Ok Georgia fans, there is no denying how incredible it feels finishing a regular season without a blemish. As well as it should be, considering that the 12-0, 2021 (regular season) campaign has never happened in the history of Georgia football.

    Woof, Woof, Woof.

    However, let that celebration end immediately because now all the focus needs to be on the SEC Championship in Atlanta as our Bulldogs head back to Mercedes Benz Stadium for another tussle against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

    ATL CONNECTION!

    I just got chills going back to Coach Smart’s March 2, 2021 press conference (recommended reading/watching for sure), which was the official start of the 2021 season (with spring practice starting two weeks later). It was on this day that Kirby laid out his blueprint as to how he and his staff and the team were approaching things differently.

    “We are really focused on what’s between our ears right now – not what our bench press is or what position we are going to play,” Coach Smart said.

    The key words/goals of “Connection,” “being “Elite,” “what is my why” and “what is our why and then demanding the standard” came out on that first Tuesday back in March.

    Without question, I think all Georgia fans will agree with me that this team has certainly been all about connection and demanding the standard.  And on Saturday, they get a chance at being even more elite.

    ATL CONNECTION!

     This SEC Championship Extra issue will certainly get you ready for the big showdown with Coach Saban and his always championship-minded squad. On page 10, Jeff Dantzler discusses dealing with the giant elephant in the room, while also reminding our readers of other elite Georgia teams of days gone by. Then on page 42, BI’s Greg Poole (From the Field) calls this Bulldogs team the most disciplined team he has ever seen. A strong statement indeed from our spry, almost 74-year-old, who works the sidelines of every game for our publication. Finally on page 43, Bulldog legend Kevin Butler rightfully gives this issue’s players of the game (from the Ga. Tech game) to each unit, not an individual. KB is dead-on … what makes this team so special is that “there isn’t one special player.”

    ATL CONNECTION!

    Our cover photo, by Rob Saye, also drives home connection. It’s of the team, who we as fans have been so blessed this season to support. I know you don’t need any encouragement, but get your game faces on early and often Bulldog Nation on Saturday.

    Finally, I leave you with these two photos from last week’s game at Tech. Youngster Michael Crane worked hard to meet Jordan Davis. And to no one’s surprise, big JD obliged Crane’s clever effort. I bring this up because Coach Smart was very direct in that March presser that “connection” for this team was intended to go well beyond the football field. Small deeds like meeting a young fan, plus what this team has done with its Dawgs for Pups initiative proves that our men in Red and Black walk the walk.

    ATL CONNECTION … see you in the Benz on Saturday. Go Dawgs!!