1. Welcome Back – It’s the first game Between the Hedges for the 2024 season. So many friends and family, reunited … and it feels so good. There is nothing like a Georgia football Saturday in Sanford Stadium, especially in this incredible Kirby Smart era. Savor these Saturdays. This is the only home game in September. Auburn and Mississippi State both visit in October, then the last three games of the regular season will be here in Athens – Tennessee, UMass and the enemy.

2. Andy Landers – One of Georgia’s most successful coaches in any sport is legendary Lady Bulldogs basketball coach Andy Landers, a graduate of Tennessee Tech. Landers enjoyed incredible success and was an amazing leader and ambassador for the program. He led Georgia to five Final Four appearances and seven SEC championships, and the Lady Dogs were a regular in the NCAA Tournament and national polls. His players loved him and excelled on and off the floor. Every one of his four year players earned their degree from Georgia.

3. Mary Beth Lycett Smart – That includes a beloved favorite of the program, the sharp-shooting No. 3 Mary Beth Lycett. A legendary prep scoring machine for the Morrow High Mustangs, Lycett achieved her dream of playing for Landers and the Lady Bulldogs. She was a reserve on a pair of uber talented teams her first two seasons, and then stepped into a starting and starring role for the Lady Dogs of 2002 and 2003. One of the most improved players in Georgia history, she was ready when it was her time. A terrific all-around player with great shooting touch, she excelled from distance and the foul line, was an excellent passer and gritty defender. The last shot she ever took as a Lady Dog was in Albuquerque, New Mexico In the Sweet 16 in The Pit. With underdog Georgia trailing Duke by six, she hit all net on a top of the key three. Clutch til the end. She is now the beloved First Lady of Georgia Football – undoubtedly Coach King Kirby Smart’s greatest recruit – Queen MB!

4. The Buffer – Clemson to start. The Jackets to finish. Eight straight SEC games, with this one between the Tigers and the conference opener at Kentucky, and then UMass slotted between Tennessee and the North Avenue Trade School. Should Georgia win, and win big? Absolutely. But the Dogs are coming off the biggest game in the country from Week One and open SEC action next week. But the focus is the now. Keep the main thing the main thing and tackle the duty that lies nearest … which is beating Tennessee Tech.

5. Look Sharp – Chalking up the win – and staying healthy – is the top wish and priority. The Bulldogs aim to be sharp, take care of business and carry that momentum to Lexington the following Saturday. There should be ample opportunity for a myriad of players to play, and the Bulldog faithful will get their first look between the hedges at several highly touted freshmen.