a2zreale

A great deal of life is spent in the in-between moments. We all remember the weddings, birthdays, graduations, major world events, and other earth shattering occasions which mark our passage through life. But the fact is the vast majority of anyone’s time is spent in more mundane pursuits. Going to school, going to work. Doing the dishes, making the bed.

And playing the UMass Minutemen.

Because it’s the same with college football seasons. We remember the trips to Austin to knock off #1, and the big home wins against Tennessee. But you still gotta beat the UMass Minutemen. Five years from now we are unlikely to remember this game. In fact, if we do, it will be an indicator that something has gone terribly, horribly, and perhaps tragically wrong. No, the game plan for this Saturday is to tee it up at lunchtime in Sanford Stadium, and by 2:30 p.m. be resting and recuperating to get ready for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets the next week.

That is not to say this Saturday is unimportant. In fact, it is very important. It is a chance to prove that what happened last Saturday in Sanford was not a fluke. It is a chance for this football team to prove that it can take care of business when it’s back is not against the wall, and when its season is not on the line. Again, we all remember the people who showed up for the momentous days in our lives. But the ones who are really important both outside the chalk lines and inside it are the people who are there on even the boring days. Those are the true champions.

Because it is the in-between days that get you from where you are to where you dream to be. And what’s the drink to celebrate a college football game that hopefully gets us from where we are to where we dream of being?

A Bigger Dreams hazy IPA from Athens’ own Creature Comforts brewery. It’s a bright, full-flavored and citrusy IPA. Not necessarily for the faint of heart (or liver, as it’s a stout 6.8% alcohol), Bigger Dreams has a great aroma and smooth mouth feel, the kind of beer that you can have one of without feeling that you haven’t had a beer or three of without falling off the edge of the Earth.

It’s a nice, smooth groove. Let’s hope the ‘Dawgs can find a similar one on Saturday afternoon. Until later…

Go ‘Dawgs!!!

A team brash enough to fire their coach, who never play on grass, who demanded to appear on SECN, who know this is a trap game, and who probably won’t even bring fresh cranberries. What, me worry?

Here’s what I’m NOT worried about when Georgia faces off against the Bayonnet-wielding Bay Staters:

1. The Minutemen senior class needs to touch grass. They’ve only played on grass 1 time this season, and lost. I realize the growing season is long over in their neck of the woods, but you can’t keep grass alive until Thanksgiving? Or play teams a little further south with regularity? Anyway, their senior class has played a total of 8 games (2021-2024) on grass and lost them all. Maybe worse, they’ve had a single score or worse 5 of those games. I mean, they’re not good offensively anyway, but this seems especially not good.

2. The Bulldog senior class has a chance to do something special. They currently have a win/loss record of 50-4, and with a win can set the school mark for most wins by a class. I haven’t mathed up the winning percentages in comparison to the other classes, but this is still a great accomplishment from Damn Good Dawgs.

3. Burning redshirts. The following players have appeared in 3 games thus far in 2024: Chauncy Bowens, Chris Peal, Jake Pope, Ellis Robinson, Colton Heinrich. Robinson and Bowens are probably the splashiest of these, and I have to believe with the injuries to our running backs that Bowens will again be utilized against UMass.

With the expected nature of the opponent this week, nagging injuries left and right, and at least 2 more football games, more players will be pressed into action. Let’s just hope no Georgia player decides to go the route of MJ Morris or Bear Alexander.

Now forgive me, as I was weaned at the nipple of Larry Munson’s scratch so here’s what does worry me about Massholes:

1. Over 200 yards rushing. As Georgia and Carson Beck have proven, we don’t have to rack up 2 bills to win, but the record is pretty good when we do. Since 2017, Georgia is 32-11 when the ground game fails to tally 200. That’s a 74.4% success rate, or winning 3 of every 4 games and losing 1 out of 4. Not bad. But Georgia’s record since 2017 when over 200 yards? Perfect. 41-0.

In fact, under Kirby Smart, only twice has UGA lost the game when eclipsing 200 yards rushing: the Ole Miss schellacking and the Georgia Tech debacle, both in Smart’s first season in 2016. I long for the days when that was almost a given, or at least more likely than not. Georgia hasn’t reached this mark at all in 2024, having done it 5 times last season, and 8 times in 2022.

2. Third down conversions. The Bulldog offense is only converting just over 40% of its 3^rd down attempts. Now when they convert is also critical, and Beck/Bobo did a much better job on crucial 3^rd downs against Tennessee. Yet the 8 of 14 stat is the first time over 50% for a game since Auburn, and only the 2^nd time all year. This ranks 64^th in the nation – not exactly where I expect a Georgia offense to be. It was over 55% last year, and 51% in 2022.

The Bulldog defense hasn’t exactly hunkered down of late either. There was a nice stretch in the middle of the season were teams were held under 25%. But the Ole Miss game, which actually could have been worse, and Tennessee’s barrage of 3^rd down conversions really impacted the metrics.

Georgia is still ranked 20^th in the nation in 3^rd down defense, but 6^th in the conference. I think the bigger point is that the banged up and patched together Bulldog offense needs a few more possessions than usual, so we need the defense to get some earlier stops and give Beck a few more chances to show off his arm sleeve.

3. I miss Will Muschamp. Before the Secret Agent officially was called off his mission, the Georgia pass defense was not up to snuff. In 2020, the Bulldogs allowed 15 passing touchdowns, a 65% completion rate, and an opposing QBR of 132. In 2021, with Boom on staff, the percentage dropped to 56%, only 10 scores, and a QBR of 103. 2022 was also a good year if you look deeper into the numbers: 57% completion rate, 15 touchdown passes, and a QB rating of 116 (note 7 of those TDs are from 2 games: LSU in that SECCG where we were up and just trying to get to the finish line, and from an Ohio Commonwealth College, who brandished a QB that won the NFL offensive rookie of the year 12 months later).

2023 was more of the same, allowing less than 55% completions, 13 TDs over 14 games, and a QBR of 106. This season the completion percentage is back up to 58% and a QBR allowed over 117. I guess I miss Fran Brown too.

Call me crazy, just don’t call me late for dinner. Sound off in the comments below what worries you about the Bulldogs of Georgia versus the Minutemen of Massachusetts. And as always…

GO ‘DAWGS!!!

Good Thursday morning Dawg fans, hope all of you are having a good week. It’s been an eventful week within the CFB world as we are getting to that point of the year where chaos is bound to ensue. Let’s get into the top stories surrounding the Dawgs for this Thursday morning.

Smart addresses CFP rankings

Coach Kirby Smart took the chance to speak on the recent CFP rankings that came out Tuesday night. The CFP committee’s criteria has slowly become a grey area as it seems the committee itself doesn’t even know what they’re looking for. When Smart was asked to express his opinion on the issue he stated, “It’s a hard one because I don’t know what they’re looking for,” “I mean, anybody can be on that committee and say ‘this is what we’re looking for’. This our criteria…..everybody debates it and I don’t have time to really waste energy on it.” Georgia moved up just one spot to #10 following their massive home win against the Vols with strength of schedule and conference prestige continuing to be undermined by the CFP committee.

Linton commits to the Dawgs

Georgia has landed another top recruit to add to its impressive 2025 class. Chase Linton announced his commitment to the Dawgs yesterday evening. Linton is a four-star Edge defender, as he is the fourth overall prospect at the position, according to 247 Sports. Linton stands at a lengthy 6’4 and weighs 215, still having plenty of room to put on muscle once he enrolls at Georgia.

That’s all for this Thursday’s edition of ‘Dawg Bites. Stay safe and as always, GO DAWGS!

You know what really ices the cake of a big win?

The unveiling of a Hollywood-level production of a game highlight package.

Georgia dropped its latest following the win over Tennessee, and it fitting that it features Todd Hartley, whose tight ends played, by far their best game of the season last weekend.

You may have noticed in recent games that there’s been more Daniel Harris in Georgia’s defensive secondary alignments. Consider this – he played no snaps against Texas and against Tennesee was in for a season-high 67 snaps.

That’s hardly an accident, and Dawg Nation takes a closer look at why.

Give the basketball team credit for earning attention with a 5-0 start. That torrid run continued with Tuesday’s win over an outmatched Alabama A&M, but the true text comes this weekend against Marquette and St. Johns, both top-25 teams.

Could not playing for an SEC title be for the best? The Banner-Herald looks at why that could be.

Until next time, Go Dawgs!

In case you missed them, here are the current College Football Playoff Rankings, hot off the presses:

1. Oregon

2. Ohio State

3. Texas

4. Penn State

5. Indiana

6. Notre Dame

7. Alabama

8. Miami

9. Ole Miss

10. Georgia

11. Tennessee

12. Boise State

13. SMU

14. BYU

15. Texas A&M

16. Colorado

17. Clemson

18. South Carolina

19. Army

20. Tulane

21. Arizona State

22. Iowa State

23. Missouri

24. UNLV

25. Illinois

Instant reactions:

* Georgia beat Tennessee by two touchdowns yet is only one slot ahead of the Vols. Sure, why not?

* It feels like Texas is at #3 for lack of a better option. The Longhorns haven’t beaten a top 20 team all season, barely escaped against Arkansas, and should be a trendy upset pick if they don’t get got by Texas A&M or defenestrated in the SEC Championship Game.

* Texas A&M isn’t technically out of the running, but they may need to beat Texas and beat them soundly to jump the Longhorns in the SEC pecking order.

* Indiana could save the committee a lot of heartburn by beating Ohio State in a close one. But they could give the committee a bad case of it by beating the breaks off the Buckeyes. Where would two loss Buckeye squad slot in amongst the two loss SEC teams?

* Tennessee’s best win is #7 Alabama. Ole Miss’s best win is #8 Georgia. Georgia’s best win is #3 Texas. Alabama’s best win is #8 Georgia. Indiana’s best win is…..Nebraska?

* Go Army.

* Penn State at #4 would be the best conceivable candidate for the honor of “first higher seed to be upset at home in a playoff game.” That Penn State team is the gridiron equivalent of a three legged cat that’s deaf in one ear. It’s still hopping around but is really only a split second away from disaster.

Go ‘Dawgs!!!

Welcome to Tuesday, Bulldog fans! And not just any Tuesday, but the Tuesday after throttling the despised and higher-ranked Volunteers, giving Georgia an 8 game win streak in the rivalry. After an ugly yet typical first 15 minutes, the game got good. Well, good from a Bulldog perspective. In fact it was so good I’m gonna need a minute before we turn to the Minutemen of Massachusetts.

The much-maligned offensive line sacked up. And the end of the day, it was zero sacks given. Zero was also in the turnover column. The two Georgia touchdown drives of the 2nd half took up 13:43 of clock time – that’s not death march levels of glorious, but it ain’t bad either. 5 for 5 in the red zone, and more importantly 4 of those resulted in touchdowns. 10 different receivers caught a pass, and 6 of those receivers had a reception greater than 20 yards. I tell ya, I’m gonna need a minute.

I’m not the only one appreciating the renewed sense of accomplishment. The SEC awarded Tate Ratledge with offensive lineman of the week, and Brett Thorson special teams player of the week.

Conference HQ noticed Athens has more than football players. Asa Newell grabs his first, of undoubtedly many, awards as the Freshman of the Week in men’s hoops. Newell is top 10 in the SEC in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. He’s leading a balanced Mike White attack, who are 4-0 after a solid win in Atlanta against Tech. The Bulldogs host Alabama A&M tonight at Stegeman Coliseum in a continuation of the early-season out of conference schedule.

Shots fired, as the Bulldogs upcoming football opponent UMass decided to upstage Kirby, and Monday morning released a statement announcing the termination of head coach Don Brown. This is fresh off a close loss to Liberty, where they had a couple of chances to clinch the win late. They might need to look at signing Henry Silver for the kicking duties.

Head Coach Kirby Smart held his weekly press conference Monday. It appears the injury to Dillon Bell is minor, and he could be back in the lineup very soon. But with UMass, I have to believe both will be held out as emergency use only. The same with Earnest Greene and Micah Morris.

I’m always interested to see how the intrepid reporters at the Red & Black saw the game, and after last week’s debacle, especially so. These aren’t season-long grades, but snapshots of Saturday night. And those 4 hours produced some high marks.

SEC Shorts expands into more of a nationwide playoffs view this week, but when old acquaintances resurface, you should at least acknowledge them.

There is the matter of CFP rankings released tonight. I honestly didn’t watch last week because I was still depressed from the beatdown in Oxford. But the air is a little sweeter this week and I expect Georgia will be back in the committee’s top 12. In fact, I think UGA slides up to #10, while Boise St. and SMU round out the 12 slots. But with Boise being the G5 rep and still in the top 12, Georgia doesn’t suffer the indignity of being left out.

The SEC slate is done, the road trips are over, and it is unofficially a get-right week for the Bulldogs. So let’s get right right here. Have a great day, take a minute if you need to, and as always…

GO ‘DAWGS!!!

It’s that time again. Time for a deep, unflinching dive into the mind of a mad man. Not insane, per se. Just really displeased. Pissed off, even. It’s time to ask ourselves what was going through the mind of the head coach of Georgia’s latest gridiron victim as it all fell apart. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Tennessee head football coach Josh Heupel as he left the field Saturday night following his team’s 31-17 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs:

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Friends, Romans, ‘Dawgs….what was Josh Heupel thinking?

a) “Didn’t the playoff committee say they were more concerned with quality losses than quality wins? I’m sure I heard something about that.”

b) “They’re gonna post the dang Bobby Hill gifs again, aren’t they? I don’t look anything like that kid.”

c) “I cannot believe these incompetent officials let Carson Beck go for 379 total yards and 3 touchdowns. Gonna lodge a strongly-worded complaint with the SEC office about that.”

d) “1998 ain’t really that long ago. The blink of an eye really. I saw where there’s a tortoise in the London Zoo who’s 134 years old. I bet he don’t care about losing to Georgia.”

e) “You know sometimes it just ain’t your night. But still you gotta learn to take it on the chins.”

As always, your suggestions are more than welcome in the comments. Until later….

Go ‘Dawgs!!!

Good morning, ‘Dawgs.

Your Georgia Bulldogs have completed the SEC portion of their schedule and are tuning up for a tune up with the UMass Minutemen. You’ve probably got a few irons in the fire yourself, so let’s get up to speed on what’s happening in Bulldog Nation.

With injuries across the lineup we knew Georgia would be forced to play some backups and younger guys against the Vols. Those newcomers, including Chauncey Bowens at tailback and Daniel Harris at corner, stepped up in a big way. That may have been surprising for some, but not for Kirby, who talked after the game about the importance of “working while you wait” for your time in the spotlight to come.

It was a big recruiting weekend in Athens, and Coach Smart continued to get good news on the recruiting trail with the commitment of junior tight end Lincoln Keys out of Saline, Michigan. The 6’6, 220 pound Keys also had offers from Alabama, Auburn, Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin among others, and is likely to be a national top 150 recruit in the 2026 class by the time all is said and done, as he has the size and athleticism to play on the line or split out and run downfield. I sort of doubt the big weekend from UGA’s current tight ends was what prompted his pledge, but I bet it didn’t hurt.

Perhaps the bigger news recruiting-wise was the decommitment of USC quarterback pledge and Carrollton Trojan quarterback Juju Lewis. Lewis also announced that he’ll be graduating early and reclassifying from the class of 2026 to 2025 and enrolling early at his school of choice in January. Our friends at the Ralphie Report, your place for all the best Colorado Buffalo news, seem pretty confident that they could land the five star signal caller. Indiana has also been in pursuit of Lewis, and he decommitted while on a visit to Athens for the Tennessee game. As between the three I would give the Buffs the advantage. Lewis, like most big time QB recruits these days, wants to play early. With Shedeur Sanders headed to the NFL after 2024 Boulder looks like the place with the clearest path for him to do that. Still, Lewis has also been clear that he grew up a Bulldog fan, and may well think he can emerge from the scrum to replace Carson Beck if in fact the Jacksonvillain heads to the pros after this season.

Back on the field of play the Bulldogs opened as a prohibitive 42 point favorite over the UMass Minutemen, who have already lost by 42 to Missouri and 25 to Mississippi State and stand at 2-8 on the season. Ideally the Bulldogs will come out and play some crisp football, get a nice lead, and get the starters out to rest up for what sets up as a physical contest against the Gnats next week. Of course, as has been the case all season it will be interesting to see if the Red and Black can string two solid performances together back-to-back. A fan can dream, right? Until later….

Go ‘Dawgs!!!

September 11, 2021. That was the last time Georgia played a game in Sanford Stadium and I was not in attendance. Until last night.

The Dawgs opened the 2021 season in Charlotte, NC against the Clemson Tigers. I watched that game in Podunk, OK at Podunkdawg’s favorite bar, with the family and friends who had arrived in advance of the funeral service. That game was the first game for which I wrote the Victory Post alone. One week later, I was still in Oklahoma, tying up some loose ends before handing the (figurative) reins over to my brother-in-law and nephews.

I was in the stands the following week for the game against South Carolina, and I’ve been there each home game since.

But November 13th was Mr. Squillian’s sixtieth birthday. That’s right. 6.0. In his family, several men have passed prior to that momentous occasion, and none have made it to their 70th. Because it fell on a Wednesday this year, I allowed him to choose if he wanted to celebrate last weekend or this weekend. He chose this weekend.

When he chose, and we started planning the party, game time had not yet been announced. It wasn’t until Saturday morning, as we sat around the dining table with Mr. Squillian’s sister (whose birthday is 2 days after his, and she is 10 years younger, so it was her 50th also), her partner, Brother Podunk and my son (who is Mr. Squillian’s mini-me, but don’t tell him that) that Mr. Squillian realized that I had given up not only a home game, but a night game. He certainly remembers when I sent him to urgent care with his best friend because I needed to get to Athens, so I know he realizes just how much I gave up to spend the night with him at his birthday party, and not in Athens.

One of my annual gameday partners, a UGA alum and a previous (and hopefully future?) coworker asked about purchasing my tickets, and we came to an arrangement.

We did NOT have the game on during the party. That crowd isn’t a College Football kind of crowd, and Mr. Squillian wanted a band to play, so I TiVoed the game to watch today.

And I *almost* was able to watch the game before being told the outcome. I didn’t tell Mr. Squillian, though.

So many of you have already said what I saw: the first quarter didn’t look good. Sometime in the second quarter, though, Beck got his mojo back. As my friend said: “When Beck did the first keeper for a first down, we all started to feel like he was owning the need to turn things around. And from there on, HE DID….He just suddenly found his groove and so did the receivers.” And folks, you were warned 24 years ago……”Beware the groove!!!!”

However, it is our intention to celebrate Georgia Bulldog Football Wins whenever and wherever they occur. The ugliness or beauty of any particular win is irrelevant for the purposes of the Winning Smart Victory Post. It is therefore my deepest honor and privilege to bring to you this week’s edition of: The Winning Smart Victory Post.

Coach Kirby Smart coached his 120th game this week for the Red & Black. He currently boasts a 102-18 record and a 0.8500 winning percentage, having carded his one hundred second win overall in the tenth game of the 2024 season against the Tennessee Volunteers.

At the identical juncture in their careers:

Vince Dooley’s 120th game as head coach resulted in a Georgia Bulldogs win over the Sunshine State Saurians in the ninth game of the 1974 season, giving Coach Dooley a record of 82-34-5 and 0.7042 percentage.

Coach Mark Richt was 92-28 (0.7667) after a win over Auburn in the tenth game of the 2009 season.

One hundred and twenty games into his head coaching career Kirby Smart is ten games ahead of Coach Mark Richt and ahead of Coach Vince Dooley by 20 games. As of now, he is holding his own versus the two winningest coaches in Georgia Football History.

As always . . .

Go ‘Dawgs !!!!

It was my first game since 2022 – also a win against the Vols. I like this habit.

Wow. What a game. What an atmosphere. I hope we have more meaningful night games in the future. Heck, I hope we have more meaningful home games in our future.

1. This was my first visit back to Sanford Stadium since 2022 when we beat Tennessee 27-13 on our way to a perfect season and the 2nd consecutive National Championship. That game was a 3:30 CBS (wipes away a tear, actually misses Gary…a little) kickoff that ended up being played much of the afternoon in the rain. I didn’t think that aura could be topped. Last night was special. Give the crowd a ton of credit, especially after another slow start. The intensity never wavered. There’s nothing better than watching the Orange Horde leave early after we kill ‘em with a 92-yard, 12 play clock-eating, soul-crushing drive. All those horrendous orange and white overalls! They look like an orthodontically compromised chain gang.

2. I took my cousin to his first Georgia game. He’s 52. He grew up north of Chicago, but relocated to Athens with his 3 daughters in 2020. He had never been to a college game. He told me his dad took him to see Northwestern play one time when he was a kid. So, yes, in fact he had never been to a college football game. Adam was thoroughly impressed.

“Wow! Is it like this every game?” he asked? I said “yes!” Who am I to lie?

“My only issue is the TV timeouts! ,” he said. I can’t argue there.

3. He drove and I was concerned about parking but remembered a perfect little spot that could still be there very near campus and it was. Gawd Athens is hilly. My legs are killing me this morning, but I’m joyful. Joyful and out of shape. I must fix that. I have a feeling I may never wear Speedos again.

4. At the 2:37 in the first quarter, after Georgia could do absolutely nothing on offense and Georgia receivers were dropping passes as if they were hot coals, we had to punt again. Our Australian kicker, who probably has never drank a Foster’s Lager because it’s piss-water and no self-respecting Aussie would never drink it anyway, punted for the 3rd time in 3 opening possessions. The Tennessee returner eluded about 31 Georgia tacklers and was surely on his way to score with one man to beat, but Brett Thorson stuck the runner with more than a little bit of attitude and may have saved us in that moment. “Adam,” I said to my cousin. “Remember this play. I think this could be huge.” The Vols kicked a field goal to put ‘em ahead 10-0. It could’ve been 14-0 and that game might’ve turned out differently. Thorson’s tackle was huge.

5. Tennessee converted ten 3rd downs on the night. It seemed like a lot more. But we really only gave up a couple of chunk plays and made them work the field. It was great to see Smael Mondon back, albeit in a limited role. His presence was very big and if he can round back into shape and continue to heal from his foot injury we are simply a better defense.

6. We did not give up a single sack on the evening. What a difference a week makes! I thought this was a very good point by someone familiar to us:

7. Tennessee has a very good defense and they have built their line specifically to beat us. A lot of teams are doing this through the Portal. I really felt, after witnessing yet another poor 1st quarter, they had succeeded. As the game went on, our patchwork mix ‘n match offensive line began to play about as well as they have all year. Carson Beck had time to do his thing and we eventually rushed for 106 tough yards. Mike Bobo called a great game. Yes, he did.

8. Our tight ends were the offensive story in my opinion, after a combined 14 reception, 130 yard night. Oscar Delp had a night to remember with 2 scores, Ben Yurosek played as well as he has all year.

9. Who is #2 on offense? Oh, that’s Nitro Tuggle who was pressed into service when Dillon Bell left the game with an apparent sprained ankle. Nitro’s stat line wasn’t particularly eye-popping, but I think we’ve got something there. London Humphreys with 3 catches, 63 yards and none bigger than his contested grab in front of the Tennessee bench on the drive to ice the game late.

10. Let’s talk about Carson Beck. Yeah, he’s had a rough stretch since Auburn with some incredible moments, too. Last night, he played loose. He played like he was having fun and took shots that a gun-shy QB would never take. HIs passing was again victimized by drops. One of these days, Arian Smith might actually catch an opening play bomb. But Beck’s legs were a difference maker, too. I think this was by far his best game wearing that big, beautiful “G” on the side of his helmet.

11. Nate Frazier ran hard all night long. He gutted out 68 yards on 19 carries and, more importantly, protected the football. That kid has great vision and burst and will only get better as he gets stronger and wiser in the offense.

12. Early on, we were not doing anything on 1st down. I remarked to my cousin I’d rather see us get something on 1st down – even if it’s just 2 or 3 positive yards – so we aren’t constantly facing 2nd and 3rd down behind the sticks situations. Bobo seemed to embrace this. If this team could just figure out how not to trip over their own Johnsons right out of the gate, they might be more than a little bit dangerous.

13. Back to defense: The secondary really took away Nico Iamaleava’s downfield options, but he did a very good job in the short and mid-range game. I can live with that. He’s got a plus arm and is mobile enough to be sure. It seemed like Tennessee ultimately gained a lot more yardage than they did – 313 in total. That is their 2nd lowest output on the season. Shutting them out in the 2nd half was something I did not have on my bingo card.

14. The coaching staff – across the board – really had an excellent game plan last night. Poor Josh Heupel. He haz a sad. And then when “Glory, Glory” kept playing in the background during his post-game presser he haz a mad. I really think Tennessee came into this game expecting to win. Twenty-nine game home winning streak!

15. Special teams were solid once again, if not spectacular. I think Brett Thorson took offense to actually having a punt returned. Peyton Woodring was perfect, and only a single Vol kickoff return didn’t amount to much.

So, Georgia has concluded their SEC slate with UMass up next and then Tech – all at home.

Someone make sure the CFP Committee reads that X post, please. Truth to Power x infinity.

BONUS THOUGHTS:

• The only game I watched yesterday was a bit of Texas and Arkansas, which was a good excuse for a nap, and a little bit of LSU-Florida. The wheels may be off the rails down in Red Stick.

Oh, my.

• I saw this live and in-person and nearly fell out of my seat laughing:

• Look at South Carolina, all come-backy and stuff. Nice win over Mizzou. But they rushed the field. You don’t rush the field after beating MIzzou…unless you’re South Carolina.

That’s all I’ve got, folks. What a wonderful night it was. Maybe we’ve got it in us?

As Always,

GO DAWGS!

The Tennessee Volunteers came out swinging.

The Georgia Bulldogs counterpunched, and kept punching. After falling behind 10-0 and playing yet more flat offense the Red and Black caught fire and outpaced the Big Orange 31-17.

On a night when he was missing his most explosive back in Trevor Etienne and his most reliable receiver, Dillon Bell, went down with an injury Carson Beck stepped up and delivered with the help of a host of new faces. Six different Bulldogs caught passes of 20 yards or more on the night, a surprising departure for an offense that hadn’t been able to conjure up any big play threat the week before in Oxford.

“It’s hard to play on the road in this league. I keep saying that” Kirby Smart noted matter of factly in his post-game interview, before inviting the good folks of the College Football Playoff committee to come down and try it some time.

After looking tentative and unsure against the Rebels, and suffering under the weight of yet more drops from his receivers in the early going, Beck looked like a new man for the final three quarters of this one. He finished 25 of 40 for 349 yards and 2 touchdowns. But it was the number that was missing that really reassured Bulldog fans: 0. For the first time since Georgia’s October 5th victory over Auburn Beck didn’t turn the ball over once. And he avoided turnovers despite attacking downfield for much of the night.

Mike Bobo too deserves some credit for coming out of his shell a bit as a playcaller, jettisoning his over-reliance on the screen game to eat up chunks of yardage. The Athenians finished with 452 yards of total offense, 6.4 yards per snap. That’s a number that looked unachievable just a few days ago. The credit that doesn’t go to Beck, or his newly ascendant receivers, should go to the offensive line. A unit that has been maligned for much of the season and never more than last week dominated a vaunted Tennessee front that had looked among the best in the nation.

Georgia ground out 106 yards on the ground, 6 more than the Vols’ season average. Admittedly 32 of those came from the fleet feet of Carson Raine Beck, who had a big third down conversion and a 14 yard touchdown run. Nate Frazier also managed some tough yards on the ground and earned the final touchdown to seal the deal. Luke Beck however, the headline may be that Frazier didn’t turn the ball over. It’s wild how much easier it is to win football games when you don’t do that.

Defensively the Dawgs again stiffened when they needed to most, allowing only 331 yards of offense, just more than the lowest amount the Vols have rolled up all season. Perhaps most significant they held when they had to, limiting the visitors to a field goal in the first quarter when this one could have gotten away, and stopping them coming out of the halftime locker room to keep the momentum with the home team.

Speaking of which, credit also goes to the Sanford Stadium crowd. While a bit apprehensive in the early going, they ultimately got into the flow and affected the game play late. Georgia actually had an impressive list of recruiting visitors for this one, and the crowd and atmosphere were exactly what you want in that situation.

From here the Bulldogs will take on a lowly UMass team next week before closing things out with a resurgent Georgia Tech team. This game felt like the kind that a team could build on. Sadly we’ve said that before about this team, which has seemed on the verge of turning the corner before.

I’m not sure if they truly flipped any sort of magic switch on this cold and damp night in Athens. But I know the Tennessee Volunteers were right there with Steve Spurrier’s Gators as the hobgoblins of my collegiate football viewing experience. It always feels fantastic to beat them, and likely knocking them out of playoff contention makes it just a wee bit sweeter. I’m still not sure this team will ever play to the potential I believed they had coming into 2024. But on this night they found a gumption and toughness I did t know they had, and I’m proud of them for showing that. It’s once again great to be a Georgia Bulldog.

Go ‘Dawgs!!!