[su_spacer size=”20″]

[su_spacer size=”40″] It’s hard to believe that we have arrived to the final game of the 2015 regular season. And as is always the case, our men in red and black will face those pesky bees from the ATL. But before we delve into that state rivalry, we must spend a little time talking about last week’s overtime, barnburner versus Georgia Southern.
[su_spacer size=”20″]
Without question, there are certainly two ways you can look at the victory over the Eagles. On one side, it’s quite discouraging that our team had numerous early opportunities to seize control of the game, but couldn’t do it. However, you have to give kudos to our guys for battling back from a 14-7 second half deficient to force overtime.
[su_spacer size=”40″] And thankfully in the bonus period, our defense stuffed the Eagles in quick order, which was followed by a virtually untouched Sony Michel pay dirt scamper. Dogs win … Dogs win.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Personally, I wasn’t at all surprised how the Southern game unfolded. With a struggling offense, it simply wasn’t realistic to think this one was going to be a run away. But we love our football team and arrive to the stadium each week expecting the very best. Unfortunately that hasn’t always happened this season, but the good news is that a 9-3 season is in reach, if the entire Bulldog Nation can rally to get the Governor’s Cup back where it belongs.
[su_spacer size=”40″] For that to happen, I’m calling on all the seniors that were recognized this past week to dig deep at high noon on the flats. The likes of Jordan Jenkins, Kolton Houston, Malcolm Mitchell and John Theus, just to name a few, must play with vengeance, as our Jeff Dantzler notes on page 7.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Besides the obvious reason that it’s never ok to lose to the enemy (as UGA leg-end, Dan Magill referred to the Jackets), the annual playing of the Governor’s Cup has some added value for our seniors. Thanks to the efforts of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, the seniors on the winning team receive replicas of the trophy. That’s right, they only get one shot at going out true State Champions.
[su_spacer size=”40″] If you don’t think this is a big deal, I encourage you to check out Tech’s celebration after last year’s game (http://bit.ly/ gatechvideo). Be forewarned, you are sure to want to vomit after watching their jubilation in the visitor’s locker room at Sanford Stadium in 2014. It’s brutal … YouTube with caution!
[su_spacer size=”40″] And for our fans, let’s hunker down one more time for our beloved team. I know you will do your part just like you have done at every game this season. It’s so impressive the love that our fans give for our football program, be it at Dawg Walks or whooping it up at home and away games.
[su_spacer size=”40″] That’s going to do it for me, but before I go, I do need to touch on how special the collar ceremony was before the Southern game. Having both Russ (UGA IX) and Que (UGA X) on hand was incredible. And having the dogs, flanked by all the Seiler family certainly made you extremely proud to be a part of such an amazing tradition.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Finally since Thanksgiving is on Thursday, definitely don’t miss Cheri’s feature on page 13, where another UGA legend, Jack Davis and his family share some great holiday recipes. Jack also has his birthday coming up, so a big salute to him.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Alright Bulldog fans, like I said earlier, let’s get behind Coach Richt, his staff and team on Saturday. Losing to the Bees simply isn’t an option . . . let’s all go get the cup back. Happy Thanksgiving and Go Dawgs!
[su_spacer size=”40″]

---

[su_spacer size=”40″] Make sure to check out Bulldawg Illustrated’s latest print edition: Get the Cup Back, digital issue available for free online. CLICK HERE.
[su_spacer size=”80″]