It’s a Dawg’s life: One week to go!
Are you ready for some Dawgs football? (AJC staff)
Well, a week from the moment I’m writing this my wife and I will be strolling down Lumpkin Street on our way to Sanford Stadium for the the Dogs’ season opener.
I’ve never understood those folks who are still showing up after the game has started; I like to get to the stadium about an hour before kickoff so I can chat with the other fans who sit around me, soak up the game day atmosphere, watch the players warm up and get on my feet and yell as the Redcoats strike up “Krypton Fanfare” and the team walks toward the east end zone.
A friend asked me yesterday if I still get excited about the first game of the season after all these years and I said that while the prospect of seeing the Dogs play Louisiana-Lafayette might not have me at a fever pitch, the answer is definitely yes.
My pulse still quickens as I turn the corner onto the Sanford Drive bridge and the stadium looms over me. I still get a surge of adrenalin on hearing the first strains of Bulldog music from the Redcoat Band. And when that lone trumpeter gets up in the southwest corner of the upper deck and plays the opening strains of the “Battle Hymn of the Bulldog Nation,” a chill literally still goes down my spine.
As I wrote five years ago Sunday when the very first Junkyard Blawg post was published, I’m a lifelong Dog, born and raised in Athens, and I don’t remember a time when the Bulldogs weren’t an everyday part of my consciousness.
What a wonderful part of my life UGA has been.
As my brother Jon, a former Redcoat, likes to say, “Once a Dawg, always a Dawg … how sweet it is!”
QUICK HITS
"Caesar Dawgustus" in downtown Athens. (Weletthedawgsout.org)
Steve Spurrier raised a lot of eyebrows with the Gamecocks depth chart released Friday. At quarterback, it said Stephen Garcia OR Connor Shaw, the latter a true freshman. Count me among those who figure the Ball Coach is just playing mind games with Garcia — and, perhaps, with opponents. When the Dogs come to town the second week of the season, I think there’s absolutely no chance they’ll see South Carolina starting a true freshman at quarterback instead of the talented but erratic Garcia. … If you’ve visited Athens since 2003, you’ve seen those colorfully decorated fiberglass bulldogs stationed all around town as part of the We Let the Dawgs Out program sponsored by a local woman’s club. Now The Athens Banner-Herald reports you can bid in an online auction for one of those statues, which you’re welcome to leave sitting on public display or take home for your own as of Oct. 2. About 22 of the 40 statues, including “Caesar Dawgustus,” who sits on College Avenue downtown, are already sponsored and likely will stay where they are, the report says, but others will go up for auction on eBay as of Sept. 18, with proceeds to be donated to AIDS Athens. Of course, before you plan on taking one home and parking it in your front yard, you might want to check with your neighbors. … Speaking of bulldogs, a friend who raises them passes along a gossip update about the search for a new Uga mascot. He says that two different all-white males in the Uga bloodline who are old enough to serve now as mascot have been offered to the university, but Sonny Seiler, who has overseen the mascots since the 1950s, rejected the offers. Seiler reportedly has identified an all-white Uga relation who’s likely to be Uga VIII, but not until midway through the season, meaning interim mascot Russ will reign at least until then. (I still think if he’s undefeated come homecoming, Russ might get to stick around for the whole season.) My friend says that anyone who gets a pup in the Uga line has to sign a contract in which Seiler gets first pick of any all-white male offspring. (No, he doesn’t personally have all the prospective Ugas running around his Savannah home.) There are also restrictions that prevent owners of the dogs from publicizing the fact that they have an Uga relation or from cashing in on that connection. After all these years, Seiler has his territory well marked, it seems.
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84 comments Add your comment
RxDawg
August 29th, 2010
9:00 am
Kramer
August 28th, 2010
9:10 pm
LOL
college is forever
August 29th, 2010
9:22 am
http://www.collegelunchboxes.com The time has come for UGA to change the direction of the SEC and start leading instead of following. We are on the verge of some great times. Check out the classic tin lunchbox. If you know of a nonprofit group needing some fundraising help have them go to the website and contact us, we can help. Go Dawgs!!
PhoneDawg
August 29th, 2010
10:03 am
This is for all the historically-challenged folks out there who think Dixie is some anthem of racism – The song Dixie was never the so-called National Anthem of the Confederacy, the song was written before the Civil War and was used by both sides. In fact, Dixie was played at both of President Abraham Lincoln’s Inaugurations. When the Union’s Grand Army of the Republic held its victory march down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, General Sherman’s Army of the Tennessee that had torched Georgia marched to Dixie. Maybe more people should have taken one of Dr. Thomas’ excellent History classes at UGA, huh?
What channel?
August 29th, 2010
11:20 am
I have dish network, what channel will the game be on saturday?
Celia
August 29th, 2010
11:27 am
“I’ve got to respect the football and, when the play is there, make the play,” Murray said.
What a profound statement. I’ll bet this moron has an IQ of at least 70.
Marlin
August 29th, 2010
11:29 am
“Dixie” is a great song.
1eyedJack
August 29th, 2010
11:57 am
Govenor, it’s one of our favorites.
KJ
August 29th, 2010
12:29 pm
“There are also restrictions that prevent owners of the dogs from publicizing the fact that they have an Uga relation or from cashing in on that connection”
Yeah, because Seiler should be the only one allowed to cash in, right?
What a freaking ego. I know some of his toadies will gnash their teeth when they read this, but it would be pretty awesome if UGA gave him the finger, and said they’re taking over all mascot selections from here on out. You know, and actually let the health of the dogs take priority for once.
toptencane
August 29th, 2010
12:32 pm
So sad , you are so sad. Why did you read the blawg if hate UGA that much. Go back to your sad world and quite being a troll.
AnnieO
August 29th, 2010
2:17 pm
One word to describe Warden Mark Richt: SLEEZEBAG.
Yesh, it’s definitely the Richt Cup now.
Vote
August 29th, 2010
2:51 pm
Let’s take a vote on whether or not the Redcoat band should play Dixie!! I’ll bet the vote would be 10-1 to play. Sanford would go wild!!!!
weatherdawg
August 29th, 2010
3:21 pm
AnnieO—you are a moron and Celia, I guess that makes his IQ about 10 points higher than yours. It is amazing how jealous you trolls are! GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Delbert D.
August 29th, 2010
4:04 pm
They put on a black-face minstrel show at Lincoln’s inauguration?
Camp of the Saints
August 29th, 2010
6:45 pm
Attention, everyone, especially dawgtards. We will now observe a moment of silence in memory of Saint Jan Kemp, who exposed the shameful practices at UGA that were initiated and carried out by slimeball Vince Dooley. Dooley’s image as a coach and a nice guy were forever shattered during the trial, not to mention the one million dollars that dawgtards had to pay Saint Jan. These practices of recruiting morons and coddling them for four years, them tossing them out like garbage, are still going on, but at least the world knows what’s going on now.
And now, the moment of silence…
.
.
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.
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Thank you, you may resume your normal activities now.
King Gator
August 29th, 2010
7:51 pm
Love the new Dawg uniforms.. jail stripes, red panites and an ankle gps bracelet. Go Gators!
Spurrier
August 29th, 2010
9:04 pm
Ealey gets in trouble and once again all Dawg boards are in lock down mode. DAWG sports writers proving once again that you can dish it out but you just can’t take it.
game 1
August 29th, 2010
9:19 pm
109. Louisiana-Lafayette
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP
OFFENSE
QB Chris Masson (6-2/201, Jr.)
RB Robert Walker (5-7/179, Fr.)
FB Matt Desormeaux (6-1/232, Sr.)
WR Pierre Hill (6-0/160, Jr.)
WR Marlin Miller (5-11/177, Sr.)
TE Ladarius Green (6-6/225, Jr.)
T Jonathan Decoster (6-5/301, Sr.)
T Colin Windsor (6-5/290, Sr.)
G Leonardo Bates (6-5/319, Soph.)
G Jaron Odom (6-7/337, Soph.)
C Ian Burks (6-4/286, Sr.)
DEFENSE
E Nate Douglas (6-2/242, Jr.)
T Derreck Dean (5-11/280, Jr.)
T Jordan Topp (6-4/301, Sr.)
E Terrell Richardson (6-5/260, Sr.)
LB Grant Fleming (6-4/232, Sr.)
LB Devon Lewis-Buchanan (6-2/206, Jr.)
LB Daylon McCoy (6-0/215, Sr.)
CB Orkeys Auriene (5-10/175, Sr.)
CB Dwight Bentley (5-11/173, Jr.)
FS Maurice Rolle (6-1/192, Sr.)
SS Lance Kelley (6-3/196, Jr.)
SPECIAL TEAMS
K Tyler Albrecht (6-1/196, Sr.)
P Spencer Ortego (6-3/204, Sr.)
KR Marlin Miller (5-11/177, Sr.)
PR Orkeys Auriene (5-10/175, Sr.)
COACH: Rickey Bustle (38-56, ninth season).
LAST SEASON: 6-6, 4-4 (5th in Sun Belt)
FINAL 2009 RIVALS.COM RANKING: 84th
KEEP AN EYE ON: ULL has relied on its rushing attack for most of Bustle’s tenure, but the offensive line has to be rebuilt and ULL also is looking for a new starting tailback. True freshman TB Robert Walker enrolled early and impressed coaches before suffering a hamstring injury midway through spring drills. He gives ULL a home-run threat at tailback, and his health bears watching.
STRENGTHS: Sophomore TE Ladarius Green is an emerging star, and QB Chris Masson is a solid passer. While star LB Antwyne Zanders is gone, the linebacker group looks solid; LB Grant Fleming is the headliner and an all-conference candidate. The secondary has potential, especially at cornerback, where Orkeys Auriene and Dwight Bentley have all-league potential. Special teams usually are a plus for ULL. The Ragin’ Cajuns have blocked 41 kicks since Bustle was hired as coach in 2002, third-most nationally in that span; the coverage units usually are strong, too. P Spencer Ortego might be the best in the Sun Belt, and K Tyler Albrecht is adequate.
WEAKNESSES: The offensive line bears watching; it’s safe to say its play could determine the course of the season. There are two returning starters, but one of them, Ian Burks, is moving from guard to center. Depth is a big issue at tackle. ULL also needs to find a new starting tailback. While Walker is quick and a breakaway threat, his lack of size (5-7/179) is worrisome. There is no established go-to receiver. While Green looks as if he will be a big-timer, the wide receivers are rather pedestrian. The front four on defense is on the spot, as ULL was mediocre against the run last season. The Ragin’ Cajuns also have to find a way to apply pressure after managing just 15 sacks last season.
BUZZ: ULL was 6-2 last season when it forced at least two turnovers, and the secondary is an opportunistic group. But can the offense maintain any consistency with a rebuilt line and an unsettled situation at tailback? The schedule does ULL no favors. The opener is at Georgia, and while Games 2 and 3 are at home, they are against teams that will vie for the league title in Middle Tennessee and Arkansas State. Then again, the Ragin’ Cajuns can serve notice that they will be a player in the conference race if they can win at least one of those games. Only one of the last five games is at home. The schedule highlight might be a visit from Oklahoma State; last season, ULL beat Big 12 member Kansas State in Lafayette and will be trying to double-up this season.
Football going to be fun again
August 29th, 2010
9:46 pm
Colleges wilth the most players in the NFL…
1- LSU 58
2- Miami 55
3- USC 54
4- Texas 50
5- UGA 47
I also hear UGA has decided to play defense again thanx to Grantham & Co.
Just for kicks & giggles.
I gave my dog a stuffed gaytor and a stuffed nerd to play with. He chews on the gaytor and humps the nerd.
I laugh a lot.
I do kinda feel sorry for the nerd though. I wash the gaytor every few weeks but I’m not touching that nerd!
Athens, Georgia
August 29th, 2010
10:08 pm
.
NESBITT for HEISMAN
.
Congratulations Dawgs
August 29th, 2010
10:30 pm
For winning The Fulmer Cup !!!!
ROTFLMAO
hunker down
August 29th, 2010
11:19 pm
God I love football season!
Sweat Socks
August 30th, 2010
1:29 am
10 wins or bust!
DawginLex
August 30th, 2010
10:17 am
I want the opener to be 63-10.
I want Murray and Mason to play.
We were hoping for the M&M boys at QB with Murray and Mett but now it’s Murray and Mason.
I want 10 sacks of their QB.
I want a full scale, first rate whipping administered.
Run it up Herman, leave no doubt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
how2fish
August 30th, 2010
10:53 am
NESBITT will never win the HEISMAN
eltrompoDAWGSfan
August 30th, 2010
11:29 am
Hey, Saturday will be my second game but my first day game. Does anybody have any suggestions on when to arrive, things to do beforehand? Much appreciated.
DaltyDawg
August 30th, 2010
1:09 pm
Yall gotta be kidding me, have you seen this!? http://www.UGAKickoff.com/dawgforaday Run with the Dawgs un real!
Old Dawg
August 30th, 2010
2:20 pm
I’d really like to see Mason get some considerably playing time. I know it’s only ULL but an experienced back up is the key to success. Hell, let him start against Idaho the week after Florida!
dawg girl
August 30th, 2010
2:49 pm
I bet every woman in the stadium on Saturday will have on red panties..Go Dawgs!
DawgScout
August 30th, 2010
5:12 pm
3DawgKnight & Jack Bull, You two are idiots suggesting the preemptive red panty waving. You are Cartman.
DawgScout
August 30th, 2010
5:17 pm
What channel? Dish has it on 17.
Pago Pago DAWG
August 30th, 2010
5:23 pm
It’s illegal for the Dixie Redcoat Band to play Dixie. Sad..
Aunty Em
August 30th, 2010
9:57 pm
McGarity: “Any other way — if you want to go and behave like that, then probably you don’t need to be in college athletics.”
Unfortunately, Mark Richt doesn’t believe this, and until he’s fired, he’ll go right on coddling his thugs and playing them.
Sickening, isn’t it.
WillDawg
August 30th, 2010
10:04 pm
Whoopie do Nerds!! That joke QB in the joke system has as much chance as Logan Gray of winning the Heisman. AJ Green will finish higher in voting than nesb i o t c h!!!
RedcoatSousa
August 31st, 2010
3:06 pm
Redcoats will not be playing “Dixie” this year, or any year in the future. If Roger Dancz hadn’t made the choice to cut it, Redcoats might not be so different from Tennessee’s band, running “Dixie” into the ground like they do “Rocky Top” all game, every game. No one wants that, especially not the Redcoats.
Gonna be some hot new tunes this year, though, not to mention a new Sousaphone Show. Check us out in and around Tate plaza half an hour-ish before the Dawg Walk
Go Dawgs, beat Cajuns!