacks.

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BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED

ON THE FIELD

THE BIG FIVE

2. Brice Ramsey, get a bunch of reps

By Logan Booker Bulldawg Illustrated

With the SEC schedule wrapped up for the 2014 season, Georgia once again takes a trip to the bakery this coming Saturday as it welcomes should-be cupcake Charleston Southern to Sanford Stadium so that they may collect a check in return for a Bulldog win.

A noon kick and the beginning of Thanksgiving break is not exactly going to be the recipe for a raucous and wild Saturday between the hedges, but you can rest assured the football team will view this as another opportunity to play together and help that resume of impressing the voters for College Football Playoff consideration.

And while many may already have taken out the ink pen and drawn a “W” in the column next to this game, there will still be 60-mins of football played in order to enter Georgia/Georgia Tech week with momentum and a good mood.

1. Nick Chubb, just be Nick Chubb.

With Todd Gurley done for the year the future is now. And that future started five weeks ago when the player I am predicting as the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner started slicing up SEC defenses in displays of awe. This is yet another opportunity to get the freshman Nick Chubb as much experience as possible as he will continue his recent role of feature back next year as the big man on offense. And if the last five games have been even a remote indication of the future to come, fans can start using Chubb’s name with the greats that came before him. He should continue to prove why this Saturday.

By all indications, there should be some valid time for backup quarterback Brice Ramsey to throw some footballs in Sanford Stadium this Saturday. As Hutson Mason will graduate after this season, Ramsey is expected to be the guy to sling the ball around next year, and any experience he can get between then and now will be of comfort to UGA fans. Expect him to showcase why he was such a sought after prospect when he chose Georgia for an entire half, hopefully showing that he can make good decisions when needed.

3. Create (even more) turnovers Collecting three more turnovers against Auburn this past Saturday, Georgia’s season and SEC-leading ratio is now +16. Not too bad for an inexperienced bunch with a new defensive coordinator. Winning the turnover game each Saturday has been a big key to the success of the Bulldogs and expect nothing different this Saturday. The caliber of athlete will be different on the field with the obvious advantage going to the Bulldogs. With some hard hitting and swarming, Georgia should improve on an already impressive run of turnover success.

4. Secondary improving each week Holding Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall to only 11/23 for 112 yards last Saturday was a huge victory for a secondary that can at times be vulnerable. But lately, this unit has shown improvement week after week. And with Charleston Southern attempting 37 passes last week in a win over Liberty, there will be plenty of chances this Saturday for the secondary to continue to show signs of what should be good things to come over the next few years.

photo by Rob Saye

5. The UGA family It’s not homecoming, but it may feel like it in Athens this Saturday in terms of the fans you’ll see in the stands. On a typical “cupcake game” in Sanford Stadium, many more kids and families will be present than normal, as more tickets are sold second hand and made much more affordable.

And this creates a great opportunity to share the Georgia traditions with the younger generations that will one day be the backbone of the UGA program. So while the student section may not fill up this week as many of them head home for the holiday, and the game is scheduled for noon (all but eliminating tailgating), the feel will be mellow and relaxed. But after the highs and lows of a once-again exciting Georgia season, take this chance to enjoy it before bringing your loudest voices back to meet against Georgia Tech the following week.

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BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED

JEFF DANTZLER

A View From ... Charleston

By Jeff Dantzler Bulldawg Illustrated

Kevin O’Rourke, the voice of the Buccaneers and a member of the sports information office at Charleston Southern takes the time to give us his insights on Saturday’s matchup.

Are the Buccaneer fans excited to be coming to Athens?

I think there’s a lot of excitement any time we take on an FCS opponent, let alone one with the tradition and success Georgia has enjoyed. I know we have a bus of students heading to the game as well, so they’re looking forward to a Saturday between the hedges. As far as the team is concerned, they’re certainly playing their best football of the season and are hopeful for a FCS Playoff bid following the Liberty win on Saturday. They were right there in the fourth quarter with a chance to win at Vanderbilt, and I think they’re well aware Georgia is not Vanderbilt. At the same time, though, coach Jamey Chadwell and his staff have really injected a confidence into the program and I think they take a lot of pride in coming in and playing to the best of their ability and seeing how it measures up, as cliché as that may sound.

What did it mean to the program to have a big time turnaround a year ago?

Last season was about as storybook as it could get without a conference championship or a playoff bid. It was a remarkable year for a program only two seasons removed from an 0-11 campaign. Wins at The Citadel and Appalachian State really created a lot of confidence early in the season, and solidified the belief of the roster in the staff. The interest on campus and in the community was at an all-time high, and that was really special for our upperclassmen that were part of a winless season.

What are the long term goals of the program?

It’s still a really young program in just its 24th year and I think for now the expectations are creating a winning program that can compete in the Big South year-to-year. Ten wins in your first year as a staff, and eight this season that have put them in the running for an at-large playoff berth, create some heightened expectations. Rightly so, but the perspective of where the program was in years past needs to be there too. I think competing for a Big South Championship is the goal, and then taking that next step to a national platform is obviously something everyone has a desire for.

What is your take on Georgia?

I think it’s safe to say Georgia is the best team Charleston Southern has played or will play this season. Trying to somewhat slow down Georgia’s stable of running backs is obviously going to be a monumental challenge for the CSU defense, and dealing with the Bulldogs’ superior size and athleticism is daunting on both sides of the football. I think our guys are excited to play against a team that they see on TV every week, and a program that some of them probably grew up rooting for. Ultimately, all these guys had dreams of playing at Georgia’s level so I think they want to prove that they belong on the same field.

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The near-miss at Vanderbilt, can you talk about that and going toe-to-toe with an SEC school?

From the beginning of that week, it was clear this was a game they felt was winnable. It certainly played out that well. To dominate statistically the way they did in the second half, outgaining Vanderbilt 241-38 at one point, though, I don’t know anyone could have expected.

Their ability to get the interior running game going against an SEC front-seven was impressive to say the least. I think the attitude after the game said a lot about the way expectations have changed here. There was disappointment in the loss instead of satisfaction in performing well and merely having a chance to win. I think there was some linger there from that defeat and it probably showed a little bit in a home loss to Presbyterian. It’s one of those things that in the grand scheme of things, they’ll probably look back on it fondly but always also kind of know it was one they could have had, and a pretty special one at that.

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Talk about the growth of your program.

It’s been a pretty expedited growth here these last two years. The perception of the program among the students, university, community and perhaps even the team itself, has completely changed. Coach Chadwell and his staff’s energy enthusiasm are contagious, and they really seem to relate to the guys. The way they play makes it evident they love the staff and play hard for them. I think the talent level is improving and that’s been on display this year with some freshmen like Davion Anderson and Anthony Ellis, that have made an impact. Offensively, recruits this staff brought in have made an impact as well when you talk about guys like Mike Holloway, Ben Robinson, Colton Korn and the center Jackson Williamson. The increased interest on campus and locally has also turned some heads, and I think there’s a hope and desire that things are coming down the road that will help allow for sustained year-to-year success.

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OFF THE FIELD

BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED

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OFF THE FIELD

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Georgia 34 Auburn 7

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It’s been a long time since I’ve been back for a game, but the excitement in the air and yummy tailgate food has always been a good memory of those games. And– our rally cry still makes a smile.

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P O O L E S H O T S - S TAT S T HAT M AT T E R :

By Murray Poole Bulldawg Illustrated The script on Todd Gurley’s return went as planned. The Georgia junior tailback, who had been suspended for the Bulldogs’ past four games due to autographing memorabilia for cash, returned Auburn’s first kickoff for 108 yards only to see the run erased due to a holding penalty. But, undeterred, Gurley went on to run for 138 yards on 29 carries with a three-yard touchdown as the 15th-ranked Bulldogs went on to rout the 9th-ranked Auburn Tigers 34-7 on Saturday at a boisterous Sanford Stadium. Unfortunately, it was likely the final game of the great Gurley’s UGA career as the Bulldogs’ all-time No. 2 rusher went down with a torn ACL in the game’s final minutes.

And the Bulldogs’ splendid freshman, Nick Chubb, carried out his normal role in Georgia’s dual running game by leading the Dawgs with 144 yards on 19 carries including scoring jaunts of 9 and 11 yards as the Bulldogs pounded the Tiger defense – which hadn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher all season -- for 289 total yards.

But what anyone didn’t see in this script of the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry was a Georgia defense performing like it did.

Against an Auburn offense that was leading the SEC in rushing with 286 yards per outing and was scoring at a 38-points-per-game clip, Jeremy Pruitt’s Bulldog defense limited the Tigers to the one lone touchdown, on Auburn’s opening possession of the game, and just 150 net rushing for the entire game.

And extra sweet for the Georgia stop-em gang was that they held former teammate, Tiger quarterback Nick Marshall, to just 41 yards rushing and 112 yards passing. Marshall, remember, was the guy who beat the Bulldogs with the fluke, 73-yard touchdown pass in the final minute at Auburn last season.

Climbing to 8-2 on the season and going a final 6-2 in the SEC, the Bulldogs now need a loss by Missouri in either of its final games against Tennessee and Arkansas to win the East Division and advance to the SEC championship game on Dec. 6 in the Georgia Dome.

On truly an electric night to remember in a rocking Sanford Stadium, here are the Stats That Matter which clearly illustrate how the Bulldogs manhandled the Auburn Tigers by a 27-point margin.

Plays of 20 plus yards, offense and defense

Too bad Gurley’s 100-plus kickoff return was nulli-

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fied because that would have really highlighted this category. As it was, Gurley reeled off a 31-yard run in the fourth quarter; Chubb had a run of 20 yards and rambled 27 yards with a screen pass from Hutson Mason, and Chris Conley snared a 21-yard pass from Mason. For Auburn, Cameron Artis-Payne tallied the Tigers’ lone TD on a 26-yard gallop and the only other 20-yards plus play came on a 25-yard pass from backup quarterback Jeremy Johnson to Melvin Ray.

Untimely Mistakes (turnovers, penalties, clock management miscues, etc)

The good thing, the Bulldogs didn’t fumble away the ball or throw any interceptions but they did commit some awful penalties … the holding call on Ryne Rankin that erased Gurley’s 100-yard kick return, an illegal man downfield on a fake punt pass from Adam Erickson to freshman Shakenneth Williams that went for 41 yards to the Auburn 3-yard line and still another holding call way downfield on receiver Malcolm Mitchell after Chubb had taken a pass from Mason 21 yards to the Auburn 32. Still further, there was a holding call assessed against Reggie Davis on an Auburn punt.

Special teams wins vs. miscues

A big turning point early in the game came when Auburn’s Quan Bray fumbled a Collin Barber punt and Georgia snapper Nathan Theus recovered at the Tigers’ 19. From there, the Bulldogs went on to tie the game 7-7 on a 7-yard pass from Mason to Mitchell and then built a 17-7 halftime lead en route to the pelting of the Tigers. Amarlo Herrera, Georgia’s senior linebacker who led the sterling defensive effort with 12 tackles, also managed a clutch interception of a Marshall pass at the Bulldogs’ 2-yard line to deny Auburn a second touchdown in the final quarter. Davin Bellamy also pounced on an Auburn fumble. Marshall Morgan booted field goals of 32 and 28 yards and Barber twice booted the Tigers dead inside their own 20.

Missed Tackles

Unlike the Florida game two weeks earlier, when the Georgia defense allowed a pair of Gator backs to run all over the field, the Bulldogs were harassing Auburn’s ball carriers from start to finish, most of the time taking them to the ground on first contact in this truly outstanding defensive performance.

Yards after contact

Truth be told, the Auburn defense simply couldn’t get Nick Chubb on the ground as he shook off numerous would-be tacklers on both his runs from scrimmage and on his screen passes from Mason. And Gurley, as usual, bulled through Auburn defenders also though perhaps not quite being back up to his usual game

photo by Rob Saye

strength just yet.

Turnovers (gained/lost)

As mentioned, the Bulldogs didn’t lose the ball a single time in this game while recovering two Tiger fumbles and also picking off a Nick Marshall pass.

Red Zone (offense/defense)

The Bulldogs cashed points all six times inside the red zone, with four being touchdowns and two trips resulting in Morgan field goals. Auburn, meantime, penetrated inside the Bulldogs’ 20 only once and came away empty handed.

Third down conversions

One of the negatives for the Bulldogs in this contest as Georgia converted on only five of 13 third-down

opportunities while the Tigers got first downs on eight of their 14 third down tries. The Bulldogs, however, did stone the Tigers on two fourth-down attempts.

Run/pass attempts (total plays) Always the good formula for winning football as Georgia ran the ball 52 times for 289 yards and passed it 19 times, Mason completing 10 for 123 yards.

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BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED

K E V I N B U T L E R’ S P L AY E R S O F T H E G A M E — G E O R G I A 3 4

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Kevin Butler, former University of Georgia legendary kicker and a member of the Georgia radio broadcast team, will each week during the 2014 football season select his offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week for Bulldawg Illustrated.

Here are Butler’s selections and reasons why for the Bulldogs’ 34-7 win over Auburn Saturday night.

OFFENSE – Freshman tailback Nick Chubb, who ran for 144 yards on 19 carries including touchdown runs of 9 and 11 yards while also catching two passes for 48 yards. Chubb now has 1,039 yards rushing on the season.

“In the game that was built around Todd Gurley’s return it was still the Nick Chubb Show,” said Butler. “The freshman now has 152 carries for 1,039 yards and a tremendous 7 yards per carry average. These numbers are as strong as anyone’s in the NCAA. Determination and relentless power make Nick a very special back. I have been able to play with some of the greatest running backs in college and pro football (both guys wore #34) and Nick Chubb carries himself like a true professional. The University of Georgia is officially loaded at running back. That’s the Chubby Truth!”

DEFENSE – Senior inside linebacker Amarlo Herrera who recorded 12 total tackles and a tacklefor-loss while also intercepting an Auburn pass at the Georgia 2-yard line in the final quarter, to lead one of Georgia’s best-ever defensive performances.

“Amarlo Herrera had one of his best games of the year against Auburn,” said Butler. “Ten solo tackles, two assists, a tackle-for-loss and an interception make him my defensive player of the game. His lateral coverage along the defensive line was dominating and his tackling was physically intimidating to the Auburn players. When our defensive line plays hard and controls the line of scrimmage, our linebackers should have a great game and Amarlo performed at an All-American level.”

SPECIAL TEAMS – Georgia’s entire punt team, which rendered outstanding coverage on Collin Barber’s punts and also pulled off a successful fake punt play with Adam Erickson passing to Shakenneth Williams for a 41-yard gain to the Auburn 3-yard line ... only to see the first quarter play called back due to an ineligible man downfield.

“Specialty team player and that is what it is this week ... a team!” said Butler. “The punt team wins the award this week for not only great coverage but they made a statement that UGA came to win with the fake punt. I know the play got called back but it was the effort and focus that I like.

Auburn’s punt return team is one of the tops in the nation and the Bulldogs’ coverage and punt team removed that from Auburn’s game plan.”

It was another fantastic week of college football as the chase for conference championship game berths and positioning for this first ever college football playoff. This week’s slate of games is not good as everyone is having an easy go before the big Thanksgiving rivalry classics.

1. Alabama – The Crimson Tide is back on top following their 25-20 victory over top ranked Mississippi State.

A win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl would put the Tide in the SEC Championship Game with a shot at the playoff.

2. Mississippi State – Hanging in there with the Crimson Tide, Mississippi State came up short. If the Maroons run the table, they should make it into the playoff. The Ole Miss game will be the biggest Egg Bowl ever. MSU will get well this weekend against Vandy and then focus in on the Rebels.

7. Ole Miss – It was an off Saturday for Ole Miss. As excellent a season as they have had, the Rebel faithful have to be asking what if? Those near misses with LSU and Auburn were crushing. A shot at the SEC title is not completely dead. It won’t be easy at Arkansas this week.

8. Ohio State – The Buckeyes won an old school classic snow game at Minnesota and took a big step towards the Big Ten Championship Game. Urban Meyer has put together an incredible record in Columbus.

3. Florida State – Give the Seminoles a lot of credit. Due to one player primarily, Florida State has become the team that lots of fans love to hate.

Hey, people were pulling for both Notre Dame and Miami against the ‘Noles.

But Florida State knows how to win.

Nick O’Leary is the best tight end in the country.

9. Georgia – When the Bulldogs are at their best, they can play with anyone. Georgia’s 34-7 rout of Auburn is one of the most impressive victories any team has put up this year. The defense was superb and Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb are a dynamic duo in America’s deepest backfield behind an outstanding offensive line and fullback play.

4. Oregon – The Ducks were off this past Saturday, and will try and make it 10-1 in the home finale against Colorado. Then comes the Civil War with Oregon State. If Oregon wins both, it will head to the PAC-12 Championship Game with an eye towards the playoff.

10. Kansas State – It’s a huge Thursday night affair coming up for the Wildcats, as Kansas State makes the trip to West Virginia. I don’t think there is a direct flight from Manhattan to Morgantown. Kansas State has just one league loss, and the Wildcats want a piece of that conference crown.

5. Baylor – The Bears had this past Saturday off to get ready for the home stretch. Baylor is a big favorite over Oklahoma State, which has fallen off over the past month. Art Briles has worked magic in Waco. Few could have seen this coming.

11. UCLA – The Bruins got some help with Arizona State falling to Oregon State. The PAC-12 south is stacked with quality teams. Brett Hundley has gotten back into a groove and the talented Bruins are sniffing a spot in the PAC-12 title tilt.

6. TCU – The Horned Frogs may have gotten caught up a little too much in campaigning for a spot in the Final Four. They almost got their dreams crushed by awful Kansas. But they hung on and now turn the focus to Texas on Thanksgiving weekend.

12. Arizona – The Wildcats took a thriller from Washington 27-26 to make it 8-2 on the year. With crossstate foe Arizona State going down to Oregon State. Rich Rodriguez has done a tremendous job and Arizona is on a roll.

Athens

13. Tech – The Yellow Jackets had their most impressive victory of the season, rolling past Clemson 28-6.

Tech’s defense had two pick 6’s and the option is cooking. The Jackets are off this week and they are so hungry for a win in Athens.

14. Auburn – The Tigers lost their horseshoe in a heartbreaking loss to Texas A&M and then got blown out in Athens. Auburn has a breather this week, then comes the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa. The Tigers would love to spoil Bama’s championship hopes.

15. Wisconsin – The Badgers are in the driver’s seat for a berth in the Big Ten Championship Game following an incredibly impressive rout of Nebraska in Madison. Melvin Gordon was just incredible, going over 400 yards for an NCAA record. The Cornhuskers bubble burst in a big way. Gary Anderson is an excellent coach and Wisconsin still boasts that powerhouse running attack.

16. Michigan State – After getting punched around by Ohio State, the Spartans took care of Maryland and take on Rutgers – yes those two teams are now in the Big Ten – in East Lansing. Mark Dantonio has done excellent work for Michigan State.

17. Missouri – The Tigers took a shootout from Texas A&M to improve to 8-2 on the year and 5-1 in the SEC. It will be a tough assignment at rejuvenated Tennessee Saturday. Mizzou is two wins away from a second straight trip to Atlanta.

18. Arizona State – The Sun Devils suffered one of the most painful losses in school history, falling to Oregon State on the road. With that, their playoff hopes went away and the PAC-12 South is up for grabs.

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TOP 25 JEFF DANTZLER

19. Utah – The “Runnin’ Utes” have been involved in as many thrilling games – and bizarre plays – as any team in the country. Kyle Whittingham is a very good coach. A second straight season with a victory over Stanford is mighty sweet to the relative newcomer to the PAC—12.

20. Marshall – The Thundering Herd trounced Rice 41-14 to improve to 10-0 on the campaign. The Herd is second in the nation in scoring and sniffing a berth in a major bowl game. Next up is UAB as Marshall tries to make it 11-0.

21. Colorado State – The Rams are an impressive 9-1 on the season and in search of what would be the biggest bowl berth in program history. New Mexico visits Fort Collins this weekend as Colorado State tries to make it 10-1.

22. Nebraska – There is certainly no shame in losing to Wisconsin, an excellent program, especially in Madison, one of the toughest places in the Big Ten to play. But the score and Melvin Gordon’s rushing total had to have the Nebraska faithful flashing back to thei glory days when the Big Red Thrashing Machine used to put up those kinds of numbers.

23. Clemson – The Tigers got smoked in Atlanta, and once Deshaun Watson was knocked out of the game with a knee injury, Clemson’s chances pretty much went away. The Tigers badly need a win over South Carolina.

24. Oklahoma – The Sooners bounced back from a trouncing at the hands of Baylor with a 42-30 win over lowly Texas Tech. Oklahoma lost a pair of heart-breakers and then came the Baylor debacle. Up next is Kansas then Okie State as the Sooners seek a 9-3 season.

25. Duke – It was a heart-breaking loss for the Blue Devils, as they fell to Virginia Tech. Duke still has a great chance to make it to the ACC Championship Game.

Lawrenceville www.bulldawgillustrated.com • 19