Leap of faith heading to Starkville

Leap of faith heading to Starkville Arkansas fan photos • Bulldawg leader: Vance Cuff • JD’s Top 25 • Dogs-Msu preview • Kevin Butler’s players of the game

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From the editor : vance leavy Well Bulldog fans we have now entered a phase of Georgia football that we haven’t had to deal with in almost 20 years. Yes our team is now 0-2 in the SEC for the first time since 1993. It wasn’t pretty then, and it ain’t pretty now.

Unfortunately being a student at Georgia from 1990-95, I had a front row seat for mediocre football at its best. During that time, our Dawgs were a perfect 0-10 versus Florida and Tennessee. We got smoked by Vanderbilt on Homecoming in 1994. It was brutal.

Because of that suffering, the success that Mark Richt brought to our program when hired in 2000 was oh so sweet. In 2002, on a cold November night in Auburn I witnessed one my best friends shed tears as something we never thought possible was actually occurring … a trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. It was magical.

Richt, his staff and players would win the SEC that year and post a awesome 13-1 record. The sky was the limit for our program.

They returned to the Georgia Dome the following year, but a red-hot Nick Saban LSU Tigers team wouldn’t be denied in that game.

One month later, the Tigers would win a national championship that many Georgia fans thought could have been theirs.

Despite the dejection of losing that SEC championship, the getting was still good for our Dawgs. You just knew that Mark Richt was a play here or a play there from possibly playing for a national championship.

That was definitely the case in 2005 when D.J. Shockley was leading our Bulldog team. Unfortunately, he would miss the Florida game because of injury and we suffered yet another loss to the Gators in Jacksonville. The national picture wasn’t lost that day, but it would be two weeks later when Auburn came into Athens and won a 31-

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30 thriller.

I bring up that game in particular because to me that is when Mark Richt’s armor began to show some real kinks. On that evening, our defense could never make a big stop despite having opportunity after opportunity given to it by our Shockley led offense.

It was also on that night, that the home field advantage Georgia had enjoyed under Richt began to tether.

Yes an SEC championship game appearance did occur a month later after our Dogs backed into it courtesy of Steve Spurrier upsetting his former alma mater, Florida. Give Richt and company credit though as they took full advantage of their luck and blasted LSU in Atlanta bringing another SEC championship back to Athens.

However the season would not end on a high note, as a more motivated West Virginia team would strike early and often in probably the only Sugar Bowl game that will ever be played in Atlanta. D.J. almost brought us back for a victory, but unfortunately the Dawgs fail short because Rich Rodriguez outcoached us by executed a fake punt that our coaching staff never saw coming.

The beginning of the 2006 season was fairly ugly even though our Dawgs opened up the season 5-0. But reality set in during the second half of the Tennessee game in Athens, when the Vols went off putting a total of 51 points on the Sanford Stadium scoreboard. It was brutal and showed that our program was no longer peeking. That was punctuated the following week when Vanderbilt came into Athens and won 24-22.

And then Kentucky’s fans would tear down their goal posts two weeks later in Lexington.

Memorable, but forgettable stuff indeed.

Despite that, Richt and freshman quarterback Matthew Stafford would finish that season strong posting wins over ranked Auburn, Tech and Virginia Tech. It was a great finish to a tough season that surely would go a long way for the 2007 campaign.

The 2007 campaign was a mixed bag early on with a devastating home loss to

South Carolina and a throttling in Knoxville.

But Richt and company would find magic in a bottle and not lose again that season and finish ranked number two in the country after blowing out a severely overmatched Hawai’I in the Sugar Bowl back in New Orleans.

The Dawgs would enter the 2008 season ranked number one in both preseason polls. However that only lasted a week as they opened the season with lackluster wins against Georgia Southern, Central Michigan, South Carolina and Arizona State. And then Nick Saban rolled into Athens and showed everyone in the Bulldog Nation who was the contender and who was the pretender. And Urban Meyer would teach us a lesson with a 49-10 thrashing after our goal line team dance the year before. And unfortunately that regular season would end on the worst note possible as Tech came into our stadium and sent our team home with a loss on Senior Day. And then we all know the struggles that took place last season. Before the season ended, Coach Richt cleaned house on his defensive coaching staff and a better brand of football was promised for this season.

Well here we are and the record certainly isn’t showing that. And naturally the Bulldog Nation is more restless than I’ve ever seen it.

I just took you the reader through most of the Mark Richt era as I wanted you to recall both the triumphs and struggles. It’s been great most of the time, but not so good in others. For this reason, Mark Richt rightfully earned himself a little leeway while he’s been trying to change the course. However the fact of the matter is that he has now reached a point where no more slack should be given.

It’s time for his players to make plays for the man they have so much respect for. Otherwise, the scene in Athens will probably get ugly.

Are Richt, his staff and his players ready to step up Saturday night in Starkville? I hope to see as many Bulldog fans there as possible to support them in reestablishing what Georgia football is all about. Go Dawgs!

MISSISSIPPI STATE Cha Cha Cha Publishing Editor Vance Leavy Editorial & Ad Director Cheri Leavy Sports Guru Jeff Dantzler Public Relations Director Andrew Miller Sales Kelley Blanton Andrew Miller Holly Stanfill Sports Murray Poole Layout/Design Vance Leavy Sports Photographers Ryan Scates, Rob Saye Ad Design Cheri Leavy Andrew Miller Cover Design Vance Leavy Cover Photo Rob Saye Columnists Carlton DeVooght Al Hickson Reg Murphy Rob Sherrell Loran Smith Chad White

Mississippi State, September 21, 2010 FOR ADVERTISING OR TO SUBSCRIBE: andrew@bulldawgillustrated.com

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It’s back on the road for Georgia, and some of the Bulldogs biggest wins of the Mark Richt era have come away from home. From 2001 through 2005, the Bulldogs lost only twice in opposing teams stadiums. Over the next three years, even though a few more losses mounted on the road, Georgia was able to secure more memorable triumphs.

Georgia’s first signature win of Richt’s regime came in his first season, as the Bulldogs pulled off an incredible 26-24 upset victory over heavily favored Tennessee. The last second hook-up between David Greene and Verron Haynes, set up by an incredible grab from Randy McMichael, sent the immortal icon Larry Munson into joyous hysterics.

That victory, and the winning play, will always be known as the “Hobnail Boot� game. Tennessee was 10-1 heading to the SEC Championship Game, where a loss to LSU cost the Vols a shot at the national title. Georgia finished that 2001 season at 8-4, but the stage was set. The following season the Bulldogs won the SEC Championship and Sugar Bowl, finishing the 2002 campaign ranked third with a 13-1 record. And not to be forgotten in 2001, the Bulldogs, behind the powerful running of Verron Haynes and a big “pick six� from Tim Wansley, dominated Tech in a 31-17 victory on the flats.

That 2002 season was a historymaking one for Georgia, and that included a rare one-two pair of road victories. The Bulldogs became just the second team in college football history to beat both Alabama in Tuscaloosa and Auburn in Auburn.

In five previous trips to Tuscaloosa, the Bulldogs had come up short, including near-misses in 1991 and ’94. Georgia controlled the game, but a couple of big Bama plays had the given the Crimson Tide a 2524 lead. That’s when the Dogs responded and Billy Bennett knocked through the game-winning field goal with under a minute to go. Thomas Davis came up with a clinching pick and the 27-25 lead announced that Georgia would be a prime SEC contender. The Dogs followed that up with a win over Tennessee the next week to vault to the top of the SEC East standings and to No. 5 nationally. The biggest win of the Richt era came on the Plains that November.

Auburn dominated the first half and led 14-3 at intermission. Were it not for the sensational play of Sean Jones, the Bulldogs would have been blown out by halftime. But Georgia fought back and trailed 21-17 in the closing minutes.

Greene then famously hooked up with Michael Johnson for a 19-yard touchdown on fourth –and –15. The defense held and the Bulldogs were unleashed, dominating Tech 51-7, bashing Arkansas in the SEC Championship Game 30-3 and whipping Florida State 26-13 in the Sugar Bowl. The Greene to Johnson hookup is one of the three greatest plays in Georgia football history. And that long-awaited SEC Championship, which had eluded the Bulldogs for 20 years that included numerous near-misses, was finally Georgia’s. And the two signature wins came on the road.

In 2003 Georgia posted an historic 41-14 pounding of Tennessee, highlighted by Sean Jones unforgettable 92-yard fumble return for a touchdown on the final play of the first half to push Georgia’s intermission advantage to 20-7. In the regular season finale, with a second straight trip to the SEC Championship Game awaiting, the Dogs beat down Tech 34-17.

Georgia’s most recent Southeast-

ern Conference crown came in 2005, and it featured a pair of signature performances away from Sanford Stadium.

On the strength of Thomas Flowers punt return for a touchdown, the Bulldogs won again in Knoxville, as the Bulldogs prevailed 27-14 over Tennessee. The Vols were actually awarded a touchdown despite a receiver getting tackled on the two yard line on the final play of the game. A third straight win in Knoxville made history. Richt joined Paul “Bear�

Bryant and Gene Stallings, both obviously from Alabama, as the lone visiting coaches to post wins in Knoxville on three consecutive visits.

In the regular season finale of 2005, the Bulldogs, who had suffered a pair of devastating losses to Florida (14-10) and Auburn (31-30), but had secured a spot in the SEC Championship Game. A talented Tech game certainly got Georgia’s attention the week before the big battle in Atlanta with a win at Miami. The Yellow Jackets jumped to a 7-0 lead, but the Bulldogs battled back and grabbed a 14-7 lead. With the game on the line in the final minute, Tim Jennings cut in front of a Tech receiver, intercepting Reggie Ball on the goal line and returning it 36 yards. The Bulldogs ran out the clock, then the following week won the SEC Championship with a 34-14 victory over LSU. In 2007, the Bulldogs suffered a heart-breaking 16-12 loss to South Carolina in Athens and headed to Tuscaloosa with a 2-1 record. Alabama, rejuvenated by the hiring of Nick Saban, was coming off of a thrilling 41-38 victory over Arkansas.

The Crimson Tide, confident and favored, fell behind Georgia in the first half. The Bulldogs pushed the lead to 20-10 in the fourth quarter, but Bama battled back to tie it. All-SEC kicker Brandon Coutu just missed a gamewinning field goal as the clock struck zero, but the Bulldogs would prevail in overtime. Bama had the first possession and settled for a field goal.

Then on the Bulldogs first play from scrimmage in the extra session, Matthew Stafford hit Mikey Henderson for a game-winning 25-yard touchdown. The victory was Georgia’s second straight in Tuscaloosa.

Over the last couple of seasons, even though the Bulldogs had disappointing records, Georgia did register a pair of important victories.

Georgia won a wild 52-38 shootout over LSU in Baton Rouge in 2008. Darryl Gamble intercepted a Tiger pass and returned it for a touchdown on the first play of the game and Georgia never trailed. The Bulldogs have had good success in Baton Rouge, one of the toughest places in the country to play. Georgia bet LSU in Tiger Stadium in 1948, 1978, 1998 and 2008.

A disappointing season concluded in fine fashion a year ago, as the 6-5 Bulldogs upset once-beaten, ACC-Championship Game bound Tech 30-24. The Bulldogs bludgeoned the Yellow Jackets with a powerhouse rushing attack, giving Georgia a fifth consecutive victory on the flats.

These are tough times for Georgia after a pair of disappointing losses.

The Bulldogs will be back. It might be this year, next, or even further down the road, but Georgia will return to championship caliber. There is tradition, an incredible in-state talent base, and loyal alumni and supporters that provide one of college football’s premier support systems.

The big picture is what is most important, but all that this team can focus on now is Mississippi State. It’s where the road back can begin.

Bulldawg Illustrated

poole shots

By Murray Poole

Father-son duo tops all-time kickers A football team can have excellent players on both sides of the ball but if it doesn’t have an effective kicking game, championship seasons are normally going to be difficult to come by.

Fortunately, for the Georgia Bulldogs, they’ve almost always produced outstanding place-kickers and punters, guys who with a swing of their foot have accounted for many joyous victories for the Red and Black down through the years.

After detailing in this space last week the very best Georgia offensive and defensive players I’ve been privileged to observe and cover over the past 45 to 50 years, let’s today look at the greatest of the Bulldog kickers these eyes have witnessed in action.

When it comes to Georgia’s bestever field goal and PAT kicker, one name has to rank at the very top and that of course would be Kevin Butler. Although Butler, who performed for the Bulldogs from 1981-84 and went on to achieve All-Pro honors with the Chicago Bears, presently stands second to ex-Bulldog great Billy Bennett (2000-03) in number of field goals made in his UGA career – 77 to Bennett’s 87 – the fact is that Butler (98 kicks) attempted 12 less field goals than did Bennett (110) in the time the two players kicked for Georgia.

Going further, the most field goals Butler attempted during a single season was 28 in 1984 while in 2003, Bennett attempted 38 three pointers … which was both an NCAA and SEC record.

Butler, who is the only kicker inducted into the Collegiate Hall of Fame, continues to hold the record for the longest field goals in Bulldog history, the 60-yard kick of beauty which enabled Georgia to beat Clemson in 1984 and which tied an SEC record and a 59yarder that came against Ole Miss in 1982.

Butler booted 11 field goals for the Bulldogs that sailed more than 50 yards through the uprights with Allan Leavitt, Rex Robinson and Brandon Coutu ranking a distant second in that category, each with six over 50 yards. Butler also ranks tops on the all-time Georgia list for highest percentage of field goals made from 50 yards or more, going 11for-21 (52.4 percent) on those attempts during his storied career.

But certainly Billy Bennett, with all the Georgia kicking categories he continues to lead, deserves to be mentioned in the same breath with the great Kevin Butler.

As mentioned, Bennett converted 87 three-pointers in his UGA career to establish new NCAA and SEC records.

He also set new national and SEC marks in the 2003 season by kicking 31 field goals, and Bennett’s school-record six field goals against rival Georgia Tech in 2001 also tied an SEC record. Bennett’s 148 career PAT kicks also stand as a Georgia record and the 131 points he totaled in 2003 are the most points ever for a Bulldog player in a single season.

Bennett’s 409 career points (SEC record) also tops the Georgia scoring list with Butler’s 353 total ranking second.

But the Bulldog B’s, Butler and Bennett, are only two of the brilliant placement kickers who have performed in Sanford Stadium over these last five decades or so.

Brandon Coutu, who kicked for Mark Richt from 2004-07, is the all-time Georgia leader in career field goal percentage, firing true on a whopping 80.30 percent of his attempts. Coutu is also the only Bulldog kicker who never missed an extra point in his career, converting a remarkable 114-of-114 attempts during his time in Athens.

But, as I’ve mentioned, Georgia has turned out one All-America type kicker after another down through the autumn seasons. Indeed, guys like Rex Robinson, Kanon Parkman, Allan Leavitt, Hap

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Hines, Steve Crumley, John Kasay, Todd Peterson, Bobby Etter and Kim Braswell were all superb at their craft and when they came on the field, you always felt confident three points were about to go up on the scoreboard for Georgia.

And now the guy presently kicking for the Bulldogs, one Blair Walsh, has certainly moved into the elite realm of the greatest UGA place-kickers ever. Entering the Arkansas game this past weekend, Walsh was 39-for-49 in career field goal attempts and had converted all 99 of his PAT tries. Walsh had connected on seven field goals from 50 yards or more.

Moving to the all-time greatest Georgia punters I’ve been fortunate to observe, you don’t have to go very far back to find the best-ever UGA boomer of footballs. Fact of the matter, you don’t have to go back any time at all because the Bulldog at the top of the record list resides right there on the 2010 Georgia team.

Junior Drew Butler, who has a pretty well-known dad by the name of Kevin, ascended to the top of the alltime Bulldog punting list in 2009 when he went out and averaged a spectacular 48.1 yards a kick. With that performance, Butler not only earned All-SEC and All-America first team honors but was the recipient of the coveted Ray Guy Award, presently annually to the nation’s most outstanding punter. Butler’s 48.1 average per kick was tops in the nation and he also had a 75-yard punt (at Oklahoma State) and had 19 kicks downed inside the 20-yard line. When Butler gets his foot into the ball just right – and that’s most of the time he kicks – it’s a thing of beauty as he hangs ‘em high and deep while usually backing Georgia’s opponent back into the shadow of its own goalposts.

And you know Butler has to be a truly great punter to surpass all the legendary names that have kicked for Georgia this last half century.

Following Butler on the best-average-for-a-season list are four other tremendous Bulldog punters: Chip Andrews (45.4, 1984), Bobby (Big Toe from Cairo) Walden (45.3, 1958), Cris Carpenter (44.1, 1986) and Brian Mimbs (44.0, 2008). Andrews presently holds the best Georgia punting average for a career, 43.2 yards a kick in 198384, and one would have to think that if he continues on his present track, Butler will easily climb to the top of the heap in that category also.

At the same time, however, Drew Butler is going to have to post a tremendous one-game performance to become the all-time leader in that area. In 1958 against the Texas Longhorns, Bobby Walden averaged an astonishing 63.0 yards a kick on three punts. But, most certainly, that record is in Butler’s range as he already stands second and third on the single-game punting average list with the 57.0 average he accumulated on six kicks against Oklahoma State last year and the 55.2 figure he compiled on four punts last season against Arkansas.

And if you’ve watched Georgia football through the years, who could ever forget the way that such guys as Gordon Ely-Kelso, Jonathan Kilgo, Spike Jones, Scot Armstrong, Jim Broadway, Mike Garrett, Don Golden, Jimmy Orr, Joe Comfort, Knox Culpepper and Zeke Bratkowski boomed the football long distances? All of those kickers averaged 40.0 yards or more a punt during their best seasons.

Yep, just like all the great running backs, quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs that have worn the Bulldog red, this football program can also hang its hat on the many outstanding place-kickers and punters who have suited up for ol’ Georgia down through the decades.

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Dogs vs. Msu A battle of downtrodden teams will end with one feeling better, while the other will be on life support

By Jeff Dantzler

B

efore the season began, the consensus was that if Georgia beat both South Carolina and Arkansas, the Bulldogs could be in for a special season. The way the schedule sets up, a split with the Gamecocks and Razorbacks would give Georgia time to recover and still have an outstanding year. Lose them both and the Bulldogs would be at a low point unseen since the early to mid-90s.

Well, the worst case scenario has hit.

After being soundly defeated 17-6 at South Carolina, the Bulldogs lost a 31-24 heart-breaker to Arkansas in Sanford Stadium, falling to 1-2 and 0-2 in the Southeastern Conference. The last time Georgia started a season with an 0-2 league mark was 1993. That’s also the last time that the Bulldogs fell to both South Carolina and Arkansas in the same year.

Championship dreams have been dashed. On the heels of the worst season for the program, a respectable 85 record that included wins over Auburn and Tech, since 1996, a promising 2010 season has gotten off to a disastrous start. In Georgia’s last three SEC games, dating back to last season, the Bulldogs have lost to Kentucky, South Carolina and Arkansas. Clearly, that is well below Georgia’s standards. As is a 2-6 SEC mark in the Dogs last eight conference games.

The loss to Arkansas was particularly distressing, as the Dogs fought back from a 24-10 fourth quarter deficit.

Georgia tied the game at 24-24 and had the ball late in the fourth quarter. After a 10-yard run from Washaun Ealey, quarterback Aaron Murray was sacked. Carlton Thomas then ran for 10 yards and Georgia called time. Murray was then sacked again and Georgia was forced to punt.

It was shades of Mike Shula leading Alabama back to victory over the Bulldogs in 1985.

All-American candidate Ryan Mallett needed only three plays to take the Razorbacks 73 yards for the gamewinning touchdown.

Since 1997, Georgia has won at least eight games every year, the longest such streak in the country. In none of those years was Georgia ever 1-2 after three games.

Now comes Mississippi State, which hasn’t beaten the Bulldogs since 1974. Georgia has won nine in a row over the Bulldogs from Starkville. Then again, Georgia had won six straight over Arkansas, four straight in Co-

lumbia and hadn’t lost to Kentucky in Athens since 1977.

Mississippi State has had a tough start in SEC play.

After an impressive season-opening victory over Memphis, State lost a heartbreaking 17-14 nationally televised Thursday night affair with Auburn in Starkville. An enormous dropped pass cost State an opportunity to tie the Tigers or win.

This past Saturday, turnovers doomed the Maroons as LSU won 29-7 at Tiger Stadium at Baton Rouge.

Both Georgia and Mississippi State sit at 1-2 and 0-2 in SEC play. Both obviously are in desperate need of a win. There’s no doubt that State sees an opportunity to pick up a rare win over the royal Bulldogs, who have struggled mightily of late against programs traditionally in the league’s second to bottom tier.

Here are some key match-ups that will determine whether Georgia can get perhaps start to get its season back on track: Secondary vs. Bumphis Opposing receivers have gotten the best of Georgia’s defensive backs the past two weeks. Arkansas standout Joe Adams topped the century mark in the Razorbacks 31-24 win over the Bulldogs, while Alshon Jeffery had a big day for South Carolina in the Gamecocks 17-6 victory over Georgia in Columbia. Chad Bumphis is an outstanding athlete who can make the big plays. Expect for Mississippi State to try and get him the ball on the move in a variety of ways. The crossing routes that Arkansas used with such great success could be dangerous for Georgia with Bumphis.

The Trenches After last season’s 30-24 demolition of Tech in which Georgia put forth a dominating rushing attack highlighted by 183 and 166 yard performances from Washaun Ealey and Caleb King, the Bulldogs came into the 2010 season with high hopes for a veteran offensive line. But the front

Photograph by Ryan Scates

has struggled this season. Georgia has had a tough time getting a push and establishing an effective and consistent running game. And in the loss to Arkansas (though Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo says some of the blame goes to quarterback Aaron Murray for holding onto the ball too long), the Razorbacks came up with the aforementioned big sacks to deny the Bulldogs a shot at victory.

Georgia’s offensive line has not lived up to its promise thus far in 2010. State has strength on the defensive front, so the Bulldogs will again be tested.

Kicking Game Prior to the season, Georgia’s greatest strengths were viewed as the offensive line, star receiver A.J. Green and the dynamic kicking duo of Blair Walsh and Drew Butler.

Well the line has struggled, Green is serving the fourth and final game of his suspension, and Georgia’s special teams has been outperformed at several important moments. Both South Carolina and Arkansas were able to swing field position with big punts. Georgia doesn’t have the firepower of years past, so that fine margin for error of the SEC is even thinner. The Dogs have to win the kicking game to win in 2010.

MSU

DOGS TEAM STATISTICS SCORING Points Per Game FIRST DOWNS Rushing Passing Penalty RUSHING YARDAGE Yards gained rushing Yards lost rushing Rushing Attempts Average Per Rush Average Per Game TDs Rushing PASSING YARDAGE Comp-Att-Int Average Per Pass Average Per Catch Average Per Game TDs Passing TOTAL OFFENSE Total Plays Average Per Play Average Per Game KICK RETURNS: #-Yards PUNT RETURNS: #-Yards INT RETURNS: #-Yards KICK RETURN AVERAGE PUNT RETURN AVERAGE INT RETURN AVERAGE FUMBLES-LOST PENALTIES-Yards Average Per Game PUNTS-Yards Average Per Punt Net punt average TIME OF POSSESSION/Game 3RD-DOWN Conversions 3rd-Down Pct 4TH-DOWN Conversions 4th-Down Pct SACKS BY-Yards MISC YARDS TOUCHDOWNS SCORED FIELD GOALS-ATTEMPTS ON-SIDE KICKS RED-ZONE SCORES (10-11) RED-ZONE TOUCHDOWNS PAT-ATTEMPTS

UG 85 28.3 47 19 28 0 384 458 74 104 3.7 128.0 4 638 48-79-2 8.1 13.3 212.7 5 1022 183 5.6 340.7 10-204 7-80 3-42 20.4 11.4 14.0 2-1 18-108 36.0 16-713 44.6 39.2 30:45 17/43 40% 2/3 67% 8-48 0 10 5-5 0-0 91% (8-11) 73% (10-10) 100%

OPP 55 18.3 46 19 24 3 256 336 80 104 2.5 85.3 3 659 41-74-3 8.9 16.1 219.7 4 915 178 5.1 305.0 14-246 4-25 2-0 17.6 6.2 0.0 2-1 17-118 39.3 20-892 44.6 37.6 29:15 16/42 38% 1/2 50% 9-60 0 7 2-3 0-0 (4-4) 100% (3-4) 75% (7-7) 100%

TEAM STATISTICS SCORING Points Per Game FIRST DOWNS Rushing Passing Penalty RUSHING YARDAGE Yards gained rushing Yards lost rushing Rushing Attempts Average Per Rush Average Per Game TDs Rushing PASSING YARDAGE Comp-Att-Int Average Per Pass Average Per Catch Average Per Game TDs Passing TOTAL OFFENSE Total Plays Average Per Play Average Per Game KICK RETURNS: #-Yards PUNT RETURNS: #-Yards INT RETURNS: #-Yards KICK RETURN AVERAGE PUNT RETURN AVERAGE INT RETURN AVERAGE FUMBLES-LOST PENALTIES-Yards Average Per Game PUNTS-Yards Average Per Punt Net punt average TIME OF POSSESSION/Game 3RD-DOWN Conversions 3rd-Down Pct 4TH-DOWN Conversions 4th-Down Pct SACKS BY-Yards MISC YARDS TOUCHDOWNS SCORED FIELD GOALS-ATTEMPTS ON-SIDE KICKS RED-ZONE SCORES RED-ZONE TOUCHDOWNS PAT-ATTEMPTS

MS 70 23.3 61 26 30 5 466 530 64 118 3.9 155.3 5 617 46-78-7 7.9 13.4 205.7 5 1083 196 5.5 361.0 13-255 5-53 3-15 19.6 10.6 5.0 5-1 10-95 31.7 13-532 40.9 39.8 30:19 18/40 45% 2/3 67% 4-27 -20 10 0-1 1-1 (5-5) 100% (5-5) 100% (10-10) 100%

OPP 53 17.7 46 27 17 2 398 474 76 106 3.8 132.7 2 451 42-69-3 6.5 10.7 150.3 3 849 175 4.9 283.0 11-287 4-14 7-115 26.1 3.5 16.4 3-2 17-158 52.7 14-634 45.3 40.1 29:41 14/41 34% 1/1 100% 5-28 0 5 6-9 0-0 (7-8) 88% (3-8) 38% (5-5) 100%

Score by quarters Georgia Opponents

2nd 24 24

4th 21 10

Score by quarters Miss. State Opponents

2nd 7 19

4th 7 10

6

1st 17 14

3rd 23 7

Total 85 55

Photograph by Rob Saye

1st 21 10

3rd 35 14

Total 70 53

Bulldawg Illustrated

Georgia 24 Arkansas 31

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7

Mississippi State scouting report Dan Mullen’s team looking for a big home win and a struggling Georgia team represents a great opportunity

By Murray Poole Location: Starkville, Miss.

Conference: SEC Enrollment: 19, 644 Record: 1-2 (0-2 SEC) after 49-7 win over Memphis, 17-14 loss to Auburn and 29-7 loss to LSU. Mascot: Bully Why Mississippi State could win: The Bulldogs could beat Georgia Saturday night because Mississippi State always plays foes tough when at home on a Saturday night (ask the Florida Gators last year). Indeed, Photograph by Ryan Scates if State can come out of the gate fast against the Bulldogs from Athens and get those cowbells ringing, Georgia may have a problem in getting the game momentum to swing its way. Too, Mississippi State’s two quarterbacks, redshirt freshman Tyler Russell and junior Chris Relf, while being erratic thus far, are both capable of compiling good passing games against a Bulldog secondary that struggled mightily against Arkansas standout Ryan Mallett.

Why Mississippi State could lose: The State Bulldogs could lose to Georgia because they have yet to achieve upper echelon status in the SEC and year-in and year-out, can’t equal the talent and depth that Mark Richt’s team possesses. And, like Georgia, the Mississippi State offense has yet to find an identity, putting up only 14 points in the loss to Auburn and a lone touchdown in the setback at LSU Saturday night when the State QBs threw five interceptions. This would seem a good opportunity for Todd Grantham’s 3-4 Bulldog defense to fashion its best showing to date.

What Mississippi State’s coach is saying: “We’ll be out on the practice field tomorrow, we have a lot of things we have to clean up,” said MSU coach Dan Mullen immediately following the loss to LSU this past Saturday night. “We have a tough opponent in Georgia coming in next week and we’d better have a great attitude on the practice field tomorrow. If we do we’re going to get ourselves right back on track to where we want to go.”

What Mississippi State’s players are saying: “We just have to find a way to win,” said Bulldog senior linebacker K.J. Wright after the loss in Baton Rouge. “The defense has got to just hold our opponents and give the offense better position to score. We know what we’re capable of and we just have to execute as a team. We’ve just got to get ready for Georgia this week.”

What Mississippi State’s fans are saying: “It was a bad loss to LSU but, bottom line, it’s time to move on and focus on Georgia, which is currently a struggling team that can be had and on our home turf,” said one Mississippi State fan following the 29-7 loss to the Tigers. “We will struggle to be a bowl team this year and anyone that had us winning more than seven games this year was unrealistic. We could easily win only five but be a much improved team.”

And, from another: “We should beat Georgia at home but if the play calling doesn’t improve then we won’t....simple as that.”

Noteworthy: Georgia has reeled off nine consecutive wins over Mississippi State and holds a 16-5 lead in the overall series. In fact, State’s last win over the Bulldogs came way back in 1974 when MSU walloped Georgia in Jackson, 38-14. Mark Richt is 2-0 vs. the State Bulldogs. Both teams are in the midst of two-game losing skids and should be a bit hungry for victory Saturday night and that elusive first SEC win.

Come test drive the all new

Bigtime Bulldogs

By Jeff Dantzler

#1 Chad Bumphis, WR 5-10 195 Soph. Tupelo, Miss.

One of Dan Mullen’s talented young skill players, Bumphis is that big-play threat on the perimeter that Mississippi State has been sorely looking for. Bumphis really made Auburn sweat in the Thursday night nationally televised Southeastern Conference opener in Starkville. He’s a big play threat out wide and is dangerous on punt returns. One of Mississippi State’s greatest ever players was 1990’s receiver and returner extraordinaire Eric Moulds, who went on to a stellar NFL career with the Buffalo Bills. The Starkville Maroons are hopeful that Bumphis could play his way into that class by the time his career is done at State. #90 Pernell McPhee, DT 6-4, 285 Sr. Pahokee, Fla. You talk about a stellar defensive lineman, the kind that every coach would love to have on his front, Pernell McPhee certainly qualifies.

Mississippi State has been known through the years for developing a lot of big and talented trenchmen, and picking up the highly touted Junior College All-American from Itawamba (the same JUCO that former Georgia and NFL standout Jason Ferguson attended) helps the Maroons continue that legacy. McPhee is big, strong, has great feet and hands and will be a load for the Bulldogs to handle. #17 Tyler Russell, QB 6-5, 225 RFr. Meridian, Miss.

One of the most highly touted recruits that Mississippi State has brought in over the last decade, this four-star prospect from Meridian was a huge pickup for Dan Mullen. Amongst the other schools that offered the Parade AllAmerican were Alabama and South Carolina.

Nick Saban and Steve Spurrier wanted him.

Mullen energized what had been a stagnant Mississippi State offense and it jumped the excitement level in Starkville a great deal.

You’ve got to be good at quarterback to have a shot in the toughest league in the land, and the Maroons hope that Russell fits that bill.

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Bulldawg Illustrated

JD’s five keys for a must win sippi State lost Anthony Dixon, one of the top tailbacks in school history, to the draft and replacing him has been Mullen’s top priority.

Mullen has weapons, but Georgia’s defense should be able to play an outstanding game.

It’s not going to be easy in Starkville, but the defense should be able to keep State at a relatively low point total, maximizing Georgia’s victory potential.

1.

Accuracy from Aaron – Georgia’s redshirt freshman quarterback has a lot of talent and showed great poise in his first road test at South Carolina. Of course the Dogs lost in Columbia, but Murray was perhaps the brightest spot of that setback. After hosting Arkansas, its back on the road and the crowd, though not as big, will be rocking with Georgia making a rare visit to Starkville. Mississippi State’s defense has a tough defense, headlined by an outstanding front. The Bulldogs need some big plays to win at State, and it starts with Murray.

4.

Rugged Running – In the season-opening win over LouisianaLafayette, the Bulldogs had trouble grinding out tough yardage between the tackles. In the 17-6 loss at South Carolina, the Dogs were dominated in the running game. Mississippi State has an outstanding defensive front and Georgia will be put to the test. The Bulldogs offensive line has done a better job pass-blocking than on the run.

Washaun Ealey is a good tailback and if the front comes out with a nasty attitude, Georgia should have success run-

2.

Bottle up Bumphis – Mississippi State has been looking for that big play punch to spice up the offense, and they’ve got it in Bumphis.

He’s shown against both Auburn and LSU that he’s a threat against the Photograph by Rob Saye toughest of defenses in the best league in the land. Bumphis can go deep or take short passes ning the football. and score. Where he could be just as dangerous is on punt returns. Drew Butler will have to boom them high and Georgia’s coverage unit will have to be at its best. Dan Mullen won’t hesSpecial Teams Superiority – Drew Butler and Blair Walsh itate to call his number in any situation. have the ability to swing the field and their scoreboard with their talented right legs. As mentioned above, Bumphis is very dangerous on punt returns. The Bulldogs will have to be en guarde Defensive Dominance – Without a doubt, Mississippi with State’s star. Of course accuracy from Walsh is a must. He State’s offense has improved dramatically. Dan Mullen did a fan- gives Georgia a big lift offensively and lessens some pressure. tastic job helping engineer Florida’s powerhouse offenses with The Bulldogs are definitely in scoring range once they get inside Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow. A year ago, he oversaw one of the opposition’s 40. With these two, Georgia should win the kickcollege football’s top offensive turnarounds in Starkville. Missis- ing game every Saturday.

5.

3.

A view from Starkville Even with Georgia’s struggles, longtime MSU announcer still respects Mark Richt’s team

By Jeff Dantzler

J

im Ellis, longtime Mississippi State broadcaster and SEC observer, gives us his thoughts on the Bulldogs match-up with Mississippi State.

How big was it for MSU to get Tyler Russell ?

Coach Mullen has said one of the keys to success for MSU was to own the state in recruiting. Tyler Russell was the most high profile high school recruit in Mississippi in 2008 and his signing a great 1st step for Mullen’s in state recruiting. He also has potential to be the kind of big time quarterback that Mississippi State has lacked for the last decade.

Talk about the strengths of MSU’s defense.

Manny Diaz, the defensive coordinator wants an attacking defense. He has some key veteran players surrounded by a lot of youth. The front 4 led by Pernell McPhee is a talented group but McPhee is the only SR the rest of that rotation will be three sophs, two juniors, and a freshman. Veteran LB’s Chris White and KJ Wright are talented Seniors but there is little other experience at linebacker, one of thinnest positions on the teams. The secondary leader is Junior strong safety Charles Mitchell, the rest of that group is sophs and Freshmen. For the attack style defense to be successful the young secondary must be much better at not giving up the big play than last year.

Playing three straight games against Auburn, LSU and Georgia is quite a task, but it says a lot about the program that MSU is right there with a chance to win each Saturday.

State proved in games with Florida and LSU last year that they can compete with the top echelon SEC teams, now they have to prove they can win against those opponents. Auburn was another good example of close but no cigar. It’s a tough stretch but its what SEC football is about. Coach Mullen says there is no pride in playing good teams close.

www.bulldawgillustrated.com

What’s your take on Georgia?

Georgia despite the early season loss to South Carolina has a chance to be in the hunt to win the SEC east that looks wide open to me.

Georgia like MSU has an inexperienced quarterback behind a veteran offensive line. It will help to get AJ Green back. The running game looks like a work in progress. Georgia is always salty on defense and the kicking game should be one of the SEC’s best. No reason to think Georgia won’t win their share of big games again this year.

What does MSU need to win?

State’s receivers must catch the football. 6 drops vs Auburn. Must hold their own in special teams play, and must win the turnover battle. The defensive key is to not give up big plays.

Who plays for the SEC Championship Game?

Right now I would guess Alabama vs South Carolina.

Dan Mullen woke up the offense and energized the fan base, just how popular is he with the State faithful?

He is very popular. He is energetic, articulate, confident, and determined. His teams have begun to play that way. Now he must start to win big

Photograph by Rob Saye

games to keep the momentum.

Beating a good Ole Miss team last year in coach Mullen’s first year had to be huge for State.

The Ole Miss win was huge for the players because it reinforced what the coaching staff has been preaching. It was huge for the fan base because it was Ole Miss. It was great for the program because everyone had a positive feeling going into the off season.

Does coach Mullen and the team look at Saturday as a chance to secure a signature win?

I think Coach Mullen feels his club is at the point that they should have a chance to win every weekend. I’m not sure that he is so much looking for signature wins as a signature season.

15

Game rewind: Georgia 24 Arkansas 31

By Murray Poole

Close, but agonizingly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no cigar!

Just when it appeared the Georgia Bulldogs were about to complete a valiant comeback and thereby avoid going 02 in the SEC, Heisman Trophy candidate Ryan Mallett took over the game for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Not about to allow the Hogs to lose a second consecutive shootout to the Bulldogs, Mallett took the Razorbacks 72 yards on just three passes, his final throw being a 40yard touchdown strike to ace receiver Greg Childs with only 15 seconds to play. The scoring pass lifted 12th-ranked Arkansas (3-0, 1-0 SEC) to a 31-24 thriller over the Bulldogs Saturday in a game where Georgia had rallied from a 24-10 fourth-quarter deficit to tie the contest at 24-all with under four minutes to play.

The heart-wrenching loss came on the heels of a 17-6 loss to South Carolina and marked the first time the Bulldogs have started conference play at 0-2 since 1993 and, obviously, the first time in Mark Richtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10 seasons at Georgia.

After watching the 6-6, 238-pound Mallett riddle the Bulldog secondary for 380 yards (on 21-of-33 completions) and three touchdowns, Richt said he was pleased with the way his team battled back but noted the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; inability to finish was the difference in winning and losing the football game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We got better today, but we just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t finish,â&#x20AC;? said Richt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We got back into it, the crowd got into it. We had all we could hope for with time offensively, but we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get any points on the board. We had a chance to stop them, but we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. We punted them down and they had a long way to go, but they got it done and we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve played two soft teams,â&#x20AC;? Richt added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arkansas is very good. They got the job done and we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. We made a lot of progress, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to finish.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a tough loss,â&#x20AC;? said senior tackle Clint Boling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At least we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quit. We were down two scores in the fourth quarter and didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up. We fought back hard but it just wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough â&#x20AC;Ś this loss really hurts.â&#x20AC;?

Both teams struck for touchdowns on their first possession. On a third-and-one at the Arkansas 43, Mallett faked a handoff into the line and found tight end Chris Gragg running by himself behind the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; secondary.

The play covered 57 yards and with the PAT kick, the Razorbacks were up 7-0 with still 12:27 to go in the first quarter.

Then Bulldogs then came right back, driving 73 yards on eight plays with Murray rolling left on a fourth-and-goal at the Hogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; one-yard line and diving into the left corner of the end zone. Big play on the march was a 47-yard strike from Murray to Tavarres King, which placed the ball at the Arkansas 10. Blair Walshâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kick knotted the game at 7-7 with 7:49 to go in the initial period.

But the Hogs would then tack 10 points on the board in the second quarter to assume a 17-7 halftime advantage.

Arkansas went 71 yards on seven plays for its second touchdown, with Knile Davis scoring from the one. The Hogs then moved to a 48-yard Zach Hocker field goal, which came with only four seconds left in the first half.

A 43-yard field goal by Walsh late in the third period pulled the Bulldogs within 17-10 but Mallett came back to toss a 22-yard scoring strike to Ronnie Wingo to make it 24-10 with eight seconds left in the quarter.

Georgia then went on a six-play, 62-yard scoring drive with Murray and King hooking up on a 10-yard touchdown pass. Walshâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kick brought the Bulldogs to within 2417 with 7:52 remaining. A 46-yard strike from Murray to Kris Durham had positioned the ball at the five, setting up the touchdown pass.

The Bulldogs were finally clicking on offense now and on the next possession took only 1:33 to drive 52 yards for the tying score. Again, a 35-yard Murray-Durham hookup got the ball to the 17. Three plays later, Ealey ripped three yards up the middle for the touchdown. Walshâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kick blinked the board to 24-24 with just 3:55 to go.

And Georgia had its chances to put the game away after taking possession at its own 34 with 2:18 to play but

the Razorback defense sacked Murray twice to force a Bulldog punt.

Taking over at its own 27, Arkansas then quickly went the distance for the win with Mallett and Childs hooking up for the clinching touchdown â&#x20AC;Ś a score that broke the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; collective hearts and left Georgia at 1-2 overall heading to Starkville to face Mississippi State Saturday night.

What Worked Georgia did show a lot more fire and improved tackling ability over the lackluster performance a week earlier in Columbia but, again, an inability to put points on the scoreboard for three quarters put the Bulldogs into a comeback mode they really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be in entering the late stages of a game. Trailing 24-10 after three quarters meant that the Bulldogs had tallied only 16 points over their last seven periods of play â&#x20AC;Ś before notching the two scores in the final quarter.

The UGA defense did limit the Razorbacks to 53 yards net rushing and the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; offense, while struggling to get on the scoreboard most of the afternoon, did come on to compile 392 total yards.

What Didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Work Good as he is, your defense canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let Mallett pass for nearly 400 yards. Too many times, the Razorback receivers were running open in the UGA secondary. And though the tackling was admittedly better than it was at South Carolina, a missed tackle by safety Shawn Williams on Arkansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; winning touchdown allowed Childs to take the ball to the house. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We showed a lot of heart, we kept fighting to get back in it but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to minimize the big plays and continue to get better,â&#x20AC;? said senior linebacker Akeem Dent.

And, again to be successful in the SEC, the Bulldogs simply have to rush for more than the 139 yards they managed Saturday, and the O-line canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow Murray to be sacked in the crucial moments of the game â&#x20AC;Ś the way the Hogs poured in on the Georgia QB when the Bulldogs had a chance to maybe put the game away in the waning minutes Saturday.

Top Performers Murray was 15-of-27 for 253 yards and one touchdown with one interception. Durham snared five passes for 101 yards while King showed four receptions for 91 yards and the score. Ealey, with Caleb King sitting out his second straight game, rushed for 87 yards on 18 carries. Shawn Williams and Bacarri Rambo each had seven tackles for the Georgia defense while Dent followed with six stops but sophomore outside linebacker Cornelius Washington had the lone sack of Mallett the day long. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to give credit where credit is due,â&#x20AC;? said Durham, his face showing the effects of this very bitter defeat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arkansas made a great play right there at the end to put it out of our reach. We had opportunities, we just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t capitalize at the end. But I think we showed our character.

When you face adversity, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how you pull through and how you fight afterward and I think we showed character and that we have fight. Unfortunately, today, we just got beat by a better team,â&#x20AC;? said Durham.

Next Up, Those Other Bulldogs It will be a pair of 1-2 teams meeting Saturday evening in Starkville and while Georgia is reeling at the moment, the Bulldogs say donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count them out just yet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a long season, we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cash anything in right now,â&#x20AC;? said Dent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We got to continue to step up. That fight we had at the end, we got to bring down on the field the whole game. We just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up big plays and things like that â&#x20AC;&#x201C; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just got to finish.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lost two games, two of the most important games in the SEC that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll play,â&#x20AC;? said senior cornerback Vance Cuff. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a couple more to go, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve still got a couple more great teams to play. We could definitely get our ranking back by beating two top ten opponents.

SEC is going to have the best teams. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re definitely behind the 8-ball with these two losses but I say if we go out and play like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re supposed to and win out, we can definitely regain control.â&#x20AC;?

Photograph by Rob Saye

Photograph by Ryan Scates

Photograph by Rob Saye

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Kevin Butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 2010 football season select his offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week for Bulldawg Illustrated. Here are Butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selections and reasons why for the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 31-24 loss to Arkansas.

OFFENSE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sophomore wide receiver Tavarres King, who caught four passes for 91 yards including a 47-yard catch that set up Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first touchdown and a 10-yard touchdown reception that pulled the Bulldogs within 24-17 in the fourth quarter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With A. J. (Green) being out for the extended four games, we needed somebody to step up on the offense besides (Kris) Durham and a couple others in the receiving category,â&#x20AC;? said Butler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tavarresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; touchdown sparked a comeback and gave us an opportunity to see a receiver make a play after the ball is in their hands with second effort and determination to get into the end zone. And that needs to spread through our offensive players. When you get the ball in your hands, use your athletic ability and determination and effort and turn a regular play into a big play.â&#x20AC;?

DEFENSE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; entire rush defense, which limited the Razorbacks to 53 net yards on the ground Saturday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really have an individual standout on defense, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing this by committee this week with our run defense,â&#x20AC;? said Butler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our challenge on defense going into the Arkansas game was not allowing them to balance their offense, and the way to eliminate that was not allowing Arkansas to establish a run game. The ability to eliminate their run game allowed us to focus on their passing game. We made them beat us with their best player throwing the ball and, unfortunately, they did. Ryan Mallett had 380 yards. He put it in the air on their winning scoring drive, and we just gave up too many big passing plays.â&#x20AC;?

SPECIAL TEAMS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Instead of a player this week, Butler goes with another Georgia unit, the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kickoff coverage team, for a fine performance against the Hogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kick returners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our kickoff coverage team really made improvement in this game,â&#x20AC;? said Butler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had to focus on not only getting better as individuals but getting better as a unit as well. But they were improved and gave our defense good starting field position. You never want to give Ryan Mallett a short field to play with.

Making them go 75 yards is the key to beating Arkansas. Of course, they did that on the winning drive.â&#x20AC;?

Compiled by Murray Poole Photograph by Rob Saye

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18

Bulldawg Illustrated

Bulldawg leader: Vance Cuff

His Foundation: Mother, Barbara Palmore

Senior cornerback still relishes 2007 win over the Gators and would like one more

Parents names: Vance Cuff, Sr. and Barbara Palmore Siblings names: Eric Lamar, 27.

By Murray Poole

V

ance Cuff has made significant contributions to the Georgia football program all four years he’s been in Athens. Now in his senior season with the Bulldogs, the 5-11, 177pound Moultrie native has accelerated his game each year and following an outstanding spring practice performance, has taken over a starting cornerback slot for the Bulldogs. Cuff, who has been clocked at a blazing 4.24 seconds in the 40yard dash – fastest on the Georgia team – appeared in 12 games during his freshman season in 2007, played in 10 games in 2008 and then appeared in nine games, with one start, during his junior campaign last season. In the 2009 season, the former Colquitt County standout recorded 21 tackles, two pass break-ups and one QB pressure while notching a career-high eight tackles against Kentucky. In this question-and-answer with Cuff and his mom, Barbara Palmore, Georgia fans get a real insight into the player who wears No. 25 for the Bulldogs.

What do you view as the most important quality in being a leader for the team?

To me, a leader is someone who leads by example. Anybody can go out and talk big but if you don’t practice what you preach, if you don’t go out and work, the other guys will see you and think, “he may want to win but he’s not backing up what he’s saying.”

Who do you consider to be the most important mentor in your life so far, and why?

It would have to be my father, Vance Cuff, Sr. He’s definitely shown me what it is to be a man. He didn’t motivate me into sports – he never played sports himself but enlisted in the Army when he was 18 years old. It was my uncles that motivated me into sports. But my dad definitely played a big role in my life and has motivated me in all areas of life. His favorite saying is, “A man without his word is not a man at all.”

What fellow player on the team motivates you to be the best you can be and why is that the case?

I would definitely say Akeem Dent. He definitely is a leader in my book and if he steps up to the plate, I would definitely follow him anytime. Akeem does the job on the

Main attribute that makes Vance a leader: Vance leads by example. Even when he was a kid, he was a great leader. He’s just always been a leader, never a follower.

Best childhood story: I remember one Christmas when Vance was three years old. We had a family reunion at my mom’s house and Vance had a rocking horse that bounced up and down and he just loved that thing so much. Well, that particular time, Vance was on it so long he went to sleep and fell off. But the good thing, he wasn’t hurt.

Photograph by Rob Saye

field and has pushed and motivated me the most since we’ve been at Georgia.

What is the best play or game you’ve had while at Georgia and why?

No question, the best game for me was in my freshman year in ’07 when we beat Florida. With guys like Knowshon, Matthew Stafford and Massaquoi on that team and beating those guys my first year here was special. I have never liked the Gators and wanted to go to a school that would be playing Florida every year.

When you leave Georgia, what do you hope folks say about your contribution to the program?

I just want everyone to say that I was a man of my word, that I was a hard worker and would play whatever position the coaches wanted me to play. And that I always did my best.

What regular Georgia opponent do you enjoy playing the most and why?

Like I say, it would definitely have to be Florida. It would be so great if we could beat them this season, in my last year here. I’ve got a good amount of my family coming up from the Miami area to see our game in Jacksonville this year, one of them being my grandfather. They’ve seen me play on TV but never in person, so beating Florida with them there would be great.

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Best thing about his time at Georgia: Vance really has matured a whole lot since he’s been at Georgia. I remember in high school, when we would lose a game, he’d get off to himself and all. But now at Georgia, he understands that winning is not everything. Oh, Vance wants to win badly but he just accepts things better.

Nicest thing he’s ever done for you: I’ll never forget the Christmas when Vance was in the 10th grade. He wanted to give me something but told me, “Moma, I don’t have a job or anything.” Well, he made me a set of earrings. That was very special and I still have them to this day. Vance is just a giving person … he gives his best to everybody.

A few things about Vance outside of football: He enjoys coming home to be with his family, he really does. And he loves being with his son, Vance Cuff III, who will be three in December.

Most entertaining story about UGA fans: I went to all of Vance’s little league games and his games at Colquitt County but I’ve never seen fans like we have at Georgia. They really love each other and they love the team. They’re just a rowdy bunch.

What has Coach Richt meant to Vance?

I think Coach Richt is a true Christian. I met him on two occasions before Vance signed with Georgia, one time when he came to my apartment. Coach Richt listens to you, he understands where you’re coming from and is just a very nice person.

UGA

2010 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

HOMECOMING BARBEQUE October 15, 2010 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Wray-Nicholson House

Join fellow alumni and friends at the Wray-Nicholson House following the homecoming parade for food, fun and entertainment!

(706) 542-2251 www.uga.edu/alumni 19

Sam Greenwood, Getty

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Sam Greenwood, Getty

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A Major Event Featuring Major Champions

October 6-10, 2010 Sea Island Golf Club - St. Simons Island, Georgia

Signature Events Wednesday Official Pro-Am Youth Day (Free Admission Youth 17 & Under) Dennis Walters Trick Shot Show (4PM)

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Scott Halleran, Getty Images

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Jeff Dantzlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top 25 The big boys flexed their muscles again on Saturday, as Alabama and Ohio State put up big numbers in easy wins.

The SEC West is loaded. Bama will face a stiff challenge from Arkansas, Auburn and LSU, but the Crimson Tide is still the best team in the country. The top of the Big XII is strong with Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska. Oregon State could do the country a favor with a win over Boise State.

1. Alabama â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Heisman trophy winning tailback Mark Ingram returned in fine fashion, topping the 100-yard mark in the first quarter! Alabama absolutely blasted Duke 62-13 in Durham, and now comes a big one with Arkansas in Fayetteville. Bama will be tested by the Razorbacks incredible signal caller Ryan Mallett.

2. Ohio State â&#x20AC;&#x201C;The Buckeyes are rolling. On the heels of a signature victory over Miami of Florida, it was no problem against Ohio U. Atlanta native Cameron Heyward is one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best defensive tackles 3. Oregon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Ducks are putting up some incredible numbers. Yes it was Portland State â&#x20AC;&#x201C; alma mater of Neal Lomax â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but 69 points is impressive. Oregon has rolled up 72, 48 and 69 in its three wins this season.

4. Oklahoma - Coming off of an absolute pasting of Florida State, the Sooners got a not so surprising still test from Air Force.

It was a three-point escape for Oklahoma. The big showdown with Texas is on the horizon.

5. South Carolina â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Coming off of an enormous win over Georgia, the Gamecocks eased past in-state foe Furman. Up next is a highly anticipated showdown with Auburn on the plains.

South Carolina can run it and throw it. Steve Spurrier has quite a team.

6. Texas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Longhorns got a big time gut-check win in Lubbock 24-14 over Tommy Tubervilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Texas was in front 14-0, but a pick six helped the Red Raiders tie it at the half. But the Horns defense dominated the second half.

7. Texas Christian â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Horned Frogs put up a big time win over Baylor to push the record to 3-0. Andy Dalton has really taken a step this year. He struggled in the Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise State, but is one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best this year.

8. Florida â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Gators topped Tennessee 27-13 in Knoxville, pushing Urban Meyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record against the Volunteers to a perfect 6-0. Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offense is still a bit sluggish, but the Gators have a big time big play threat in super speedster Jeff Demps.

9. Nebraska â&#x20AC;&#x201C; In what shaped up as a potential upset, the Cornhuskers put a beat-down on Washington in Seattle. Bo Pellini has restored the pride in the Big Red, and Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offense is really cooking.

10. Auburn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Tigers have put up a couple of clutch three point victories to roll their record to a perfect 3-0. Auburn fell behind Clemson 17-0, but battled back and pulled it out in overtime.

Now South Carolina comes in for a big time showdown between teams that have met only four times since the Gamecocks joined the league in 1992.

11. Arkansas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ryan Mallett is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play at Arkansas. He had another incredible performance against Georgia with 380 yards and three touchdowns. The Hogs are good but stepping to a completely different level this week as Bama comes calling.

12. Boise State â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Kellen Moore is a standout quarterback and one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most accurate passers. Boise State has its second huge game of September, as the Broncos take on Oregon State.

With a win, though Nevada still looms, the Broncos could be bound for another perfect season.

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13. LSU â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Patrick Peterson is the best player in the Southeastern Conference, and showcased his abilities with an incredible interception and return in a 29-7 win over Mississippi State. The Tigers are flat out loaded with talent. But there are some big picture questions.

14. Miami â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Hurricanes have one of college footballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most difficult schedules, including the trips to Ohio State and Pittsburgh.

The Hurricanes half of the ACC is far and away the tougher side in the league.

15. Stanford â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jim Harbaugh has done a great job on the farm, and despite losing Heisman Trophy runner-up Toby Gerhardt, the Cardinal offense is putting up big numbers. But the defense has been outstanding to. Stanford could be Oregonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest challenger for the Rose Bowl.

16. Utah â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Runninâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Utes are mighty strong and Kyle Whittingham has done an outstanding job keeping the program going strong. When Urban Meyer left for Florida, it figured that the Utes would fall off, but they obviously have not.

17. Arizona â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mike Stoops has slowly been building Arizona back up. The Wildcats got into a bowl game last season while going 8-5, and got a signature win to improve to 3-0 with a monster victory over Iowa in the dessert.

18. Wisconsin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Talk about a scare, the Badgers dodged a big time bullet at Camp Randall in a 20-19 win over Arizona State. The Sun Devils had drawn within one, but missed the extra point.

Ouch. Wisconsin is at the top of the Big Tenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second tier.

19. Southern Cal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Trojans havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been looking sharp the last couple of weeks, struggling to beat Virginia and Minnesota.

Matt Barkley is a stellar quarterback. The Trojans wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel the probation effects for a couple of years.

20. Florida State â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Seminoles, after getting demolished by Oklahoma, can now turn their attention to the chase for the ACC Championship. Florida State is in the easier division in the ACC and is the favorite to make it to the conference championship game, though Clemson is better than anticipated.

21. Michigan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dennard Robinson is some kind of player and he gives Michigan that big play threat that the program has been sorely missing. The Wolverines had a letdown but were able to survive another I-AA upset, as UMass fell 42-37 in the big house.

22. Iowa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Hawkeyes fought back late, but were outclassed

by Arizona in Tuscon this past Saturday. Ohio State appears to be the class of the Big Ten, and Iowa is in the mix fighting to challenge.

23. Penn State â&#x20AC;&#x201C; After Alabama totally beat the Nittany Lions, it figured that Penn State would slump emotionally, and they did.

Penn State was able to push through and top Kent State.

24. Oregon State - Most of college football will be rooting hard for the Beavers, as they take on Boise State. Jacquez Rodgers is an outstanding tailback and could certainly hurt the Broncos defense.

25. Clemson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Tigers are better than most people thought.

Clemson jumped in front of Auburn 17-0 in the first half, but had it slip away. The Tigers battled back after falling behind 24-17, but lost in overtime on a missed field goal.

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21

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Gruff & Grump

By Chad White and Al Hickson

It’s bad, but salvageable Man, oh man. What a disaster in Athens.

Columns like these are tough to write. Starting points are so difficult to find. The boys in Red and Black are not in a good place right now. Even worse, we can not help but wonder exactly what the adults are doing. Those are not easy words to pen, our friends. But, honesty is always the best policy and we shall adhere.

We will save our thoughts on the overall state of the program. Clearly, it is not good but that is a column for another day. Instead, we will focus on the game past and the next one.

It is the best way for us. There is a lot of football left to play and, though our confidence in some of the coaches has been shaken to the core, our hopes are high. Mathematical possibilities are all we have. Mathematics say championships have gone the way of the wind. As a wise man said, it is still 95 degrees outside and the chance to be special has all but evaporated. That is not a good thing. It makes us sick. Though, mathematics also say we could

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22

expect she will use the floor as the bathroom.

We have an offense whose biggest question mark coming into this season was the freshman quarterback. The real problem is that quarterback is outplaying nearly every player, to a man, on this offensive team. It is apparent we don’t have many playmakers on the offense. Kris Durham is playing very well.

Taverres King seems like a player. We know we have great tight ends but we haven’t seen them hardly at all.

Back to the play calling. What’s the point of anything? Does anything set up anything?

Is there a new rule that we have to be in the I formation on nearly every snap? Is there a rule that we are not allowed to run a two tight end set, thus allowing two of our best players on the field at the same time? How about crossing routes? Are we not allowed to run these?

They are unstoppable against man coverage.

They can not be defended. Yet, we never run one. Why do we run three deep passing

Photograph by Ryan Scates

salvage something decent, regardless of what we really believe will happen.

The team showed great effort this week.

That was a very welcomed change. Of course, we have yet to review the film and we do realize that is the only way one can truly gauge effort, apparently. We assume when Coach Richt reviews this film he will agree the effort was there. Maybe he will even find the effort was improved. That is a good thing.

Straight from the Ray Goff quote book, the head man says we got better. Well, that’s a relief to all of us, we feel certain. Gonna go back to work now. Chop some wood. Keep griniding. Find out what we are made of. You know, we are gonna do all the things teams do that lose to teams they were not planning on losing to.

Please excuse our fits of sarcasm. They are born of a coaching staff that seems to have all the answers within the arena when it comes to the microphone but they can’t seem to put it together for sixty minutes on the field. Coach Richt deplored his troops to answer the call with about eleven minutes left in the fourth quarter. They did seem to pick it up and we nearly pulled it out. Wouldn’t it be great if Coach Richt could find a way to illicit this type of energy and play from our team for an entire contest? We sure think it would. What are you waiting on coach?

There is a mighty struggle within us to try in any way shape or form to understand exactly what our offensive philosophy is. We try to find a single unit on this offense that is performing well and we are left with mere bits and pieces. As we dig up the past, we must reiterate that our offense still has the appearance of creativity of that of a stick figure. That is directly from several of our articles in the past. A unit that returns nearly every starter is failing to muster much of anything. The line play is just abysmal. The running game is inconsistent at best. Of course, we wonder if the guy who seems drunk with the headset on calling plays as if he is playing a game on Xbox has anything to do with that. Washaun ran for a pretty good clip when he did tote it. Aaron Murray was sacked six times. No doubt about it, some of those were his fault for holding the ball that long. We wonder why Coach Bobo puts him in those spots, however. What does he think a freshman is going to do? When we leave our dog in the house overnight, we pretty much

routes, only, on a 3rd and 4 and a 3rd and 1?

Do we really have someone on our sidelines who thinks four defensive backs cannot cover three wide receivers running straight down the field? Why do we have a quarterback who has proven he can run and move and make plays, yet, we won’t run any type of roll out plays?

Why don’t we move the pocket with this guy and run some of those crossing routes? Honestly, this offense is one of the worst, from a scheme point of view, that we have ever watched. It really is. It is painful to watch.

And, it has been that way for a long time. All AJ Green would do is cover up this fact.

Granted, we sure wish he was here to do so.

As for the defense, you can’t imagine how pumped we were to see the fast start. We were very worried because Arkansas has a very, very good offense. Their coach is one of the best offensive minds in the game. They have a stud quarterback and some really good playmakers. So, we grabbed a coke and settled in with a big ole smile as we came out and jumped all over them on the first couple of plays. That smile was wiped right away when we jumped offside and setup the perfect situation for a bit of foolery for the Hogs first score. All in all, we thought the defense played okay. The defensive backs left something to be desired. Our coke spilleth over on one occasion as we jumped up to cheer a tackle behind the line, only to see the opposing running back break the tackle and bust on in the end zone.

But, we digress, the defense has much to learn. We were impressed with their fight, just as we were with the fight of the offense. We were impressed a little more with their coaching. They made some great adjustments again at the half. In the end, too many big plays did us in.

Up next is the mighty Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville. It should be a good one, unfortunately. We refuse to dig into the details of it out of pure principle. What’s the point?

That’s not who we want to be, is it? Get this train back on track, Coach Richt. Tell your protégé my niece knows all the plays now.

Typically before the ball is snapped. We need y’all to give these guys a chance. Quit telling us the problems after the final whistle blows.

Find us some solutions during regulation.

Please. Please do this. The Dawgnation is growing rather restless.

Go Dawgs!

Bulldawg Illustrated