Last week we deemed our Alabama cover as a “Super Fight on the Capstone” and my goodness the game in Tuscaloosa certainly delivered that and some.

The Crimson Elephants bloodied our Dawgs to a pulp in the first half, but Kirby and Co. came off the deck after intermission with a furious comeback for the ages. The fight and grit in our team was tremendous.

Unfortunately, as it has been the case far many times over the last two decades, Alabama rose to the occasion with a knockout blow just after Georgia did the impossible and took the lead.

So there you have it … another disappointing and heartbreaking loss to the mighty Crimson Tide. Ouch, it is so darn painful. Brutal, awful … grrrrr.

However, perspective must triumph here. Particularly, when we are merely talking about losing a football game. Last week’s hurricane wreaked havoc through Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and even further north. Many lives were lost and many beautiful communities will never be the same with such immense infrastructure and property damage.

That’s real life pain. That’s what is really brutal and awful. And it certainly makes you sick to your stomach for the thousands of people across the South who are suffering and must rebuild. Everyone at BI’s heart goes out to all dealing with this devastation.

For our Bulldogs, they lost a football game. Their first regular season one in 43 attempts. It’s a bitter pill, but nothing to lose sleep over.

So we move on …

And what better place to start with than Homecoming in Athens this weekend.

After two physical games on the road, being in Sanford Stadium is certainly going to be great for the Bulldogs team and fans. As Jeff Dantzler always tells our readers, savor every game because the season comes and goes with a flurry.

While there was some chattering in the off-season that some in Auburn Nation might feel disrespected to be Georgia’s homecoming opponent, I would think that is hardly on the minds of either football team. Instead, both the Bulldogs and Tigers will be focused on getting the bad taste out of their mouths.

By no means, should Georgia fans discount Auburn’s current 2-3 record. The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry is always a battle. Also, the Tigers are certainly due a victory over our Dawgs in a series that has skewed mightily in the Red and Black’s favor. And the opportunity doesn’t get any more promising for Hugh Freeze and his squad after the two aforementioned physical road games for Georgia to end September.

Alright Dawg fans, let’s shake off the bitterness from Tuscaloosa and get ready for Saturday’s homecoming game. Our team needs to feel your support. Like always, the guys on the field are the ones that truly feel the dejection of a loss. After all, they are the ones who put in the 24/7 blood, sweat and tears that it takes to be a Georgia Bulldog.

This issue of BI will get you ready.

The scene in Tuscaloosa was electric, so capturing fan photos was a blast. Enjoy perusing those starting on page 28.

Since this is a home game issue, all our regular franchise features are back.

I know you will enjoy getting to know more about Cathy Butler in our Georgia Girls feature (pages 26 and 27). Sure, Cathy is married to Georgia and Chicago Bears kicking legend (and BI contributor) Kevin, but I can tell you first hand, she is a genuine and lovely lady. Without question, Kevin certainly outkicked his coverage.

This issue’s Proust Q&A (page 60) features Newnan’s Matt Brass, who is a state senator and business owner. How cool that Matt raised his golf game in such a small amount of time to become a Club Professional in his early adulthood. Boy, I sure wish I had that kind of talent on the links.

For the music lovers out there, don’t miss Joshua Patton’s MIXTAPE on page 57. He starts with Outkast, has Nirvana in the middle and ends with Metallica. And everything in between is darn strong.

Loran Smith is back in our SOCIAL section with our Grand Georgia Families feature (page 56). This time out Loran captures the Ferguson family from Athens, who have owned and operated Dick Ferguson’s men’s clothing store for 90 years. I loved how Loran even wove in employees from different generations of this Athens institution. Congrats to the Fergusons on their 90th milestone.

Finally, our BI sports guys (made it to Tuscaloosa and back) and have plenty of content to get you ready for Saturday’s game versus Aubie. Don’t miss Hamilton Culpepper’s What’s The Word with Horace King (page 62). With it being Homecoming this weekend, I know you will enjoy learning more about Horace and what all his scholarship and continued commitment to Georgia means to him.

Wowsers, this issue is a big one … enjoy. Happy Homecoming, Beat Auburn and Go Dawgs!!