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[su_spacer size=”20″] I don’t know about you, but, to me, life is simply better when college football is being played. The everyday ups and downs aren’t near as draining, when you are guaranteed the luxury of watching your favorite team play each week.
[su_spacer size=”20″] For all of us in the Bulldog Nation that means seeing our boys in red and black hopefully strutting their stuff for another victory for Georgia. I called this past Saturday’s first game versus Louisiana-Monroe a soft opening because it afforded our team and fanbase the ability to get their sea legs back before the rough seas begin this Saturday with the first SEC game in Nashville.
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Thankfully, my report from Game 1 is glowing. Our team showed they have the ability to be very good, yet are still a work in progress. And our fans shined from the beginning to the end of the game, which only has me clamoring as to how rowdy Sanford Stadium will be in a few weeks when Spurrier and the Gamecocks arrive to Athens.
[su_spacer size=”40″] But first, there’s the roadie to Nashville that is never to be taken with a grain of salt. Yes, the all-time series (54-19-2) between the Dawgs and Dores is beyond lopsided, yet when losses do occur, it’s the ultimate gutshot. Just two years ago, our Bulldogs limped into Nashville after being upset by Missouri in Athens. And with the help of questionable penalties and Georgia’s self-inflicted mistakes, the Commodores showed the Bulldog Nation the true meaning of ‘Anchor Down’.
[su_spacer size=”40″] My hope is that the upper classmen on this 2015 team will have little difficulty in helping the rest of the team understand what can happen if they show up not ready to play in Vanderbilt Stadium. And if they need a little extra motivation, I encourage them to look on their sidelines on Saturday, where America’s greatest mascot, Uga will be missing in action.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Yes, for some silly reason, Vanderbilt has a policy where live mascots are prohibited. This keepsake photo (taken two years ago by Logan Booker) of Uga IX and country music sensations, Luke Bryan and Dallas Davidson is even more memorable since it was one of the last of its kind in Nashville. Oh well, if Vandy doesn’t want our Dog, then they will get a hearty heapin’ of our team and fan- base. As our cover says … Nashville … Here we Come! I hope you will enjoy this issue of BI. There are tons of fan photos from Game 1 and Cheri shares some highlights of what Road Dawgs should do in the Music City. And in our fairy tale series with UGA alumni owned businesses in Athens, Dominique Paye spins a yarn with Goldilocks, Hawthorne House and Lisa Ellis.
[su_spacer size=”40″] On the sports side, you’ll find plenty of tidbits to get you ready for Saturday’s game. And the Pooles, Greg on page 4 and Murray on page 14, take a look back at the Louisiana-Monroe victory. Also (on page 14), make sure to read this issue’s offensive lineman profile on Hunter Long, who hails from Tennessee (Memphis). And since I mentioned UGA’s offensive linemen, I would be remiss not to give a tip of the hat to former Bulldog, David Andrews for making the New England Patriots team. Well done … Boss!
[su_spacer size=”40″] Finally, it’s hard to believe it’s been 35 years since the glorious run by the 1980 National Championship Bulldogs. On page 5, Jeff Dantzler celebrates in high fashion a team that simply wouldn’t be denied.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Does this 2015 team have what it takes to take home the ultimate prize, like the 1980 team? They get their second chance to display their moxie in the Music City on national television (CBS) on Saturday. I can’t wait. Nashville. Here We Come!
[su_spacer size=”40″] For more articles like this, including player and fan photos as well as videos, check out Bulldawg Illustrated’s latest issue online:
[su_spacer size=”40″] Bulldawg Illustrated
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