Monday, October 31, 2011

DAWGBEASTS and the HATED Gators





RICHARD SAMUEL IV – Samuel’s statistics were solid (17 carries, 58 yards, TD), but it was when and how the DAWGS big bodied back did his work that landed him on this list. With Isaiah Crowell sitting out with an injury, Samuel carried the load and became the heartbeat of the Georgia offense in the fourth quarter. Samuel hammered out yards on punishing runs during the decisive drive that gave the DAWGS the lead, paying it off in the end with the go-ahead touchdown run from four yards out. Samuel followed that up by sharing carries with Crowell during Georgia’s final drive as the DAWGS ran the clock to double zeroes. Samuel has been the ultimate team player during his time in Athens, repeatedly doing whatever was in the best interests of the team. Finally, against the DAWGS nemesis and in a game where legends are made, Samuel had his moment.


Courtesy: UGASports.com

JARVIS JONES – Jones was all over the field for the DAWGS on Saturday racking up 5 tackles, 4 sacks and a forced fumble. Come to find out, Georgia’s stellar outside linebacker did all of this with a strained MCL. Jones was absolutely the definition of a BEAST against the Gators.

OFFENSIVE LINE – Georgia’s big men along the offensive line really played well, especially in pass protection when it really counted (the two TD passes on 4th down and the late completion to Chris Conley come instantly to mind) and the DAWGS dominated the line of scrimmage when the game was on the line. Georgia was able to run the ball when they needed to, taking possession of the ball with 5:32 remaining in the game and not giving it back.

**HUGE tip of the cap to Isaiah Crowell for his block on the 3rd quarter touchdown pass to Michael Bennett. Crowell ran the ball well when he was in the game, but that block was good enough to get the Georgia freshman mentioned on this list.

RAGING BEAST STAT(S) OF THE WEEK – Georgia’s defense held Florida to minus 19 yards rushing in the game

BONUS FACT – The DAWGS have now beaten Florida and Tennessee in the same year for the first time since 1988

Glory, Glory.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

OUR DAMN GOOD DAWG!!!





Glory, Glory.

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.

Friday, October 21, 2011

THE PACKING LIST REVIEW: VANDERBILT





Sorry for the delay in checking the list Nation, but I figured with a bye week we could spread things out a bit. It was Vanderbilt. There was another victory, the DAWGS fifth straight, but everyone I talked to afterward was left feeling unsatisfied and even a little…dirty. But, all that’s done. The bottom line is Georgia is one of only two teams in the SEC East that has only one conference loss and that places them in a tie atop the division in the battle to get to Atlanta. The next one up is a doozy, but first we must put the wraps on Nashville.

FIRST ITEM: *GRANTHAM’S TOWEL* HEADACHE

This is what I wrote about Grantham’s towel and all that it represents…

This seems like an easy one to remember, but those are the things that hurt the most when you leave them behind. How ‘bout we just go ahead and tuck that one in the truck driver’s belt…just to be sure.


What the hell happened here? Not only did everything symbolized by coach’s towel not work as well as it had, for most of the game it appeared it didn’t even make the trip. The DAWGS defense surrendered 200 yards rushing and 28 points to Vandy last Saturday. The ONLY way that can happen is if the Georgia players are busting assignments and not handling their responsibilities. To be fair, the DAWGS did force four turnovers and did make a final stand with the game on the line to get the win. However, even a scrappy Commodore team should not have been allowed to make this game this close even though the offense certainly shares some responsibility on that point. Just talking about it again is making my head start to pound. You know what, just go ahead and pass the ibuprofen.

SECOND ITEM: *RECEIVER’S GLOVES AND EYE BLACK* CHECK

Thank goodness somebody put this box on the truck. I had stated that Vandy was going to throw it to us a couple of times in the game and we just had to make sure we caught the ball when they did. That’s exactly what happened. Vanderbilt’s quarterbacks threw three interceptions between them and also lost a fumble to the DAWGS. Check, check, check on this one.

THIRD ITEM: *BULLY ATTITUDE* HEADACHE

This is what I wrote about the DAWGS needed demeanor prior to the game…

All that talk of swagger and attitude…when you’re riding high and playing fast, these are the games you just dominate. This is a week when Georgia should be the baddest dude on the block and they need to show it.


This one made it onto the truck, but much like a chicken salad sandwich left on the truck’s seat in the sunshine, it went bad in a hurry. There was plenty of attitude coming from Georgia’s sideline last weekend, but it went unchecked and spoiled what could have been another solid building block victory in the road to a possible SEC Eastern division title for Georgia. Instead of taking what I had hoped would be a workman-like, good is never good enough, attitude against the ‘Dores our DAWGS took the much easier and much less satisfying tact of believing they had already achieved something of worth and deserved more than what they had actually earned on the field. At the end of the day, all the DAWGS got from it was a black eye for the program and a couple of suspensions for key players heading into the most important game of the season. Not quite what I was talking about. That ibuprofen isn’t doing the trick. After how last week went down, this bye week is coming at the right time for us too. I think I’m going to take some Excedrin migraine and rest a bit. No worries Nation, I’m sure I’ll get things worked out and be full speed by next weekend, just in time for the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Here’s hoping the DAWGS can do the same.

Glory, Glory.

Monday, October 17, 2011

DAWGBEASTS and the DORES





MARLON BROWN - In his final collegiate game in his home state, the Georgia Junior wide receiver had a record evening collecting four catches for a career-best 121 yards and 2 TDs.



AARON MURRAY – The DAWGS RSo. Quarterback did exactly what he should have done against Vandy on Saturday. Against a team that blitzed a majority of the game (UGA coaches estimated as much as 90% of the time), Murray made the Dores pay hitting 22 of 38 passes, including completions to five different receivers for a career-best 326 yards and 3 TDs.

BACARRI RAMBO – In a catch 22 situation, this Georgia safety performed very well. Usually, if a safety racks up a high tackle total in any given game it means that too many runners are roaming in the defensive secondary. That was the case in Nashville this past week. Rambo answered the bell finishing with 8 total tackles, but also handled business through the air tallying an INT as well as two pass break ups.

RAGING BEAST STAT OF THE WEEK – Georgia won the turnover battle forcing four turnovers Saturday night…3 INTs and a fumble recovery.

Glory, Glory.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

THE PACKING LIST: VANDERBILT





From “See Rock City” to the Music City, the DAWGS continue their road warrior ways and head out to Nashville, Tennessee this week to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores.
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 keep it rollin’ and win another in 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. 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.

GRANTHAM’S TOWEL: Georgia’s DC says it’s nothing new, but flashing that towel to hinder the opponent’s ability to steal the DAWGS defensive signals certainly is noticeable. One thing’s for certain, whatever is going on behind that screen has read like a Braille cipher to opposing offenses in recent weeks. This seems like an easy one to remember, but those are the things that hurt the most when you leave them behind. How ‘bout we just go ahead and tuck that one in the truck driver’s belt…just to be sure.

RECEIVER’S GLOVES AND EYE BLACK: Anything and everything that our defensive players can use to gain just a bit of an advantage in catching the ball, put in the box and get it on the truck. Word has it that Vandy is thinking of starting Jordan Rodgers against the DAWGS, but regardless of whether it’s Rodgers or Larry Smith turnovers are probable. Rodgers doesn’t have a lot of experience and Smith completes less than 50% of his passes. Georgia will continue to apply pressure defensively and that should cause poor decisions by the Commodores quarterbacks. Unlike in past games this season, Georgia must take advantage when the other team throws us the football. So, sticky gloves, eye black, whatever…when the DAWGS get a chance to turn the ‘Dores over this weekend they need to make it happen.

BULLY ATTITUDE: I mean no disrespect to Vanderbilt here, but this is the week where the mental approach the DAWGS take heading into the game is crucial. This is a road game in the SEC, but it’s not exactly the usual road game in the SEC. DAWG Nation will make its presence felt. In Nashville on Saturday, there will be as much red and black in the stands as there will be black and gold. This should give our boys a huge boost of confidence heading into the game. That confidence should lead Georgia into the game with an attitude much like that of a block bully…a feeling that nothing should happen at Vanderbilt on Saturday that our DAWGS don’t allow to happen. The DAWGS should take the field a little angry and aggressive with a bad attitude for no reason other than that is what Georgia wants to be right now. Vanderbilt is an SEC team with good players, but the Commodores are also a team the DAWGS should dictate to in every phase of the game. All that talk of swagger and attitude…when you’re riding high and playing fast, these are the games you just dominate. This is a week when Georgia should be the baddest dude on the block and they need to show it.

So, there you have it. The DAWGS are under the lights again this week. There is plenty to do along music row, but nobody making this trip can afford to get distracted. The DAWGS have already swept the state of Mississippi this season and they're half way to sweeping the state of Tennessee. So, one less thing for you to worry about, I shoved a broom behind the truck seat to finish the job in Nashville. Nation, keep focus and save your dancing shoes for after the game to celebrate what we hope is another Georgia victory. If you do decide to hit the bars while you’re in town, be sure not to set your glass down at the bar. I mean, you don’t want to end up with some ‘Dores fan’s beer mug that’s all watered down with the tears of another loss to the DAWGS now do ya? Now let’s handle business and bring us back a W. Safe travels, Nation.

Glory, Glory.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

THE PACKING LIST REVIEW: TENNESSEE





Now, that’s what I’m talking about. The DAWGS pushed that momentum ball all the way up to Rocky Top, crushed the Vols with it and now we’re downhill and gaining speed toward the Cocktail Party in Jacksonville in a couple of weeks. There is still the business of the Vanderbilt Commodores in Music City, but we’ll get to that soon enough. First, let’s check the Packing List for Tennessee and see how we did.

FIRST ITEM: *BOYKIN’S MOUTHPIECE* CHECK


Brandon Boykin didn’t take his turn on offense this week and Branden Smith performed very well when his number was called in place of Boykin’s, however Bam did play the entire game on defense and took his normal position on special teams as well. Boykin was hyped before the game and smiling widely during the post-game celebration, so it’s safe to assume Bam is not experiencing any problems with those loose teeth.

SECOND ITEM: *BLAIR’S BOOTS* CHECK

Walsh hit both of his field goal attempts on Saturday against the Vols (35, 23) and was perfect on his extra point attempts. Looks like Blair’s visit with an old friend last week has paid dividends and things are back on track. Walsh is striking the ball well and my money says Coach Richt will not hesitate to call on his veteran kicker at any point going forward, our wrinkly bulldawg asses on the line or not.

THIRD ITEM: *DEFENSIVE READING GLASSES* CHECK

We were concerned about the play-action game from Tennessee’s dangerous quarterback Tyler Bray headed into the game last week, but the were reading the Volunteers mail from the first snap of the game and put an end to all that business early on. The DAWGS dominated the line of scrimmage at the point of attack and held the Vols to negative 20 yards rushing. As the game went along, Georgia began to get more and more pressure on Bray. The result was a third straight game in which the opposing starting quarterback was not taking the snaps at game’s end. Coach Grantham seems to have found the right prescription for his guys and the DAWG Nation is loving the results.

FOURTH ITEM: *SPECIAL TEAMS BOOM* CHECK


Once again, special teams came up big for the DAWGS in Knoxville. Tennessee did a good job of kicking the ball away from the Georgia kick returners Saturday, but Georgia still found a way to have an impact in the “third” phase of the game. The DAWGS kicking game was solid and the kick coverage was good, but it was a defensive play made by a big man that went all “double thump” on the Vols this time as Kwame Geathers got a big paw on the Tennessee extra point attempt following their late 4th quarter touchdown to make the odds a little longer on a Tennessee comeback.

So, there you have it. Rocky Top is as tough a place to play as there is in the country regardless of how the team is performing in any given year. Georgia rolled in, eventually took the game over and the DAWGS were mere inches from making this one a laugher. The 4th quarter penalty debacle was astonishing. I know it was 80 degrees on Saturday, but that effort is making me strongly consider adding mittens to the Packing List for the offensive unit before the trucks pull out for Nashville this week…heat be damned. Anyway, Georgia is on the right path and is excited about the challenge that lies ahead. It’s way too early for the DAWGS to be looking too far ahead, but if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other you will get to where you wanna go…and the Nation will be right behind you woofin’.

Glory, Glory.

Monday, October 10, 2011

DAWGBEASTS and the VOLS





CARLTON THOMAS – Isaiah Crowell has been the difference maker in the DAWGS offensive backfield this year, but Georgia’s little big man has been outstanding when he’s gotten on the field. Thomas finished with 7 carries for 37 yards against the Vols, but his game book reads much deeper and richer than that. Thomas protects the football, has a great burst, sticks his nose in there on pass-pro and is running HARD…and ANGRY. At five foot nothing, one hundred and nothing, Thomas will stick his foot in the ground and get up field and has NO issues dropping his shoulder and delivering a blow to finish his runs. Watch the tape from Mississippi, Mississippi State and Tennessee and you will see it. Thomas is playing like a BEAST and has earned his spot on this list.


Courtesy: David Manning/Staff OnlineAthens.com

MIKE GILLIARD – Coach Richt has been saying for a couple of years that Gilliard was ready to play and that he isn’t afraid to strike you. Some bad luck has become Gilliard’s opportunity and he has seized it. Gilliard has been playing hard since getting some time and his hard work culminated with a career-best 12 tackle performance Saturday night that included a sack. Even when the DAWGS get healthy again at linebacker, Gilliard will continue to get his minutes.

MALCOLM MITCHELL
– We couldn’t believe Mitchell got caught on his big reception that flipped the field for the DAWGS in the third quarter. After the game, we found out why. It took a hamstring injury to slow down Georgia’s electric freshman. Mitchell finished with 3 catches for a career-high 126 yards. Get well soon MnM, I can’t wait to see what you you’re gonna do next.

MARK RICHT – Finally, to the man that holds the leash on the DAWGS. Coach Richt collected career win #100 on Saturday night, all of them coming at the University of Georgia. More than any other coach in Georgia’s history, Coach Richt is my head coach. We first got season tickets in 2001 when Richt took over and have been along for the ride for every win and every loss along the way. There has not been one day since Coach Richt got to Athens that we have wanted anyone other coach to lead our DAWGS. Congratulations, Coach. Here’s to the next one hundred.

RAGING BEAST STAT OF THE WEEK – Georgia held Tennessee….not some directional school….Tennessee….to NEGATIVE 20 yards rushing on 23 carries Saturday for an average of -0.9 yards per carry.

Glory, Glory.

A FIST BUMP FOR THE DEFENSE



Although we were looking on from a dizzying height (literally) last Saturday in Neyland, we could still see the most beautiful sight our eyes could behold on the gridiron...a will-breaking rush defense sporting red helmets.

I'm not going to make this a long explanation piece by breaking down why it's happening or answering questions about whether this stout run defense is a mirage. I'm only writing to say that these DAWGS deserve some real credit when it comes to stopping the base run game of their opponents.

The following snippet comes from Marc Weiszer at the Athens Banner-Herald:

Georgia’s defense now ranks in the top 12 in five categories nationally: total defense (sixth), rushing defense (12th), third-down defense (fourth), pass-efficiency defense (eighth) and passing defense (11th).

The Bulldogs are also tied for 20th in scoring defense and 17th in tackles for loss.

Georgia held Tennessee to minus-20 yards rushing, the lowest total ever by an opponent against Richt.

“I’m enjoying a defense beginning to play like a Junkyard Dawg bunch,” Richt said.


Do not just dismiss that rushing total on Rocky Top as what should be expected against any opponent. That is NOT common as Weiszer points out and the DAWGS did not do it against some directional school. This rush D is for real.

As we've pointed out before, defense is where it's at and it should come as no surprise that Georgia's four (should've been five) straight wins have coincided with Georgia playing better and better on the defensive side of the ball.

Watching the opposing team's backs disappear into a huge stack of linemen time after time may not be the most flashy visual, but it is a beautiful thing to behold. One thing leads to another...Kwame Geathers, John Jenkins and Co. swallow up backs, linebackers run free to the ball, a twist along the defensive line here and a bull-rush there gets a little pressure, the quarterback's timing is thrown off and the end result is more sacks, forced fumbles, broken up passes and interceptions.

Good job, DAWGS. I'm not branding you Junkyard DAWGS just yet. Great defense is played by men that constantly carry a chip on their shoulder that have something to prove because they know that you are only as good as your last game. Junkyard DAWGS...well not just yet, but a strong effort in Jacksonville against a team with multiple game-breaking threats in a few weeks would go a long way proving you've earned it.

Go DAWGS and G.A.T.A!!!

Glory, Glory.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

THE PACKING LIST: TENNESSEE





Alright, the DAWGS hit the road this week headed for Knoxville having won their SEC road opener and looking to wake up from the nightmare that has been the last two trips to Rocky Top. 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. 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.

*BOYKIN’S MOUTHPIECE*

On his way to landing on the DAWGBEAST list, Boykin went head over heels in his attempt to house a kickoff return and wound up with a bent facemask and a couple of loose teeth for his efforts. Boykin stayed in the game, wound up a BEAST and got some dental repair work most ricky-tick this week to make sure he can do his thing this weekend. A little extra wire can’t hurt the campaign to keep #2 in the game, but neither will a well-fit mouthpiece. Mold it. Pack it. Wear it.

*BLAIR’S BOOTS*

Four missed field goal attempts in the last two games for Walsh? Hell, I didn’t expect him to miss four all year unless they were from 55+. But, thems the facts. Confidence isn’t the problem. Walsh knows he’s got the goods, Coach Richt won’t hesitate to call on his veteran kicker again and deep down I think the DAWG Nation still expects Blair to make every kick he takes. But, just to be sure Walsh called in a little help from an old friend this week to help him sort out his swing and word has it that the kinks have been worked out. Let’s hope so. It may not be this week…but it could be…but somewhere down the line the DAWGS are really going to need Blair to drill one to save our wrinkly bulldawg asses. So, let’s make sure the accurate boots Blair has donned for so long that made almost every kick he attempted a foregone conclusion for those of us that make up the Nation find their way onto the truck before we head out on Friday. You know what, just go ahead and put ‘em in the cab.

*DEFENSIVE READING GLASSES*

I was not drunk the last time the DAWGS went to Knoxville and went down in a swirling firestorm of debilitating 3rd downs and long, naked bootlegs and Jonathan Crompton-Lane Kiffin flavored frustration, but you wouldn’t know it based on the resulting blackout that I have suffered surrounding those events. So much so that I had to refer to my own musings to remind myself of what a putrid ass kicking it really was. I’ve got big respect for Tyler Bray as a passer and even quipped following last year’s game in Athens that I sure was glad he hadn’t started for Tennessee or the result may have been entirely different. That respect leads directly to concern, especially when I recall what happened in 2009. That’s why the Grantham’s DAWGS cannot forget to pack their reading glasses. Based on the Vols rushing performances this season and the DAWGS ability to play the traditional run game, play-action (though it must be acknowledged) cannot be the colossal determining factor it was in 09. If Tennessee wants to take their chances on the bootleg this weekend, I hope Bray’s greeted by a shot to the chest from any one of our OLBs. This is a basic play and should be handled by the DAWGS defense as long as they READ THEIR KEYS and attack when they get the chance. Bray can run, but he’s not a runner and Georgia should contain and get after him whenever they can. If the DAWGS are disciplined and trust their eyes, they will lead them right to the football.

*SPECIAL TEAMS BOOM*

The one phase of the game that actually made the trip to Knoxville on the last visit was the special teams. Drew Butler averaged 49.8 yards per kick, Zach Renner blocked a punt, Walsh drilled a 52 yard field goal and Bam Boykin had a 100 yard kickoff return for touchdown on the DAWGS last visit to Rocky Top. When Georgia has won at Tennessee in recent years the special teams units have come through with an outstanding effort each time. This has been and can be the DAWGS not-so-secret weapon to put the hurt on the Vols and it needs to show up this weekend at Neyland. Special teams….a handful of plays that can change the game. Like a bolt from a clear blue sky. Boom…or maybe in the DAWGS case…Bam.

Alright, that’s all I’ve got for this week. It’s a night game, and it is in the hills of Tennessee, so you know ‘shine won’t be hard to come by. Take a nip if you like, but no drinkin’ and drivin’ y’all. Safe travels, Nation.

Glory, Glory.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

DAWGBEASTS and the BIZZARO DOGS





SANDERS COMMINGS – Just like he did on the road in Oxford last week, Sanders lived inside the jersey of the Mississippi State wide receivers on Saturday. Commings finished with three tackles, had two pass break ups that coulda-shoulda been INTs, recovered a fumble and made a nice play to grab an interception for a red-zone stop for the DAWGS.

BRANDON BOYKIN
– Boykin is a warrior. Boykin repeatedly answered the call for his teammates on Saturday and made play after play despite taking some dings along the way. After a three and out by the defense on Mississippi State’s first possession, Boykin had a huge punt return to set up Georgia’s first score. To open the second half, Boykin got up-ended on the kickoff return and apparently knocked a couple of teeth loose, only to return later in the half to force a fumble that would lead to a Georgia field goal. Bam finished w/6 tackles (5 solo) including a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and a pass break up.

CORNELIUS WASHINGTON – Regardless of what happened after the game, Washington was a monster for the DAWGS on Saturday. The play he made on the first third down of the game was amazing as he rag-dolled the MSU tackle and obliterated Chris Relf in the pocket for the sack. Washington finished with four tackles and two sacks on the day to go along with numerous QB pressures.


Courtesy: AJ REYNOLDS/Staff Red&Black

RAGING BEAST STAT OF THE WEEK – The DAWGS shut down the Mississippi State running game on Saturday allowing only 1.6 yards per rush attempt.

Glory, Glory.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

MALCOLM MITCHELL TD RECEPTION AGAINST MISSISSIPPI STATE



To all those in the DAWG Nation that were telling me to watch out for Mitchell, I'm paying attention.

A WONDERFUL BULLDOG SATURDAY




Ali and I made our first trip of the season to see the DAWGS play “between the hedges” today and a more perfect day you will never find. The first day of October brought wonderfully clear and crisp weather to Athens with blue skies that literally went on forever. You don’t have to be a young Georgia pup for that to put a bounce in your step. Mississippi State was the opponent on this day and the DAWGS dispatched the bizarro ‘dogs just as we all had hoped they would. Everything was vivid and brilliant from the tailgates dotting our beautiful campus to the Georgia red that seemed to glisten in a sun-splashed Sanford Stadium. Georgia played pretty well and our team got the win, but today was special and there was more to be had than just another “W”. Athens and the University of Georgia are special places in this world and it was good to be home. My Bulldawg Belle was by my side and all was right with the world. There are few days in the world of “fanhood” that allow for the type of brilliance and wonderment that this day afforded the DAWG Nation and friends, we should recognize and take advantage of them every chance we get. I love my university, I love my team and I love my life. From one very lucky DAWG to all of my Georgia people…Nation, I hope you made a memory or two today.

Glory, Glory.