It’s so nice to be back in the saddle again after the bye week. And, oh boy, there is plenty to talk about and tons to prepare for as the mighty Alabama Crimson Tide come to Athens this Saturday night.

First, it’s an absolute must that I begin talking about the epic battle that took place two Saturdays ago in Knoxville. In this very space, my headline sent a clear message to everyone that it was going to be a “tighten your chinstrap” game and that’s exactly what it was on Rocky Top.

From start to finish, both teams delivered haymakers. This is certainly up for debate, but in my opinion the game was one of the best I’ve ever seen. It was non-stop drama all the way down to the Tennessee missed field goal for the win in regulation to the Georgia’s overtime touchdown win in overtime, which required a video overturn in the replay booth.

Holy Smokey … Dawgs 44 Vols 41!

The amazing come from behind victory is something the Bulldog Nation shall forever cherish. That’s nine straight versus Tennessee, which now matches their similar dominating run in the ‘90s. But more importantly, the ridiculous Gunner Stockton “can’t throw the long ball” narrative fell flat on its face in Neyland. The poise that Gunner displayed versus the salty home crowd was absolutely amazing. I kid you not, No. 14 never flinched the entire game. He even barked at his own players a few times, when they were having issues lining up for plays.

Not surprisingly, Gunner garnered the offensive player of the game awarded by Kevin Butler on page 69. What a game for the Georgia quarterback and his entire team.

Now, it’s high time for the Georgia faithful and myself to turn the page because those elephants from Tuscaloosa are heading to Athens in hopes of once again showing America that they don’t lose to our beloved Bulldogs.

I won’t go into the carnage that has come the Bulldog Nation’s way courtesy of Bama other than to say it’s been excruciatingly painful. The Tide’s dominating run (versus the Dawgs) began in 2008 in the infamous “Funeral” Blackout Game held in Sanford Stadium. It was only Nick Saban’s second year in Tuscaloosa, however it was on that very night that all of college football was put on notice of the domination that was about to come to Title Town, USA over the next decade and half.

So you are probably asking yourself, if the “Funeral” game is such a bad memory in Georgia football lore, then why in the heck does this cover of BI have a graveyard reference?

Fair question, but not if you listened to Coach Smart’s postgame presser after the victory in Knoxville. You see the idiom he referenced “Whistling by the Graveyard” means (according to Webster’s dictionary): to act or talk as if one is relaxed and not afraid when one is actually afraid or nervous. Kirby made it clear he wasn’t talking about the tough Tennessee team he just beat. Instead he referenced the outside noise that was being said about his team. Point blank he said, “We know who we are” … “We are not going down without a fight!”

So there you have it as our awesome cover declares, ‘No Whistling By the Graveyard HERE.’ It was a must that we use BI photographer Will Hearn’s terrific photo of London Humphreys hauling in one of the greatest pass and catches in Georgia football history (to help tie the game in Knoxville). And what better background for our cover than the historic Oconee Hill Cemetery that resides by Sanford Stadium. I encourage you to visit the cemetery soon. It’s a spectacular piece of property, where many Georgia greats and Athenians are laid to rest.

Enjoy all 72 pages of this issue. It’s a biggie, much like Saturday night’s game versus Bama.

Throughout our sports pages, our BI sports writing team gets you ready for kickoff. Be sure not to miss Jeff Dantzler’s sentimental column (page 10) that gives proper due to Kirby’s father, Clyde J. “Sonny” Smart. After all, Kirby’s massive success began under the tuledge of his dad. Mr. Smart is greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He was such an incredible man, mentor, father and grandfather.

Our Social Section is absolutely loaded with tons of Bulldog love. Enjoy the Tennessee fan photos beginning on page 28. Like I’ve already said, what a game and what a memory that will never be forgotten.

Loran Smith is back this issue with our ‘Grand Georgia’ feature (page 48). I know you will love reading about Zach and Chad Powell. The brothers are as solid of men you will come by. Our MIXTAPE (page 47) and Proust Q&A (page 64) offerings this issue are unique because there are few folks that love music more than Jeff Wallace and Todd Cowart. Thanks for your participation, fellas. Finally, be sure to read about Amy A. Robertson in our Georgia Girls feature (pages 26, 27). You have to love her two favorite UGA memories (from the early 90s) … Hootie and the Blowfish at The Theatre and the four overtime win on the Plains at Auburn. Love it!

Like always, I’m out of time and out of space. What a pleasure it is to bring you this issue … ‘No Whistling by the Graveyard HERE!’ See you in Sanford Saturday night. Go Dawgs!!