It’s been a cold and rainy Sunday here in Athens, which I’m sure is just fine for everyone in the Bulldog Nation as they relax indoors celebrating a third consecutive 12-0 regular season campaign. If you don’t mind, please let that soak in for a few seconds. Or even for a few minutes.
What an incredible run for our men in Red and Black. However, don’t you think for one second that there is a bunch of R&R going on inside the football facility at Butts-Mehre. You can be assured that Kirby Smart and his staff are working diligently on what lies ahead.
The 2023 Southeastern Conference Championship … East vs. West … one last time.
Not surprisingly as the SEC bids farewell to division play, the final act pits the 12-0 Georgia Bulldogs against the 11-1 Alabama Crimson Tide. And for the winner, a coveted spot in the 2023 College Football Playoff should be automatic.
No pressure there, for either team.
However, both Nick Saban and Kirby Smart have built their dynamic programs for moments like these. Both men adhere to and exhibit the phrase “pressure is a privilege.” And while Coach Smart currently has his program at the very highest mark in college football, Coach Saban has accumulated so much championship hardware that his Crimson Tide team is always dangerous and meticulously prepared for games like Saturday’s SEC Championship. Particularly in the city of Atlanta.
So what gives? Who will win the final (division play) SEC Championship?
Like in this same space last week, I’ve chosen to let photos display the faith I have in this 2023 Georgia Bulldogs team.
Kendall Milton is running the football like an absolute beast. And most importantly, he is embracing his role as a total teammate, first and foremost.
Cornerback Kamari Lassiter doesn’t get talked about that much because opposing teams often choose not to go his way. It’s no wonder that Pro Football Hall of Famer Champ Bailey has so much praise for Lassiter.
And if you want to learn more about what Dillon Bell means to this 2023 Georgia team, then I encourage you to read Kevin Butler’s Players of the Game on page 44. KB is absolutely correct in saying that we need Dillon to ring the bell one more time against the Crimson Tide.
Finally, big man Zion Logue has consistently given his all for multiple years for his Red and Black teammates. And having sat at a table with him this past spring, I love to report that Logue exemplifies what Kirby Smart expects of his players when they are not on the football field. Engaged, insightful and respectful.
These are only four of 85+ players on this special team, but in my opinion, they represent what Georgia fans can expect on Saturday afternoon. They will leave nothing on the field. They have felt the pain of losing to Alabama in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They will be ready.
Without question, the Bulldog Nation must match our team’s intensity on Saturday. I can’t wait. For now, enjoy this special SEC Championship Preview EXTRA issue to get you ready for another battle with our counterparts from the West. Together it is time for us to blast Bama in the Benz. See you there … Go Dawgs!!