Dawgs score less than Alabama

Before now, I never would have believed that a "magical season" for UGA could include a loss at Jordan-Hare, but also involve a run for the roses that would catapult Georgia into the National Championship Game at Mercedes Benz Stadium. But, it happened quite rapidly. As soon as destiny's Dawgs redeemed themselves by slaughtering Auburn for the SEC title, a mean machine in red and black came barking through the streets of LA. And to be quite honest, they rocked a certain west coast stadium like Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre used to do and likely wish they still could.

But, Changes were made in Atlanta. When it looked like my beloved Bulldogs were FINALLY gonna win a National Championship, Nick Saban inserted a freshman QB in the game named Tua and he tainted my red and black script. It happened at the beginning of the second half. With Junkyard Dogs relentlessly gnarling at his facemask, there were a few moments when Tagovailoa made a few mistakes. But, the Dawgs seemed inclined to return the favor. Especially when Fromm threw a pass off the helmet of Crimson Tider Hand's head and into the arms of his teammate, Rayquon Davis.

Trailing 20-7, Bama got rolling and put a dagger deep into my Dawg loving chest with 13 unanswered points. But, Georgia was given new life when the Crimson Tide missed a game winning field goal at the end of the fourth quarter. So I cheered, I barked, and I yelled, "Go Dawgs!" as the game headed into overtime.

But, Alabama quickly turned my joy into agony. After holding my Dawgs to 3 scrawny points off an amazing kick from HotRod Blankenship, Tua became Dan Marino with legs. After a first down sack netted negative 16 yards and breathed life along the Bulldog sideline, Tagovailoa launched a pass that will forever be embedded in the misery of Bulldog fans across the globe. It was a game winning 6 strike, which Munson might have described as, "My God. A freshman from Saint Louis School in Honolulu. Hunker down, you guys. Dawgs on top 23-20, but Tagovailoa scrambles and he throws...Touchdown. Oh, God a touchdown. No flags on the play. Alabama wins. We fought hard, but the freshman from Honolulu just destroyed our 37 year old dreams. And he did it with a flick of his wrist."

Alabama became National Champions last night. Georgia did not. I don't like it. And I'll never find peace or tranquility or whatever you're supposed to find in order to make yourself feel better when this happens to your team. I won't lie to you. This loss stings and it will continue to do so. I've barely slept and I know the pain won't go away easy. These emotions will travel with my Bulldog loving soul, like an albatross around my neck until the title-less streak is reversed. Until then, I don't like it. I don't have to. But...It's just the way it is... Go Dawgs!!!

*This post is dedicated to the memory of my friend Marcus. Forever missed and never forgotten.

Falcons vs Saints

The Falcons are hosting the New Orleans Saints tonight, so this seems like a good time to talk about the Atlanta Hawks. Twelve games into the season, Mike Budenholzer has his team playing well. Point guard Jeff Teague has been very impressive so far, averaging 18.4 points per game along with 8.7 assists per contest. Meanwhile, former Gator, Al Horford is providing the offense with 17.4 points per game. The 6'10 center is leading the team in blocks with 2.1 per contest and collecting 8.2 rebounds during the young NBA season of 2013.

The 7-5 Hawks have the night off, but they will resume play tomorrow night at 7:30 in Motown. Atlanta will be facing a Pistons squad they just defeated 93-85 in Philips Arena on Wednesday evening. Detroit will be looking for more productivity from former ATLien, Josh Smith than the 11 scrawny points he scored during his first game at home in an away jersey. Another Piston with local ties is former Bulldog basketballer, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The 20 year old shooting guard from Thomaston, Ga is averaging 7.4 points per game during his rookie season.

I'm expecting another close game on Friday night. The Hawks average 102 points per game to Detroit's 98 and allow 99 points per contest to the Pistons' 101. The key statistic that gives Atlanta an advantage is assists per game, as they are second in the league with 25.7. Both teams need to improve their efforts on the glass. The Pistons are 24th in the NBA in rebounding and the Hawks are currently 2 spots behind them at 26.

Auburn beats Georgia

I don't know how to discuss the painful outcome of this game. Although I know what happened, I still don't believe it. Somehow, the Aaron Murray led Dawgs rallied from a 20 point deficit to take a scrawny 1 point lead with less than 2 minutes remaining. All Georgia needed was 1 defensive stop to win this game. And, it looked like they would get it.

The momentum had seemed to take a drastic turn in favor of the Red and Black. With Auburn facing 4th and 18, it was a do or die play for the Tigers. As for UGA, 73 gigantic yards defensively separated them from victory or defeat. And then, Ole Lady Luck reared her ugly head once more. While Nick Marshall avoided Bulldog tacklers, the Auburn faithful prayed for divine intervention. And, they got it with 25 seconds left in the contest. A pass that should have been intercepted by Dawg defender Tray Matthews was tipped away by teammate Josh Harvey-Clemons and into the arms of WR Ricardo Louis for the game winning score. It was an Auburn version of the bluegrass miracle.

The final result is another tough defeat for the Bulldogs of Georgia. In a season when many predicted them to contend for the national championship, this team falls to 6-4. Injury issues aside, this ain't the record I expected to see during Aaron Murray's senior year at the helm.

This Week in the SEC

It's been awhile since I've posted some predictions on SEC football. But, tonight seems like a good time for me to get back into the swing of things. So, here we go...

Arkansas goes to The Grove tomorrow and loses to the Ole Miss Rebels by 17, while the Auburn Tigers fare a whole lot better in Knoxville. War Eagles by 13 over the Vols.

Meanwhile, the Vanderbilt Commodores take a journey into the Swamp and leave the sunshine state with an upset victory over my favorite Florida coach, Mr. Will Muschamp and his Gators.

In Athens, the Bulldogs of Georgia host Appalachian State. Injury issues aside, Dawgs celebrate homecoming with a 33-10 win. But, the party is a bit subdued when Kentucky loses to Missouri in Lexington.

South Carolina has the week off and Dan Mullen's Dogs wish they could say the same about themselves. Texas A&M won't need the 12th man in this one. The home team wins 42-14.

And, for the premiere game of the week, Les Miles leads LSU to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to take on the national champions. This will be an epic battle that goes down to the wire. To find out who I expect to win, please follow @RobSealerSports on Twitter. Will post a video soon.

Rallying behind my Dawgs

This season has been a strange tale that resonates back and forth between jubilance and disaster for the Georgia Bulldogs. Although we've seen the Red and Black emerge victoriously over South Carolina, Louisiana State, and Tennessee, we've also witnessed some less than stellar results versus teams named Tigers.

Aaron Murray led one of the greatest drives in Bulldog history three little weeks ago that vaulted UGA to an amazing come from behind victory over LSU. Then came the Tennessee game. Trailing UT by a touchdown very late in the contest, even the game clock was wearing orange. But, Murray dialed up similar heroics. UGA nail-bitingly tied the score and won in overtime. Unfortunately, the Dawgs ran out of miracles versus Missouri. It was a tough loss that may have derailed their hopes of winning the BCS.

Georgia has had to deal with some devastating injuries on the offensive side of the ball. But, they will never use that as an excuse for the final tally on any scoreboard. In describing the loss of 5 key players, I can only imagine Larry Munson saying, "Ole Lady Luck has not been on our side." And, he would be correct. She ain't been behaving lately. But, this battalion of Bulldogs continues to fight through adversity and give their all in pursuit of victory. As a fan, I can't ask for more than that. Go Dawgs!!

Disgusted by the WWE

Last night, I watched something so revolting that I feel guilty for allowing the program to enter my household. I know the antics are scripted and the actions that transpire inside the arena are all about ratings. But, on last night's episode of Monday Night Raw, the WWE succeeded in making me sick to my stomache. Vince McMahon's famous wrestling federation, founded on family entertainment and the battles between "faces and heels" (good vs bad), sunk to a new low during its most recent broadcast.

Executive Vice President of Talent and Live Events, Paul Levesque (Triple H) and his real life wife (the boss' daughter) Stephanie McMahon encouraged the character known as Randy Orton to act without moral regards, in order to regain his stature as the face of the franchise. And, Orton delivered by unleashing sadistic pre and post match attacks on Mike "The Miz" Mizanin. As if Orton's actions weren't heinous enough, he continued to assault his opponent just a few feet away from Mizanin family and friends at ringside. Although the scenario was scripted and the "injuries" suffered by the Miz failed to transpire in the real world, I still find myself disgusted by this reprehensible sensationalism of brutality.

And, unfortunately the show went on. The most egregious acts were based on a scene where Stephanie McMahon called WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes and "offered him a business proposal." There was a difference of opinion between Ms. McMahon and the 68 year old Virgil Runnels, in which "The Dream" told her where to go. She responded by calling in reinforcements. Against his will, Paul "The Big Show" Wight was told to knock the old man out. Allegedly destitute and perilously close to losing his job, Big Show delivered a devastating blow to Dusty Rhodes.

As I watched these scenes unfold, I started to wonder, what happened to the days when sports entertainment was also family entertainment? As a kid, I remember when the worst thing a wrestler could suffer inside the squared circle was having his hair cut off by the likes of "Brutus the Barber Beefcake."

After much thought, I did learn one valuable lesson...know when to change the channel.

Who is the greatest coach in SEC history?

SEC football fans, who would you say is the greatest coach in conference history? The Dawg in me wants to claim Vince Dooley as the best of all time, but also recognizes the fact the he only won one national championship. So, if you've got any suggestions, send me an email or vote for your choice in the poll located on the left column. Thanks for the feedback and for visiting RS Sports.

Outpaced in Indiana

Well, tonight's game between Atlanta and Indiana started out pretty well. After one quarter of basketball, the score was tied at 26. But then, the pesky Pacers stepped on the gas and outscored the Hawks 32-17 in the second quarter. Things got a lot worse for the good guys, when the home team put together a 27-20 3rd quarter. Going into the fourth, Atlanta trailed by an insurmountable 22 points, 85-63.

Refusing to go quietly, the Hawks put together a tremendous 4th quarter rally, aided by 10 Pacer turnovers and cut Indiana's lead to 98-92 with 19 seconds remaining. But, there was too little time left on the clock. Led by Roy Hibbert's 17 points and 13 rebounds, the Pacers did just enough to hold off the charging Hawks. The final score from tonight's contest is Indiana 100, Atlanta 94. Josh Smith had 20 points,3 rebounds,4 assists,4 steals,and 2 blocks. But, Atlanta falls to 39-32, while the Pacers improve their record to 44-27 on the season.

Hawks at Pacers

Josh Smith and Atlanta's 39 win Hawks are on the road tonight, as they take on the hoosier state's Pacers. Allowing less than 90 points per game, Indiana has become one of the toughest teams in the eastern conference. Former Georgetown Hoya, Roy Hibbert averages 2.7 blocks per game and anchors a squad that leads the NBA in rebounds.

With 12 games left in the regular season, Atlanta is currently 5th in the east, with only one more victory than Chicago's 6th placed Bulls. Danny Granger and David West will miss tonight's game, along with George Hill and Lance Stevenson. However, the Pacers will be led by small forward Paul George, who averages 17.7 points per game in his second NBA season.

Leading the charge for Atlanta will be power forward/center Al Horford, who averages 17.5 ppg along with 10.3 rebounds per contest. Alongside the former Florida Gator will be Johan Petro, who likely starts in the 5 spot and the electrifying Josh Smith at small forward. Atlanta needs the victory, but the task is a lot tougher without Devin Harris, who is sidelined with an injury to his left foot.

Update: Indiana outscored Atlanta 32-17 in the second quarter, to take a 58-43 lead into the half. Josh Smith leads the Hawks with 17 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block, as he continues to fill up the stat sheet. For the Pacers, shooting guard Orlando Johnson (averages 3.7 ppg) tallied 15 points to go with 3 rebounds and 2 assists in the first half.

Keep Josh Smith Day

With the NBA trade deadline inching closer and nerve-rackingly closer, I have decided to make February 19, 2013 Keep Josh Smith Day. The former McEachern and Oak Hill Academy star has become the most exciting Atlanta Hawk since the days of Dominique Wilkins. His gravity defying dunks and tremendous shot blocking prowess consistently transform Philips Arena into the Highlight Factory. But, it is highly speculated that the Hawks are exploring trade possibilites revolving around J Smoove. So, I'm campaigning for the Hawks to keep Josh Smith.

The AJC's Jeff Schultz recently wrote, "Smith hardly is the Hawks' biggest problem. They need a center. They need consistency at point guard. They need more players to build around. Moving past years of being a punchline isn't easy."

Although the Hawks have made great strides over the past 5 seasons, Schultz is right. There is still a lot of work to be done, as far as tuning up the roster. But, trading your best player ain't the answer. As a fan, I hope to see #5 continue to deliver an exciting brand of basketball to the hometown Hawks. Josh Smith is the heart and soul of the Highlight Factory. Without those elements, what remains?

To Hawks GM Danny Ferry, I offer a few simple words. Keep Josh Smith.