Where shall I begin for my weekly offering that I really don’t want to write?
Despite another excruciating loss to the mighty Crimson Tide on Saturday night, Team BI and their Editor, like our Georgia players and coaches, had to wake up on Sunday morning and hit the ground running. And I assure you it was awfully difficult!
Looking back at the Bama game, you have to remain positive to think that our Bulldogs were right there for a victory against the elephants despite this astounding offensive stat line …
Alabama: 12-of-19 on third down … Georgia: 2-of-8 on third down.
As Kirby Smart relayed in his post game presser, it is very hard to beat a great team if you’re unable to get them off the field … PERIOD!
Of course, this latest Bama loss will forever be remembered by Kirby and Co.’s decision not to kick the field goal in the 4th quarter, which would have tied the game. Call me crazy, but when your team has somehow fought back despite not playing its best, you take the points.
However, I say this not at all questioning the best coach in college football, who led his team to 33 consecutive home victories, which included two national championships. Coach Smart went for the first down and unfortunately for everyone that loves the Red and Black, it didn’t work out for the home team.
Alabama 24 Georgia 21
As you can tell by this photo by BI’s Rob Saye, NO ONE feels the agony of defeat more than Kirby Smart. However, NO ONE is better than Kirby at getting his team out of the dejection after a difficult loss. So we as fans must follow suit, which is why this cover turns the page asking everyone in the Bulldog Nation to ‘Hunker Down for Homecoming!’
I do so love Homecoming week in Athens. There’s nothing better than driving down Milledge and seeing the creative and supportive banners hanging outside on sorority and fraternity houses. Then on Friday night (6 p.m.), the streets of downtown will be filled with Bulldog fans for the annual parade. Yes, some will still be smarting from the Bama loss, but most will be there to support our University and football team they so love, which is beautiful. Then on game day, the smell coming from Myers Quad and throughout campus at all the alumni group tailgates is always mouthwatering.
This issue of BI will get you ready for Saturday’s high noon game versus the Kentucky Wildcats. Our team needs its fans in Sanford Stadium when the opening kickoff sails through the air. Make them proud and don’t be late.
Beyond the awesome 125-plus fan photos (beginning on page 27) from the Bama weekend in our Social section, please be sure to read our regular features.
This issue’s MIXTAPE (page 26) comes from 23-year Athens Academy kindergarten teacher, Melanie Hollis. You know Melanie keeps her classroom fun when one of her tracks is Widespread Panic’s incredible cover of J.J. Cale’s classic, ‘Travelin’ Light.’ Well done, Melanie and thank you for your years of mentoring youngsters.
This issue’s Georgia Girl (pages 24, 25) is Skye Estroff. When your profession has earned you the distinction of “Atlanta Food Expert,” I think it is a must that you try making Skye’s Caramelized Vidalia Onion Dip with Kale. I know Cheri will be serving this recipe at pregame soon.
Finally, don’t miss getting to know UGA‘s Vice Provost and Chief of Staff, Alton Standifer in this issue’s Proust Q&A (page 48). All you need to know about Alton is his amazing choices for historical figure and heroes in his life … King David and Susan and Paul Holmes from Monticello, Georgia. Great stuff, thanks for participating Alton.
That’s going to do it for me. As I mentioned at the very beginning, this Editor’s Note certainly didn’t come easy. However, I’m pretty proud that I reached 700 words, while encouraging our readers to remain upbeat as we all ‘Hunker Down for Homecoming!’ A new home winning streak begins on Saturday, see you there and Go Dawgs!!