Each week, Georgia and Chicago Bears Hall of Fame legend Kevin Butler picks his Players of the Game. A member of numerous Halls of Fame and holder of a slew of records, Butler co-hosts DawgTalk on Georgia Football Saturdays and the famous Bulldog Brunch from the Hilltop Grille on Sundays. — Compiled by Jeff Dantzler
Offensive Player
James Cook, the senior from Miami, Florida, truly gets better every week as a Georgia Bulldog. Saturday was another step for James to place himself into the top-tier of running backs in the nation. Cook had 10 rushes for 104 yards and two TDs on the ground as well as three catches for 43 yards and a TD. On the year, James has gone for 487 yards on 76 carries at a tremendous 6.4 yards per carry. James reminds me of the predator as he can attack by air and by ground as well as anybody in college football. The Marcus Allen style running back has gotten bigger and stronger while continuing to turn in great performances as all Georgia running backs do. Cook will be our go-to man in our 1-2 punch with Zeus heading into the SEC championship.
Defensive Player
Channing Tindall – Yet another senior Bulldog is taking a commanding lead in providing leadership for the No. 1 scoring defense in America. Saturday was no different for Channing Tindall, the senior from Columbia, South Carolina. Standing at 6-foot-2, 230-pounds , Tindall’s performance led the Bulldog defense Saturday against the Vols with eight solo tackles and three sacks, plus a forced fumble that certainly will vault him to a “SEC Defensive Player of the Week” honors (in my opinion). For the season, Channing leads the Bulldogs with 27 solo tackles and 53 tackles with 4 sacks. Channing will lead the No. 1 defense into the championship game after two more defensive blitzes to Charleston Southern and Georgia Tech.
Special Team Player
Jack Podlesny – the Junior place kicker had a consistent performance against Tennessee Saturday, converting his only attempts of 26 and 40 yards. The 26 yard FG has been “that” kick that has caused Jack a few problems, but not Saturday. Pod works hard and has confidence in himself because of his work ethic, which is the key for a place kicker. Jack started the 2021 season with a huge kick against Cincinnati and will play a huge role heading toward a national championship. He is 16 of 20 this year and the next kick will be the most important. If this was golf, Pod would be heading into the singles matches on Sunday afternoon – and that means “you need to be great!” So just be great Jack!