Issue 17, 2012 - Georgia Tech

Georgia-Georgia Tech

H o s p i t a l i t y G rro oup Athens, GA

H OLIDAY INN DOWNTOWN DOWN NTOWN HOLIDAY 197 E ast B road Street Street East Broad

(706) 549-4433 549-4433

HOLIDAY H OLIDAY INN EXPRESS E EXPRESS Wes e tB road S treet 513 West Broad Street

www.HI-Athens.com w ww.H .HI-Athens.com

(706) 546-8122 546--8122

You Y Yo ou might might not n no ot get get aalo alot lo ott of of sleep ssle leep in Athens A Attthe hen nss . . .

might m mig ight ht as as w well ellll make mak kee it it good go d sleep. sslee leep e . ep.

CyberKnife. ÂŽ

Another ray of hope.

A cancer treatment so advanced it can cut tumor treatment down to just five days.

Other types of cancer treatment can take up to a month or more. CyberKnife takes only a fraction of that time because it is non-invasive, painless and targets tumors with pinpoint accuracy. With CyberKnife, our specially trained team can get you back to your normal activities quickly.

To find out whether CyberKnife treatment is right for you, call 1-800-537-5142, ext. 5149 or visit us at sghs.org/cyberknife.

2XU UDGLDWLRQ RQFRORJLVWV 7LPRWK\ $ -DPLHVRQ 0 ' 3K ' .HQ\RQ 0 0HDGRZV 0 ' %UXFH * 7ULSS 0 '

6WDUOLQJ 6WUHHW ‡ %UXQVZLFN *$ H[W ‡ VJKV RUJ F\EHUNQLIH Visit us at facebook.com/sghscyberknife

Š 2012 SGHS

Southeast Georgia Health System is a tobacco-free organization.

9/2012

From the editor : vance leavy My oh my, what can transpire in a weekend of college football is simply amazing as our beloved Bulldogs now find themselves in control of their own destiny towards a national championship.

That was a pretty good lead sentence if I do say so myself. But I can assure you that it will be the last mention of such silliness you will see in the remainder of this offering. And the reason is simple, Georgia plays the Jackets on Saturday and if our team, its coaching staff and most importantly its fans are not 100 percent focused on that then I fear the worst could occur.

For that reason, rather than having a celebratory player or fan shot for our cover, I was finally able to use a submitted photo that I received before the 2012 season began. I was hopeful that the right opportunity to use the clever photo would present itself. And boy has it ever with the massive GeorgiaGeorgia Tech game that will kickoff at noon in Sanford Stadium.

I’m not sure if Harlow Ragsdale of Blackshear will be at the game on Saturday because she is only two-years-old. But I sure hope that her adorable smile, suitcase and sign will inspire all of you out there to get yourself to Athens to support our boys in red and black.

Not only do our players need the masses to show on Saturday, they need them to be as loud as humanly possible. Yes early kickoffs are always a challenge, but when the stakes are this high, I would assume our fan base wouldn’t need much motivation.

As fans, the goal should be to be in your seat 30 minutes before kickoff. Yes, we are playing our hated in-state rivals. And yes those Bees are always pesky. But the biggest reason to be early is to make sure you don’t miss our seniors get recognized before kickoff.

Senior Day is always special as each player runs out onto the field to greet their family and Coach Richt. And these seniors are extra special in my opinion because they accomplished something that I personally have sought for over two decades … beating the Gators twice in a row. And a win on Saturday would move this group of Bulldogs a step closer to the rare air of Georgia teams of the early 40s and 80s.

However as great as all that sounds, I have

to admit to being absolutely terrified about the Tech game. Bottom line is that the Bees are due for a victory, mainly because they rarely get them. And boy don’t you know they would absolutely relish this one more than anything.

Although I am worried, I do have faith in the leadership on this team. Since the Florida game, each team that Georgia has played has given them their best shot. But our guys have never panicked. Instead they have stayed the course and eventually worn down the lesser team.

That must be the objective on Saturday. Tech is going to come out with a ton of emotion with the thoughts of taking the Bulldog Nation out of the game before it really ever gets started. Let’s be ready for whatever they can dish out and then let’s smush those nasty insects.

Please enjoy this issue.

It certainly comes to you from some sleepy bodies.

The outcomes of this past Saturday night’s games certainly provided an awesome excuse to whoop it up for all of us that love the Dawgs.

But it will all be for naught, if we lay an egg against Tech.

In this issue, you will find plenty of fan photos from the Georgia Southern game. And JD, Murray and Travis get us ready for this last regular season game of 2012. And you definitely need to check out Travis’ interview with Christian Robinson on page 18. Number 45’s love of Georgia is so special.

Finally in our center spread, you will find a big announcement from us at BI. We are happy to introduce a new social network to everyone who loves Georgia. WeAreBulldawgs.com will be a place where we hope many will choose to not only join, but also help populate. From creating groups for Greek Life organizations to specific majors, we hope folks will use our network to keep up with fellow Bulldogs. And for inspiring writers, photographers and multi-media folks, we hope you will bring your special talents to the network. WeAreBulldawgs.com is going to be a blast. We look forward to hanging out there with you.

Well, I’m out of space, but not so badly that I can’t say one last thing.

For the love of everything Georgia … BEAT TECH!!!!!

Georgia Tech Cha Cha Cha Publishing Inc. Editor Vance Leavy Editorial & Ad Director Cheri Leavy Sports Guru Jeff Dantzler Sales Caroline Kinney, Holly Stanfill Sports Murray Poole Travis Ragsdale Layout/Design Cheri Leavy, Vance Leavy Cover photo submitted by Haley Ragsdale Sports Photography Rob Saye Columnists Carlton DeVooght Al Hickson Rob Sherrell Loran Smith Chad White Student Online Editor Travis Ragsdale Interns Anne Maxwell Douglass, Fan Hughes, Katherine Parke, Pierce Persons.

Mary Sloane Stribling, Annie Trice Delivery Hatton Abernathy, Martin Cameron Jake Davis, Will Hayes, Frank Sinkwich IV, Champ Vance

Georgia Tech, November 20, 2012 FOR ADVERTISING OR TO SUBSCRIBE:

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

WE TREAT YOUR MONEY

LIKE IT’S YOURS. ACTUALLY

IT’S TIME YOU CHOSE A BETTER BANK.

Bill Hopper, President

NBG has never charged fees for debit card usage nor for ATM usage (no matter whose ATM you visit). And those are only two of the many advantages you get by banking with us. At NBG, we make money with you, not off you.

Member FDIC

www.bulldawgillustrated.com

Athens • Gainesville • tnbg.net

3

jeff dantzler

The Egg White Delight is here ...

Georgia had better be ready for Jackets

only 260 calories 2230 W. Broad St 706-549-4265 475 US Hwy. 29 706-549-0067

1124 Prince Ave. 150 Gaines School Rd. 706-543-8010 706-543-0522 3825 Atlanta Hwy 1741 Epps Bridge Pkwy.

706-227-9200 706-613-0340

GEORGIA BULLDOGS

THINK OREGON AND KANSAS STATE DON'T LET IT HAPPEN TO US ...

BEAT "TECH"

GO DAWGS

GO DAWGS

11 DOWN 1 TO GO !!!

"LADY DAWG" HEADQUARTERS SINCE 1974 SPORTSWEAR 2-16 + PLUS SIZE SECTION 1X-3X ACCESSORIES + GIFTS

1616 Frederica Road + St. Simons Island 912-638-3995 + 10- 5:30 MON.-SAT.

GEORGIA BULLDAWGS

%UHDNIDVW ‡ /XQFK ‡ 'LQQHU

EHVW SDQFDNHV LQ WKH ZRUOG 2125 N. Decatur Rd.

404.634.6294

Decatur, GA 30033

Go Dawgs!

6HUYLQJ 0RQGD\ 6DWXUGD\ DP XQWLO SP KRPH RI WKH SHU SHUVRQ FDWHULQJ WD[ OLPLWHG GHOLYHU\ DUHD LQFOXGHG

DON’T MISS OUR ANNUAL

Holiday Open House Tuesday, November 27th Tours

4pm - 7pm

Hors d’oeuvres Door Prizes and More!

Complimentary Valet Parking

leaders in senior living

5LYHUKLOO 'ULYH $WKHQV *$ 706.369.7100

wesleywoods.org

$ &RPPXQLW\ RI :(6/(< :22'6 $IÂżOLDWHG ZLWK (PRU\ +HDOWKFDUH 8QLWHG 0HWKRGLVW &KXUFK 1RUWK *HRUJLD &RQIHUHQFH

4

Two of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most memorable victories over Tech are a pair of the Bulldogs most lopsided triumphs in this ancient rivalry.

One of the all-time great days for the Georgia people to smell the roses came on December the 5th, 1981 at Grant Field. The Bulldogs were coming off of the dream season. Georgia captured the undisputed national and Southeastern Conference championships with a perfect 12-0 record in 1980. Though there was no doubt that the Bulldogs were loaded with talent in 1981, a lot of it was young. Georgia graduated a phenomenal senior class off the national championships squad. Scott Woerner, Rex Robinson, Jeff Hipp, Frank Ros, Chris Welton, Nat Hudson, Tim Morrison, Jimmy Womack, Hugh Nall, Amp Arnold, Robert Miles and Mike Fisher were the backbone and nucleus of that most special of teams.

Opening with wins over Tennessee and California, the Bulldogs then fell at Clemson 13-3. From there on out, Georgia pulled together and dominated the opposition. The Dogs won their next seven games in impressive fashion, topping every opponent except for Florida, 26-21 for a second straight season, by double digits. Then came the coup de gras.

After beating Auburn 24-13 to win backto-back SEC championships and ascend to No. 2 in the polls, the Bulldogs had two weeks off to prepare for Tech.

It was no contest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stars shined very brightly on the flats.

On the first play of the game, Buck Belue hit Lindsay Scott for an 80-yard touchdown, and the rout was on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One Play and Call it a Day.â&#x20AC;?

Herschel Walker capped his record setting season with an astounding effort. Walker carried 36 times for 225 and four touchdowns.

He had 12 runs for 10-plus yards and 15 that resulted in first downs.

Kevin Butler nailed three field goals and scored 14 points.

The Bulldogs stingy defense shut Tech down.

Having a national championship and back-to-back SEC titles secured, Georgia steamrolled the Yellow Jackets 44-7 to finish the season at 10-1.

That was a happy day.

Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest margin of victory in the history of the series came in 2002. A powerful Bulldogs squad was 10-1, ticketed for Atlanta and the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. There was concern of a look ahead.

Those worries were quickly put to rest.

Georgia hit a slew of big plays through the air, Boss Bailey skied to block a field goal and the defense was flat out dominant. The Bulldog faithful had to pinch themselves. It was 34-0 at the half!

The final was 51-7, and it couldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been worse. A couple of calls went against Georgia.

Not to get greedy, but had replay been around, it wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been worse.

Mark Richt and this talented team did a fantastic job of not looking ahead to a match-up with Arkansas for the conference crown in the Bulldogs first ever trip to the leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s title tilt. A loss to Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most bitter rival would have spoiled it. The Dogs responded with authority.

It was truly a grand day for the Bulldogs.

On a personal note, the next morning, I sat outside of coach Richtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, waiting to tape a radio show. He opened his door, looked at me, and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;you must be a pretty happy guy today.â&#x20AC;?

Indeed.

This great Bulldog squad followed that pounding of Tech up with a 30-3 drubbing of Arkansas to win the SEC championship. Then came a 26-13 Sugar Bowl victory over Florida State to cap a 13-1 campaign that concluded with Georgia ranked No. 3 in the land.

Richtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenge, ten years later, is to deliver that same message to this Georgia squad.

The Bulldogs of 2012 sit at an identical 10-1 and are bound for the SEC Championship Game, where, most likely, defending national champion Alabama will await in what would be one of the most important games in the his-

photo by Rob Saye

tory of both programs.

If Georgia can handle Tech.

And make no mistake, it is the biggest game of them all.

There is nothing more painful for the Georgia faithful than losing to the Yellow Jackets. There is nothing that Tech would like more than to spoil the Bulldogs hefty dreams and aspirations while continuing their excellent play.

In fact, Georgia and the Yellow Jackets are two of the hottest teams in college football over the past few weeks.

Tech has won three straight games â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all by double digits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and four of its past five. In fact, if the Yellow Jackets get some help in the Miami-Duke game, Tech will be bound for the ACC Championship Game. The Yellow Jackets clubbed the Blue Devils 42-24 at Grant Field to move to 6-5 on the year. Frankly, they should be 8-3.

Tech lost a heart-breaker in overtime at Virginia Tech in the season opener. The Hokies hit a long game-tying field goal at the end of regulation to force the overtime. The Yellow Jackets lost a second overtime decision to Miami in a bizarre game. Tech fell behind 190, led 36-19 and then lost.

Well a midseason shake-up of the defensive staff and a two quarterback system has gotten the Yellow Jackets untracked.

After barely escaping with a 29-24 win at lowly Kentucky, Georgia put things together.

The Bulldogs got that signature 17-9 win over Florida in Jacksonville.

Fearing a letdown, the Dogs fell behind Ole Miss 10-0 the following Saturday in Athens. But Georgia rallied for a 14-10 halftime lead and then outscored the Rebels 23-0 in the second half to win going away 37-10.

Next up was a 38-0 annihilation of struggling Auburn to clinch the SEC East title. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 75 unanswered in the toughest league in the land.

Georgia Southern played the Bulldogs very tough. The Bulldogs led 10-7 with Southern on the move late in the first half, and due to get the ball to start the second. But a critical penalty inside the Georgia five, moved the Eagles back. They missed a tying field goal. Georgia then hit a couple of pass plays and got a critical roughing the passer call. Aaron Murray hit Malcolm Mitchell for a 29-yard touchdown pass with four seconds to go in the half to provide some much needed breathing room with a 17-7 halftime cushion.

The Bulldogs got the break and then took advantage. Georgia dominated the second half and rolled to a 45-14 victory to improve to 101 and set the stage for one of the most important duels with Tech in a long, long time.

Georgia is hopeful that playing the flexbone run by Georgia Southern will help prepare the Bulldogs for Techâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s version.

Georgia had better be ready.

Georgia had better be at its best.

With everything that happened last week, a win would be one of the most important for the Bulldogs over the Yellow Jackets. A loss would be one of the worst in school history.

In 1927, Georgia was 9-0 and bound for the Rose Bowl, provided Georgia could beat Tech. The Dogs lost 12-0. In 1980, Vince Dooley brought in one of the surviving members of that team to speak to his team, imploring the eventual national champs, â&#x20AC;&#x153;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let them do to you what they did to us!â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty easy to figure out.

Losing to Tech means Georgia fans canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put up a Christmas tree. A win this year, though, means that the hope for the grandest of college football presents is still on every Bulldogs wish list.

Bulldawg Illustrated

poole shots

By Murray Poole

Pat Pittard: Baseball team owner, astute businessman

When I was with Heidrick and Struggles, it was the largest executive search firm in the world at the time.

Now I guess it’s second or third, something like that, and I’ve been gone from it for 11 years. I’m now CEO of ACT Bridge, which is a testing company and we work with them on marketing tests into the business world. I’m an Executive-in-Residence at the Terry College of Business.

An executive-inresidence means you’re on the faculty but you didn’t get an academic degree.

You kind of got your learning on the job, so to speak. There’re three or four in the Terry business school and I’m one of those. I teach a leadership course for MBA undergraduates and for law students.

How many years have you served on the UGA athletic board?

I’ve served for about 12 years on the athletic board. Before that I was on the Foundation board and I was chairman of that board and that was about 16 years ago. I’ve got about a year and a half left on the athletic board where I’m on the executive committee.

www.bulldawgillustrated.com

DeKalb County was a real sportsoriented county and a lot of athletes came out of there. The high school teams to beat in those days were Avondale, Lakeside and Southwest DeKalb. Those were the tough teams in the county.

What has been the most exciting part for you serving on UGA’s athletic board?

There’s been a lot of exciting moments. I was on board when we hired Coach Richt. I was on the board when we won all those national championships in gymnastics and swimming and tennis. And before I got on the board, the baseball team also won the national championship (in 1990).

What has been the most exciting aspect of your career?

Well, maybe it was something I did between vocations. When I retired from Heidrick and Struggles, I walked the Appalachian Trail and that was 2,200 miles and took six months to hike it. And all of the things I learned there were so much fun and so interesting, it was something I think about a lot. And all my business endeavors were exciting in their own right.

What do you think are the biggest challenges for Georgia athletics in the near future?

Hopefully, we will have a new president that is as committed to athletics as Michael Adams has been.

And at some point in time, we are going to have to transition some of our head coaches when they look to move on. We have such wonderful head coaches and anytime we lose one, it’s very, very tough to find anybody as good. But we’ve got a great athletic director (Greg McGarity) and so I’m really encouraged. I like everything I see happening in the athletic director’s office.

How has the knowledge from your occupation helped in the betterment of UGA athletics?

I have been in the talent business my whole career, selecting people, promoting people and that sort of thing. And so maybe I bring that specialty to the board.

Your favorite UGA sports moment?

I think it was the flea-flicker pass (in 1965, when Kirby Moore threw to Pat Hodgson who lateraled to Bob Taylor, who went 73 yards for a touchdown that enabled the Bulldogs to beat Alabama, 18-17). For me, that was the most exciting moment. After that touchdown, we still had to go for two to beat Alabama.

Live Music Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7 p.m.

Reser vations Welcome. Visit www.hilltopgrille.com for updated menu & wine list.

What is your occupation?

Where did you grow up and what made it special?

Discover What Locals Already Know…

Don’t Fight the Downtown Crowd!

2310 W. Broad St. Athens, GA 706-353-7667

Best Steak and Seafood in Athens!

Bulldog Brunch Sundays 10 a.m.-noon Kevin Butler & Jeff Dantzler

Look who is heading to...

Jan Young, Lee Lyons and Sherry Eldridge

Fran and Terry Wingfield

Sunday Night Special- Kids eat free with each dinner entree

Pat Pittard has had many irons in the fire in the world of business down through the years and one of his most intriguing endeavors is his ownership of a minor league baseball team.

Pittard, the retired CEO and Chairman of Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., the world’s premier provider of executive-level search and leadership consulting services, is coowner of the Greensboro Grasshoppers, in Greensboro, N.C. The team is a member of the South Atlantic League and a Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins.

“I was on a board in Greensboro, the Jefferson Pilot Insurance Company, and it was affiliated with a sports production company, Jefferson Pilot Communications,” said Pittard, explaining how he got into the professional baseball business. “Well, I got to know those guys and the owner of the Grasshoppers was on the west coast and didn’t pay much attention to it and so we decided to buy it. And we built a new stadium in Greensboro, NewBridge Bank Park in downtown. I’ve been an owner about 10 years now.”

Pittard today is CEO of ACT Bridge and he’s also a Distinguished Executive-in-Residence at the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, which is a faculty position.

Each fall, Pittard teaches a course called “Lessons in Leadership.”

And what you must also know is that Pat Pittard is a veteran member of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Athletic Association and over the past 12 years of his service, has seen Bulldog athletics soar to greater heights than ever before.

Pittard grew up in DeKalb County where he lettered in four sports – football, basketball, baseball and wrestling – at Gordon High School. “I then went on to the University of Georgia and graduated from there in 1967, from the business school,” Pittard related. “After I left Georgia I went to work for C&S Bank and then later for an executive search firm, Heidrick & Struggles.”

Pittard, who has been honored by the Terry College of Business as a Distinguished Alumni Award winner, specialized in senior level searches such as CEO and Corporate Directors and has placed more than 200 executives in leadership positions.

In addition to his baseball team ownership, Pittard is a 2002 Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, and authored the book Bearfoot, A Northbounder.

In the following question-andanswer session, Pat Pittard talks more about his background and his role on the Georgia athletic board.

Monday Night Special- Half price off any bottle of wine under $30 5

Dogs vs. Jackets The annual battle for the Governor’s Cup is huge with national hopes in the balance

By Travis Ragsdale

H

ow many Dawg fans are singing the praises of Baylor and Stanford this week? It surely sent Athens into a tizzy this past weekend. With those two wins, the Dawgs now control their own destiny for a national championship. Think about that for a minute. If Georgia wins their next three games, they will be the BCS National Champions. That’s a pretty remarkable phrase to be throwing around after fans thought the season was over after the loss in Columbia to South Carolina. But guess what? They aren’t there yet. First and foremost, Georgia has to focus on beating Georgia Tech in what many call, ‘Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.’

Dawg run defense vs. the triple option … again

It’s very odd this day and age that a football team would have to face a triple option offense two weeks in a row but that’s exactly what Georgia has had to prepare for. Now, Georgia Southern is good but Georgia Tech has shown that they can be successful against major FBS opponents. Plus, while similar, the offenses are not exactly the same. It seems that ever since Paul “Fish Fry” Johnson has been the head man at Georgia Tech, the Dawgs have done one of two things on the defensive side of the ball in regards to his patented triple option offense. One, Georgia plays sound, fundamental football and the defense has no trouble stopping it. Or two, the defense tries too hard to do too much, allowing the offense to run all over the field.

If the way Todd Grantham schemed for the triple option against Georgia Southern is any indication of how he will prepare his players this week, then Georgia fans will see the success they so desire. Defending the option is all about gap responsibility. Every player on the defense has a certain place he needs to go when the ball is snapped. The trick is to stay in that position and not let the ball fakes fool the player into leaving his gap. Georgia did a marvelous job of this last week so Dawg fans should have total faith in Todd Grantham’s ability to get his horses ready to go and ready to play gap responsibilities.

Avoid Injuries

This is a very tough spot that Coach Richt is in right now. On one hand, he’s thinking that if he plays everyone on his roster to win the game this weekend then Georgia could possibly lose a key player for the SEC Championship game. If it’s a very important player like say, Aaron Murray, then just about all hope goes out the window of claiming the SEC title and landing in the national championship. On the other hand, if Georgia were to lose to Tech this weekend and Coach Richt were to keep some key players out or at least give them limited playing time to rest then he would draw the ire of the entire Bulldawg Nation. Since there would be a tremendous amount of uproar about Coach Richt not playing to win against Georgia’s biggest rivalry, don’t expect to see the latter. The Dawgs will be out there in full force on Saturday to try to show the Jackets who the kings of football in Georgia are. Now, with that being said, fans have to hope that an unfortunate injury doesn’t occur this Saturday. Coach Richt is in a difficult situation, one that he doesn’t usually find himself. It’s a Catch-22 for sure, but he and the rest of the Dawgs would rather be in this situation and have to make that call than not be here at all.

photos by Rob Saye

Man, these two teams really hate each other

The first thing tight end Arthur Lynch said when asked about Georgia Tech following the Georgia Southern win was, “Man, I hate those guys.” Players don’t make any bones about it. These players just don’t like each other. But you know what? That’s actually good for the Dawgs. There won’t be any looking ahead to the SEC Championship for Georgia. They feel like it’s their moral obligation to beat Tech. They hate them as much as the fans do. There’s sure to be more talk about the rivalry and what it means to each team as the week goes on. It seems like almost every year, there is scrum in the middle of the field before the game even starts. It’s a safe bet that once again, this will happen on the grass of Sanford Stadium. But it makes the game more exciting doesn’t it? And it makes it that much more gratifying when Georgia wins.

Intangibles

This is tough one to figure out this week. On the one hand, Georgia has a ton of momentum and is in the hunt for a national championship. On the other hand, Tech would love nothing more than to be able to knock Georgia’s train off the track.

What satisfaction it would be for them to ruin their most hated rival’s chances at a national championship. The Dawgs are also in the unique spot of possibly looking ahead to the big showdown in the Georgia Dome. Georgia Tech is still in the same boat. They’re in the running for an ACC championship (as hard as that is to believe). Both teams could get caught looking ahead. But again, the deep, undying hatred that these teams have for each other will supersede any forward thought to championship games. As always with Georgia Tech it’s going to be a battle. Dawg fans are grateful that this time, it will be between the hedges.

GO DAWGS. WGS WGS. GO LOCAL. CA CAL. 706.354.5000 6

Bulldawg Illustrated

Georgia 45 Ga. Southern 14 Rich Rescigno, Branden Hewell, Ed French and Skip Wilson

Morgan Bankston, Liz Drumm, Leigh Channell and Claire Channell

Phillip, Charlie and Dorothy Walker

Kim Miller and Jason Miller

Kevin Butler and Blair Walsh

Mark Strickland, West Kovacs and Carter Tharpe

Jan Cooper, Carolyn Callihan and Kim Nolen

Adam Chiu and Raleigh Garrett

Emily, Sam and Leslie Austin

Bill Goldberg and Josh Brooks

Laura Kathryne Hogan, Massey Turpin and Lauren Thurston

Watch W atch tthe Bulldawgs s from Your o Privat e marsh Front Fron nt Retreat !

Your Private 46 Wesley Wesley e Crossing g $1,250,000

This island home hom me features 5 bedrooms, bedrooms s, each with D SULYDWH EDWK D SULYDWH EDWK DQG KDOI EDWKV +HDUW SLQH Ă&#x20AC;RRUV DQG KDOI EDWKV +HDUWW SLQH Ă&#x20AC;RRUV throughout six throughout, x inch moldings, moldings high ceilings ce eilings and a large, open kitchen kitc chen perfect for entertaining entertaining family and friends. The e marsh front pool/spa also a features a covered are area ea perfect for watching the game!

Exclusively Offered by Zaida Clay Harris Signature Property Gr Group roup 912-258-1089 $73.50.

For more details and pict pictures tures VISIT www.ZaidaClayHarris.com www.ZaidaClayHarris.c com

$36

79

600 0 Sea Island Road, Suite e 28 St. Simons Island, GA A 315 31522 522 912-634-9995 91 2 634 9995 866-634-9995 2-634-9995 866-634-99 866 634 99 995

www.bulldawgillustrated.com

7

Georgia 45 Ga. Southern 14 Laura Disque, Cheri Leavy, Allison Sigmon and Mary Haskins

John Neel and Susie Cross

DJ Shockley and Bryan McClendon

Lindee Lord, Hillary Vogel, Reed Turry, Bailey Grant and Ariel Hansel

Kingsley McRee Warren

Carol and Dave Johnston

Tommy Hopkins and Paige Hopkins

Kyle Jones and Henry Jones

Scott Bard and Callie Bard

Grace Adams, Sanford Caroline Neel and Will Trevitt

Jimmy Patton and Lance Patterson

ATHENS

Ana Rangel, Celene Cervin and Solmaira Flores-Valadez

{BMW & Bulldawgs} The ULTIMATE Driving Machines FINE

Â&#x2039; -HTPS` V^ULK HUK VWLYH[LK ZPUJL

WO M E Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

W A R D R O B I N G

APPAREL

E V E N T

D R E S S I N G

Â&#x2039; <3;04(;, JV\Y[LZ` KLSP]LY` ZLY]PJL HSS V]LY [OL )\SSKH^N 5H[PVU 3040 Atlanta Hwy. 800-362-0498 www.athensbmw.com

Â&#x2039; ,_WLY[ WYVK\J[ ZWLJPHSPZ[Z ^PSS [HRL [OL [PTL [V L_WSHPU [OL ]LOPJSLÂťZ MLH[\YLZ ^P[O `V\ Â&#x2039; -\SS ZLY]PJL KLWHY[TLU[ WYV]PKLZ YLWHPYZ HUK YV\[PUL THPU[LUHUJL PUJS\KPUN VPS JOHUNLZ VU HSS )4> TVKLSZ

8

7 9 8

P R I N C E 7

0

A V E N U E 6

.

3

5

3

s o n i a s a y s . c o m .

8

9

5

5

Bulldawg Illustrated

Georgia 45 Ga. Southern 14 Mark and Therea Hurt, Jason and Tammy Smith, Carrie and Ben McElreath and Courtney and Chris Cawley

Danny and Dee Lambert and Jack Lambert and Jacob Lambert

Matt Meadows and Cash Meadows

Samuel Pittard and Chris Pittard

Clark Evans and Catherine Evans

Linda, Rob and Robby Saye and UGA IX Alison VanBrocklin, Tim Stoudenmire and Sarah Carr

Erica Lanier and Caroline Keyes

Kimberly Morgan and Karolyn Marie

Kevin Sullivan and Amy and Wes Antenen

Emily Jenkins and Noell Wallace

new years eve 12.31.12

A little bit

Country A little bit

Rock Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roll with and ! % K

The melting point Tickets & Packages

BCBG Maxazria top with Joie pants and a Rebecca Minkoff bag

Available online

Choose Your Own Adventure

this new yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eve

Show only!

Dinner & Show! room & Show!

Room + Dinner & Show!

Now Shop Online

heerys.com

!

L

www.foundryparkinn.com c a l l 7 0 6 . 5 4 9 . 7 0 2 0 t o d ay t o m a k e y o u r r e s e r v at i o n o r v i s i t w w w. f o u n d r y p a r k i n n . c o m / F o u n d r y - P a r k - E v e n t s

www.bulldawgillustrated.com

195 College Avenue Athens, GA 706.543.0702 9

John Lauer, Andrea Rice, Nicolas Rice and Barton Rice

Georgia 45 Ga. Southern 14 Chris and Tonya Chastain and Jara and Jody Hunt

Paige Barker and Jenny Jennings

Kathryn Brock and Billy Joe Nelson

Elizabeth Harrell and Grace Hulett

Ron Rosalas and Jeff Harris

Phillip, Kadin and Harrison Story

Jamie Morrison and Uga IX

Aaron Murray and Robby Saye

Mark Brown and Ashley Anderson

Brian Fessler and Shehzin Jafar

TODAY.

TOMORROW.

IT’S IT ’S Y YOUR OUR R LEGACY. LEGAC Y. PASS PASS IT ON ON..

P Preserve reser ve your your wealth. wealth.

P Protect rotec t your your estat estatee ffor o or generations tto o come. come.

GO G O DAWGS! DAW G S! Chip Champion & Russell M Magbee, agbee, Financial Fiinancial Advisors Advisors chip.champion@raymondjames.com chip.champ pion@raymondjames.com russell.magbee@raymondjames.com russell.magb bee@raymondjames.com

CHAMPION C HA AMPION & M MAGBEE A GBEE FIN FINANCIAL NANCIAL SER SERVICES VICES An A n Independent Independent n firm fir m 912.265.3907 O Office ffice 800.451.7844 8 TToll o oll Free Free 11 Trade Trad de Street, Street, Ste Ste 102, Brunswick Brunswick,, GA

cchampionandmagbee.com h a mp m io n a n d ma g b e e . c o m

SSecurities ecurities offered offfer e ed thr through ough R Raymond aymond James FFinancial inancial SServices, er vices, Inc. Inc. | Member Member FINRA/SIPC Raymond Raymond James® is a rregistered egistered trademark trademark of R Raymond aymond James James FFinancial, inancial, Inc. Inc.

10

Bulldawg Illustrated

Legacy carried forward ...........................................

The tradition of casual golf on Jekyll Island has been passed down for generations and continues through the stewardship of PGA Pro Johnny Paulk, to our current staff.

Rediscover golf in a natural and peaceful setting, uncomplicated by the trappings of typical resorts. +HUH \RX ZLOO ´QG TXDOLW\ FRQGLWLRQV respectful of the classic designs by architects Walter Travis, Dick Wilson and Joe Lee. Your tee times await. Stay and play packages available at jekyllisland.com. ............................................

GA-FL Pregame Concert Oct. 26 Party down with Southern rock icons drivinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cryinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

UGA Alumni Oyster Roast Oct. 26 Great Dunes Park

at the Cumulus Radio GA/FL Pre-Game Party! Also appearing: Will Hoge Band and The Cadillac Black!

STUDENTS, STU UDENTSS, S ALUMNI ALUM MNI FANS FAN ANS .com

JOIN GROUPS G

Become B ecome a member member of of your your college, college, greek greek affiliation, affiliation, UGA UGA teams’ teams’ supporters, supp porters, club sports or even evven your study abroad abroad program! prrogram!

READ M B POSTTS MEMBER BLOG POSTS WeAreBulldawgs.com W eAr e eBulldawgs.ccom is set to share share the best best Bulldog bloggers outt there there

Wouldn’t W ouldn’ o t you rather social socialize lize and network with fellow Bulldawgs Bullddawgs echi e ies or T igers? ig So hop p of ff facebook and linkedIN and d join j than T Techies Tigers? off WeAr e reBulldawgs.com m.

WeAreBulldawgs.com.

LIV VE CHAT CHA AT UGA UGA CALENDAR CALLENDAR LIVE VID DEOS PHOTOS PHOTOS PODCASTS PO ODCASTS VIDEOS

FORUM M

Pose a question or o start a discussion

.com m

WWW. WW WW W. W.

FAN OF THE T WEEK

TR TRIVIA RIVIA CONTE CONTEST EST

Jerome Bigge Jerome Biggers ers fr om from Athens,, GA

Wha What at was the score score of Georgia’s Georrgia’s 2002 2 victory over the Yellow Ye ellow w Jackets?

Jack kets?

Answer: Tech-7 Answ wer: Georgia-51, Georrg gia 51 T gia-51, ech ech-7 e 7

Win nner: Jer emy Lackm man Winner: Jeremy Lackman Athens, GA G

Go to bulldawg bulldawgillustrated.com gillustrated.com Chance to win $25 gift cards carrds d for the UGA Bookstore Boo okstorre at TATE TATE if you answerr trivia correctly. corrrectly e y.

Q: Other than Herschel, Hersc chel, who is your favorite Bulldog Bulldog and why?

Q What is the most memorable Q: memora able play you have experienced experienc ced in person?

made A: Champ Champ Bailey Bailey iiss my my ssecond econd fave fave Dawg Dawg because because he he m ade an an impact impact on on both sides of the ball and a special teams. His athleticism athleticissm leaves me scratching myy head! warrior m head! Workout Workout w arrior ttoo. oo.

A: When Knowshon leaped over A ovver the player from frro om Central Michigan Mich chigan and him on his back for good ta tapped goo od measure. measurre. e That play was on rrepeat re e epeat on ESPN weeks. cell att while ffor or w eeks. The The poor poor guy guy clearly clearrlllyy needed needed a c ell phone phone to to stare stare down down a while tthe he awkwardness a awkwar rd dness passed!

Q: Who is your favorite favo orite player on the current currrent e UGA UG GA roster ro oster and why?

Q: Which one of our rivals do Q o you enjoy beating the most? mostt?

A: Jarvis Jones is an easy e answer here. herre e. He’s He’’s from frro om my hometown and has when been there therre for me wh hen I needed him, but I’m going g off offf the beaten path. Four way Jordan Jonathon Taylor, DeLoach, Quayvon w ay ttie: ie: J ordan Jenkins, Jenkins, J onathon T aylor, James James D eLoach, and and Q uayvon Hicks Hicks roommates, confident freshmen, and will be big because they are arre my boys, b roommates, o frreshmen, e Hallcogs in the machine that th determines our success the e next three thrree e years. Hall lmarkk should h ld make k a card c rd for car f occasions i when h you want w t to t say “I told t ld you so.””

They take losses to us so A: The Florida Lizards A Lizarrds d (not a misprint)! m s personal that th start a web site encouraging they encouragin ng the firing of their coach and I can’t can’’t see that Plus I love to hear people e enough. peop ple “janking” on the Lizard Lizarrd fans that dare darre wear jorts!! jo orts!! I will pull for them the moment mom ment Aquaman can no longer swim. s Q: What makes your tailgating Q tailgatin ng scene so special?

Q: What makes you u a true Bulldog?

A : It’s It’’s very rare rarre that I miss a game... Home or away. awayy. 8 planets, 204 countries, ME!!

809 islands, 7 seas, and an nd yet theres therre es still only ONE ME! E!! Go Dawgs!!

A: You’re A Yo ou’rre not going to believe me, m but I don’t don’’t tailgate. You Yo ou get one o or the other off the don’t both. ffrom rom me. me. EITHER EITHER attendance attendance o the game game or or ttailgating. ailgating. I d on’t do do b oth. I save save a my energy all enerrg gy and unnecessaryy comments for the game. I need nee ed to feel it. I need t smell it. I need to taste it... to

SEGO SECOC EEAST AST B BOUND D DAWGS AWGS S

™

Get the gear and show your y pride as we ffollow fol lllow ll the h Bulldogs B lld s to victory SHOP P IN-STORE IN-STORE OR ON ONLINE NLINE TODAY TODAY

/UGABookstore /UGABo okstore

14

Bulldawg Illustrated

Grady Fellows Tribute Barbara Dooley, Bruce Finland, Mary Clark, Cully Clark, Glen Finland and Vince Dooley

Conway Broun, Carter Broun and Carolyn Abney

April McLean and Sheryl McGarity

Jody Danneman and Parker Middleton

Julie Reynolds, Harriette Bohanon and Stella Bailey

Mary and Tim Mapes and Amy Harry

Amy Huckaby, Brian Brodrick and Hank Huckaby

Rick Maggiore, Brian Johnston and Carter Black

Vicki Michaelis and Claude Felton

Loran Smith and Greg McGarity

Kitty Keadle, Jeff Jowdy and Tim Keadle

Kim and Henry Grady

Kent Middleton and Horace Newcomb

2012 Model Year End Clearance e

Accord EX-L V-6 Sedan dan

0.9

Athens Regional has been awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.

Hospitals that have received this accreditation have demonstrated the highest level of expertise in providing care for all patients with chest pain.

nancing available available on on a allll new new 2012 2012 Honda Honda Accords Accords % fifinancing

now w thru th hru September 4th. See See dealer for for details. details.

APR no

Proud sup supporters pporters of the ldogs since 1976 Georgia Bull Bulldogs 3200 320 00 Atlanta Hwy Athens, Ga G 1-800-969-0347 w w w . p h i l h u g h e s h o n d a . c o m

athenshealth.org

www.bulldawgillustrated.com

©2012 ©20 12 American Honda Motor Co., C Inc. All inf information ormation cont contained ained herein n applies to U U.S. .S. products only only..

Please see our o P Privacy rivacy P Policy olicy and L Legal egal T Terms erms e and Conditions.

C

15

one on one

Mark his words: Mark Vincent

By Rob Sherrell

You played for three years at SMU. Then just before your senior year, the NCAA started their investigation that led to the death penalty. So you decided to finish your career at UGA. Tell us about that.

Well, if anybody should've gotten it, it should've been Penn St. vs us. We got accused of paying players. They had an administrative nightmare up there. The NCAA will never give the death penalty again. SMU is still feeling the effects of that....I'm one of the lucky people. God blessed me. That ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me. I was able to transfer to Georgia and experience the SEC environment and the loyalty that the fan base has, and the fervor with which they back the program. It's a way of life down there. Other than my two children, it's the best thing that ever happened to me.

Well you certainly developed a love for UGA. How'd you love playing for Coach Dooley?

Let me tell you something about Coach Dooley. My wife died a few months ago from cancer. And she fought it for six years. I have an 11-year-old and 10-year-old boy. I hadn't talked to Coach Dooley in ten years. I maybe saw him once at the Letterman's tailgate. Let me tell you something, it wasn't 48 hours after my wife died that Coach Dooley called me four times in one day. I was tied up in meetings all day. So he left me messages every time. That's why I love the University of Georgia. That's what it's all about. It wasn't one phone call and leave a message. But he makes four phone calls, leaving voice mails and giving me numbers of where to call him back as soon as I got the message. And when I talked to him, he couldn't have been more gracious. He didn't want to talk football, this was all about my family. I didn't tell anyone my wife died. Somehow he found out. He took the time to track me down and make sure I called him. I was just blown away.

That's what impresses me about the University of Georgia.

Can you compare your time at SMU to your time at UGA?

SMU was fun. I love SMU. I live in Dallas. But the Univeristy of Georgia has a special place in my heart because of the uniqueness of the good people. I want my kids to go there.

I even married a southern woman, though she was from Alabama. SMU is in the middle of Dallas. There’s the Cowboys, the Mavericks, the Rangers....and SMU gets sort of lost in the shuffle a little bit. When we were ranked #2 in the country, we had trouble getting 30,000 people in the stands. At UGA, it's not like that. SEC fans are just different.

Looking back, how much does it mean to play for a program that you've grown to love so much?

Lanier

I was sitting in the Stadium for the Ole Miss game with my two kids, and I was just honored to tell them "I played on that field right there.” I know that sounds stupid. But the older you get, the more you appreciate what UGA provides as an opportunity for kids. Whether you start four years or one year like I did, it is a wonderful place. And I hate to see these kids throw these opportunities away by being stupid. They’re blessed to be able to have that opportunity. It is just fun. I'm watching my kid at batting practice right now and he's got a Georgia shirt on. I just can't tell you. When I was in Athens for Ole Miss, I just felt good. I felt at home, which is weird for only being there a year. That's a cool feeling, you know? SMU? I love it. But I told my kids there are people in Winnebegos that show up in Athens on Wednesday and Thursday. They couldn't believe it.

Well you were talking about kids blowing opportunities. It seems a lot of kids get in trouble nowadays.

Can you compare it to when you played? I don't know

how Mark Richt runs his program. You know he seems like a great coach. He wins a lot of games and seems like a great Christian. But nobody got in trouble with Coach Dooley. He instilled a TEAM/me philosophy. You just felt honored to walk

out on a football field. You knew people cared so much about the football team that you wanted to do extra well. I mean you felt an obligation to be prepared and play well. My kids got to experinece that at the game. With the fan base and the interest in it, it was neat watching my kids watch the game.

I've talked to people you played with. You started all 12 game and lead the team in picks that year. You were considered one of the team leaders. How do you become a leader when you were only there for 12 months?

Luckily, I was mature. I was a fifth year senior and had started two years at another program.

I had played in some big games. Ben Smith played oppostite corner of me. A lot of people were skeptical about a guy coming in from SMU. And the only way you earn respect is by working hard, doing your job, and making plays. Over the course of the spring and summer, I just felt so privledged and was smart enough to take advantage of the situation. I dropped about five or six balls that should've been intercepted.

That's why I played defensive back and not receiver. Back then you got a Junkyard Dog Patch for big games. After I picked two against Ole Miss, I got one. I felt honored by that. I don't think I was looked at as a leader until the last half of the season because you have to earn stuff.

As far as transferring from SMU, did everyone end up as lucky as you? There were some guys that went to

UCLA that had great experiences, but the majority of the guys that transferred from the death penalty did not. I am one of the lucky ones. I am so fortunate to tell people I was the starting cornerback at UGA. Though they all think I played linebacker.

And again, 25 years after the fact, Coach Dooley tracks me down after he found out my wife died. That epidomizes how he feels about his players. It's not all about wins and losses. He cares about people that he coached. That's what it's all about.

UGA is the bomb!

Well, we compared the two schools you played at, now let's compare the coeds.

No comparison. None at all. I mean if you go out after a game in SMU, they may not even know there was a game. And if they did know they, they ask who won. I mean the SMU girls were nice, but the southern women just have a charm about them. There's a bunch of good looking women in Athens, GA.....They're beautiful, nice, and down to earth. Plus, they watch the football games.

any of that. But from 1984 to 1989, if you looked at the teams in the SWC that got put on probation, it was damn near every one of them.

You ended up going to law school at SMU after you finished your year at UGA. What kind of void was that to go back to that campus with no football after you had spent three years giving it your all? I did. I had a

girlfriend at UGA and really seriously considered going to law school in Athens. But my family was here in Dallas. But I always wondered what it would've been like to go to law school in Athens and end up practicing in the Atlanta area. But they gave SMU the death penalty in '87. I came back in '88. But I had a girlfriend at UGA, so I was spending most of my time in Athens. And Georgia was my team at the time. So, I was just lucky because I had a team that I could follow instead of having that void. And SMU now, with the current administration they have now, I don't know if they'll ever get back to being a national powerhouse.

I know I saw in the Texas Monthly magazine that you were listed as one of the 40 Super Lawyers in the State. Does that mean you have some sort of super powers and, if not, what super powers would you like to have?

HAHA! I wish I'd had the super power to see the future and not let Georgia get beat by South Carolina. You know, that deal is an honor because you get voted on by your peers. So it's an honor in one respect, but it's a gimmick in another. The magazine wants you to advertise your firm. Basically, the person that spends the most money gets on the front page. But again, it's voted by your peers and I've been selected for several years now. So, I'm proud of that fact. The super power I would like to have is to allow Aaron Murray to throw for 500 yards against Alabama if we get to play them.

Express

As someone that was actually part of it, I assume you saw ESPN 30 for 30 about the SMU program. What was your opinion of it and how accurate was it?

Well, it was fairly accurate. I was actually in that. I was in the background getting interviewed and things. It's sort of like the traffic comparison I like to make. If several cars are speeding together then why do you want to pull me over? But we got caught. I didn't get paid. I started for two years there. Most of the guys I knew didn't get paid. I think toward the end they started trying to clean it up. At the end I think there were about seven or eight guys getting paid. You know if you read everything, Governor Clements decided we were going to honor our commitment to those guys, but we weren't doing it anymore. There were a lot of boosters with a lot of money throwing it around. But then again, everyone in the SWC was doing it. Guys knew about it. Didn't talk about it. Some guys got disgruntled because they saw other people getting paid and they weren't. Luckily my name was never associated with

I read an article on line about you a couple years ago. You were named one of UGA's Greatest One Hit Wonders. Basically it was the five best players that only played one year for UGA for whatever reason. How good does it feel to be right up there with Nena's 99 Luft Balloons and Dexy's Midnight Runners' Come On Eileen?

You know, I had never seen that article and one of my law partners found that on the internet and showed it to me. So my secretay contacted the guy that wrote it, and he sent me the article. I've got it framed in my office. I'm actually real proud of that. To be able to come in and have a positive effect on the program; I'm very proud. You know a lot of guys give me a hard time about it. But my response to them is "Well Hickey, where's your article? If someone wrote an article about you it'd be on your screen saver. I mean some guy 22, 23 years after you played writes an article about you? I mean I was a good player. I knew I'd never play on Sundays. It's thrilling actually. It makes you feel good.

Whether you’re having fun with your local chapter, supporting scholarships and endowments, or plugging into a worldwide network of more than 270,000 graduates, the UGA Alumni Association is the best way to stay connected with YOUR alma mater!

We invite you to support your University and your Alumni Association by making a gift to the Georgia Fund for the UGA Alumni Association.

155 East Clayton Street 16

706-353-8500

Give Every Year.

Make a Difference Every Day!

www.alumni.uga.edu 1-800-606-8786

Bulldawg Illustrated

loran smith

Appointments mentss At Five

1730 South Lumpkin Str Street eet in Five Points Athens 706-353-8251 -353-82 251

ZZZ DSSRLQWPHQWVDWĂ&#x20AC;YH FRP LQWPHQ QWVDWĂ&#x20AC;YH FRP

Remembering the Past

VIETRI Old St. Nick ... collectibles and the th he most popular holiday holi iday pattern ever shop.47straightposters.com

With the passing of time, there are a lot of fans in our state who still fondly recall the annual Thanksgiving Day game between the freshman teams of Georgia and Georgia Tech.

The game essentially ended when the freshman eligibility rule came about. The two schools tried to preserve the tradition of the game by then playing the game with players from the scout team, but that was awkward and caused problems with varsity preparation.

With the scholarship numbers affecting the rostersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;first it was 95 and then it became 85â&#x20AC;&#x201D;there were not enough players who would be available to practice as a team for a game and also be available to simulate the opposing teams for the Varsity (a term that has virtually become obsolete).

Recently, going though some old files, I found a quote from Frank Sinkwich, Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Heisman winner. Sinkwich said that playing in the Thanksgiving Day game was his greatest thrill while playing for Georgia.

The game, at its height in the 50s was a sellout. Played annually on Grant Field, there were some very exciting games over the years. Much of its appeal was the purpose for playing the gameâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to support the Scottish Rite Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital.

Ralph McGill, the highly regarded editor and columnist of the Atlanta Constitution came up with the most poignant slogan for the game, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strong legs run that weak legs may walk.â&#x20AC;? The original mission of the hospital was to provide medical care for crippled kids.

Administrators did a terrific job promoting the game every Thanksgiving. It became a family affair. Most fans came to the game which always began with an early kickoff and then returned home for Thanksgiving dinner.

Fans flocked to Atlanta from over the state, taking the notion that they would have an opportunity to scout the two teams, to see what the future Varsity teams would be like. It was a ritual for many fansâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;year after yearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;get to Atlanta early on Saturday morning, head to the varsity for brunch, see the game and return home for Thanksgiving Dinner. There was a buzz about mid-town Atlanta in that long ago era, an era which sadly came to an end.

The players from both teams would go by the Scottish Rite Hospital on Fridays and visit with the kids who would have their photos made with a favorite player.

Kids from both teams were humbled by the experience and always remember the playing of the game as a highlight of their college football experience.

One of my favorite memories about the playing of the Scottish Rite game came in 1957. Georgia had signed some very outstanding players, highlighted by inking Francis Tarkenton of Athens and Pat Dye of Blythe to grants-in-aid.

The Bullpups defeated the Baby Jackets on Thanksgiving Day at Grant Field and the Bulldogs would follow them to Atlanta two days later to play in the game which led to the breaking of the drought when Theron Sapp scored the only touchdown of the game. Georgia defeated Georgia Tech, 7-0. It was one of the most glorious

www.bulldawgillustrated.com

of doubleheaders. Not only did the Bulldogs finally break the drought, there was hope that the talented Bullpups would be able to provide the completion and leadership to dominate the Tech series for a change.

Forecasting the future is never easy in football, but after the Bulldogs brought the drought against Tech in 1957, there would be three consecutive years in which the Red and Black would prevail. Those precocious freshman would make a difference in the Georgia program.

Tarkenton, who counts the Scottish Rite game, as one of his treasured memories, remembers that he and Pat Dye gathered the freshman together when they reported for pre-season practice and vowed that they â&#x20AC;&#x153;would never lose to Georgia Tech.â&#x20AC;?

It became a fulfilling prophesy. Those players did not lose to Tech their entire careers. Georgia, after breaking the drought in 1957, defeated Tech in 1958, 16-3 in Athens and again in Atlanta in 1959, 2114. When Tarkenton and Dye were seniors, their final college game would be played against Georgia Tech in Athens.

The game was a hard-fought battle with the Bulldogs prevailing, 7-6, when Dye rendered one of his finest performances as a Bulldog. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Four-in-a-Row,â&#x20AC;? Dan Magill proclaimed as the Bulldogs celebrated into the night. Tech scored first but Dye, an All-American guard, was moved to end on kick block situations. He came through with a diving effort which led to blocking Tommy Wellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extra point attempt. Tech led 6-0 and was finished scoring for the day. Georgia had looked sharp on the opening drive, moving 66 yards to the Tech six yard line where a fumbled ruined a momentum building drive but had trouble moving the ball the rest of the afternoon.

Just before the end of the half, Wells lined up for another kick, this time a field goal try. Dye again lined up at right defensive end and blocked the field goal attempt.

It was a defensive effort that led to Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s touchdown which turned out to be the difference in the game. On a pass from Stan Gann to Chick Graning, the ball was tipped by Graning and Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bill McKenny intercepted at the Tech 36 and ran it down to the Tech 13-yard-line. From there the Bulldogs scored in five plays. Bill Godfrey, the hard-nosed fullback, scored from three yards out for the touchdown which tied the game. Durward Penningtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extra point won the game for the home team, 7-6.

An interesting story took place following the Bullpup victory over the Baby Jackets in 1957. Dye returned to Blythe after the Thanksgiving Day game to spend the weekend at home. On Saturday, he was listening to the Varsity game in his pickup truck. Remembers his older brother, Nat, the starting Bulldog right tackle: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tech took the opening kickoff and made a long drive in our territory. Pat thought Tech was going to score and that they would probably beat us again. He turned off the radio and went bird hunting.â&#x20AC;?

Go Dawgs - SEC EAST Champions!

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re your resource for dependable and driven dawgs.

John Culpepper- Owner

www.expresspros.com 1069 Baxter Street, Suite A â&#x20AC;˘ Athens â&#x20AC;˘ 706.548.0625 6072 Hwy 53, Suite J â&#x20AC;˘ Braselton â&#x20AC;˘ 706.684.0394 1104 Monticello Street â&#x20AC;˘ Covington â&#x20AC;˘ 678.342.8244

Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021;

Residential and Commercial Moving Local and Long Distance On-site Document Destruction Document Data Storage Go Miniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Portable Storage Units Packing Materials

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

7Ę&#x201D;Ę?Ę&#x161;Ę&#x2014;6 <Ę&#x203A;ĘĄ

IRU \RXU VXSSRUW &ODVVLFĂš&LW\Ăš2UWKRGRQWLFV )RXQGU\Ăš3DUNĂš,QQĂšDQGĂš6SD %HQVRQĂš+RVSLWDOLW\Ăš*URXS $WKHQVĂš%DQQHU +HUDOG 2QOLQHĂš$WKHQV

%XOOGDZJĂš,OOXVWUDWHG 8UEDQĂš6DQFWXDU\Ăš

-:5Ăš-HZHOHUV $OZD\V Ăš$OZD\VĂš)ORZHUV 17

Christian Robinson has realized his dream of playing for the Dawgs

By Travis Ragsdale

G

eorgia football has a long and storied tradition of excellence on the field. Year after year, young men from across the country sign letters of intent to come to the Classic City with hopes of one day playing in the NFL. Sometimes, those hopes aren’t realized.

Other times, they are ten fold and those players go on to make a career out of playing football. But then there’s another group. A group that comes to Athens because they want to. Because all they’ve ever wanted to do is strap on the Red and Black. Because wearing a Georgia ‘G’ means more to them than anything in this world. There’s a player on this year’s team in this group. His name is Christian Robinson.

“Georgia was my dream. I wanted to be a Georgia football player,” said Robinson.

The 5th year senior linebacker came to Georgia in 2008 at a time when expectations couldn’t be higher. A #1 preseason ranking, two stars in the making in Knowshon Moreno and Matthew Stafford on offense. People around Georgia football thought 2008 was ‘the year.’ It wasn’t though, and from there came a nosedive into non-relativity.

By the end of the 2010 season, Robinson knew that something wasn’t right.

“I can guarantee you people were not wanting to go out to practice,” said Robinson, “It was rough. I think a lot of people by the end of it, didn’t want to be here anymore.”

But he did. He rode out the storm. Why? Because he loves the University of Georgia. Christian is everything that’s right with Georgia football.

“Just thinking about what this school means to me. And what Georgia means to me., it gave me an opportunity to be successful.”

Wins will come as they always have. Losses will occur and devastate fans and players alike. But players like Christian last the test of time. He won’t jump out on a stat sheet or on film. His contributions go deeper than that. Something the coaching staff is grateful for.

“Christian is a guy that since he got here has done everything the right way. He’s one of the best leaders we’ve ever had. On the field, off the field, in the classroom. Christian has been a blessing,” said head coach Mark Richt.

Christian is also thankful for Coach Richt. After all, it was him that allowed him to realize his dream.

“He allowed me to come here. He gave me an opportunity,” And Christian has seized on that opportunity making the most out of his time here. Now, in his last season, Christian may have a chance to continue his playing career. He’s been part of a scheme change on defense but he’s been able to stay successful and play his role and help his team win on

photo by Rob Saye

the field. When he’s in the game, it’s clear that he is the general of that defense. And you better believe NFL scouts have taken notice. But in true form, he’s only to recount the success of his teammates.

“I’m surrounded by a lot of guys who are probably going to play football for a long time. And me? I don’t know, I’m just happy for those guys.”

Christian’s story is one that should be told to all incoming freshmen players as an example of how to be a Georgia Bulldog. But his story is not quite over yet.

“We’re not satisfied yet. We have to win the next game for anything to matter.”

He’s right. Now, Georgia has a unique opportunity to reach the national championship game. After that devastating loss to South Carolina, who would have thought? Nevertheless, the Dawgs have gotten help and now stand poised to capture their ultimate goal. This is something Christian

has wanted his whole career at Georgia. But it wasn’t just about wins and losses for him. He’ll be leaving Athens with something far more valuable than wins.

“I got to play football four almost five years with some of my best friends and people that will be in my wedding one day.”

Christian embodies what a Georgia football player should be. Fans typically only see what goes on between the hedges and on the gridiron but there is so much more to being a Bulldog than just that. It takes a person of character and an undying passion for Georgia. Some people would call this a Damn Good Dawg.

“If I could stay here and have everything stay like it is now, forever, I probably would,” said Christian,” It literally has been the best time of my life.”

We’d want you to stay too, Christian. I’d say that Christian Robinson qualifies as a Damn Good Dawg.

MAKING

CLOTHES FALL OFF SINCE 2010

Available for purchase in Kroger stores and other fine retailers

www.scalescocktails.com Margarita

Bloody Mary

Why settle for a low carb and low sugar mix when you can have 0 carbs and 0 sugar! An average Margarita contains over 140 calories and 35 carbs, and that's per 4 oz serving.

Scales has only 5 calories and 0 carbs per serving. That's what we call HOT!

An average Bloody Mary Mix has over 730 mg of sodium per serving. Scales Bloody Mary has only 200 mg of sodium per serving. It contains Sea Salt, has NO MSG and is Gluten Free..

18

We cordially invite you to join The Southern Co·te·rie /kōtərē/

{the social network of the south} -a community where southerners and all those who love the south can connect, converse, congregate and celebrate the south

www.TheSouthernC.com

Bulldawg Illustrated

Great gift for BULLDAWG alumni and fans!

Buy a piece of the University of Georgia® historic hedge.

Only $30.00 plus shipping and handling.

GET THE HOLIDAY SEASON ROLLING...

LET US CATER YOUR NEXT EVENT

&HUWLÀFDWH RI $XWKHQWLFLW\ LV LQFOXGHG

Available for sale or pick up at the Baxter Street Bookstore 360 Baxter Street, Athens, Ga. 30605 November 24th December 4-7th December 14th

980-475-4750 OR ORDER ONLINE at

thehedgefun.com

BURRITO LUNCH BOX BURRITO PLATTER NACHO BAR

. TACO BAR

. SALAD BAR

. FAJITA BAR

GIFT CERTIFICATES MAKE FOR GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS!

DAVID POLLACK WEARS MILLER BROTHERS

3207 Paces Ferr y Place | Atlanta, Georgia 30305 404-233- 8000 | www.millerbrothers.com

ESPN analyst and Georgia Bulldog, David Pollack

www.bulldawgillustrated.com

19

Scouting the Jackets

Wes Durham talks Tech

By Murray Poole

By Jeff Dantzler

Location: Atlanta, Ga.

Wes Durham, voice of the Yellow Jackets and Atlanta Falcons, is an excellent broadcaster and has one hectic and awfully fun schedule. He gives us his thoughts on Saturday’s game and a couple of other interesting topics. As always, this is great stuff from Wes.

Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference

What has been the key to Tech’s turnaround the last few weeks?

More than anything else, "confidence" has been the biggest key. After the overtime loss to Miami, this team didn't play very strong from a mental standpoint.

I think after the BYU game, they resolved themselves to getting a post-season bid, to extend the streak, and have played the way that many thought they would most of this season.

What do the Yellow Jackets need to do to beat Georgia?

I think there are several things that will have to happen, the most important is arguably, play a clean game. Turnovers and penalties can hurt, but particularly against a team as strong on defense and explosive on offense as Georgia. Secondly, I think Tech will need to extend drives. 3 & Out puts them behind the curve in a game where they need to "hold serve". It will be difficult for them to come back if they get 2-scores down to a team like Georgia.

Have you liked the two quarterback approach the Jackets have used with Washington and Lee? I don't think it works for everybody, but it has worked here, because both kids understand that winning is more important than who is playing. Tevin Washington has the type of personality to let a redshirt freshman come in and take snaps. A stronger personality might see it as a threat, but Tevin has always been a guy about the team, and therefore, even as a senior, in his final games of football ever, understands how this needs to work.Vad has learned a lot from playing more snaps, and after the win at Carolina, was able to break down a lot of tape with the coaches and fully immerse himself into pro/con plays during a game. It was a huge deal from him to come back after a pick-6 to open the 4th quarter, and drive Tech back down the field with a game-clinching drive.

What is your take on the Bulldogs?

Very talented team, who has had the kind of season I thought they would, with the exception of the South Carolina game. It’s not that they lost, but the margin that surprised me. I thought Coach Richt handled the trip to Missouri and the game with Florida perfectly in there set up. Defensively, I'm looking forward to seeing Jarvis Jones, because I think he's a tremendous talent on the national level. I'm also intrigued with Malcolm Mitchell, because all he does is make plays. Guys like that don't show up on every team. The things being said by both coaches and players in November show me that they (Georgia) have been well prepared all season long to be a contender at the end, which is what's happened.

Enrollment: 21,557 (all schools)

In your very busy football season, is the travel the most difficult part?

Often times it can be, but outside of a day-trip to the West Coast for the San Diego game, this fall has gone very smooth. I did have 3-games in 3-different cities in 3-days a couple weeks ago, but that's what November is all about in many ways. Most people get ready for Thanksgiving, I'm getting ready to travel.

Do you agree that the Falcons have the goods to make a deep run this year?

I think they have the tools in all areas...but the timing for this team might be the biggest reason for optimism. They have a balance of young guys and veterans on the roster. The arrival of the new coordinators has been perfect, and we are in the 5th year of the Dimitroff-Smith-Ryan administration, which exudes some confidence on all fronts. But in the NFL, you still have to be able to have things go your way...hopefully that will be the case in a month or so.

What do you think about the rampant conference expansion?

I'm not surprised anymore. I thought it would take almost 2-full years to complete, and I think we are there. The Pac-12 has re-branded itself nicely.

I think Larry Scott, their commissioner, has done a great job. The movement of the Big-12 and decline of the Big East has been interesting to watch. The ACC did the right things in securing Pitt and Syracuse, along with the nonfootball deal at Notre Dame. The SEC continues to be the biggest player in college football. I think Mike Slive has done an incredible job of adding schools and creating more a solid footprint for the conference. Look at the other BCS conferences to compare. The goal was to stay relevant for the new world of college football in 2014 and most conferences did that...some didn't.

Do you another shake-up in the ACC coming anytime soon?

Not soon ... but eventually I think there will be a "jumping off" or "jumping on" point for Notre Dame. If the Irish don't get the TV deal they think they should, who knows, they could tell the ACC they are ready to be a football member as well. If that happens, I think they (Notre Dame) get the honor of trying to recruit the 16th school. But with the success they have had this fall in football, there is no need to become an ACC member...yet.

Georgia Tech stars

By Jeff Dantzler #45 Jeremiah Attaochu, LB 6-3, 240 Jr. Washington, D.C. (Archbishop Carroll H.S.)

#17 Orwin Smith, A-Back 6-0, 205 Sr. Phenix City, Ala. (Central H.S.)

#13 Tevin Washington, QB 6-0, 205 R-Sr. Wetumpka, Ala. (Wetumpka H.S.)

The Yellow Jackets have had some struggles on defense, but they have a strong linebacking corps that has shined in Tech’s top performances. Attaochu and Jabari Hunt-Days are both top flight players, as is safety Isaiah Johnson, a staunch run stuffer. Attaochu is Tech’s big-play maker on defense. He leads the Yellow Jackets in tackles for loss and sacks, producing the negative yardage plays that Tech will be looking for in Athens. Attaochu is sixth on the squad in stops and has been consistent all season. In the Yellow Jackets win over Maryland, arguably the team’s top all-around game of the year, Attaochu rung up three sacks, totalling 24 lost yards. Two of his top performances came in an overtime setback at Virginia Tech in the season opener, where he chalked up seven stops, and Tech’s loss at Clemson, as Attaochu recorded eight tackles against the high powered Tigers.

Tech’s high-powered flexbone offense , developed by Paul Johnson in his days as offensive coordinator for the great Erk Russell at Georgia nearly 30 years ago, has been cooking. The Yellow Jackets once again have one of America’s most explosive running attacks, with Smith a prime weapon.

Smith ran for 137 yards against Virginia and at Tech, he picked up 117 on the ground and scored. Tech has been rolling the last few weeks, and Smith had touchdowns against Maryland and North Carolina, as he came close to the century mark. Smith has excellent speed. He’s one of the fastest backs in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and when the option is cooking with Tech’s dualthreat quarterbacks, Smith, an “A-Back” who plays in the slot, is a threat to score on any touch.

It took longer than Yellow Jacket coach Paul Johnson wanted, but Tech has the flexbone option cooking. At the trigger are a pair of dangerous quarterbacks, Tevin Washington and Vad Lee. Washington is a touchdown machine. He is amongst the Atlantic Coast Conference’s all-time leaders in rushing touchdowns for quarterbacks. Washington and Lee have split the snaps this season, and between the two, they average over two touchdowns per game on the ground.

Against Clemson, Washington ran for 104 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Lee stood out in the Yellow Jackets eye-popping 68-50 victory over North Carolina, picking up 112 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 23 carries

Yellow Jackets in a thumbnail: After going 8-5 last season, with one of those losses being a 31-17 setback to Georgia at Bobby Dodd Stadium, and with seven offensive starters and five defensive regulars returning for the 2012 campaign, the Yellow Jackets were hoping to make a strong run at the ACC title. But Tech has stubbed its toe at times this fall and will enter Saturday’s game in Athens with a 6-5 season record and 5-3 league mark, which does have the Jackets still alive in the topsy-turvy Coastal Division race. Tech owns wins over Presbyterian (59-3), Virginia (56-20), Boston College (37-17), Maryland (33-13), North Carolina (68-50) and Duke, this past Saturday by 42-24. The Tech losses have come to Virginia Tech (20-17, OT), Miami (42-36, OT), Middle Tennessee State (49-28), Clemson (47-31) and BYU (41-17).

A look at the Georgia Tech offense: Of course, the Yellow Jackets run the same offense the Bulldogs encountered this past week in Georgia Southern, the ball-control, triple option attack. Averaging 325 yards rushing per game, Tech scores at a pace of 38.5 points per game but also gives up 29.6 points per contest. Senior Orwin Smith (6-0, 202), leads the Jackets with 673 yards (9.0 avg.) and has scored five touchdowns. Senior quarterback Tevin Washington (6-1, 205) has run for 598 yards and an ACC-leading 18 touchdowns and then come sophomore back Zach Laskey with 567 yards and redshirt freshman quarterback Vad Lee (6-1, 213) – who shares duties with Washington – with 447 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Washington has passed for 1,042 yards and seven touchdowns this season while Lee has thrown for 463. Smith and sophomore Jeff Greene lead the Tech receivers with Smith having 17 receptions out of the backfield, for 271 yards, and Greene snaring 16 balls for 261 yards.

A look at the Georgia Tech defense: The Yellow Jacket defense has admittedly struggled against the stronger Tech opponents this season, surrendering such point totals as 42, 49, 47, 41 and 50. Junior free safety Isaiah Johnson is Tech’s leading tackler with 75 stops while sophomore linebacker Quayshawn Nealy and junior defensive back Jemea Thomas follow with 67 stops each. Then comes redshirt freshman linebacker Jabari Hunt-Days (61 tackles). Junior linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu is Tech’s sack leader with seven.

What Jackets head coach Paul Johnson says: “It was an exciting game (win over Duke). I’m awfully proud of our team. It was awfully similar to last week’s game, but there was less scoring because the drives were longer. We had some big plays. I’m proud of our guys. Tevin (Washington) played a great game. Vad’s (Lee) play was huge on fourth down getting the ball in the end zone. I thought he did some good things, but Tevin was more of the hot hand so we left him in. Defensively, it was similar to last week. We stopped them and we got some stops in the second half. Looking forward, we'll process this and we've got a tremendous challenge (against Georgia) next week. We'll do the best we can do.”

Game Prediction: After going against Georgia Southern’s triple option in the 45-14 win this past Saturday, the Bulldogs’ defense will be facing the Yellow Jackets’ own version of the unique offense this coming Saturday in the noon battle between the hedges. I picked 35-28, Georgia, in our preseason predictions but if the Bulldogs play up to their capabilities, both offensively and defensively, it shouldn’t be quite that close. Aaron Murray, Todd Gurley and the Georgia offense have played lights out over the past three games and that Bulldog defensive unit hasn’t surrendered more than 14 points in the last four outings. Like Georgia Southern, the Jackets will pile up the rushing yardage but it won’t be enough as Georgia rolls 41-24 and then gets ready to confront the Crimson Tide in the huge SEC Championship game.

Five keys for a Bulldog victory

By Jeff Dantzler

1.

Stop the Fullback – A lot of these keys are the same ones from last week’s game against Georgia Southern. It’s the flexbone/”Hambone” triple option. And when it comes to stopping any triple option – like with those powerful wishbone attacks at Oklahoma and Alabama in the 1970s, the first “must” is slowing down the fullback. If the fullback has success, that means more crowding inside and big trouble on the edge with the quarterback/wingback option. When Tech defeated the Dogs in that painful 2008 game, it was fullback Johnathan Dwyer, current Pittsburgh Steeler running back, who got the Jackets second half rally started.

2 . Get Physical with the Quarterback – There’s an art to playing the pitch/keep option on the second phase, but it is essential to hit the quarterback – cleanly of course – to wear him down. “Don’t make

it an option,” many a great coach has said. Tech has a terrific two-some at quarterback with Tevin Washington and Vad Lee. They have both had outstanding success on the ground. Give Paul Johnson a lot of credit for playing both, limiting the physical toll taken on his signal callers.

3.

Keep the foot on the Offensive Accelerator – Georgia did an excellent job of this in last season’s 31-17 win over the Yellow Jackets on the flats. Though they have improved over the last

few weeks, Tech has had some struggles defensively this year. It is vital for Georgia to cash in – as the Bulldogs did against Auburn – with touchdowns in the red zone. Keep the pressure on. And the bottom line is, as witnessed in that oh-so-painful loss in ’08, once that flexbone gets cooking, it can be extremely difficult to slow down – much less stop. The offense is going to have to carry a heavy load.

4.

Win the Turnover Battle – This is the ultimate no-brainer in any game. It is the most important statistic more often than any other statistic. Especially with Georgia as a favorite. Turnovers open

the door. Georgia won the turnover battle against Florida, Ole Miss and Auburn. The Bulldogs need it on both ends again – avoiding them with the ball, and causing them when Tech has the pigskin. One thing about the triple option out of the flexbone is that fumbles tend to come in bunches. It doesn’t happen in many games, but when the ball does pop out, it tends to happen more than once.

5.

Sound Kicking Game – Turnovers and kicking game blunders, which often go hand-in-hand are the pathway to upsets. Georgia has made some major strides in the kicking game over the past month, and the Bulldogs must keep it up. Ball security, coverage and strong kicking are essential. One of Georgia’s brightest stars during the highly impressive trio of Southeastern conference victories over Florida, Ole Miss and Auburn, Collin Barber and Adam Erickson did an outstanding job punting.

photo by Rob Saye

20

Bulldawg Illustrated

AWARD-WINNING WINGS • BURGERS • SANDWICHES • SALADS

gameday…

everyday!

Crazy Good.

online ordering

avnaiolwab! le

Since 1988 Locos has been serving up game changers like our award-winning jumbo wings and signature burgers. In the past 25 years one thing has never changed—our desire to give you great food, fast, in the ultimate place for fun, beverages and catching the game with friends.

FIRE UP THE DAWGS WITH MAGIC 102!

PRE AND POST GAME SHOW live @ Harris Street EVERY HOMEGAME

581 S. Harris St. • Athens, GA 30605 • 706.548-7803 • LOCOSGRILL.COM

Dine in • Takeout • Delivery • Catering

www.bulldawgillustrated.com

21

Jeff Dantzler’s Top 25 This past Saturday is a prime reason why college football doesn’t need a playoff. Nights like that lose significance. For all of the pundits who worry about multiple unbeaten in October, well, almost every year it takes care of itself. Since 1998, with Oregon and Kansas State added to the list, 18 teams ranked in the top three have lost at this point in the season or later – prior to their bowl. If Georgia and Alabama handle Tech and Auburn, they’ll play for a spot in the big game. The Florida-Florida State game is extra enormous. The SEC has six of the top ten, which is astounding.

1. Notre Dame – The stage is now set for the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame is a perfect 11-0. It’s their best season since finishing No. 2 in 1993. The final hurdle is at the Coliseum against the Trojans. Not too many teams have won at Oklahoma and Southern Cal in the same year. Notre Dame dominated Wake Forest, and I’m sure the Irish enjoyed not playing a tight one.

2. Alabama – Bama bounced back with no worries after the loss to Texas A&M, blowing out Western Carolina 49-0. It might be worse against Auburn. A win over the struggling Tigers would send Alabama to the SEC Championship Game. A win there, and Bama defends its title.

3. Georgia – The Bulldogs struggled in the first half against I-AA power Georgia Southern, but once the momentum swung, Georgia cashed in. It will be very tough against Tech in the biggest game of all, as the Dogs seek an 11-1 mark and try and stay in contention for the big prize. Tech runs the same option that Georgia Southern does, so perhaps that will help the Dogs defense.

4. Ohio State – In what set up as their toughest challenge to date – the incredible comeback over Purdue and shootout victory against Indiana notwithstanding – the Buckeyes collected a huge win over Wisconsin to move to 11-0. They’re the best team in the Big Ten, but on probation with nowhere to go. It’s Michigan standing between OSU and a perfect campaign.

5. Florida - The Gators are 10-1, and not many saw that coming. Now comes a monster showdown with Florida State. The winner is sitting at 11-1 and still in the mix. Florida’s offense is really struggling right now, so they’ll lean heavily on the defense and standout special teams again.

6. LSU – It was a thriller in Baton Rouge between old rivals LSU and Ole Miss. Odell Beckham Jr. had the big play on a long punt return that tied it at 35-35. Then LSU cashed in on a bad decision to try a long field goal and won it. The Bayou Bengals should knock off Arkansas to go 10-2.

7. Texas A&M – There was no letdown at Kyle Field on the heels of that amazing win at Alabama. Texas A&M bludgeoned Sam Houston State to make it 9-2 on the year. If the Aggies take down Missouri, that means a 10-2 SEC debut, highlighted by a win in Tuscaloosa and one of the great individual seasons in Aggie lore by Johnny Manziel.

8. Oregon – The Ducks are just crestfallen. Oregon had a late 14-7 lead get away, and after so many blowouts, they lost their first close one. Stanford slammed the door in overtime. The Ducks need to beat the Beavers and have UCLA beat Stanford to play for the PAC12 title.

9. Florida State – There was no upset with Maryland, playing with its fifth quarterback, a former linebacker. The Seminoles are 10-1 with the Gators coming to town and then the ACC Championship Game. Two more wins means a special season. The Gators defense will be the best that the Seminoles have seen.

10. Kansas State – The Wildcats were sitting at No. 1 and got absolutely pummeled by Baylor 52-24 in Waco. So the dreams of a national championship are gone. Kansas State has a week off and then hosts Texas with the Big XII title on the line.

11. South Carolina – The Gamecocks pushed their record to 9-2 with a 24-7 win over Wofford. It’s 9-2 for South Carolina, and now come the arch rival Clemson Tigers. A win would put South Carolina at 10-2 for a second straight year, and that’s some history making stuff in Columbia.

12. Clemson – It was nervous for Clemson against North Carolina State. The Wolfpack, who upset Florida State by one point, led 24-13 in the first half. But Clemson got that vaunted offense clicking in the second half and rolled to victory. This sets up one of the biggest Clemson – South Carolina clashes ever, pitting 10-1 vs. 9-2.

Kevin Butler’s Players of the Game

13. Stanford – David Shaw has kept the Cardinal rolling. With so much of the country, especially in the south, pulling so hard for them, Stanford came through with a thrilling 17-14 overtime win at Oregon. It’s a huge one with UCLA in a battle of 9-2’s on Saturday. If Stanford wins, these two rematch for the conference title.

14. Oklahoma – What a track meet in the Big XII. On their first trip to Morgantown with West Virginia as a conference member, Bob Stoops’ Sooners escaped with a 50-49 shootout win. If the Sooners beat Oklahoma State, they go 10-2 and can get a piece of the conference championship and maybe a BCS berth.

15. Texas – The Longhorns had this past Saturday off and now host Texas Christian.

Texas has been playing well the last couple of games, and needs to keep it rolling. The following week, the Longhorns visit Manhattan to take on Kansas State. Those pictures of Horns fan Johnny Manziel with Mack Brown, who was not offered by Mack Brown, must really hurt.

16. Oregon State – This has been one of the Beavers best seasons ever, and they bumped in to 8-2 with a 62-14 pounding of Cal. Now comes one of the biggest “Civil War” showdowns of all time with the 10-1 Ducks.

17. UCLA – The Bruins dominated Southern Cal, picking up arguably their biggest win of the 21st century. In his first year at the helm, Jim Mora Jr. has led UCLA to a 9-2 record and a berth in the PAC-12 Championship Game. First up is Stanford. If the Cardinal wins, they rematch the following week in Palo Alto. If UCLA wins, the Bruins play Oregon.

18. Nebraska – Big Red didn’t have a letdown on the heels of that big win over Penn State in Lincoln. Nebraska took care of business against Minnesota to improve to 9-2 on the year. The Cornhuskers are sniffing a berth in the Big Ten championship Game.

19. Mississippi State – In the midst of one of the toughest schedule stretches in the country, Mississippi State got a much needed bounce-back win over Arkansas. It should be a great game with Ole Miss, which has lost back-to-back heartbreakers to Vanderbilt and LSU. A win for MSU means 9-3.

20. Louisville – The Cardinals had this past Saturday off, and they had some wounds to lick after getting trounced at Syracuse. Louisville should rebound and take care of Connecticut to make it 10-1. Teddy Bridgewater has had a dynamite season at quarterback.

21. Rutgers – Greg Schiano is gone and doing excellent work with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Rutgers has still managed to put together a fine season. It’s a tight race for the Big East championship, and the Scarlet Knights are right in the mix.

22. Michigan – The Wolverines, spurred on by their unbelievable comeback win over Northwestern, drilled struggling Iowa to improve to 8-3 on the year. They’d love to knock off arch-enemy Ohio State for a second straight year ad deny the Buckeyes a perfect season.

23. Northwestern – The Wildcats bounced back from a heartbreaking overtime loss to Michigan, and edged disappointing Michigan State 23-30. Northwestern should handle down Illinois and make it 9-3. They had leads in the second half of all three losses.

24. Oklahoma State – The Cowboys lost a lot of talent off of last year’s team that finished No. 3 in the country, including a first round pick at quarterback and wide receiver.

But they have been solid this season, and just chalked up their biggest win of the year, taking down Texas Tech.

25. Washington – Steve Sarkisian has the Huskies, a sleeping giant, headed in the right direction. Washington blasted hapless Colorado 38-3 and should close out with an easy win over equally woeful Washington State. The Huskies have signature wins over Stanford and Oregon State.

Call Ahead for Large Orders

photo by Rob Saye

Kevin Butler, former University of Georgia legendary kicker and a member of the Georgia radio broadcast team, will each week during the 2012 football season select his offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week for Bulldawg Illustrated. Here are Butler’s selections and reasons why for the Bulldogs’ 45-14 win over Georgia Southern Saturday.

OFFENSE – Sophomore wide receiver Chris Conley, who had four catches for 76 yards including touchdown receptions of 13 and 33 yards.

“Chris stepped into the starting position and produced with two touchdowns,” said Butler. “Aaron Murray is certainly someone who could get the award every week, but Aaron is as good as his receivers and through injury Chris was able to step up in a very positive way this weekend and fill a gap and produce. His development will be key to finishing out undefeated no matter whom we play.”

DEFENSE – Junior linebacker Alec Ogletree, who recorded 12 tackles, including one-forloss, to lead a Bulldog defensive effort that limited the Eagles’ high-powered triple option attack to just the two touchdowns.

“Alec is a junior who stepped up into a physical role because of the offense that Georgia Southern ran,” said Butler. “He used his athletic ability and discipline to have an unbelievable game.

The best part of this is he needs to step up for a second week in a row against Georgia Tech as they bring the same philosophy and certainly more power to the triple option offense.”

SPECIAL TEAMS – All the special teams units that have improved each and every week and enabled the Bulldogs to go on their current five-game win streak heading into the season finale against Georgia Tech this weekend.

“The special teams were not a big factor in the game this past weekend but the development of them has made them all quietly impressive,” said Butler. “Field position has become an option to exercise with our specialty teams now and we’ll need to continually against Georgia Tech control field positions with all good specialty teams play.”

31 Greensboro Hwy., 6131 Eatonton Hwy., 801 Lamb Ave., Watkinsville, Ga. Greensboro, GA Union Point, GA 706-769-7285 706-453-0237 706-486-4416

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GO DAWGS

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