Bulldawg issue 15, auburn, 2013

Style y and space. p Beautifullyy priced. p 3500 Daniells Bridg Bridge ge Road Athens, Geor Georgia gia 30606 3

Our all studio studio-suites -suites hotel e exudes xudes itss own br brand and of southern southern hospitality while seamlessly se amlessly ble blending ending design and fun functionality ctionality with the mod modern ern amenities you focused-all att an affordable price. need to stay rrefreshed efreshed and focusedall a affffordable pric ce.

Celebrate the Season T

he holidays bring about a magical transformation on Jekyll Island perfect for a special family

getaway. With decorations that inspire and events to delight, Jekyll Island is your escape from hectic holiday schedules. Easy to get to, but difficult to leave, Jekyll Island is the nearest faraway place.

To find out more about all of these holiday festivities visit us online at jekyllisland.com.

Jekyll Island Club Hotel Special Reserve a room at our historic hotel during December 15-23, 2013 for just $159 per night including breakfast for two in the Grand Dining Room.

A Very Merry Motown Christmas Join a few of Motown’s favorite classic acts as they entertain crowds and ring in the start of the merriest of seasons.

BI

From the Editor : Vance Leavy

magical season, this game also has extra meaning.

Before I get to the task at hand, which is reYes, I’m talking about the fact that the all-time senewing the deep south’s oldest rivalry, I must give a ries between Auburn and Georgia is deadlocked at huge “Go Dawgs” to former UGA golfer Chris Kirk 54-54-8. For the youngsters out there, the eight for winning this past weekend’s McGladrey Classic isn’t a mistake as there was a time when college played at the Seaside Course at Sea Island Golf football games ended in ties. And how fitting that Club.

116 games later, Kirk played brilthere’s still not a domliantly all week long inant team. Not even, before making an unby one game, or one timely bogey on the tie.

14th hole to lose the Here lately, Georlead on Sunday. Howgia has had the edge, ever, playing like a which is why I’m sure true Bulldog, he ralmany good Bulldog lied with a huge par fans are extremely putt on 15 and then worried about Saturtied the lead with a day’s game. And the birdie on 17. Fellow fact, that Auburn’s ofcompetitor, Briny fense is absolutely Baird would bogey punishing opposing the 18th, giving Kirk teams. Also, I think we his second PGA viccan all agree that it has tory and a trip to The been a work in Masters in April. progress this season Great stuff infor Todd Grantham’s deed, for not only UGA defensive unit. everyone who follows If you go by the UGA golf, but for anyphoto by Bobby Haven/The Brunswick News numbers, Saturday’s one who loves my game could get ugly, but I’m not losing faith. My hometown of the Golden Isles. Thanks to Mark and optimism comes from Georgia’s two best players, Davis Love and their foundation, including throngs Todd Gurley and Aaron Murray, who grace this of volunteers, once again our area shined in its abilissue’s cover. If No. 3 and No. 11 play up to their ity to host a top-notch PGA event. capabilities, traveling to the Plains and getting a And now I’m using Kirk’s victory as great karma victory is very possible. for the Bulldog Nation as we travel to Auburn this Still, Georgia’s coaching staff and the rest of the Saturday to play one team must be at their highest level if an upset is to of the hottest teams be pulled off. Countless times through this 2013 in America. Without season, I’ve pleaded for this team to pull together question, the task at and play a sound game of football. It’s time for our hand will not be an head man, Mark Richt to circle the wagons and get easy one as the the job done on Saturday.

Tigers are chomping And for Georgia’s fans, our team is going to at the bit to put a need us, so jump in your car and make the trip to beat down on our Auburn. One thing is certain, when the Bulldogs Bulldogs. and Tigers lock up it’s usually a heckuva football Besides Auburn game. As our cover says, let’s blow it up on Saturwanting to continue day. See you in Jordan-Hare. Go Dawgs! their pursuit of a

Auburn Cha Cha Cha Publishing Inc. Editor Vance Leavy

Creative Director Cheri Leavy

Sports Guru Jeff Dantzler

Sales Caroline Kinney, Rob Saye, Holly Stanfill,Shannon Smallwood

Multimedia Director Greg Poole

Sports Logan Booker, Murray Poole, Trent Smailwood

Layout/Design Cheri Leavy, Vance Leavy

Cover Design/Photo Boyd Martin, Logan Booker

Sports Photography Rob Saye

Columnists Carlton DeVooght, Rob Sherrell , Loran Smith

Interns Pierce Persons. Annie Trice

Delivery Hatton Abernathy, Martin Cameron Matt Clutter, Will Hayes, Thompson Sewell, Champ Vance

Auburn, November 12, 2013

1-877-456-4624 www.bulldawgillustrated.com

A LITTLE BIT OF THE GULF COAST COMES TO ATHENS !

OYSTERS PEEL & EAT SHRIMP FISH TACOS

ENJOY FOOD & LIBATIONS ON OUR PATIO OVERLOOKING FIVE POINTS AND WALK TO SANFORD STADIUM

BEST STEAKS AND SEAFOOD IN ATHENS !

DISCOVER WHAT LOCALS ALREADY KNOW ...

DON’T FIGHT THE DOWNTOWN CROWD !

Bulldog Brunch Sundays 10 a.m. to Noon Georgia Bulldogs Radio Network airing live with hosts

Jeff Dantzler and Kevin Butler

GAMEDAY PARKING Outdoor Seating Corner of Lumpkin & Milledge - Athens, GA

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Hosts Jeff Dantzler and Kevin Butler

2310 W. Broad Street - Athens, GA - (706) 353-7667

MENU AVAILABLE AT HILLTOPGRILLE.COM

Warm up at the McCafe!

Jeff Dantzler The deep South’s oldest rivalry always delivers

photo by Rob Saye

475 US Hwy. 29 706-549-0067

150 Gaines School Rd. 706-543-8010

1741 Epps Bridge Pkwy.

706-227-9200 1124 Prince Ave. 2230 W. Broad St 706-543-0522 706-549-4265

Lobby and Drive-thru open 24 hours at these Athens locations DON’T MISS OUR ANNUAL

Holiday Open House Tuesday, December 3rd

4pm - 7pm

Tours Hors d’oeuvres Musical Entertainment Door Prizes Complimentary Valet Parking

leaders in senior living

5LYHUKLOO 'ULYH Athens, GA 30606 706.369.7100

wesleywoods.org

A Community of WESLEY WOODS + AfÂżOLDted with Emory +HDOthcDUH + United Methodist Church / North GHRUJLD Conference

4 • Bulldawg Illustrated

It began in 1892 at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. Georgia and Auburn. This is the rivalry that got it all going, and 121 years later and in every season since 1919, the Bulldogs and Tigers have each beaten the other 54 times, with eight ties.

Welcome to another addition of the deep South’s oldest continuous rivalry.

As is often customary in a series that has had a slew of upsets and road victories, the twist this season is that it Is Auburn coming in with major stakes. The Tigers, two years removed from the 2010 national championship, went through their worst year ever – EVER – going 3-9 and 0-8 in Southeastern Conference play, last season. Out goes Gene Chizick, in comes Gus Malzonne, offensive coordinator for the Cam Newton-led national championship team, from Arkansas State. The Tigers have staged a remarkable turnaround, without question, shining as the most improved team in America. Meanwhile, Georgia, which was oh so close to playing for the national championship a year ago, has been undone by a rash of injuries and self-inflicted wounds in a three loss campaign that began with the Bulldogs in the nation’s top ten.

Through the years, the Dogs and Tigers have specialized at dashing championship dreams and undoing one another’s special seasons.

Without a doubt, three of the six most damaging losses in Georgia history have come to Auburn. In 1942, undefeated Georgia, fresh off of a 75-0 rout of Florida in Jacksonville and led by two of the greatest players in college football history, Frank Sinkwich and Charley Trippi, were a perfect 9-0, but suffered an upset loss to the Tigers. Georgia would rebound to blow out second ranked Tech 34-0 to clinch the program’s first ever Southeastern Conference championship. The Bulldogs then beat UCLA 9-0 in the Rose Bowl and were consensus national champions, topping six different polls. But that loss to the Tigers cost the Dogs the undisputed national title and a perfect season.

Arguably the most highly anticipated game in Sanford Stadium history came in 1971, as the Bulldogs and Tigers (as well as Alabama) both headed in undefeated. Pat Sullivan had his signature Heisman Trophy performance, and Auburn won 35-23. The Bulldogs would chalk up an unforgettable 2824 win over Tech and 7-3 Gator Bowl triumph over North Carolina (coached by Bill Dooley, brother of course, of Georgia’s Hall of Fame sideline chieftain Vince Dooley) to go 11-1, but did not win the SEC. Alabama, which then beat Auburn, won the title and played for the national championship, getting slugged by Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. A win over Auburn in ’71 would have produced the SEC title and perhaps a shot at the big prize.

One dozen years later, the stakes were similar. Georgia was 8-0-1, ranked fourth, a tie at Clemson the lone blemish. Auburn was 8-1, ranked third, losing only at second ranked Texas. The Tigers withstood a valiant Georgia rally to topple the Bulldogs 13-7, costing the Bulldogs a fourth straight SEC championship and a shot at a national title. Georgia would go on to edge Tech 27-24 and upset Texas 109 in the Cotton Bowl to earn the No. 4 national ranking. The Tigers beat Alabama and then

won the Sugar Bowl 9-7 over Michigan, winding up at No. 3, despite being the highest ranked team to win a bowl. That famed January 2, 1984, culminated with fourth-ranked Miami upsetting mighty Nebraska 31-30.

Combined with Georgia’s win over then No. 2 Texas, the Hurricanes vaulted to the top of the polls.

Auburn beat Georgia in 1987 and 1988.

Had the Bulldogs won those two, that’s two more SEC championships for the Bulldogs. In 1978, the “Wonderdogs� and Auburn tied on the plains. It was Georgia’s lone blemish and it cost the Dogs a share of the SEC title. The next year, Georgia went 6-5, but was 5-0 in SEC play and a win over Auburn away from sharing the SEC championship with Alabama. But Auburn won in Sanford Stadium. So from 1978-1983, Georgia went 33-2-1 in SEC play, with all three setbacks coming to the Tigers.

That meant three SEC championships in a row, not six.

What brought such a twist to the rivalries in the 1980s were the alma maters of the two coaches. Dooley was a standout quarterback at Auburn in the 1950s. Auburn coach Pat Dye, who stalked the Tigers sidelines from 19811992, was an All-American at Georgia as a stellar tackle from 1958-1960. Dye had exceptional success against his alma mater, leading the Tigers to seven wins in eight years from 1983-1990.

There are the cross-overs.

For Georgia, as big a rival as Auburn is, it is not Tech or Florida. For Auburn, as big a rival as Georgia is, it is not Alabama in the Iron Bowl. But it is still as grand a rivalry as there is.

The crossover in recruiting is a major factor.

The town of Auburn is a mere sand wedge from the border of the state of Georgia. The fertile recruiting grounds of Georgia, particularly from Atlanta to the Chattahoochee, produces as much of the competitiveness as the battles do on the gridiron.

This season, there is the additive of Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall, who signed with Georgia out of high school, but was dismissed from the team following his freshman year. He, along with LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger, is the second Southeastern Conference quarterback to face the Bulldogs this season who began his career at Georgia.

It is the face of the rivalry. Auburn, the surprise team of the year, is the 9-1 highlyranked with everything on the line. Georgia, sitting at 6-3, is the underdog on the road.

Two years ago, as I was sitting in a skybox at halftime, Georgia was leading Auburn 35-7.

Leaning to a couple of friends, I said ‘this doesn’t happen in Georgia-Auburn games.�

It rarely has.

The Bulldogs last season followed up the 45-7 victory of 2011 with a 38-0 rout of the Tigers on the plains. Those last two victories, and six of the last seven that have gone Georgia’s way, to pull the all-time series even means a great deal to the Bulldog faithful. It is the root of the series. This got it all going and it still means a whole it. It is in the blood and DNA of these two programs, going all the way back to 1892 in Piedmont Park. A century from now, odds are, it will still go a long ways towards the championship aspirations of these two programs.

Poole Shots

by Murray Poole

Gurley behind only Herschel in all-time UGA backs With the 6-3 Georgia Bulldogs headed for the Loveliest Village on the Plains, JordanHare Stadium, Saturday to face a surprising, Top 10 Auburn team, the contest is going to match two of the nation's top running backs in the Bulldogs' Todd Gurley and the Tigers' Tre Mason.

But then, hasn't Georgia vs. Auburn always offered great running back duels down through this game's storied history? You know all about the prolific ball carriers who have made Georgia "Tailback U" throughout the decades, of which I'm going to select the very best ones in this space today, and how about all those superb Auburn backs ... such as Tucker Frederickson, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, Brent Fullwood, James Brooks, Joe Cribbs, James Bostick, Stephen Davis, Ronnie Brown, Kenny Irons, Michael Dyer and, of course, the legendary Bo Jackson?

But nobody, and I mean nobody, has had better running backs than the University of Georgia. Let's go back to the Bulldogs' season opener at Clemson this year. When Georgia ran that early toss sweep against the Tigers and Todd Gurley went flying down the North sidelines in front of the UGA bench on his 75yard scoring scamper, I immediately felt like I was once again seeing such numbers as 34, 5, 24, 7, 36, 38, 32, and 47 running away from people for touchdowns.

And when Gurley quickly reeled off the longest touchdown run of his short career thus far to go with all those powerful runs of his freshman season in 2012 when he rushed for 1,385 yards and 17 touchdowns, I think he showed the Bulldog Nation and everyone else that he’s a tailback that already ranks among the best in all Georgia football lore. Indeed, No. 3 possesses all the tools a great running back needs ‌ breakaway speed, tremendous power, strong vision and a relentless work ethic and desire to get the job done. As everyone knows, Gurley has missed three full games and sat out long spells in others due to injury but entering the game against Appalachian State this past weekend, he had still run for 550 yards and five touchdowns in five games and his 187-yard total offense figure in the Bulldogs' 23-20 win over Florida again showed Mike Bobo's offense takes on another dimension when Gurley is on the field.

So, that said, where do we put Todd Gurley in the pecking order of the Georgia Bulldogs’ best running backs of all time? Let’s first let him play his three years out in Athens before making a final judgment on that question. But at this particular juncture, Gurley is the second best UGA tailback I’ve ever witnessed.

Mind you now, I’m talking about over the period of time I’ve watched Georgia football as a teenager and then as a sports writer covering the Dogs. That would be roughly from the mid-1950s up until the present time. So in this discussion I’m not including the legendary Charley Trippi and former Heisman winner Frank Sinkwich. I was in diapers and a toddler when those two guys were running wild in the 1940s.

But certainly, on just what he’s shown so far, Mr. Gurley doesn’t have to take a backseat to any of the Bulldogs’ elite running backs of the past. And, as you are aware, there have been some truly stupendous players to tote the pigskin for ol’ Georgia. Going by their jersey numbers I present to you now, from the best on down, the greatest carriers of a football I’ve seen in Athens, Ga. No. 34 – There is simply no question that Herschel Walker is the best of all time at UGA. I was on the sidelines for Herschel’s last high school game when Johnson County played a little team from Atlanta – Feldwood, which no longer exists – in the state championship game. On the visitors’ side, supporters of that team had hung up a large banner saying, “Herschel Who?� Didn’t take long for them to get an answer to that question as, on the first play from scrimmage, Walker took a handoff around right end, cut back to the center of the field and was long gone, 65 yards down into the left end zone corner. With Georgia assistant coach Mike Cavan and the top recruiters from Southern Cal and Clemson standing down in the end zone watching, Herschel went for 318 yards and four touchdowns that night as his team romped over the Atlanta

bunch, 35-17. Then, I was also fortunate to be in the press box at Neyland Stadium for Walker’s first collegiate game when he ran over Bill Bates and right into Bulldog history.

This was the greatest college running back of all time, no question in my mind.

No. 3 – Todd Gurley (see above).

No. 5 – Garrison Hearst had it all as he ran for the Bulldogs in the early 1990s. He was very fast, very elusive with great cutting ability and although he didn’t have the height and overall size of some of the other backs being mentioned here, he still had the power to run over and through people. While Herschel ranks 1-2-3 on the most rushing yards in a season (with 1,891, 1,752 and 1,616), Hearst is next on the Georgia career list with his 1,594 yards in 1992, the year he ran for 246 yards against Vanderbilt.

No. 24 − While Knowshon Moreno hasn't quite lived up to expectations in the NFL thus far, there is no doubt what kind of running back he was at Georgia. Not the fastest guy around, Moreno was so athletic and quick out of the backfield, with the elusiveness to leave defenders grabbing at nothing but air, that he rates among the most explosive backs ever at UGA. That is documented by his ranking on the all-time season rushing leaders as he presently holds down both 5th place, with his 1,400 yards in 2008, and 7th place, with his 1,334 in '07. With those two seasons, he sandwiches the present No. 6 guy, Todd Gurley.

No. 7 − In my earlier draft of this story, I had Rodney Hampton a little lower down on this list but that was a mistake on my part.

Like Hearst, Hampton could cut on a dime.

Talk about elusive and being able to make defenders miss, this Texas native was maybe better at that than anyone who ever lined up in the UGA backfield. He ran for 227 yards vs.

Ole Miss in 1987 and had 2,668 yards in his career (5th on list) while often sharing carries with Lars Tate and Tim Worley. Talk about being loaded with great backs ....

No. 36 − Until Herschel Walker came along two years later, Willie McClendon was the all-time single-season rushing leader at Georgia. In 1978, when the Brunswick native ran for 1,312 yards and earned SEC Player of the Year honors, he snapped the previous school rushing record held by Frankie "Fireball" Sinkwich. McClendon was a big powerful back who had simply outstanding speed to take it the distance.

No. 38 − If ever there was a back in the size, power and speed range of Herschel Walker (before Todd Gurley came along), it was Tim Worley. This 6-2, 225-pounder could run by and over people and, also, make them miss. His 1,216 yards in 1988 ranks 10th on the UGA list, just behind No. 9 McClendon.

No. 32 − Musa Smith wasn't a fancy runner. He didn't juke defenders all over the place while suiting up for the Bulldogs from 200002 but, he didn't have to. A big, powerful back with outstanding straightaway speed, Smith's 1,324 yards in 2002 has him standing No. 8 on the all-time season career rushing list.

No. 32 − Indiana native Lars Tate was another big, bruising tailback at Georgia. More of a straight-up runner, Tate nonetheless punished many a defense with his power and speed. And his career total of 3,017 yards rushing from 1984-87 ranks third on the alltime UGA list behind only Walker and Hearst.

No. 47 − Before he went down with a devastating leg injury against Tennessee in 1995, Robert Edwards was on his way to becoming one of the most electrifying tailbacks in UGA history. Still, Edwards was pretty good even after the injury. With great speed and quickness, he rushed for 908 yards in his senior year in 1997, scored a record five touchdowns against South Carolina in 1995 and drilled the Florida Gators for four touchdowns in the Dogs' big 1997 win in Jacksonville.

There are so many other splendid UGA backs we could mention here .... Terrell Davis (though he was underused at UGA before becoming a great NFL back), Verron Haynes, Thomas Brown, Kregg Lumpkin, Jimmy Poulos, Glynn Harrison .... but the players I talked about through their jersey numbers, they were/are the greatest tailbacks of all time at Georgia!

BEST STEAKHOUSE 1 9 % ! 2 3 2 5 . . ) . ' J E Z E B E L M AG A Z I N E R E A D E R S U RV E Y

.%84 4/ 4(% 2)4: #!2, ,4 4/. "5#+(%!$ s WWW .%79/2+02)-% COM

Phil Hugh Hughes hes Auto Sa Sales, ales, Inc. Proud oud Bulldog Supporters Pr B Supp porters

ATHENS A THENS T BMW ([SHU[H /^` ‹ ([OLUZ

([SHU[H /^` ‹ ([[OLUZ 800-362-0498 ^^^ H[OLUZIT^ JVVT ^^^ H[OLUZIT^ JVT

([SHU[H /^` ‹ ([OLUZ ([[SHU[H /^` ‹ ([OLUZ 8 800-969-0347 ^^^ WO OPSO\NOLZOVUKH JVT ^^^ WOPSO\NOLZOVUKH JVT

Famiily Owned & Operat Family Operated ted Georgia A Northeast Ge eorgia tradition for over 37 years www.bulldawgillustrated.com • 5

No. 25 Dogs vs. No. 7 Tigers preview photos by Rob Saye

By Logan Booker/BI

eorgia fans have had an enjoyable couple of weeks, beginning with an always-sweet victory over Florida, and then reuniting back in Athens with tons of friends and family for Homecoming 2013 last week. And while it’s been mainly smiles across Dawg Nation of late, many of those faces will turn more serious this week, as the true surprise of the SEC this year, Auburn, is now in full focus. Due to conference and schedule realignment, the Dawgs are having to make their second trip to Auburn in as many years, and this week should prove to be one of the biggest tests of the season.

G

Know the Opponent

After finishing 0-8 SEC play in 2012, Auburn decided to fire their head coach, and bring back former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to be the lead Tiger. The switch has paid off, big time, as Auburn is not only beating opponents, but embarrassing them. Led by former UGA cornerback Nick Marshall, who has now converted himself into a dual-threat quarterback, the Tigers are averaging 39 points per game using their spread attack. On the contrast, the Tigers are giving up 26 points per game when playing another SEC opponent. Malzahn loves to run, or perhaps better put “scramble,” the ball, as they only attempted seven passes in their blowout win over Tennessee this past week. UGA’s front

seven on defense will face perhaps their biggest test of the season, which just might bode well for them.

The Offense

There seems to be more chemistry the last couple of weeks with the return of wide receiver Michael Bennett and running back Todd Gurley into the mix. Bennett has proven that he can be a go-to receiver while helping spread the defense out to open up the run game again. While Gurley still does not seem to be 100 percent just yet, he is still showing that he is one of the hardest running backs the hedges have ever seen. If he continues to get healthy this week, he could, just like Florida, be a deciding factor in a game that will sure to see a lot of points on the board.

The Defense

For the first time last week, the Junkyard Dawgs did not allow their opponent into the endzone, only giving up a season-low six points to Appalachian State. But Auburn is much better than Appalachian State, and will throw some big time runners right at them. Defensive end Ray Drew continues to show massive emergence as a legitimate pass rusher, and will be key this week to

penetrate into the backfield to disrupt any plans Nick Marshall has of tricking the defense. Linebackers Amarlo Herrera and Jordan Jenkins will be crucial in containing any option attack the Tigers may throw at them as well. If the Dawgs can force some three and outs this week, and give the offense time to stay on the field, there might just be a chance the Dawgs could outscore the Tigers in the end.

How the Dawgs Will Win

If Dawgs fans plan to continue to bear bragging rights in this historic rivalry, the defense is going to have to not give up big plays, especially on third downs. Appalachian State seemed to find holes in the middle of the Dawgs’ defense, and hopefully defensive coordinator Todd Grantham will be busy in the film room this week. Todd Gurley is going to have to hit the holes hard this week, and take advantage of a Tiger defense that is also vulnerable to letting the opponent generate momentum. As long as Nick Marshall is unable to consistently get to the perimeter, and the defense can keep their attack in the middle of the field, Mark Richt and company just might earn back a lot of respect lost earlier this season by knocking off another top-10 team, this time on the road. Safe travels to all!

Serving northeast Georgia and the Golden Isles

BI

Georgia 45 - Appalachian State 6

Nancy Witherington, Alice Gilbert, Dr. Bonnie Howard, Suzanne Hemphill

Vicki Michaelis and Sue Fink

David Gill, Morris Jordan and Josh Cavallin

Cindi Johnson, Toni Jones and Chris Jones

Charles Davis and Wally Ederhard

Jana Snow, Emily Wooley, David Wooley, and Tyler Snow

Bill Dunaway and Barbara Deriso

Carrie Pasquale and Chris Bucko

Courtney Grap and Jenna Jackson

J.T. Ricketson "Super Dawg"

RESTORING FUNCTION. RESTORING QUALITY OF LIFE.

l to r: Frank Clements, PA-C; Beau Sasser, M.D.; Buck Cavalier, M.D.; Gary M. McClain, M.D.; Michael J. M.D.; J. Sullivan, Sullivan, M.D.; M .; Katherine L. Maurath, M.D Maurath, M.D .; J. J. Melvin Deese, M.D.; M.D D.; Denny Dennny A. Carter, Carter, M.D. M.D.

The board-certified The board-cer tified physicians physicians and and orthopaedic or thopaedic ssurgeons urgeons aatt S Summit ummit S Sports por ts M Medicine edicine & Orthopaedic Or thopaedic S urger y ooffer f fer ttreatment reatment options options ffor or everything ever y thing from from si mple ffractures ractures Surgery simple ttoo sports spor ts iinjuries njuries ttoo tthe he m ost ccomplex omplex cconditions. onditions. O ur oorthopaedic r thopaedic spe cialists ooffer f fer most Our specialists ccomprehensive omprehensive care care in in all all areas areas of of orthopaedics or thopaedics iincluding: ncluding: FFoot oot aand nd ankle ankle

Hand Ha nd aand nd w wrist rist

JJoint oint replacement replacement

Sports S por ts medicine medicine

A strategic affiliate of Southeast Georgia Health System

Wellness W el e lness W Way ay a Medical Complex 700 00 W ellness W ay, Suite 7110 7000 Wellness Way, St.. Simons Island, GA 31522 912-466-5570

Summit Prof Professional fessional e P Plaza 1111 Glynco PParkway arkw way Bldg 2 Suite 100 Bldg.. 1, Suite 35 and Bldg Bldg.. 2, Br unswick, GA 3152 25 Brunswick, 31525 912 262 9961 912-262-9961

Spine S pine

© 22013 013 SGHS SGHS

Camden Medical PPavilion avilion 2040 Dan Pr roctor Driv e, Suite 120 Proctor Drive, St. Ma ar ys, GA 31558 Marys, 912 2-576-6355 912-576-6355

PPhysical hysical m medicine edicine and and rehabilitation rehabilitation

LOCATIONS LO CA ATION T S

Please call the Summit Sports Spor ts Medicinee & Orthopaedic Or thopaedic Surgery Surger y locationn nearest you for more information information m or to make an appointment, or visit ssghs.org. ghs.org .

Southeast S outheast G Georgia e or g ia H Health ea lth S System ystem iiss a ttobacco-free obacco - free organization. organization.

10/2013 10/2013

www.bulldawgillustrated.com • 7

BI

Georgia 45 - Appalachian State 6

MT2 Corey Arabie, ET1 Justin Goad, Captain Rhett Jaehn, EM2 Daniel Hoadkey and MM2 Philip Ham

Mark Richt and Greg McGarity

Rennie Curran

Josh, Lauren, Denny and Stephanie Murray with Sherman Armstrong

Brian Clark and Chris Whalen

Charlie McAlexander, DJ Jones and Perry Langston

Ron Valdes

Call Ahead for Large Orders

Mohamed Massaquoi and Perry Langston

Uga IX

BETWEEN THE HEDGES

s u rv i v a l g u i d e

31 Greensboro Hwy., Watkinsville, Ga. 706-769-7285

6131 Eatonton Hwy., 801 Lamb Ave., Greensboro, GA Union Point, GA 706-453-0237 706-486-4416

100 Wrightsboro Rd., Grovetown, GA 706-863-2175

4099 Jefferson Rd, Athens, GA 706-546-1371

1010 Mars Hill Rd., Watkinsville, GA 706-769-6817

16 Lexington Ave., Washington, GA 706-678-5292

5171 Macon Hwy., Bishop, GA 706-769-1220

4 Dogwood Plaza, Greensboro, GA. 706-453-7549

591 West Main St., Lexington, GA 706-743-8644

10244 Hwy 72 West, 769 N. Main St., Hull, GA Madison, GA 706-353-7795 706-342-0599

717 N. Broad St., Monroe, GA 770-207-0674

8874 Hwy 29 South, 1237 Historic Homer 204 E. Hancock St., Hull, GA Hwy 441 S, Homer Milledgeville, GA 706-227-9966 706-677-4620 478-452-4417

8 • Bulldawg Illustrated

12923 Broad St., Sparta, GA 706/444-6889

GO DAWGS

BI

Georgia 45 - Appalachian State 6

Don Scully, Jeff Tingle, David Abernathy, Charles Wright, George Creal, Patrick Jones and Trey Manley

Chip and Jenny Ramsey

Cal and Parks Powell

Katie-Kelly Turner, Tyler Doster, Andy Elliot, Julie Elliot, Johnson Elliot, Jim Turner, Gay-Lynn Turner, Stacey Cooke, Bridgett Robertson and Chris Robertson

Joseph Arnold and Kyndra Farley

Jim and Karen Pannell

Maddie Batch and Kailyn Thomas

Selby Merrit and Sarah Freeman

SPC Robert Owens and Mary Brown

www.bulldawgillustrated.com • 9

WeAreBulldawgs.com WeAreBulld W dawgs co dawgs.co om G tto Go o WeAreBulldawgs.com W A B lld every ev ery Tuesday Tuesda u y for fo or a chance to win our Trivia o UGA T rrivia Contest Gift Car d and a $20 Gift Card to Bookstore t the UGA B ookstore

UGA BOO BOOKSTORE OKSTORE TUESDAY Y TRIVIA CON NTEST CONTEST Q - Where did Mark Richt play colle college ege football?

A - University of o Miami Winner: Sybil Eades from Gainesvi Gainesville, ille, GA

FAN FA AN OF THE WEEK K Laura Jean Leal L Hometown: Atlanta, A GA but currently currrently live liv ve in Westt Hollywood, CA Herschel, favorite why?

Q: Other than Hersch Q hel, who is your favor rite Bulldog and why ?

A Lindsay Scott... also th A: the he name of my dog.

Q Who is your favori Q: favorite ite player on the curr current rent UGA roster and why? w A Aaron Murray.

A: u y He’s a lo loyal oyal y Bulldog u g and a great g leader!

Q What makes you a true Bulldog?

Q: $ 6SHQGLQJ WKH QH[W PRQ $ 6SHQGLQJ WKH QH[W PRQWK RQ KLDWXV IURP / $ MXVW VR , FRXOG ¿W LQ DV PDQ\ JDPHV DV SRVVLEOH $ QWK RQ KLDWXV IURP / $ MX XVW VR , FRXOG ¿W LQ DV PDQ Q\ JDPHV DV SRVVLEOH ((LSU, LSU, Missouri and Florida a). I bleed Red and Black k.... my friends in Los Ang geles are well Florida).

Black....

Angeles e educated in the ways of th the he Bulldog Nation thanks s to me.

Q: What is the most m memorable play y you have experience experienced ed in person?

A: 2002 game again against nst Auburn. Greene to Jo Johnson. ohnson. My friends and I couldn’t get tickets so we w paid the ushers $40 a piece to sneak us in.

Money well spent!

Q: Which one off our rivals do you enj enjoy joy beating the most most? t?

A: Florida, of course course. e.

Q: What makes yo your our tailgating scene so s special?

A: SoCal Dawgs are strong! We have severa severall bars the Georgia g faithfu faithful, ul,, but nothing g beats com coming ming g to Athens in the fall and tailgating with old friends and family. GO DAWGS!!

WeAreBulldawgs.com W WeAreBulld dawgs.co om

GO OD DAWGS AWGS !

TM

2013 COACH’S COACH’’S POLO N availa Now available able

10 • Bulldawg Illustrated

BI

Georgia 45 - Appalachian State 6 Mallory Tingle, Whit Ramsey, Jack Abernathy, Rex Ramsey, Hatton Abernathy and Raynor Manley James and Bryson Higdon

Mack McGuffey and Travis McElroy

Joey and Jessica Labuda

Sophia Griesenauer and April James

Jonathan Nebus and Ron Nebus

Jared and Sarah Brown

Bill Dunaway

Pam Norman and Frank Brookins

Michelle Bartlett

Vince Dooley

Cpl Sean Adams and Aaron Murray

Allison Schmitt

Dawg History in your pocket

8am, March 22, 2014 start/finish at Stegeman Coliseum Join hundreds of UGA alumni and friends for a scenic walk, jog, or run across the University’s beautiful campus.

Athens’ largest 5K has become an annual tradition, providing an early spring opportunity for Bulldogs from near and far to journey back to Athens.

alumni.uga.edu/dawgtrot

Just scroll on your iPhone or iPad to see video clips of the great players and plays from UGA’s storied football past reaching back ten decades.

www.ugavault.com www.bulldawgillustrated.com • 11

BI

2013 Homecoming Court

Austin Laufersweiler

Brandon Martin, President Jere Morehead and Callie McRae

Anna Konieczny

Eric Ekwueme

Conner Blackwell

Hillary Thornton

Kevin "Femi" Brinson

Smitha Ganeshan

FIN FIND ND OUT WH WHY HY 50,000 visited nearly 5 0 000 fans visit 0, ed bulldaw wgillustrated. e com bulldawgillustrated.com tthis his mon th tto ok eep up wit h month keep with tthe h #dawgs he s

Callie McRae

Whitney Wyszynski

The Juniorr Leaggue u of Atth hens is making n a list and checkingg it twice for

Cookies with Santa!

Sat atu turday ay, Decemb mber 14 from 10:00am m to to 1:00pm at the beau b tifful u and historic Taaylory Grady House on Prince Avenue Bring your little ones for a chance to visit with Santa!

S Photos capture u d by Winggaate Downs Photogrraphy.

Cookiies & refreshments provide i d byy The Cofffeee Shop p of Athens.

Contacct the he Juniior Leagguee of Atheens at 70066--5499--8668888 foor inf nformatioon

8*$ 6SRUWV *D 8*$ 6SRUWV *DPH :UDS XSV *DPH 3UHYLHZV DPH :UDS XSV * *DPH 3UHYLHZV 5HFUXLWLQJ 6(& 1HZV )DQ 3KRWRV &RQWHVWV 5HFUXLWLQJ 6(& & 1HZV )DQ 3KRWRV &RQWHVWV

BE SURE TO SIG SIGN GN UP FOR OUR E- NEWSLE NEWSLETT TTERS ERS ----------------------------------------------CONNEC CON NECT T WIT WITH TH US ON OUR SOCIAL SOC CIAL MEDIA

@ecdawg_BI @ @ @bd_illustrated @UgaRecruitingBII @ @UgaRecruitingB

bulldawgillustrated.com bulldaw wgillustrate ed.com WeAreBulldawgs.com WeAre eBulldawgs s.com 12 • Bulldawg Illustrated

Residential and Commercial Moving Local and Long Distance On-site Document Destruction Document Data Storage Go Mini’s Portable Storage Units Packing Materials

Moving Dawgs Across Georgia Since 1972 Lindsay Transfer & Storage, Inc. 180 Trade Street Bogart, GA 30622 Tel: 706.549.8902 Duke Lindsay dlindsay@thelindsaygroup.net

Scouting Auburn

War Eagle Winners

Location: Auburn, Ala. Conference: SEC West

#14 Nick Marshall, QB 6-1, 210 Jr. Pineview, Ga. (Wilcox Co. HS/Garden City CC/Uga)

Enrollment: 20,175 (undergraduate)

One of the top players in the state of Georgia in 2010, Marshall was a blue chip signee for the University of Georgia in 2011. But he got into trouble and was dismissed from the team. Following a superb season at Garden City Community College, he signed on with Auburn. Well the comparisons to the situation with Cam Newton, dismissed from Florida and then signing with Auburn following a great JUCO season, began. Just like no one saw Auburn winning the 2010 national title with Newton, few forecasted that the Tigers of 2013, a year removed from going 3-9, would be one of the best teams in the nation. Marshall is a big reason. He is a tremendous runner and fine passer, one of the top two-way threats in the Southeastern Conference.

Marshall is fast and elusive. He can break the big run and eat up defenses methodically. For a quarterback to average nearly six yards per carry, with sacks counting against rushing totals, is extremely impressive. He is the second former Bulldog signal caller, along with LSU’s Zach Mettenberger, that Georgia has faced this year.

Tigers in a thumbnail : Auburn may be the surprise team in not only the

SEC but the country as well as first-year head coach Gus Malzahn has taken the Tigers − generally picked near the bottom of SEC West − from last year's 3-9 record (0-8 SEC) to a 9-1 overall record and 5-1 SEC mark and a Top 10 national ranking this season. Auburn has lost only to the LSU Tigers, falling by 35-21 back on Sept. 21 in Baton Rouge. The Tigers have rolled over Washington State (31-24), Arkansas State (38-9), Mississippi State (24-20), Ole Miss (30-22), Western Carolina (62-3), Texas A&M (45-41), Florida Atlantic (45-10), Arkansas (35-17) and Tennessee, by 55-23 this past Saturday in Knoxville.

A look at the Auburn offense: The Tigers have been high octane with

Malzahn's spread, hurry-up offense this season. Led by former Bulldog Nick Marshall, Auburn has averaged 38.6 points per game, 320 yards rushing per game, tops in the SEC, and 493 yards total offense per contest, which ranks third in the conference. The Tigers battered the Volunteers for 444 yards on the ground. Junior speedster Tre Mason (5-10, 196, Jr.) has already run for 1,038 yards and 16 touchdowns, surpassing the 1,000 mark for a second straight season. He averages 5.7 yards per carry and 103.8 yards per game. Junior quarterback Marshall (6-2, 210), the junior college transfer from Wilcox County, is the No. 2 rusher with 734 yards and a 7.1 average, with seven TDs. In the romp over the Vols, Marshall ran for a whopping 214 yards. Right behind in the Tiger running attack is Cameron Artis-Payne (5-11, 208, Jr.) with 568 yards, a 6.6 average per carry and five touchdowns. Through the air, Marshall has thrown for 1,301 and eight touchdowns, with four interceptions. The Tigers' leading receiver is sophomore Sammie Coates (6-2, 201) with 26 catches for 648 yards and five scores. Also key targets for Marshall are freshman Marcus Davis (5-10, 165), with 19 catches for 162 yards, and sophomore Ricardo Louis (6-2, 217), who has 19 receptions for 160 yards.

#21 Tre Mason, RB 5-10, 205 Jr. Palm Beach Fla. (Park Vista HS)

While struggling through the 3-9 disaster of 2012, the Tigers had one strong suit, their tailbacks Onterrio McCallebb and Mason. Now as the primary ball carrier, Mason is having a banner season, averaging over 100 yards per game. Without question, in a league loaded with stellar running backs, Mason is bound for All-Southeastern Conference honors. With Marshall, the excellent runner at quarterback, in the backfield with him, Mason is even more dangerous. Like Marshall, Mason is averaging close to six yards per carry. He is amongst the SEC’s leader in touchdowns. Mason has excellent vision and footwork. He can cut with the best of backs and finishes the run. His best game came two weeks ago in the Tigers 35-17 win at Arkansas, running for 168 yards and four touchdowns on 32 carries.

A look at the Auburn defense: In the 10 games to date, the Tiger defensive unit has given up 20.4 points per game and 394 yards per contest. Sophomore linebacker Cassanova McKinzy leads the Tigers in tackles with 49 while senior cornerback Chris Davis (5-11, 198) follows with 47.

Then come junior corner Jonathon Mincy (5-10, 191) and junior safety Therezie Robenson (5-9, 204) with 45 and 44 stops, respectively. Robenson also leads the Tigers with four interceptions and has returned them for 99 yards. Senior defensive end Dee Ford (6-2, 238) will be a huge challenge for the Georgia O-linemen as he has rung up seven sacks, for a minus 73 yards, and also leads the Tigers in tackles-for-loss with 10.5 and a minus 78 yards. Against Tennessee, Chris Davis had an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown and Corey Grant scored on a 90-yard kickoff return.

#27 Robenson Therezie, DB 5-9, 204 Jr. Miami, Fla. (Jackson HS)

When putting together this piece on Auburn’s best players, I asked my good friend Jeremy Roberts from the Tiger athletic department which defender should be spotlighted? He responded that Therezie, who plays the “Star” position, is probably Auburn’s best player. A year ago, under the previous coaching staff, he didn’t get much of a chance, switching between running back and defensive back. But this year Therezie has shined as one of the best defensive backs in the SEC. A hybrid safety in the Tigers 4-2-5 base defensive scheme, Therezie is the nucleus of the Tigers stop unit.

He is a sure tackler with excellent ball skills, ranking amongst the league leaders in interceptions and pick return yardage. In his first career start, Therezie had two interceptions in the Tigers 31-24 season-opening victory over Washington State, including a game-saving end zone pick in the closing minutes. That’s a breakout game. His highlight play of the year thus far came in the Tigers win over Ole Miss, returning the first interception thrown by Rebel quarterback Bo Wallace on the season for a 78 yard touchdown on October 5 at Jordan Hare Stadium.

What Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn says: "When you're running

the football just keep doing it. That's kind of who we're developing into.

I still believe we can throw the football. There's no doubt in my mind that we can but when you don't have to, there's a pretty good feeling when you can line up and run the football at will. Now, we've got to prepare to play a good Georgia football team."

Game Prediction: In our preseason predictions, I said the Bulldogs

would roll past the Tigers by 31-21. But oh, the difference in June and mid-November! Nobody could have ever imagined the struggling Auburn team of 2012 doing a complete about-face and storming to a 9-1 record and top 10 ranking entering the Georgia game this season. The explosive Tiger offense, featuring M&M boys Marshall and Mason, has put up huge numbers on opposing defenses this season and you can bet Auburn is primed to avenge last season's 38-0 pasting by the Dogs at Jordan-Hare.

At present, I simply can't see the Georgia defense putting the clamps on this potent Tiger attack; conversely, I expect Aaron Murray, Todd Gurley and the UGA offense to play well Saturday but, in the end, Auburn will outscore the Bulldogs by 38-31.

− Jeff Dantzler − Murray Poole

A view from Auburn Andy Burcham, one of the long time voices of the Tigers and an outstanding announcer and friend, gives us his insight on the Bulldogs and Tigers.

Are you surprised how quickly things have turned around?

What are your top memories of Georgia – Auburn games?

I think if any Auburn fan is truthful with themselves they would be tell you no one thought this team would be 9-1 going into the Georgia game. Truth be told, if not for the first quarter of the LSU game, this team might be unbeaten right now, which is remarkable.

There are many memories of Georgia games. Too many to note here. Great finishes with wins by both teams. It’s Auburn’s most healthy rivalry.

How about the series, so close, dead even through all these years?

Not sure why this rivalry has been so close. Perhaps it’s meant to be considering the history of the rivalry, the connection with both schools, it’s coaches, player and administrators.

Can you describe what it was like to win it all in 2010, then two years later have the worst season in program history, now the next year sitting where you are?

Auburn’s first National Title since 1957 was surreal. Auburn thought it won a title in 1983, but was jumped by Miami. A loss 7-6 at LSU in 1988 prevented that team from playing for one.

The 1993 team was on probation and despite finishing unbeaten was never in contention.

The 2004 team was probably the last undefeated team from the SEC that will won’t get a chance to play for the title. So in 2010 when that team won, after all the missed chances and in some cases, no chance at all, some couldn’t believe it had finally happened. Just two seasons later that coaching staff was gone. Gus Malzahn was hired in December and began to put together one of the best coaching staffs ever assembled at Auburn and it has immediately paid off.

What is your take on Georgia?

Talk about what makes Gus Malzonne so popular and successful with the Tiger faithful.

Winning is the bottom line. Despite his offensive reputation, this team has won with a powerful running game, which Auburn fans identify with.

Who are your favorite Auburn tailbacks?

I’ll just address the backs since I’ve been at Auburn.

Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown led that 2004 team with power and speed. Rudy Johnson was a one year wonder at Auburn. Tre Mason has gone over 1,000 yards for the last two seasons. He did it on a team that wasn’t very good last season and one that has been very good this season. These are just a few. Wish I would have been here for the legend of Bo Jackson.

This game concerns me because the Bulldogs are getting healthy again and feature such a good running game. That has given Auburn’s defense trouble, at times, this season. Aaron Murray is the all time passing leader in SEC history. The big question to me is whether Georgia can stop Auburn’s running game and its ability to run the read option.

What changes would you like to see in college football?

The biggest chance is coming with the four team tournament next season. I wish it were an eight team tournament thought. .

— Jeff Dantzler

www.bulldawgillustrated.com • 13

Jeff Dantzler’s 2013 rankings Top 10 Non-SEC - It was a Thursday night double feature spectacular that turned one sided. Baylor ran away from Oklahoma for one of the biggest wins in school history, while Stanford jumped on Oregon and held on to win. The Big XII race should be great down the stretch.

Florida State – You knew the Seminoles would put up some monster numbers with the race for the BCS Championship Game. Nick O’Leary is the best tight end in the country. The Seminoles defense is strong and the offense is one of the best in the nation.

1.

2. Baylor – The Bears have won 12 straight, punctuating the first ever 8-0 start in school

history with a 41-12 pounding of Oklahoma. Baylor’s offense has all the parts, led by quarterback Bryce Petty.

Ohio State – The Buckeyes are the class of the Big Ten. As great a job as Jim Tressell did, Urban Meyer has a chance to put up an incredible record. There just isn’t that much competition for the Buckeyes.

3.

photo by Rob Saye Stanford – Though it got a little hairy at the end, Stanford’s 26-20 Thursday night

4.

victory over Oregon was a showcase. Trent Murphy, All-American defensive end, is one of the elite players in the land. The Cardinal can run the ball and play great defense.

JD’s five keys to victory

Oregon – For the second straight season, Oregon’s undefeated dreams were done in

by Stanford. The Ducks just couldn’t get that high octane offense rolling. They should win out. If they do and the Cardinal loses, Oregon would go to PAC-12 Championship Game.

1.

Go Gurley Go – The best tailback in America is the ultimate difference-maker. When he was out against Clemson, the Bulldogs offense was stagnant. He missed the entire month of Octo-

5.

6. Clemson – Tajh Boyd had a monster game for the Tigers and owns almost every pass-

ing record in school history. Clemson is much better on defense than anyone thought.

Vic Beasley is one of the country’s elite pass-rushers.

Oklahoma State – The Cowboys have come back strong from their stunning upset loss at West Virginia. Oklahoma State was one of the preseason favorite to win the Big XII. Now they have Baylor in their crosshairs.

7.

ber and Georgia went 1-2. What a return it was for Gurley in Jacksonville, as he ran for 100 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries and hauled in a 73-yard scoring pass. His presence, even when he is not carrying the ball, is game-changing. The play-action pass, the bootleg, the tight end, all open up because the opposing defense must account for No. 3 at all times. He was tremendous on the plains last season in the Bulldogs 38-0 runaway victory. To beat Auburn, one of the best teams in the country, the best tailback in the country will have to show the way.

2.

Central Florida – The same goes for Central Florida and Fresno State. All three have the potential to break through and make it to a BCS bowl. The Golden Knights play good defense. Their lone loss is a three-pointer to South Carolina.

Keep Ford from Menacing Murray – It starts in the trenches and Georgia’s offensive line will have another big challenge with Auburn’s talented defensive line. At the top of the list is defensive end Dee Ford, one of the Southeastern Conference’s top pass-rushers. Amongst the league leaders in quarterback sacks, Ford is disrupting rush end who wreaks havoc on passing downs. In the Bulldogs loss to Missouri, on what was a slow developing play, Bulldog quarterback Aaron Murray was hit and the fumble was returned for a touchdown. In the Dogs 23-20 win over Florida in Jacksonville, Murray was sacked from the blind side for a safety. The Georgia offensive line will have to be at its best, and that starts with keeping Ford from making a game-changing play.

Fresno State – Arguably the third best team on the west coast, Fresno State is a player once again. The Bulldogs had fallen way behind Boise State in stature, but the alma mater of Trent Dilfer and David Carr is having a great year.

3.

Set the Edge – Up front, Georgia’s defensive ends and outside linebackers must keep containment or slick signal caller Nick Marshall and tailback Tre Mason will have big games on the

8.

Northern Illinois – Quarterback Jordan Lynch is having another spectacular season

and the Huskies are undefeated. A year ago, the Huskies made it to the Orange Bowl.

This year, they are a potential BCS buster again.

9.

10.

SEC 1-14 - The story of the season in the SEC has been injuries. The story of this past Saturday, once again, was points. And lots of them. Auburn, the Aggies, Georgia and Missouri all hung up at least 45. Alabama got a hugely impressive win over LSU and times are turbulent in Gainesville. .

Alabama – If the Crimson Tide returns to the national championship game, the play that they will point to is the fake punt at 17-17 with LSU. It was all Alabama from there on out, with T.J. Yeldon leading the way to a 38-17 victory.

1.

Auburn – How about the Tigers piling up a 9-1 record. The Tigers are ready for Georgia, which has blasted them the last two years. To beat Tennessee the way they did on the road is extremely impressive. Auburn’s offense is rolling and hungry for the Dogs.

2.

3. Missouri – Coming off of what has to be the worst loss in school history, the Tigers have come back and beaten Tennessee and Kentucky badly. The SEC East title is well within their grasp, which has to go beyond their greatest expectations.

Texas A&M – Johnny Manzeil was rolling once again, leading Texas A&M past Mississippi State 51-41. The Aggies defense is just not good, but they can flat out score with any team in America. The big one in Baton Rouge is looming.

4.

South Carolina – The Gamecocks were off this week, sharpening their talons for the Gators, who come to Columbia. Connor Shaw is one tough cookie at quarterback. South Carolina could close the season with a bang, if they take out the Gators and Clemson.

ground. Auburn will get Marshall on the edge. They love to play fake to Mason and have Marshall test the end. Georgia has struggled with containment for much of the season, though it was better in Jacksonville. A player with Marshall’s abilities is often less dangerous when he’s in the pocket. On broken plays, assignment football can prevent the big gainer. This will be a big test for the Dogs.

4SEC,. ranking Limit Mason – Auburn’s star junior tailback Tre Mason is one of the best tailbacks in the with the league’s best in rushing and touchdowns. The Bulldogs run defense must bottle him up. Keeping him under 75 yards would be a great goal for Georgia’s stop unit. Plus, when he is moving the chains between the tackles, that makes Marshall even more dangerous on the quarterback keeper. Senior Garrison Smith was the SEC’s Defensive Lineman of the Week in Georgia’s win over Florida. It’s a numbers game. When defensive linemen are making tackles and big plays, that trickles down to advantageous stiuations for linebackers and defensive backs. Smith and the D-Line will need to make plays against Mason, not just eat up space, and keep him from the second level.

5.

Solid Special Teams – This is the obvious category. It has been bad for Georgia on special teams this season, real bad. Marshall Morgan has done an excellent job thus far with field goals and extra points, but that’s been one of the few bright spots. Whether it’s been on exchanges from snapper to holder/punter, blocked punts for touchdowns, squandered timeouts or a case of the drops, there has been much more negative than positive for the Bulldogs in the kicking game. It is one of the primary culprits, along with the injuries, a defense that has been too leaky, and a negative five turnover ratio in the three losses that has derailed a potentially special season.

— Jeff Dantzler

5.

6.

LSU – The road has been tough for LSU this season, as the Tigers lost a pair of

three-point heart-breakers at Georgia and Ole Miss. Then this past Saturday, Alabama dominated the fourth quarter on the capstone. The Tigers get the Aggies in Baton Rouge.

7.

Vanderbilt – The Commodores have beaten Georgia and Florida both this season. That is something that happens once every couple of decades. Vandy has done a great job the last two years rallying back from sluggish starts to the season.

Georgia – When Todd Gurley is healthy, despite all of the injuries that the Bulldogs have suffered, Georgia can play with anyone in America. The Bulldogs are eyeing an upset at Auburn, trying to make it seven out of eight in the south’s oldest rivalry.

8.

9.

Ole Miss – The Rebels offense, buoyed by the upset victory over LSU, is really rolling. Bo Wallace is having a fine season at quarterback. Missouri needs a win to take a step closer to the SEC East title, and it should be a shootout in Oxford.

10. Florida – It is not pretty in Gainesville right now. The mighty Gators, on the heels of the 23-20 loss to Georgia, got dominated at home to Vanderbilt. Will Muschamp is certainly starting to feel some heat.

11. Tennessee – Following that signature win over then once-beaten South Carolina in Knoxville, things have gone south for the Volunteers. Tennessee has gotten smoked by Alabama, Missouri and Auburn.

12.

Mississippi State – It’s been a tough season for Mississippi State, starting with the one that got away at Auburn. It looked like Mississippi State might have an upset opportunity against Texas A&M, but the Aggies had too much juice.

13. Arkansas – The Razorbacks are in the midst of an awful stretch. Since coming out of the gates at 3-0, the Razorbacks have lost seven in a row. There is some promise for next year, due in large part to an Alex Collins-led rushing attack.

14. Kentucky – The Wildcats had no shot at the upset against Missouri, as the Tigers put up a big number. It is a tough building process.

Kevin Butler’s players of the game Kevin Butler, former University of Georgia legendary kicker and a member of the Georgia radio broadcast team, will each week during the 2013 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’ 45-6 win over Appalachian State Saturday.

OFFENSE – Junior quarterback Hutson Mason, who finally got to see extensive action for the first time since the 2011 season and responded by completing 11-of-16 passing attempts for 160 yards and a touchdown, with one interception ... in just the fourth quarter alone.

“It finally became Hutson's time to get on the field," said Butler. "and once he got on the field, he looked very comfortable and confident which turned into completions, yardage gained and points. To look as sharp as he did for the first time on the field gives Georgia a great outlook for the post-Murray era."

DEFENSE – Junior inside linebacker Amarlo Herrera, who recorded seven total tackles in the win over the Mountaineers and also intercepted a pass, which he returned for 16 yards but fumbled at the end of his run.

"Herrera has been one of the unsung heroes for our defense this year," said Butler. "His consistent play received a boost this week with the interception which Georgia has just not been able to do enough of this year ... gaining turnovers. Amarlo is a consistent tackler who had seven total tackles and that earned him defensive player of the week. We will certainly need a great game from him against Auburn's consistent rush game."

SPECIAL TEAMS – The Bulldogs' entire special teams units, which performed well across the board and didn't have any major gaffes that would have given Appalachian State hopes for an upset.

“The specialty team as a group is trying to get better each week," said Butler. "This week the special teams covered well, converted their field goal, blocked a field goal, and we did not fumble any punts. Given that game Saturday, they need to work hard this week because we will need every phase of our special teams to be on against Auburn, in order to win the game."

— Murray Poole

©2011 Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser® Beer, St. Louis, MO