Georgia - Mississippi State
Catch the positive mojo JD’s letter to Munson • Oxford photos • UGA-MSU preview • 40 under 40 photos • Bulldawg fashion • Recruiting update
RESTORING FUNCTION. RESTORING QUALITY OF LIFE.
l to r: Frank Clements, PA-C; Beau Sasser, M.D.; Buck Cavalier, M.D.; Gary M. McClain, M.D.; Michael J. Sullivan, M.D.; Katherine L. Maurath, M.D.; J. Melvin Deese, M.D.; Denny A. Carter, M.D.
Musculoskeletal conditions and injuries can cripple your quality of life. The physicians at Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery focus on reducing pain, restoring function and improving your quality of life by using the latest treatment techniques and a minimally invasive approach. The board-certified physicians and orthopaedic surgeons at Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery offer treatment options for everything from simple fractures to sports injuries to the most complex conditions. Our orthopaedic specialists offer comprehensive care in all areas of orthopaedics including: Foot and ankle
Hand and wrist
Joint replacement
Physical medicine and rehabilitation
LOCATIONS Summit Professional Plaza 1111 Glynco Parkway Bldg. 1, Suite 35 and Bldg. 2, Suite 100 Brunswick, GA 31525 912-262-9961 Wellness Way Medical Complex 7000 Wellness Way, Suite 7110 St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912-466-5570 Camden Medical Pavilion 2040 Dan Proctor Drive, Suite 120 St. Marys, GA 31558 912-576-6355
Spine
Sports medicine
For more information or to make an appointment, please call the Summit Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery location nearest you.
sghs.org
© 2011 SGHS
A strategic affiliate of Southeast Georgia Health System
9/2011
From the editor : vance leavy Well if you made the trip to Oxford like I did you are certainly tired from all the festivities that go on in The Grove. There truly isn’t a better place in all of college football to hang out with your Bulldog brethren. And heading home with a W is certainly the cherry on top. And thankfully that’s what happened this past Saturday as Isaiah Crowell proved he is definitely the real deal racking up 147 yards on 30 carries. No that is not a misprint as what all of us here at Bulldawg Illustrated and many of you in the Bulldog Nation finally got their wish as Coach Richt and Bobo handed the pigskin off early and often on the Rebels. And guess what, it worked with great success. At the end of the day, the Georgia offense totaled 207 rushing yards on 56 attempts. Aaron Murray and his crew of receivers added another 268 yards through the air for what proved to be a huge day for the entire offense. Unfortunately the 27 points on the scoreboard were far less than what should have been as Blair Walsh had his most difficult day ever as a Bulldog missing three field goals. However I’m not upset with Blair as his career speaks for itself at Georgia. What concerns me is that too many great drives ended up stalling causing Coach Richt to send the field goal unit on the field five times. That many field goal attempts isn’t going to win games versus the Tennessee, Florida and Auburn’s of the SEC that are coming up on the Georgia schedule. And the same goes for this Saturday’s game versus Dan Mullen’s Mississippi State Bulldogs who will certainly bring way more of challenge to Sanford Stadium than a very weak Ole Miss team did on their home field in Oxford. Mullen, one of best up and coming coaches in the country, has his team and fanbase believing. And much like our Bulldogs, Mississippi State is in a must win situation to continue towards a successful season. It’s going to be a battle that will probably go down to the wire which is why I’m thrilled with the progress of Todd Grantham’s defense. Without question, a victory over MSU will come down to our D’s ability to make key stops as Dan Mullen has no absolutely no problem going for it on fourth down. Interesting enough, that was the biggest complaint I heard about Coach Richt after the Ole Miss game as he didn’t believe in his team enough to go for it on 4 and 1 with the chance to put the game out of reach. Instead he rolled out the field goal team yet again. In fairness, I guess you can see
www.bulldawgillustrated.com
his way of thinking in that he’s trying to teach his guys to get first downs without having to take a chance on fourth. However I like to look at it the other way. A coach that shows his faith in his team builds a confidence that’s contagious. Need some examples? How about Nick Saban, Les Miles, Urban Meyer and Steve Spurrier to name a few. All of these coaches have made their living and success by rolling the dice and putting their trust in their boys that they have the fortitude to get the job down when the pressure is at its greatest. And just in case you’re counting each of these coaches have won national championships and some of them have multiples. And while I’m venting a little, if anyone can tell me if Coach Richt has ever attempted a fake field goal while at Georgia please let me know. To my knowledge that has never occurred which is a little scary. And I’m still dumbfounded that Ole Miss got the ball back late in the second quarter when Georgia had a 17 point lead which then resulted in a punt return for a touchdown. With 1:26 left, the powers that be called three straight passes that were all incomplete. Boom, just like that the 17 point lead was reduced to 10. And oh by the way Georgia was set to receive the ball to start the third quarter. This wasn’t Coach Richt at his best and that’s putting it mildly. And the reason I’m bringing it up is that he or someone on the Georgia sideline or booth has to be more alert moving forward or such a silly decision will surely cost the team a win. Okay enough angst. The bottom line is that after the rough 0-2 start this team has the ability to pull their record to 3-2 with a win against State. And they will surely need all the fans help with the high noon kick on Saturday. Let’s pack the stadium early and keep this positive momentum rolling. Enjoy this issue. Like I said earlier The Grove was an absolute blast and our photos from there certainly depict that. Also enjoy Murray Poole’s fan feature on page 5 as I’m sure many of you will know Andrew Rothschild. And JD’s letter to Larry Munson on page 4 drew Cheri to tears. Like JD, we too are thinking about our legendary announcer. And don’t miss our Bulldawg Leader profile on Aron White who just last week received a terrific award for giving back in the Athens community. Well I’m out of space and out of time, so I’ll bid farewell. Can’t wait to see you on Saturday as our team is definitely improving each week, which can only mean great things for a season that still has a ton of potential. Keep it going guys. Your fans want to go to Knoxville on a three game winning streak and are ready to apply some payback to the Vols for the last two brutal trips to Neyland!
Mississippi State Cha Cha Cha Publishing Editor Vance Leavy Editorial & Ad Director Cheri Leavy Sports Guru Jeff Dantzler Public Relations Director Andrew Miller Sales Kelley Blanton Andrew Miller Holly Stanfill Alan Lanier Sports Murray Poole, Travis Ragsdale Layout/Design Vance Leavy Sports Photographers Rob Saye Ryan Scates Ad Design Cheri Leavy Andrew Miller Cover Sports Photo Rob Saye Columnists Carlton DeVooght. Al Hickson Reg Murphy, Janell Niederriter, Rob Sherrell, Loran Smith and Chad White Online Student Editor Travis Ragsdale
Mississippi State, October 1, 2011 FOR ADVERTISING OR TO SUBSCRIBE: andrew@bulldawgillustrated.com
1-877-456-4624 www.bulldawgillustrated.com
3
• Angus Snack Wraps
•
McCafe Frappes
•
Happy Meals
2230 W. Broad St 706-549-4265 475 US Hwy. 29 706-549-0067 1124 Prince Ave. 706-543-0522 3825 Atlanta Hwy 706-613-0340 150 Gaines School Rd. 706-543-8010 1741 Epps Bridge Pkwy. 706-227-9200
Fruit &means Maple...Oatmeal Springtime Smoothie time Real Fruit Smoothies
• Angus Snack Wraps
•
McCafe Frappes
•
Chicken McNuggets • Quarter pounder w/Cheese • Premium Salads
Chicken McNuggets • Quarter pounder w/Cheese • Premium Salads
Real Fruit Smoothies
Happy Meals
LADY DAWG HEADQUARTERS
MISSISSIPPI
STATE THIS ONE WILL NOT BE " A HOTTY TODDY POTTY " OF A GAME BEAT M.S.U.
"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.
DRESSING DAWG FANS FOR 37 YEARS
Best selection of UGA apparel
1068 Baxter St. 706-546-0618 4
t t t t t t t t t t t
t t t t t t t t t t t
WAIT A SECOND
jeff dantzler Thinking of you, Munson Dear Muns, Like everyone else, upon hearing that you weren’t feeling well last week, I was concerned. My heartfelt thoughts, prayers and well-wishes – again, like everyone else – are with you Larry. I don’t know if you realize how much you mean to so many people. If there were a Mount Rushmore for Georgia Football, your face would be on it. Your legendary calls of some of the greatest moments in Bulldog history will live forever. And thank goodness there was no television for most of these masterpieces, which also happened to be away from Athens, meaning maximum listenership. There are so many, but the famous five represent the Holy Grail of the best of your very best. I wanted to remind you in words – which gives the calls no justice – what was happening and how you so masterfully painted the picture. *It was November the 8th 1975 and nothing had been working all day. Florida was leading 73 late in the fourth quarter and Vince Dooley turned to one of his patented trick plays. It was 1975 and nothing had been working all day. Until… “Appleby’s gonna throw a bomb, caught, Gene Washington, touchdown! Appleby stopped planted his feet and threw a bomb, and Washington, thinking of Montreal and the Olympics ran out of his shoes! The Gator Bowl stadium stunned! Rocking! The girders are bending now.” That 1975 season was an outstanding one. The Dogs went 9-2 and earned a Cotton Bowl berth. The next season, Georgia won the Southeastern Conference championship. In 1977, the Bulldogs had the lone losing season of the Dooley era, going 5-6. But the magic would return in 1978 and Larry, you are an enormous part of some wonderful memories from “The Wonderdogs.” October the 28th, 1978, the Mighty Munson at his very best: Georgia had fallen behind 160 on a chilly, crystal clear night in Lexington, Kentucky. But the Bulldogs battled back and drew within 16-14. There was one final drive. Almost every Georgia fan knows the end result of this one and that precious 1982 victory at Auburn. But the build-up, the scene-setting, and then the finale – no one has ever been better. In both of those, thank goodness again, there was no television. Every Georgia fan, follower and alum was hanging on your every word. Because of the power signal strength of WSB AM 750, college football fans from the middle of the country to the Atlantic got to hear your magic. Remember, in those days, when only one game was on television, we surfed the radio trying to find night games. Georgia drove close and ate up the clock. It all came down to Rex Robinson. “The whole stadium’s standing…naw, some of ‘em are upside down, but they’re tryin’ to stand…Rex sticks it up there, it looks good…YEAH! YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” 17-16 Georgia. On my afternoon talk show, my co-host Chris Brame and I play the entire call to reminisce and celebrate just how magnificent you were that unforgettable night 33 years ago. *September the 6th, 1980, the greatest college football announcer ever introduced the Georgia people to the greatest college football player ever. Again, thank goodness there was no TV. Down 15-0 and then 15-2, the legend of Herschel was born. And you told us the story. “Five, ten, 12, he’s running over people, oh you Herschel Walker…..my God a freshman.” Georgia would find a way. 16-15 Dogs. The tone was set and that most magical of seasons was off to a truly special start. A couple of months later came your most iconic moment and a day that we’ll never forget. *November the 8th, 1980 is the most famous day in Bulldog history. November the 8th is a pretty great date, huh? Appleby to Washington was on November 8. Belue-to-Scott is obviously the biggest play in Georgia history and one of the greatest and most significant in collegiate football annals. “Buck back, in trouble. Got a block behind him. Complete on the run. Lindsay Scott 35, 40, Lindsay Scott 45, 50…Run Lindsay! , 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5 Lindsay Scott! Lindsay Scott! Lindsay Scott!” As you said, “I gave up, you did too, miracle.” The entirety of that call has been memorized by generations of Georgia fans. As momentus as the play was, the call has become more famous. Al Michaels, who in my opinion is the best NFL TV play-by-play man there’s ever been, did the game for ABC. But whenever its replayed, it’s the voice of the Mighty Munson that’s always heard. You can’t talk about that play without talking about the call. They’re symbiotic. Each a part of the other. *On November the 13th, 1982, Georgia was 9-0 and No. 1, fighting tooth and nail with ancient rival Auburn for a third straight SEC championship. The Tigers were driving and you were begging the Dogs to “hunker down one more time.” Everyone else who loves Georgia was doing the same. I was ten, and walked a hole in the living and dining room carpet as I walked in circles hoping, wishing and praying that we would somehow, someway hang on. “They broke it up, they broke it up . . . Look at the Sugar falling out of the sky, look at the Sugar falling out of the sky.” Like that night in Lexington, the setup was truly a masterpiece. Getting to know you and coach Magill when I started school in Athens, working for the great Claude Felton goes down as one of the biggest thrills of my life. There were a couple of nights after you started having that party the night before the season opener that I smoked cigars and had a glass of bourbon with you. Not for ten million dollars would I have traded that. Listening to the stories of you playing piano for Frank Sinatra – talk about a show I would’ve given a few years off of my life to have attended – and fishing with Ted Williams are amongst my fondest memories. I’ve written and said several times when asked why I got into this business that coincided with my lifelong love affair with Georgia, I’ve always said that at a young age, I figured out I wasn’t going to be the next Herschel Walker, so I wanted to try and be the next Larry Munson and Dan Magill. Coach Magill was succeeded by two fellow greats, Claude Felton and Manny Diaz. But Larry, there have been some outstanding tailbacks who have gotten closer to the level of the greatest college football player ever than anyone ever will to the greatest college football announcer ever. When we were wishing you well on our Bulldog Brunch show a couple of weeks ago, my co-host, the greatest college football kicker ever Kevin Butler, summed it up – “Larry Munson is Georgia football.” Keep fighting, get well soon, and never forget, your memory, legacy, love for Georgia and masterpieces from behind the microphone will live forever. Your Number One Fan, Jeff Dantzler
Bulldawg Illustrated
poole shots By Murray Poole
Dooley sound-alike has long UGA heritage Andrew Rothschild has always had a knack for impersonating famous people … especially the ones connected with his beloved University of Georgia. Rothschild, who began going to Bulldog football games with his dad Jerry at the age of seven would, when prompted, break into impersonations of famed play-by-play announcer Larry Munson as well as Georgia radio and sideline analyst Loran Smith. And then there was Vince Dooley. Rothschild, as he grew older, was especially adept at sounding just like the southern-drawl speaking and legendary Bulldog coach. Prior to penning this column on Rothschild, who is now a Columbus attorney, I had heard about his good Dooley impersonation, which even Dooley himself was said to be shocked on how much Rothschild’s voice sounded like his. So, in our conversation this past week, I asked Rothschild to give me his best Vince Dooley impersonation. “I’ve been concerned about the state of our program because I don’t think we’ve been playing sound football, to have lost as many football games as we have the last few seasons,” twanged Rothschild in such a manner I thought I was listening to Dooley, a man whom I have talked with countless times down through the years while covering Georgia football. “But I’m still behind Coach Richt. We’ve still got a long way to go and there’s still time to right the ship and turn it around.” Rothschild then quickly pointed out this was simply his own comments while impersonating Dooley, not what Dooley might have said about the UGA program. Rothschild has been a huge fan of all things Bulldogs since almost the day he was born. “My dad, who was actually a University of Virginia graduate but still a big Georgia fan, began taking me to the games when I was seven,” he said. “I remember my first game was in 1977 when we played Oregon in Athens. It was a cloudy, rainy day and although we weren’t very good that year (5-6 record), we won the game. And, since then, I’ve been a regular ever since,” said Rothschild. “I was fortunate to be taken by dad to the Tennessee game in 1980 when Herschel made his debut and I also got to go with him to the Florida game that season, the Lindsay Scott touchdown that enabled us to go on and win the national championship. “But I have always enjoyed impersonating people, ever since I was a kid,” said Rothschild, “and I remember doing the Vince Dooley impersonation in dad’s car on the way to the games. My dad’s friends enjoyed it and would egg me on. Of course, as I got older with my voice, I was able to sound more like Dooley. I also impersonate Munson and Loran and other miscellaneous Bulldog personalities.” After graduating from the Brookstone School in Columbus, Rothschild earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the university in 1994, then earned a second degree in religion in 1995. He then attended the Mercer University law school and graduated in 2000. He also studied law at University College, Oxford, England, and is today a partner with his father in the firm of Rothschild and Rothschild, PC. “Even though my dad went to school at Virginia, he was raised a Georgia fan and went to the games with his dad, my granddad,” Rothschild said. “My grandfather, along with several other guys, was actually a guarantor in the construction of Sanford Stadium, when they had the dedicatory game against Yale in 1929. My granddad was also a varsity letterman in basketball at Georgia in 1915-16 before he then went into World War I. “But my dad is a season ticket holder at Georgia and he still just gives me the tickets,” explained Rothschild. “I’m sure I will have to become one before long. Like I said, even though dad went to school in Virginia, he continued his loyalty to Georgia and never missed a beat. He told me he doesn’t remember Virginia winning one game while he was there. Dad went to law school there also and was in Charlottesville for seven years. Virginia was just awful during that time, from the early to mid60s.” Rothschild, like his grandfather, was involved in athletics while at the University of Georgia but instead of basketball, his game was rugby.
www.bulldawgillustrated.com
Andrew Rothschild, Dooley and Vince Dooley
“I played rugby at Georgia, which is really a great game,” said Rothschild. “I remember playing in a game with Richard Tardits (former All-SEC outside LB). I don’t know if he had the authorization from Coach Dooley to do so but he snuck over there from time to time and played with us. He was from France, of course, and a great rugby player.” Like the rest of the Bulldog Nation, Rothschild is hoping the football team can shake off the frustrations of recent years and still fashion a championship run here in 2011. And he’s especially anxious over the prospect of Georgia swinging the series the other way in that little game down in Jacksonville on Oct. 29. “I think obviously the time has come to start beating Florida again,” he stated, very strongly. “They’ve dominated the series since Coach Dooley left and it’s almost become a joke. What’s weird about it, if you look back, it’s not like we’ve been blown out by them all the time – we’ve lost a ton of close games to Florida – so I don’t know if it’s mental or just what it is. That’s what makes it even more confounding,” said Rothschild. “We play them close and still lose. “I think getting over the hump this year would set some precedent in (Will) Muschamp’s first year, that the days of perennially losing to Florida are over,” he continued. “Richt has lost a ton of games by a TD or less to them.” Rothschild thinks, in order to become a championship team once again, the Bulldogs need to make a commitment to running the football. “It just hasn’t been there lately,” he said. “We finished 10th and 11th in the SEC in rushing the past two years and that’s not going to cut it. It looks like with (Isaiah) Crowell we might be heading in the right direction with the commitment to a sound running game. Having a solid defense is the focal point of being a championship team but nearly as important as that is having a commitment of being able to establish a solid ground game and control the clock and beat the other team into submission. Even though South Carolina beat us,” Rothschild added, “it wouldn’t surprise me if they lose two or more SEC games, with the schedule they have left. I think if we win out we will win the East, which is a tall order, but I think ultimately we will control our own destiny.” But no matter how this football season plays out for Georgia, Rothschild said he will forever bleed Red and Black. “No matter what, I’m going to be a Bulldog through thick and thin,” he said. “I even have a dog named Dooley, who is a chocolate lab and comes to my office every day.”
5
Dogs vs. Miss. State Both teams come into Sanford Stadium needing victories to stay in SEC race By Travis Ragsdale
I
t may not have been the prettiest or the cleanest four quarters of football, but a win on the road in the SEC is a win regardless of how bad the opponent may be. Now, with the first team from Mississippi out of the way, it is time to focus on the next group; the Bulldogs from Starkville. After a tough and demoralizing defeat last year in Starkville, the Athens Bulldogs are looking to claim dominance once again over Mississippi State this Saturday. Despite Mississippi State barely escaping with a win over Louisiana Tech this past week, they are a quality SEC team with good athletes everywhere on the field. It will take a complete game in all facets from the Dawgs to beat this hard-nosed Mississippi State ball club. Photo by Rob Saye
Containing the Quarterback
For years, Georgia has had trouble scheming and dealing with dual-threat quarterbacks. Whether it be Tim Tebow, Cam Newton or even Larry Smith from Vanderbilt, the Dawgs can’t ever seem to get a grip on these slippery signal-callers. Mississippi State has their own version of one these players in senior Chris Relf. Georgia fans will be familiar with Relf as he ran for 114 yards and passed 148 yards and two touchdowns in the contest between these teams in 2010. Georgia will have to contain the quarterback this Saturday in order to stop Mississippi State. That will not be an easy task of course as head coach Dan Mullen schemes his entire offense around the threat of Relf being able to take off and run the ball at any time. Once Relf gets going, he’s not easy to take down. At 6’4, 245 pounds, Relf is hardly a quarterback and is more like a defensive end when he gets rumbling and stumbling. The Dawgs are hopeful to get inside linebacker Christian Robinson back this week, which will certainly help contain Relf. Fans may even see one of the linebackers “spy” Relf. Meaning that where ever Relf, goes, that linebacker goes; he has no other responsibilities. Even still, Relf spells trouble for the Georgia defense this Saturday. Georgia’s Running Game
Before the 2011 season started, most experts keyed in on the necessity of Georgia needing to run the ball well in order to have a successful season. With the departures of A.J. Green and Kris Durham, this was an apt analysis. So far in the young 2011 season, Georgia has been able to do that quite well with the arrival of freshman stud Isaiah Crowell. Credit also has to be given to the offensive line for improving each week as the season has progressed. They are now playing as a complete unit in spite of their lack of depth. The necessity of a quality running game has not changed since the off-season and will once again be needed against Mississippi State. This past Saturday, Crowell and the offensive line thrashed Ole Miss with 161 yards on 30 carries. It was a sort of coming out party for Crowell. Last year against Mississippi State, Georgia’s leading rusher ran for only 38 total yards; and that was the quarterback, Aaron Murray. A team cannot win in the SEC with those type of numbers. If the Dawgs start out running the ball and running the ball well, it will help Aaron Murray and the pass game in the latter stages of the game.
WEL WELCOME LCOME T TO O BULLDAWG BU ULLDAWG COUNTR RY COUNTRY
Blair Walsh
Unfortunately and very surprisingly kicker Blair Walsh has struggled mightily in the young 2011 season. This has shocked everyone from fans, to the coaches and even Walsh’s fellow players. The normally sure-footed Walsh has missed a total of five field goals already in 2011. As a reference point, Walsh only missed three field goals the entire 2010 season. The worst part may be that Walsh is missing his field goals badly at this point. The snaps have been good, the holds have been good, it’s just the kicks that have not been there. Detractors will say that Coach Richt and Georgia rely on the field goal too much. However, when a team has a weapon like Walsh at their disposal, it’s a safe bet that most coaches are going to run him out there at any chance they have to put an extra three points on the scoreboard. Now, that confidence in Walsh is questioned. If Georgia gets in a close game and needs a field goal to help them win, they are going to need Walsh. With the way that Mississippi State plays football, Saturday is likely to be a very tough contest and Georgia will need Walsh to be on the top of his game. Intangibles
Georgia gets this game at home in Sanford Stadium, which bodes well for the Dawgs. It is a noon game so Georgia fans likely will not be as rowdy as they would if the game was a night. Still, it’s a great advantage for Georgia. Mississippi State is coming off a game in which they barely snuck by a very poor Louisiana Tech squad; in fact it took overtime to decide the winner. Contrary to popular belief, this may not be a good sign for Georgia. It’s safe to say that Mississippi State’s coaches are going to be all over their players in practice this week for such a weak performance last Saturday. For Georgia, convincing wins over Coastal Carolina and Ole Miss has given them a bit of momentum and more importantly, confidence. If that confidence does not turn to cockiness, then Georgia is in good shape. Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen has given Georgia fits for years and not just since he was hired in Starkville. Prior to his job at Mississippi State, Mullen was the offensive coordinator for Urban Meyer and Florida. During his tenure thus far at Mississippi State, he has used the same offensive philosophy he did while he was cleaning Georgia’s clock while at Florida. Georgia fans are hoping that the defense is able to stymie those tendencies that have caused them so many bad memories from Jacksonville in the past this Saturday Between the Hedges against the Bulldogs of Mississippi State.
Come In And Test Drive The All New Redesigned 2012 Honda Civic Today!
JUST AHEAD
Proud supporters of the Georgia Bulldogs since 1976
22 AR AREA REA LOCATIONS LOCA AT TIIONS
VISIT V I S I T US U S TODAY! TTOD O DAY AY !
6
3200 Atlanta Hwy. • Athens, Ga 1-800-969-0347
www.philhugheshonda.com Bulldawg Illustrated
196 Alps Rd., Athens, GA | 706. 543. 9800 | www.jwrjewelers.com
www.bulldawgillustrated.com
7
Sara Frances Wilson, Mimi Edge, Blakeney Rader, Lenox Baker, Lindsey White, Sally White and Hallie Mosby
Georgia 27 Ole Miss 13
Danielle Polazzo and Ryan Kearns
Caitlin Cramer and Mignon Richard
Iibbar Mubita, Yolanda Ferguson, Karris Lee and Barbara Humphrey
Lauren June and Sherwood McDuffie
Gordon Strother, Rob Jackson, Rees Sumerford and Peter Feininger
Chelsea Hanson, Steven Farmer and Sadie Blount
Latrelle and Sammie Dixon and Kim and Sammie Dixon
Your Y our main main focus focus is is ttoo m manage anage yyour our b business. usiness. Let uss m manage Let u anage your your risk. risk. At BB&T Insurance Services, that’s exactly what we do, every day, for thousands of businesses. From risk assessment to plan design, we take the time to get to know you and your business. We offer a wide range of carriers, programs and competitively priced coverage tailored to meet your insurance needs – all through a single source. You can count on us to be your trusted insurance partner. ‘•Â?†—Š™™† NJȢȢțǪ ČĄČĄČ&#x;Ç‚ČĄČŁČœČŁ ÇŚ ™Â?Š“˜ NJȢțȥǪ ČžČ Č&#x;ǂȞȣȤȞ ÇŚ †——”‘‘™”“ NJȢȢțǪ Č?ČœČ&#x;Ç‚ČœČ¤Č¤Čœ ”“žŠ—˜ NJȢȢțǪ Č&#x;ȣȞǂțțȣț ÇŚ †‘™”“ NJȢțȥǪ Č?Č˘ČŁÇ‚ČœČœČ&#x;Ȥ ÇŚ †žŠ™™Š›Ž‘‘Š NJȢȢțǪ Č&#x;Č˘ČœÇ‚Č˘ČœČ›Č›
†Ž“Š˜›Ž‘‘Š NJȢȢțǪ Č ČžČĄÇ‚ČžČžČœČœ ÇŚ Š““Š˜†œ NJȢȢțǪ Č&#x;Č?ȤǂțČ&#x;ČŁČ? ÇŚ ”Œ†“›Ž‘‘Š NJȢȢțǪ Č&#x;ČĄČĄÇ‚Č?Č¤ČœČ› †ˆ”“ ÇŠČ&#x;ȢȣǪ Č&#x;Č›Č Ç‚Č&#x;Č?țț ÇŚ ”“—”Š NJȢȢțǪ Č?ȥȢǂČ&#x;Č Č&#x;Č ÇŚ †›†““†Â? ÇŠČ¤ČœČ?ÇŞ ČžČ ČžÇ‚ČžČ¤ČŁČ› Â?”’†˜™”“ NJȢțȥǪ ČĄČ&#x;Č˘Ç‚ČŁČœČ?Čœ ÇŚ Ž“‰Š— NJȢȢțǪ ČŁČĄČ˘Ç‚ČœČ?Č&#x;Čœ
B A N K I N G
I N S U R A N C E
I N V E S T M E N T S
“‘ž ‰Š•”˜Ž™˜ †—Š Ž“˜š—Š‰ǀ “˜š—†“ˆŠǀ ǀˆ”’ǀ “‘ ž ‰Š•”˜Ž™˜ †—Š Ž“˜š—Š‰ǀ Š “˜š—†“ˆŠǀ ǀˆ”’ǀ ČŠ Č?Č›ČœČœ —†“ˆÂ? †“Â?Ž“Œ † ČŠ Č?Č›ČœČœ —†“ˆÂ? †“Â?Ž“Œ †“‰ —š˜™ ”’•†“žǀ “‰ —š˜™ ”’•†“žǀ
8
Bulldawg Illustrated
Georgia 27 Ole Miss 13
Katherine Moseley, GiGi Lastinger, Laura Allen, Joanna Hill and Kaki Heath Gail Walker, Katie Truex, Becky Reynolds and Pam Elmore
Jay and Katherine Drudge and Stephanie and Chad Powell
Leon Jones, Elspeth Willcoxon, Clay Willcoxon and Robby Miller
ATHENS INTERIORS MARKET WHERE THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
LET THE BIG DAWG SHOP!
OPEN GAME DAY SUNDAYS 11-4
AthensInteriorsMarket.com
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!
SUNDAY BRUNCH: Jeff Dantzler and Kevin Butler host their radio call in show from the HILLTOP lower patio starting 10 a.m.
Look who is heading to...
Sunday Night Special- Kids eat free with each dinner entree
250 Old Epps Bridge Road off of Atlanta Highway next to Hilltop Grill 0RQ 6DW ‡
Charlie Packard, Robb Willis and Andrew Rothschild
Live Music Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7 p.m. R e s e r v a t i o n s We l c o m e . V i s i t w w w. h i l l t o p g r i l l e . c o m f o r u p d a t e d m e n u & w i n e list.
Heard Galis and Holly and Nat Beiger
David and Kathy Ethridge
Sherri and Doc Eldridge
Courtney and Lauren Powers
www.
www.bulldawgillustrated.com
Monday Night Special- Half price off any bottle of wine under $30 9
Bulldawg leader: Aron White By Murray Poole
Foundation: Tammy Bryant
R
ated as the nation’s top tight end by Rivals.com when he came out of Rock Bridge High in Columbia, Mo., Aron White has been one of the Bulldogs’ biggest leaders the past four seasons, both on and off the playing field. After being redshirted in 2007, the 6-4, 239-pound White appeared in 10 games in ’08, making one start and recording three receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns. In 2009, White had 13 catches for 198 yards and four touchdowns while appearing in all 13 games and making 12 starts. Named Georgia’s most improved offensive player in ’09, White was named offensive player of the game in the Independence Bowl win over Texas A&M when he recorded two receptions, both for touchdowns. Last year, in his junior season, White recorded nine catches for 125 yards including a career-high three catches for 50 yards against Vanderbilt. This past week, White was one of 11 Football Bowl Subdivision players named to the Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team. White, greatly surprised by the honor, said it is probably the most distinguished award he’s ever received. Here in this question-and-answer with Bulldawg Illustrated White, who graduated in December with a degree in Management and also served as the student commencement speaker for the fall semester graduation ceremonies, and his mom, Tammy Bryant, provide a personal insight into the player wearing No. 81 for the Bulldogs. What do you view as the most important quality in being a leader for the team? I probably would say consistency. When I came to Georgia in ’07, we just had a great group of leaders all across the board. We’ve had great leaders since I’ve been here but not always people doing all the little things they need to do consistently across the board. For example, when Christian Robinson started here he was a little undersized and all and didn’t get a lot of respect but now he’s done all the little things and has worked himself to be a great leader. He’s come in and done extra film work, met with the coaches if he’s not clear on something … just across the board Christian has been a good guy and done all the little things and that’s why I respect him more than I do some guys. Ben Jones is another example of someone who always does what he’s supposed to do and leads by example. Catching balls and scoring touchdowns doesn’t make you a leader and people like Christian, Brandon (Boykin) and Ben do it the right way. Who do you consider to be the most important mentor in your life so far, and why? It would be my mother and father and outside my family it would be A.J. Ofodile, who was my high school coach in Missouri. He was everything you could ask for in a coach. He played tight end at Missouri, played in the league and then came back to coach high school ball. Coach Ofodile took me under his wing, worked with me and turned me into a Division I prospect at tight end. He also set an example for me on what it takes to be a good person. He was also somebody you could really talk to. I was blessed to have him in my life. What fellow player on the team motivates you to be the best you can be and why is that the case? That’s a tough one because I’ve had so many friends since I’ve been here. It’s really tough to pick just one guy, but one guy I’ve always admired
10
His Foundation: Tammy Bryant Parents names: Greg White and Tammy Bryant Siblings names: Colin, 27; Rory, 25. Main attribute that makes Aron a leader: I just think it’s Aron’s integrity and his sense of fairness. Best childhood story: Aron was a no-fear kid growing up. He was doing flips off the arms of the couch to a hardwood floor when he was a toddler. He was just very physically active and would swing from doors to the windows to bed frames. I think he had to have stitches seven or eight times.
is Ben Jones. He has so much passion for the game and is always a good example on the field as far as work ethic goes. He goes 100 percent on every play and goes to the whistle blows. What is the best play or game you’ve had while at Georgia and why? The best game I’ve ever been a part of as far as us doing what we needed to do was in ’09 when we beat Georgia Tech over there after they had beaten us the year before. I caught two or three passes in that game and we rushed for over 300 yards. That year, we didn’t really live up to our expectations at all and were even wondering if we would be bowl eligible. Tech was a top 10 team that year but we came in there and played with an attitude and ran them out of the house. It was the greatest feeling ever and then we went on to have a great bowl game, beating Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl. When you leave Georgia, what do you hope folks say about your contribution to the program? What makes me the most proud is that I might not have been the best at any one thing as far as athletic reputation goes but I think that across the board – academically, campus involvement, community service and athletics as well – I’ve done real well. And I would hope that people remember that I was a guy that didn’t come here and just eat up four years of scholarship but a guy who represented Georgia well across the board. What regular Georgia opponent do you enjoy playing the most and why? We have so many natural rivals down here but at the end of the day, the team you can’t lose to is Georgia Tech. I really don’t like Florida, Auburn, South Carolina and Tennessee but the one I can’t stand to lose to is Tech. The lowest point we’ve ever felt was that year (2008) we lost to them and I hope we never have to feel that way again. I want to get this last one this year and go out 4-1 against them. It’s like going against a step brother. They’re our biggest rival – they don’t like us and we don’t like them!
Best thing about his time at Georgia: I think Aron has learned that all encounters don’t just have an immediate impact but have future investments. So I think he’s learned not to burn bridges and not jump the gun and just to accept things at face value and not make them bigger than they are. Nicest thing he’s ever done for you: Most recently, Aron posted on his Facebook that he was spending the weekend with his moma and said that was the nicest weekend he had had in a long time. That was when I came down to Athens to see him. It meant a lot to me for him to put something like that on his Facebook. A few things about Aron outside of football: He likes to play the guitar, not sure if it’s electric or acoustic but it’s the kind you plug into an amp. Aron likes any sport and likes to spend time with his family and friends and is just a very devoted person. Most entertaining story about UGA fans: I think the thing I hadn’t expected and has really surprised me is that, unlike football in Missouri, football at Georgia and in the South is like a party event. The people really dress up, especially the girls in their dresses and high heels. The guys dress up too but not as much as the girls. The people in Missouri wear jeans, t-shirts, sweat shirts and shorts to the games and just don’t dress up like they do in the South. Also, all the Georgia people I come in contact with, it’s amazing how they track all the players, how indepth and knowledgeable about the players they are.
Bulldawg Illustrated
Georgia 27 Ole Miss 13 Vance Leavy, Reggie McIntire and Cooper Manning
JoAnn and Allen Miller, Zack Miller, Joey Miller and Theo Hartwell
Jay Flexer, Parker Byrd, Christina Baird and Jim Parmalee
Bo and Kirsta Oglesby, Jay and Jackie Oglesby
Ken Magnus, Blake Mears, Brandon Harris and Brian Mears
Dennis Stockton, Josh Stockton and Steven Davis
Chandler Fortson, Joy Dudley and Abby Mcavoy
Rob Patterson, Lucy Patterson and Lynne Patterson
Jack and Nancy Knight and Janice Davis
Chip Reagan, Alan Lanier, Wes Nelson, and Smith Haverty
Burt Peters and Courtney and Jamie Walker
Let the
Again • • • • •
OVER 300 NEW RECIPES THIS TIME IN VIVID, FULL-COLOR NEW FOREWORD BY PAULA DEEN GREAT GIFT IDEA STORIES ABOUT FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, & CELEBRITIES
ever! The best tailgating cookbook is back and better than Legendary Bulldawg and co-host of the popular pre-game “Tailgate Show,” Loran Smith and his wife, Myrna, have outdone even themselves in the all-new, all-fun, all-Bulldawg tailgating cookbook . Pre-order your signed and personalized copies now by e-mail:
SALES@FIVEPOINTSPRESS.COM
www.bulldawgillustrated.com www.bulldawgillustrated.com
11
UGA Alumni Association’s Inaugural 40 Under 40 Luncheon
Holly and Jake Stanfill, Sudy Leavy, Cully Clark and Parker Middleton
Donna Rose, Shirley Lynch, Deondra Rose and Dionne Rose Johnson
Matthew Suber, Kathleen Bennett, Kelsey Vincent and Garrett Graveson
Leslie and Carlton DeVooght and Art and Diane DeVooght
Dean Cully Clark and Martha Zoller
Mary and Bob Lewis and Katy Lewis Parker
Sherry and Bill Russell
Prisca Zaccania, Greg Daniel and Scotty Mann
Ryan Seaton, Tareq Hawasli and Khaldoun Malas
Tom Landrum and Chris Cumminsky
Teddy and Courtney Russell
David Adams and Ben Hartman
Natalie Glenn and Shelby Wright
Sally Anne Barrow, Julie Reynolds and Meredith Carr
Mike Gills, Jill Bateman and Abit Massey
Candice Gaston, Kristina Lischke and Bert Barnes
Kathy Ramsey, Vance Leavy and Jeff Ramsey
Jack Baurle, Carlton DeVooght and Harvey Humphries
David Jones, Palmer Sanford and Tim Keadle
Michael Pisciotti and Claudia Shamp
Chris Carr and Heath Garrett
Courtney and Jud Turner
Free ATM use. Always! Don’t you think it’s time you chose a new bank?
No charges for ATM use — ever! If you don’t believe us, give us a call. 706-355-3122.
Fabulous bracelets!
Now Shop Online
heerys.com
Original designs by Aurum designer Louise Norrell Member FDIC
Athens • Gainesville • tnbg.net
Downtown Athens www.aurumstudios.com Lake Oconee 12
Bulldawg Illustrated
www.bulldawgillustrated.com
195 College Avenue Athens, GA 706.543.0702
13
FOOTBALL FO OOTBALL FA FASHION: ASHION: Take T ake your LBD from
EVERYDAY to GAMEDAY Y EVERYDAY There There ar are e many rreasons easons why I llove ove being a Georgia Bulldawg Bullda awg g and our colors are are on one ne of them! Red and black k are are classic and will neve neverr go out of style in the fashion fashio on department. Every girl has a LBD (little black dress) great dress) and if you don’t well… you y need to!! The gr eat part about entire a the LBD is you can change c your entir e look by accessories. b just adding the right ac ccessories.
Ashley is sporting a Tibi dress and shows a funkier wa ay to way spice up your LBD! Che eck Check out her leopard print sh hoes shoes E\ 9DQHOL ED QD QDV
E\ 9DQHOL ED QD QDV
I went with wen nt to Heery’s downtown wi ith Ashley Hanna (Chi Omega Omega and Bulldawg Illustrated Illustrate ed intern) intern) and Claire Claire McDo onald (Theta) and put tog gether a ‘how-to’ if you McDonald together will, of everyday o moving your LBD from from e veryday to gameday. Ja anell Niederriter By Janell (Theta (Th ta and dB Bulldawg lld Ill Illustrated t t d iintern) t )
On her wrists, she wearss the Chan Luu Wrap Bracele et Bracelet and also by Chan Luu are a her metallic earrings!
Claire is ready for a night n out! She wears a Joie dress with BCB BCBG BG metallic shoes. For jewelry she keepss it simple, because the lace detail on th the e dress needs no distraction! The large silver cuff and a Angelle TwoTone earrings in sterli sterling ing silver and 14K JROG ÀOOHG DUH E\ 7KURZLQJ 6WDUV -HZHOU\ JROG ÀOOHG DUH E\ 7KU URZLQJ 6WDUV -HZHOU\ These pieces are so chic c and will go with anything in yourr wardrobe.
$VKOH\ LV GHÀQLWHO\ UHDG\ IRU $VKOH\ LV GHÀQLWHO\ UHDG\ IRU gameday in this look! She keeps the Tibi dress an and nd adds some grey Frye boots and a red clutch by Hobo… hello Athens!
Now, Now, Claire changes her Joie dress from everyday to gameday gam meday by adding some ess essential sential red accessories DQG EODFN ÁDWV E\ 9DQHOL DQG EODFN ÁDWV E\ 9DQHOL
YYour our o 2011 Bulldog BBull ullddogoggFoFootball Football
Your Y o 2011 Bulldog our B Bull ulld dog og Football F Foootball eeaason asson sonnHeadquarters uuararte artuuar erarte Headquarters Season Seea aSSeason ason sso son as rters
Your 2011 Bul Bulldog lldog Football Footballl Season Headquarters Heaadquarters Join Us ffor LIVE Musicc Every Home Game Friday and a Saturdayy Night! LLIVE IVE MMusic usic aatt TThehe MMelting elting PPoint oint eevery very HHome ome Game WWeekend eekendd on FFriday riday & SSaturday aturday NNights! ights! FRIDAY FRID AYYNIGHT NIGHTSS
SATURDAY SA ATURD T AYYNIGHT NIGHTSS
Saint Francis, Von Grey, Betsy Kingston Friday, September 30, 2011 7:30 PM Advance tickets $8, $10 door
TTim imMMiller illerBBand and
Friday, November 4, 2011 8:30 PM Advance tickets $9, $12 door
TThe he Darnell Boys, Boys, MMacac Leaphart Leaphart & GGuilt uilt Ridden Ridden Troubadour, Troubadourr, OOldld Memphis Memphis Kings
North Georgia Jaycees presentShawn Mullins
SSaturday, aturday, OOctober, ctober, 1, 201 20111 9:9 00 PM PM AAdvance dvance tickets $5, $7 do oor door
Jorma Kaukonen JormaKa ukonen
Stewart & Winfield
“Déjà vu” a tribute to Friday, November 18, 2011 Crosby Stills Nash & Young 9:00 PM Friday, November 4, 2011 8:00 PM Advance tickets $9 , $12 door As Bul k Abou ldog t ou Br r T eak The o Go a fasts Hoy t t Ho use !
14
ʮʫʭʧ ʰʱ ʲʮʣʥʧ ʧʮʵʧ
Saturday, No Saturday, November ovember 12, 2011 9:00 PPMM AAdvance d ance tictickets dv ickets k $5, $5 $8 ddoor
Saturday, No Saturday, November ovember 19, 2011 8:30 PPMM AAdvance dvance tictickets ckets $23, $27 door
TTBA BA General Admission $20.00 aturday, No November vember 5, 202011 011 Reserved table for four $100.00 SSaturday, Reserved table for two $50.00
295 E. Dougherty Street Athens, GA 30601 706.549.7020 · 866.9ATHENS www.foundr yparkinn.com
TThehe MMelting elting PPoint oint OOpens p aatt NNoon pens oon on Gam Gameday meday Saturdays Saturdays CCome ome enjoy great grreat food food and and our wonderful wonderfful bbar! ar! Watch Watch tthehe ggame ame on tthehe BIG scscreen reenn & TTV’V’s JJack ack Daniels Daniels DDrink rink SSpecials pecials & TTailgate ailgate FFood o FFavorites! ood avorites! www www.meltingpointathens. .meltingpointathens. h com · Bo Boxx OOffice: ffice: 70 706.254.6909 6.254.6909
ʩˋˈ˖ ˅ˇ˔˖ˋˈˋ˅˃˖ˇ˕ ˃˘˃ˋˎ˃˄ˎˇ ͗ ˏˑ˔ˇ ˖ˊ˃ː ʙʗ ˔ˇ˖˃ˋˎ ˃ːˆ ˆˋːˋːˉ ˎˑ˅˃˖ˋˑː˕ʂ ʙʒʘʎʕʗʕʎʓʖʔʓ
Bulldawg Illustrated
President’s Club Reception Kent and Parker Middleton
Michael Adams and Timmerly and Mark Bullman
Betsy Kingston, Lane Courts, Richard Courts, Jack Kingston and Andrew Patricia Hunt-Hurst, Tom Hurst and Michael Martin Dill
Brantley and Sharon Barrow, Scott and Jane Ferguson
Lois Duke and Andrew Whitaker
Greg Winds, Santhia Curtis, Greg Sowell and Paul Chambers
Dana and Gena Strickland, Sarah Segrest and Molly Thomas
Tom and Mary Watson, Linda and Hank Harris
THEY DESERVE MOORE YOU DESERVE MOORE
HANDMADE HANDM ADE GEORGIA F FOOTBALL OO O TBALL
WHAT MOORE DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR KIDS?
Carefully C arefully cr crafted, afted, one aatt a time, fr from om individually selected selectted hides hides.. A Available vailable in many laser engraved. Made USA. many leathers leathers with your you ur name, logo logo or message message las er en ngraved. M ade in U SA.
Atlanta
3207 PACES FERRY PLACE | A T L A N T A , G E O R G I A 3 0 3 0 5 404-233-8000 | www.millerbrothers.com L O O K FO R U S O N FA C E B O O K
www.bulldawgillustrated.com
Coastal Georgia
Gwinne
www.MSTILLER.com w ww.MS . TILLER.com 1612 Newcastle Street
Suite e 200
Brunswick, GA 31520
912-265-1750
fax 912-264-4976
15
Georgia 27 Ole Miss 13 Burgett Mooney, Cheri Leavy and Ebbie Brinson
Glenn Rosdeutscher, Barry Haslett, Noyle Jones, Jason Stewart and Mike Maltby
Guy and Nora Miller, Liddie Palumbo, Jason West and Jimmy Palumbo Alayna Bergin, Kate Reynolds, Nick Vitale, Delso Green and Casey Elliot
Sally and John Presnell, Ewell Gay, Miriam Webb, Johnny Ream, Flynn and Terri Wilson
Duncan Walker, Steven Farmer, Hal Greer and Ed Ferguson
Debra and David Rice, Weston Rawls, Jim and Robin Rawls
Dixon Seymour, Witt Dukes, Chris Watt, John Seymour, Charles Clark and Ryan Rutherford
GEORGE GIBSON’S FALL TAILGATE Friday, September 30th, 2011 • 12 - 6 pm 1059 Baxter Street • Athens, GA 706.548.4663 • FREE GIFTS ALL DAY!
155 East Clayton Street 16
706-353-8500 Bulldawg Illustrated
recruiting news By Carlton DeVooght
Dawgs add to defense
Photo by Rob Saye
We all know that the skilled players get all the credit while the games are won and lost in the trenches. The Bulldogs recently recruited players that will help bolster their Defensive line of the future. John Atkins (6’4”, 304 lbs., 5.1/40) committed to the Bulldogs the Friday before the Bulldogs’ first game. Atkins was the Bulldogs’ thirteenth commitment. Atkins both played on the Offensive Line and a little bit of Tight End last year for his high school team and has committed to play both Nose and Defensive End for the Bulldogs. This versatile athlete also plays Goalie for the Thomson High School soccer team. Atkins credits his strong relationship with Coach Olivadotti, current Bulldog Ray Drew and the entire Georgia coaching staff for his commitment. He is the third Defensive Lineman to commit to the Bulldogs so far. Less than a week later, 2011 signee Kent Turene reaffirmed his commitment to the Bulldogs. Turene, originally from Florida, is currently enrolled at the Atlanta Sports Academy in Dawsonville, Georgia, where he is trying to clear up an issue the NCCA Clearinghouse had with one class and intends to re-sign with the Bulldogs in February of 2012. He will provide some much-needed depth at Inside Linebacker for the Bulldogs when he arrives. These two young men are both very athletic and will bring some much-needed depth to some key areas on the Bulldog’s defense. Turene is more likely to make an immediate impact than Atkins, but don’t count the big boy from Thomson out just yet. Any man his size, when he can play Goalie for a soccer team, can likely do anything he sets his mind to. Dawgs looking at Junior Colleges Last year the Bulldogs made a big splash signing Junior College standout Jonathan Jenkins at nose guard. He has formed a tough duo at Nose Tackle along with Josh Moore and Kwame Geathers. The Bulldogs hope to strike gold again with a few other Junior College prospects. The Bulldogs are looking for playmakers and have extended a scholarship offer to the No. 1 ranked Junior College prospect in the country, Cordarrelle Patterson. A freshman at Hutchinson (Kansas) Community College, this Wide Receiver prospect had almost 1,000 yards receiving, including nine touchdowns. He also returned two of the twelve kickoffs he received for touchdowns, including one for 98 yards. This Wide Receiver is a true athlete combining size (6’4”, 205 lbs.) and quickness. Right now, it looks like Georgia and Tennessee lead for this dynamic playmaker, but is
www.bulldawgillustrated.com
taking a visit to Auburn the same weekend that Georgia plays at Ole Miss. Look for this one to be decided in December, as Patterson would like to enroll early. The Bulldogs have also made it clear that they want to sign as many as six Offensive Linemen in the Class of 2012. They have reached out at least one Junior College Offensive Lineman. Billy Rone, an Offensive Tackle from Glendale Community College in Glendale, Arizona has received contact from the Big Dawg himself, Coach Mark Richt. While he does not currently hold an offer, the Georgia coaches have made it clear that they will be recruiting him and give him every opportunity to earn an offer from the Bulldogs. It also appears that the Bulldogs will be recruiting Rone as an Offensive Guard. While he currently plays Offensive Tackle, Rone has the size (6’4”, 295 lbs) to lead the interior Offensive Line. Indiana currently leads for this Junior College prospect, but look for the Bulldogs to make a strong push to earn his commitment. Two current Bulldog commitments are currently ranked in the Junior College top list of ranking prospects and both play for Georgia Military College. Coming in at No. 20 and the No. 3 College Wide Receiver prospect is Lonnie Outlaw (6’7”, 205 lbs). Outlaw creates obvious mismatches on possession downs and in the red zone. His coach, Joe Williams has also publicly noted that he has improved greatly on his downhill block. He will cause many of the small Defensive Backs in the SEC to have nightmares. Defensive End Jalen Fields comes in at No. 3 on Junior College Rankings, which I feel is low. Fields has added some bulk (6’4”, 280 lbs) and has shown impressive speed and power at the Defensive End position for Junior MC Bulldogs. Both Fields and the Georgia coaches look for him to make an immediate impact when he gets to Athens. The Bulldogs are in a good position to land Patterson, he threw 15 with Outlaw to make a huge impact for the Bulldogs Wide Receiver Corps. Look for the Bulldogs to sign one or two Offensive Lineman from the Junior College ranks.
Everything For The Dawg Fan Tees • Sweats • Hoodies • Shorts • Caps Jackets • Jerseys • Golf Shirts • Gifts Tailgate Supplies • Much more 706-549-3081 • www.dawgwear.net FREE Parking • Located on Baxter Hill across from the dorms.
Recruits stick to their word So far, all of the Bulldog commitments for the Class of 2012, 2013 and 2014 have all remained solid in their commitments to the Bulldogs. All of the Bulldogs current commitments noted how exciting the South Carolina game was and the intensity with which the Dawgs played in that game. This is a dedicated group of recruits, and I look at them to stand by their commitments.
17
A view from Starkville Voice of Mississippi State athletics talks about the other Bulldogs chances for Saturday’s game By Jeff Dantzler
J
im Ellis, the voice of Mississippi State athletics, delivers his insights on the big game Saturday. Jim has been one of the SEC’s finest announcers for over three decades now and is a good friend.
Talk about the development of Chris Relf as a complete quarterback. He’s come so far since a redshirt Freshman year when the coaching staff felt he had potential but difficulty understanding the offense and lack of game management skills. Dan Mullen and Offensive Coordinator Les Keonning have shown patience and Chris has improved almost week by week. He still sometimes looks to run too quickly and can hold the ball too long.. but decision making is solid, game management and confidence are good, he makes every throw better and on time, and he has made very few poor decisions in the last 15 games.. plus he is a big, strong guy who is like having a fullback playing QB when he runs. MSU has had some stellar runners through the years like Michael Haddix, Dicenzo Miller and Dontae Walker. Would you agree that Vick Ballard has ascended to that level of excellence? Vick works as hard as any of them and has been exceptionally productive. He’s not as big and strong as either Michael Haddix or JJ Johnson, not as elusive as DiCenzo Miller, or maybe the burst of power of a Dontae Walke, but he runs through tackles. Vick mostly stays north and south, and has enough speed to finish some big runs. Let’s wait until the end of the year to see if he can put two solid years together before we pencil him in as one of the top MSU runners ever. Are Boyd and Cox up front the strength of the defense? So far they have both contributed but have not been dominate. The secondary is experienced and deep and I think the strength of the defense. The linebacking corp minus all of last year’s starters seems to be improving, especially Cameron Lawrence, and right now the defensive front is holding its own but needs to step up a bit more. In that slobber-knocker with LSU, I don’t know if there were three missed tackles in that entire game. Can you talk about how physical that game was? You had better be physical if you want to stay on the field with LSU. They may be as fast and physical as any team in the country. The one thing the game did for MSU was let them know they can play nose to nose with a very physical football team and have a chance. I thought the difference was LSU’s overall team speed. What did it mean for the program last year to go 9-4, finish No. 15? Last year was a tremendous boost for a hungry team and fan base. Now there is a feeling of confidence that the program is headed in the right direction even after these two early season losses. The key is to build on the momentum which will not be easy with the schedule left to play but that is just the way it is in this league.
photo by Rob Saye
In addition to the nine wins and high ranking, were the wins over traditional powers Florida, Georgia and Michigan an extra point of pride for the State people? To win at Florida was big simply because it’s so tough to win in Gainesville. The Georgia win helped get the season headed in the right direction after losses to the same teams the Dogs have lost to this year. Michigan was a game that they expected to win but the margin and the great crowd of fans that made the Gator Bowl trip made it huge for the program. What has Dan Mullen meant to the program? Dan Mullen has reignited the fire in the fan base, brought a spirit of competition to everything the team does, an expectation that the sky is the limit, and has a great repoire with the supporters who he has turned into true believers. What’s your take on Georgia? I watched much of the Georgia- South Carolina game. It was a game that Georgia had every chance to win except for mistakes and turnovers. They are impressive, especially in their ability in that game to keep answering even when things were not going their way. I’ll be surprised if they don’t end up with a solid year. What does Mississippi State need to do to beat Georgia? I think MSU has to be able to contain the Georgia running game. The speed Georgia shows on offense could be a problem.. they also need to be able to get some pressure on Murray. Offensively they need to be balanced. If Georgia can force you to be one dimensional they have enough playmakers to cause an offense real problems. The other thing MSU has to do is meet the energy that a home field advantage provides between the hedges.
A New Season, A New Location Our food, drinks and good times are waiting on you
Big screen TVs before, after and during
Door Prizes: 2 tickets to Georgia Theatre’s October 4th Brett Dennen concert DQG JLIW FHUWL¿FDWH WR )OLJKW 7DSDV IRU GLQQHU 2 tickets to 40 Watt’s October 29th Of Montreal concert DQG JLIW FHUWL¿FDWH WR )DUP IRU GLQQHU
(706) 548-3442 18
(706) 208-7979
WALKING TOUR OF ATHENS MUSIC HISTORY tour departs from the Athens Welcome Center 5:30 pm on Friday, Sept. 30th $10 ACHF members; $15 non-members Bulldawg Illustrated
)$1 2) 7+( :((.
0DUN $QGUHZV 0DFRQ *$
4 2WKHU WKDQ +HUVFKHO ZKR LV \RXU IDYRULWH *HRUJLD %XOOGRJ DQG ZK\" , DP JRLQJ WR VD\ +LQHV :DUG +H JDYH RQ HYHU\ SOD\ DQG DOZD\V ORRNHG KDSS\ WR EH RQ WKH ¿HOG $ FORVH VHFRQG IDYRULWH ZRXOG KDYH WR EH 'DYLG 3ROODFN
4 :KR LV \RXU IDYRULWH SOD\HU RQ WKH FXUUHQW 8*$ URVWHU DQG ZK\"
75,9,$ &217(67 6321625
%UDQGRQ %R\NLQ +H LV WKH PRVW H[FLWLQJ SOD\HU WR ZDWFK RQ WKH ¿HOG 6SDUNV À\ ZKHQ KH JHWV KLV KDQGV RQ WKH EDOO , DOVR FDQ¶W ZDLW WR VHH ,VDLDK &URZHOO LQ WKH \HDUV WR FRPH
4 :KDW PDNHV \RX D WUXH %XOOGRJ"
/DVW LVVXH¶V TXHVWLRQ DQG DQVZHU
, ZDV ERUQ LQ 0DFRQ *$ DQG ZDV UDLVHG D %XOOGRJ , UHPHPEHU 6DWXUGD\V GXULQJ IRRWEDOO VHDVRQ P\ SDUHQWV ZRXOG ZDNH PH XS EHIRUH GD\EUHDN DQG ZH ZRXOG KHDG XS WR $WKHQV :H¶YH KDG IRRWEDOO VHDVRQ WLFNHWV IRU VHYHUDO \HDUV 1RZ P\ IDPLO\ WUDYHOV WR $WKHQV QRW RQO\ IRU IRRWEDOO JDPHV EXW DOVR WR VHH VHYHUDO EDVNHWEDOO EDVHEDOO YROOH\EDOO DQG *\P 'RJ HYHQWV WKURXJKRXW WKH \HDU
4 +RZ PDQ\ FRQVHFXWLYH IRRWEDOO
4 :KDW LV WKH PRVW PHPRUDEOH SOD\ RU JDPH \RX KDYH H[SHULHQFHG LQ SHUVRQ"
ZLQV GRHV 8*$ KDYH RYHU 2OH 0LVV"
.QRZVKRQ 0RUHQR¶V OHDS RYHU WKH &HQWUDO 0LFKLJDQ GHIHQGHU :H KDG DQ DPD]LQJ YLHZ IURP RXU VHDWV 7KH ¿UVW HYHU EODFNRXW JDPH DJDLQVW $XEXUQ ZDV LQFUHGLEOH DV ZHOO
$
4 :KLFK RQH RI RXU ULYDOV GR \RX HQMR\ EHDWLQJ WKH PRVW"
$1' 7+( :,11(5 ,6
4 :KDW PDNHV \RXU WDLOJDWLQJ VFHQH VR VSHFLDO"
)ORULGD )ORULGD )ORULGD 2K \HDK GLG , PHQWLRQ )ORULGD"
0DUJDUHW /D0XUD RI 0LQHROD 1< 7KLV LVVXH¶V TXHVWLRQ
4 :KR GLG 'DQ 0XOOHQ UHSODFH DV
:H PDNH RXU ZD\ WR %XOOGRJ 59 3DUN HYHU\ )ULGD\ WR PHHW XS ZLWK IDPLO\ DQG IULHQGV /LYH PXVLF XVXDOO\ HQVXHV RQ )ULGD\ QLJKW DQG ZH DUH XS EHIRUH VXQULVH RQ 6DWXUGD\ WR JHW DOO WKH WDLOJDWH HVVHQWLDOV LQ RUGHU 7KH H[SHULHQFH DW %XOOGRJ 3DUN LV OLNH QR RWKHU
)($785(' 5(&,3(
-HQQ¶V 8QGHIHDWHG 7DLOJDWH 6DXVDJH 5ROO
FRDFK RI 0LVVLVVLSSL 6WDWH"
,QJUHGLHQWV
,QVWUXFWLRQV
+DYH WKH DQVZHU"
OE WUDGLWLRQDO EUHDNIDVW VDXVDJH ZH XVH WXUNH\ EUHDNIDVW VDXVDJH
R] &UHDP &KHHVH VRIWHQHG FDQ UHIULJHUDWHG FODVVLF SL]]D FUXVW VDOW SHSSHU UHG SHSSHU Ã&#x20AC;DNHV WR WDVWH
3UHKHDW &ROHPDQ &DPS 2YHQ WR GHJUHHV RU UHJXODU RYHQ DW KRPH LI \RX DUH WDLOJDWLQJ DW KRPH %URZQ VDXVDJH LQ VNLOOHW DQG VHDVRQ ZLWK VDOW SHSSHU DQG UHG SHSSHU Ã&#x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Ã&#x20AC;LS RYHU LI QHFHVVDU\ (QMR\ ZLWK IUHVK IUXLW DQG \RXU IDYRULWH WDLOJDWLQJ PRUQLQJ GULQN *R 'DZJV
9LVLW ZZZ EXOOGDZJLOOXVWUDWHG FRP
FOLFN WKH 75,9,$ WDE DQG SRVW \RXU DQVZHU IRU D FKDQFH WR ZLQ D JLIW FHUWL¿FDWH WR 8*$ %RRNVWRUH
6HUYHV
5(&,3( &217(67
:DQW WR YLHZ DOO RI WKH UHFLSHV" +DYH D UHFLSH WR VXEPLW" $1' 7+( :,11(5 ,6 ZZZ EXOOGDZJLOOXVWUDWHG FRP -HQQLIHU /XQVIRUG RI 6XJDU +LOO *$ &OLFN WKH 5(&,3( WDE IRU D FKDQFH WR 5HFLSH -HQQ¶V 8QGHIHDWHG 6DXVDJH 5ROO ZLQ D JLIW FDUG WR 8*$ %RRNVWRUH
GO DAWGS GO DAWGS Shop the UGA Bookstore for the best selection of Bulldog apparel & gifts!
Shop the UGA Bookstore for the best selection of Bulldog apparel and gifts!
/ugabookstore
0095BBS082311A
www.bulldawgillustrated.com
0095BBS090711A
19
Jeff Dantzlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top 25 There was muscle flexing at the top of the polls this past week. Alabama was especially impressive in running past Arkansas in Tuscaloosa. There are some major intra-conference battles this weekend on the first Saturday in October. Alabama goes to Florida, Clemson ventures to Virginia Tech and Nebraska plays its first ever Big Ten game at Wisconsin. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re right in the heart of the season, and some front-runners will emerge Saturday. 1. LSU â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Tigers are just incredibly talented. There are great players all over the field, and a lot of them are freshmen and sophomores. LSU outclassed West Virginia this past Saturday. The Tigers host Kentucky Saturday, then play a whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who over their next four games â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Florida, at Tennessee, Auburn and at Alabama. 2. Alabama â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Holy smokes has Nick Saban built a juggernaut. Bryant-Denny Stadium was on fire, as Bama took advantage of big plays to do away with Arkansas and improve to 4-0. Now comes the big one with Florida and one of Sabanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protĂŠgĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Will Muschamp. Alabama is extremely talented, superbly coached and full of fastplaying hard-hitters. 3. Oklahoma â&#x20AC;&#x201C; On the heels of that tough, physical, emotional victory at Florida State, the Sooners got into some early trouble at home against Missouri, but then took control. Bob Stoops just re-upped major money in Norman. No problem this week with Ball State coming and then comes the Red River Shootout with Texas. 4. Wisconsin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Badgers have cruised to an easy 4-0 start behind a power running game Russell Wilson, an ideal fit for their offense. Up now is one of the most highly anticipated games in program history, as Nebraska comes in for its first ever Big Ten contest. 5. Boise State â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kellen Moore is having â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as expected â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an incredible season behind center for the Broncos. After beating Georgia in Atlanta, Boise State has cruised to wins over tough Toleo and Tulsa. Now Nevada, which handed Boise State its lone loss last year, heads to the Blue turf. 6. South Carolina â&#x20AC;&#x201C; After a pair of thrilling three-point victories, the Gamecocks defense came through with a dominating performance in a 21-3 victory over Vandy. And oh yeah, Marcus Lattimore scored two more touchdowns and was again awesome. Defending national and SEC champion Auburn, which twice topped the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cocks last season visits Columbia Saturday. 7. Oregon â&#x20AC;&#x201C;The Ducks are back on track after falling to LSU. Oregon is an easy 1-0 after pounding Arizona in Tuscon. After an open date, Chip Kellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offensive machine hosts Cal on a Thursday night and then Arizona State comes to town in what could be the first of two meetings between the two. 8. Nebraska â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Big Red wanted to get in a road trip before the Big Ten opener at Wisconsin, so Nebraska went to Wyoming. The Cornhuskers played solid and picked up a relatively stress free win. Just how good is Nebraska? They are a bit of a mystery. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll know a lot more after Saturday in Madison. 9. Oklahoma State â&#x20AC;&#x201C; What a fantastic comeback for the inspired Cowboys. Texas A&M raced to a 20-3 halftime lead, but Oklahoma State kept fighting and fighting. The Cowboys ripped off 27 unanswered points and hung on to win 30-27. Oklahoma State has this week off to enjoy it, then Kansas comes to town. 10. Stanford â&#x20AC;&#x201C; So far thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been no drop-off for the Cardinal, who had arguably their greatest season ever in 2010. Stanford is putting up huge numbers behind the incredible Andrew Luck. Stanford gets UCLA and Colorado on the farm the next two weeks. 11. Virginia Tech â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Coming in under the radar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when Frank Beamer often has some of his best teams â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Hokies are undefeated and welcome in Clemson in a big time ACC Heavyweight battle. Virginia Tech has done an excellent job bringing in outstanding tailbacks and signal callers. 12. Clemson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been shades of Danny Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glory days from the 1980s, as the Tigers have posted monumental wins over defending national champion Auburn and Florida State at Death Valley. Sammy Watkins is some kind of special freshman. Talk about a tough stretch, Clemson now goes to Virginia Tech.
13. Florida â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Gators have been very impressive the last two weeks. On the heels of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;hang-onâ&#x20AC;? victory over Tennessee in Gainesville, the Gators ventured to Lexington and mauled Kentucky. Jeff Demps can flat out fly. Florida is hoping for the upset Saturday as Alabama comes to the swamp. 14. Texas A&M - In a top ten game pitting the seventh-ranked Aggies and No. 8 Oklahoma State, Texas A&M took control early and raced to a 20-3 lead. But the walls came crumbling down with the Cowboys dominating the second half. The schedule is tough. Arkansas awaits in Arlington, and then the Aggies have to go play Tommy Tubervilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Texas Tech Red Raiders in Lubbock. 15. Arkansas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Razorbacks walked into a hornetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest and got blistered by Alabama. The Hogs schedule-maker did a poor job. After three gimmeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and then the Crimson Tide, Arkansas must now face Texas A&M in Arlington. 16. West Virginia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Mountaineers were rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, college gameday was in Morgantown and a prime SEC foe awaited. After falling behind, West Virginia hung around, but just doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have that kind of material. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re right there with South Florida at the top of the Big East. 17. Baylor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Robert Griffin III is an absolute dynamo behind center for the Bears. This is a program on the rise, and Griffin has delivered with a sensational career. The Bears have taken care of old Southwest Conference rivals TCU and Rice and now comes the Big XII opener at Kansas State. 18. TCU â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Gary Patterson has the Horned Frogs playing good again. TCU easily handled Portland State and now comes a big rivalry game with SMU for Metroplex pride. TCU has bounced back nicely since falling in the thrilling season-opener to Baylor. 19. South Florida â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Skip Holtz has done good work with the Bulls. South Florida has done an excellent job staying focused since beating Notre Dame in South Bend. USF and West Virginia are the class of the Big East. 20. Texas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Longhorns are 3-0 and that has to feel good after last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5-7 disaster. Texas goes to Ames, where Iowa State awaits. Then comes Oklahoma. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Horns better be ready this week and they shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to look to far for motivation. Iowa State won in Austin a year ago. 21. Illinois â&#x20AC;&#x201C; It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t everyday that Illinois has raced out of the gates to 4-0. 1951 is the last time it happened. Things werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy, but the Fightinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Illini pulled one out against Western Michigan. Northwestern visits Champagne for the Big Ten opener, and then Illinois hits the road for the first time, visiting Indiana. 22. GA Tech â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Yellow Jackets are cooking. After a record setting performance in the rout of Kansas, Tech was able to back it up and open SEC play with a 35-28 win over North Carolina. Techâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offense is proving to be one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most explosive. 23. Arizona State â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Sun Devils bounced back nicely from a heart-breaking three-point loss to Illinois with a signature victory over Southern Cal. Arizona State is the team to beat in the PAC-12 South and proved it with a 43-22 pounding of the Trojans. 24. Florida State â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Seminoles have dropped two straight, following up the 23-13 loss at home to Oklahoma with a heart-breaking 35-30 setback at Clemson. The defense had no answer for Sammy Watkins. Can the Seminoles regroup? 25. Houston â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bill Curryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Georgia State Panthers got dusted by the Cougars this past Saturday. Case Keenum continues his assault on the NCAA passing record book. Houston is sitting at 4-0 with a trip coming to UTEP.
s!
g Go Daw
Macon 550 Professional Dr. Macon, GA 31201 (478) 741-3007
The T he 3ODFH 3ODFH WR 5HWLUH LQ $WKHQV H WR 5HWLUH LQ H WR 5HWLUH LQ Q $WWKHQV Q $ 5HWLUHPHQ 5HWLUHPHQW DQG $VVLVWHG /LYLQJ QW DQG $VVLVWH HG /LYLQJ
Warner Robins 6084 Lakeside Dr. Warner Robins, Ga 31088 (478) 333-2370
20
5LYHUKLOO 'ULYH Â&#x2021; 5LYHUKLO OO 'ULYH Â&#x2021; ZZZ 7DOPDJH7HUUDFH FRP ZZZ 7 7DOPDJH7HUUDFH F FRP $Q DIÂżOLDWH RI :HVOH\ :RRGV &HQWHU RI (PRU\ 8QLYHUVLW\ $Q DIÂżOLDWH RI : :HVOH\ :RRGV &HQWHU RI (PR RU\ 8QLYHUVLW\
Bulldawg Illustrated
Game rewind: Georgia 27, Ole Miss 13
Kevin Butler’s Players of the Game
By Murray Poole
n an afternoon when the Georgia offense struck early but then sputtered nearly the entire second half, the Bulldogs’ defense continued to make strides in a 27-13 SEC win over Ole Miss Saturday in Oxford. Todd Grantham’s defense surrendered just one touchdown to the Rebels, that one coming on a 38-yard pass on a reverse, fleaflicker play. Ole Miss’only other score came via an 81-yard punt return by the Rebels’ Nick Brassell in the second quarter as the Bulldogs shut out the home team in the second half while limiting Ole Miss to just 183 total yards, only 34 yards net rushing and 149 passing. It was Georgia’s ninth consecutive victory over the Rebels. Now even on the season and SEC at 2-2 and 1-1, respectively, the Bulldogs will return between the hedges Saturday for another key conference battle with the other Dogs from Mississippi State. “They (State) didn’t get a lot of offense going,” said Georgia coach Mark Richt. “Our defense played strong, they were dominant in the second half. They (Rebels) could have gotten one more score in the fourth quarter which could have made things tight but our defense wouldn’t let them do that. “An SEC win on the road is always good and I’m happy Aaron Murray could get one,” said Richt. “He was pretty solid overall. But the story of the game was the way our defense played. Our offense moved the ball in the first half and scored some points but we’ve got to correct problems with our special teams.” While the Georgia defense was putting the clamps on the Rebels, the Bulldogs clicked for 475 yards of offense. Murray was 17-of-26 for 268 yards and two touchdowns and freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell, ripping off one good gain after another in the early going, rushed for a careerhigh 147 yards on a whopping 30 carries. “It was a good game for Isaiah, I didn’t realize he had 30 carries until I looked at the stats,” said Richt. “But he secured the ball well and made some nice runs, showed the stamina he’s building and gave our offensive line the opportunity to pound a little. We did run the ball better, with more physicality and our receivers blocked better today.” Georgia bolted into a 17-0 lead on the strength of a one-yard sneak by Murray, a 36-yard field goal by Blair Walsh and a two-yard leaping touchdown catch by tight end Orson Charles from Murray, which capped a sterling 99-yard, eight-play drive after the Rebels had punted Georgia dead at the Bulldogs’ one-yard line. Big play of that march was a 69-yard strike from Murray to freshman receiver Malcolm Mitchell who rambled to the Ole Miss 4 before being tackled. After the Rebels (1-3, 0-2) got on the board on the 38-yard pass from Randall Mackey to a wide-open Donte Moncrief with five minutes left in the first half, the Bulldogs struck right back on a 35-yard Murrayto-Aron White touchdown pass. The score, which lifted Georgia up by 24-7, came following one of Bacarri Rambo’s two interceptions in the game. But Ole Miss would also get on the board, with only 49 seconds in the half, when Brassell took a reverse handoff following a Drew Butler punt and sped 81 yards down the sidelines. When the Rebels misfired
O
Kevin Butler, former University of Georgia legendary kicker and a member of the Georgia radio broadcast team, will each week during the 2011 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’ 27-13 win over Ole Miss.
Photo by Rob Saye
on the PAT kick due a faulty snap, Georgia clung to its 24-13 halftime lead. And although Walsh inexplicably missed three consecutive field goals in the second half, he tallied the only points over the final two quarters with 4:16 to play when he split the uprights from 43 yards. What Worked
Obviously, as mentioned, the Bulldog defense worked the day long with the exception of the Rebels’ trick pass play from Mackey to Moncrief, which completely caught the Georgia secondary napping. Of course, the Georgia offense both ran and passed the ball well but couldn’t sustain consistency in the final two quarters when the Bulldogs made the game tighter than it should have been due to their failure to score touchdowns. What Didn’t Work
That lack of firepower down the stretch after putting up 24 points before intermission is certainly something the Bulldogs will have to remedy before running into Mississippi State and Tennessee the next two weekends. And then, of course, was the shoddy special teams play as the Bulldogs not only surrendered nearly the field-long punt return by Brassell but also allowed the Rebels to recover an onside kick minutes after Ole Miss had scored on Moncrief’s touchdown late in the second period. Top Performers
There were Crowell, Murray and Mitchell’s (3 catches, 93 yards) performances on offense as well as the Bulldog O-line which paved the way for Georgia to rush for 207 yards. Charles and White had their touchdown catches with Charles snaring five passes for 59 yards and White showing three receptions for 53 yards. And, defensively, junior inside linebacker Michael Gilliard led Georgia in tackles for a second consecutive game with seven. Freshman inside linebacker Amarlo Herrera followed with six stops. Rambo picked off two Ole Miss passes while senior punter Drew Butler averaged 55 yards on four kicks.
OFFENSE – Senior tight end Aron White who bounced back from earlier injuries and caught three passes for 52 yards against the Rebels, including a 35-yard touchdown reception from Aaron Murray. “Getting Aron back at full speed is a big asset to our team,” said Butler. “Aron is a tremendous leader and contributes both through his blocking and receiving ability. Having Aron back in there complements Orson Charles and it does produce the best tight end combination in America. His key catches and his touchdown against Ole Miss helped Georgia secure its first SEC road victory in 2011.” DEFENSE – Junior inside linebacker Michael Gilliard, who once again led the Bulldogs in tackles with seven as the Georgia defense limited the Rebels to one touchdown and just 183 yards of total offense. “For the third week in a row, Michael has led the team in tackles,” said Butler. “He’s consistent and playing all out each week and has been a tremendous addition to an already injured linebacker corps. The junior has an opportunity to develop into a top SEC linebacker and, more importantly, provide encouragement and leadership to a fairly young defense. Michael will play a key to us having success against Mississippi State this week.” SPECIAL TEAMS – The Bulldogs’ kickoff coverage team, which again rendered an outstanding performance by clamping down on the Ole Miss kick returners and not allowing the Rebels to establish good field position after Georgia had scored. “I’m going by committee this week and giving the special teams award to our kickoff coverage team,” said Butler. “They have certainly been out on the field a good bit with our offensive production going up in recent weeks. It takes determination and discipline to limit our opponents and their ability to gain field position on kickoffs. We need to have our kickoff coverage team challenge our punt coverage team to maintain the level of excellence that has been the norm of the University of Georgia’s football program.”
Compiled by Murray Poole
October Line-up (plus GA football every Saturday)
Oct 6 (Thur) 6-9 happy hour Octoberfest kickoff on DaddyO’s Patio a free concert featuring Bret Mosley. Bratwurst/German potato salad & German beers! Oct 9 (Sun) 6-8 Tim and Annie free concert/cd release party/American Harvest fundraiser. Oct 11 (Tues) 6:30-9:30 The “Gnatty Shak” is back. Celebrating the return of the McGladry golf tournament with free entertainment by everybody’s favorite band: DaFunk yo Soul. Y’all come and get ”teed “up with some ”spiked” Arnold Palmers. Oct 14 (Fri) 6:30-9:30 The original Stringray Happy Hour on DaddyO’s Patio. Oct 21 (Fri) 6-9 The “Trio” Featuring local legends Matt Williams, Lee O’Neal and Matt McKinney. Another big time on the Gnatio. And free!!! Oct 28 (Fri) It’s Ga Fla Weekend. We will get started with Still Rocking playing during happy hour out on the Gnatio from 6-9. Then a really hot band from Athens Betsy Frank and the Bareknuckle Band will entertain from 10-till. http://bareknuckleband.net Oct 29 (Sat) Happy hour party on the Gnatio with a big serving of Soul Gravy from 6-9. Then back by popular demand the band that celebrated Boz and PV’s 60th birthday Shane Bridges Band from 10-till. http://shanebridges.com Oct 30 (Sun) We got recovery bloody marys for lunch. Oct 31 (Mon) Halloween party ~ details still being worked out.
This fall, accessorize your backyard. Every dream is different and unique. So is every property. By using industry leading construction techniques and innovative conceptual design, we can create the backyard resort of your dreams. No need to look any further, we have all the accessories to complete your outdoor living experience... we’ve built a worthy reputation.
Redfern Village on St. Simons Island www.gnatslanding.com
125 Gary Moore Court, Suite 1 | St. Simons Island | 912.638.POOL | worthypoolsandspas.com
www.bulldawgillustrated.com
21
family-owned business for 35 years
Gruff & Grump By Chad White and Al Hickson
Welcome Dawg Fans!!
Still lots of work to do ...
10% off any single item game day weekend!! Go Dawgs!! Downtown on College Square Athens, GA 706.369.9541
www.ugaspirit.com 157 College Ave.
Photos by Rob Saye
•MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE •REP PA AIR •REPAIR •RENOV VAT TION •RENOVATION
(QMR\ ( (QMR MR\ WKLV
IRRWEDOO VHDVRQ IRRWEDO OO VHDVRQ LQ
VW VW\OH W\OH
&DOO 0DUFXV .XMD & DOO 0DUFXV .XMD 6W 6LPRQV ,VODQG DW 6W 6LPRQV ,VODQG DW 6DYDQQDK DW 6DYDQQDK DW
www.asppoolco.com www .asp ppoolco.com
Residential and Commercial Moving Local and Long Distance On-site Document Destruction Document Data Storage Go Mini’s Portable Storage Units Packing Materials
Moving Dawgs Across Georgia Since 1972 Lindsay Transfer & Storage, Inc. 180 Trade Street Bogart, GA 30622 Tel: 706.549.8902 Duke Lindsay dlindsay@thelindsaygroup.net
www.Herdlinger.com
22
After a trip to Oxford, the Dawgs will return to play the other half of Mississippi with a record all even at 2-2. That is a good thing. That is what Coach Richt wants our mindset and attitude to be, right? Progress. Improvement. So many great things we are doing that are showing up and becoming apparent more and more every Saturday. That is what all the faithful should be focused on, correct? You know, the real fans. The ones that support the Dawgs and truly have a reasonable understanding and expectation of this program believe this, correct? Is that not that the company line nowadays? Correct us if we are mistaken, but that is who and what we are as a program the fourth week of September, 2011. We made it out of Ole Miss with a “great victory” says Coach Richt. We guess great as in we won an SEC game. And, it was on the road. Oxford is not normally known as a brutal place to play. They are more known for one family of quarterbacks and a great party. But, hey, we agree, victories in the SEC are a good thing. We will not even split hairs. Call it great if you choose to do so. Whatever suits you. Lots of folks from the head man to many a tried and true Dawg fan are saying we showed great improvement. We wonder where? Sure, we dominated the game on both sides. That is not the first time we have done that this year. We dominated both sides of the ball against South Carolina also. And, this team we just played was really a bad football team. Really, really bad. Did we improve in the area of penalties? Not really. How about turnovers? Maybe. We threw a pick that bounced off two of our receivers hands first. Guess what? It still counts. We put the ball on the ground twice with fumbles. Thankfully, we were fortunate enough to recover both. Maybe we improved as an offensive line? Not really. We averaged right around four yards a carry. Hardly dominant considering who the opposition was. Our quarterback continues to get knocked down a lot more frequently than anyone would like. But, again, Crowell continues to show why he was the highest recruited running back in the land. That is exciting. We do have some playmakers at receiver. Our tight ends are awesome. We wonder why Aron White doesn’t see the field more often. If there is truly one thing to be excited about it is the defense. They played really well. Teams are finding it very difficult to run on us. Ole Miss was held to less than 170 yards of offense. As bad of a team as they are, that is lower than their season total. The boys forced a few turnovers to boot. All this happened with some very important starters banged up. There were some people open for Ole Miss that they did not connect with. That is a bit concerning. And, we did get burned by a trick play for a touchdown. That play counts, too. Special teams are really becoming a mess. Were it not for Drew Butler boom-
ing the ball as he always does, we would have no good words to say for this portion of the game. We missed field goals. Gave up a punt return for a touchdown. Had virtually zero return game of our own. Actually, that is exactly what we had from the punt return team. How about game management? Well, we struggled getting lined up on defense. That can probably be attributed to losing our starters at inside linebacker. Hopefully, we will improve in this area. It is frustrating to think we only have two guys on the team that can get us lined up consistently. Timeouts in this game carried the same value they have so many times in Coach Richt’s career, virtually none. With half the third quarter left to play, we had already called two. Our offensive mindset continues to baffle us. Why do we seem to play for field goals when we have our feet on the necks of our opponents? Why on earth would we go for it on 4th and 1 from our side of the field in a game in which the opponent had zero chance to beat us unless we gave them an opening. Look, we like to have a killer attitude. But, seriously, playing it safe for field goals and then going for it in this manner goes together like a match and gasoline. All the coaches and players are really falling in love with talking about how great we played save a few plays. If so and so made the field goals we would have blown them out, some say. Actually, if so and so made the field goals we would have beaten Ole Miss by the same margin as did Vanderbilt. Further, for those of us that remember history, we have lost some HUGE games in our past due missed field goals. Author’s note- Blair Walsh gets a pass from us THIS week. He has been a money player since he stepped foot on campus. He has earned a terrible day without us giving up on him or blaming him for anything. As well, he should not have had that many attempts to begin with, according to us. One thing is for sure, all the plays count. The missed field goals. The trick plays. The onside kicks. The bounced around interceptions. All of them. Every single play matters. Hopefully, our guys get this. We lost the South Carolina game because of these plays that we have excused from this past weekend in the guise of “without the so and so plays we dominated the game”. The meat of our season begins now. Mississippi State comes to town next with a team that should be plenty confident after beating us last year, no matter their overtime struggle with Lousiana Tech last weekend. The boys best get with it. If we can eliminate those plays we so love to talk about, we could be a good football team and win a good many games. If we do not, we could be in for a long season. There ain’t a whole lot of difference in 6-7 and 11-2 most seasons. You know, about three or four plays a game. Get it done boys. We will be hollering for you. Go Dawgs!
Bulldawg Illustrated