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From the Editor

Vance Leavy - Bulldawg Illustrated Editor at Butts-Mehre
Vance Leavy
[su_spacer size=”20″] Whew, that’s about all I can say about Saturday’s game in Nashville. It’s never easy up there and the 2015 version was no different as our boys had to hang on to escape with a 31-14 victory. A beauty it was not, but I wasn’t at all surprised. Surely by now, everyone in the Bulldog Nation is going to realize that there’s no such thing as a gimme game in college football anymore. Just ask Arkansas, who lost to Toledo and Auburn, who once again found a way to win one they probably should not have against Jacksonville State.
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Nonetheless, our Bulldogs are 2-0, which is all you can ask when visions of a magical season dominate your thoughts. However, I think we can all agree that there’s a ton of work for our players and coaches to do for such lofty expectations to be reached.
[su_spacer size=”40″] But rather than wallow in the negative, let’s take a quick look at some of the real positives from Georgia-Vandy 2015.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Once again, our running game was dominant with Nick Chubb almost gaining 200 yards. And Sony Michel, who I now call the Pinball Wizard, is the perfect compliment. Man, it’s so exciting to see him bounce off of defenders play after play for additional yards.
[su_spacer size=”40″] And while Greyson Lambert struggled mightily in the first half, he did find some form in the final two periods, which was a must. I realize the QB situation is a grave concern for our fan base, but did you really think it was going to be perfect from the onset? In my opinion, the best way for improvement to be found at the position is to have a few bumps along the road.
[su_spacer size=”40″] The Georgia defense continues to make huge strides and has the makings of being one of the best in the conference. But like with the QBs, some patience will be required. They are a young unit, who are literally cutting their teeth on the job. But man, the combination of raw talent and play making abilities certainly leaves you giddy at times.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Now, it’s time for our entire team to come together for a performance that shows they are ready to truly be considered the favorites in the SEC East. And who better to challenge that assertion than the Ole’ Ball Coach, Steve Spurrier. As you will read in Jeff Dantzler’s column (page 5), nobody has taken more pleasure in beating the Bulldogs than the Evil Genius.
[su_spacer size=”40″] For this reason, we at BI wanted to give Coach Spurrier his due respect, which is why he is on our cover with the saying “Fear the Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner.” If you are not familiar with the saying, it is an expression often used when someone at the casino has a hot hand and is feeling it. I think we can all agree that Spurrier has certainly had his way against Georgia, be it while he was at Florida or most recently, winning four of the last five with his Gamecocks. Yes, that’s right … if he wins on Saturday that would be five of six. Ouch!!!
[su_spacer size=”40″] To combat Spurrier’s mastery, we also put UGA’s most feared weapon on this cover. Because when Nick Chubb is feeling it, there’s nothing like saying “Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner.” Of course, Chubb’s success is due in large part when the fellas up front are doing their thing. My hope is leaders like Kolton Houston are going to step on the gas on Saturday and fry those chickens. Houston should have extra motivation since he’s been around for all of Spurrier’s most recent triumphs. Hopefully, Houston’s coaches will get out of their own way and feed number 27 the ball over and over again. 33 carries for 233 yards sounds like a winner, winner chicken dinner to me.
[su_spacer size=”40″] I’ve said my peace and sincerely hope Coach Richt and company won’t complicate things on Saturday. The Bulldog Nation represented in high fashion in Nashville and I know they will have Sanford shaking before kick-off. Let’s give them something to have the place going off the hook through-out the game.
[su_spacer size=”40″] I’m fired up, aren’t you?
[su_spacer size=”40″] With that said, I need to wrap this issue up, so I can get some rest from one Honky Tonk good time in Nashville. Please enjoy all the fan photos from the Georgia-Vandy game. And don’t miss any of our awesome sports coverage to get you ready for Saturday’s South Carolina game.
[su_spacer size=”40″] And last, but certainly not least, turn to page 19 immediately for an amazing update on Athens resident Henry Shepherd by his good friend and BI youth writer Hammy Culpepper. Despite only being 10, Henry has battled cancer over the last year, like a true champion. September is both children’s and prostate cancer awareness month and Henry will be recognized on the field Saturday along with former SEC Commissioner, Mike Slive. This takes “Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner” to a whole different meaning.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Saturday is certainly going to be a special day. Now it just needs to hurry up and get here. See you in Sanford with your game faces on!
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