SEC EAST CHAMPIONS, WARRIORS AND DAMN GOOD DAWGS

I just wanted to share a quick thought on today’s SEC Championship game.  Thanks for stopping by.  I promise this won’t take long. 

We are as proud of this team as we can possibly be.  It is damn great to be a Georgia Bulldog.  To a man, this team laid it all on the line and simply came up short. 

It is not my intention to break down the game for you here and now.  There are a couple things that can be said, but I don’t get paid nearly enough to write this to get into all of that.  I am a professional sports journalist and I live this sport. It is my job to understand the game on a deep level and see it through a different prism.  With that said, I will simply leave that breakdown stuff for others that feel it is necessary to get into it because for me tonight’s game is not about the Xs and Os.

Back in the summer, I laid out the DAWGS road map to national respect.  That path included what would have to be an SEC East division crown and I hoped for a shot at Alabama to decide the league crown.  That’s what came to be and I am thankful.  To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.  The game played itself out, the DAWGS gave it their all and the dust has settled.  What we saw today is what this game is all about.

When you step into the arena of champions your opponent will be fierce.  Some times you win and some times you lose, that is simply the natural way of things.  As fans we can only hope that our team will play the game the way it’s supposed to be played, with character and sportsmanship, honor and with fight, with an allegiance to their teammates, with supreme effort and with pride for their fans, their state and their university. 

On each of these counts, our DAWGS rose to meet the measure of a man…of a champion. 

I am as proud to be a Georgia man and a pure bred member of the DAWG Nation as I have ever been.  I appreciate this team for all they are and all they have given this season.  There is nothing more I could ask of this team. 

Georgia did not get that SEC crown they so desperately wanted on the field against Alabama, but even in defeat this team showed what they are about and left no doubt they are worthy of the respect of the rest of the college football nation. 

Go DAWGS!!!

Glory, Glory.

DAWGBEASTS and the GATORS

Jarvis Jones - @SacManJones_29 is a full grown man.  The #KingBeast.  With Georgia’s season on the line in Jacksonville, JJ returned to the DAWGS starting line-up after sitting out the game against Kentucky and turned in an absolutely dominant performance….13 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 3 sacks.  Every time the DAWGS needed a play, number 29 or one of his buddies was there to make it.  Jones declared during his post game interview that he expects Georgia to play defense the rest of the season the way they played it on Saturday.  I believe him.  Besides, are you gonna be the one to tell him they’re not?

Shawn Williams – Georgia’s Senior safety backed up every word of his stinging rant in which he called out his defensive brothers for playing soft this season.  Williams finished with six total tackles, including a ferocious tackle for loss that stopped the Gators on a 4^th and 1 attempt and ended one unfortunate Gator’s day.  Williams set the tone for the week and proved he wasn’t messing around with that play.

Todd Gurley – @TG3II had a very strong day in his first trip to the Cocktail Party.  Gurley powered his way to 118 yards and a TD on 27 carries, including a 20+ yard run late in the game to seal the win for the DAWGS.

Georgia’s “Junkyard DAWG” Defense – Heart.  Grit.  Bad intentions.  Todd Grantham’s defense was flying around on Saturday, playing the smart and hard hitting brand of defense that everyone that saw this unit play last year has been waiting all season to see.  Everyone made plays on Saturday.  Freshman or Senior…we saw tenacious defensive line play, ball hawking secondary play, sure tackling, positive run fits and eye discipline, assignment football with a jagged edge.  It was beautiful.  

 Malcolm Mitchell - Competitor.  That is exactly what Mitchell showed himself to be Saturday night against the Gators.  After making a bone-headed play and drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that could have been a killer for the DAWGS and taking a well deserved *** chewing from Coach Richt, Mitchell didn't pout.  If anything, he got pissed off because he knew that he had made a mistake and only wanted a chance to make things right, to make a play.  After sitting out for a play Mitchell came back in and the ball came to him, first for a gain of five, then Aaron Murray beat the blitz and hit Mitchell again and @Money_Mitch26 broke free and raced 45 yards for a huge touchdown.  Big time players make plays.  They don't sulk or get their feelings hurt.  Competitors want the ball when it's tough and they answer the bell.  Mitchell did that on Saturday and that's a sure fire way to make my list every time.  Well played, kid.

Glory, Glory.

THE PACKING LIST REVIEW: SOUTH CAROLINA

A lot of flash and another Georgia fizzle.  A meeting with Marcus Lattimore's Gamecocks and another loss.  This isn't pretty, so lets get through it. 

 

**MICHAEL BENNETT’S TOUGHNESS**

The DAWGS got punched in the face right from the jump and never fully recovered.  Yes they played better on defense as the game went on, but they just had no answer for the SC defensive line and did not stop the Cocks run game when they really needed to.  On a day we saw Florida run when it wanted to against a pretty good LSU front seven, today's result has me wondering where the season will go from here.

**TODD GURLEY’S STIFF ARM**

Due to the facts I stated above, Gurley (or Keith Marshall for that matter) never had a chance to get going.  That SC d-line made our O-line look weak and slow.  For his part Gurley ran hard, but there was not much he could do.

**JYD DEFENSIVE PRIDE**

Well, I guess we know what this defense is now.  A defense that struggles to stop the run and shows a disturbing lack of pass rush.  To the second point there, SC didn't throw much and Georgia was off balance in that first quarter, but even when they read pass the push just wasn't there.  I want to think that the defense didn't give in and just go through the motions, but if I looked back at the game I fear I would see just that.  This is disappointing.

**OFFENSIVE LINE’S MAN CARD** 

This one clearly didn't make the trip, or more likely, SC's d-line is simply that much better that they made our offensive line look like the one that struggled so mightily in spring practice.  Regardless, Georgia didn't appear to move anyone back all night long and had no answers along the offensive line of scrimmage.

**AARON MURRAY’S ZEN**

Even if this box made it on the truck, Jadaveon Clowney and the SC defense beat it with baseball bats and squashed it under their boots all night long.  Murray was shaken and missed throws that were open all night.  Any quarterback will struggle if you're in his face enough and this was a classic example of that.

**UGA'S RAY-BANS**

Like I said to start this, a lot of flash and another Georgia fizzle.  It's disappointing.  There is no doubt after this one, this team is not ready for prime time.  Yes, they can work to get better and if fate is kind they do still have a chance to win the East.  However, based off of what I saw last night, I do not expect the Cocks to lose twice even if the DAWGS do win out. 

This review is a sour one and honestly I'm glad it's behind us.  It stinks to have to write it, but I'm not gonna ignore what we saw.  We give South Carolina credit, they are clearly the better team.  Here's hoping Georgia can find itself.  It's possible for the DAWGS to go on to have a good season, but this one surely stinks.  As for we, the DAWG Nation, at least we know where we stand. 

Glory, Glory!

THE PACKING LIST: SOUTH CAROLINA

After three weeks of home cooking, it’s time for the DAWGS to get back on the road in pursuit of an SEC East Championship.   This week we head east, but back to Columbia, to take on a Cocky bunch of chickens.  We’ve talked a lot about respect and national perception on the blog this year and it’s hard to see how any regular season game could do any more to impact each of those metrics than this match-up with South Carolina.  If you’re anything like me you’ve had butterflies in the pit of your stomach since last Saturday night, everyone in the national media is talking about this game and there’s certainly an excitement around the program this week.  Given all this, 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.   

**MICHAEL BENNETT’S TOUGHNESS**

I was stunned Wednesday when I heard that Michael Bennett had been lost for the year to a torn ACL.  We feel really bad for Bennett.  He’s a great player, a great teammate and a better young man.  But, as we all know, injuries are part of the game and it’s gotta be ‘next man up’.  Now, Bennett is no stranger to the DAWGBEAST list here on the blog, but how he made the list is why this is relevant.  Bennett plays the game the way it is supposed to be played…with maximum effort, selfless and hard nosed.  If the DAWGS are going to go into Columbia and beat a very good Gamecocks team that’s ranked in the top 10, they must attack the challenge with the type of toughness that @MBennett_82 brings to the field every time he suits up.  I don’t know if Bennett will be with the team on Saturday, but the spirit with which he plays the game had better be there is Georgia is going to ride home with the win.  Now box it up!

**TODD GURLEY’S STIFF ARM**

As for your boy Todd Gurley, he’s a full grown man and he’s proved it over and over this year, BEAST-facing one defender after another to the ground with a wicked stiff arm.  Bigger than he’s listed in the program, faster than he looks on tape and stronger than can be imagined until you see him plant another defender in the turf, @TG3II has to be a presence in the DAWGS offense Saturday and that stiff arm has got to be ready to be put to use.  I tell you what.  Make sure that bad boy makes it onto the first truck.  We’re not taking any chances.

**JYD DEFENSIVE PRIDE**

Last season was certainly a good one for the DAWGS defense as Jarvis and the boys snapped taut the chain that restrains the Junkyard Dawgs that are the Georgia defense.  This season however, the unit has not been quite as impressive and the pride associated with the Junkyard Dawgs has been a bit bruised.  Now, there are several reasons for why this has happened, but we don’t have time for any of that now.  It’s no secret that South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore has had his way with the DAWGS the last two years and it’s about time to put an end to all that nonsense.  Game day is almost here and we’ve got to hit the road, so load that #JYDPride in the back and strap it down tight.  There’s a lot of it, and believe it or not that stuff is white hot, so make sure to use extra straps.  We’ve got to make sure the guys know exactly what and who they’re playing for against the Cocks Saturday.

**OFFENSIVE LINE’S MAN CARD**

Now this isn’t a very big item, but what it means is HUGE, and that’s exactly why it cannot get forgotten.  What was widely considered to be a weakness for the DAWGS offense coming into the season is now a position of strength for Georgia and the rushing stats bear it out.  That’s all fine and good, but this weekend is about something more than numbers.  In every way, this game is a challenge to your manhood if you’re a Georgia offensive lineman.  South Carolina’s defensive line is widely heralded as one of, if not the, best the DAWGS will face all season. If Georgia wants to prove they can get the job done, they’ve got to do it when everyone is watching and do it against a quality opponent.  Georgia/South Carolina is the battle of the two biggest bullies on the block that is the SEC East to this point in the season, and in my opinion, of the entire season.  This is a line of scrimmage league and if you want to be considered among the best in the conference, and therefore in the nation, it starts by winning the battle up front.  It’s time to look deep inside and decide just exactly who and what you are.  We’ll just put that card in the glove box for the trip over and keep it behind the bench during the game.  If the boys take care of business on Saturday like we believe they can and show once again what it means to play our brand of Grown Man Football, it will be right there for I.D. verification when it’s time to get back on the bus after the game.

**AARON MURRAY’S ZEN**

Zen – noun – emphasizing enlightenment for the student by the most direct possible means.  In other words, nothing beats the peace of mind and confidence that comes from having hands on experience.  Aaron Murray has played in plenty of loud stadiums during his time at Georgia.  Murray’s gone under center in more than one big game since he arrived in Athens.  What Murray has yet to do as a DAWG is beat a top 10 team and is only 2-7 against teams ranked in the top 25.  With that said, I don’t think it matters much.  Murray’s teammates and coaches certainly don’t see as a big deal.  Besides, given how much trouble I’m having with understanding how teams are being ranked this season, once you get beyond the top five I don’t think rankings matter that much anyway.  Murray does not need to be superhuman on Saturday.  He doesn’t have to do one thing differently than he has all season.  What @aaronmurray11 has done so far this season is plenty good enough to beat South Carolina if he gets a little help from his friends.  Murray simply needs to ‘Keep Calm and BEAST On’.  Nobody works harder in the film room than Georgia’s quarterback.  He’s already done the work.  As a three year starter, he’s already seen just about everything a defense can throw at him.  Murray needs to just keep his composure, make his reads, get the DAWGS into the right plays and be smart with the football.  If Murray just continues to do what he does, I’m bettin’ Georgia’s gonna be fine.  Now, I don’t know exactly what shape Zen is or exactly how much room it’s gonna take up, but figure it out.  We can’t leave Athens without it.

UGA’s Ray-Bans – Georgia’s 5-0 start has put the DAWGS back on the big stage for the first time since last year’s SEC Championship game and we all know the story there.  Georgia played really good football despite missing some opportunities early, but then turnovers and big plays turned the game in favor of the LSU Tigers in the second half.  If the DAWGS can stand the bright lights of one of the biggest stages a regular season game can offer, then the sky’s the limit for this team.  So, toss those shades in the cup holder alongside your 64 ounce Gulpinator just to make sure nobody sits on ‘em and crushes ‘em before we have a chance to come struttin’ out of South Cackalacka, stylin’ and profilin’ with a big time win on Saturday night.  We don’t want that now, do we?  Besides, what’s cooler than a bulldawg wearing shades?

Well, that’s it Nation.  We’ve posted the list and we trust that everything is gonna make it on the trucks.  Like our trip to the other Columbia earlier this season, we don’t expect this one to be any kind of walk in the park.  South Carolina is a very good football team and there is no reason to believe that this game will be anything other than a hard-hitting, hard fought affair that will be decided in the fourth quarter.  But then again, when you’re striving to be elite in the toughest conference in the nation, what else is new?  If you’re making the trip, be sure to wear your DAWG colors proudly and don’t be bashful about letting your intentions be known.  Georgia’s only showing up for one reason, and that’s to BEAT THE COCKS!

Glory, Glory!

DAWGBEASTS and the VOLS

Michael Bennett – Bennett continued his stellar all-around play for the DAWGS.  Bennett finished with 5 catches, 70 yards and two scores.  The best thing about Bennett is the way he plays the game.  @MBennett_82 plays with great passion, gives complete and total effort, is as tough as they come and plays for his teammates.  Bennett loves the game and we love him for it.

Alec Ogletree – Ogletree stormed back into the DAWGS line-up on Saturday with a career-high 14 tackles and 3 pass break ups.  The monster that is @B_easy_uga9 was unleashed on the Vols on Saturday and his presence could not be ignored. 

Damian Swann – Swann is becoming a fixture in the Georgia secondary and you don’t have to look hard to see why.  @D_Swann collected his first career interception on a brilliant play on the ball and rolled up six total tackles, including a tackle for loss. 

Sanders Commings – Sometimes it’s not that you’re making big plays, it’s when you’re making them.  Moving back to corner for the first time this season, Commings played physical on the edge finishing with 5 tackles and came up huge late in the game hauling in two interceptions.  @SandersCommings will continue to settle back in at corner going forward and the DAWGS defense will strengthen because of it.

Keith Marshall – Explosive.  That’s the word that comes to mind when I recollect Marshall’s performance against the Vols.  @Truthh4 got loose on Saturday carrying the ball 10 times for a career-high 164 yards and two scores (75 and 72 yards).  Like a lightning fast overhand right, Marshall does his damage before defenses even see it coming.

Todd Gurley – If Marshall was explosive, Gurley was just unrelenting.  The devastating uppercut that is the other hand in Georgia’s outstanding one-two punch at tailback, Gurley wowed again with a career-high 23 carries for 130 yards and three scores, including a 51 yard touchdown run.  By the end of the game, Tennessee defenders didn’t want any more of @TGII3, going low to avoid full contact on nearly every tackle. 

Glory, Glory.

#DAWGNATION! WE NEED YOUR HELP.

Just like the title says, we need your help!  We would like to do a new weekly feature focusing on one of the many reasons it's "Great to be a Georgia Bulldawg!".....tailgating and the sights and sounds associated with the pageantry of a Georgia game day.

So, what's your part in this?  When you head out to Athens for a game, take tons of pictures....your tailgate, your group of #DGDs, your pets, the fun you're having before, during and after the game....then tweet them to us @ADAMNBEASTBLOG.  It's just that simple.  By tweeting your pics to us, you will be giving your permission for us to use them on the blog.  We will choose our favorites and post them on the blog and share your good times and Georgia memories with the #DAWGNation.

We see you out there having all that fun in your red and black...young, old and everyone in between...and we want to help you display your #DAWG pride!  Who knows?  Maybe we can make you famous! ;o)

Hopefully the response will be overwhelming and we hope to have some hard decisions to make, so #GATA and let's make this happen.  We cannot do it without you, Nation.  #GoDAWGS!!!

Glory, Glory!

P.S. ~ If twitter is not your thing, you can post your pictures on the wall at the A DAMN BEAST!!! Facebook page or send them to us via email at genxdawg@gmail.com.  Just be sure to tag them with the #DAWGNation hash tag to make sure we know you would like us to consider them for the blog.  Thanks, Nation!

DAWGBEASTS and the COMMODORES

AARON MURRAY – Murray embodied the tip of the razor sharp edge that the DAWGS played with on Saturday night.  @aaronmurray11 ripped off 12 straight completions to start the game and finished hitting 18 of 24 throws for 250 yards and 2 TD.

OFFENSIVE LINE – Chris Burnette (@chrisburnette68), Dallas Lee (@dallaslee_64), David Andrews (@dandrews61), Kenarious Gates (@kengates72), John Theus (@jtheus71), Mark Beard (@dawg_pound79) and Austin Long (@austinlong74) were outstanding against Vanderbilt.  Behind these men, Georgia’s offense rolled up 567 total yards, including 302 rushing yards to give the DAWGS back-to-back games with 300+ rushing yards.  Georgia has now scored 40 points in each of the first four games for the first time in school history.  The DAWGS O linemen looked fast and athletic Saturday, blowing open holes and leading Georgia’s backs into the second level of the Vanderbilt defense all night long.  It was beautiful to watch.

JARVIS JONES – Jones returned to the DAWGS starting line-up and picked up where he left off collecting 7 tackles, 3 TFL and a sack.  Ho hum.  Just another dominant performance from @SacManJones_29.  Like I tweeted last night during the game, you know you’re a complete football player when the first play in your highlight melt shows you blowing up pulling guards and destroying plays without touching the ball carrier. 

MARLON BROWN – For the second time in four games, it was Brown’s number that popped up in the statistical lottery that has been the Georgia offense this season as @MB_uno5 came through with 5 catches, 114 yards, and a TD.  Marlon worked without the ball too, blocking down field throughout the game and having a big impact in the run game and on the DAWGS yards after catch numbers, including a key block on Keith Marshall’s (@Truthh4) 52 yard touchdown burst.  Brown also made a HUGE catch on 3^rd & 9 to keep the drive alive on Georgia’s back-breaking, 96 yard touchdown march in the 3^rd quarter that made it 27-0.

TODD GURLEY – The DAWGS freshman man-child Gurley just keeps on impressing the DAWG Nation, this week pounding his way to 130 yards and 2 TD on 16 carries.  @TG3II took advantage of the running lanes created by his offensive line, but I unofficially had Gurley with 12 broken tackles in the game after watching the game tape.  Gurley’s performance not only in this game, but through the first four games reminds us more than a little of South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore’s freshman season.  We realize that is very high praise Nation, but we feel it is absolutely warranted. 

Glory, Glory.

DAWGBEASTS and the OWLS

GEORGIA'S OFFENSE - The DAWGS O rolled up an a school-record 713 total yards, including two freshmen backs that both went over 100 yards rushing in the same game for the first time since 2004, career performances by the quarterback and two receivers and a different wide receiver breaking the 100 yard barrier for the third consecutive game.  Clearly a lot of players and coaches did a lot of good things or a night like this does not happen.  You can't easily produce numbers like this if you line up against air and this level of execution when the lights are on needs to be acknowledged and recognized for what it is, impressive.


AARON MURRAY - Murray may have played the most complete game of his career Saturday against Florida Atlantic completing 14 of 19 passes for a career-high 342 yards, 2 TDs and an interception.  Murray also tacked on 2 rushing TDs.  Putting up big numbers and running the offense brilliantly is great, but @aaronmurray11 is on my list this week really because of stat and one play.  Georgia's junior starter averaged a whopping 24 yards per completion on Saturday, meaning the DAWGS were pushing the ball vertically and when you can hit those balls over the top that creates a tremendous amount of stress on a defense. Shout out to the O-line here because none of those big plays happen if your quarterback does not have the time.  Which brings me to my next point.  Late second quarter with the DAWGS up seven, Murray pump faked and hit Michael Bennett with a 67 yard touchdown strike on a perfectly thrown ball.  As he waited for Bennett to break open, a defender bore down on Murray but he held the ball to within a split second of being blasted before releasing a perfect throw that would provide the knockout blow to the opponent, breathing room for the coaches and a snapshot memory for everyone that saw it.  The play was beautiful on several levels, but nothing compares to Murray's example of how to play big time quarterback in a pro-style offense and efforts like that deserve to be on a list like this.


TODD GURLEY - One half of Georgia's talented freshman duo continues to impress, toting the rock 10 times for 111 yards including an impressive 38 yard TD run.  @TG3II hits the hole with purpose, power and, although he's a big man, appears to glide around defenders with his speed. 


KEITH MARSHALL - The DAWGS "other" freshman ball carrier rolled to 10 carries, 104 yards, and punched in his first career TD against the Owls.  Finally @Truthh4 found some space to operate in and flashed the brilliance that makes him special.  We cannot wait to see more from Marshall in the very near future.


MICHAEL BENNETT - Bennett followed up last week's effort in Missouri in which he had a career high 8 receptions with 4 catches, another career-best 110 yards and a thunderbolt of a TD.  @MBennett_82 became the third different Georgia wide receiver to go over 100 yards in three games this season. 


ARTHUR LYNCH - Ah, just like old times. We saw the resurgence of the tight end in the DAWGS offense on Saturday night as evidenced by the career-high 3 catches, 73 yards and the first career touchdown for @alynch1788.  Lynch's score was highlighted by a fantastic FIFTEEN YARD stiff-arm and diving effort that is will get you on my list without fail.  Through three games, one thing that is becoming evident is Georgia has no lack of weapons on offense and the emergence of the tight end in the offense will only create more sleepless nights for the DAWGS opponents going forward.


SHAWN WILLIAMS - He wasn't the notable absentee or the guy with the pick six on Saturday, but Williams was the guy that racked up 12 total tackles against the Owls.  Williams was all over the field, especially early on, and is the intimidator of the DAWGS secondary.  Williams plays right up to the line, right through the echo of the whistle, and the DAWG Nation loves him for it.  Leadership, hands and the hammer.  We are glad to see Williams on our list this week.

Glory, Glory.

THE PACKING LIST REVIEW: MISSOURI

MIZ - ZOU.  We came, we saw and we showed you what SEC football is all about.  Rabid fan bases that travel, 360 pound defensive linemen that can walk down your star quarterback in the backfield and that you must play four full quarters of top shelf football if you want to survive.  Missouri and its people were good hosts, and we wish you luck the rest of the season, but this shorthanded Georgia squad was clearly the better team on Saturday night.  WOOF!  The DAWGS are now 2-0 overall for the first time since 2008 and more importantly, 1-0 in conference play.  WOOF!  Georgia will be at home for the next three weeks and there will be plenty to talk about regarding those games, but first let’s put a wrap on the DAWGS grown man beat down of the Tigers.

FIRST ITEM:  *AARON MURRAY’S EXPERIENCE*

As I pointed out, folks had been beating up on Murray about not performing well enough in Georgia’s biggest games.  Well, @aaronmurray11 got the job done with college football fans around the country looking on and raised his level of play when the DAWGS needed it most.  In the second half, Georgia’s coaches turned to Murray and the passing game and Georgia’s signal caller delivered going 10 of 13 for 124 yards and 2 TDs in the 3^rd quarter.  Here’s where I thought Murray would be measured against Missouri…..

“Saturday night in Missouri Murray will lead his team, depleted by suspensions, into an early season divisional game, being played in a very hostile environment, against a talented football team that feels they have everything to prove.  This is the game the DAWGS need Murray to be the type of leader that only a three year starter at quarterback can be, to prove that he can guide his team to a win when the nation is watching.”

No crucial late game turnovers.  No clock mismanagement.  Murray was solid as a rock for Georgia and was in total control throughout.  Murray seems to have learned his tough lessons and the DAWGS are certainly better for it.

SECOND ITEM:  *11 RED HATS*

Coach Mark Richt told us the DAWGS D would be better against Missouri and they were, in no small part due to the performance of everybody’s All-America Jarvis Jones.  @SacManJones_29 did not get the job done on his own though.  This is what we felt we needed to see heading into the game…..

“I want to see 11 red hats running to the football, gang tackling and GATA the way a great defense should.”

Georgia’s defensive eleven played with purpose on Saturday, ran to the football for four quarters and put the DAWGS in position to win.  Depleted or not, this unit made no excuses, showed up, showed out and left no doubt that Georgia was leaving Missouri with a victory.

THIRD ITEM:  *HOOK UP THE HORSE TRAILER*

I’ve got to give it to the coaching staff.  They certainly tried to follow through on this one and pound on the Tigers with the running game.  Georgia ran the ball consistently in the first half and mixed the run in throughout the game, but that’s not what broke the game open for the DAWGS.  Credit Missouri here, they played our run game pretty well.  Coach Mike Bobo turned to his experienced quarterback and deep wide receiving corps to pull away from the Tigers, but maintaining a good run/pass mix with steady production on the ground certainly helped that to happen.

FOURTH ITEM:  *MERRITT HALL’S HAMMER*

The way the game played out on Saturday we didn’t see as much from @MerrittHall34 as we will in future games, but Georgia’s power running game was there when it was needed late in the game to punch the ball into the end zone.  Hall and Quayvon Hicks answered the call and paved the way to pay dirt as the DAWGS iced the game.

FIFTH ITEM:  *BIG BOY PANTS*

Missouri learned that as the saying goes, life in the Southeastern Conference simply “Is what it is.”  It is physical, powerful and unrelenting.  Missouri may have thought they knew, but they didn’t know.  Like I said the other day…..

 “I can buy a surfboard, but that don’t make me a surfer.”

Now they know.  “SEC!  SEC!  SEC!” is one chant that does not ring hollow.  I called it Big Boy Football and then the DAWGS went out and played Grown Man Football for the college football world to see, and the Tigers saw it up close and in full color. 

                                                   Courtesy: AP

Georgia showed many of the traits that are required if a good football team is going to become great a great football team.  The “Show Me” state surely got an eye full Saturday night and the rest of the college football world seemed to take notice as well, but this must serve only as a starting point for a Georgia team that has set some lofty goals. 

It certainly is good to be home and the good news is we get to stay a while.  Georgia will be “between the hedges” for the next three weeks and they must handle their business if this season is going to live up to the expectations that we all hope it can, so get out to Sanford Stadium and support our DAWGS.  And don’t worry, Nation.  When the season rolls into October and Georgia hits the road again, we’ll be here to do our part.  Who knows, if the DAWGS stay undefeated, we may even see about getting the trucks washed up nice and shiny for the trip to the other Columbia.

Glory, Glory.

DAWGBEASTS and the MISSOURI TIGERS

JARVIS JONES – Is there any other place to start this list?  Georgia’s All-America linebacker showed the nation why on the biggest stage a regular season can offer turning in a monster performance resulting in nine total tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, an interception, two forced fumbles and five QB pressures.  Even though Jones wouldn’t hear of it, this next part sounds like one of Stephen Colbert’s show segments, “Who’s honoring me now?”  In recognition of his efforts, @SacManJones_29 has collected the following national awards:

• Walter Camp National Defensive player of the week
• SEC defensive Player of the Week
• Chuck Bednarik Player of the Week
• Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week

Oh and by the way, in case you missed it, Jones did all of this with a groin injury.  BEAST.

AARON MURRAY - I said last week that if the DAWGS were going to be successful against Missouri that Murray’s performance would be key (more on that later) and he certainly was.  Once Georgia’s coaches put the game on his shoulders, @aaronmurray11 delivered going 22 of 35 for 242 yards and 3 TDs (10 of 13, 124 yards, 2 TDs in the 3^rd qtr).  Murray was money when it mattered most.

MARLON BROWN – Once the DAWGS turned to Murray and the passing game, Murray looked for his walking mismatch in Brown.  Georgia’s talented wide out hauled in a career high 8 passes and racked up 106 yards and 2 TDs.  An effort like this could prove to be just the thing that gives @MB_uno5 confidence needed to have a breakout season for the DAWGS.

RICHARD SAMUEL – With DAWGS up 24-20, @Dos_Dos_1911 shed his blocker and made a HUGE tackle on Missouri punter Trey Barrow to shut down the Tigers fake punt attempt.  From there the game was all Georgia.  We said in the moment, and Coach Richt echoed the thought immediately after the game, that Samuel’s play was the biggest of the night.  That sort of effort will land you on this list every time.

AMARLO HERRERA – Lost in the shine of Jarvis Jones’ outstanding efforts in the DAWGS conference opener was the performance turned in by @5DeuceHerrera.  Georgia’s sophomore linebacker rolled to 10 total tackles, including a tackle for loss.  Five-two was flying around the field on Saturday and led the way for a DAWGS defense that consistently got red hats to the football.

Glory, Glory.

THE PACKING LIST: MISSOURI

Check the oil, kick the tires and fire up the engines, Nation.  It’s time to take the 2012 DAWG show on the road.  First stop:  Missouri, The Show Me State.  Home to the arch in St. Louis, better known as the “Gateway to the West”.  For Georgia, this trip to Missouri cracks open the conference slate and starts the long road the every member of the DAWG Nation hopes will be the gateway that will lead Georgia back to Atlanta and a shot at the Southeastern Conference Championship.  As I pointed out the other day, this one’s big for the DAWGS in terms of both their season as well as their national perception.  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.    

*AARON MURRAY’S EXPERIENCE*

Aaron Murray is in his third year as the starting quarterback for the University of Georgia and by most every account, Murray has been stellar.  The one knock on Murray so far is that he has not been able to win the big game and that when he makes a mistake or turns the ball over (in those big games), those mistakes have come at the most inopportune times and the results have tended to be catastrophic.  The flip side of this is that the man under center for Georgia has been tested by the fires of competing in the nation’s toughest conference and I believe he is better for it.  He has learned those hard lessons.  This is the game @aaronmurray11 has to prove me right.  Saturday night in Missouri Murray will lead his team, depleted by suspensions, into an early season divisional game, being played in a very hostile environment, against a talented football team that feels they have everything to prove.  This is the game the DAWGS need Murray to be the type of leader that only a three year starter at quarterback can be, to prove that he can guide his team to a win when the nation is watching.  There are other experienced players on this Georgia roster and their leadership will be incredibly important, but Murray’s past experiences in the crucible that is the SEC and how he applies the lessons learned along the way will go a long way in determining whether the DAWG Nation will wake up happy on Sunday morning.

*11 RED HATS*

Coach Mark Richt said earlier this week that every player that travels to Missouri will play.  Each of those players making the trip will be wearing a helmet, a red one with a white face mask, a white stripe and a large oval G on the side of it.  Now I love those helmets, every one of them, but I’m most interested in the 11 that will line up on the defensive side of the ball.  Coach Richt also guaranteed those of us in the DAWG Nation this week that his defense will be better in Columbia against the Tigers, and they will have to be.  Coach Todd Grantham’s hit squad is coming in shorthanded due to suspensions and they will be facing a different kind of spread offense than they have seen before.  There is nothing they can do about either of those facts.  With that said, it is paramount that whoever is behind the mask in the DAWGS defensive eleven get the job done.  Part of that is in how you play the game and I have no doubt that Coach Grantham believes in his defensive rallying to the football and in gang tackling, and that is why I want to see 11 red hats running to the football, gang tackling and GATA the way a great defense should. 

*HOOK UP THE HORSE TRAILER*

Georgia went from looking like a team with real questions about the state of their running game after the dismissal of Isaiah Crowell to a squad that has a stable full of backs that can get the job done.  Being a country boy, I’m very familiar with the old notion that if you’ve got a good horse, you ride ‘em.  Well, the DAWGS have got four of ‘em and I strongly suggest they use ‘em.  Georgia has a clear size advantage along the offensive line of scrimmage, so why not saddle up your horses and ride ‘em until Missouri shows us it’s a bad idea.

*MERRITT HALL’S HAMMER*

Merritt Hall is continuing the great tradition during the Mark Richt era of a player walking-on to play fullback for the DAWGS and earning a football scholarship.  I love this dude.  He craves contact and takes great pride in just plowing the road, punishing defenders just because he can.  Like I mentioned above, I think Georgia should make the Tigers prove that they can stop our running game.  A huge part of that running game is the fullback, Hall.  I can’t wait to see #43 leading one of the DAWGS backs into the hole and blasting linebackers or unfortunate safeties out of the way over and over again and over again.  Here’s hoping Hall delivers one hammer blow after another to help keep the Georgia offense on track and rolling down the field.

*BIG BOY PANTS*

“SEC!  SEC!  SEC!”  That’s the chant the rest of the nation has grown to hate over the past few years and I can totally understand why.  We SEC fans are never afraid to show our conference pride, and if our team isn’t playing in the game, we’ve been known to eschew traditional rivalries and cheer for our league strictly for the bragging rights.  It really is US versus THEM.  Well now one of THEM has become one of US, even if only in title.  Missouri is officially a member of the Southeastern Conference, but they have yet to play a game in the league.  Nation, I can buy a surfboard, but that don’t make me a surfer.  I say we give them an introduction worthy of entrance into the baddest conference in the land….physical, powerful and unrelenting.  Old man football!?  I say Big Boy Football!  Admittedly, this is more of a fan driven point that would be extremely satisfying to witness, but I am also arguing that if the DAWGS are going to achieve their ultimate goals this season, this is the type game they are going to have to be able to play to get the job done.

So there you have it, Nation.  We’ve been farther west in recent years, but those trips didn’t mean nearly as much.  This one’s big time for a lot of reasons and the atmosphere will be worthy of the event.  We can’t wait to see what happens.  We’ve double-checked the list and we feel good about it.  Missouri is the “Show Me” state, earning this moniker because it is said you have to prove your point before they will believe it.  If you’re making the trip, represent the DAWGS with pride and show ‘em how it’s done in the SEC.  Oh yeah, search out some good eats while you’re out there.  I hear the barbeque is pretty good.  Safe travels, Nation.

Glory, Glory.

DAWGBEASTS and the BULLS

Todd Gurley:  8 carries, 100 yards, 2 TD; 100 yard KO return for TD

The DAWGS freshman tailback burst onto the college football scene Saturday.  Speed, power, vision and attitude…Gurley showed all the necessary skills to be back on the BEAST list several times over the next few years.  Welcome to the party, @TG3II.

Tavarres King:  6 catches, 117 yards, TD

Georgia’s first option in the passing game played like it on Saturday.  The DAWGS left some big plays on the field against Buffalo, but @TKUnoDos did haul in a big one with a 63 yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.

Michael Bennett:  5 catches, 76 yards, TD   

Bennett played his tail off against the Bulls and he is on this list mostly for his efforts when he did not have the ball in his hands.  @MBennett_82 delivered block after block throughout the game and when the ball did come his way, he got the job done. 

Aaron Murray: 15 of 26, 258 yards, 3 TD  

The DAWGS third year starter at quarterback finished with nice numbers after finding his stride in the second half.  @aaronmurray11 threw several nice balls on the day and his receivers did work with the ball in the air as Georgia rolled up 485 yards of total offense.  More importantly, Murray took care of the football on Saturday and did not turn the ball over.

Jarvis Jones: 8 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss

Georgia’s returning All-America linebacker picked up right where he finished last season. If Saturday’s performance is any indication, @SacManJones_29 will continue to terrorize opposing QBs in 2012 and find his way back to the BEAST list.

Glory, Glory.

GEORGIA’S FOUR GAME SEASON

Nation, get ready because here comes a shot of cold water. You can very easily argue that our DAWGS have not won a game of consequence since the 2007 season. The best option to buck this idea is probably a road win against a #11 LSU team that finished with four losses, or maybe a road win in 2009 against a #7 Georgia Tech team that couldn’t play defense (allowed nearly 21 pts/game). To give this stretch an even more bitter taste our DAWGS have had a few sour losses too…Alabama at home in 08, GT at home in 08, an uninspired loss on Rocky Top in 09, Kentucky at home in 09 and on the road at Mississippi State in 2010. Ugh. *shudder* Moving on. Essentially, Georgia hasn’t won a game it wasn’t “supposed” to win (according to rankings) in two years. Now that stings a proud DAWG like me.



Now, you know me Nation. I respect every opponent on the DAWGS schedule and I can channel Larry Munson with the best of ‘em. I have seen up close and personal and know the strength of this league…from top to bottom…and get frustrated when I hear some DAWG fans so easily look past opponents and chalk up Ws like checking off a grocery list. And I defend the depth of the Southeastern Conference until I’m red in the face when it is at all possible. Any victory of the HATED Gators is to be cherished. Auburn, Tennessee and Georgia Tech can all go to hell too, for that matter. Therefore, what I’m about to do is not something I do easily.



What I crave as a fan, what I NEED to see from our DAWGS sooner rather than later, is a strong win over a respectable opponent and preferably one that is ranked higher than Georgia and takes place in a big moment. Now again, don’t misread this. Last season was a great ride and 10 straight wins is an outstanding achievement, especially in the eyes of a DAWGS fan. However, it seems that to anyone not woofing and wearing read and black that Georgia has not had that win that has grabbed the nation’s collective sports media by the shirt collar and jerked them to attention in recent years and I would say there is an underlying feeling of disrespect out there. I see it when a commentator speaks hopefully of the DAWGS chances at upsetting the apple cart and winning the SEC this year and then only seconds later, laughs dismissively as they focus on some other team they feel has a REAL shot at being a champion. So, even though I am as excited for Buffalo as I am South Carolina, I am going to attempt to boil the 2012 season down to the four games that will really matter for the DAWGS, especially when you view it through the prism I have just detailed. Regardless, I will be watching (and re-watching) every snap.

***SEPTEMBER 8, 2012***

@ MISSOURI

The Tigers are all kinds of jacked up and ready for this one. The whole state’s been talking about it and pointing to this game for months. Missouri is already a trendy pick for the upset to declare that they belong in the big time world of SEC football. If Georgia goes west and loses, the script will write itself for the doubters and it will drive home the notion that Georgia’s still Georgia and they still aren’t ready to play with the current big boys of the league. By the way, everybody knows that all horse thieves come out of Missouri. Everybody knows that.

***OCTOBER 6, 2012***

@ SOUTH CAROLINA

Ah, South Cackalacka. There are certainly more obnoxious fans out there in our league, but they’re hard to find. The DAWGS will renew acquaintances with Marcus Lattimore in this one and let’s be real, he embarrassed Georgia two years ago in Columbia and was unstoppable when it mattered last year in Athens. Then there’s Steve Spurrier. I don’t think I need to say anything more there. This is THE game in the East this season and everyone knows it. Does a loss in SC end Georgia’s season? No. Although coupled with a loss in Missouri, it would most likely end any talk of a division or conference championship. A win would be tremendous in the standings, but what’s more, it would do wonders for Georgia’s national shine. Until of course, someone wins the race to point out that it was ONLY South Carolina and not a team from the big bad SEC West.

>>>DISCLAIMER<<<

For the record, I would like to state once again that here at the BEAST there is NO victory sweeter than any victory over the HATED Gators.

NOW WE RETURN YOU TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING

***OCTOBER 27, 2012***

@ FLORIDA (JACKSONVILLE)

This is Florida. We all know the deal. I cannot stand to hear the various pundits droning on and on about streaks and Gator athletes. And I can NOT help but hate that incessant and ridiculously obnoxious chomp. Then there’s the orange. But, here’s a fact that we in the DAWG Nation must face and it’s one we’ll most certainly hear leading up to the game: Georgia is 0-4 the last four times they beat Florida the prior season, having scored no more than 10 points in any one game along the way. Victory against the Gators will certainly be sweet. The only downer will be when we hear that it doesn’t really matter because the Gators are still young and rebuilding. I don’t give a damn. We know better. BEAT FLORIDA!

***DECEMBER 1, 2012***

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

This is the one that really matters. Even though the talk is already brewing to keep any SEC team out of the National Championship Game, nothing short of a DAWGS upset victory in Atlanta will do the trick to make the rest of the country understand that Georgia is a team worth their attention. If the DAWGS take advantage of their “manageable schedule” in the league and win the East, beating a crazed Missouri team, a top 10 South Carolina team and perennial nemesis Florida along the way, no one outside of Georgia will really care because they will fully expect another double-digit loss to the SEC West champion in the Georgia Dome. But if the DAWGS step up and take care of business, especially against Alabama…..man, I hope it’s Alabama…..then Mark Richt and Georgia will have a win to hang their collars on and national perception of the program will finally change….and get right back to where it’s supposed to be.



Glory, Glory.

HOT READS 8.16.12

Coach Richt was swallowing his words during his meeting with the media after Wednesday’s scrimmage and that was probably wise, but I seriously doubt he did the same with the team.  Seven turnovers.  Seven?  Doesn’t matter the color of the bonnets lined up across from you, a turnover’s a turnover and nothing will get you beat quicker.  Turnover ratio is absolutely the most important statistic in football and the Lead DAWG knows this better than anyone.  I don’t think this display hot potato will be indicative of how proven players like Aaron Murray (@aaronmurray11) (INT, fumble) will perform this season, but you play like you practice and CMR will drive that point home in the coming days.

“I thought we looked 'good,' like a pretty good team. But you know, pretty good is about 8-4, but I don't even know if that's pretty good, maybe 9-3, but you know we'd like to do better than 8-4, 9-3, but that's about how we played today. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't great, either.  Was there a great effort every play, No? Was there great effort lot of time? Yeah. Was every guy busting his tail every play? No. I don't know. I didn't see a team that was ready to be great. I saw a team that just wanted to be pretty good. I wasn't that thrilled about it."

Nation, if the DAWGS stumble their way to 8-4 I think we all know that Coach Richt will not be the only one that’s “not too thrilled about it.”

Georgia’s young backs continue to impress.  For the second straight week, the DAWGS freshman backs are making noise.  Keith Marshall (@Truthh4) and Todd Gurley (@TG1UNO) are forcing the issue and will be on the field when the season starts.  This ‘flashbang’ (Marshall’s the flash; Gurley’s the bang) pairing look to be serious about doing big things in Athens this fall.

Wide receiver Chris Conley had four catches for 114 yards and a touchdown of 70 yards.  Two words come to mind when I think about @CCon_TreUno: body control.  Long and lean with soft hands….Murray has yet another nice option on the outside in Conley. 

Also, John Theus (@jtheus71) is banging away and appears close to locking down a starting spot on the o-line.  Totally called it.  It’s a good thing too.  Given Georgia’s losses among the hog mollies heading into this season, Theus’ commitment was heartily welcomed and the DAWGS need him to step up and handle business right if that unit has any shot at coming together before the season.

Glory, Glory.

HOT READS 8.6.12

Georgia looks massive along the front lines. Apparently if you’re not six foot twelve and three hundred and a pile of biscuits you need not apply.

Maybe it’s just me, but I get the feeling Coach Grantham can’t wait to turn his defense loose this season, and he certainly seems happy with the young pups.  I loved his comments on recruiting.  GATA, coach!  Get the guys you want and that want to be at Georgia, coach ‘em up and cut ‘em loose.

I am really excited about Ken Malcome 2.0 (@BooMalcome24).  Every time I’ve seen this kid tote the rock in game action, I’ve been impressed.  I’m excited to see the freshman (TG1UNO and @Truthh4) and Richard Samuel (@Dos_Dos_1911) made his legend against the Gators last year (I HATE FLORIDA), but Boo feels like a hang your hat kinda back to me.  He reminds me of Danny Ware.  Malcome’s got some explosion, angled vision and when he gets a chance it looks like he’s trying to punish tacklers.  I know that sounds like recklessly high praise at the point, but I’ve just got a feeling.

Courtesy: UGASports.com

The ‘Swag-o-meter’ potential for the DAWGS defensive backs is off the charts.  A quick look at the roster to check the measureables, crazy athleticism and the early reports from camp have me raising an eye brow at the possibilities for this group.  Seriously.  With speed and agility like this group has, it looks like something I created in Dynasty mode on NCAA football.  Locking down WRs, dropping the hammer and fighting over pick-sixes on every other possession.  Buuuuut, that’s not reality.  Still, that don’t change the fact that if this group gets the scheme on lock and lets their physical skills take over they can write their own ticket.  Swagger only suits you if you’re good enough to back it up.  If the DBs raise their play to that level, it would go a long way towards the DAWGS cashing that sucker in for a SEC Eastern division title. 

Glory, Glory.

ATHLETE and CHAMPION

"I'm a high school player.  I'm a team player.  I play with my friends and with some of my enemies, but I respect everyone when it comes to my sport.  I know I'm not going to get a multi-million dollar contract to play professionally.  I know I may not even get my name in the paper.  I play for the love of the game.  For the pride and honor, for the blood, sweat and tears it takes to make the team, to earn the spot to win the game.  I play because I can, I play because I know that my life would be empty without the sport I play.  I would have a lack of everything my sport gives me...integrity, courage, talent, fearlessness, pride, strength, stamina, will and the heart of a champion.  If I didn't play, I would lose a part of me.  I'm an athlete.....I'm a champion, not because my team always wins, but because when we don't, we learn from our mistakes and we try to fix them, and most of all because we have fun.  I have built lifelong friendships and memories because of my being an athlete.  I leave everything on the field or court and continue to push myself.  I am never happy with second place, but I have learned to accept it.  I have learned to get over and through my anger and be the athlete and player I have always dreamed of being.  I don't play for my parents, for my family, for my friends; I represent them. It isn't about winning or losing, but I hate to lose.  I won't settle for a tie, and I am not satisfied with 100%.  To play, you have to sacrifice everything...your body, your time, your sweat, blood and tears...everything...for your team.  I am a player and an athlete and a champion, not because I know what it is like to win, but because I know what it is like to lose.  I know what it is like to feel the anger and pain that comes along with "second best".  I have been that player with tears in their eyes, walking out to receive the second place trophy and clapping as the other team, my opponents, receive the first place one.  I know what it is like to lose, to win, to want to quit, to want to cry, to not want to get up.  I know what it is like to hear the cheers and yells for you.  I know what it is like to feel the pressure of everyone on your shoulders, and I know what it is like to choke under that pressure.  I know what it means to be an athlete, a true player, and that is why I play.  I AM AN ATHLETE, A CHAMPION, A TRUE PLAYER."

~ "An Athlete's Pride" ~ Unknown Author

As another summer sun beats down on Georgia's red clay and the days melt away in the sweltering heat of it's overbearing presence, we meander towards another college football season like that ole lazy river that doesn't mind the hands of the clock.  At times it feels like we will never get back to Saturdays in the South "between the hedges".  This summer haze is the reality of the fan.  But there are those that have no time.  As anxious and as excited as they are, the bright lights of game day will be here before they know it and they can never be ready enough.  This is the reality of the athlete...of the player...that hopes to be a champion.  The seconds on the clock wind down, pounding like a hammer.  Although they will never cheat time, the player toils anonymously in the race to be ready.  There are no cheers.  There is no victory.  Just a solitary silence that is only broken by the echo of effort spent in competition against oneself.  This is where champions are made.

We, the DAWG Nation, will see you soon, boys.

Glory, Glory.

#TheGirlWithTheDAWGTattoo

With Georgia’s spring football practice winding to a close this weekend, I felt this would be a good time to recognize one of our own for putting her hide on the line in support of a good cause. This DAWG truly is FANatical in her support of all things Georgia and lives her devotion to all things red and black each and every day. She goes by a handle that is well known among those in the DAWG Nation that frequent the Twitterverse, the one and only @Ludakrisi.



I have gotten to know Krisi a little over the last year and a half, including our trip to Knoxville last season to see the DAWGS whip the Vols. That trip was special to us for several reasons, not the least of which was that it was a “bucket list” trip for yours truly and Krisi offered to “host” us once she found out it was our first visit to Rocky Top. Although there are tremendous fans throughout the DAWG Nation, I can say for certain that I have personally never met another Georgia fan that displays their love for the DAWGS for everyone in the world to see any more than Krisi.

No doubt if you recognize her handle @Ludakrisi, then you probably know about a particular tattoo that she has that is always an attention getter and conversation starter, even if you don’t know anything else. Of course I’m talking about that iconic classic, the Georgia Bulldog head that she has inked on the back of her neck. Awesome tat. Cool location. Crazed fan. That’s a rocking combination if you ask me.



Now it’s no secret that Krisi is a friend, and she certainly isn’t the only Georgia fan out there that has some red and black ink to testify to that fact or that loves the DAWGS. I mean, the DAWG Nation is not the greatest fan base in the world for nothing. We are a proud and colorful bunch to be sure. But those facts about her were merely an introduction to the person, not the reason I decided to dedicate a full post to a fan.

Krisi is uber active on the Twittah and loves getting together with other Georgia fans. She was the driving force behind last season's Tweetgate 2011, a gathering of DAWGS fans before the Boise State game. Earlier this spring, she was putting twitter to work again. Krisi reached out to me about possibly helping spread the word about a fund raising project that she wanted to get involved in along with @Dawgontap in support of Kasyn Olivadotti, the 4-year old daughter of Georgia coach Kirk Olivadotti, who is battling leukemia and receives treatment at the Aflac Cancer Center. The money raised would go to support the Kasyn Cares Fund for pediatric cancer research at the Aflac Cancer Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. I was honored to be asked to participate in any way. To make a long story short, the DAWG Nation stepped up in a big way and raised a lot of money for this wonderful cause. As you will read in a moment, Krisi was as good as her word and went all in with a permanent reminder that her love for Georgia will never fade and once again shows us all that she really is a Damn Good Dawg.

From here, I think I’ll just let Krisi explain the rest in her own words from an interview conducted earlier this week……..

ADB: What inspired your newest tat?

@Ludakrisi: I was talking with a follower on twitter about doing a fund raiser and getting tats if we reach our goal. Then @dawgontap asked me to assist on the Kasyn Cares fundraiser and I posted that if our team raised $1,000 I would get another tattoo. It took only 3 days. The Arch is obviously one of my favorite UGA symbols and I wanted something that looked classy. I put Hope under it because Hope is my middle name and since the tattoo was for the fund I thought Hope would be good choice.


*A DAMN BEAST exclusive*


ADB: Why are you a Georgia fan?

@Ludakrisi: I saw a Georgia game on TV when I was a little girl and it was love at first sight.

ADB: What inspired the tat on your neck that so many DAWG fans use as an identifier for you?

@Ludakrisi: I wanted to get a Georgia tattoo for a long time but was actually planning on getting the Super G. When I got there the artist saw the dawg on my phone case and suggested I do that.

ADB: Who's your all-time favorite Georgia player and why?

@Ludakrisi: Rex Robinson because everybody loves kickers :)



ADB: Which Georgia player that you have not met would you most like to someday meet?

@Ludakrisi: Herschel Walker! I'd probably freak him out because I would most likely start crying.

ADB: What's your favorite Georgia sports moment/memory?

@Ludakrisi: My first game…Verron Haynes and the hobnail boot. I'll never forget it :). I knew that whole game, even at the end when it didn't look so pretty, that Georgia would win. I knew God wouldn't let me experience a loss at my first game.

ADB: Thanks, Krisi.

If you’ve ever read this blog before, I’m sure you’re aware that I am a very proud graduate of the University and my love for my alma mater runs much deeper and wider than the hallowed ground that lies within Sanford Stadium and the results that are earned upon it. I take great pride in all things associated with Georgia and that includes the fans that make up the DAWG Nation. Through this prism, I am happy to count Krisi among our ranks for she is red and black to the core.

More importantly, what’s deserving of recognition in this story is the tremendous show of support from you, the DAWG Nation, and the money raised in support of the Kasyn Cares Fund for pediatric cancer research at the Aflac Cancer Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Like our love of the DAWGS ink is forever, but we hope leukemia won't be. I am sure @Ludakrisi joins me in saying “Thank you!” for all of the love and support you have shown for those battling leukemia and your continued support for this wonderful cause.



Glory, Glory.