THE PACKING LIST: TENNESSEE

After a brutal opening month of games that saw the DAWGS go 2-1 against three top ten opponents and rattle off three consecutive victories at home, Georgia is back on the road at 3-1 (2-0) this week on Rocky Top.  Butch Jones is trying to clean up after Derek Dooley managed to extinguish the dumpster fire that was left blazing when Lane Kiffin bolted for Southern California.  Well, you won’t find me crying for the Hillbillies.  I’m looking for the DAWGS to squish the urnge into something that resembles so many bug guts on the bottom of your shoe.  We know traveling can get a hectic and it can be tough to always remember everything, so we humbly offer up this week’s packing list.

*Murray’s mirror*

Old number 11 has been great for Georgia this season and is finally being mentioned, as he absolutely should be, in the completely haphazard Heisman talk swirling around the world of college football.  Environments like Tennessee’s 100k + will offer on Saturday are the very reason a fifth-year senior starting quarterback like Aaron Murray are such prized commodities.  All Murray needs to do is show up and be the same quarterback he has been every time he’s looked in the mirror this season and Georgia will be well on there way.

*Running man*

The man-child that is Todd Gurley may or may not be ready to answer the bell on Saturday, but thankfully there are more horses in the stable for the DAWGS.  Included among them is the man that had his breakout game of 2012 against the Vols, Keith Marshall.  The two freshmen that have seen the field for Georgia this year have shown to be very capable so far as well.  Marshall can absolutely carry the load for the DAWGS if he needs to, but regardless of who’s totin’ the rock Georgia must run the football.  The ground game is central to the DAWGS offense, it keeps the defense fresh and it wears down an opponent.  In the end, it doesn’t really matter who carries the ball for Georgia on Saturday, as long as they get down hill with an attitude.

*Boys to Men*

It’s no coincidence that as Chris Mayes has made his presence felt on the DAWGS defensive line, we have seen more and more big plays out of that unit.  That needs to continue for Georgia against the Vols this week.  Although they are a young group, Georgia’s D-line needs to continue to show up against a Tennessee unit that Coach Mark Richt has called the best in the league and maybe the country. 

*Track Shoes*

Much has been said about the Vols lack of play-makers and depth on both sides of the ball and frankly, I agree with that assessment.  With that said, you have to acknowledge that Georgia does not have the same kind of problem.  I am pleased to be able to say the DAWGS have speed all over the field and play makers have emerged on both sides of the ball.  Saturday against Tennessee, Georgia must play like it.  The DAWGS advantage is real and they need to put it on display on Rocky Top.  Let’s play “catch me if you can” for four quarters and those “smokey” uniforms will look a lot more like ash after the Vols have been burned a few times.

*Show and Tell*

Whether it was youth, inexperience, noise or whatever else you want to blame.  The problems that plagued the Georgia defensive back seven in the pass game against LSU will be present against Tennessee on Saturday.  Coaches and veterans say not knowing the hand signals is bunk and the freshmen say noise was a problem.  I don’t need them to tell me that they’ve got it under control.  It will most likely be so loud I couldn’t hear them anyway.  It doesn’t matter.  The DAWGS need to figure it out show us on the field that they have worked out the issues. 

*Wrecking ball*

Like I said earlier, Jones is trying to rebuild Tennessee’s program and return them to relevance in the conference.  Well, me and the DAWG Nation could care less about all that. There’s a wrecking ball on the truck and even though it’s gonna play hell with our gas mileage, Georgia needs to break it out and destroy that new house that Jones and the Vols are trying to build. 

So, there you have it.  Now it’s time to turn this thing north and get in the wind.  The college football world is paying attention and the DAWG Nation is ready.  Our blood runs red and black.  Just make sure you don’t dilute it too much with that hillbilly shine while you’re up on Rocky Top this weekend.  Safe travels, Nation.

Glory, Glory.

THE PACKING LIST : CLEMSON

Hello, DAWG Nation!  The BEAST is back and man it feels good.  It has been an extremely busy year around our way, but football is back and that gets our attention.  What’s more, we look up and find an old rival has invited us over to get the party started…Clemson.  In case I haven’t mentioned it before, we grew up about 30 minutes from Clemson, have family that went to and graduated from Clemson, and I will readily state that as a matter of fact, Clemson’s version of Tiger Rag is the one and only true version of Tiger Rag.  Period.  But enough of that noise.  This week those Tigers are nothing more than the first in a long and formidable line of challengers that the DAWGS must conquer to claim the championship mantle they truly desire and make good on their mantra, “New Year.  New Team.  One Dream.” 

And what a way to get it started!  A top ten match-up with a prime time national television spotlight.  Whew-wee, son!  Everybody in the pasture town that is Clemson better strap ‘em on tight Saturday ‘cause they don’t get any bigger than this.  I’m serious.  Wherever you may be, you better get your head on a swivel.  When the DAWG Nation gets this amped up, you just never know where that knockout crack back is going to come from.  It might just be that lovely lady on your arm dressed in her best red and black.  Man, I can’t wait!  It’s coming…tick, tIcK, TICK…and the DAWGS are gonna get loose. 

All the big stuff’s already on the trucks, but there are just few things we have to make sure we don’t leave behind before we fire the diesels and roll this show up I-85.  Don’t forget to steal a quick look at beautiful Lake Hartwell on the way.  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.

*BIG BOY (SILVER) BRITCHES*

Georgia and Clemson.  Dooley and Danny.  This is the classic rivalry of my youth that showed me what Georgia football is all about.  The one that built the legends and made me understand what silver britches were really supposed to look like and more importantly, represent.  I know exactly what I was doing when I saw Kevin Butler kick one 60 yards, plus a foot and a half…hanging in the doorway with the cousins as we craned our necks back inside to see the game as we rambled out the door to play a pick-up game of tackle in the front yard.  This one is rooted deep for me and all that makes me the DAWG I am to this day. 

That’s why I know Georgia has to bring their big boy britches to this one.  Everybody knows there will be more than a few new faces taking the field on Saturday, but that can be no excuse for a team that absolutely expects to do big things this season.  The environment will be tough and the stage will be huge, but if the DAWGS are really what we all hope and believe they are, those new faces need to be the next wave of stars for us to cheer and not a handicap that must be overcome.  If we’re lucky, we’ll see some silver in those britches and if we do, this Georgia team really could turn out to be something special.

*HAMMERS*

Let’s just put it on the line here.  It’s time to break some stuff.  What better tool to get that done than a hammer?  I know folks are high on Clemson and their complicated and flashy offense, but winning football is a simple concept.  You must win.  Man on man, eleven individual battles across the field.  You must beat your opponent until he don’t want to be hit anymore.  So, it’s a good thing that Georgia’s got a few trusty old hammers in the toolbox. 

If the DAWGS are going to get this done, that talented backfield of Todd Gurley, Keith Marshall (don’t forget that 6’2”, 257 lb Mack truck of a fullback Quayvon Hicks) will have to grind on the Tigers.  On defense, I’m looking at #52 Amarlo Herrera and the rest of the front seven to shut down that unproven Clemson running game…with prejudice.  All those young kids we’re going to be lining up on Saturday should grab one of those hammers and bust some stuff up while we’re at it and use it to break out for the world to see.  If all goes well, all you people in red and black heading north this weekend better watch your step on the way out ‘cause there’s gonna be pieces of shattered hopes and ACC prestige all over the place.

*OLD HAT*

While there’s no doubt this is a big game on Georgia’s schedule and on the college football landscape in 2013, it really shouldn’t faze this group of DAWGS.  Yes, I know.  There are some pups on the bus this week.  But for a program that has seen the glare from more than a few bright lights over the last few years, this game should not provide too big a stage, especially with veterans at every level on both sides of the ball.  The DAWGS must embrace this opportunity like that old familiar hat that’s already broken in and fits just right, and then rock that lid like we all know they can.

*THE NASTIES*

Both in 2002 and 2005, Coach Richt’s DAWGS rode experienced offensive lines to SEC Championships.  Those groups were more than just veteran though, they were nasty.  They lived to gnaw shins, grind lanes and wreck defenders, imposing a championship will as they laid claim to rings.  In 2002, I was in the stadium when Coach Richt believed in his men and went for it on 4^th and short near midfield late in the fourth quarter against Clemson to put the game away and Jon Stinchcomb and crew bulled the way for Musa Smith to go up and over for the first down to seal the win.  I’m certain the young men that make up Georgia’s offensive line unit are wonderful individuals, fabulous students and upstanding campus citizens, but we don’t need to see those guys.  We need the angry, play-through-the-whistle and right up to the line guys.  By the time they walk off the field in Clemson on Saturday night, Georgia’s O-line better have shown a much darker side to the Tigers and made them understand....we are not friends, we do not like you, and you’re gonna like it.  If the DAWGS get that message across to the Tigers, the ride South early on Sunday morning will be a sweet one.

So there it is, Nation.  We’re finally here, the long wait is over and we are rewarded with what should be a fantastic, classic match-up.  The DAWGS are ready and so are we.  If you’re making the trip watch out for those speed traps and fly your colors high.  Don’t take too many back roads or you might find yourself in a country traffic jam, sitting behind a few escaped cows in the middle of the road somewhere in the prettiest pasture town in the Piedmont.  Safe travels, Nation.

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 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.

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.

DAWGBEASTS and the JACKETS

ORSON CHARLES – Georgia’s junior tight end is a nightmarish match-up for almost every team he lines up against and you need look no further than Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech for proof. Georgia Tech had absolutely no answer for Charles and he finished with 5 catches for 95 yards against the Jackets, but the reality is he could have doubled those numbers if the DAWGS had targeted him more often.


Courtesy UGASports.com


AARON MURRAY – Murray was not as sharp last week against Kentucky as he had been against Auburn the week before, but he was still good enough to lead the DAWGS to a SEC East clinching win. Saturday against Georgia Tech, Murray was on point again hitting on 19 of 29 attempts for 252 yards and rang up 4 more touchdown passes.

ALEC OGLETREE – For the second consecutive week, the monster presence at linebacker that is Alec Ogletree lands on this list. Like I mentioned last week, Ogletree is really coming on strong for the DAWGS and against the Jackets, Ogletree was carrying a big stick finishing with 11 total tackles, 10 of which were of the solo variety.

MARK RICHT – Georgia’s lead DAWG improved to 10-1 against the Yellow Jackets. That, my friends, is dominance.

RAGING BEAST STAT OF THE WEEK – Aaron Murray has thrown 14 touchdown passes against only two interceptions in the last four games.

Glory, Glory…and TO HELL with Georgia Tech!

DAWGBEASTS and the WARTIGLESMEN

AARON MURRAY – Was that Aaron Murray or Aaron Rodgers firing back shoulder throws deep down the field with a G on the side of his helmet last Saturday in Athens? If you didn’t know better, you might’ve confused the two. Murray not only hit the deep ball, he hit the intermediate, short and the dump off passes as well to the tune of 224 yards and 4 TDs. How about this stat; Murray had four TD passes at the half…against only three incompletions. At the end of the day, Murray had broken Matthew Stafford’s school record for touchdown passes in a season with 27 and tied Stafford’s career total with 51.

ISAIAH CROWELL & CARLTON THOMAS – Both of these DAWGS have landed on this list this season and this is a sweet return trip. Both Thomas (127 yards) and Crowell (132 yards, TD) went over the century mark for Georgia and Thomas recorded his first career 100 yard game. The best part is that both backs ran with a downhill tilt. You cannot have too many good backs to tote the rock in the SEC and DAWG Nation can rest well knowing that we have at least three men that can get the job done.

OFFENSIVE LINE – You cannot have the type of offensive success that Georgia had against Auburn unless the O-Line is doing work. Sure, there were plenty of dominator blocks to be found when you look back at the tape, but it was also a thing of beauty. Seeing Ben Jones and company pull around and lead Georgia’s backs down the field time after time was extremely gratifying and definitely something I hope to see a lot more of going forward. We are dishing out kudos to the big men on a job well done.

BACARRI RAMBO – Rambo made this one count. Despite being among the league and national leaders in interceptions this season, Georgia’s Junior free safety had not put one in the end zone until Saturday. Rambo grabbed his seventh pick of the season, the 12th of his career, and returned it 24 yards for the touchdown with a little help (in the form of a couple of crushing blocks) from his friends. Rambo’s score was the DAWGS first defensive touchdown of the year.

MICHAEL BENNETT –



Courtesy UGASports.com

I don’t think I need to say anything else.

RAGING BEAST STAT OF THE WEEK – Like our friend Krisi (@Ludakrisi) likes to say, you can’t spell GRANTHAM without GATA. Need proof? How about the fact that
the DAWGS defense has given up a total of 12 rushing yards to Tennessee, Florida and Auburn combined this season. We tip of our cap to @RadiNabulsi for sharing this beastly number.

Glory, Glory.

DAWGBEASTS and the AGGIES

AARON MURRAY - Murray threw five touchdown passes in the 2nd quarter on his way to completing 18 of 23 passes for 238 yards.

CHRIS CONLEY - Conley had a breakout day for the DAWGS with five catches for a career-high 126 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown grab.


Courtesy: UGASports.com

BRANDON BOYKIN – Boykin made plays all over the field Saturday, racking up 6 total tackles, including a tackle for loss and a forced fumble on defense. On offense, Bam had a 42 yard catch and run for a touchdown.

BRANDON HARTON – Georgia’s former walk-on Brandon Harton rushed for a game-high 98 yards and a touchdown on a day that the DAWGS were without four running backs.

RAGING BEAST STAT OF THE WEEK – Georgia pushed its winning streak to seven games in the regular season for the first time since winning the first seven games of the 2005 season. Nine different players scored touchdowns for the DAWGS as they rolled up 627 total yards, their highest total in Mark Richt’s 11 seasons in Athens.

Glory, Glory.

I HOPE WE BEAT THE HELL OUTTA AUBURN

Auburn had a great team last season. Congratulations on your SEC and National Championships, Tigers. I just wish you could have done it with a little less play after the whistles and with a little class. Auburn made the plays to win that game last year, but what we saw on the plains last year from the Tigers that was not related to Xs and Os was a pitiful display. I hope the DAWGS feel disrespected. I hope the DAWGS have a chip on their shoulder. I hope the DAWGS remember. The DAWG Nation certainly does. I hope we beat the hell outta Auburn. I hope we earn their respect. I hope we can contain our emotions and do it between the whistles. I know we'll do it with class. I hope we BEAT THE HELL outta Auburn.



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.

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.

THE PACKING LIST REVIEW: OLE MISS

Well, how does .500 feel, DAWG Nation? One SEC road game played...one SEC road game won. Dig it. Let's look back and see if the DAWGS followed our road trip packing check list for Ole Miss.

FIRST ITEM: *RUNNING GAME* CHECK

The DAWGS rushed the football 56 times for over 200 yards against the Rebs. We called for Isaiah Crowell to get at least 20 carries in the game and that's exactly what happened as Georgia's freshman toted the rock a career-high 30 times for 147 yards, averaging right at 5 yards per carry.

SECOND ITEM: *ISAIAH’S FLAK JACKET* CHECK

Clearly there was no issues here as Isaiah saddled up and carried the mail for the DAWGS on Saturday.

THIRD ITEM: *BALL SECURITY* CHECK

Well, the DAWGS did turn the ball over once with a pick. Aaron Murray went through his read progression, then went back to his first read...which you should never do...and as a result, the ball was batted around and Ole Miss came down with it for the interception. However, Georgia also had two takeaways in the game and won the turnover battle. The DAWGS backs also displayed great ball security despite taking some pretty good hits during the game. The DAWGS took care of the ball and just like we said, "...the production on offense should take care of itself."

FOURTH ITEM: *PRESSURE FROM THE DEFENSE* CHECK

Check, check and check. We said that the DAWGS needed to put the squeeze on the Ole Miss offense as a whole, and if that pressure led to sacks, all the better. Well, that's exactly what happened. The D-line got a good push up the middle and played the run well, the backers flowed to the football and the secondary were in the hip pockets of the Rebs receivers all day closely contesting nearly every ball thrown. The result? The DAWGS allowed only 34 yards rushing, 183 total yards, forced two Bacarri Rambo interceptions and, oh yeah, collected four sacks.

FIFTH ITEM: *PATIENCE AND PERSISTENCE* CHECK

Georgia knew they should be able to run the ball against Ole Miss and that's exactly what the did. Georgia rushed the ball 50+ times for 200+ yards and wore down the Rebs. Murray was efficient in the pass game and spread the ball around to seven different receivers on the day.

SIXTH ITEM: *EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP* CHECK

Being the first road trip of the year, you can never know exactly what to expect. The DAWGS needed leadership from their veteran players and that's just what happened. Although just a second year starter, Murray led a young offense to an efficient and productive afternoon, hitting 17 of 26 passes for 268 yards and two scores. On defense, the DAWGS had a few players that have played a lot of football in the SEC and it showed as Abry Jones and Cornelius Washington anchored the front seven, while Rambo locked down the back end reeling in two interceptions for the DAWGS.

All in all, Oxford proved to be a very productive trip for Georgia. The DAWGS got that first conference road win out of the way, and that is huge with Knoxville looming in a couple of weeks where Georgia has not won since 2005. Murray put another notch in his belt as the leader of this team and the defense showed how you go to work and get things done when you head out on the road.

Glory, Glory.

MOVE OVER BOBO, I’M CALLING THE PLAYS

Every year…every game…at the stadium or in front of the widescreen…whether I’ve tilted a few or stone cold sober…every year, every game I try to predict what the first offensive play of the first offensive series will be for the DAWGS in each game. Not only do I test my own advance study of match-ups and tendencies, but I will inevitably (even when I try not to) turn and ask Ali Blue (usually the other best football mind in the room) what her opinion is on the subject and she will usually give some sincere thought to the question and give a well thought out reply. I do this for fun, just to see if I’m right…or if Ali’s right…and of course I want to see if she calls the same play I have called…and if either of us were right, did the play work? She knows I enjoy this and she plays along. Because she knows this means more to me than it ever could to her, she even goes first so I can hear her prediction just to see if her call matches mine. I will then regale her with my play call and will inevitably explain to her why I have chosen that play. She honestly listens to what I have to say. Maybe she really gains some insight from my offering, or it could be because it’s just entertaining. Doesn’t matter. I absolutely relish this tradition between us and it has now become a very enjoyable part of our game day experience.

Hopefully we have the opportunity to do this 14 times in any given season…12 regular season games, the SEC Championship game and a bowl game. I love to attack and I always have to push down the urge to call the post route. To take a chance at landing the haymaker right away. Sometimes I’m just feeling traditional and call the toss sweep. I mean, it is a staple of the DAWGS offense. Old reliable. Other times the advance scouting and film work (Yes, I do that.) figures more heavily and I’ll pick a play that takes advantage of some match-up that gives Georgia a clear advantage. It all depends on my mood.

So, with the season barreling towards us, I got to thinking about how much fun we have with this and I began to wonder if we were the only members of the DAWG Nation that take our shot at offensive coordinator. Surely not. We can’t be. That’s why I want to know about you. Do you or any of your fellow DAWGS give calling the opening play a shot? If so, we want to know about it. Tell us if you do. Do you share your pick with other DAWGS or do you keep it to yourself…even if you’re not alone. How do you choose the play? We want to hear from you and everything about your play calling process. Leave us a comment below or head over to the Facebook page and tell us your story there.

It’s September 3rd and the Georgia Dome is rocking. Aaron Murray leads the DAWGS to the line as the college football nation looks on. You’ve shoved Mike Bobo out of the chair and, for one play, you are directing the Georgia offense. What’s your call? TK to the post? Isaiah Crowell on the zone read? Or, do you like Orson Charles up the seam? Come on DAWG Nation, let us hear ya.

Glory, Glory.