The "Georgia way"

This is not the first time that Washaun Ealey has made the news. Headlines last fall unfortunately read “arrest” and “suspension”, and as of today that streak continues with headlines reading “suspended indefinitely”. Not something Georgia fans like to hear considering this suspended player led the running game last season with 811 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Head coach Mark Richt reports, “We have certain expectations and standards that apply to all our student-athletes. We expect them to do things the right way, the Georgia way. If Washaun does things the Georgia way, he’ll be back in good standing.”

I only hope that Ealey develops a good understanding of what doing things the “Georgia way” means. However, if he doesn’t then I have high expectations lying in two recent recruits. One of the nation’s top running backs in the Class of 2011 can now call himself a Georgia Bulldog and Bulldog Nation is proud to call Isaiah Crowell a Dawg! This Columbus, Georgia recruit exhilarates dominant potential and just may be thrown into Ealey’s position this coming fall.

Richt makes it evident that doing things the “Georgia way” consists of doing them in a respectful and morally upheld manner. Hopefully Ray Drew Jr., recent recruit and ordained minister, can help move Georgia in the direction that Richt persistently envisions. Yes, a 17-year-old doubles as a Friday night Defensive End and Sunday morning preacher. Hopefully, he already grasps what the “Georgia way” is all about!

Ealey will be reevaluated and his fate determined based upon his decisions. Here is to hoping those decision become ones worthy of being a part of Bulldog Nation!

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 14^th 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!

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 1^st 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!