Well the Aflac Kickoff Game sure was a ton of fun for everyone in Bulldog Nation. And I imagine it is safe to say it wasn’t so glorious for the Clemson faithful. Dawgs 34, Tigers 3.

You do have to give Clemson credit for being stout in the opening quarters. Of course, Coach Smart echoed that sentiment in his post-game press conference. Clemson is a very good football team, but these 2024 Dawgs were simply too much for our neighbors from across the Georgia/South Carolina border.

However, one game certainly doesn’t make a team a champion. Not to mention, there are 11 more games in this regular season, so it’s paramount to get better each week. That started today (Monday) in Athens as our Bulldogs returned to the practice field to focus on what they did well and not so well against the Tigers. Matter of fact, I’m pretty sure I just heard Coach Smart barking some encouragement that can be heard throughout Five Points.

The home opener in Athens is special every year, which is why I chose a special Bulldog for this cover. Safety Dan Jackson or “Dirty Dan” as he is called by many is a model of the type of player Coach Smart and staff want and need for their program. He is a selfless leader, who personifies the Thomas Carlyle mantra “Do the duty that lies nearest.” Whether leading on the field or in the Athens community, Dirty Dan is the ultimate Damn Good Dawg, which is why I hope all 93,033 Georgia fans take a moment to salute No. 17 on Saturday.

As you can tell by looking at this page, the BI Camera was a little aggressive this past weekend going over its allotted space. But what the heck, the more fun photos of Georgia fans supporting their Dawgs the merrier as far as I’m concerned. Enjoy the rest of the fan photos starting on page 26.

Our Social section is packed with lots of entertaining features this issue.

On page 34, you can meet Jim Gash, who beyond his hilarious wit also has the distinction of holding down this writer/editor as a youngster, while my brother, Buff, grinded a grapefruit in my face. It was the start of youth baseball and our coach told the team to get plenty of Vitamin C. My older brother and Jim certainly made sure I did. Lots of fun childhood memories with Jim and his family growing up on St. Simons, so I know you’ll enjoy Jim’s great answers.

Our popular MIXTAPE feature (page 35) returns this issue with Athenian Mel Channell picking some great tunes for our readers. Mel is a tailgate and cook extraordinaire entertainer, so I know you will love his well thought out tracks. Nice job, Mel!

Our Georgia Girls (pages 36, 37) this issue features UGA Law School alumna, Shunta Grant. Definitely be sure to check out her “favorite professor” answer. She names three that I know will strike a chord with other UGA Law alums.

Finally in SOCIAL, Hamilton Culpepper was lucky enough to cover the event held last week in Atlanta to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Kevin Butler’s “The Kick” to beat Clemson in 1984. Enjoy Hammy’s coverage beginning on page 38.

Like always, our Sports section will get you ready for Saturday’s game versus Tennessee Tech. As I stated earlier, the home opener is always special. Let the annual Sanford (Stadium) reunion commence … Go Dawgs!!