Bulldog Bites: UGA ranks 3rd on SEC’s decade list

Amid all the talk about potential defensive coordinators and bowl practices and ticket sales, you might have missed a ranking of the SEC’s football programs for the past decade put together by ESPN.com’s Chris Low.

Low’s ranking is based on a number of categories, including record against SEC competition, record against nationally ranked foes, record in bowl games, and conference and national championships. Not surprisingly, the two teams that have won BCS titles occupy the top two spots: Florida and LSU.

But Georgia finished a strong third, with comparable numbers to second-place LSU in just about every category except national championships. In fact, the Dogs had nine Top 25 finishes to the Tigers’ seven and six Top 10 finishes to LSU’s five (and Florida’s four).

Behind Georgia in descending order: Auburn, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt.

LAST-MINUTE GIFT IDEAS

If you’re still looking for a UGA-related gift, you might want to consider one of these Bulldogs books …

“Dooley’s Playbook: The 34 Most Memorable Plays in Georgia Football History” by Vince Dooley (Hill Street Press, $35). In addition to explaining the plays, Dooley diagrams them. And the illustrations by Steve Penley are really nice. This book was first published this time last year but was out of print for most of 2009. It’s in plentiful supply now, though.

“From Herschel to a Hobnail Boot: The Life and Times of Larry Munson” by Larry Munson with Tony Barnhart (Triumph Books, $24.95). The title says it all. A CD of Munson’s 10 greatest calls is included.

“Georgia Football: Yesterday & Today” by Mark Schlabach (West Side Publishing, $24.95). A solid overview of the history of the program, with lots of illustrations.

“For the Love of the Bulldogs: An A-to-Z Primer for Bulldogs Fans of All Ages” by Frederick C. Klein with illustrations by Mark Anderson (Triumph Books, $16.95). From Arch to Knowshon to Zambiasi. Despite what the title says, this large-format volume seems best suited for younger fans.

DIAMOND DOGS UPDATE

UGA baseball coach David Perno  will guest on the “Bulldog Hotline” radio show tonight on the Georgia Bulldog Radio Network. Perno will join host Scott Howard live from 8 to 9 p.m.

Also, the Diamond Dogs are holding a First Pitch Diamond Gala at the Classic Center in Athens on Jan. 16. It will feature an auction, dinner and entertainment honoring the baseball program, including the 20th anniversary of the College World Series national champions as well as Georgia’s other CWS teams. For reservations, tickets or additional information, e-mail diamondgala@gmail.com or call 706-542-8186.