BI Season Preview

2010 check list Reclaim Jacksonville Dominate kicking game Get the state’s best to sign Establish an offensive identity Get to SEC championship Win 10 in regular season Beat Tennessee Beat Tech

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6/2010

From the editor : vance leavy Welcome Bulldog Nation to what is always the biggest issue of the year, our football season preview of Bulldawg Illustrated.

Yet unless you’ve been living in a cave, several Georgia Bulldogs have put good old Georgia on the global stratosphere. What more can you say about the performance of our Georgia golfers at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and John Isner’s walk into the history book with the longest tennis match ever at Wimbledon than to bow and say … “We’re not worthy … We’re not worthy. “ However that’s what has made this UGA media phenomenon extra special is how well these youngsters have represented Georgia and our proud G. I told someone the other day that I’m still getting used to the concept of Georgia being a brand, but after these wonderful experiences, I have to say Damon Evans and company are dead on with their assessment.

With that being said, there’s no better way to continue the wide scale Georgia brand awareness than a monster year on the gridiron.

In case, you don’t believe in the power of college football, then you surely learned a lesson after the conference realignment saga a few weeks ago that could have become a real disaster. Thankfully cooler heads prevailed and as Jeff Dantzler said in his column on page 4 there was an acceptable outcome to the Cuban Missile crisis of college football.

With all these occurrences behind us, it’s nice to know that talking Georgia football is now realistic with kickoff only a few months away. And boy, do we have a fun issue to satisfy your cravings for the next month. An awesome collection of articles and photos begins once you turn this page.

For the sports junkies, Jeff Dantzler and Murray Poole have it covered, from a Bulldog 2010 checklist, to the Pre-Season Top 25, to stories about offense soul searching to schedule and position by position previews. And for the recruitniks, Carlton DeVooght is so pumped about our Dawgs’ recruiting progress he wrote enough to fill three pages (pages 2527). Always considerate, Carlton encouraged Cheri and me to cut the copy as needed. How-

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John Isner talks with ESPN’S Hannah Storm

©2010 Robert Matre / USGA

Coach Chris Haack, Russell Henley and Hudson Swafford at Pebble. Go to robmatre.com and usopen.com for additional photos.

ever just as I expected, the research was so good losing any of it would have been a real shame. So instead we will apologize for the lack of art (photos) on these pages and encourage folks to spread their reading of this diatribe over a few days. However we guarantee you, it will be time well spent.

And for the folks that really love our publication because of all the photos, you shouldn’t be disappointed. Enjoy seeing folks you may know from Athens, Atlanta, Columbus, Griffin, Lake Oconee, Macon and Savannah.

Whoa, now that’s covering some ground, when you slow down enough to think about it.

And since it’s an election year, we decided to join the fray by opening up our pages to political candidates with a half editorial and half

advertising opportunity. While we would have liked more candidates to participate, we’re extremely jazzed by the three that did beginning on page 30. Each person’s well thought out answers to our questions certainly bode well for the future of our state. We encourage our readers to go to www.sos.ga.gov/Elections/ to familiarize all the races occurring across our great state.

Back to football.

Of course, this time of year not much changes since there’s no organized practice going on. However after Ryan Scates and I went and took photos at a recent workout session, I’m happy to report there’s definitely no slouching going on. We witnessed every player pushing himself to the max. The renewed commitment to turning things around in 2010 was definitely alive and well, even despite over 100 degree temperatures on the artificial practice turf. Ryan and I left drenched in sweat and all we were doing was snapping photos and observing.

I’ll be making no bold predictions this year as I’m like many Bulldog faithful who are requiring a real commitment to football being played the right way before getting caught up in fandom. Murray Poole makes his annual predictions on page 5 and I must say they are very solid as playing Mississippi State on the road in their magical year two under a new coach (Dan Mullen) and beating Auburn five straight times will be astronomical challenges.

I will say this; the fact that both Mark Richt and Mike Bobo are talking about the extreme importance of respecting the football (page 28) should bode well for our hopes in 2010. I think it’s great that both coaches are engraining this in their player’s heads. However Richt and Bobo must also heed their own teachings, when games are on the line this season. I fully expect Todd Grantham to increase the amount of turnovers caused by his D. And implore Richt and Bobo to do their part in calling plays that prove they truly are committed to respecting the football.

Tick, tock … toe meets leather in less than 60 days … Go Dawgs!

Season Preview Publisher Cha Cha Cha Publishing Editor Vance Leavy Editorial & Ad Director Cheri Leavy Sports Guru Jeff Dantzler Public Relations Director Andrew Miller Sales & Marketing Kelley Blanton Andrew Miller Michael Santos Holly Stanfill Sports Murray Poole Layout/Design Vance Leavy Student Interns Mary Boyce Hicks, Hannah James Alex McWhorter, Ryan Scates Ad Design Cheri Leavy Andrew Miller Cover Design Vance Leavy Columnists Carlton DeVooght Al Hickson Reg Murphy Loran Smith Rob Sherrell Chad White Season Preview Issue, June 29, 2010 FOR ADVERTISING OR TO SUBSCRIBE: andrew@bulldawgillustrated.com

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College fooball still in tack, Dogs in the news College football owes the University of Texas – which will be exceptionally well compensated with a sweetheart concession television deal - a great deal of gratitude for the Longhorns decision to stay in the now 10-school Big XII. It averted college football’s Cuban missile crisis.

A whirlwind of conference realignment which would have greatly altered the landscape of college athletics turned out to be just tweaking and not a disastrous overhaul.

When word began to circulate in the spring that the PAC-10 commissioner Larry Short (who played tennis at Harvard in the 1980’s) seriously wanted to expand to get a conference championship game and new television deal, Colorado and Utah were the two schools that popped up in conversation.

But the Big Ten drew first blood, as Nebraska announced that it would be moving from the Big XII. Suddenly, not only was Colorado in the PAC-10’s cross-hairs, but so was the rest of the Big XII South. Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech were given invitations along with the Buffaloes, and all of these schools and the Big XII had an early June weekend to try and salvage everything.

Of course there was rampant speculation in the media and amongst fans. There were wild proposals and rumors.

While the other conferences were looking for enhancements, the Southeastern Conference, the prettiest girl in town, wisely played the waiting game. No plastic surgery necessary. Commissioner Mike Slive, who has done a superb job, and the league’s presidents, administration and athletic directors played it perfectly.

The rumors swept south anyway.

Would the SEC bring in Texas A&M, Oklahoma, or look to dip into the Atlantic Coast Conference, which also did a marvelous job in standing strong. Of course the SEC and ACC also have the best television deals and most revenue to divide up amongst its conference member institutions.

Did fans really want Texas A&M and Clemson in the Southeastern Conference, or was that just panicky, short-sided and reactionary? The SEC is pretty close to perfect the way it is.

As for the proposed PAC-16: Texas Tech in a league with Washington State? Are you kidding? How about the cost of traveling a track team from Lubbock, Texas to Pullman, Washington? How about the cost for fans used to traveling to Stillwater, Austin, Waco and Norman, who would have then had to try and budget for three trips to the west coast?

Rivalries, region, travel, frequency of opponents, and costs make the prospect of this or any other 16 team leagues unpleasant and implausible.

Remember, the Western Athletic Conference used to have 16 teams and it was a disaster. As a matter of fact, the SEC and ACC (along with Furman, Tulane and a couple of others) used to be in the massive Southern Conference. They were both too big and split apart.

Thankfully Texas, the “prime picking� chose to stay in the Big 12, which now has 10 schools after Colorado left for the PAC-10 and Nebraska for the Big Ten, which now has 12 schools. The Buffaloes and Utah give the PAC-10 a dozen teams, so now the two Rose Bowl conferences can have championship games. The SEC and ACC stood pat, and the Big East, which would have been the next to be plucked in reactionary Big Ten and ACC expansion, is safe for now.

As for the Big XII, will they hold with ten teams? A possible solution to get to 12 – the minimum required for a conference championship game – would be to bring in old Southwest Conference schools Texas Christian and Houston. This could bump Oklahoma and Oklahoma State to the North Division and give the South an all-Texas contingent. The biggest benefit would be the prime opportunity of a Texas-Oklahoma conference championship game.

Yes the PAC-10 can trumpet getting into the Denver TV market, but athletically Utah is bringing much more to the table. The Utes have had undefeated BCS bowl victory seasons in 2004 and 2008 and their basketball team lost to Kentucky in the 1998 national

championship game. Colorado is awful in both, broke, and the Buffaloes don’t have a baseball or tennis program.

And speaking of basketball, did you notice that no league was clamoring for Kansas?

Football, the sport where the regular season means everything, is completely driving the bus.

The other big shake-up in the college football landscape this summer was the major probation handed down to Southern Cal. The Trojans will lose 30 scholarships and be banned from bowl games for the next two seasons.

It’s amazing that Mike Garrett, 1965 Trojan Heisman winning tailback, is still the athletic director at his alma mater. The basketball team is also on probation, and the arrogance of hiring Lane Kiffin (and assistant Ed Orgeron), who was an assistant at USC when the violations were going down, to replace Pete Carroll as head coach certainly added to the severity of the probation. ‌..

This summer has been a banner one for Georgia athletes making enormous headlines in major events.

The talk of the world – sports, news, entertainment, you name it – was the unfathomable first round Wimbledon marathon match won by big John Isner, one of Georgia’s greatest and classiest alums ever. Played over three days, his epic 70-68 fifth set victory over the equally valiant Frenchman Nicholas Mahut shattered every record and instantly became the greatest sports anomaly record of all time. The previous record for games in a set was 27-25. With the help of my crack research department of Chris Brame and Houston Gaines, we dug up a men’s doubles match that went to 28-26 and a mixed doubles match that finished at 29-27.

By the time it was done, Isner had to completely tape his toes the bottom of his feet. All the skin was gone.

As Georgia fans have known since he began one of the most stellar careers in school annals that cumulated with the 2007 national championship, Big John is a towering pillar of Bulldog pride.

Georgia was shining bright a week earlier at one of the most beautiful places in the world, as one former and two current Bulldog golfers made headlines at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.

Hudson Swafford, who redshirted this season with a shoulder injury, and Russell Henley, the national player of the year and SEC champion, both made it through qualifying and earned spots at “the perfect meeting of land and sea.� Swofford tasted the lead in the opening round, played very well and missed the cut by just one stroke.

Henley was one of just two amateurs to make the cut, and sporting a red Georgia shirt with the famed “Power G� logo, made a Sunday charge to capture low-am honors while blowing kisses to the massive crowds that featured several Bulldog “woof woof’s.�

As for the third Bulldog in the field, could Georgia have a more powerful source of inspiration? Playing with his third heart, after recently undergoing a second transplant, the amazing Eric Compton made the cut at Jack Nicklaus’s Memorial and then qualified for the Open.

Not too long ago, things didn’t look good.

Georgia coach Chris Haack said that Compton called him on the way into surgery to tell him he loved him and to thank him for all that he had done. “I was pretty teary, and I just told him,�

Haack says, “hey, you’re going to come through this and you’re going to be back out playing before you know it.�

With obviously not much time to have been playing of late, Compton has had trouble getting into events because of “playing status� from a lack of tournament participation.

Well he got into two PGA events this year prior to the U.S. Open.

Nicklaus’s Memorial and Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill.

Leave it to the incredibly classy immortals.

Before the calendar even approached July, it had already become quite an eventful Summer.

Bulldawg Illustrated

poole shots

By Murray Poole

10-2 for these 2010 Dogs?

In perusing over Georgia’s 2010 football schedule, it’s pretty apparent that the Bulldogs’ slate this fall isn’t nearly as hazardous as was last year’s schedule.

Instead of opening the new season at Oklahoma State, as Georgia did in 2009, the Bulldogs kick if off this year against Louisiana-Lafayette at Sanford Stadium.

Instead of facing the LSU Tigers, one of Georgia’s foes from the SEC West this season is the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Instead of encountering the Arizona State Sun Devils for a third consecutive year, the Dogs go to Boulder to face a Colorado team that has struggled mightily in recent seasons.

And then there’s a home date with Idaho State, which would appear to be nearly an even trade-off with last year’s late-season patsy, Tennessee Tech.

All that said, the Georgia Bulldogs’ 2010 schedule certainly doesn’t fall into the “easy” category. You play in the toughest conference in the land, as UGA does, you’re going to encounter a number of landmines along the way. The last I looked, such teams as South Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Florida and Auburn still remain on the Bulldogs’ schedule. Not to mention the state rival Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who have risen to national prominence under Paul Johnson the past two seasons.

Last year, at this junction in the summer, I ventured out on my usual limb and forecast a second consecutive 10-3 finish for Georgia. But that prediction began to go awry right off the bat as the Bulldogs were bitten by the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the season opener in Stillwater. I also misfired on my picking Georgia to defeat Tennessee and Kentucky. Conversely, I tabbed LSU’s win over the Bulldogs correctly but thankfully missed my call of Arkansas upsetting the Dogs.

But, bottom line, my 10-3 call on Georgia in the preseason of ’09 evolved into the Bulldogs’ eventual 8-5 because of three primary factors: turnovers, penalties and a defense that surrounded points by the truckload to its major opponents.

So, where to this season for Mark Richt’s 10th football team at Georgia? Will the Bulldogs’ defensive unit, under the tutelage of new coordinator Todd Grantham and new assistants Scott Lakatos and Warren Belin, harken back to the stingy days of Erk Russell and Brian VanGorder? Will the Georgia offense, with a full 10 regulars returning, punish opponents with a powerful offensive line and a potent running attack? Will Aaron Murray become the great quarterback he was projected to be out of Tampa’s Plant High School? Will the UGA kicking game, with Ray Guy Award-winning punter Drew Butler and All-America place-kicking hopeful Blair Walsh, be brilliant for a second consecutive season?

And, finally, will these Bulldogs find a remedy for all those special-team breakdowns, turnovers and penalties that so plagued the Red and Black a season ago?

Without further ado, let’s go ahead and plunge into our game-by-game forecast for this 2010 University of Georgia edition: Sept. 4 – Louisiana Lafayette – With a veteran quarterback in Chris Masson and a defensive secondary that intercepted 16 passes last season, the Ragin’ Cajuns could be one of the best teams in the Sun Belt Conference this season. But you know how fired up that new-look Bulldog defense is going to be when it makes its season debut between the hedges. And you should also know how the Georgia running game is going to pummel that Cajun defense. Dogs kick if off in a big way, say 4817.

Sept. 11 – at South Carolina – After not really learning much about themselves in the tune-up win over La.-Lafayette, the Bulldogs will surely find out what they’re made of when they motor east to Williams-Brice Stadium for the annual confrontation with Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks. Two things here, the Georgia defense must attack from the getgo and stymie Carolina QBs Stephen Garcia and true freshman Connor Shaw – whomever Spurrier’s not mad with at the moment – and also move the ball consistently against a Gamecock defense that is now minus All-America linebacker Eric Norwood but still could rank among the SEC’s best. Always a battle royal, the Bulldogs secure a critical 24-17 win over the ‘Cocks.

Sept. 18 – Arkansas – Georgia, following the rugged win over a defensive-minded Carolina squad, turns around and faces a horse – or, should I say a hog – of a different color when the Razorbacks venture between the hallowed hedges. You are aware the Bulldogs survived a 52-41 shootout over Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett and the Hogs last season in Fayetteville, but I just can’t see Grantham’s defense letting that happen again this go-round.

Arkansas, with its explosive attack, scores 24 but the Bulldogs click for 38 in a 38-24 waltz.

Sept. 25 – at Mississippi State – Dangerous and then more dangerous is the way this football game is looming for Georgia. After coming off emotional victories over the Gamecocks and Razorbacks, I just think some sort of letdown is inevitable for the Bulldogs as they venture to Starkville, Miss.

The State Bulldogs, despite a 5-7 finish in Dan Mullen’s first season at the MSU helm, performed

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well against some of the SEC’s best and of course upended arch-rival Ole Miss last season. Playing on its home turf and, as mentioned, catching Georgia at just the right time, Mississippi State bounces the UGA Bulldogs from the ranks of the unbeaten, by 21-17.

Oct. 2 – at Colorado – After being stung in Starkville, the Bulldogs will be chomping at the bit and in a nasty mood as they fly into the Rockies the following weekend. Although the Buffaloes are coming off last season’s dismal 3-9 finish, Dan Hawkins’ team promises to be somewhat improved this season and the Buffs will be pumped to welcome the Bulldogs into their high-altitude stadium but, in the end, Georgia rolls 31-14.

Oct. 9 – Tennessee – If the Bulldogs don’t have this date circled, something’s amiss. Turned into a train wreck once again last year in Knoxville, Georgia will welcome a new UT coach named Derek Dooley between the hedges where his dad, coaching legend Vince, chalked up many a victory for the Red and Black. In what definitely appears to be a rebuilding year for the Volunteers, Georgia simply looks too strong in every area for Tennessee. But then, that’s exactly what we thought the last two times the Bulldogs visited the UT campus. Still, Georgia has considerable motive to win this one big, by about 35-17 over the Vols.

Oct. 16 – Vanderbilt – Can the Commodores, who had such an outstanding 2008 season before stumbling to a 2-10 record (0-8 SEC) last year, snap back this coming fall? Vandy still has enough skill people to give its foes some trouble – especially at the tailback spot – but the Commodores simply don’t have the depth to play toeto-toe with the big boys of the SEC. Georgia has a happy homecoming, by 38-10.

Oct. 23 – at Kentucky – Like with the case against Tennessee, Georgia has a score to settle in this game also as absolutely nothing went right in the second half last year in a bitter 34-27 upset loss to the Wildcats. New UK coach Joker Phillips inherits some outstanding players in the likes of Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb but may be lacking in the offensive line where the Cats lost four starters.

The Dogs avenge last year’s loss by 41-21.

Oct. 30 – Florida (Jacksonville) – If Georgia does indeed come into this monumental game with only the upset loss to Miss. State, SEC East title hopes will surely hang in the balance on the banks of the St. Johns River. Is it far-fetched to pick the Bulldogs to defeat the Gators when they’ve only done it – count ’em – three times in the last 20 years? But, thing is, if Georgia is to ever start turning this game in a favorable direction once again, it needs to begin this season. This season, when there is no Tim Tebow taking the direct snaps for Florida.

This season, when the Gators will have no less than six new defensive starters. This season, when Urban Meyer is coming off an off-season when he resigned as Florida head coach only to decide to return the next day. Thinking Grantham’s defense will do enough to frustrate new Gator QB John Brantley and thinking that the Bulldogs’ running attack and QB Aaron Murray will enable Georgia to control the football against the revamped Florida defense, the Dogs do find a way to stop the Gators for the first time since 2007, say by 24-17.

Nov. 6 – Idaho State - Not much to say here as the younger Bulldogs see a lot of action and roll over the Bengals, 51-14.

Nov. 13 – at Auburn – In this, the Deep South’s oldest rivalry, has Georgia really reeled off four consecutive wins against the Tigers? In a series where the visiting team usually walks away victorious, the Bulldogs’ success in recent years against Auburn is a bit out of the ordinary. Gene Chizik won eight games in his first year on the plains including a dramatic Outback Bowl overtime victory over Northwestern. With 6-6 juco QB transfer Cameron Newton and senior running back Mario Fannin operating behind an experienced offensive line, the Tigers could be potent on that side of the ball this autumn, and Ted Roof’s defensive unit returns eight starters from last season. At Jordan-Hare Stadium, the old law-of-averages thing catches up with the Bulldogs this time. Auburn snaps its losing string against UGA with a 24-21 nail-biter over the Dogs.

Nov. 27 – Georgia Tech – Coming off their only open date of the season, the rested Bulldogs make it two straight over the Yellow Jackets in the regular-season finale at Sanford Stadium. Paul Johnson’s Tech bunch, of course, will be primed to avenge the Jackets’ 30-24 upset loss to Georgia last year at Bobby Dodd Stadium in a game where the Bulldogs gave Tech a taste of its own medicine by rushing for nearly 350 yards. This time, Georgia will mix in Murray’s passing for a more balanced attack and topple the Jackets by 31-21.

So, there you have it … the Bulldogs barking to a 10-2 record in the regular season this fall and earning a spot in a BCS bowl game. Seems like I’m getting stuck on that “10” number the past several years in attempting to gauge Georgia’s record for the upcoming season but, most assuredly, the Bulldogs have the talent and the coaching expertise to win at least 10 ballgames, and even more, each and every football season.

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Schedule Preview 11 straight opponents, trips to Boulder and Starkville ... let the games begin

By Jeff Dantzler

eptember 4 Louisiana-Lafayette Athens This should obviously be an easy win for Georgia. Nothing can be taken for granted, and the Bulldogs will be breaking in a new quarterback, defensive staff and base scheme.

The Bulldogs don’t want to show too much, as all South Carolina eyes will be on Sanford Stadium. The Gamecocks once again open on Thursday, hosting Southern Mississippi. Mark Richt’s easiest way to get the Bulldogs attention for the Rajun’ Cajuns – their rival Louisiana-Monroe took down Alabama in 2007.

October 16 Vanderbilt Athens Vanderbilt couldn’t generate any offense a year ago, and it could be another long season. Over the last four years, Georgia is just 5-3 against Vandy and Kentucky, foes that the Bulldogs have dominated for a century. This is a fourth straight game in which Georgia will have far superior personnel. The big question is whether the Bulldogs can capitalize without having to empty the tank, because the schedule takes a much tougher turn beginning with the trip to Lexington.

September 11 South Carolina Columbia It’s almost always a white-knuckler that comes down to the final possession between these two teams. Last year was no different, as the Bulldogs hung on to win a 41-37 thriller between the hedges. South Carolina has the weapons at quarterback, receiver and tight end. If true freshman tailback Marcus Lattimore emerges early, the Gamecocks will likely have their best offense of the Steve Spurrier era. South Carolina sees this as an opening, with Georgia, Tennessee and Florida all breaking in new quarterbacks and defensive coordinators. The Gamecocks got a brutal draw from the SEC West with Auburn, Alabama and Arkansas. To make it to Atlanta for the first time ever, South Carolina desperately needs to beat Georgia. This one and the following week’s game with Arkansas in Athens goes a long way towards determining how good the Bulldogs will be.

October 23 Kentucky Lexington For the first time since 1977, Kentucky won in Athens. The Wildcats also beat Auburn for the first time since 1966. On Georgia’s last two trips to Lexington, the Bulldogs have lost and escaped with a thrilling four-point victory. The electric Randall Cobb is back and Kentucky is strong across the lines of scrimmage. Rich Brooks did an outstanding job of building the Wildcats back up and making them a much tougher team. He’s retired, and Joker Phillips takes over after serving as the coachin-waiting. The Wildcats have picked up several signature wins over the lost four years, topping Georgia, LSU and Arkansas.

This is a dangerous game for Georgia. The Wildcats obviously have the confidence that they can slay Georgia. And the Gators are on the horizon.

September 18 Arkansas Athens In a wild shootout last season in Fayetteville, the Bulldogs trimmed Arkansas 52-41. It was a breakout performance for Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett, who emerged as one of the country’s top passers as the trigger man in Bobby Petrino’s offense. At 6-7, 250, with a cannon arm and excellent touch, Mallett projects as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Arkansas forced a lot of turnovers last season, but gave up a lot of points. If Georgia splits with South Carolina and the Razorbacks, the Bulldogs could recover and still have an outstanding year. If the Bulldogs lose both, well, the sky’s falling in Athens. If Georgia wins both, then it could be a magical autumn in Athens.

October 30 Florida Jacksonville One of the most embarrassing records in the proud history of Georgia football, is the pathetically woeful 3-17 mark against Florida in the 1990s and 2000s. Several times over the past 14 years, the Bulldogs have been better or at least as good and still lost. National and SEC championship opportunities have been swept away by loss after loss on the banks of the St. John’s, with the Georgia faithful facing another death march back home. The last two years Florida has used Georgia as a punching bag in 4910 and 41-17 drubbings. But this is a new decade and a new opportunity. The Bulldogs should be in contention for a trip to the SEC Championship Game, and should have a better team than Florida. After all, the Gators had seven players drafted before Georgia had one. This one means so much for the Bulldog program.

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Shaun Chapas 8

September 25 Mississippi State Starkville This has been Georgia’s most infrequent Southeastern Conference opponent. Mississippi State last beat the Bulldogs in 1974, but there have been some close calls through Georgia’s nine straight wins since. This is the first of four straight games in which the Bulldogs will be much more talented than the opposition. It’s rarely easy, but the Dogs should frankly top MSU, Colorado, Tennessee and Vanderbilt all by at least a touchdown. If at least two of these are real tight, the odds are against a banner year. There’s only so much gas in the tank, and the more close games on the docket, the less the odds, that a team wins them all. But if this is a championship team, this should without question be a 4-0 stretch. Dan Mullen has the State faithful bully as he’s infused the program with long lost offense. State will miss standout tailback Anthony Dixon. Georgia better be ready. Georgia should also be better.

October 2 Colorado Boulder In 2006, Georgia nipped 27-point underdog Colorado 1413 on a last minute touchdown. Any team will take a win, but this is a prime example of the gas tank and the odds. Championship teams win games in which they are four touchdown favorites easily. The Bulldogs went on to lose by single digits to Vandy, Florida and Kentucky and finished the regular season at 8-4. Colorado has been downright awful. The athletic department doesn’t have any money or they would have fired Dan Hawkins, who has been a flop. The Buffaloes went 3-9 a year ago. The biggest concerns for Georgia should be the altitude – the Dogs will have to substitute early and often, especially up front – and the weather. On this very weekend this past Fall, the Rockies and Dodgers had a Coors Field playoff game snowed out due to a blizzard.

October 9 Tennessee Athens In three of the past four seasons, Tennessee has throttled Georgia by at least 18 points. This game will have the added intrigue of Derek Dooley, son of the legendary Bulldog hall of fame coach and athletic director Vince Dooley, who was a standout at Clarke Central High School. The Volunteers figure to be a couple of years away from contention. Phil Fulmer’s last pair of recruiting classes were relatively weak and that’s showing up.

Junior college transfer Matt Sims, Phil’s son and Chris’s brother, could be good behind center. Tennessee pulled in two of Georgia’s top prospects in Da’Rick Rogers and Ja’Wuan James, and the Vols will obviously look heavily to the Peach State for recruiting This is a must win for Georgia on several fronts.

November 6 Idaho State Athens This should be the easiest game of the year, as Idaho State went 1-10 a year ago, suffering a 50-3 loss to Arizona State and a 64-0 drilling from Oklahoma. It would be mighty sweet for Georgia to be coming off a victory over Florida and sitting atop the SEC East and in the top ten looking towards a major showdown with Auburn on the plains.

November 13 Auburn Auburn The last time Auburn came into a season with this much hype, was the great run from 2004-2006 under Tommy Tuberville’s watch. Onterrio McCallebb is back at tailback and the Tigers welcome in highly touted Michael Dyer. With former Gator and junior college transfer Cameron Newton taking over behind center, the Tigers could have some juice at the skill positions that they haven’t had since Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown, Jason Campbell and Kenny Irons were leading Auburn to great success. Auburn should be right in the running for the SEC West title. The Tigers always close with Georgia and Alabama, the two ancient rivals. Auburn could be heading to the big two showdowns with a shot at Atlanta, if the Tigers could pull off the big sweep.

November 27 Tech Athens In 2008, Georgia suffered one of the most devastating losses in school history, falling to Tech 45-42 to end a seven-game winning streak against the Yellow Jackets which would have equaled the infamous drought of 1949-56. But last season, at 6-5, Georgia battered the eventual ACC champion Yellow Jackets 30-24 on the flats behind a powerhouse 339 yard rushing performance that gave the entire Bulldog nation a badly needed boost. Georgia could be bound for the SEC Championship Game. But no matter what, this is the always the game that the Bulldogs have to win. Lose to Tech, and you don’t put up a Christmas tree.

The Yellow Jackets lost a lot of talent, including Derrick Morgan, Morgan Burnett, Dontarious Thomas and Johnathan Dwyer. But Josh Nesbitt is back as the trigger man for Paul Johnson’s electric triple option. Todd Grantham and the defense will have an open date to get ready for this dangerous, unique offense. Will the Dogs operate out of the 3-4 base against the Jackets? Any way it’s sliced, a second straight win over Tech with at least 10 wins and a trip to Atlanta on the horizon would be the kind of special season Georgia is capable of.

Photographs by Vance Leavy and Ryan Scates

Bulldawg Illustrated

2010

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Compiled by Jeff Dantzler photos by Vance Leavy and Ryan Scates

Reuben Faloughi

1. Reclaim Jacksonville, Return to Atlanta – It doesn’t get any more big picture than this. Georgia is 3-17 against Florida since 1990. But this is a new decade and Florida has a wealth of talent to replace. The Bulldogs desperately need to win in Jacksonville. A victory over the Gators would give Georgia a good shot at returning to the Southeastern Conference Championship Game for the first time since 2005.

After going three times in four years and winning twice in Atlanta, the Dogs are 0-for4 since 2006. With the talent Florida and Tennessee lost, this is a prime opportunity.

South Carolina, don’t forget, is in Georgia’s boat.

2. Create Turnovers – Georgia’s turnover ratio was one of college football’s worst a year ago, and it wasn’t simply the problem of throwing way too many interceptions. Georgia’s defense must make more plays if the Bulldogs are to achieve the big goal of the top spot on the check list. The Dogs recovered one – one – fumble a year ago. To return to Atlanta, the Bulldog defense must return to the ball-hawking, turnover forcing defenses from the days of Davis, Pollack, Jones, Bailey and Sullivan.

3. Dominate the Kicking Game – With arguably the best pair of kickers in the country and a kick returner who brought back three 100-yard touchdowns, there’s no reason Georgia shouldn’t be awesome on special teams. Drew Butler was a unanimous first team All-American, and Blair Walsh hit 20 of 22 field goals. The areas where Georgia could improve: kickoff coverage, punt returns and getting back to blocking kicks the way the Bulldogs used to. If Georgia doesn’t cash in on having Butler and Walsh together for three years, it will haunt the Bulldogs for years to come thinking of what could have been. .

4. Get the state’s best ready to sign – There is an inordinate number of great players in the Peach State this year. If Georgia is going to win a national championship in the near future, this is the year to strike. Win big on the gridiron and follow up with an elite crop of signees. This is the year for Georgia to capitalize!

5. Establish and Offensive Identity – Lead with the run, throw off play-action. This has been Georgia’s formula for success in the Mark Richt era, which features a staggering 39-3 record when a tailback runs for over 100 yards. In the 2005 SEC Championship Game, the Dogs threw 12 passes – two for touchdowns. In the epic 2007 triumphs over Florida and Auburn, Georgia threw 18 and 19 passes, with five of the 37 tosses going for scores. In last year’s pounding of Tech, the Dogs threw 14 passes. Washaun Ealey has the makings of an outstanding tailback, and Caleb King is a dangerous counter-puncher. There’s a brand new quarterback in Aaron Murray and a group of dangerous pass catchers, led by All-American A.J. Green. With a powerful running game, as was the case with the aforementioned historic victories from ’05 and ’07, big plays downfield await with a powerful running game. Green, Orson Charles and Rantavious Wooten can do more with fewer catches.

Darryl Gamble

6. Get to the SEC Championship Game – Florida had seven players drafted before Georgia had one, and Tennessee had three. They both blasted the Bulldogs last year and they both lost a lot more than Georgia did. There will be other difficult tests for the Dogs obviously, but if Georgia can beat both Florida and Tennessee in the same season for the first time since 1988, the odds for a spot in the Dome are pretty good.

7. Win (at least) 10 in regular season – Heading to the SEC Championship Game at 10-2 or better would be a strong accomplishment. From 200205, the Bulldogs finished in the top 10 every year, and in 2007, the Bulldogs finished No. 2 nationally. But Georgia has posted disappointing campaigns in three of the last four years. A strong close to 2009, a strong group of returnees and highly manageable schedule, gives Georgia powerful reason for optimism in 2010.

8. Beat Tennessee – The Volunteers lost a pair of first rounders, including all-time SEC great and Bulldog killer Eric Berry, their offensive line, quarterback and top two tailbacks. It could be a long first year for Derek Dooley.

After Georgia won five of six meetings between 2000 and 2005 (with a painful loss in 2004), Tennessee has won three of the last four – with all of the Vol victories coming by at least 18 embarrassing points. This is another game, which will be played between the hedges, where Georgia must capitalize.

9. Beat Tech – Any season is destroyed with a loss to the Yellow Jackets. Georgia suffered one of the most devastating losses in school history to Tech in 2008, one that cost the Bulldogs a historic eighth straight victory in the series, which would have equaled the infamous drought of 1949-56. It also cost Georgia a 10-2 regular season. Tech was heavily favored a year ago, but the Bulldogs blasted the Yellow Jackets on the flats behind a powerhouse running attack.

The new 3-4 base scheme is worrisome against that Tech triple option. But Tech, like Tennessee, had three players drafted before Georgia had one. The Bulldogs should be better.

10. Beat Florida - The Georgia people are sick and tired of that death march back from the Golden Isles the Sunday after the Bulldogs blew it in the red zone, compounded that with missed field goals, then gave up a defensive touchdown to lose again to Florida. That’s been a pretty familiar script on the banks of the St. John’s. Florida is 17-3 against Georgia since 1990. If the Bulldogs win this one, it would be 2-2 over the last four and 1-0 in the 2010s. For the season, the program and, most importantly, the psyche of the entire Bulldog nation, the Dogs don’t just need it, the Dogs have gotta have it in Jacksonville.

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9

Position by Position Will the experience rise to the top and bond the team, while youngsters cut their teeth?

By Jeff Dantzler

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It will certainly be daunting for redshirt freshman Aaron Murray to take over behind center. But the rookie signal caller shouldn’t be asked to do too much – especially early on as he grows into the job – as the Bulldogs have talent and depth around him. Murray was one of the nation’s most sought-after prospects coming out of Plant High School in Tampa. In mid-October of his senior year, Murray suffered a broken leg and it was worried that he might not even be able to perform as an early January enrollee at Georgia’s spring practice. But Murray defied the odds, returned and had a standout performance in the state semifinal, pushing Plant to the Florida AAAAA Championship Game.

In the title tilt, Murray had a John Elway-esque showing, as he and then/current teammate Orson Charles led Plant to the state championship.

With the departure of Zach Mettenberger, the Bulldogs only other quarterback is junior Logan Gray, who has played extensively on special teams but taken limited snaps behind center.

True freshman Hutson Mason is already in the midst of a sped up crash course just in case disaster strikes at the position.

Running Back Washaun Ealey, on his first career carry, showed that he was the Bulldogs best tailback in 2009. As the season went on, Ealey emerged as a standout with all-star potential, running strong and tough against Auburn and then exploding with an unforgettable 183 yard performance in Georgia’s 30-24 victory at Tech. That win raised Georgia’s record under Mark Richt’s watch to 39-3 when a tailback runs for over 100 yards.

In the pounding of the Yellow Jackets, Caleb King ran for 166 yards, highlighted by a 75 yard scoring dash. Outside of Alabama’s dynamic duo of Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson, Georgia’s tailback pair could be the best in the Southeastern Conference.

Shaun Chapas and Fred Munzenmeier will be the fullbacks, and incoming freshman Ken Malcome could compete for snaps at both positions. Georgia also has Carlton Thomas, a shifty, smaller back who was used as a weapon out of the backfield early in 2009, and Dontavious Jackson, both of whom are sophomores.

Wide Receiver A.J. Green is one of the most talented players in the country, and arguably the best wide receiver in Georgia history. He is a bonafide difference maker, the type of player who can turn an eight-win season into special one.

In Georgia’s first four games last season, the Bulldogs were 3-1 and had a minus-11 turnover ratio. Were it not for Green, Georgia would have been winless at that point. And it wasn’t just his slew of amazing catches. The All-American blocked a go-ahead Arizona State field goal, then had a 50-yard grab on the ensuing possession to set up Blair Walsh’s game-winning boot with no time left.

If Georgia leans on the running game to help ease Murray in, Green will become even more dangerous. Think Arizona State ’08 when the Sun Devils focused on Knowshon Moreno, and Green ran wild with a breakout pass-catching performance. He could do more even with fewer touches.

Tavarres King has made big plays, Kris Durham – a big target - is back from injury and Marlon Brown was highly sought after.

But the top outside compliment to Green is the ultra-speedy Rantavious Wooten, who showed touchdown making ability as a freshman a year ago. He’s a burner who could flourish in single coverage spots.

Tight End Some players just look different when they play, immediately displaying that highly sought after “it” factor. Green has it. So does Orson Charles. By the third game of his freshman year, Charles showed that he was one of the SEC’s most dangerous targets over the middle of the field. He too could thrive and be

10

doubly dangerous with a strong running attack. Plus, his long relationship with Murray, could give the Georgia passing game more mojo. Aron White is back as the Bulldogs other top pass-catching tight end, and has had some big grabs in his career. Bruce Figgins, who sat out last season, is a bruising blocker.

He and Arthur Lynch finish out the position and give the Bulldogs outstanding depth.

Offensive Line Georgia is not as deep here as many think. But the first string should be very good.

Starting with the Florida game on Halloween, the Bulldogs started the same five players on the offensive line, and in triumphs over Auburn, Tech and Texas A&M, the unit was a road grater. Four of those starters are back, as is 2007 freshman All-American Trinton Sturdivant, who has missed the last two seasons with severe knee injuries.

The left side of tackle Clint Boling and guard Cordy Glenn was all-star caliber a year ago and figures to be one of the SEC’s best combo’s in 2010.

Ben Jones is back to anchor the middle at center. He’ll have a third quarterback in as many years playing behind him, and Jones must be strong and stout in pass protection.

On the right side, Josh Davis is back at tackle and Chris Davis is the starter at guard. This is where Sturdivant could have a huge impact.

If he’s healthy and ready to go at either tackle spot opposite Boling, Josh Davis would likely slide to the right guard spot, giving Georgia major mass on both sides of the line.

For depth in 2010 and looking ahead to the next couple of seasons, a number of younger and inexperienced players need to make a jump behind these top six. Kolton Houston enrolled early and could contend for snaps if tackle – especially if injuries strike – as a true freshman. Fellow true freshman Brent Benedict is a starter of the future, but is recovering from a major knee injury suffered as a senior this past Fall at the Bolles School in Jacksonville. Kenarious Gates was Georgia’s third signee on the offensive front and will likely redshirt.

Chris Burnette, AJ Harmon, Dallas Lee, Austin Long, Tanner Strickland, Ben Harden and Jonathan Owens form the group of second to fourth year players seeking to make a jump under the watch of standout coach Stacy Searels. Georgia badly needs for potential starters and standouts to emerge from this group and the true freshmen.

Defensive Line This is a position where Georgia lost a trio of draftees from the interior (Jeff Owens, Geno Atkins and Kade Weston) and moved ends Justin Houston and Cornelius Washington to outside linebacker, a position where the Bulldogs have had a lack of performance and quality depth.

First year coordinator Todd Grantham has installed a “3-4” as the Bulldogs base defensive scheme. He has instilled a great deal of enthusiasm, starting with a quote pointing to the importance of Georgia dominating the state in recruiting. Though it’s convenient for fans of any school to point to a coordinator as the sole problem on a side of the ball, the bottom line for Georgia is that the Bulldogs simply haven’t had the defensive talent that was present in the first half of the 2000s. The root of the problem has been the ineffectiveness of Georgia in recruiting in-state talent that went on to shine. The problem has been compounded by the fact that many of these Peach State misses have starred at rival schools, such as Eric Berry of Tennessee, Morgan Burnett of Tech and South Carolina’s Eric Norwood.

For Georgia to excel defensively, a slew of sophomores and juniors, mainly from inside Georgia’s borders, who were highly touted and recruited must produce. Potential time is in the rear view mirror.

That starts up front with junior DeAngelo Tyson of Statesboro, slated to start on the nose, and sophomore end Abry Jones, from Warner Robins. Senior Demarcus Dobbs will start at the other end. Veterans Kiante Tripp and Brandon Wood are reserve ends and redshirt freshman Derrick Lott could factor inside and out.

Aaron Murray If massive redshirt freshman Kwame Geathers continues to make a move on the nose, this greatly increases Georgia’s options. Justin “Bean” Anderson also is on the nose, moving over from the offensive line, where he could return if the Bulldogs are hit by injury.

Georgia brings in four true freshmen who could have an impact this season on the defensive front, including Garrison Smith, one of the state’s top prospects, who could push for major playing time at end. Mike Thornton, with an impressive Fall camp, could push for time. Dexter Morant and T.J. Stripling are both talented and touted, and will likely be looked at in preseason camp at end and outside linebacker.

Linebacker This is a position where Georgia simply hasn’t gotten near enough return on its recruiting investments. There just hasn’t been the talent or depth.

That could instantly change if converted ends Justin Houston and Cornelius Washington take to outside linebacker. Houston of Statesboro, is a junior and the SEC’s leading returnee in quarterback sacks. He was Georgia’s best defensive lineman a year ago. Whether it’s with his hand on the ground as an end or at outside linebacker, Houston is one of the conference’s best players and must have a great year for Georgia’s defense to shine. Washington, a Waycross sophomore, is an outstanding athlete, with big time upside.

Darryl Gamble, who had one of the great defensive performances in school history in Georgia’s 2008 Baton Rouge victory, is backing up on the outside and could also play on the inside. A sleeper to keep an eye on is redshirt freshman preferred walk-on Reuben Faloughi, who had an outstanding spring after shining on the scout team last season.

On the inside, senior Akeem Dent and sophomore Christian Robinson are the starters.

Junior Marcus Dowtin has potential and Gamble could play on the inside. Mike Gilliard, Akeem Hebron and Chase Vasser are amongst a group of back-ups who could get snaps inside or out with impressive preseason practices.

Highly touted junior Richard Samuel has moved over from running back and its quite likely that he’ll redshirt to have a full year to learn the position.

Georgia will also welcome in sophomoreto-be Jarvis Jones, a Southern Cal transfer from Columbus, in 2011.

Demetre Baker is the lone true linebacker that Georgia signed this past February, but help at the position could come from freshman who played defensive end or safety in high school.

Warren Belin takes over as linebacker coach. He was an assistant for Georgia legend Mike Cavan at SMU, then went on to mentor several all star and future NFL linebackers at Vanderbilt, including Matt Stewart, Jamie Duncan, Patrick Benoist and Hunter Hillenmeyer.

Replacing Rennie Curran will be difficult.

He was incredibly active and intelligent. He was also a rare all-star at the position. In the first half of the 2000s, Georgia started Will Witherspoon, Tony Gilbert, Boss Bailey, Odell Thurman, Arnold Harrison, Tony Taylor and Chris Clemons at linebacker.

Florida had Brandon Spikes and Alabama had Rolando McClain.

Houston and Washington could potentially be the types of frontline “edge” players reminiscent of the national championship defenses from Florida, LSU and Alabama over the past four seasons.

Secondary Before he was lost for the season on a win-saving, bone-jarring battering ram hit in Georgia’s victory over Auburn, Bacarri Rambo had emerged as the Bulldogs best defensive player. He’s physical and has a nose for the football. Rambo, a redshirt sophomore, is reminiscent of former Bulldog All-American safeties Sean Jones and Thomas Davis, who could do it all. Both behind him and at the other safety spot are redshirt freshman Shawn Williams, junior Nick Williams, senior Quintin Banks and junior college all star Jakar Hamilton.

True freshman Alec Ogletree has been compared to the two time All-American Davis. He and Smith were Georgia’s two most coveted recruits, and like his fellow freshman on the defensive line, Ogletree could contend for major snaps and perhaps a starting spot.

Scott Lakatos takes over as secondary coach after a successful stint at Connecticut.

Some seniors who struggled are gone. Rambo is the new star of the secondary, and for Georgia to make a big jump, junior Brandon Boykin and sophomore Branden Smith will have to realize their vast potential. Both excelled with the ball in their hands a year ago.

Boykin returned three kickoffs 100 yards for touchdowns. Smith had an electrifying 61yard touchdown run against South Carolina.

Boykin returns as a starter, but make no mistake, Smith, a five-star recruit, is expected to win a job. Senior Vance Cuff is the other starter with sophomore Sanders Commings and redshirt freshman Jordan Love the backups.

On paper, a group of Rambo, Smith, Boykin and Ogletree or Hamilton has a championship look. Smith, who is very fast , could be a Tim Jennings – like weapon either as a starter or as a nickel back.

Special Teams This is an area where Georgia could potentially be America’s best. It starts with an out-of-sight kicker combination. Junior Drew Butler, son of the greatest college football kicker ever, hall of fame Bulldog icon Kevin Butler, was a unanimous first team All-American, enjoying one of the greatest seasons of any punter in history. Junior place-kicker Blair Walsh hit on 20 of 22 field goals, including four of five from beyond 50 yards, and regularly boomed kick offs. This is a rare combination of talent and skill, and it would be devastating for Georgia not to capitalize and enjoy championship success with Butler and Walsh.

Boykin is set as the primary kickoff returner, though teams obviously figure to kick away from him at times. Wooten, Smith and Caleb King are other possibilities opposite Boykin as deep returners. On punts, Green may get a look or two. Gray has been the designated fair catcher. This will be a wide open job in preseason practice and it would be a huge bonus for another threat to emerge.

Georgia hasn’t been blocking kicks and punts at the remarkable rate of 2002-04, when All-Americans Bailey, Jones, Davis and Pollack all had memorable special teams plays.

Georgia’s kickoff coverage has been an issue, and it’s likely that the Bulldogs will try limited “pooch” placement kicks, relying on Walsh’s power instead.

But any way it’s sliced, with Butler, Walsh and Boykin, Georgia has three proven weapons on which to build a potentially dominating kicking game.

Photograph by Ryan Scates

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The back nine at Seaside will challenge the pros patience, fortitude and cursing Schedules and Events Monday, October 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pro-Am (Closed to the public) Tuesday, October 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Practice Round (Closed to the public) Wednesday, October 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Official Pro-Am Thursday, October 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; First Round Friday, October 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Second Round Saturday, October 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Third Round Sunday, October 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Final Round Hostitality/Pro-Am Packages Legendary for its renowned levels of quality and service, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better place to cultivate business relationships than Sea Island. Now, The McGladrey Classic provides the perfect venue. Choose from an array of offerings designed to fit almost any budget.

Hospitality Chalet Package â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hole #17 (Green) or #18 (Tee) Skybox Package â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hole #18 (Green) Skybox Package â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hole #17 (Green) Corporate Table Package â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hole #9 (Green) Champions Club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hole #9 Official Pro-Am Monday Pro-Am Tickets Wednesday $20 Pro-Am Thursday & Friday $25 (Daily) Saturday & Sunday $30 (Daily) Weekly Badge $90 (Wed-Sun) Children 17 & Under Free with paid adult Active & Retired Military Free with military ID Volunteers Volunteers will be invaluable to the success of The McGladrey Classic. Needed are people who are dedicated, dependable, helpful, friendly, flexible and service-oriented.

Email: volunteers@dlovefoundation.com for more info.

For general questions regarding The McGladrey Classic, go to www.mcgladreyclassic.com or email: nhildebrand@dlovefoundation.com

G

olf is a four-letter word,â&#x20AC;? Greg Norman always says.

Hang around any golfer anywhere and you will hear golfers saying words they would never use in front of their mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;unless they miss a short putt on eighteen that would have won the money.

Most of the golfers who come to play in the McGladrey Classic on St. Simons Island in late October will be finishing successful seasons, money in the bank and their Tour cards for 2011.

A worried few will face the harrowing task of earning significant money in the last sanctioned event of the year over the famous (and difficult) Seaside Course at the Sea Island Club.

Those guys will be somewhere around 125th on the money list for 2010. If they get into that list, they will have a place to make their livings next year. Those who fail will slink off to the lesser tours for smaller purses, remembering the shots that kept them from making the list.

Then the pressures will be enormous.

Listen to how David Sutherland described it to golf writer John Feinstein regarding the Qualifying School.

Asked why they would be in the hot sun practicing instead of in an air-condition hotel room, Sutherland said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because we would all sit there and stare at the TV, and if you walked in an hour later, most of us wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the score or who is playing...Everyone is at a crossroads in our lives tomorrow. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all going off in one direction or another, and only a handful can be pretty sure right now what that direction is. If you think about it, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pretty scary thought.â&#x20AC;?

For those on the bubble, the gut-wrenching battle will begin somewhere on the last nine at Seaside. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say they have arrived at the thirteenth hole. It crosses a stream, features three bunkers in the right drive zone, a watery hazard all the way down the left side and a green perched well above a yawning bunker.

Hook it and there is a four-letter word. Push it into the fairway bunkersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;four letters said loudly. Come up short in the greenside bunkerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;four letters mumbled because spectators are nearby.

If our hero pars fourteen (no cinch), he knows he absolutely must birdie the par-five to get closer to fat city.

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Lo, he sinks a 30-foot putt and mutters something that sounds like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Praise the Lord.â&#x20AC;?

Sixteen is one of the better holes in golf. Our guy has to carry the stream which turns and meanders along the left side of the fairway, avoiding the fairway bunker on the right. Assuming he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cuss on the drive, he needs to hit a mid-iron to a green high behind an unthinkably big bunker. He dumps the second shot in the sand and has a 25-yard blast to a green that slopes gently away from him.

He gets to ten feet, curls the par putt in and breathes deeply. Two holes to go. The par-three seventeenth is no piece of cake, and he leaves the tee shot on the right, which is the high side of the left sloping green. But he manages a worrisome par.

One finishing hole to go and he thinks he probably can save next season if he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t choke his guts out. His drive bounds down the fairway to a flat lie and he breathes a little easier. He pulls an eight-iron from his bag, takes dead aimâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and the ball flies all the way over the green into a swale. A miserable groan instead of a cussword.

But then he hits a really scary flop shot to within five feet, drops the putt and falls to his knees with relief. Golf suddenly is a four-letter word again.

I promise you will see some of that at the McGladrey.

You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see some of the biggest stars in the game.

They either stow the clubs in the basement or head for the remarkably rewarding skins games made for television a few weeks earlier.

Instead, our resident pros Davis Love III, Zack Johnson and Jonathan Byrd will bring their friends by the droves to the tournament. Stars in their own right, they will remember that our guys have supported them in their own charity events. Good sports donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget good friends.

Moreover, a lot of the best golfers in the world really respect Tom Fazioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remake of the old Seaside and Marsh nines into a very special course with a character all its own. And they love the hospitality at The Lodge.

But as Feinstein wrote in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tales from Q School,â&#x20AC;? before the final round â&#x20AC;&#x153;most of the players would sleep like a baby that night: a baby with colic.â&#x20AC;?

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19

Golden Getaways

Fireworks Extravaganzas: Jekyll Island, Sea Island, St. Simons Pier Village & Mary Ross Park Downtown Brunswick, July 4 Jekyll Island Beach Music Festival August 20-21 Jekyll Island High School Cross Country Invitational, Sept. 11 Shrimp & Grits Festival Sept. 17-19 McGladrey Classic PGA Tour Sea Island Golf Club, Oct . 6-10 Georgia’s Colonial Georgia Coast Birding & Nature Festival, Oct. 7-10 Tri-Red Triathlon, October 10 Georgia Florida Golf Classic Jekyll Island, Oct. 27-30 Georgia Florida Week Golden Isles, Oct. 24-30

for discriminating dawgs with sand in their paws

Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee November 6 Holiday Island on Jekyll Island November 27–January 1 Jazz in the Park/ A Li le Light Music St. Simons Lighthouse 7-9 p.m.

Sun.: July 11, July 25, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 5, Sept. 19 Rhythm on the River Downtown Brunswick 6 p.m. Sat.: Sept. 18, Oct. 16 & Nov. 13

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Georgia-Florida Once game contract is signed, Richt will need to win six of seven in Jacksonville to even up Gators at 8-8

By Murray Poole ove the series to a home-and-home in Athens and Gainesville.

Stage the game on alternate years in Jacksonville and in the Georgia Dome.

With the Georgia Bulldogs having defeated the Florida Gators only three times in the last 20 years, including Mark Richt’s current 2-7 record against Florida, frustration has indeed set in among the Bulldog Nation and, consequently, there’s been all sort of suggestion for the UGA administration to do something, anything, to help reverse the Bulldogs’ recent fortunes against maybe their leading rival in the Southeastern Conference.

You’ve heard all the reasons – at least from some Georgia fans – why the Gators own the advantage of playing the Bulldogs in Jacksonville with likely the primary one being Florida simply has to bus an hour from Gainesville for the game while the Georgia team has to take a bus to Atlanta, board an airplane and fly 300-plus miles to the northeast Florida city.

But move this unique game out of Jacksonville, Fla. because Georgia can’t find a way as of late to defeat the Florida Gators, well, that all but borders on heresy when it comes to the great college football traditions. Ask the universities of Oklahoma and Texas about moving their annual confrontation out of Dallas. And ask Vince Dooley about playing Florida in Jacksonville. After all, he was 17-7-1 against the Gators at that venue, and how about Wallace Butts’ powerful Georgia teams going to Jacksonville and dismantling the Gator teams?

As everyone here at Bulldawg Illustrated has opined over the years, Georgia losing to Florida in Jacksonville where some 42,000 Bulldog fans and 42,000 Florida fans look on every year has absolutely nothing to do with the location but, rather, with blocking, tackling and pure football execution … which the Gators have done better than the Bulldogs for the majority of the past two decades.

And now, Georgia and Florida athletic officials have shown such soundness of mind to draw up a new six-year contract that will keep the game at Jacksonville’s Municipal Stadium through 2016.

With the contract deal nearly finalized, the City of Jacksonville has agreed on some “perks” for Georgia that should address some of the Bulldogs’ primary concerns concerning the neutral-site meeting.

The city will pay Georgia up to $300,000 in 2010, $330,000 in 2011 and $363,000 in 2012 and 10 percent more each year of the contract to charter three 50-seat passenger jets to transport the football team, coaches, administration personnel and other official traveling party members from Athens to Georgia’s chosen destination, St. Augustine, and back. That’s on top of the $50,000 that each school will get to offset travel expenses, which include hotel costs and meals.

Also, control of the marketing assets to the game would go to the two schools instead of being split three ways with Jacksonville

M

22

and the schools would have the opportunity to maximize marketing opportunities that surround the game including a possible title sponsor.

But all that said, will the Bulldog Nation feel good enough about the new Georgia-Florida contract to cease making excuses when the Bulldogs lose to Florida again? Indeed, if things don’t get progressively better for Georgia in the win-loss column vs. the Gators over the next seven seasons, will there be even more of a hue and cry to take this game out of Jacksonville?

Already, there are some pretty strong rumors flying around the hedges and beyond that if the Bulldogs don’t turn their recent miserable fortunes against the Gators around, then indeed a home-andhome scenario would be put in place following the six-year contract’s expiration.

And Georgia fans, what a pity that would be because if that situation develops, it would be saying this: the Bulldogs just aren’t competitive with Florida anymore so let’s do something to make things easier for Georgia to win. Folks, we’re talking the GEORGIA BULLDOGS here, one of the nation’s top football powers and a team that shouldn’t concede anything to anyone. Do that, and the sound you will hear is Wally Butts and Frank Sinkwich rolling over in their respective graves!

Georgia director of athletics Damon Evans, asked about the speculation of what would happen if the Bulldogs don’t right things against the Gators over the next seven seasons, said he’s not concerned with such speculation at the present time.

“Right now, what I’m just going to do is focus on what we’re currently doing,” Evans said. “I don’t want to look too far ahead. I want to take it step by step and as I’ve always said, we’ve got to make decisions here, some that the people like and some that the people don’t like, but I always try to do what we feel is appropriate and I’ll continue and we’ll continue to operate under that standard of doing what we feel is appropriate at that particular time.”

Evans said he’s excited about the new six-year contract falling into place and the benefits it has for the University of Georgia athletic program.

“Obviously, along with Florida, it’s been a long-standing tradition for us to host that game down there,” he said. “It’s a big rivalry, one of the most recognized games in the country, and we’re excited about the opportunity we have there, though things haven’t been going our way lately. But,” said Evans, “we still hold the series record and we’ll go down there, and we’ll perform and keep a great tradition alive.

“Concerning the new contract, we just wanted to make sure it was one that was as fair as possible,” Evans continued. “There was some concern about Florida having to drive only a short distance

so the fact that we can now fly there and they’ll pay for it is big for us. And if I recall correctly, we’ll be flying out of Athens now. We just wanted to do some things to make sure it made it as easy on our program as possible, as far as transportation and getting there and that the city of Jacksonville recognized the difference where we’re coming from and where the University of Florida’s coming from. So we wanted to tighten up the contract in several different aspects and make sure as we go forward, we feel really good about everything,” he said.

Evans said it’s extremely important for Georgia to start winning consistently again in Jacksonville and he has the utmost confidence that Richt and the Bulldogs will indeed be putting the historic series back on an even keel.

“Florida’s obviously built a great program and had tremendous success and had national championships, and we want to attain that same level ourselves,” Evans said. “It’s one of those things.

Things are cyclical at times. I think our team has been just as good as theirs. Things just haven’t gone our way but our coaches know and our student-athletes know the importance of the game and I know they’ll go out and give it their best.”

Ironically, the two seasons that the Bulldogs captured the SEC championship under Richt – 2002 and 2005 – Georgia didn’t defeat the Florida Gators either season. So it’s not necessarily true that to win a Southeastern Conference title, you have to go through Florida. On the other hand, looking at the big picture of a possible national championship, it’s difficult to envision the Bulldogs hoisting the BCS trophy without having a victory over the Gators under their belts.

As expected, Richt is not going to get caught up in whether this game should be played in Jacksonville, Atlanta, Athens, or Anchorage, Alaska for that matter.

“My greatest concern is to win that game, and I’m not worried about anything else,” Richt said. “Our motto is to win the Eastern Division. They (Florida) have been winning it lately, so we just need to do what it takes to win the East.”

Bulldawg Illustrated also sought comments from UGA president Michael Adams on the future of the Georgia-Florida series but his office said Adams would simply defer to Damon Evans on the subject.

The Bulldogs and Gators have played in Jacksonville every year since 1933 with the exception of 1994 and 1995 when a stadium renovation forced it to be moved to the campuses.

Photograph by Chris Collins

Bulldawg Illustrated

Redfern Village â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Site of the 2 best restaurants on St. Simons:

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Regardless of who is talking, wherever you go these days the conversation usually gets around to money. Athletes are making more money than ever, and so are football coaches.

There will likely be some changes in professional football, however. The forecast is that the next agreement between management and labor will likely put an end to the big money for rookies in the National Football League. There wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be any more $10 million mistakes like the one made with Ryan Leaf, the Washington State quarterback who bombed with the San Diego Chargers. The next Matthew Stafford will probably get far less than the $72 million the Detroit Lions committed to the former Bulldog quarterback.

What this likely means is that players like A. J. Green are going to suffer the most.

He would have to be a first-round pick, and the recent trend would have him inking a multi million dollar contract. Who knows what will happen if a cap on rookie salaries becomes a reality?

One of the reasons the bonus pool for rookies will likely experience a damper effect is that the veterans have sympathy with the owners on this issue. They have proven themselves and would like to make more and see the rookies make less. If a salary cap comes about for rookies, A. J. Green will likely get less to sign, but he will still be well paid. He will have greater earning power than any of his classmates unless one of them has a billionaire father who gives them a company to begin their business career.

The more you put into the pie, the more everybody wants a cutâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;players, coaches, managers, groundskeepers, umpires, game officials, and talent scouts. Who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to make more than they made last year?

Lately, however, people have come to realize that having a job is worth a lot. Forget the raisesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;just a job will do.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recession remains in the headlines, but sports seem to be immune. How long that will last is anybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guess. Sometimes, one entity will profit from someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bad judgment. For example, the Southeastern Conference got a big break when the Big Ten decided to run its own network.

ESPN didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really want to discontinue coverage of Big Ten games. The conference forced the networkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand.

With the $17 million or so each SEC member gets from television, the league will not only gain greater exposure, which is good for the overall programs at each school, but league members will also have more resources to develop facilities, which enhances recruiting and provides greater support for the nonrevenue producing sportsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which is good for campus morale.

Georgia is one of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;havesâ&#x20AC;? of college athletics today, and I often think about its evolution from â&#x20AC;&#x153;have notâ&#x20AC;? status. It began that regrettable day when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. That was when Joel Eaves was hired as athletic director.

Times were hard for Georgia, but Eaves made sure that fundamentals were underscoredâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;by coaches on the field and by any manager of any budget. If you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the money, then you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spend. Balancing the budget had been a considerable challenge before he arrived, but this honest, forthright man, who believed in playing by the rules, set Georgia on a course for solvency and retained earnings.

His first decision was his bestâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;hiring Vince Dooley. The young Bulldog coach put winning teams on the field immediately. The Georgia people responded with an uptick in contributions that enabled the expansion of facilities and laid the foundation that athletics benefits from today.

Winning, particularly in football, and sound leadership will always enhance the bottom line for Georgia athletics.

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23

Richt’s 2010 leaders Shaun Chapas, Ben Jones, Akeem Dent and Darryl Gamble charged with awesome responsibility

Shaun Chapas

Akeem Dent

By Murray Poole ark Richt believes he’s got some excellent leaders on his upcoming 2010 football team. And, most certainly, a top-notch brand of leadership is going to be needed as the Bulldogs attempt to snap back from last season’s 8-5 disappointment and become a real player in the Southeastern Conference race once again.

Leadership that can not only inspire its fellow upperclassmen to represent the University of Georgia in a first-class manner both on and off the playing field but, also, demand that the Bulldogs’ younger players buy into a team concept that could equate into championship success this autumn.

Requested each year by Bulldawg Illustrated to name four team leaders – two offensively and two defensively – for the Bulldogs, Richt had perhaps an even more difficult time than usual in selecting just four guys from the ’10 edition.

“Certainly,” he said, “guys like (Sr. tackle Clint) Boling – whom Richt designated as one of his four leaders last season – and (Sr. tackle) Josh Davis up front and (senior wideout Kris) Durham all have been around for a while and can fill this role for us. And then (Jr. outside LB) Justin Houston does a good job of giving us leadership on defense.”

And, without question, the Georgia coach could have added such names as junior All-America wide receiver candidate A.J. Green, senior defensive end Demarcus Dobbs, junior cornerback Brandon Boykin, senior guard Chris Davis, junior guard Cordy Glenn, junior nose DeAngelo Tyson, junior tight end Aron White, junior tailback Caleb King, junior tackle Trinton Sturdivant, senior fullback Fred Munzenmaier, senior cornerback Vance Cuff, junior safeties Nick Williams and Jakar Hamilton and junior kickers Drew Butler and Blair Walsh to the Bulldogs’ list of potential strong leaders for the fast-approaching season. All have been in the program three years or more and boast the necessary experience-knowledge factor to guide their teammates in a positive direction.

That’s why, considering Georgia has so many qualified veteran leaders this go-round, it’s quite an honor for the likes of senior fullback Shaun Chapas, junior center Ben Jones and senior linebackers Akeem Dent and Darryl Gamble to be selected by Richt as THE four leaders for the 2010 Bulldogs who, of course, kick off the new season Sept. 4 against Louisiana-Lafayette at home before plunging into SEC warfare the following Saturday at South Carolina.

“Shaun Chapas is about as veteran a guy as we have on the team,” said Richt. “He’s been a very quality player for us, offensively and special teams, and the guys definitely respect him.”

“We have quite a few mature linemen leading us right

M

now, and since Ben (Jones) is in the center of the line, he directs the most traffic,” said Richt. “And Ben has taken on a pretty strong role this summer in getting the boys organized.”

“Akeem Dent is the hub of our defense,” Richt continued. “He’s our middle linebacker and must be able to communicate with those in front of him and beside him and also those behind him. Akeem has just got to communicate well with the entire defense and I think he does that.”

“And Darryl Gamble (who has made the move to outside linebacker in Todd Grantham’s new 3-4 alignment) is another veteran player who is ready to take on that leadership role for us,” declared Richt.

As you would expect, Chapas, Jones, Dent and Gamble do consider it a distinct honor to be set aside by their head coach to lead this football team and say that Richt’s selection will serve to motivate them even more to set the right example for the Bulldogs … both on and off the playing field.

“It feels great,” said Chapas, the senior from St. Augustine, Fla. who is a three-year starter at fullback. “It’s something you work hard for from the day you get here, and it’s nice to finally be in a position where you can have influence on other people. I think, so far, everyone is doing a great job,” he said. “Everybody is working very hard in this off-season and it’s something we have to continue to do. If we can keep working like we’ve been doing, keep sticking together and keep building a team, we can expect good things to happen for us.”

“I know I come out and work every day,” said Jones, the junior from Centerville, Ala. who took over the Bulldogs’ starting center job as a mere freshman in 2008 and went on to earn All-SEC second-team honors last year. “It’s just a big honor for Coach Richt to say that about me. I think the key to having success as a team is having a leader and having people follow you,” Jones added. “Our whole O-line returning makes us the rock of the team and we know everybody is following us.

“When you have good leaders, that’s what makes your team,” he reiterated. “When somebody is having that bad game, you can step up and help them. Since we got back in January, everybody has had the mindset and the goal of just coming out and working harder and trying to get better.”

Likewise, the Bulldogs’ two defensive leaders chosen by Richt feel proud and humbled by their selection.

“It really feels good, Coach Richt calling me out as one of the guys who is a leader on this team,” said Dent, the senior inside linebacker from Atlanta who has also started three consecutive years and who posted a career-high 11 tackles in the Bulldogs’ 30-24 upset of 7th-ranked Georgia Tech last

fall. “I think myself and the rest of the seniors are stepping up into that role, and even some of our younger guys are capable of fulfilling that role. But it’s really an honor for Coach Richt to single me out like that. I feel like that we’ve got to have leadership from everybody on the team … from the seniors, to the juniors, even to the freshmen coming in who feel like they can step up, play and be a leader,” said Dent.

“Really, we need a leader at every position on this team.

Everyone just has to grab hold of himself and the rest of the team and do things the right way.

“We have a clean slate now and want to get back in the SEC title race,” added Dent. “Everybody just needs to pull their own weight and go from there. I know Coach (Todd) Grantham (new def. coordinator) is a real intense guy who brings a lot of passion and energy to the game. And Coach (Warren) Belin, our linebackers coach, is real knowledgeable about the game and a real good coach. I know in the time he’s been here, he’s really gained my trust as well as the other guys’ trust. Our players believe in their system and what they’re trying to teach us.”

Gamble, the senior from Bainbridge who appeared in all 13 games as a redshirt freshman in 2007 before nailing down a starting spot in both the 2008 and ’09 seasons, made the move to outside linebacker during this year’s spring practice to give the Bulldogs needed depth at the position.

“It feels good that Coach knows I’m putting in the work and getting the guys ready to do the job they need to for us to win games,” said Gamble. “This is something we’ve been doing this whole summer, getting guys to do things the right way and to not give up on things. As far as the seniors go, it’s our last go-around and we’re just trying to get the young guys on the team to do it for us,” he said. “The train goes on and when these guys become seniors, they will want the young guys on the team to help them get a ring their last year.”

Gamble thinks the Bulldogs’ have a multitude of capable leaders this season.

“We’ve got a lot of guys who have been playing for Georgia a long time and with the leadership we have, it won’t take as much time to get things going in preseason camp,” he said. “It will be at a faster pace as we get into the meat and potatoes of all our packages.”

Sounds like Chapas, Jones, Dent and Gamble surely have the necessary qualifications to develop into the kind of team leaders Mark Richt thinks they can be for the Bulldogs this football season.

Photographs by Vance Leavy and Ryan Scates

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24

Bulldawg Illustrated

Recruiting News

2011: The year of the Dream Team?

By Carlton DeVooght

T

he summer football camp circuit and 7 on 7 tournaments are in full swing. With the addition of three new defensive coaches, the Bulldog coaching staff has shown a renewed energy in its recruiting program. For the last two years, people have talked about how deep the class of 2011 is in the State of Georgia. Right out of the chute, Bulldog coaches have let the top prospects in Georgia know that they intend to put together a Georgia â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dream Teamâ&#x20AC;? which will win national championships. The idea of playing on the dream team has really piqued the interest of the top players in the state of Georgia and several blue chip prospects from around the country.

The Bulldogs already have commitments from 13 high school prospects and one key transfer, and are listed as the favorite or co-favorite for many of the prospects at the top of our recruiting board. Keep in mind this class may not have as many â&#x20AC;&#x153;starsâ&#x20AC;? as classes in years past because of administrative choices by certain rating agencies. I will discuss some of those issues later in this article. Do not think for one second that the talent level in this class is not deserving of the Dream Team moniker. Lets meet the current group of future Bulldogs.

Offensive Line So far, the Bulldogs have commitments from three talented â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Ugliesâ&#x20AC;?, David Andrews, Hunter Long and Watts Dantzler. Andrews, from Wesleyan High School in Norcross is one of the top offensive center prospects in the country.

He committed to Coach Searels on February 22, and is currently recruiting other blue chippers for the Bulldogs. He is a solidly build center prospect (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;2â&#x20AC;?, 285 pounds). He has a serious nasty streak on the field. His level of tenacity and style of play remind many folks of current Bulldog center, Ben Jones, which is high praise for Andrews. Look for Andrews to be one of the unsung heroes in the future for the Bulldogs.

Watts Dantzler is rated as the top offensive lineman in the State of Georgia this year. He com-

mitted to the Bulldogs on Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. Dantzler made his decision on Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day in honor of his late father, former Bulldog Danny Dantzler. A massive young man (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;7â&#x20AC;?, 315 pounds), Dantzler has quick feet for his size. He will likely line up at right tackle for the Bulldogs. This product of Dalton High School in Dalton, Dantzler had offers from all over the country.

The Bulldogs wanted one more interior lineman, and on June 23, they got their man. Hunter Long, from Briarcrest Christian in Eads, Tennessee, younger brother of current Bulldog offensive tackle Austin Long, earned an offer with an excellent showing at the Mark Richt camp a couple of weeks ago. Long is a big interior lineman (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;3â&#x20AC;?, 293 pounds) who will likely line up at guard for the Bulldogs. Coach Searels likes Longâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s punishing style, and had him line up with the other two Bulldog offensive line commitments with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;first teamâ&#x20AC;? line at the Mark Richt camp.

The Long family has provided another solid addition to the Georgia offensive line.

With these three young men firmly committed to the Bulldogs, the race is now on for the next offensive tackle commitment. Some names to watch include Xzavier Ward from Colquitt County High School in Moultrie(6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;7â&#x20AC;?, 255 pounds), Zack Debell from Tarpon Springs, Florida (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;7â&#x20AC;?, 260 pounds), Brandon Shell from Goose Creek High in Charleston, South Carolina (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;7â&#x20AC;?, 290 pounds) and Josue Mattias from Union Hill High School in Union City, New Jersey (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;5â&#x20AC;?, 290 pounds). Shell is the highest rated of these prospects, and the Bulldogs are in the thick of the hunt with Clemson and Alabama for this blue chip prospect. Debell recently showed out at the Mark Richt camp in Athens and Ward has that big athletic frame that Coach Searels loves. I think the Bulldogs will likely sign two of these three prospects, which Debell and Ward being the two most likely.

Defensive Line/Defensive Tackle Right now, the Bulldogs have one commitment on the defensive line, but it is a good one.

Sterling Bailey from East Paul High School in Gainesville is ranked as one of the top five defensive ends in the country and as the sixth best overall prospect in the state of Georgia. This four star prospect is a member of the coveted Rivals 100.

He committed to the Bulldogs on May 14. Bailey had offers from programs from all over the country. He has the size (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;5â&#x20AC;?, 260 pounds) and speed (4.7/40) to be a terror coming off the edge.

The Bulldogs will obviously need to sign more defensive linemen and are in serious contention for several blue chip prospects. At defensive tackle, the Bulldogs are working hard on Carver High School phenom Gabriel Wright (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;3â&#x20AC;?, 273 pounds). Lonnie Gosha (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;2â&#x20AC;?, 270 pounds), from Union County High School in Lake Butler, Florida, and Chris Mays, (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;5â&#x20AC;?, 295 pounds) from Spaulding High School in Griffin.

Wright has a special relationship with Bulldog coach Ronnie Garner and knows he is a wanted man in Athens. He is clearly enjoying the recruiting process but many believe he will wind up signing with the Bulldogs when signing day comes in February 2011. Gosha gave a dominating performance at the Mark Richt camp and would be the perfect fit in Coach Granthamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3/4 defense. The Bulldogs are battling Florida State, Alabama, Florida and LSU for Goshaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment.

Mays has burst onto the recruiting scene recently with his performance at summer camps.

In the last two weeks he has earned double-digit offers and has narrowed his list down to the top four, UGA, Miami, Oklahoma State and Louisville. He has developed a good relationship with Coach Ronnie Garner and a friendship with current Bulldog commitment and cross-town rival Corey Moore. The Bulldogs would love to sign two of these big defensive lineman.

Defensive Ends There is even more talent at defensive end.

Ray Drew from Thomas County Central in Thomasville is ranked the number one overall player in the state of Georgia and the number two

Defensive End in the country. Tallahassee is closer to Thomasville than Athens, but many close to the situation believe the Bulldogs may currently hold a slight edge over the Seminoles. Drew is fast and appears to be one of the strongest players in the country. Drew is, in my opinion, every bit as good as Southpoint High School defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who is currently ranked as the #1 overall High School prospect in the country.

The Bulldogs are also in heavy pursuit of Xzavier Dickson from Griffin High School and Stephon Tuitt from Monroe Area High School in Monroe. Tuitt is believed to be a heavy Georgia Tech lean and says that he will make his decision before August. Currently ranked as the number four strong side defensive end in the country and the number five overall player in the state of Georgia, this four star prospect has spent a great deal of time on the Tech campus and is believed to be the jewel of their recruiting class.

The Bulldog coaches have worked very hard on Tuitt. While I believe the chances are he will wind up playing for Tech, the longer he waits to decide, the more interesting the situation will get. Dickson is ranked as the number eighth overall weak side defensive end in the country and the number eleven overall player in the state of Georgia.

Dickson has not named a favorite at this point, but the Bulldogs have told him he is a key component of the Dream Team. A name that is familiar to those who follow Bulldog recruiting is strong side defensive end Toby Jackson. Jackson, from Griffin, originally signed with the Bulldogs out of high school and went to Hargrave Military Prep School. He then went to Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, Texas, and then he thought his time as a Bulldog had passed. Jackson has been a dominating defensive end for Navarro and has been in contact with the Bulldog coaches. Coach Grantham and Coach Garner let Jackson know that he did in fact have an official offer from the Bulldogs in May. If Jackson selects the Bulldogs, he would have two more years of eligibility with the Red and Black.

Continued on page 26

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25

Recruiting news Linebackers Amarlo Herrera is an inside linebacker from North Clayton High School in College Park.

Herrera committed to the Bulldogs on February 15 and is ranked as one of the top 20 overall prospects in the State of Georgia. He uses his size (6’1”, 224 pounds) to bring the pain to opposing ball carriers. Many recruiting experts believe that Herrera is underrated as a three star prospect and that he has the tenacity that Coach Grantham loves to see in his defensive players.

Sometimes it truly is better for things to happen late than never. This summer, the Bulldogs received a second chance to recruit Jarvis Jones, who is originally from Carver High School in Columbus. Jones was one of the top players in the state of Georgia 2009 and one of the top 4 Defensive End prospects in the country. Jones originally committed to Pete Carroll and the USC Trojans, redshirted his first year and was having a solid season this past year when he injured his neck against Oregon. It turns out that he has a condition called spinal stenosis, according to reports from USC. New Trojan head coach Lane Kiffen did Jones a release, Jones immediately looked to transfer to programs closer to home.

After being evaluated and cleared to play by the Bulldog team of physicians, Jones committed to Coach Mark Richt. He attributes his decision to transfer to Georgia largely to new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and Linebacker Coach Belin. Jones has indicated he will red shirt next year in order to make sure that he is ready to go for the 2011 football season. With all do respect to current Bulldog Brandon Smith, I loved the video of Jones, and cannot accurately express how much I think Jones can help the Bulldogs’ defense. With several key recruits coming from Jones’ High School, it certainly cannot hurt the Bulldog’s chances with star prospects Gabe Wright and Isaiah Crowell.

The Bulldogs will likely sign one or two more Linebackers. Justin Garrett, from Tucker High School is a very good instate linebacker prospect who will likely make his decision soon.

There appears to be a battle between Georgia and Alabama, but Bama’s 2011 class may already be full at linebacker. Another prospect to keep a close eye on is Shannon Brown from Cook County High School in Adel. This four star prospect is ranked as one of the top 10 linebackers in the Country and is currently listed as

an Alabama commitment. Those close to Brown say that his recruitment is far from over. The talented Brown has connected to some of the other Bulldog prospects and commitments and he likes the idea of the Dream Team. This one could get very interesting over the next six months.

Defensive Backs Depending on with whom you speak, the Bulldogs have either three or four players committed at defensive back. Corey Moore from Griffin High School, Chris Sanders from Tucker High School and Nick Marshall from Wilcox County High School are three commitments who expect to line up in the secondary for the Bulldogs. There is also some belief that one of the three wide receivers currently committed to the Bulldogs could get some looks at cornerback.

Since that is not confirmed at this time, let’s take a look at the three athletes that will definitely be lining up in the secondary.

Nick Marshall is an electrifying player who currently lines up at cornerback for Wilcox County. People forget that it was his incredible play at Cornerback that helped carry his team to the state championship game. Many recruiting prognosticators believed that Marshall was headed to Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs are Marshall’s favorite team and he also wanted the opportunity to play basketball with Coach Mark Fox. When Coach Mark Richt spoke with Marshall and told him they were recruiting him as a eefensive back and that Coach Richt would allow Marshall to play basketball with Coach Fox, Marshall jumped at the chance and committed to the Bulldogs. Marshall could play cornerback or safety, his size (6’2”) and speed would help him be a lockdown Corners on even the taller wide receivers in the SEC. This four star prospect is so talented he could probably play any one of five different positions at the Division I level. Marshall is a huge pick up for the Bulldogs.

Corey Moore is one the top 10 overall players the State and one of the top eight safety’s in the country. This four-star athlete chose the Bulldogs over offers from all around the country, and committed to the Bulldogs on January 30.

Moore is the prototypical safety (6’1”, 195 pounds, 4.6/40) for Coach Scott Lakatos’ defense. He is a hard worker who has a nose for the football. Despite his current rating, I feel he may be a bit underrated.

Chris Sanders is another blue chip athlete

from Tucker High School. He was the first commitment to this year’s Bulldog class and will play on both sides of the ball (Running back and Safety) next season for Tucker. Currently ranked as one of the top 20 players overall in the state of Georgia, Sanders also has that prototypical safety size (6’1”, 185 pounds) that Coach Lakatos loves in the secondary. Sanders chose the Bulldogs over offers from major programs all over the southeast, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, and West Virginia.

Devin Bowman (6’0”, 175 pounds, 4.4/40) is a true athlete, helping his Ridgeland High School team on both sides of the ball. While I have him listed here with defensive backs, Bowman could just as easily line up on the offensive side of the ball at wide receiver. When he committed, Bowman indicated that both Coach Grantham and Coach Richt said they wanted him on their side of the ball. Bowman has another year with the football in his hands. He chose the Bulldogs over offers from top programs like Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Clemson and Oklahoma State. Bowman said he looks forward to lining up against his brother, who currently plays at Alabama, when they face each other in a SEC Championship game. He said he intends to dominate his brother in that game.

The Bulldogs will likely sign two or three more defensive backs to this year’s class. Some of the names to watch include Nick Waisome (5’10”, 171 pounds, 4.44/40), a cornerback in Groveland, Florida, Malcolm Mitchell (6’1”, 170 pounds, 4.4/40), a safety from Valdosta. Damien Swan (6’0”, 175 pounds, 4.4/40) from Grady High School in Atlanta and Chris Milton (6’0”, 175 pounds, 4.4/40) from Charlton County High School in Folkston.

I have had the opportunity to see Milton play, and he currently lines up at quarterback for Charlton County. The same position that former Bulldog great Champ Bailey played for Charlton County High School. Milton is open to playing any position on the field, but really wants to play defensive back. He had a good showing at the Mark Richt football camp and the Bulldog coaches have asked him to come back to Dog Night. Because of a passing tournament conflict Milton may not be able to attend the Dog Night camp. Milton is truly one of the most electrifying athletes in the State of Georgia this year.

Damien Swan dominated the competition at the Mark Richt camp. In fact, some analysts believe that the Bulldog coaches cooled on wide

receiver prospect and current Clemson commitment Charon Peake because Swan so thoroughly dominated the one on one matchups at the camp. Swan is enjoying the process and has offers from major programs all over the country.

He is currently rated as one of the top four players overall in the state of Georgia, one of the seven best safetys, one of the top seven cornerbacks in the country and is currently rated as a four star prospect. Many believe that he is leaning toward the home state Bulldogs where he would be a perfect fit in Coach Lakatos’ secondary.

Malcolm Mitchell is an outstanding prospect from the legendary program at Valdosta High School in Valdosta. He currently lists Alabama, Florida and Georgia as his top three programs, but is not tipping his hand beyond listing those three. This four star prospect is listed as one of the top 11 Safety’s in the country and the number 14 overall prospect in the State of Georgia.

Nick Waisome is a talented four star Cornerback who is really moving up the recruiting ranks. Currently, he has stated that he wants to make a decision and commit in August. Right now lists his top seven programs as Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Louisville, LSU, Miami and South Carolina. While he plans to camp at FSU and Georgia in the very near future, Waisome indicated that right now Florida and Florida State are recruiting him the hardest. The Bulldogs will need to re-double their efforts with this prospect if they want to lure him out of the state of Florida.

Quarterback Bulldogs have their first choice committed at Quarterback. Christian Lemay is one of the top three rated pro-style Quarterbacks in the country. A standout at Carter High School in Matthews, North Carolina, Lemay threw for almost 3,300 yards, 44 touchdowns and had an incredible 68.5% completion percentage. He has the size (6’2”, 200 pounds) and speed (4.5/40) that Coach Mark Richt loves in his offense.

Lemay has a quick release and a strong arm that coaches all over the country covet. Lemay chose the Bulldogs over other from all the programs, and is currently recruiting other players to join him between the hedges.

Continued on page 27

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26

BISTRO B ISTRO AND A ND B BAR AR

Bulldawg Illustrated

Recruiting news Wide Receivers The Bulldogs currently have at least three wide receiver commitments and a few other athletes who could see some snaps on offense. Right now these in state commitments include Justin Scott-Wesley (6’1”, 210 pounds, 4.4/40) from Mitchell County High School in Camilla, Chris Connelly (6’3”, 180 pounds, 4.5/40) from North Paulding High School in Dallas and Zack Witchett (6’1”, 180 pounds, 4.4/40) from Washington High School in Atlanta.

Witchett is a solid athlete who is currently being recruited by the Bulldogs at both wide receiver and defensive back.

He is one of the 20 top overall athletes in the state of Georgia; this three star prospect chose the Bulldogs over offers from Maryland, West Virginia and several others. His speed is deceptive and he has great hands. Now that his recruiting battle is over, the battle between throwing the ball and Scott Lakatos will begin to determine where Witchett lines up for the Bulldogs.

Chris Connelly committed to the Bulldogs on April 16, over offers from programs including Alabama, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Stanford, Texas Tech and many others. Ranked as the 18th overall prospect in the state of Georgia, Connelly has good hands; his tall frame will give him an advantage over the shorter defensive backs in the SEC. Connelly has been working with quarterback commitment Christian Lemay to help recruit other key players to the Dream Team.

Justin Scott-Wesley is not only a great wide Receiver, but he also recently earned the title of the fastest man in High School in the 100 mm dash at the prestigious Golden West Invitational. Those who see Scott-Wesley run are amazed that a man his size can run that fast. This four star prospect is ranked as one of the top 12 wide eeceivers in the county and is one of the top 12 overall prospects in the State of Georgia. His speed and elusiveness make him a home-run threat even on a simple out-pattern. Scott-Wesley stands a very good chance of seeing the field early as a freshman because of his tremen-

dous speed.

The Bulldogs would like to sign at least one more pure wide eeceiver to this class. Although one of the targets that the Bulldogs had recently committed to Clemson, Charon Peake, this year there is a great deal of depth at Wide Receiver.

Look for the name of someone currently committed to another college, Tye Montgomery (6’0”, 202 pounds, 4.5/40) from St. Marks High School in Dallas, Texas, who is currently committed to Stanford to start to receive a great deal of attention from the Bulldogs’ coaching staff. All signs point to one more wide receiver being a part of this class.

Tight Ends Currently there are no tight end prospects committed to the Bulldogs.

Two of the top three rated Tight Ends in the country are giving the Bulldogs serious consideration. Nick O’Leary (6’4”, 215 pounds) from Dwyer High School in West Palm Beach, Florida and Jay Rome (6’6”, 240 pounds) from traditional powerhouse Valdosta High School in Valdosta are both seriously considering the Bulldogs.

O’Leary is currently ranked as the number two tight end prospect in the country and is ranked as the number three overall athlete in the state of Florida.

O’Leary does have ties to the University of Georgia. His dad, Bill played football and his mother Nan played Volleyball.

Look for O’Leary to announce either at the Army All-American Game or on National Signing Day. Jay Rome is the son of the two-sport star (Basketball and Football) at Clemson, but he is making a name for himself in his own right. This four star prospect is currently ranked as the number three tight end prospect in the country and the number 3 overall athlete in the state of Georgia this year. He has incredible size and tremendous hands. It is important to note that Rome is also a star student with the 3.8 grade point average. Rome has offers from top programs across the country but in the end, I believe he will sign with the home state Bulldogs and continue the tradition of Tight End University in Athens.

Running Backs The Bulldogs are looking to sign at least one and probably two running backs in this year’s class. Although there are no commitments at this position yet, the bulldogs have four talented prospects in their sights. These include Isaiah Crowell (5’11”, 190 pounds) from Carver High School in Columbus, James Wilder, Jr. (6’2”, 219 pounds) from Plant High School in Tampa, Florida and Quan Bray (5’11”, 178 pounds, 4.4/40) from Calloway High School in Hogansville. Make no doubt about it; all three of these young men are incredible athletes.

James Wilder, Jr. is the number one ranked overall player in the state of Florida and the number three ranked player overall in the nation. He also hails from the same high school as current Bulldogs Aaron Murray and Orson Charles. Wilder could play either running back or linebacker at the next level, but it appears that he prefers the possibility to play running back here. Although Wilder has not made a clear signal as to his lead commitment, his high school coach has indicated that Wilder will likely commit sometime around the middle of July. Those close to the scene feel that it will come down to a battle between Florida State and University of Florida for Wilder’s signature, but the Bulldog coaches aren’t giving up yet.

Isaiah Crowell is the top ranked running back and the number two overall ranked player in the state of Georgia this year. This four star prospect is also ranked as one of the top four running backs and one of the top 17 overall players in the nation. Crowell can run between the tackles, has great vision, and also possesses that extra gear that makes him truly a special back. Long originally thought to be an Alabama lean, Crowell indicates that he is wide open to all of the schools that are recruiting him at this time. Many close to the situation believe that Georgia holds a slight edge in this recruiting battle and that the decision of Jarvis Jones’ transfer to Georgia can only help the Bulldogs. Crowell is a key piece to the Dream Team, in my opinion.

Quan Bray is rated as an athlete because he can do so many things with the football in his hands. Ranked as one of the top eight players in the State of Georgia this

year, this four star prospect has offers from top programs all over the country. He has repeated in recruiting updates that Georgia, Alabama, Clemson and LSU are currently recruiting him the hardest. His Offensive Coordinator is Matt Napier, the younger brother of Clemson’s Quarterback’s coach, Billy Napier. Despite this fact, I think the Bulldogs have a realistic shot of landing Bray’s signature. Clemson already has commitments from two tunning backs ranked in the top eight in the country. Additionally, the Bulldogs have shown Bray that he can be used in multiple positions, both in the slot and at running back. While it would be great to have Wilder suit up in the Red and Black, I think the Bulldogs are more likely to sign Crowell and possibly Bray.

Where are All of the Stars?

As I said earlier in this article, Rivals has decided to limit the number of prospects that will be awarded the prestigious four-star status this year. Despite disagreement from many of their analysts, the powers that be at Rivals have made the unfortunate decision to put a numerical limit on the number of prospects that will be awarded four-star status. In light of this fact, it is likely that the Bulldogs will sign a class every bit as good as previous classes, but they may not have as many “stars” as other classes have received from Rivals.

Stargazing is nice, but I put very little stock in it. These are 17 and 18-year-old kids, many of whom buckle under pressure when they are away from home. Additionally, for every high profile prospect that does not make it, there is a two star prospect like David Pollack or Thomas Davis who go on to star at the collegiate level and play in the NFL. Additionally, the highly organized coaching staffs who put a premium on recruiting like UGA, Alabama, Florida and several other high profile programs know where their teams needs are and give little, if any, thought to how many stars a prospect may have received from a rating agency. This is not a knock on Rivals or any other rating agency, because I love reading their updates as much as any recruitnik. I just want to make sure that all the rabid Bulldog fans out there keep this situation in perspective should anyone of us decide to get too busy “stargazing”.

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Offensive soul-searching After sloppy 2009, Richt, Bobo make respecting the football a top priority for this campaign

By Murray Poole

the big boys upfront

I

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been well documented concerning Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s changes on the defensive side of the ball.

After the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; defense struggled mightily once again in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8-5 season, head coach Mark Richt of course dismissed defensive coordinator Willie Martinez as well as defensive assistants Jon Fabris and John Jancek. Richt then brought in Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Todd Grantham to head the Georgia defense while installing a new 3-4 alignment and also hired Connecticut assistant Scott Lakatos to tutor the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; secondary and Vanderbilt assistant Warren Belin to coach the Georgia linebackers.

But certainly, all of the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; problems in 2009 canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be attributed solely to defensive shortcomings. How about an offense that struggled to find an identity for much of the season and had absolutely no semblance of a running game during the first half of the schedule before becoming much more productive down the stretch behind a rejuvenated offensive front and the running of Washaun Ealey and Caleb King?

And how about an offense that turned the ball over 28 times in 2009 and finished 118th out of 120 teams in the Bowl Subdivision with a turnover ratio of -1.23. The Bulldog defense collected 10 interceptions but the Georgia quarterbacks threw 17 picks. Also, with a total of 105 penalties for 878 yards, an average of 67.5 yards per game, the Bulldogs were among the most heavily-penalized teams in America.

So, clearly, Georgia, if it is to become a viable contender for the SEC Eastern Division and conference championships once again, must achieve substantial improvement on the offensive side of the ball as well this coming season.

This is a fact thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly not lost among Richt, Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and members of the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; offensive unit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Offensively, this season, we definitely need to have a very healthy respect for that football,â&#x20AC;? said Richt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to turn it over at a high rate. Last year, we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get many turnovers and we gave up more than we should â&#x20AC;Ś the turnover ratio goes both ways. And, of course, we certainly need to reduce the penalty situation. But I think these guys we have this year are a veteran bunch that should be able to handle the pressure of playing in our league and be

able to do it well.â&#x20AC;?

Richt said all areas of the Georgia offense have room for improvement in 2010. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the wide receiver corps needs to improve on their downfield blocking, our backs need to continue in their ball security and pass protection, our O-linemen just need to stay healthy and get in sync and cut down on the offside penalties, and our tight ends need to continue to be more physical run blockers. And our quarterbacks,â&#x20AC;? added Richt, â&#x20AC;&#x153;just need to lead the way.â&#x20AC;?

Bobo echoed Richt in saying the top priority of the Georgia offense this season will be to take care of the football better than it did last fall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously, a football team always has a lot of areas to improve on, to get better at,â&#x20AC;? said Bobo, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but the No. 1 thing our offense must do is respect the football better. Even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t play like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re capable every game, you give respect to the ball, it gives your team a better chance to win. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You want to score points and all that,â&#x20AC;? said Bobo, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but the bottom line is to win the football game. If we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t score 40-plus points but only score 17 and win the football game, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we want to do. As an offense, we just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to put the team in bad situations. We want to do the little things right. We want to teach the guys better fundamentally, to play the game the right way and be fundamentally sound,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want our quarterback to take what the defense gives you â&#x20AC;Ś donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to be a hero and just throw it away when necessary.â&#x20AC;?

Bobo said the Georgia coaches, while attempting to eliminate the many turnovers and penalties that plagued the team in 2009, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to harp on the subject to the extent the Bulldogs begin playing tentative or â&#x20AC;&#x153;scared.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want our guys playing fast and winning football games, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ask our quarterback to throw the ball into tight windows but, at the same time, we want them to be fundamentally sound and smart with the football,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We firmly believe we have talent on this football team,â&#x20AC;? said Bobo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re obviously young at the quarterback position (with redshirt freshman Aaron Murray), but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got some talent. But then, so does everybody else in this league.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not ever going to have more talent than Alabama, Florida and LSU so to be successful as an offense, we have to

Logan Gray manage the game and take care of those little things. The fastest way to get your butt beat is to commit turnovers, so winning the turnover battle is what we want to do and if we can do that, we can win football games.â&#x20AC;?

The Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; offensive players are fully aware of what cost the team victories last season and know that the Georgia coaches are going to be demanding about rectifying those problems this coming season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The main things are penalties and turnovers,â&#x20AC;? said senior fullback Shaun Chapas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We take care of those two things and I think the rest will fall into place for us. That will be a great starting point for us, just correct the penalties and turnovers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With our offense this year, we have some experience and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very comfortable with the things weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re being asked to do,â&#x20AC;? said Chapas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a big advantage for a team, to have a bunch of experience like we do. I have no doubt in my mind we can get the job done this season and if we can eliminate those two things, the penalties and turnovers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the things that hurt you the most â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then it will make everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job a lot easier.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year, we had too many penalties and mental errors, just jumping offsides and stuff,â&#x20AC;? said Georgia junior center Ben Jones. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just want to start putting ourselves in opportunities in a game where we can have success. We want to have third-and-short instead of third-and-long situations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know, with the O-line,â&#x20AC;? continued Jones, â&#x20AC;&#x153;just having another year under our belts and playing next to the person beside you, it gives you that special bonding and enables you to grow each year. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think our line feels any extra pressure this year (from being rated so highly),â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just know what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to do â&#x20AC;&#x201C; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to work hard every day and fulfill that goal. We just have to get better every day.â&#x20AC;?

Richt, for one, thinks his offense â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and entire team for that matter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is capable of ironing out the mistakes it made in 2009 and getting Georgia football back to its accustomed position near the top of the SEC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think with the positive attitude our team has, these guys believe,â&#x20AC;? said Richt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They know theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a challenge within our league but our thinking is that we can go out and compete (for conference and national titles).â&#x20AC;?

Photographs by Vance Leavy and Ryan Scates

Where Dawgs take their Dogs

Dr. C.E. Walton pictured at the 2010 G-Day football game

LaVista Animal Hospital â&#x20AC;˘ 404.325.9924 2804 LaVista Road â&#x20AC;˘ Decatur, GA www.LavistaAnimalHospital.com 28

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29

Meet Preston Smith Republican Candidate Georgia Attorney General Name, age: Preston W. Smith, 37 Office running for: Attorney General Family: Four children Place where you grew up?

Cobb County, Ga. Current home town?

Rome, Ga. What relevant experience do you bring to this election?

I have been a practicing attorney since I graduated from UGA in 1998. I have served as a state Senator from Rome since 2003. From 2005 to 2010, I served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I have been the chairman of the statewide public defenders’ oversight committee and chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee overseeing the budgets of the judiciary as well as working on the budget of the Attorney General’s office. I also have served as a committee member of the Senate Appropriations, Rules, Reapportionment and Redistricting , Health and Human Services, and Retirement committees, all of which have given me experience in writing and voting on legislation that impacts all Georgians.

What is the most pressing issue that Georgians face in 2010?

The economy is the most pressing issue facing Georgians. As a state Senator, I refused to vote for a tax

increase. When leaders from my own party threatened to remove me as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee if I voted against the Hospital Bed Tax, I stood firm and said no. Just like families around the state are doing, state government should look at their budget, prioritize spending, and cut out frivolous expenditures. As your attorney general, I will continue to be an advocate for taxpayers by putting an end to government waste, fraud, and abuse.

That, and defending the Constitution against an encroaching federal government, are the two biggest ways the attorney general can help the hardworking people of Georgia in a tough economy.

What is the most pressing issue facing the office that you seek in 2010?

I believe Georgia needs an attorney general who will be an independent leader, not a partisan politician.

As attorney general, I will fight ObamaCare, enforce our tough illegal immigration laws, fully support the Constitution, prosecute those who physically and sexually abuse women and children, and work to restore people’s faith in a limited government. I address many issues on my website at PrestonSmith.org, and I encourage you to visit it for more information.

Speak to the role of the University System of Georgia in shaping our state’s future.

As a graduate of UGA and as a state Senator, I know firsthand the importance the University System plays in shaping our state and nation. Georgia has a rich history of producing strong leaders and scholars who have come from our colleges and universities, and made a positive impact for society. That is why we must continue to support our University System to

the fullest. As attorney general, I will do all that I can to ensure that our University System is free of waste, fraud, and abuse, all of which taints our universities and colleges from producing a quality product.

Do you believe there are changes that could be made to the state's current tax structure that would have a positive impact on revenue while ensuring fairness to Georgians?

Yes. First, taxes should not be raised. We should balance our budget by cutting spending rather than increasing the burden on Georgia taxpayers. Each agency should start with a zero-based budget and cut waste from that budget. Second, collection of revenue should be done more at the local level instead of in Atlanta. Right now a business has to collect taxes locally, send it to Atlanta to let a bureaucrat count it, and then the local government has to hope that they get the correct amount of taxes back from the bureaucrat. Third, as attorney general I will continue to be a taxpayers’ champion by putting an end to waste, fraud, and abuse.

If elected, what do you want your office’s legacy to be?

As attorney general I will swear to defend the constitutions of the state and nation. Though many today think that is just a suggestion, I firmly believe we live in an era of government encroaching into the lives and liberties of our people. We must firmly stand against a federal and/or state government that seeks to expand government beyond its enumerated powers. At the end of my tenure as Georgia’s attorney general, I hope the people will say Preston Smith was an attorney general of ‘We the People’ and not the ‘People of Power.’

GA, I learned the va When I was s a student at UG value UGA of working o o g har ard d and a d fighting g g fo or what o a you believ be eve in hard for believe with all that yo ou have. you S for the pa ast eight years, II’ve ’ve As a state Senator past never voted fo or a tax increase ne o for increase,, helped pass on one of the toughest ilillegal llegal immigration n laws in the nati ion nation, and I’ve alway ys stood firmly fo g always forr the hardworking citizens of Geo orgia. That is why why I’ve always bee en Georgia. been G orgia i Right Ri ht to t L if . ife endorsed d db by tthe h NRA and he d Geo Georgia Life Atttorney General, II’ll ’ll fight ObamaCa are As your Attorney ObamaCare, enforce our ille egal immigration laws, fully suppo ort the illegal support Constitution, and a always, AL LWAYS Y , root for the eD Dawgs.

ALWAYS I would app preciate your vot te in the July 20 Republican R appreciate vote Primary.

V isit PrestonSmith S .org for mo ore information. Go G Dawgs Visit more Dawgs!

ATTORNEY A TT T ORNEY O GENERAL GENER RAL We W e need nee ed a Bull Bulldawg lda awg as Our Attorney General A t ttorne y Gener G al 30

UGA School of Law ‘98 Bulldawg Illustrated

Meet Max Wood Republican Candidate Georgia Attorney General

Name, age: Max Wood, 50 Office running for: Attorney General Family: Wife Suzanne (22 years); children Frank, Sydney and Jamey Place where you grew up?

Forest Park, Ga. Current home town?

Macon, Ga. What relevant experience do you bring to this election?

United States Attorney Middle District of Georgia, George W. Bush Administration 2001-2009; Justice Department Attache, United States Embassy Baghdad Iraq 2005-2006; Chief Assistant District Attorney Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit 1997; Veteran United States Air Force Colonel Georgia Air National Guard What is the most pressing issue that Georgians face in 2010?

Obamacare legislation, water issue litigation, transportation issues, educational excellence.

What is the most pressing issue facing the office that you seek in 2010?

Challenging the Constitutionality of the Obamacare legislation Speak to the role of the University System of Georgia in shaping our stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future.

We must have a well educated workforce to compete economically and a well informed body politic so that we can make wise election decisions. The University System must play a key role in producing graduates who will create just such a Georgia for the present and the future of our state.

Do you believe there are changes that could be made to the state's current tax structure that would have a positive impact on revenue while ensuring fairness to Georgians?

I would like to see Georgia eventually eliminate the income tax and replace it with a consumption based tax. This appears to encourage economic growth in the states that have developed such taxation policies.

If elected, what do you want your officeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legacy to be?

I would like to improve the performance and efficiency of the office and make long overdue structural changes to the office and readjust the priorities of the office. I would make an effort to have the decisions of the office on major cases and major issues of the day reflect my personal conservative philosophy which I believe is the philosophy of a majority of Georgians.

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31

Meet Gary W. Black Republican Candidate Commissioner of Agriculture Name, age: Gary W. Black, age 51

partment employees, and then establish internal trust among employees. Trust is a key element. The most pressing policy issue is improving food safety inspection protocols while managing a shrinking budget.

Office running for: Commissioner of Agriculture Family: Married 27 years to Lydia (BSHE 80, MS Consumer Economics 81); Son Ward (BSA 09, MS Ag Econ Candidate 11); Daughter Caroline (BSA Class of 11).

Place where you grew up: Farm in Commerce, Ga. Current residence: Harmony Grove Farms, Commerce, Ga. What relevant experience do you bring to this election?

I began my career with Georgia Farm Bureau leading their young farmer leadership development program for 7 1/2 years. In 1989, I was named President of the Georgia Agribusiness Council – the state’s chamber of commerce for agriculture, a position I held for 21 years. I helped organize AgriTrust of Georgia in 1993, a self-funded workers’ Compensation insurance fund for agricultural employers. AgriTrust now provides coverage for over 18,000 agricultural employees in Georgia. From 1997 to 2010, I managed the Georgia Food Industry Partnership, a research consortium targeting food safety and improved techniques for food processors.

Speak to the role of the University System of Georgia in shaping our state’s future.

Preparing our next generation of productive citizens for a 21st century economy is a very important responsibility. University System researchers may discover the crop nutraceutical that cures diabetes, the cellulose catalyst that brings a quantum leap in ethanol production efficiency or the once and for all control solution for fire ants. Agriculture - food and fiber production, processing, manufacturing and marketing – represents 13% of Georgia’s gross state product and 1 in 7 jobs. Enhancing the working relationship between the Department of Agriculture and unit of the University System will always be a high priority for me.

What is the most pressing issue that Georgians face in 2010?

Georgians are deeply concerned about keeping a job if they have one, and finding a job if they do not.

Do you believe there are changes that could be made to the state's current tax structure that would have a positive impact on revenue while ensuring fairness to Georgians?

On a national scale I support the FAIR Tax. I believe the commission currently reviewing Georgia’s tax code is long overdue. I believe it would be unwise to eliminate sales tax exemptions related to agriculture. A new tax or elimination of a current exemption would place agricultural retailers in Georgia at a competitive disadvantage with businesses in neighboring states. I support the concept of zero-based budgeting and will implement an internal accountability review based on this concept if elected.

What is the most pressing issue facing the office that you seek in 2010?

To be effective, I must build an atmosphere of trust with the taxpayer, de-

If elected, what do you want your office’s legacy to be?

I hope that my record will reflect a passion for advancing agriculture while serving with integrity.

Garyy Black for Gar for A Agriculture griculture C Commissioner ommissioner Safe S afe Food F Food, d, S Strong ttrong g Fa Farms rms a and nd Resp Responsible onsiible Govern Government m t men “Georgia families deserve — and I am convinced are looking for — a Commissioner of Agriculture who is dedicated to the principles of safe food, strong farms and a responsible government.

Consumer protection, a healthy agricultural economy, and greater accountability in government are compatible priorities that will be beneficial to our citizens. I have the leadership experience and passion necessary to tackle these challenges for the next generation. I would be honored to earn your support and vote.”

- Gary Black

Gary Black Agricultu re 2010

Please visit our website for more information:

www.VoteGaryBlack.com PO Box 1700 Comme Commerce, erce, GA 30529 U (404) 509-7768 5 U gary@votegaryblack.com gar y@votegaar yblack.com PPaid aid for by Gary Gar y Black forr Agriculture Commissioner

32

Bulldawg Illustrated

UGA Campus p Ministryy Cor dially invites i you and a guest to att tend our Cordially attend

FourthAnnual FourthAn Annual Gala andddA Auction JOIN MARK RICHT, RIICHT, KEVIN “CHAPPY” HYNES, THE FCA STAFF ST TA AFF AND ATHLETES AN ND UGA COACHES AND A T THLETES FELLOWSHIP, G OF FELLOWSHIP P, DINING AND INSPIRATION IN NSPIRA AT TION FOR AN EVENING SPEAKERS, AUCTION. AS WE EXPERIENCE SP PEAKERS, INSPIRING STORIES & SILENT S

SUNDAY, 8.29.10

SANDY CREEK PARK

ATHENS, GEORGIA

JULY JUL LY 15TH H , 2010 HONORARY CHAIR:

Coach Vince Dooley

6:15pm - Social cial an and nd Silent Silen Auction 7:00pm - Dinne Dinner D ner

CROSS CR RO O POIN POINTE NTE EA AT T GWINNETT

EVENT COURSE

18 1800 800 00 Satellite Bou Boulevard ulev evard ev Duluth, Georgia 30097 Du D u uluth, Geor gia 30 3 0097 0

400 meter lake swim 16 mile bike with rolling hills 5K run in the park

$500 $50 $5 500 50 0 - includes one o gu guest (Note: (Not Note: te:: Additional A guestss under sixteen years of age, add $250)) (see corpo corporate orpora orate ora ate llevels attached) ate

Relay teams are welcome.

Post-race awards, food & music.

All proceeds will benefit area cancer patients who are in need of financial assistance due to their cancer diagnosis.

Visit www.cfnega.org to register.

Your participation in this event will certainly change a life, starting with your own!

Fifth Annual

RSVP R SVP Kelly Kelly Clinosky Clinosky at at 706.277.9000 706.277.9000 orr o kclinosky@fca.org k c l i n o s k y @ f c a . o rg

KEYNOTE KE EYNOTE SPEAKER: Orlando Magic’s M Magic’s Pat W Magic Williams illiams Pat Williams is the senior vice president of the NBA’s NBA’s Orlando Magic.

Maggic. Also one of America’s America’s top motivational, motivatioonal, inspirational, and humorhumorous speakers, Pat has addressed employees employyees from many of the Fortune 500 companies. Pat is also the author of over o 55 books, his most recent title being EXTREME DREAMS DEPEND D ON TEAMS. Since 1968, Pat has been the general manager with teams in Chicago, Chic cago, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Orlando.

Orlanddo. In 1996, Pat was named as RQH RI WKH PRVW LQÀXHQWLDO SHRSOH LQ 1%$ KLVWRU\ RQH H RI WKH PRVW LQÀXHQWLDO SHRSOH LQ 1% %$ KLVWRU\ Pat and his wife, Ruth, are the parents of 19 children, includincluding 14 adopted from four nations. Pat andd his family have been featured in Sports S Illustrated, Readers Digest, Good Goood Housekeeping, Family Circle and The Wall Wall Street Journal.

Family Pack - $75

4 tickets to the event Pennant for player autographs

Individual Tickets $25

July 17, 2010 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

UGA Practice Fields

Athens, GA Hosted by David Greene, Jon Stinchcomb & Matt Stinchcomb

Matt Stinchcomb

David Greene

Jon Stinchcomb

Join hosts David Greene, Jon Stinchcomb, Matt Stinchcomb and other UGA and NFL football players for a day of autographs, photos and fun!

All proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Georgia Transplant Foundation, the Children’s Tumor Foundation, and the UGA Department of Education

www.ugakickoff.com www.bulldawgillustrated.com

33

Dawg Days Macon

Lisa McCrickard, Dan McCrickard, Charles Ashfield and Larry Allen

Claire, Jackson, Carter Campbell, Laura and Murray Nixon

Sam Bonfim, Ben McElreath and Don Handberry

Stebin Horne, III and Stebin Horne IV

Mark Richt and Scott Tyson

John Morgan, Akins and Jim Manley and Jackson and Steve Slade

John Wilson, David Wilson and Law Daw(g)son Wilson

Gregory Calley and Monica Thomason

Sarah Cate, Hannah, Phillip and Amy Green

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THANKS OUR PARTNERS THROUGHOUT MIDDLE GEORGIA and wish good luck to the 2010 Georgia Bulldogs! Go Dawgs! www.cbamacon.com Â&#x2021; &ROOHJH 6WUHHW 0DFRQ *$ Â&#x2021; 34

Flatwater F latwater Tours Tours o and R ent tals Rentals

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Bulldawg Illustrated

Dawg Days Macon Chris Webster, Tasha Webster, Walter Geiger, John Webster and Phillip Bell

Jenni, Hudson and Shelley Benton and Shelley Greene

Harold Tankersley, Danny Reynolds, Ryan Miller, Chris Caldwell, Owen Caldwell and Sam Caldwell

Gene Smith, John Neel and Jeff Huffman Sam Beard, Dawson Beard, Bob Ragsdale, Caroline Beard, Brandon Ashley and Tas Smith

Shannon Channell, Coach Mark Fox and Dale Channell

Andrew Miller and Jamey Dutton

Mark Richt and Wesley Seay

www.bulldawgillustrated.com

Brother Stewart and Dave Muia

35

Dawg Days

Mary Clare Whitmire, Beth Whitmire, Nathan Whitmire, Jillian Dinser, Dotty Murray and Niles Murray

Griffin

Frankie Wood, Ray Barron and Jackie Smith

Amanda McLean, Betsy Jones and Harold Jones

David English, Mark Richt and April English

Dale Cordova, Jared Cordova and Nora Cordova

Jeremiah Busbin, Rusty Statham and Cameron Treadway

Dave Esary and Mike Esary

Gaines Taylor and Mark Richt

(left-right) Tracy Brown, Phillip Brown, Dick Barnes and Gary Gill

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Bulldawg Illustrated

Dawg Days Columbus Jack, A.J. and Jennifer Hayes

Lorna Carter, Coach Mark Richt and Glenn Jelks

Brice, Chaney, Emile and Chesley Thompson

Stacey Bonner, Coach Mark Richt and Bryan Bonner

Mike Hodges and Coach Mark Richt

®

Bill Caulder, Coach Mark Fox, Samantha Watts and Duane Watts

Glenn and Cynthia Coleman

Once a Dawg, Always a Dawg.

How Sweet It Is! www.uga.edu/alumni 1-800-606-8786

Bulldog Breakfast Club with Coach Richt September 3, 2010 8:00 a.m.

Tate Student Center Grand Hall

J.C. Curry and Jonathan Curry

Coach Mark Richt, Skyler Kalkreuth and Johnny Wells

Are you . . .

A CEO, owner, or executive who wants to improve the leadership performance of your organization?

A professional who wants to be more successful in your field?

An individual who wants to live a more productive, balanced, and fulfilled life?

Women of UGA Lunch with the Coaches’ Wives September 3, 2010 11:30 a.m.

Tate Student Center Grand Hall

For more information about these events or sponsorships, please contact Wanda Darden at wdarden@uga.edu or at 706-542-8199.

www.TenPointFive.com www.bulldawgillustrated.com

37

Jeff Dantzler’s Top 25 Here is the early top 25 to help the summertime college football talk. The Southeastern Conference has reigned supreme, highlighted by four straight national championships won by three schools. In the offseason, the big news had to do conference shuffling and a potential radical overhaul that nearly occurred, and the major probation slapped on Southern Cal, the heaviest handed down since Miami was mightily rocked in the mid-90s. This could be a chaos – type year like 2007, unless Alabama goes 12-1 or 13-0 and Ohio State runs the table. USC is not a factor and Texas and Oklahoma, who have played in six of the last 10 BCS Championship Games, both lost a great deal of talent. It’s a real crapshoot this year, a much tougher prognostication than the last two seasons. So here goes: 1. Alabama – Nick Saban must replace a great deal of talent on defense, including Rolando McClain and Terrance Cody. This means the Crimson Tide will lean more heavily on an offense that could be the SEC’s best, led by the country’s premier one-two tailback punch of Heisman winner Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson.

The schedule is much tougher than the last two year’s.

2. Ohio State – It was big for the Buckeyes to win the Rose Bowl, putting a small band-aid on the program’s BCS woes. This is the year for Terrelle Pryor to shine. The schedule is more than manageable, and a November showdown with Iowa on the road could have major Rose Bowl and national championship implications.

3. Oklahoma – The Sooners obviously have a great deal of talent to replace, as the program produced an unprecedented three of the top four overall NFL Draft choices. But Landry Jones experience gained in Sam Bradford’s injury-riddled season should reap benefits in 2010 and DeMarco Murray is the best running back in the Big 12.

4. Southern Cal – The Trojans didn’t get hit with a massive probation for getting bad players. Matt Barkley should shine at quarterback and the Trojans will play with a big time chip on their shoulders. The heavy scholarship losses won’t show up until Southern Cal again becomes bowl eligible.

5. Virginia Tech – The Hokies appear to have all of the pieces in place to make a run at the ACC Championship Game and a BCS berth. The season opener with Boise State on Labor Day night at the Redskins stadium in Washington will obviously have a big effect on the top ten.

6. Iowa – The Hawkeyes – and Big Ten (11 and soon 12) got a big boost with a pair of BCS wins, granted neither came against the SEC or USC. A November showdown with Ohio State should have Rose Bowl and could have BCS title implications. Defensive end Adrian Clayborn is one of the best players in the country.

7. Boise State – A year ago, the Broncos were the youngest team in college football, posting a perfect 13-0 record and topping TCU in the Fiesta Bowl. Almost everybody’s back, including excellently accurate southpaw signal caller Kellen Moore.

September will tell the story as the Broncos take on Virginia Tech in D.C. and host Oregon State.

8. Texas Christian – The Horned Frogs lost a lot of talent, including two-time All-American defensive end Jerry Hughes, who went to the Colts in the first round.

But Andy Dalton is back at quarterback and the Horned Frogs have that Texas speed and toughness that is very difficult for the Mountain West to match up with.

9. Auburn – If highly touted newcomers Cameron Newton (QB) and Michael Dyer (TB) excel, the Tigers could have their best team since the Tommy Tuberville hay-day of 2004-2006. The Tigers look to be the prime challenge in the SEC West to defending national champion Alabama.

10. Texas – Colt McCoy is gone, but the Longhorns should be very talented and have the goods to make a run at the Big XII title. Texas must do a better job of getting an offensive identity. It’s tough to sustain and you’re constantly in harm’s way when the quarterback is primary ball-carrier (see the national title game) 11. Georgia – This is a critical year for the Bulldogs, and Georgia should have the goods to make a run at the SEC Championship Game, double digit wins and the top ten – regulars for the red and black during much of the 2000s. Early games with South Carolina and Arkansas will paint much of the picture, but winning in Jacksonville is absolutely vital for the program.

12. Oregon State – Jacquez Rodgers is one of the most explosive offensive players in the country. He could put up monster numbers in the PAC-10, which is built on both sides more so for the pass. A big September showdown with Boise State on the Blue Turf will help set the tone for the Beavers quest for the Rose Bowl.

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13. Florida – This is an in-between year for the Gators, who must replace 2007 Heisman winner Tim Tebow and a wealth of defensive talent. John Brantley takes over as quarterback and could be one of the Southeastern Conference’s best.

14. Nebraska – The Cornhuskers must replace one of the best defensive linemen of the past quarter century, but Nebraska got its swagger back with a Big XII Championship Game near miss. Bo Pellini has the big red faithful believing.

15. North Carolina – Butch Davis has done it again. He has reeled in an ultra impressive amount of talent. The Tar Heels defense has four projected first round picks. He got Miami rolling again and has North Carolina on track.

16. Stanford – Jim Harbaugh has skyrocketed Stanford’s sizzle. He went right at Pete Carroll and beat the Trojans twice. Stanford will miss Toby Gerheart big time, but Andrew Luck is a stellar quarterback.

17. LSU – It’s a tough schedule for the Fightin’ Tigers, beginning with the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic with North Carolina in the Georgia Dome. LSU always has talent. The offense needs an identity, but there are speedy players who can rip off big chunks of yardage at the skill positions.

18. Florida State – Bobby Bowden did an incredible job at Florida State, highlighted by a 14-year run of at least 10 wins (with 11 game regular seasons) and top five national finishes from 1987-2000. But the Seminoles haven’t been the same the past decade. Now Jimbo Fisher takes over and the ‘Noles are excited.

His first step is to get the offense back on track, and Fisher has a stellar quarterback in Christian Ponder.

19. Arkansas – Ryan Mallett may be the top pick in the NFL Draft, and he’ll give Bobby Petrino’s pass attack as much juice as any in the country. But the defense needs some work. Arkansas is very dangerous, but a challenging schedule limits the odds of posting a great record.

20. South Carolina – In the same boat as Arkansas, the Gamecocks are dangerous and capable of winning any game, but the schedule is just brutal. If South Carolina can win the early annual rumble with Georgia, the ‘Cocks could be set for a special opportunity. But the West draw is tough with Bama, Auburn and Arkansas.

21. Penn State – The Nittany Lions face a challenging schedule, but no game on the slate looks unwinnable. Joe Paterno has incredibly pushed Penn State back to the elite of college football, as the Nittany Lions have begun to re-accumulate 10 win seasons and January bowl berths.

22. Georgia Tech – Paul Johnson has done an outstanding job at the Yellow Jacket helm, highlighted by last year’s ACC Championship. Josh Nesbitt is back to run the dangerous triple option, but the Yellow Jackets have a lot of talent to replace on both sides of the ball.

23. Miami – The Hurricanes could be much better than this ranking, but the schedule is very tough. If Miami can win at Ohio State in the second week of the season, the ‘Canes could be set for a monster schedule. Miami must go to Pitt and faces a daunting conference schedule that includes Florida State, North Carolina, and the two Techs.

24. Wisconsin – The Badgers again figure to be in the top half of the Big Ten and have a shot at a January bowl game. Wisconsin has about as much sizzle as a doughnut, but the Badgers have put together one of the Big Ten’s best resumes the last 15 years.

25. Houston – This is one of college football’s most exciting teams, led by gunslinger Case Keenum. He has brought back memories of Andre Ware and David Klingler. And the Cougars are having their best success since.

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Exp. 07/31/10

MISS

www.aaaairportexpress.com ATHENS/UGA SCHEDULE 12 ROUND TRIPS DAILY $45/PERSON, ONE WAY children under 10 ride free PER paying adult

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