After an always, enjoyable bye-week, it’s great to be back in front of my laptop putting the finishing touches to another issue of Bulldawg Illustrated. Particularly with the upcoming “Super Fight on the Capstone” that commences Saturday night in Tuscaloosa.
Ding, Ding!!!
BI’s Hammy Culpepper and I had a lot of fun brainstorming this issue’s cover. The idea was to replicate old boxing posters like Ali-Frazier, etc. Whether Coach Smart or Coach DeBoer want to admit it, the story line of this installment of the Dawgs vs. Tide is all about these coaches facing one another for the first time.
ESPN agrees as I saw a promo this Sunday morning, where they actually mentioned Ali-Frazier, while panning video of Smart and DeBoer. Not so fast Bristol, Hammy and I began our cover planning a week ago!
Seriously, Saturday’s night game is huge for both coaches and obviously bigger for the players on the field.
For Coach Smart, a win in Tuscalossa will no doubt help the longtime Bama bitterness, not only for himself, but also his team and the entire Bulldog Nation. Unlike previous years, the 12-team playoff does make losing this game not as punitive. However, don’t tell that to the Red and Black faithful, who are in severe need of statement victory over the Tide.
For Coach DeBoer, beyond needing his team to start their SEC slate with a victory, a win over the Dawgs cements his hiring as a damn good one. I must say DeBoer is quite impressive and I remind all Dawg fans that winning in T-Town is never easy. NEVER!!!
So let the countdown begin to “The Super Fight on the Capstone” begin. It’s going to be heckuva battle …
Ding, Ding.
This issue of BI will certainly get you ready.
In their columns, Jeff Dantzler (page 10) and Loran Smith (page 44) dig deep in the history of the Georgia-Alabama series. JD further glorifies the victory over the Tide (in Indy) to win the national championship. And Loran, gives readers some history that I would suffice to say you won’t find anywhere else. Enjoy and thanks to JD and Loran!
You will also find all our normal SPORTS coverage in this issue to get you ready for the Bama game. Our entire BI team is to be commended for always delivering not only quality content, but always hitting your deadlines. I say that, in particular, because next week’s Auburn issue is going to be a big one (and due on the Sunday after the Bama night game).
In this issue’s SOCIAL section, enjoy all the photos from the road trip to Lexington. It’s always fun to mix it up with Kentucky fans because they are always tremendous hosts. By my calculations (with the new SEC scheduling), it might be five more years before Georgia fans get to travel back to the Bluegrass State. Here’s hoping that game is scheduled in October. Both the Bulldog Nation and Keeneland deserve to be united again!
Finally in our Social section, enjoy reading about Colby DeCesare (Proust Q&A – page 40), who is the Director of Facility Operations and Maintenance for UGA Athletics. I always joke with Colby by asking him if Kirby keeps him busy. I know the answer because it often shows in his tired face. However Colby absolutely loves his job and does it with great pride. He is also very appreciative of the opportunity given to him by everyone at Butts-Mehre (dating back to Greg McGarity).
Alright Dawgs’ fans let’s get ready to rumble. See you Saturday night at the “Super Fight on the Capstone.” May the best coach and team win … Go Dawgs!!