It’s so great to be back with you with another issue of Bulldawg Illustrated, even if it’s Christmas Eve Eve as I write this note.
Funny enough, back in January of this year I spent some planning time exploring how Team BI would need to navigate the inaugural CFP 12-team format. In fact, I even said to Cheri … “the holidays will never be the same for us!”
Even though hitting deadlines through the holidays isn’t ideal, I assure you that like all Bulldog fans, I’m over the moon at the accomplishments of this 2024 Georgia Bulldogs team, which includes an SEC Championship and the first bye in the CFP Playoff.
As everyone in Bulldog Nation knows winning the league championship is mighty tough. That is why it was imperative that I made sure this awesome photo of Warren Brinson with the trophy made this issue. Brinson personifies what you want out of the players on your team. He’s selfless and plays for the name on the front of his jersey (not the back).
Well done big fella on winning the SEC. And the same goes for every player and staff member of this 2024 team. As a true team, you overcame a brutal schedule and a slew of injuries to earn the distinction of being called the 2024 Southeastern Conference champions. Mighty impressive!
Ok, now for the next chapter of this 2024 campaign … ‘Be Elite 8!’
Since this Editor’s Note is certainly read by some who aren’t total sports enthusiasts, a quick lesson. The new playoff system is now an expanded tournament (12 teams). And while the NCAA basketball tournament field is much bigger, there are sports terms that have become the norm as the Hoops’ field whittles down to the final two teams.
The Sweet 16 … the Elite Eight, the Final Four …
After last week’s first round games, the CFP Playoff is now down to the Elite Eight. And what’s the best way to advance to the Final Four? That’s easy … your team must be ELITE!
As I coined this team in our last issue, this 2024 unit is one scrappy bunch. However, there is still plenty of room for them to become elite.
Offensively, the dropped passes and fumbles must stop immediately. The struggling running game did make strides against Texas in the SEC Championship. And at our deadline, it was just announced that Carson Beck is having surgery and won’t return for the Playoff.
Enter Gunner Stockton, who guided the Georgia offense to the second half victory over the Longhorns. His toughness no doubt sparked the team. Now against the Fighting Irish, we will need No. 14 to not only manage the game, but also make clutch passes through the air.
‘Be Elite 8,’ Gunner!
Defensively, I’m happy to report that this 2024 team’s tackling has improved immensely from earlier in the season. In a game with such high stakes as the Sugar Bowl, one-on-one tackles with a purpose must occur by our men in red and black.
The Georgia special teams took a massive hit with the loss (due to injury) of punter, Brett Thorson. My goodness, the “Thunder from Down Under” has been such an equalizer for the Dawgs over the last few years. However, as we all know about college football, injuries occur and must be overcome. Next man up … ‘Be Elite 8!’
So there you have it … our Dawgs head to New Orleans with their back-up QB and a new starting punter, who probably won’t be known until kickoff. While this situation isn’t ideal, I have confidence in these 2024 Scrappy Dawgs. And I can’t wait for the challenge that this very good Notre Dame team will bring to the Big Easy.
‘Be Elite 8!’
This issue of Bulldawg Illustrated will get you ready for the Sugar Bowl. Beyond our normal sports coverage, definitely don’t miss ESPN’s Mark Schlabach’s thoughts on the Sugar Bowl match-up (page 22). And Dawg Stats’ Josh Hancher brings his excellent stat-compiling prowess to BI for this issue (page 23). And to kill some of the idle time that the holidays bring, make sure to earmark Jeff Dantzler’s annual Bowl Bananza on pages 46-49.
In our social section, I know you will enjoy all the smiling faces (and Horns’ down) photos from the SEC Championship (pages 26-37). Also, the 15th playing of RSM Classic on St. Simons is always made complete by all the Georgia faithful who fill the Dawg House to watch the PGA Tour golf played on the Seaside Course at Sea Island (photos begin, page 39). And the “912” area code gets the nod this go-round in our Proust Q&A with Savannahian Carl Varnedoe (page 42).
Finally, don’t miss our GymDogs Preview beginning on page 45. The excitement for the new season is very high in Athens. And I would be remiss not to encourage all our readers to jump on the Hoop Dawgs bandwagon. Mike White currently has his team with a sterling 12-1 record as they head into SEC play in January. Yes, the league is loaded, but I believe this squad will hold their own against all the phenomenal teams.
That’s going to do it for me, but I certainly look forward to seeing the Bulldog Nation in New Orleans. The music, restaurants and bars are sure to ‘Be Elite 8.’ And so will our team … see you there … Go Dawgs!!