Issue 17, tech, 2013

Georgia - Georgia Tech

Win it for Aaron!

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From the Editor : Vance Leavy

In last week’s issue, BI’s Jeff Dantzler described the 2013 season as being painfully bizarre. Unfortunately, a week later this statement has escalated to a new level with the ACL injury of Aaron Murray in his final game at Sanford Stadium. It was certainly not the exit any of us in the Bulldog Nation wanted for #11 who has given so much to Georgia.

Without question, we wish the best for Murray in his recovery and know him being on the sidelines for the Bulldogs final two games will probably be the hardest assignment he has had in all his years of playing football.

However by now everyone knows that football is a team game, so it will be up to both Murray’s teammates and fans to dig deep this Saturday in Atlanta against the hated Bees on North Avenue.

For this reason, the slogan “Win it for Aaron” on our cover is so appropriate. Losing to Tech isn’t an option as far as any of us here at BI are concerned. And thankfully Mark Richt obviously shares in this believe having only lost to the Yellow Jackets once in 12 games.

While the news of Aaron Murray going down has to have everyone on the team completely devastated, they have certainly shown nothing but resiliency this season. Lesser teams probably would not have been able to gather themselves so quickly after such a gut wrenching loss at Auburn. Yet, the Kentucky game was all Georgia from the opening whistle. And the best news was Georgia’s now number one quarterback Hutson Mason didn’t miss a beat when called into

action.

Now, I’m not naïve enough to think Saturday’s game against our in-state rival will be such a cakewalk. In fact, the Tech game has had me concerned all season long, even if our boys in red and black were injury free. The reason is simple … the Jackets are long overdue for a victory. And you can bet the fact they will be lining up against a Georgia quarterback with very little experience certainly has added some spring in their step.

For what it will take to end the 2013 regular season on a high note, I encourage you to read what our sports guys have written throughout this issue. Whether it’s Jeff Dantzler, Logan Booker or Murray Poole, the main message is for the Georgia defense to play flawless assignment football. The Tech offense is going to move the football, but when it pops huge plays it can become lethal. And while Grant Field pales in comparisons to most stadiums in college football, those Bees can get to buzzing if you don’t take care of business.

This is where the fans of the Bulldog Nation come into photo by Rob Saye play.

There’s nothing like being in Tech’s stadium and seeing our fans dominate the crowd noise. Of course, this happens when our team takes a few big plays to the house. Because of this, you can only hope Mike Bobo and company let Todd Gurley run wild on Saturday. And if Tech is silly enough to load the box, then by all means seeing a Hutson Mason coming out party would be a ton of fun as well.

That’s going to do it for me because I’ve said all there is to say. Beat Tech. It’s that simple. And doing it for Aaron Murray and going to the best bowl possible certainly is how these Georgia seniors should end the 2013 regular season.

Happy Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing you on the Flats.

Tech 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 photo Rob Saye

Sports Photography Rob Saye

Columnists Carlton DeVooght, Rob Sherrell , Loran Smith

Interns Pierce Persons. Annie Trice

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

Tech, November 26 2013

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4 • Bulldawg Illustrated

One of the most bizarre regular seasons in Georgia football annals comes to a close Saturday with the annual biggest game of them all, as the Bulldogs square off with arch-rival Tech on the flats. From the great – amazing and ultra-impressive triumphs over South Carolina and LSU, both in the top ten at the time, before raucous Sanford Stadium throngs – to the good – a last minute game-tying touchdown drive, overtime Tennessee fumble and Marshall Morgan game winner in Knoxville and a third straight victory over Florida, as the Bulldogs hung on in Jacksonville – to the bad – a four turnover performance in a loss to Missouri – to the ugly – a disastrous special team’s performance and 17-0 fourth quarter Vanderbilt showing in a 31-27 loss in Nashville – to the utterly gut-wrenching unbelievable – the Hail Mary “Prayer at Jordan Hare, when the Bulldogs had victory bounce from their hands into one of the most improbable plays in Southeastern Conference history – the Bulldogs have been an inordinate number of knee-knocking “instant classics� here in 2013.

As close as Georgia came last year to the Southeastern Conference championship and a date with Notre Dame in Miami for the national title, and with a vast majority of the offense returning here in 2013, expectations were sky high for a similar type campaign.

But alas, mostly due to injuries, a mostly new defense that has struggled, and too many special teams breakdowns, the record has not been what anyone in red and black anticipated or wanted.

All of that is out the window Saturday, because the state championship is at stake. The Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets renew “clean old fashioned hate� on the flats with Georgia in search of a fifth consecutive victory over Tech.

It would also be the Bulldogs 12th win in the last 13 meetings with the Yellow Jackets.

But even that one loss was too many.

It was 2008, Georgia was 9-2 and ranked in the top ten. The Bulldogs led 28-12 at the half, but the Yellow Jackets dominated the third quarter and won in Athens 45-42. The loss was staggering and devastating. Tech’s win ended the Bulldogs seven game winning streak in the series. Had Georgia prevailed, that would have made it eight straight, matching the infamous drought of 1949-1956 for the longest winning streak in the series.

As painful as it was losing 18 of 21 to Florida from 1990-2010, as difficult as the 1-7 record versus Auburn from 1983-1990 was, and as tough as nine straight losses to Tennessee from 1989-1999 was to swallow, make no mistake, the worst stretch of losing Georgia has ever had to endure were the eight straight to “The Enemy,� so dubbed by the Greatest Bulldog Ever Dan Magill.

If you would care to debate, just ask any Georgia fan, player or coach who endured it.

Auburn has taken more championships from Georgia through the years than any other school.

Florida is the team Georgia so wants to beat. There is the 50-50 split of the stadium, which creates an unparalleled atmosphere, and since the SEC split into divisions in 1992, the game has been a huge determinant for who plays for the league title.

But Tech is the game Georgia has to win.

Or else, it is simply a year of sheer and

utter misery within the confines of the Peach State for the Georgia faithful. Sheer and utter misery, agony, and despair.

The Tech fans who are usually not boastful, will have those car flags flying in Atlanta. It is termites coming out of the woodwork. The big video board on Interstate 85 puts the score up every day when Tech wins. They even bought a billboard in Atlanta trumpeting the score in 2008.

In 2007, the Bulldogs pulled out a thrilling 31-17 victory over Tech on the flats to improve to 10-2 on the year. Georgia would go on to defeat Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl, finish 11-2 and end the year ranked second nationally. It was an emotional, tough-and-nail street fight in which Georgia got some bounces. While the game was going on in the first half, Tennessee and Kentucky were doing battle in Lexington.

Had the Wildcats won, Georgia would have advanced to the SEC Championship Game. But Tennessee won 58-56 in multiple overtimes, shutting the Bulldogs out of Atlanta. When the game went final, the Tech faithful erupted.

They were happy seeing Georgia disappointed.

Later in the week, my young friend “Chicago� Mike LaBarbera, then a student manager for the highly successful women’s basketball program, came to the program’s long time play by play announcer with a confession. “JD,� he said, “I never bought into what you were saying about Tech being the biggest game of them all, because we have beaten them almost every year, and they are not in the SEC. But after making my first trip over there, last weekend, there is no doubt, you are right! I have never felt such hatred and hostility from a group of fans. Never been talked to that way.�

For me, I’ll never forget “Count the Jackets,� the (in)famous headline on the Monday following the 1985 game, which Tech won 2016. Tech made a goal line stand at the end of the first half. Well, they had 13 players on the field. And the Atlanta Journal-Constitution photo sure showed it.

In 1998, Georgia had won seven straight.

Tech was driving, then Joe Hamilton fumbled.

It was ruled he was down. There was no replay.

The call was wrong and Tech won 21-19 on a last second field goal. That Bulldog squad finished 9-3, that loss, courtesy of a bad call cost the Dogs an eighth straight win in the series and ten win season.

The next season was the Jasper Sanks game.

No more explanation necessary.

Georgia has had great success against Tech over the last twenty-plus years. The Bulldogs are 18-4 since 1991 and Tech later had to forfeit those wins in the late 1990’s for using ineligible players. Over the stretch, the Bulldogs are 10-1 at historic Grant Field. With the loss being the Jasper Sanks game when Al Ford and the zebras simply cheated Georgia out of what would have been a rousing comeback. It was the second straight season such had happened.

Had there been replay in the late 1990s, Georgia would have won nine straight against the Jackets and broke the drought.

But there was not.

Now Georgia can make it five in a row, and despite the injury-laden disappointing record here in 2013, the Bulldog faithful, players and fans can continue to relish in running the Peach State.

Poole Shots

by Murray Poole

This season disappointing but 2014 looms bright I don't think many people expected Georgia to be 7-4 on the season and out of the SEC title picture heading for the Bulldogs' annual skirmish with Georgia Tech, Saturday at Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium.

But that's where the 2013 team sits after the home finale win over Kentucky this past Saturday. These Bulldogs, who can still cap the slate with three consecutive wins and a 9-4 finish, simply weren't deep enough to overcome the rash of injuries that hit the UGA camp this fall. Nor were they good enough to overcome all of their self-inflicted wounds ... numerous special teams breakdowns and a year of shaky defensive play. Certainly, the last-second 43-38 loss at Auburn which came on the flukiest of all fluky plays and ended the team's title hopes once and for all, will go down as one of the most heartbreaking losses in Georgia history and only seemed to put a stamp on the frustrations of this particular season.

But, for this UGA football program I say there is a bright light at the end of a dark tunnel. And I know the Bulldawg Nation has grown weary of always talking about "next year" but, still, have y'all taken a glance at Georgia's schedule for next season?

Compared to the rugged gauntlet the Bulldogs had to traverse at the start of this season − Clemson, South Carolina and LSU all in the opening month − the 2014 slate looks much more inviting. In fact, the way next year's games fall into place, UGA fans everywhere could be smiling this time next season.

Georgia kicks off the season with the Clemson Tigers coming between the hedges on Aug. 30. And that will be a Tiger team minus all-star quarterback Tajh Boyd and electrifying wide receiver Sammy Watkins. And then, how about this, the Dogs will have an open date the very next Saturday, Sept. 6. Yes, a week off to get anybody well that was banged up in the Clemson game and a week to get ready to travel to Columbia, S.C. the following Saturday to face Spurrier's Gamecocks, who won't have QB Connor Shaw any longer and won't have a defensive end named Jadeveon Clowney, maybe a No. 1 NFL draft pick.

On Sept. 20, Georgia will return to Sanford Stadium for a non-league contest against Troy ... enough said.

Following the romp over the Trojans, the Bulldogs should be unbeaten and in high gear for two more consecutive games between the hedges, Sept. 27 vs. Tennessee and Oct. 4 vs.

Vanderbilt. And I would think the Dogs ought to be highly primed to avenge this year's errorfilled loss to the Commodores.

If Georgia is indeed standing at 5-0 after the Vanderbilt game − and of course there's no guarantee of that the way the Bulldogs have a penchant lately of falling to someone they're not supposed to − they would put that unbeaten slate on the line the next weekend, on Oct. 11, when they wing west to Columbia, Mo. If you ask me, considering what Clemson and South Carolina are losing, this battle with the Tigers could be the toughest of the entire 2014 season for the Bulldogs. Although Missouri loses quarterback James Franklin, freshman Maty Mauk has shown this season that the Tigers don't miss an offensive beat when he's guiding the attack. And although Missouri does lose some outstanding senior linemen, it will have 6-6 wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham and other key skill players back.

After Missouri, the Bulldogs will come back to Athens, barely catch their breath in practice that week and then fly back to the southwest on Oct. 18 to play the Arkansas Razorbacks. After having a disastrous season under first-year coach Brett Bielema (welcome to the SEC, Coach, and watch your braggadocio in the future), I wouldn't think the Hogs will be able to go from rags to riches that fast in 2014.

And after the two road games to play the Tigers and Hogs, here comes another welcomed open date on Oct. 25, before the Bulldogs get ready to go to Jacksonville on Nov. 1.

That open date prior to the Florida game worked out pretty well for Georgia this year, didn't it? The Dogs of course will be gunning for their fourth consecutive win (sounds sweet, doesn't it?) over the hated Gators and will be favored to do as much. And, we ask, will Will Muschamp still be on the UF sidelines when next November rolls around?

On Nov. 8 the Dogs will then go to the blue grass to play a still struggling Kentucky bunch.

And then, the following weekend, Nov. 15, yes the Auburn Tigers will finally be coming back between the hedges after the Dogs have had to motor to the Plains for two consecutive Novembers. Auburn will have many of its top players back and should be very good again but you can bet the Bulldogs will have this game circled in red ink, what after the way this year's game ended at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Next, the Nov. 22 homecoming tilt against Charleston Southern will keep all the old grads smiling.

The Nov. 29 season finale against the bumblebees will then unfold and that will be a very rare occurrence for the Bulldogs, having Auburn and Tech between the hedges in the same season ... due to the SEC schedule shuffle. Then, on Dec. 6, 2014 will come the SEC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome.

And if the Bulldogs would ever seem to be an odds-on favorite to get there, it will be next football season. There's no LSU in the opening month, there are two open dates scheduled at perfect junctures of the schedule; there are, count 'em, seven home games in Sanford and, most of all, there is a Georgia squad returning in 2014 that should arguably be among the most potent in the Bulldogs' recent history.

Ramik Wilson, Amarlo Herrera, Leonard Floyd, Jordan Jenkins, Ray Drew, Sterling Bailey, Josh Dawson, James DeLoach, Toby Johnson, Chris Mayes, Mike Thornton, John Taylor, Josh Harvey-Clemons, Corey Moore, Tray Matthews, Sheldon Dawson, Shaq Wiggins, Quincy Mauger, Damian Swann, Brendan Langley, Reggie Carter, Tim Kimbrough .... those are all experienced guys who will be returning to what should be a vastly-improved defensive unit next autumn, regardless of whom the coordinator will be.

And what about that returning offensive unit of Mike Bobo? Yes, the great and recordbreaking Aaron Murray will be playing in the NFL next season but rising senior Hutson Mason has already shown the Bulldogs may not miss a beat when it comes to scoring touchdowns in '14. Malcolm Mitchell will be back for Mason to throw deep to, sure-handed Michael Bennett and Chris Conley will be back, Justin Scott-Wesley will be back from his torn ACL of this season, and Mason will also have reliable targets in Jonathon Rumph, tight ends Jay Rome and Jordan Davis and his plethora of tailbacks, Todd Gurley, Keith Marshall, J.J. Green and Brendan Douglas. Also, fullbacks Quayvon Hicks and Merritt Hall.

Speaking of the Georgia tailbacks, it's doubtful if any team in America − even mighty Alabama − will have the wealth of running backs that the Bulldogs will field next season.

There is the great Gurley, the mercurial Marshall coming back from his ACL tear this season, rising sophomores Green and Douglas, and then two of the nation's top prep running backs in the persons of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.

Up front, of course, is where it counts most and O-line coach Will Friend will welcome starters David Andrews, John Theus and Kolton Houston back and will have guys like Mark Beard, Watts Dantzler, Xzavier Ward, Hunter Long and Brandon Kublanow pushing those regulars for playing time. And, of course, the Dogs will have their starting kickers back in Marshall Morgan and Collin Barber.

So while many Georgia fans, including myself, were talking SEC championship this season − which to tell the truth may not have been realistic with all those first-year starters on defense and then the powerful offensive unit being decimated by one key injury after another − NEXT SEASON could be special indeed. With what seems to be the most favorable schedule in years and all that returning starting talent, never will a Mark Richtcoached team be better positioned to win the coach's first SEC crown since way back in 2005. But notice I'm not saying anything about a national championship any more. Let's first see if Georgia will be able to clean up all these special teams' miscues that damaged the Dogs this season and of course get back to playing defense like some of the championship UGA teams of the past.

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Clean Old-Fashioned Hate - UGA vs Tech photos by Rob Saye

By Logan Booker/BI

hile Senior Night was successful in terms of the final score, the 2013 season injury bug took its biggest bite out of the Dawgs’ offense in the second quarter, when Aaron Murray went down with a season and UGA career ending ACL tear in his left knee. And while the mood around Athens feels more like a loss than that of the big win that occurred, there simply is no time to dwell, as all attention must be turned to Georgia Tech and preparing for that triple option they’ll be throwing at our young defense.

Backup quarterback Hutson Mason is now the big man on campus, and will be fighting for UGA fans’ rights to put up a Christmas tree, as beating Tech is a standard requirement.

W

Know the opponent

Triple option, triple option, and more triple option. The name of the game with Georgia Tech is trickery, going all out to confuse opposing defenses with an offense that seldom throws the ball, and rarely reveals who will be running it.

This season has been one of ups and downs for the boys from the Flats, as they have blown out lesser opponents, yet been blown out by worthy opponents. Quarterback Vad Lee has not run the offense with the efficiency as we’ve seen past Yellow Jacket quarterbacks, but his offense has proven to be able to explode at a moment’s no-

tice. Under new defensive coordinator Ted Roof, the defense has shown big signs of improvement from where they were last year, and the Dawgs will have to come ready to execute.

The offense Hutson Mason has looked extremely proficient in his limited time on the field this season. While his receiving corps also seems to be clicking, the weapons around him should prove to take the load off of him significantly. Todd Gurley is looking as healthy as ever and is proving to be an enormous weapon while catching passes. The Dawgs’ offensive line is big, and teams with big lines have been able to contain Tech’s pass rush to an extent, which should buy Mason time in the pocket. But the end-all for this unit will likely be the big thighs of Gurley finding the holes the offensive line should be able to create, then Gurley doing what Gurley does in the open field.

The defense While facing the triple option, the number one priority for the defense will be keeping the Tech quarterback and running backs off of the perimeter, and containing them to the middle of the field. Josh Harvey-Clemons was a ball hawk

against Kentucky, and will hopefully continue his rise in Atlanta this week. Leonard Floyd and Amarlo Hererra need to play off the ball and spy on running backs this week, while they try to keep Vad Lee honest and in the middle. UGA might possess the biggest defensive line Tech has seen all year, which should be able to disrupt any rhythm the Jackets may find themselves getting into.

How the Dawgs will win Todd Gurley. He has proven to be a game changer when healthy, and fortunately for UGA fans, he is once again healthy. Good running backs have had success against Tech this year, and Gurley will be the best running back they have seen all season, hands down. By establishing a run threat early, Hutson Mason should have some open receivers to keep the Tech defense honest, while the balanced offense chips away at Tech’s defense. As long as UGA’s linebackers can contain, to an extent, and not give up multiple big plays, the Dawgs should be able to outscore the Jackets in a competitive game, pulling away at the end.

Happy Thanksgiving to the Bulldawg Illustrated family! Let’s go Wreck Tech on their field, again, where coach Richt has NEVER lost! Win one for Aaron!!

Serving northeast Georgia and the Golden Isles

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Scouting Tech

Top Jackets

Location: Atlanta, Ga. #45 Jeremiah Attaochu, DE 6-3, 242 Sr. Washington, D.C. (Archbishop Carroll H.S.)

Conference: ACC Coastal Division Enrollment : 14,527 Yellow Jackets in a thumbnail: Following last season's 7-7 campaign when Georgia Tech made the ACC Championship game, where the Yellow Jackets fell to Florida State by 21-15 before then upsetting Southern Cal 21-7 in the Sun Bowl, Tech was hoping to make another ACC championship run this year. After all, the Jackets were returning some eight defensive regulars and seven offensive starters from that 2012 team. But Tech will enter Saturday's finale against the Bulldogs with the same overall record as Georgia ... 7-4. Standing a final 5-3 in the ACC, the Jackets have beaten Elon (70-0), Duke (38-14), North Carolina (28-20), Syracuse (56-0), Virginia (35-25), Pittsburgh (21-10) and Alabama A&M, this past Saturday in Atlanta by 66-7. Three of Tech's four defeats came in succession after the opening wins over Elon, Duke and the Tar Heels. They were to Virginia Tech (17-10), Miami (45-30) and BYU (38-20). The other loss came on Thursday night, Nov. 14, when the Jackets were smothered by Clemson, 55-31.

A look at the Georgia Tech offense: As usual, Paul Johnson's team

runs the patented triple-option, ball-control attack. Averaging 36.8 points a game and 316 yards rushing a game, which ranks fifth in the country, the Jackets' are led by senior B-back David Sims (6-0, 225), who has run for 746 yards and a 5.7-average-per-carry, with 11 touchdowns. Also senior Aback Robert Godhigh (5-7, 190) follows with 623 yards, a whopping 10.9 average, and six scores. Other Tech notable ball carriers are junior Zach Laskey (6-1, 214) and sophomore quarterback Vad Lee (6-1, 215). Lee has also given the Tech passing game more firepower by throwing for 1,182 and eight touchdowns, with seven interceptions. Junior DeAndre Smelter (63, 220) tops the Jacket receivers with 19 catches for 312 yards and two scores. Godhigh has 17 catches out of the backfield for 338 yards and also two scores. Another capable receiver is tall junior Darren Waller (6-5, 225), with 14 receptions for 220 yards and likewise two touchdowns.

A look at the Georgia Tech defense: As mentioned, Georgia Tech re-

turned eight starters to this side of the ball and, thus far, the season results have been mixed. The Jackets have given up just 21 points a game to opposing offenses and are allowing just 104 rushing yards per contest. However, Tech has been stung through the air, having surrendered 238 yards per game. Senior defensive back Jemea Thomas (5-10, 195) is Tech's leading tackler with 64 stops. Senior linebacker Brandon Watts (6-2, 235) and junior linebacker Quayshawn Nealy (6-1, 232) follow with 52 and 47 tackles, respectively. Senior defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu (6-3, 242) is a force off the edge for the Jackets, having chalked up eight sacks this season for 66 yards in losses and also showing 11.5 tackles-for-loss.

What Jackets head coach Paul Johnson says: "We worked this week

on ourselves. We worked a lot on the primary stuff and Alabama A&M. We really didn't get into Georgia this week. I'm a firm believer that you don't do that. You send the wrong message to your team if you do that. We've got ample time and it's not like we haven't played each other. We've got ample time to get ready. Georgia is a big game and one that we haven't played particularly well the last couple of years. We need to play better."

Game Prediction: In June I picked Georgia to beat the Jackets once again by 42-28. But with both teams entering Saturday's battle with identical 7-4 season records and Georgia record-breaking quarterback Aaron Murray's career now over after he suffered a torn ACL in the win over Kentucky, this contest now looks to be much closer. Assuming junior quarterback Hutson Mason will step in and play well once again and assuming Todd Gurley will put some big numbers on the Tech defense, I'll stay with the Bulldogs by 35-31, thereby giving Mark Richt his 12th win over Tech in his 13 years at the UGA helm.

One of the top defensive stars in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Attaochu is a play-maker supreme who flourishes inflicting negative yardage plays. He is one of those hybrid type players who National Football League scouts really love. He can make plays in space and wreak havoc with his hand on the ground.

When it comes to pressuring the passer, Attaochu is right there with Clemson’s Vic Beasley as the ACC’s best at bringing down the quarterback. Attaochu ranks in the top five in the league in sacks, averaging right at one per game, and tackles for loss, tallying more than one a contest. He has tremendous speed coming around the edge and overpowers blockers.

The Bulldogs have already faced South Carolina All-American Jadaveon Clowney and Auburn All-Southeastern Conference performer Dee Ford, and Attaochu is in that class. #25 Robert Godhigh, A-Back 5-7, 190 RSr. Acworth, Ga. (Harrison H.S.)

Tech’s big play maker at the A-Back position is a big time threat in the slot. In Paul Johnson’s triple-option offense, the A-Back must excel in three areas. He has to be an excellent runner on the option. He has to be a good receiver.

And when the option is coming his way, the ABack must be a strong blocker for the quarterback and trailing A-Back. Check all three off for Godhigh. He leads the Yellow Jackets in All-Purpose yardage and ranks amongst Tech’s leaders in rushing, receiving, total offense, touchdowns and scoring. He is a threat to score a touchdown any time he touches the football. Godhigh has the wheels and the instincts on the edge. Georgia’s cornerbacks and outside linebackers in particular will have big challenge Saturday afternoon. #3 Vad Lee, QB 6-1, 215 RSoph. Durham, N.C. (Hillside H.S.) Last season, Lee split time at quarterback with senior Tevin Washington. Now it is his team and his offense. The potential is there on the flats for Lee to be the Yellow Jackets best signal caller since Josh Nesbitt led tech to the 2009 Atlantic Coast Conference championship. Lee has what every quarterback must have to be a standout in Paul Johnson’s flexbone offense, that originated for the great icon Erk Russell’s offenses at Georgia Southern, featuring AllAmerican Tracy Ham in the mid-1980’s – be an stellar runner and outstanding passer. The ACC features a pair of sensational quarterbacks in Florida State Heisman Trophy candidate Jameis Winston and Clemson’s all-star Tajh Boyd. Lee is trying to push himself into that class. He can make the big plays and the right reads on the triple option. Lee is particularly dangerous on the edge.

− Jeff Dantzler

− Murray Poole

A view from Tech supporter, Eric Brand Eric Brand, a young sportscaster at 960 The Ref in Athens, is a lifelong Tech fan. He does a fine job and offers his insight on the big battle at Bobby Dodd. backfield to pressure Hutson Mason and Gurley. If Mason has time to survey the field he will pick you apart no matter how good your coverage is, and if Gurley gets a head of steam he is extremely hard to bring down.

What does Tech need to do to win?

Tech needs to control the ball for a large portion of the game to keep Georgia's offense off the field and allow Tech's defense to be rested when they face UGA's high powered offense, which can be done very easily if the triple option offense is hitting on all cylinders. They also need to have a substantial lead by the fourth quarter.

Talk about what the 2009 ACC Championship meant to the program.

Well technically the 2009 Championship had to be vacated due to an infraction committed by wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, but none the less that was a magical season. It was the first conference championship since 1998 with head coach George O'Leary, so it really helped put the Jackets back on the national radar after a decade of dismal performances.

What would a win over Georgia mean to Tech?

Beating Georgia is the only thing left to be salvaged from this season. Yes, Tech will play in a bowl game and I would like to see them win that, but since Tech will most likely not make it to the ACC championship this game is more important than any for the rest of the season. It also could help out Tech's recruiting, because Georgia usually gets all of the big name recruits out of the state and a win over Georgia can help Tech land some of the recruits who are on the fence between the two schools.

Rate the “relationship” between head coach Paul Johnson and the Jacket fan base.

On a scale of 1-10, I say the Jacket fan base would give Johnson a 5. He has a great football mind and runs a really exciting offense, but he is not very good at motivating his players and recruiting the top talent. The first couple of years Johnson was at Tech he was very successful by beating UGA in 2008 and winning the ACC Championship in 2009, but this was all done with players that Chan Gailey recruited.

Until Johnson proves to the fan base that he can recruit top talent and put together teams that have success in consecu-

tive years I feel like he is more suited to be an offensive coordinator rather than a head coach.

What is your take on Georgia?

Georgia has a high powered pro style offense even with all of the injuries they have sustained this season. What really caused UGA to underachieve this season wasn't the injuries on offense it was the inconsistency of the defense and special teams. Every year UGA has a great recruiting class and has a lot of depth at most positions, which allows them to always have fresh legs on the field.

What do you see as some keys to the game?

Tech needs to get ahead early and keep it that way, because it is very hard to come from behind and win with an offense that runs the ball as often as they do. On the defensive side of the ball Tech needs to get a lot of penetration into the

What are the long term expectations for the program?

In the long term I expect Tech to win a lot more conference championships and hopefully if all of the stars align possibly a nation title within the next 20 years. Winning the national title would be an extreme long shot, but it was also a long shot in 1990. All it takes is a group of young men to play the best football of their lives one season to go undefeated and win it all, and of course a heaping pile of luck.

With conference expansion and the like, are there any changes in the rivalry you would like to see?

The main thing that keeps me a Jacket fan is the tradition of the school. With that being said if anything were to change with clean old fashioned hate it would tarnish some of that tradition. The only thing i would like to see change is Tech winning a lot more often, but what Tech fan wouldn't want to see that.

— Jeff Dantzler

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Jeff Dantzler’s 2013 rankings Top 10 Non-SEC - What a significant week it was. Baylor got rocked by Oklahoma State to lose for the first time. Oregon got rolled at Arizona, putting Stanford in the PAC-12 Championship Game. There is the serious legal matter in Tallahassee, and a pair of BCS busters in Northern Illinois and Fresno State vying for a slot.

1. Florida State – The story for the Seminoles now is not being 11-0 after throttling Idaho

and getting ready for the Gators, it is Jameis Winston. The seriousness of the potential charge obviously greatly overshadows everything that he and the ‘Noles could lose out on.

Ohio State – Now comes Michigan in one of the grandest rivalries in college football.

The Buckeyes are getting some traction with everything that is happening in Tallahassee.

Urban Meyer thinks the BCS is flawed. He did not in 2006 and 2008 when once beaten Gator teams got in.

2.

3. Clemson – It was easy pickings for the Tigers against in-state foe The Citadel. Clemson is 10-1 and eyeing a BCS berth. The Tigers and South Carolina are all set to square off in one of the biggest in-state battles these two have ever had.

Oklahoma State – The Cowboys loss at West Virginia has to go down as one of the worst and most head-scratching of the year. But they have bounced back in style and put the beat down on Baylor to make it 10-1. Now comes Oklahoma. With a win comes a BCS berth.

4.

5. Baylor- This has been the greatest season in Bears history, but their dreams of an undefeated national championship campaign came crashing down in Stillwater. An 11-1 season and win over Texas is well within reach.

6. Stanford – The Cardinal got an early Christmas present, as Arizona smoked Oregon 42-16 to put Stanford in the PAC-12 title game for a second straight season. The Cardinal mauled their old rival Cal 63-13 to make it 9-2. Now they get the Irish.

7.

Northern Illinois – The Huskies have a great shot at busting the BCS for a second

straight season, which has not been done. Northern Illinois is the mid-week king, downing Toledo last Wednesday to clinch a berth in the MAC Championship Game.

photo by Rob Saye

JD’s five keys to victory 1.

Halt the B-Back – When it comes to slowing down any triple option, whether it was Barry Switzer’s Wishbone attacks at Oklahoma, Tom Osborne’s I-Back at Nebraska, or the triple option flexbone that has had such great success at Georgia Southern, Navy and Tech, it starts with stopping the fullback. When the fullback – the terminology is B-Back in Johnson’s attack – is having success on the dive, It softens the defense and makes the opposition extremely vulnerable on the edge. The last tie Tech beat Georgia, it was the strong running of B-Back Johnathan Dwyer that doomed the Dogs defense.

2.

Set the Edge – Step number two to slowing down the triple option comes on the corner. It is a fine balance between discipline and aggression. Sometimes great players can get caught in between

8. Michigan State – Sparty has been one of the surprise, under the radar teams in the country this season. Michigan State is rolling at 10-1, and there will be a lot of teams rooting for them in two weeks when they take on Ohio State for the Big Ten crown.

on the option, like Jarvis Jones did in the first half against Georgia Southern last season. The defensive ends and outside linebackers have to play their assignments, while also punishing the quarterback. The great Billy Henderson always said, “hit the quarterback, then it’s not an option.” But with Vad Lee and Robert Godhigh in particular, the Yellow Jackets are very dangerous on the edge and boast big-play potential. Jordan Jenkins, Leonard Floyd, Garrison smith, Ray Drew, Sterling Bailey and the rest must be at their best, or it could be a long day for the Bulldogs defense.

9. Oregon – In one of the most stunning scores of the day and the season, Oregon, which earlier in the week was griping about the Rose Bowl, got rolled at Arizona 42-14. The Ducks don’t have to worry about Pasadena now.

3.

Score,Score and Score Some More – When the Yellow Jackets offense gets rolling, it is extremely difficult to slow down, much less stop. See 2008. Georgia’s offense much keep the foot on

10.

Central Florida – The Golden Knights are sniffing the BCS out of the old big East.

Central Florida got a Thursday night victory over Rutgers to take another step towards a major bowl. George O’Leary has produced some big victories for UCF. SEC 1-14 - The stage is set for a phenomenal final weekend of the regular season. Everything is on the line for Alabama and Auburn. If Mizzou turns back the Aggies, they go to Atlanta.

If they lose, it’s the ‘Cocks, who play Clemson. There is Georgia and Tech and the FloridaFlorida State too. The Egg Bowl is big, and LSU takes on Arkansas. But this Iron Bowl is the show stealer. It’s the biggest since 1971, when both entered undefeated.

Alabama – The Crimson Tide of course had no problem with Chattanooga to improve to 11-0. Now the stage is set for the biggest Iron Bowl since 1971, when both Bama and Auburn were undefeated. Alabama is three big steps away from making major history.

1.

Auburn – The Tigers got to soak in the “Prayer at Jordan Hare” this past week, and now are geared up for showdown of showdowns with the Crimson Tide. The roller coaster ride of the last four years on the plains has been epic.

2.

3. Missouri – The Tigers have had a dream season and it just keeps getting better. Mis-

souri controlled things in Oxford and clipped Ole Miss 24-10 to make it 10-1. If the Tigers beat the Aggies, they play in the SEC Championship Game.

4. South Carolina – The Gamecocks have been money at Williams-Brice. At 9-2, with

10-1 arch-rival Clemson coming up, the ‘Cocks are set for one of the big battles in school history. A win would make it a third straight 10-2 regular season.

LSU – The Tigers got a signature win, belting the Aggies in Baton Rouge. Next up is Arkansas in what should be a ninth win on the campaign. A pair of three-point road losses will really haunt LSU. As will the fake punt that Bama pulled off.

5.

Texas A&M – On its first trip to Baton Rouge as a member of the Southeastern Conference, the Aggies were humbled. It’s a big game with Missouri in Columbia, as the Tigers fight for a berth in Atlanta.

6.

Ole Miss – The Rebels were one of the hottest teams in the SEC, but ran into a terrific Mizzou squad that turned them back in Oxford. A win over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl would give Ole Miss an 8-4 mark and an additional signature win.

7.

Vanderbilt – This is one of those “pig’s fly” statements that so many people would have made. Vanderbilt this season beat Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. Let that soak in.

If the ‘Dores down Wake Forest, it’s a second straight 8-4 regular season.

8.

9.

Georgia – Oh what could have been were it not for the injuries. Georgia clubbed

Kentucky 59-17, but lost quarterback Aaron Murray to a knee injury. Now comes the biggest game of them all, as the Bulldogs try and make it five straight against Tech.

Mississippi State – In a battle of teams that badly needed wins, MSU downed Arkansas 24-17 on the road to improve to 5-6 on the year. An upset of the Rebels would make them bowl eligible. It’s a constant power struggle in the magnolia state.

10.

11. Florida – The mighty Gators are in the midst of their worst season since 1979, when

Florida went 0-10-1. Florida was beaten 26-20 in Gainesville by Georgia Southern. Jeremy Foley and the Gator brass came out in full support of Will Muschamp. . . before the loss to the Eagles.

Tennessee – A second straight loss to Vanderbilt certainly isn’t sitting well in Knoxville. Nor is a second consecutive losing season. Tennessee appears to be putting together a good recruiting class, but it’s a long road back to the elite.

12.

Arkansas – The Razorbacks had a chance to knock off Mississippi State and break a losing streak that has grown to eight games. A horrible fake punt call turned the tide the Maroons’ way. Alex Collins is a fantastic freshman running back. LSU is a longshot for the Hogs.

13.

14. Kentucky - The Wildcats are not good. Mark Stoops knew it would be an uphill

battle, but Kentucky has had a really tough year. Georgia mauled the ‘Cats 59-17 in Athens.

The Vols visit Lexington to close out both team’s seasons.

the accelerator. The last two seasons, in the Bulldogs 31-17 victory on the flats in 2011 and 42-10 rout a year ago at Sanford Stadium, Georgia has done just that. With Hutson Mason taking over for the injured Aaron Murray at quarterback, he and Todd Gurley and the rest of the Bulldogs offense has to know that it may take a really big number to knock off the Jackets. Mason may not be quite the improviser that Murray is, but he has an excellent arm, displays poise and throws a good ball. There is no way the expectations of the offense are lowered at all. It’s going to take a lot of points. After all, in Georgia’s four losses this season, the Dogs have scored 35, 26, 27 and 38. And it wasn’t good enough to win.

4.

Play it Even on Special Teams – This is a no-brainer. Though Marshall Morgan has done a great job kicking field goals and extra points thus far (that is some wood being knocked that you are hearing) and the kick coverage for the most part has been very good (North Texas did return a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown), there have been just way too many catastrophic mistakes made by Georgia in the special teams department. Whether it’s blocked punts, muffed exchanges or some other miscues, Georgia’s kicking game has been far too leaky. The Dogs need at least a push to take down Tech. Looking ahead to next season, to have a championship campaign, shoring up the kicking game is a top priority.

5.

Bring the Fire and Desire to in the Drive for Five – There is nothing worse for the Georgia people than losing to Tech. Nothing. The Bulldogs are 11-1 against the Yellow Jackets under Mark Richt’s watch, his greatest and most appreciated accomplishment. But even that one loss hurt too much. Georgia blew a 28-12 lead and lost 45-42 between the hedges in 2008. It would have been eight straight and matched the infamous drought from 1949-1956 as the longest streak in school history. Now the Bulldogs have won four more in a row, dating back to 2009. Tech wants it bad. The Yellow Jackets can make their season and their seniors’ careers with a win over Georgia. The fear of the hurt and disappointment of losing to Tech must motivate the Bulldogs to play with unmatched fire, drive and discipline so Georgia can maintain Peach State supremacy!

— Jeff Dantzler

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’ 59-17 win over Kentucky Saturday.

OFFENSE – Senior quarterback Aaron Murray, who completed 18-of-23 passes for 183

yards and four touchdowns in the first half before suffering a career-ending ACL injury with just over two minutes left in the second quarter.

“Obviously, Aaron is one of the greatest Georgia quarterbacks we've had the pleasure of having for four years," said Butler. "True to form, in the first half he had four touchdown passes, four coming in the first five possessions, 18-of-23 for 183 yards, and it was just another typical, efficient game from Aaron. Unfortunately, his suffering a season-ending, career-ending ACL in the second quarter puts a damper on an unbelievable career. We can only thank Aaron for all he's given to the university and keep him in our thoughts and prayers on a speedy recovery."

DEFENSE – Senior nose guard Garrison Smith, who recorded seven tackles, two quarterback sacks and three tackles-for-loss to lead a Bulldogs' defense that limited the Wildcats to just 211 yards of total offense ... 62 rushing and 149 passing.

"A senior leader on the defensive line that has been battling for respect all year, Garrison's performance was matched by his teammates' effort to limit Kentucky's offense, which enabled Georgia to have their finest defensive performance of the year," said Butler. "Garrison has had a great career at Georgia and we expect him to further that in the NFL." SPECIAL TEAMS – Junior punter Adam Erickson, who came through with a 51-yard kick

on the Bulldogs' lone punt of the game.

“Adam has been what the University of Georgia calls a perfect walk-on contributor," said Butler. "His 51-yard punt was the only punt of the game but for the junior it was a fine performance of always being ready to help the team out. Adam was named the starter before the game and in his one prime shot at glory, he came through."

— Murray Poole

Budweiser salutes the more than 140 million American adults who have either been or used a Designated Driver.* Choosing a DD is an important part of every holiday celebration. Thanks for helping to keep our roads safe.

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