Alright Bulldog Nation, I would ask you if you had fun this past weekend in Athens, but it’s sort of a silly question. Finally, the temperature wasn’t a zillion degrees and the football played on the field was lights out. Particularly, in the first half of the game.
Of course, the never satisfied Kirby Smart addressed some concerns about his team, but gave nothing but praise to the environment that our fan base provided. From pregame to the very end, the vibe in Sanford Stadium was electric. And guess what? It made for a very, very long day for Oklahoma’s quarterback, John Mateer.
While the 41-13 Sooners stomping combined with ideal fall weather was masterful, like every week the page must be turned to our Bulldogs next opponent.
This week it is Vanderbilt. I’m not a huge believer in the aspect of what are called “revenge games,” however Saturday’s game versus the Commodores does lend itself to a couple of story lines worth noting.
Of course, the one that is at the top of the list for most Bulldogs fans is the fact that freshman Vandy quarterback Jared Curtis was committed to Georgia throughout his recruiting process. However virtually on Signing Day, Curtis pulled the rug out from the Red and Black and declared his allegiance to his hometown Commodores.
This certainly begs the question does Coach Smart keep receipts from teams or individuals who have either beat him or let him down. We are about to find that out for sure Saturday on Dooley Field in Sanford Stadium.
However, in my opinion, what many Bulldog fans might remember more than the youngster Curtis snubbing the Bulldogs is the last time Georgia and Vanderbilt were supposed to have played in Athens. It was the final game of the challenging Covid football season of 2020. Unfortunately, that very week the Southeastern Conference canceled the game and declared it a no-contest.
Let the record state that Vanderbilt did fall below the 53 available scholarship players mandate. However, beyond the Covid-19 issues, the Commodores had just fired their coach and had some opt-outs from their roster.
What I remember most is that the canceling of the game meant the seniors on Georgia’s 2020 roster didn’t get a Senior Day. It was very disappointing.
I say the above to no way disparage Vanderbilt University. They are an incredible member of the Southeastern Conference and it’s been awesome to see them having an uptick in success in their athletic department.
My hope is for a very competitive game on Saturday; however, it wouldn’t hurt my feelings to see our Dawgs take it to the ’Dores. And what better way to do it than on Homecoming weekend in Athens, which is always so special.
As our cover says … ‘Hallelujah for Homecoming!’ I do encourage fans to get to Athens early enough to enjoy the homecoming parade on Friday night in downtown Athens. And then on Saturday, do what you have done for years now, make it as difficult as possible for the visiting team.
This issue of BI will get you ready for the game.
On the sports front, Max Champion returns with his MaxMan’s Fast Five (page 12). This time around, Max spends some time with PGA Tour professional Keith Mitchell. In the interview, you will learn where Keith’s “Cashmere” nickname originated and learn about his unique role on the tour’s policy board and advisory council. Thanks so much Keith for your time spent in helping the PGA Tour be its best.
In our Social Section, the BI Camera was super busy during the Oklahoma weekend. Beginning on page 32, enjoy over 100 fan photos. I assure you there are lots of smiles.
Our regular social features are all back in this issue.
St. Simons resident Leslie Hartman (Georgia Girls, pages 26, 27) recalls the 80s/90s late night destination, Herbie’s Diner. If you knew, you knew, Herbie was a trip. And speaking of the 80s/90s, Athenian Suzanne Kilgore has some awesome tracks from those days in this issue’s MIXTAPE (page 29). 10,000 Maniacs starter for the win.
Trent Allen returns with his Backstage & Behind the Bar (page 30) feature. I love how Trent continues to parallel his band days with the 2026 Georgia football team. And, what’s not to like about knowing how to make a proper Negroni. Finally, catch-up with Athenian Drew French in our Proust Q&A (page 56). Being a neighbor of Drew’s in Five Points, I can vouch for hearing Coach Smart’s unending pursuit of the Georgia standard by his players. It really is something we could all learn from … Woof, Woof!
Hallelujah for Homecoming. Saturday is another opportunity for our team and fan base to flex their muscles. See you there … Go Dawgs!!
