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Top Ten Things to do in Atlanta for SEC Championship Trip

By Cheri Leavy

1. Eat a naked dog at The Varsity What’ll ya have? I would get a chili cheese slaw dog and ring one, which is one order of onion rings. The original Varsity was opened in 1928 and their claim to fame is they put the comfort in comfort food.

2. Picasso to Warhol at High Museum of Art With more than 100 world-famous works assembled exclusively for the High from the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, New York, this exhibition features fourteen twentieth-century artists, seen together for the ďŹ rst time in the southeast.

6. Don’t miss The Elvis Show on Friday night at Smith’s Olde Bar Smith’s Olde Bar is an Atlanta institution and neighborhood joint, offering some of the best music to be found anywhere in the city and good food too. Ask about Smitty’s Famous Burgers. The Elvis Show is one of the most energetic, fun-ďŹ lled events of the year in Atlanta. Held every year in early December, The Elvis Show has a huge following that grows larger and larger each year. Advance tickets sold and will sell out!

7. Have a drink at the Pool Hall Head over to the hole-in-the-wall dive bar in Buckhead and maybe you will run into Bulldog owner John John Delladonna and have a moment of uga nostalgia you know from “back in the day!�

3. Shop at Miller Brothers, Ltd Owned by two Bulldog brothers, Robby and Greg, this is the best haberdashery in the south. Stop by this stylish Buckhead shop and enjoy a beer or bourbon while browsing some of the most select lines in menswear.

8. Shop lots of spots owned by Bulldogs The Tennille and Company Home dÊcor, childrens’ clothing and more in Buckhead Peoples Upscale women’s clothing in Buckhead

9. Visit the Georgia Aquarium With more than 10 million gallons of fresh and marine water and more aquatic life than found in any other aquarium, you are sure to see things you’ve never seen before! The Georgia Aquarium promises wonder and excitement around every corner. It really is a great chill activity in Atlanta and quite wondrous.

4. Eat a Filet at New York Prime

10. Eat Southern Food in Midtown Atlanta at Athens’ own Hugh Acheson’s Empire State South

New York Prime, located in the heart of Buckhead, provides the true steakhouse experience. They serve only the best USDA Prime Beef for every cut including Filets. In addition to their wide selection of Prime Steaks, enjoy their Triple-Cut Lamb Chops and live Maine Lobsters. The service is impeccable with Georgia class.

Hugh Acheson is the chef/partner of Empire State South. Acheson is a four-time James Beard Foundation nominee and chef/partner of the lauded Five & Ten and The National in Athens, GA. A community restaurant that appeals to a broad range, Empire State South is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a to-go lunch program, courtyard bocce ball and an extensive coffee bar.

5. Eat breakfast at Evans Fine Foods in Decatur “Best pancakes in the world� is what they tout but they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1946.

Their southern cuisine is beloved by many for decades in Atlanta. Owner operated which is why the service is so good too.

Photo by Rinne Allen

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ive a unique, limited edition of the “Color Your Way Through the Golden Isles with Edgar� coloring book by legendary University of Georgia artist Jack Davis. Lots of coloring fun, finding loveable Edgar hiding in the pages. All proceeds support Amity House and Hope House.

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Bulldawg Illustrated

From the editor : vance leavy Extra ‌ Extra ‌ Read all about it ‌ the Florida victory on, his team has grown and grown with each ensuAhhh, those words are music to my ears because whenever I get ing win. It’s been a helluva ride and a real pleasure to cover. Richt should to write them that means our boys in red and black have earned them- be proud of himself, his staff and his team as they truly have been one selves another trip to Atlanta to play in the Southeastern Conference unit joined together which has yielded a ton of success. championship. And with that, everyone here at Bulldawg Illustrated And now on Saturday at 4 p.m. the mighty Goliath, LSU rolls into gets pulled into action to produce an issue that we hadn’t otherwise the Georgia Dome with their perfect 12-0 record to face Richt and complanned on doing. pany for the SEC Championship. Sure Georgia is a double-digit unBut you’ll get no complaints from derdog, but I hope Les Miles and his TigerBaits are any of us because playing in the Georready because they are going to get the fight of their gia Dome the first Saturday of Decemlives if they want to remain unbeaten heading into the ber is our number one goal in national championship game. producing this publication about our All the pundits have been quick to say how favorite football team and its fanbase.

Georgia’s schedule didn’t include any of the three bigWow, what a year it has been and gies from the SEC West. However, I would like to credit must go where credit is due counter that by saying none of their schedules inwhich is why a happy Mark Richt cluded playing Georgia, which very likely would have photo is on this page. He is too humresulted in a blemish for at least one of the three. ble or probably more like he is too suPerhaps I’m off my rocker or have entered into perstitious to boast about his record a utopian world by having to produce this SEC Extra, against Georgia Tech. However, the but I’m thoroughly looking forward to seeing what sign being held up behind him saying, this Georgia Bulldogs team can do versus college foot“We Own this State� is dead on, indeed. ball’s best team.

Coach Richt’s 10-1 record versus We welcome LSU and its stellar fanbase to the the Jackets is incredible, particularly for great state of Georgia. We hope your time here is filled the folks from my late father’s generawith many great moments, except, of course, a SEC tion who attended Georgia during the photo by Rob Saye title. dreaded drought years in the ’50s. Make Good luck to Coach Richt, who brings his fourth no mistake about it, that’s when the Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate slogan Georgia team to play in the SEC Championship in eleven years. Now built up the most within the Bulldog Nation. There really isn’t anything that’s strong. And good luck to Coach Mike Bobo who has had a reworse than losing to the Bees. I can only imagine what eight times in a markable season. He received a ton of scrutiny over the last few years row must have been like. even though his offenses had put up some mighty impressive numAlthough, I actually can appreciate it because during my time at bers. And good luck to defensive coordinator, Todd Grantham. Please Georgia in the early ’90s included a (not so) perfect record versus Ten- keep those boys playing nasty. And of course, that’s “nastyâ€? within the nessee and Florida ‌ 0-10. rules of the game.

And it is for that reason that leading into the Florida game this Please enjoy this SEC Championship Extra. Like in all our issues, year, I really was as hard (but fair) as I’ve ever been on Coach Richt in there’s a great mix of sports and fanfare coverage. Let’s hope it helps this space. In fact, a Georgia newspaper publisher friend of my brother’s bring home a title. actually made a case that it was too harsh.

Finally the news of Larry Munson’s passing literally came as I was Now I did find that kind of funny because sending our last few pages of the Tech issue (8 days ago). Thankfully I the editorials that community newspapers was able to include a tribute on the cover and a paragraph in my space. must write from time to time are much Instead of rushing this last week to include a Munson send-off in the harsher and much more important than SEC Extra, we decided to include it in our final issue of the year, the my pleading with our coach to get it to- Bowl Preview on December 13. This also allows us to include in our gether against our number one rival in the coverage the memorial service to be held Saturday, December 10, 1 SEC East. p.m. in Sanford Stadium. Like all of you, everyone here at BI loved Thankfully the 2011 season will re- Larry. And boy wouldn’t it be Sugar Sweet to capture another SEC Title flect getting it together was exactly what in the year of his passing.

Mark Richt did in Jacksonville. And from See you in the Dome. Go Dawgs!!!

SEC Championship Extra Cha Cha Cha Publishing Editor Vance Leavy Editorial & Ad Director Cheri Leavy Sports Guru Jeff Dantzler Public Relations Director Andrew Miller Sales Kelley Blanton Andrew Miller Holly Stanfill Alan Lanier Sports Murray Poole, Travis Ragsdale Layout/Design Vance Leavy Sports Photographers Rob Saye, Ryan Scates Ad Design Cheri Leavy, Andrew Miller Cover Design Boyd Martin Columnists Carlton DeVooght. Al Hickson Reg Murphy, Rob Sherrell Loran Smith. Chad White Online Student Editor Travis Ragsdale Interns Ashley Hanna, Janell Niederriter, Pierce Persons SEC Extra, November 29, 2011

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With four different schools producing the last five national champions, and most likely a lock for a sixth as LSU and Alabama seem destined for a rematch in New Orleans no matter what happens Saturday, the mighty Southeastern Conference has lapped the field with a string of unprecedented dominance.

For a major program in the toughest league in the land, what it takes to win at the highest level is right in front of every teams’ face. A power running game (see Tim Tebow, Mark Ingram/Trent Richardson and Cam Newton/Michael Dyer), explosive big play ability in all three phases (see LSU and Alabama this season) and nasty, stingy, fast, physical defenses.

Every top rate program, no matter the league, has running backs, receivers and defensive backs who can run. But what puts the SEC over the top is the speed and power of the front seven.

Think back to the signature moments and plays in the SEC’s five straight BCS Championship Game victories.

Defensive end Jarvis Moss ran down Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith to make the signature play in Florida’s 41-14 annihilation of Ohio State to capture the 2006 national title in Tempe. That was a 6-7, 265-pound defensive end chasing down the record setting dual threat All-American.

A year later in New Orleans, defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois racked up sacks, tackles for loss and a blocked field goal. LSU rolled past Ohio State 38-24. Four years earlier, the Fightin’ Tigers beat Oklahoma in New Orleans to capture the big prize, with defensive end Marcus Spears coming up with an interception and return for a touchdown as the signature play.

Florida downed Oklahoma 24-14 in Miami to win its second national championship in three years, hoisting the 2008 Crystal Ball. The Sooners were averaging 60-plus points over their final five games, and quarterback Sam Bradford won the Heisman Trophy.

All-American defensive end Carlos Dunlap was the star of the game, chalking up 2.5 sacks, harassing Bradford throughout the game. The win marked the third straight season that an SEC school won the national title and beat the Heisman Trophy winner in the process. Keep in mind, LSU beat Florida and Tim Tebow in 2007.

The next two Heisman winners and national champions came from the SEC. But in the BCS Championship Games, it was havoc-wreaking dominating defenders that spelled doom for Texas and Oregon.

In Alabama’s 37-21 win over Texas in Pasadena, Marcel Dareus knocked Longhorn quarterback Colt McCoy out of the game and then made a remarkable deflection, interception and run to paydirt on the final play of the first half.

The Ducks had never seen anything like Auburn’s awesome beast Nick Fairley. He completely dominated the game and led the Tigers shutdown of the nation’s most prolific scoring offense.

As Athens radio star Chris Brame said, “think REM, Ignoreland, ‘Defense, Defense, Defense, Defense.’”

While fielding some of the nation’s best defenses with a horde of stars like David Pollack, Thomas Davis, Boss Bailey, Sean Jones

and Johnathan Sullivan, Georgia put together one of the nation’s best records from 20022005, winning two SEC Championships, going to Atlanta three times, and finishing in the top ten four straight years.

But the talent level dropped off and Georgia’s defense fell to the middle of the pack in the SEC. Therefore, in four of the last five seasons, the Bulldogs finished with disappointing campaigns – the exception the 2007 squad that finished No. 2 nationally with an 11-2 record.

Through two games this season, the point totals looked as bad as the record. Boise State beat the Bulldogs 35-21 and South Carolina won in Athens 45-42 – with 28 points coming from the Gamecocks defense and special teams.

Since then, the Bulldogs defense has been downright outstanding.

Newcomers Jarvis Jones and Amarlo Herrera are the kind of players Georgia had in the first half of the 2000’s and look like the bigtimers at LSU and Alabama. When Alec Ogletree, who moved up from safety to linebacker, returned for the Florida game, the defense hit its stride.

With a vastly improved defensive line, talented defensive line and this all-star linebacking corps, Georgia’s front seven has made an enormous jump.

And that’s the most important factor in the Bulldogs 10 straight wins and return to the SEC Championship Game. That, and a very favorable schedule that didn’t have dates with LSU, Alabama or Arkansas. Those three headed into the final week of the regular season ranked No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 nationally.

But for the program, it was a season of historic accomplishments. The Bulldogs beat Tech, Auburn, Florida and Tennessee in the same season for the first time since the powerhouse 1981 SEC champions that went 10-2 and finished No. 5. The 10-game winning streak is the Bulldogs longest since the powerhouse 1982 SEC champions had a perfect 110 regular season.

In the victories over Tech, Auburn, Florida and Tennessee, Georgia’s defense gave up a combined five touchdowns (the Gators had a kickoff return for a score).

A year ago, Georgia’s run defense was gashed in critical losses. But this season, in vengeance victories, the Bulldogs run defense was absolutely awesome against Mississippi State, Florida and Auburn. The three combined averaged less than two yards per carry.

To cap it off, the defense held Tech’s powerful offense, one of the nation’s top rushing attacks which also features the nation’s leader in yards per reception, totally in check.

This will be an animal unlike any that the Dogs have faced this season. LSU is an awesome football team, making a historic run through the season.

Georgia is a heavy underdog. The Bulldogs chance to pull off the upset – provided the Dogs avoid giving LSU points via turnovers and in the kicking game – is on the shoulders of this defense. Almost all of Georgia’s defensive starters are back next season, and with this year’s performance, the defense is trending upwards sharply. The Bulldogs have taken big steps this year, and to get where Saturday’s night’s opponent is in the near future, it starts with the key to Georgia’s 2011 success – defense!

Bulldawg Illustrated

gs!

Go Daw U! Beat LS

poole shots

By Murray Poole

Avid Dog fans weigh in on SEC title game Knocking out these columns on Georgia fans and supporters this fall has been most refreshing.

After interviewing players and coaches for so many years, it’s been very informative, and enlightening too, to listen to what the Bulldog Nation feels about their football team and their beloved university.

Let’s go back to the beginning of this season when, as you painfully know, Mark Richt’s team started things on a 0-2 note. But even as I chatted with these UGA fans and alumni after those two losses to Boise State and South Carolina, not a single one of them was ready to throw in the towel on this 2011 season.

Sure, they were sorely disappointed in the Bulldogs’ start but at the same time they, to a person, expressed confidence that Richt and his coaching staff could right the Red and Black ship in a hurry and get Georgia back among the elite teams in the Southeastern Conference.

And, boy, did this team live up to that vote of confidence. At that time, after the Bulldogs dropped that 45-42 heartbreaker to the Gamecocks on Sept. 10, as optimistic and hopeful as these Georgia supporters were, I don’t think any of them envisioned this team running the table the rest of the regular season.

But, as you UGA fans are now happily aware, that’s exactly what this team did. Ten consecutive wins, including victories over rivals Tennessee, Florida, Auburn and Georgia Tech, have produced a 10-2 season, a final 71 mark in the SEC and the Bulldogs’ first Eastern Division championship since 2005.

Now, of course, comes the very biggest football game of the season for Georgia … the matchup with the unbeaten and No. 1ranked LSU Tigers in the SEC Championship game Saturday at the Georgia Dome.

And keeping in the spirit of my fan columns this season, we quizzed several avid Dawg supporters on what they think will have to happen for 12th-ranked Georgia to pull off what would amount to a monumental upset of the Tigers, who seem to be favored anywhere from 12 to 15 points. You must know up front, that of the five Bulldog fans I talked with, at least three of them are calling the Georgia upset of LSU. And, sure, they’re admittedly all Bulldog homers but at the same time they think if the team continues to perform at the same high level it has during this win streak, an upset of LSU is not only possible, but probable. They feel the Dogs haven’t gotten the respect they deserve, nationwide.

Said former UGA golfer Mike Cook of St. Simons Island, an instructor at Sea Island and now the current head golf coach at the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick: “LSU is talking about still going to the national championship game even if they lose to Georgia. So, they might be looking ahead. Our team lately has been turning turnovers into points and if we get our running backs back and can get at least 150 yards or so rushing, that will help (Aaron) Murray a lot – we need a balanced attack. We surprised LSU in the 2005 game and (D.J.) Shockley was a hot quarterback in that game and we also have a hot quarterback now. So I’m going out on a limb and picking the Dogs. I’ll say we win by a field goal.”

Mike Cook

Rick Ramsey

Another loyal Bulldog fan, Rick Ramsey, who is an insurance agent in Conyers, is also tabbing Georgia for an upset and, like Cook, he’s thinking the foot of Blair Walsh will spell the difference Saturday.

“We’re going to have to run the ball,” said Ramsey. “I don’t think we can beat LSU without running the ball. We have to play error free and have to play our best defense of the year. If we can do those three things and our passing game continues at the level it was against Tech, we have got a chance. We might have to pass first to establish a running game and that would be OK … whatever it takes.

But I believe we’re going to win and I’ll say by about 24-21,” said Ramsey.

www.bulldawgillustrated.com

Macon 550 Professional Dr. Macon, GA 31201 (478) 741-3007 Ashlee and Scott Hill

Ashlee Hawke Hill and her husband, Scott, are both pharmacists in Charleston, S.C. with Scott having graduated from the UGA School of Pharmacy in 2004. She also feels confident about how the team will answer this huge challenge in the Georgia Dome.

“I definitely think we pull off the upset this weekend,” she said. “I have complete and total faith in our boys. It reminds me of the statement my husband always says, we’re playing with house money and have nothing to lose.

We’ve come this far, we might as well go ahead and seal the deal. I definitely think our defense will be the key to victory and that it will be a low-scoring game,” said Hill. “But I think the Georgia boys will come out on top. I’ll say 21-16, Bulldogs.”

The youngest member of this fan panel is Houston Gaines. He’s a junior at Athens Academy and an aspiring future journalist who is already doing some writing for the Athens BannerHerald.

“Obviously, Georgia will need to continue its good rush defense because LSU brings a lot to the table,” said Gaines. “The offense has to step up but the defense is the key this week, for sure. Georgia and LSU match up pretty evenly on paper but then, Georgia hasn’t really played anybody and LSU has played one of the toughest schedules in the country,” said Gaines. “I think either LSU blows Georgia out, by 30 or so, or the Bulldogs win a close one, maybe a three-point game.”

Houston Gaines

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Bill Major

Bill Major, an Atlanta attorney, says he’s a terrible forecaster and really wouldn’t want to hazard a guess on what the final score will be in the SEC title skirmish.

“Given the team speed LSU has, particularly on defense, it’s going to be critical for us to establish a running game, in order to open up our passing game,” Major related. “I think it’s also critical that we contain their special teams and make sure we don’t give up any big plays on special teams. I think we have shown we have the ability to throw over the middle, particularly to (Orson) Charles, (Malcolm) Mitchell and (Chris) Conley, who once they catch the ball can turn a short pass into a big play. We have to also win the turnover battle and are going to have to play for four quarters because they (Tigers) have the ability to hurt you at any point of the game with their speed on the field. A turnover here and a big play there can totally change a game and that’s why it’s so hard to predict what’s going to happen. As Larry (Munson) always said, ‘suddenly happened,’ and that can change the complexion of a game.”

What do I think about the Bulldogs’ biggest football game since 2005, when they won the SEC by mauling a then third-ranked LSU team by 34-14? The sportswriter in me says it’s LSU by from seven to 10 points but since this is again a fan column, what the heck? That’s all sportswriters are anyway, glorified fans who do have the privilege of sitting in the press box and eating free food. Make it the Dogs, by a shaky 21-17.

5

Georgia September 3 (Atlanta) Boise State – 35 Georgia – 21 For the season preview of Bulldawg Illustrated, editor Vance Leavy characterized the challenge of the 2011 campaign as “Operation Double Dome.” In a deal that was completed in the spring, Georgia met State in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic. The Bulldogs grabbed a 7-0 lead on an 80-yard touchdown dash from Brandon Boykin. Boise State then dominated the middle of the game, scoring 28 unanswered points. The Bulldogs had no answers. The embarrassing 35-21 dismantling that Georgia suffered left the Bulldog faithful thinking that the only chance of returning to the Dome would be for the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. Not the SEC Championship Game.

The road to the Dome

September 10 (Athens) South Carolina – 45 Georgia – 42 In one of the most painful losses the Bulldogs have ever suffered against South Carolina, the Bulldogs fell to 0-2 while gift-wrapping 28 points to the defending SEC East champs. The Gamecocks scored a pair of defensive touchdowns – including a climaxing fumble return that gave South Carolina a 45-35 fourth quarter lead – ran in a fake punt for a TD and set up another with an interception return to the Georgia five. Freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell was outstanding in his Sanford Stadium debut, but the Gamecocks magnificent Marcus Lattimore played like a true All-American Heisman front-runner, gashing the Bulldogs for 176 yards on 27 carries, with 92 of those yards coming in the fourth quarter. Though the Dogs were a painful 0-2, Georgia was certainly battle-tested. The Bulldogs showed that Saturday that they were capable of competing with a top ten team and beating one if Georgia could overcome one major obstacle. Beating itself.

September 17 (Athens) Georgia – 59 Coastal Carolina – 0 Coastal Carolina, a Division I-AA or FCS school, was obviously outmanned. But any way you slice it, Georgia looked good and played well. For the defense, this win started a very impressive string of four straight dominating performances.

September 24 (Oxford) Georgia – 27 Ole Miss – 13 Special teams were again awful and the Bulldogs missed numerous opportunities, making this game much closer than it should be. Ole Miss returned a punt for touchdown and recovered an onsides kick. But Georgia’s defense was really good. Jarvis Jones, a Southern Cal transfer, and true freshman Amarlo Herrera were showing that they were instant impact standouts at linebacker, and the nucleus of a vastly improved front seven.

October 1 (Athens) Georgia – 24 Mississippi State – 10 A year ago in Starkville, the Bulldogs were physically beaten up and whipped by Mississippi State. The Maroons dominated the fourth quarter and got their first victory over Georgia since 1974. This was one of those statement game for Georgia. How much better, how much tougher was Georgia this season? The Dogs dominated MSU and it was the defense that stood out again, holding State to under two yards per carry and keeping their offense out of the end zone. Mississippi State’s touchdown came on a pick-six. It was clear that this Georgia team, which focused in the off-season on improving the program’s toughness, strength and endurance had made significant strides.

October 8 (Knoxville) Georgia – 20 Tennessee – 12 It was a dogfight, tied 6-6 at the half. Then Georgia took control in the second half. The defense was tremendous again, totally stuffing the Tennessee run game. True freshman receiver Malcolm Mitchell, coveted five-star recruit, had an explosive performance, hauling in a pair of deep bombs that led to Georgia touchdowns. The second long reception was costly, as Mitchell pulled his hamstring, an injury that kept him out for a month. The win was Georgia’s second straight over Tennessee and the third in the last four years. It also ended a twogame Knoxville losing streak in which the Dogs were embarrassed 35-14 and 41-19. All of sudden, after that 0-2 start, the Bulldogs had something going.

October 15 (Nashville) Georgia – 33 Vanderbilt – 28 Had Drew Butler not kept his balance and made a saving tackle on a blocked punt that was part of an F-minus, horrendous special teams performance, well, it’s safe to say things would have been very different in Athens. But he did and the defense held. A game that Georgia should have won going away took every drop of gas in the tank. There was a fake punt, a kick return for a touchdown, missed field goals and the punt block. But Georgia found a way.

Marlon Brown, with Mitchell sidelined, had his best night as a Bulldog. There were certainly some parallels between this season and that great 2007 campaign when Georgia went 11-2 and finished No. 2 nationally. The Bulldogs were very fortunate to beat Vandy that season, winning 20-17. Then came an open date and then the Gators.

October 29 (Jacksonville) Georgia – 24 Florida – 20 How far the Bulldogs have come since trailing Florida 17-3. It seemed like “here we go again.” The Gators hit a long fourth-down touchdown and ran a kickoff back for a touchdown. Georgia missed field goals. But Urban Meyer, Tim Tebow and Steve Spurrier are history. The Bulldogs cashed in on turnovers and hit a trio of magic passes, including a pair of fourth-down touchdowns. Trailing 20-17 in the fourth quarter, Georgia turned to the power running attack of Richard Samuel, who scored the go – ahead touchdown and then clinched the game – on the heels of an enormous completion from Aaron Murray to Chris Conley for a clutch first down – with a churning run on fourth and three, driving inside the Florida one.

Unfortunately, Samuel, who has overcome tremendous adversity in his Georgia career, was injured and lost for the remainder of the regular season on the run that turned out to be the game’s final play. The constant was that defense, that just saved the day time and time again. Jones had a phenomenal performance, his four sacks the most by a Bulldog in Jacksonville since the great All-American Freddie Gilbert. Georgia needed a win in Jacksonville so badly. 3-18 is history. Will Muschamp is 0-1 vs. the Bulldogs, the first Florida coach with a losing record against Georgia since interim Gary Darnell in 1989. This series just may have shifted back Georgia’s way.

photo by Ryan Scates

November 5 (Athens) Georgia – 63 New Mexico State – 16 Keep in mind New Mexico State did beat Minnesota, which played Southern Cal tough.

The Bulldogs, with sheer jubilation in the wake of the win in Jacksonville, looked mighty sharp. Georgia scored 42 points in the second quarter. Aaron Murray and Hutson Mason did a great job. With all of Georgia’s scholarship tailbacks suspended or injured, walk-ons Brandon Harden and Kyle Karempolis did an excellent job behind the offensive line – their performances likely sparking the dual 100-yard performances the following Saturday.

November 12 (Athens) Georgia – 45 Auburn – 7 Everything came together for Georgia that magic Saturday between the hedges. The Bulldogs steamrolled the Tigers in historic fashion, posting the largest margin of victory over the old rival since the powerhouse of 1946 beat Auburn 41-0. Crowell and Carlton Thomas, back from suspension, both ran for over 100 yards, Aaron Murray was razor sharp, the kicking game was solid and that defense was awesome. Georgia shut down Michael Dyer and Auburn’s strong running attack, while a Baccari Rambo pick six that put the Bulldogs ahead 28-7 proved to be the backbreaker. It’s just not everyday that Auburn is beaten like this. That’s three straight in Athens over the tigers and five of the last six overall.

November 19 (Athens) Georgia – 19 Kentucky – 10 Lowly Kentucky hung in with Georgia the whole way. The Bulldogs who punched in touchdowns in clutch spots against Florida and Auburn relied on field goals to survive and win. And that defense. The Bulldogs shut down the Wildcats running game, and forced four turnovers, helping offset Georgia’s four turnovers. This capped Georgia’s first nine-game in season win streak since the great Southeastern Conference champions of 1982 went a perfect 11-0. The schedule makers and circumstance smiled on this team, and after the 0-2 start, Georgia pushed to 9-2 with a pair of huge showdowns in Atlanta on deck – starting with the biggest game of all on the flats.

November 26 (Atlanta) Georgia – 31 Georgia Tech – 17 In the biggest game of all, Georgia took an early lead and never relinquished it. The defense was strong and the offense kept the pressure on. It could have been a bigger margin, but Georgia missed on some opportunities. Murray and Georgia’s talented pass-catchers – headlined by Orson Charles and Malcolm Mitchell – had excellent performances when the Dogs, crippled by injury at tailback, needed it the most. Ken Malcome ran strong to help run down the clock and Jarvis Jones put the punctuation mark on the victory with a big sack. The defensive front, hampered by an injury to DeAngelo Tyson, was stout – John Jenkins, Garrison Smith and Abry Jones standing out.

That’s 10 out of 11 in the series for Georgia and six straight wins at historic Grant Field for the Bulldogs.

— By Jeff Dantzler

EAST CHAMPIONS

The Studs that got them there

photos by Rob Saye

Georgia #26 Malcolm Mitchell, WR

Georgia #11 Aaron Murray, QB

Both Georgia and LSU put together outstanding recruiting classes, something the Tigers have been doing for years, while the Bulldogs slumped. One of the big gets for the Bulldogs was Valdosta’s Malcolm Mitchell, who picked Georgia over Alabama.

He’s the field-stretching difference-maker for Georgia, a special athlete. Mitchell makes Georgia in every way and gives the running game a big boost. When he’s in the game, defenses have to play the safety over the top for help. Mitchell’s best performance this season came in Knoxville, where he pulled in a pair of bombs to set up Georgia’s two touchdowns, while tallying 126 yards on three receptions.

A talented sophomore who is on his way to joining the list of Georgia’s finest ever quarterbacks, Murray is at his best when he’s on the move. He is clearly one of Georgia’s best runners and throws very well on the move out of the pocket. In straight drop situations, Murray, who is not textbook tall, is good on the deep ball in straight drop-back situations when Georgia has a strong running game going.

But when Georgia isn’t running well, those straight drop-back plays are when the Dogs have made most of their offensive miscues this season. LSU will be coming fast, hard and furious and the Dogs have to slow down that rush. Getting Murray moving by design is the best formula. The Tampa, Florida native has already set the school single season record for touchdown passes, and is coming off of an excellent performance in Georgia’s 31-17 victory at Tech.

Georgia #29 Jarvis Jones, LB Infused with talent, Georgia’s newcomers have had an enormous hand in the Bulldogs improvement from a 6-7 record to the SEC Championship Game with a chance to win 10 games. At the head of the class is Jarvis Jones, havoc-wreaking Columbus native who transferred in from Southern Cal. In this league that is loaded with defensive dynamo’s, Jones is right there with the best of the best, ranking amongst the SEC’s leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. His place in Georgia history is assured after that incredible four-sack performance in the Bulldogs desperately needed 24-20 win over Florida, a showing that earned him national Defensive Player-of-theWeek honors. Jones true freshman Amarlo Herrera, converted safety Alec Ogletree and Michael Giliard form an outstanding linebacking corps, and this is a position where Georgia’s talent and depth had been lacking for several years.

Georgia #7 Orson Charles, TE One of the nation’s premier tight ends, Charles is a different-looking athlete. He’s the real deal, and a nightmare for any team to defend. Even the powerful Tigers.

Charles had a sensational game against Tech, adding some physicality to the passing attack with Georgia’s short-handed tailback situation. Georgia is at its best with a good running attack, big plays from itchell and Charles roaming the middle of the field. Against South Carolina’s excellent defensive front, Charles stayed in to block for a vast majority of the game. This is a different beast here in LSU. Georgia must devise a way to give as much blocking help as possible, while keeping Charles a primary target in the passing game. That’s easy to say, huh.

LSU will be aware of where Charles is at all times.

— By Jeff Dantzler

www.bulldawgillustrated.com

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9

LSU

The road to the Dome

September 3 (Arlington, Tx.) LSU – 40 Oregon – 27 From the first game of the season, it was clear that LSU would be a force. Yes the Tigers were a consensus preseason top ten pick, even top five. But the brutal schedule, suspensions of key personnel and the loss of top flight defensive talent made hopes for a perfect season seemingly a long shot. But a 40-27 pasting of Oregon, last season’s No. 2 team, at the Dallas Cowboys stadium illustrated just how talented and dominant this Tiger team is. LSU shut down Oregon’s vaunted offense and showed explosiveness in all three phases – a trait that has been with the Tigers all season. Jarrett Lee stepped in for the suspended Jordan Jefferson and kept LSU’s offense right on track.

LSU – 49 Northwestern State – 3, September 10 (Baton Rouge) It was so sweat for LSU, as expected. In the lone game played at Tiger Stadium in September, LSU got to bask in the win over Oregon and get set for a short week Thursday nighter at Mississippi State.

September 15 (Starkville, Ms.) LSU – 19 Mississippi State – 6 Whoever put this schedule together for Mississippi State got duped. While LSU had a cakewalk, Mississippi State was locked a thrilling 41-34 loss at defending national champion Auburn. It was nip-and-tuck, but LSU pulled away in the fourth quarter. The Tigers defense had one of its most dominating performances, coming up with a slew of second half three-and-outs. Rueben Randle got loose for the clinching touchdown and LSU’s kicking game was superb. This would be one of just two games in which the Tigers didn’t score 35 or more points.

September 24 (Morgantown, W.V.) LSU – 47 West Virginia - 21 LSU roared to a 27-7 lead and the Morgantown faithful, buoyed by ESPN College Gameday’s presence were realizing they were greatly outclassed. Then LSU dropped a touchdown and missed the field goal. Geno Smith and the Mountaineers offense got rolling and West Virginia scored back to back touchdowns, pulling within six at 27-21 and sending the crowd into sheer bedlam. Then Morris Claiborne ran the kickoff back 99 yards for a touchdown. Game over. The Tigers tacked on a couple more scores and completely dominated the fourth quarter. And that’s LSU. They constantly keep the pressure on teams – offensively, defensively and in the kicking game. For 60 minutes.

And they are capable of scoring a touchdown on any play. In the month of September, LSU had now beaten Oregon, Mississippi State and West Virginia all away from home.

October 1 (Baton Rouge) LSU – 35 Kentucky – 7 The Tigers got up big early and played great defense again. Tyran Mathieu had a second straight phenomenal performance. Some very good LSU teams from days gone by might have struggled in a game like this, coming off the big win with the morning kickoff in Tiger Stadium. But not this bunch. It was yet another runaway win.

photo by LSUsports.net

November 5 (Tuscaloosa) LSU – 9 Alabama – 6 (Overtime) In the most highly anticipated regular season game since Nebraska’s incredible 35-31 victory over Oklahoma in Norman in a battle of No. 1 vs. No. 2 undefeateds, defense stole the show. In this most powerful of conferences that has produced the last five national champions, it was the first ever in-season No. 1 vs. No. 2 SEC showdown ever.

It was a game of hard hits and field position – and trying not to make the fatal mistake. Alabama blew opportunity after opportunity, missing four field goals – including one in overtime. Then the Tigers delivered. The talk immediately turned to a potential rematch. This victory goes right with Halloween Night 1959, and the two BCS Championship Game victories of the 2000s as the most famous in Fightin’ Tiger annals. It is also LSU’s only game this season that the Tigers didn’t win by at least 13 points.

October 8 (Baton Rouge) LSU – 41 Florida – 11

November 12 (Baton Rouge) LSU – 42 Western Kentucky – 9

As if LSU didn’t already have the attention of the college football world, this absolute shellacking of the formerly mighty-Gators also started the countdown to the Titanic Tuscaloosa showdown. Alabama had blasted Florida 38-10 the week before in Gainesville. It was very clear that these were the two best teams in the country. LSU was much faster, more physical and far better coached than Florida. It was the kind of pasting that the Gators put on proud programs in the Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer eras.

Physically and emotionally drained from the clash in Tuscaloosa, the Tigers didn’t put Western Kentucky away until the fourth quarter. It was 14-7 in the first half. But LSU pulled away on a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium with their faithful rejoicing in what had taken place the week prior.

October 15 (Knoxville) LSU – 38 Tennessee – 7 The Volunteers were hanging tough with LSU and threatening to score and take a first quarter lead. Then LSU was LSU. Claiborne intercepted a pass on the LSU four yard line and returned it 92 yards to set up a touchdown. Not only do they steal your girlfriend, her dad gives you the keys to his new sportscar to take her out. They just break your heart. As if the interception wasn’t bad enough, the return was a complete Neyland Stadium crowd deflater. It was another LSU runaway over a proud, tradition-rich SEC program.

October 22 (Baton Rouge) LSU – 45 Auburn – 10 It was another LSU runaway over a proud, tradition-rich SEC program. Oh yeah, we’ve seen that before. Auburn was hanging around late in the second quarter and decided to punt from the LSU 38-yard line, trailing 14-3 with just over a minute to go. Well wouldn’t you know, LSU goes 90-plus yards for a touchdown and a 21-3 lead. Sound familiar. The defending national champs were totally outclassed. And how about the run through Florida, Tennessee and Auburn by a combined score of 124-28! That’s Florida, Tennessee and Auburn. Those three programs have only won five of the last 15 national championships. Meanwhile, Alabama was slaughtering many of the same schools by eerily similar scores. The stage was set after an open date for both for the game of the 21st century.

November 19 (Oxford) LSU – 52 Ole Miss – 3 It is hard to believe that on LSU’s last visit to Oxford, the Tigers lost for a second straight time to Ole Miss and Les Miles was getting roasted for shaky clockwork at the end of the game. Ancient history. LSU was taking knees deep in Rebel territory with five minutes to go. The following week, Bobby Petrino was cussing at Miles for kicking a field goal with five minutes left. What do you do? What a nice problem to have, wondering whether the nature of another blowout SEC win would insult the opposing head coach. The Tigers got back firing on all cylinders for another major showdown the following week.

November 25 (Baton Rouge) LSU – 41 Arkansas – 17 Things got tense and nervous at Tiger Stadium, as an Arkansas fumble return for a touchdown gave the Razorbacks a 14-0 second quarter lead in the first meeting of No. 1 vs. No. 3 in Baton Rouge since the aforementioned 1959 Halloween Night showdown with Ole Miss when Billy Cannon worked his magic. With just under six minutes to go in the first half, LSU was driving, still trailing 14-0. At halftime, the Tigers were up 21-14. That’s explosiveness. It was tight into the fourth quarter, but that powerful LSU running game took over and buried the Razorbacks. The win was LSU’s third of the season against a team that at some point was ranked in the top three nationally. And again, that’s not to mention the likes of Florida and Auburn. And LSU has to be the first team in history to slay each of the last three national champions. No matter what happens in Atlanta, the Tigers have likely punched their ticket to the BCS Championship game with a phenomenal season that few, if any, saw coming in this powerful nature.

— By Jeff Dantzler

WEST CHAMPIONS

The Studs that got them there

photo by LSUsports.net

LSU #7 Tyrann Mathieu, CB/PR LSU #2 Rueben Randle, WR The Honey Badger is considered the most aggressive and fearless animal on Planet Earth. Mathieu’s nickname is the “Honey Badger.” This AllAmerican is just a sophomore, and stepped right in for the great AllAmerican Patrick Petersen, defining heir apparent. In 24 career games, Mathieu has forced 13 turnovers. He ran back a 92-yard punt for a touchdown in Baton Rouge to tie the Arkansas game at 14-14 and spark the Tigers comeback runaway. Mathieu will likely finish in the top ten in the Heisman Trophy balloting and will be a front-runner next season.

With all of the great talent in the SEC, he figures to win Defensive Playerof-the-Year, an honor that is arguably as tough to win as college football’s most prestigious. The field isn’t as deep, but the top ten competing for the honor certainly take home the per capita on talent.

With a horde of stellar running backs, an awesome offensive line and standout quarterback play, LSU’s offense is stacked and Randle is the big play touchdown maker. He’s arguably the Tigers most important offensive player. Throughout the season, Randle has produced a slew of big touchdowns. He’s the best receiver Georgia will face since South Carolina’s All-American Alshon Jeffrey. Randle is very fast and has that natural knack for finding holes in zone coverage. He’ll love running on the fast track on the Georgia Dome, a stadium in which LSU has had tremendous success in the 2000s.

LSU #17 Morris Claiborne, CB

LSU #9 Jordan Jefferson, QB

A tremendous cover corner with great feet and ball skills, Claiborne teams with Mathieu to give the Tigers an All-World secondary duo. And oh year, there’s also Eric Reid, who was the hero and game – saver in Tuscaloosa. Everyone on this defense is a star and future pro. As B.I. editor Vance Leavy summarized, “they’re trained killers.” With that incredible front seven, LSU’s standout secondary performers flourish. Claiborne has two of the biggest plays of the season, the 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at West Virginia and 92-yard interception return at Tennessee. Georgia’s receivers haven’t seen anything like this secondary.

Arrested prior to the season and subsequently suspended, Jefferson lost the starting quarterback job to Jarrett Lee. But he remained patient, started getting more and more snaps, and then in the Alabama game, the Tigers turned to the fleet and talented Jefferson in the second half. He’s been LSU’s number one quarterback since. Jefferson has a big arm and is fast and strong running the ball, whether by design, on the option or to avoid pressure. He gives this incredibly talented team even one more element. Something has to give when defending LSU, but teams are forced to keep a spy on Jefferson on nearly every play.

— By Jeff Dantzler

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11

In the kitchen

with THE Couvillons Renee and her brother Sam Couvillon recently got together to make their mother, Nancy’s seafood gumbo just in time for the SEC Championship game against LSU. This tribute to their mom from Louisiana and her native cajun cooking was a year after her passing. It turned out to be a fun and nostalgic trip down memory lane for the siblings as well as a nod to the fact Bulldogs can confidently face LSU on the field and in the kitchen.

Nancy was an avid University of Georgia Bulldog fan and supporter during her life in Georgia and throughout her husband Dr. Gary Couvillon’s career as a professor of horticulture and a Faculty Athletics Representative on the University of Georgia Athletic Board.

Visit guide2athens website to see more of the photo shoot, the recipe and “how to” for creating their mom Nancy’s seafood gumbo.

Bon appetit- Cheri Leavy

Couvillon’s Cajun Seafood Gumbo 3 lbs. shrimp 2 -8 oz. containers oysters *keep and use juice 1 lb. scallops 5- 8 oz containers crab meat *keep and use juice 2 lbs. crawfish 2 packages cajun sausage (Renee does this, her mom didn’t) bacon for bacon grease 1/4 cup flour 2 cups each of onion, celery and green pepper (chopped) 3 cans Rotel original 24 oz. chicken stock 5 cloves garlic (chopped) ZATARAIN’S Gumbo Filé seasonings: 2 bay leaves 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme 1 teaspoon basil 1/3 cup dried parley 1 teaspooon lemon pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 dash worcestershire First you make a roux and this is the most important foundation for the dish. Renee used her mom’s cast iron pot which is best. Cook bacon and save the bacon grease. Use the bacon grease and 1/4 cup of flour in the pot on medium heat. Using her mom’s wooden spoon, Renee stirred the roux scraping the entire bottom of the pot until the roux turned chocolate brown. Lower the heat when it gets medium brown. Do not walk away from the roux as if it burns, you have to start over.

Now add onions, celery and green pepper and cook 3-5 minutes stirring.

Add half of the chicken stock and up the heat a tad. Let cook 3-5 minutes.

Add chopped garlic. Add Rotel and cook 3-5 minutes. Add additional stock and seasonings except the gumbo filé. Add sausage. Cover and let cook on medium heat for an hour and 15 minutes stirring regularly.

Add seafood and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Serve over rice and top with gumbo filé to taste. Serve with crusty french baguette.

C’est Bon! This is good!

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Bulldawg Illustrated

The Match Up Bulldawg Illustrated’s sportswriters break down Georgia-LSU Jeff Dantzler

Murray Poole

Travis Ragsdale

2011 SEC Championship #1 LSU Tigers vs. # 12 Georgia Bulldogs December 3, 4 p.m., Georgia Dome When Georgia has the ball JD - LSU just may have the very best defense in the country. It’s either the

Tigers or Alabama. They force turnovers and score touchdowns. They produce a slew of negative yardage plays. They come up with three-and-outs at critical times when there’s the slightest hint of trouble. It is going to be extremely tough and physical, but Georgia has to run it at LSU and get Aaron Murray out moving. With no running attack and Murray standing in the pocket, that ferocious defense will be drooling for sacks and turnovers. The Tigers secondary is incredible. But Malcolm Mitchell can make big plays against anyone. He gives Georgia a sorely needed home run threat.

Murray -

When LSU has the ball

It’s an absolute must for the Bulldogs to keep the rugged Tiger defense off balance with an equal blend of rushing and passing. Georgia must first establish the running game in order for Aaron Murray to have a big passing day and that will mean getting both Isaiah Crowell and Ken Malcome into high gear.

The Bulldogs will need to control the football offensively in order to keep the dangerous LSU offense on the sidelines and that will mean that Will Friend’s offensive line must render its finest performance of the entire season. And, oh yes, Murray must be dead on target with his passes so as to keep the ball away from the Tigers’ two great defensive backs, Morris Claiborne and Tyrann Mathieu.

JD - For Georgia to have a chance, the defense has to play its very best game

Travis - The Dawgs have to hope that Isaiah Crowell is healthy this coming

photo by LSUsports.net

and keep LSU’s dangerous, powerful and explosive offense from getting rolling.

The Bulldogs defense was tremendous in big Southeastern Conference victories over Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Florida, Auburn and Kentucky – allowing just five offensive touchdowns in those five wins. LSU can grind it up with a strong rushing attacking featuring three outstanding tailbacks, a fleet quarterback and an offensive line full of future NFL players. And the Tigers are explosive.

Rueben Randle and Russell Shepherd headline a host of big lay threats.

weekend. The strength of the Georgia offense to this point in the season has been the passing game. In order to continue that trend, Georgia will need to first establish a run game to facilitate the play-action pass. Mind you, that won’t be easy against what many consider the best defense in the country.

Murray -

LSU has four running backs (Michael Ford, Spencer Ware, Alfred Blue and freshman Kenny Hilliard) over 200 pounds with Ford and Ware being the rushing leaders with 721 and 687 yards a game, respectively. Thus, Todd Grantham’s defense, which has performed so brilliantly in this 10-game winning streak, must lock up on their tackles and slow down the Tiger running game, which is averaging 215 rushing yards per game. That’s something the Arkansas Razorbacks couldn’t do last weekend and the reason they allowed 41 points to the Tigers. Slowing the LSU rushing attack and making senior quarterback Jordan Jefferson TRY to beat the Bulldogs with his passing could spell good things for the Dogs in the Georgia Dome.

Travis -

Georgia needs to continue to play strong defensive football as they have all year. Stopping the run and forcing Jordan Jefferson to pass will be key as the strength of LSU’s offense comes from the ground game. But be weary of Les Miles, he’s likely to have some sort of set of trick plays up his sleeve for this one. photo by Ryan Scates

Special teams

Intangibles JD - This is a house money game for Georgia. Yes the Bulldogs are a victory

away from a coveted, precious SEC Championship. But standing in the way is one of the finest football teams Georgia has ever played. The Tigers are right there with ’76 Pitt, ’82 Penn State, and ’96 and ’08 Florida. They may be the best. Even if LSU loses, the Tigers will likely play in the BCS Championship Game. If the Tigers beat Georgia and then win in the Superdome for the big Crystal Ball to go 14-0, it will go down as one of the great seasons for any team in college football history.

That is a nice nugget that Georgia is the only SEC school that Les Miles has a losing record against.

JD - LSU has the country’s best special teams. Georgia’s has been amongst

the SEC’s worst. Far too many times, most notably in a painful loss to South Carolina and narrow escape at Vanderbilt, Georgia’s kicking game has been a disaster.

LSU scores on punt and kickoff returns. Tyranm Mathieu brought a punt back for a touchdown to tie Arkansas. Morris Claiborne returned a kickoff for a 99-yard touchdown to knock out West Virginia when the Mountaineers were threatening.

Georgia’s struggles on field goals has led to the offense being more aggressive, especially in Jacksonville. This is clearly the biggest edge that LSU has.

Murray -

All week, leading up to Saturday’s 4 p.m. kickoff in the Georgia Dome, the Bulldogs are going to be hearing they don’t belong on the same field with LSU, that they have absolutely no chance of pulling off what would be a gigantic upset. This is something that should rile this 10-2 Georgia team up, something that should give Mark Richt’s Bulldogs every bit of motivational ammunition they need to take the fight to a fat and sassy Tiger team that could already be thinking about its rematch against Alabama in the BCS National Championship game. What say you, underdog Bulldogs?

It’s hard to imagine LSU having better special teams play than do the Bulldogs but with blue-chip All-America candidate Tyrann Mathieu patrolling the secondary and also being dynamite on kick returns, the Tigers’ special teams are a big reason why they are unbeaten and ranked No. 1 in America coming into the SEC title game Saturday. Mathieu had that 92-yard punt return for a touchdown that turned the game around against Arkansas and, certainly, All-American Drew Butler will have to pinpoint his punts so Mathieu can’t inflict damage on the Bulldogs as well. Blair Walsh will have to be on target with every kick Saturday and, of course, it goes without saying Georgia’s kick coverage team will have to be at its very best.

Travis - The Dawgs have to have the edge here. Nobody outside of the

Travis - LSU has the Honey Badger, Tyrann Mathieu. Last week he ran a

Murray -

Bulldawg Nation believes Georgia can win this game and that bodes well for the Dawgs. Flying under the radar has sort of been Georgia’s thing this year and they wouldn’t have it any other way. LSU has everything to lose, UGA on the other hand, is playing with house money.

punt back for a TD against Arkansas. He is extremely dangerous and just an allaround play-maker. Containing him will be a big point of emphasis this week in practice. One big play from him on special teams could mean the game for Georgia.

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The Big Goal is within our reach. Saturday afternoon offers a long awaited opportunity to return to the Georgia Dome for a chance to not only beat the unanimous choice for the nation’s top team, the Louisiana State Tigers, but also, most importantly, to take home the trophy for the Southeastern Conference Championship. Mark Richt has led a much discussed and tremendous turnaround from the dark days to start the season. He, along with his staff and players, deserve heavy praise for putting themselves in this position.

The Dawgs have ridden the strong play of what has become one of the top defenses in the country to the tune of a ten game winning streak. Todd Grantham’s unit finishes the regular season ranked in the top five defenses nationally.

The faithful longed for a return to the days when the defense could be trusted to shut down the opposing team no matter what the offense was doing. For the past ten games, we have seen just that type of play from this very talented bunch.

Aaron Murray is playing exceptionally well. The Dawgs have weapons on offense that have proven to be fairly consistent throughout the year. The health of Isaiah Crowell is of extreme importance. Will he be ready to go? He will need help against this rugged LSU D. They are nasty and full of playmakers. We will have to eliminate the turnovers that continue to crop up on occasion. Plays will present themselves and we have to take advantage when they do.

Chances will not be plentiful so we have to be ready.

The bottom line is the Dawgs have fought hard and earned their place on this big stage. Sure, plenty of games were sloppy. Performances were not always as dominate as many felt they should have been. None of that matters now.

This group continuously proved to find ways to win. If they can once more find that within themselves, find that place to play that exceptional game they are clearly capable of, there’s reason to believe we could bring home the trophy.

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