If an entire weekend of college football stretches out before you, completely free of Georgia Bulldog football, but with big tests yet looming on the horizon, you could probably use a drink. I can help you with that.
Despite a lot of early season hand ringing and not a little Neyland Stadium anxiety the Red and Black are right where they’re supposed to be. Sure, there are things to be concerned about. And there are some looming questions on both sides of the ball. But all in all, getting through the first big road test of the season with a defense that just needs to execute a little better, and an offense that looks like it can score a lot when it needs to is t a bad place to be.
One of the most interesting things we’ve seen so far is that a Bulldog wide receiving corps that was much maligned in 2024 for drops and general lack of consistency has shown signs of being one of the deepest position groups on the squad. Six receivers have caught at least 3 passes on the season. Zachariah Branch has been perhaps even better than advertised, leading the team in receiving yards and averaging 16.45 yards per catch. Colbie Young is right behind him, having picked up right where he left off before his suspension last season.
But the biggest surprise may be London Humphreys, who’s caught 8 passes for 96 yards and is tied with Branch for the team lead with two touchdown receptions. Of course, not all touchdowns are the same, and Humphreys caught the kind of touchdown pass against Tennessee that they make commemorative paintings of.
There will hopefully be other moments to celebrate this season. But that one is the highlight so far. We’ve learned over the years that to have a championship team you have to be able to rely on more than just a couple of playmakers. You have to know that guys down the roster will step up when called upon. The fact that Mike Bobo was able to call on London and have him answer in that type of pressure situation is exactly the kind of thing that makes me think this offense may just be okay.
And what’s the cocktail to celebrate being able to call on London? With apologies to The Clash…
A London Calling.
This one is an effervescent gin cocktail to help use up some of that London dry gin you almost certainly stocked up on before the Austin Peay game. You’ll need:
1 and 2/3 ounces of gin
2/3 of an ounce of Sherry
1/2 ounce of fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 ounce of simple syrup
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Start by chilling a coupe or martini glass.Then mix all the above ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into said glass and enjoy.
Go ‘Dawgs!!!
