Sunday, November 28, 2010

Going out with a WIN

As I watched my last game in Sanford Stadium as a University of Georgia student I can only recall amazing memories over the years. I could not have asked for a better ending to my time here at Georgia. I spent my last game in the press box and was able to learn more about one of my next chosen paths in life – sports journalism. Having a perfect view and watching my Bulldogs take down Tech made for a great ending as a senior at UGA.


The Dawgs 42-34 victory over Georgia Tech enables the Bulldogs to become bowl eligible for the 14th consecutive year!


Aaron Murray completed 15 of 19 passes for 271 yards and threw for three touchdowns. Washaun Ealey rushed for 118 yards on 13 carries with two scores. Kris Durham played a great game for his last one in Sanford Stadium. Murray connected with Durham and on a slant run he took it 66 yards for the first touchdown of the game. Murray’s other first quarter touchdown pass went to Orson Charles for 32 yards.


Justin Houston snagged an interception and also nailed 7 tackles, but Houston’s biggest play came when recovered a fumble and dove into the end zone to put the Dawgs up 35-21. Houston may have had a close to perfect game but the defense definitely did not. The defense allowed Tech to run 92 plays for 512 yards.


A win is a win and it is always a great feeling to Wreck Tech! I came into Georgia with a win and I am going out with a win. What could be better?


I said when I started this blog that I hoped to recap UGA football and all the goodness that surrounds being blessed enough to call myself a Bulldog. Being a Bulldog is about so many things. It is a feeling, a sound, and a lifestyle. It is knowing that despite a 6-6 season record that you cheer for the greatest team in America, the Georgia Bulldogs. Calling yourself a Bulldog is not just a decision but a dedication. For me it is a dedication that will last my whole life through. I am today and forever more PROUD TO BE A GEORGIA BULLDOG!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

War Tigers show true colors

The age old story of football in the south -win at all cost- was evident in Saturday’s match up. Auburn’s classless display of sportsmanship adds to my bucket list of reasons as to why I don’t like them! I am not blaming Auburn for being excited in their win (I would be too); I am however stating the fact that Nick Fairley is a distasteful football player who should be reviewed by the NCAA. Football is a contact sport and an emotional one at that but this is not the first time that Fairley has been known to play “dirty”.


Despite the loss the Dawgs had some amazing moments during this SEC rival game and gave the War Tigers a run that no one truly expected. A.J. Green showed up and showed out with a career-high 9 catches for 164 yards and 2 TDs. A 1st half dominating force when you add in FRESHMAN Aaron Murray who bolted those passes down field to Green. Auburn may have Newton this year but we have Murray for many years to come. His accuracy was incredible on several down field passes and his ability to stay mostly calm under a forceful Auburn defense is to be recognized.


More records broken include Brandon Boykin who now holds Georgia’s record for kickoff return yards marking it with 1,655 yards. Bacarri Rambo was able to snag another interception this week and Justin Houston put up some great hits! I am proud of my Bulldogs and their ability to play hard against this top ranked team.


Do I think this game could have easily ended differently? Yes. I think that it was all down-hill after Auburn’s onside kick. Auburn taking the lead after the half when we expected to get the ball was a huge difference in the game for the War Tigers. I think that their 1-yard TD dive was a fumble before the goal line, despite the on field ruling. But like it or not things did not go differently and Auburn was the better team.


As Mark Richt said in his post-game press conference “football is a bottom line game and the bottom line is we are 5-6 right now”. All the Dawgs can do is take this bye week to rest & prepare to beat Tech so we will be bowl eligible!


Lastly, as far as Cam Newton is concerned - there is no denying that he is a phenomenal football player who dominates his opponents in several facets of the game. Ever since allegations have been made against him I have been confused about two things. One regards the “hearsay” allegations involving his father, and the other regarding Florida leaking private information. Regardless of the fact of whether or not the “cheating/stealing” accusations are true or not, it was two years ago and he suffered the consequences…move on and quit looking for a reason to deem him “un-Heisman” worthy. I don’t know him personally and I don’t know if the allegations are true, but that is just it - I don’t know so I’m not going to condone the whole “Scam Newton” name calling. Remember Bulldog Nation, Auburn is supposed to be the one’s lacking class…not us!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Preparation for Domination

A combination of the continual early kickoffs and the chilly temps kept many Georgia fans away, but it did not stop this Georgia team from dominating on the field. The Bulldogs 55-7 win over Idaho State is just what they needed going into next week’s battle. This game was as close to a bye-week as you can imagine and I am hoping it served as preparation for next week’s domination!


Let’s Review


The Offense

The Georgia offense had a slow start but when the 2nd quarter rolled around the Dawgs brought the heat and it was much needed on this chilly November day. The Bulldogs scored 35 points in the second quarter alone marking the most points scored in one quarter since 1988 against William & Mary. Aaron Murray completed 19 of 27 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns while Carlton Thomas led with 14 carries for 64 yards. Offensive touchdowns were made across the board by Caleb King, AJ Green, Bruce Figgins, and Shaun Chapas.


Richt replaced his starting lineup after the half and gave some young and old players some great play time. Hutson Mason may have only completed 3 of 8 passes for 41 yards but the experience he gained is valuable and that is what these type of games are about.


The Defense

Georgia’s defense put two touchdowns on the board while another interception set up a scoring drive. Bacarri Rambo snagged an interception and ran 39 yards for a touchdown. Brandon Boykin grabbed another interception, which set the offense up for 7 points, and Vance Cuff took one home when he caught the 3rd interception of the day, which he ran 30 yards in for the touchdown. I just hope the defense can repeat these interceptions next week. Alec Ogletree made his defensive debut and got a good tip on an early punt resulting in great Georgia field position. Ogletree also made a big tackle and proved to be a strong asset for the Bulldogs future. Ogletree, and brother Alexander, are one of 3 sets of brothers on the roster this year along with Josh and Blake Sailors, and Aaron and Josh Murray.


Special Teams

Blair Walsh tied his career long field goal with another 53 yarder while also completing a 38 yarder in the 1st quarter. Drew Butler averaged 42 yards on punts while Walsh averaged 67 yards on kickoffs. This duo continues to be a key asset for the Bulldogs overall.


The Dawgs will enter next week’s game 5-5 for the season and need to win one of the next two games in order to be bowl eligible. I say win them both! Next week they face their oldest SEC rival – the Auburn Tigers/ War Eagles (they are slightly confused about their mascot so I like to refer to them as the War Tigers.) Our defense will be the key to having the possibility to beat the War Tigers. That along with no interceptions, fumbles, and a good running game! Cam Newton IS their team and if our defense can get the pressure on Newton then I believe we have a shot. This would be a season upset and I have faith the Dawgs can bring home a victory!