Alright Bulldog fans start your engines because the high stakes SEC gridiron battle between Georgia and Texas has finally arrived.

“Keep Austin Weird” is the slogan adopted by the Austin (Texas) Independent Business Alliance and the meshing of woofing Bulldogs, hooking Longhorns and Formula 1 enthusiasts should accomplish just that.

Back when the SEC made the date announcement, many football fans were outraged that the conference would have two super events occur on the same weekend in the same city.

Hello, enter ESPN, who has the television rights to both the SEC and F1.

It’s going to be a smorgasbord, extravaganza … “Fast Lane to Austin” … here we come.

Hamilton Culpepper and I had a blast strategizing this issue’s cover. The diagram (flanked by Coach Smart and Georgia players) is the shape of the racetrack in Austin (Circuit of The Americas – COTA). And Hammy’s addition of the two Indy cars with team logos is classic and super cool.

With this issue, we have done our part here at BI, so now it’s time for Kirby and Co. to do theirs against Steve Sarkisian’s No. 1 ranked Longhorns team. Put the throttle down, Red and Black … zoom, zoom!

Certainly this could be easier said than done as Texas has been hitting on all cylinders this season, while our Bulldogs continue to be a very much so “work in progress.”

I find it interesting that Georgia fans, media, etc. are all over the place on this 2024 Bulldogs team.

Our own, Jeff Danztler remains in the positive camp continuously reminding listeners (this past Sunday) to the Bulldog Brunch that our Bulldogs have won 51 of 54 games, including 28 straight wins on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium.

I would put our BI interns (in their column space, page 20) in the cautious, yet realistic camp. They are correct that it’s very concerning that this 2024 Georgia team is amongst college football’s leaders in penalties. And again they hit the nail on the head by being encouraged at Carson Beck’s efficiency versus the Maroon Bulldogs this past Saturday.

Then there is BI’s Greg Poole who is in the “what is wrong with this team?” camp. I love it that I woke up this Sunday morning to a text from Greg where he said he would change his From the Field column (page 42) if I found it to be too negative.

Gotta love that passion. And I’m happy to report, you will find Greg’s sage thoughts exactly how he sent them because all of his concerns are 100% valid. This Georgia team better improve quickly or things could get ugly in Austin.

Personally, I love it that this team has doubters. It is a heckuva opportunity Saturday to prove to themselves and their beloved fans that championship football can be found in this 2024 season.

“Fast Lane to Austin” … gentlemen start your engines!!!

Beyond our sports, you will find fun recommendations from three Austinites on pages 26-28. Great food, great libations, great music and great football. Man, this road trip is going to be a blast. And if you have anything left in the tank on Sunday, you can head to the F1 race.

Hamilton Culpepper’s What’s the Word (page 43) column is back in this issue. This go-round Hammy catches up with former Georgia tight end Charlie Woerner. After being on the West Coast with the San Francisco 49ers, Charlie is thrilled to be back in Georgia with the Atlanta Falcons. Welcome home, Charlie and thanks so much for taking the time to talk with Hammy!

Finally, I’m happy to report a thumbs up by our fans this past Saturday versus Mississippi State. The fans in the stadium were into the game and our players needed the support as the Maroon Bulldogs continued to push back all four quarters. Enjoy lots of fan photos from the game starting on page 29.

That’s going to do it for me. I’ll see you in Austin. Let’s hit the fast lane and punch the Hook’em Horns in the mouth from the opening whistle. Zoom, zoom … Go Dawgs!!