THE PACKING LIST: FLORIDA

Finally, it’s time for the DAWGS annual island party that just happens to include a football game against the team I loathe more than any other, the Florida Gators. Without a doubt, when it comes to the Gators there is absolutely no love lost by me and I would venture to say the greater part of the DAWG Nation. So, this week’s packing list is especially important and we’re going to check it twice before the trucks roll out and we head south for this year’s gator hunt. When you take a trip, nothing’s worse than getting where you’re going and looking for some thing you just KNEW you had packed, only to find that somehow you have left it at home. I know, right? Insert expletive here, quickly followed by hassle and headache. So, it’s time to find out if the DAWGS can win the first of a string of games that they’re “supposed to” and must win if they’re going to make a real push to the top of the SEC East. When it comes to Florida in recent years, I know that “supposed to” may ring a little hollow. But damn it, I for one think it’s time we restored some order in this SEC East battle and right now seems like the perfect time to me. We know traveling can get a little hectic and it can be tough to always remember everything, so we humbly offer up this week’s packing list.

SHORT TERM MEMORY: Georgia only has to focus on the task at hand. The history of this game should mean nothing to these players, especially the Dream Team, other than fact that over the long range history the DAWGS have dominated the Gators in much the same way Florida has controlled the recent history which should drive home the fact that each game is its own entity and must be won between the lines. Based on their quotes this week, the players (especially the younger players) understand and appreciate that this is a unique and special game. Certainly, it’s as unique and special as the Big 12’s mid-season marquis game, the Red River Rivalry. The showdown in Jacksonville is a big game every year regardless of the records, but it could be huge again if the DAWGS tick off a victory or two beside the St. John’s. Georgia’s young pups seem to enjoy the spotlight and have a real opportunity to grab the college football nation’s attention and place the focus back squarely on this game in the years to come with a victory. If the DAWGS feel they need a little help in driving the point home, I suggest they call someone that might know a little something about short-term memory and how useful it can be. I don’t know, maybe somebody like former Georgia great and NFL All-Pro Champ Bailey. Champer has a master’s degree in short-term recall-ology and it has served him well over the years. Football happens. Move on. Play the next play and win it. I’ll just go ahead and leave Champ’s cell number on a business card over the visor, just in case.

MURRAY’S CHIP: I wondered leading into last year’s game if Georgia’s Florida-born quarterback would feel anything extra when he lined up against the Gators. Turned out, he most certainly did. After the loss, I wondered all year if Aaron Murray would take especially hard…losing to his home state school and all. As we found out this week, it turns out Murray absolutely did. Murray is one Florida boy that wants to get right in this rivalry after last year’s loss. Georgia’s quarterback admittedly looked back on last year’s game several times during the off-season and used what he saw on tape as motivation for this year’s match-up. Well, now is not the time to let all of that competitive super fuel go to waste. Let’s make sure the box with the chip that’s been on Murray’s shoulder all year is the first thing to get on the truck. Quarterback play matters and great quarterbacks play great when it matters most. Anything that is going to stoke the competitive fires just a little more this week is a must have and cannot be left behind in the Classic City.

LEASHES: This week is pretty big regardless and with all the players coming back for the DAWGS this week from either injury or suspension, the guys may be a little overhyped. So, we felt like it would be a good idea to pack a few leashes to help the fellas control some of that emotion so that things don’t get out of control like they did in Nashville two weeks ago. I mean, we certainly don’t need or want to see some over-the-top antics or in-your-face trash talking going…..

You know what…..**** the leashes. Let it all hang out and GATA DAWGS!

BELTS: Now be careful with this box, it’s a heavy one. It is chock full of highest quality straps, and when I say it’s full…I mean it’s FULL. We’re packing belts for everybody. Players get a belt. Coaches get a belt. Trainers get a belt. The water girl gets a belt. The cheerleaders get a belt. EVERYBODY gets a belt because EVERYBODY is gonna be busy whippin’ some Gators ass! Put the box right at the back of the first truck so we can get to it first to make sure EVERYBODY gets one. It’s time for the show…an ass kickin’ ass whippin’ and we’re handing out the tickets. Get some, DAWGS.

G – E – O – R – G – (I’ve got your G) – I – (I’ve got your I) – A – (We’re gonna kick that ass!)

Go DAWGS! Beat Florida! And Nation, I will leave you with this…Every Day is a Great Day to HATE the Gators!

Travel safe, Nation.

Glory, Glory.