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!!

Thursday Night Football

Over on the flats, the dastardly yella jackets of georgia tech have doubled up Western Carolina, 42-21 at the half. The game was in all out route mode, until a last second 46 yd gt field goal attempt was blocked and returned for 6 plus the PAT. Odds of a comeback still appear slim, but the impact of this play does provide the Catamounts a huge boost going into the locker room. You can watch the game online at ESPN3.

Meanwhile, #20 Mississippi State is pounding Memphis 24-0 early in the second quarter. Dog QB Chris Relf is 5-10 for 133 yards and 2 tds. Bolstered by a 46 yard touchdown, Vick Ballard has ran for 85 yards on just 6 carries. Game is currently airing on Sports South.

"We" The Fans

I'm going out on a limb here, but I would guess that at least 91% of football fans never played one down of college or pro pigskin. The last time I played the game, I was in Junior High. To be honest, that's a stretch. I should have said the last time I was on a roster, I was in Junior High. Don't get me wrong, I logged some "PT." But, it was mainly when our opponents wanted to take a knee and run out the clock. I didn't care. I was proud to wear my uniform to the Ryan's buffet for lunch. Made me look cool. I used to dodge the question, "Did ya'll win?"
"Yes, I will have seconds," I'd say. "Another plate, please."
But, that's besides the point.

As fans, we are all very passionate about the team(s) we support. Just listening to the Redcoat Marching Band play their warm up exercises gives me goose bumps and makes me wish I had the talent, discipline, and work ethic to wear a true Georgia "G" on my chest. When I talk to other Dawg fans, all of us use the term "we" when speaking about UGA. But in reality, "we" the fans are looking at things from an outside perspective. Are we wrong for that?

I'd say (censored text) NO!! What's your opinion?

50 Days: LSU

50 days must seem like an eternity for LSU. That is the distance between the Les Miles led Tigers and their quest for redemption. On September 5th, LSU travels out west to take on a terrible Washington Huskies squad that went 0-12 in 2008. This game is huge for LSU. Why? Because a victory helps to dissolve a bit of the sour taste left over from last season.

Down on the bayou, an 8-5 record is about as palatable as a bowl of rotten jumbalaya. One year removed from winning the national championship, the once mighty Tigers fell to just 3-5 in the SEC. The biggest factor in LSU's sudden demise was poor decision making at the quarterback position. In 2008, Tiger QBs threw a cumulative 18 interceptions. Against Georgia, Jarrett Lee threw two pick sixes to Dawgs linebacker Darryl Gamble. Those two mistakes loomed large, as Georgia defeated LSU by 14 points.

Fortunately for LSU, young QB Jordan Jefferson has emerged as a talented playmaker at the position. After starting just 2 games of the '08 season, Jefferson should be able to make great strides in 2009. "This year I understand the playbook more and I'm able to bring more to the table than last year," Jefferson told the press. If not, highly touted freshman Russell Shephard could get a chance to shine. Either way, LSU is in much better shape at the position than they were in '08. As the Tigers look to re-establish LSU as one of the nation's elite teams, 50 days must seem like a long ways away.

*To view highlights of Russell Shepard, click on the title of this post. Sorry, but there's no sound.*

Sports Tonight

At 7 ET, the Boston Celtics look to even their series at 1 win a piece, as they host Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls. The game will be shown on TNT.
109-108 Chicago with 1:54 left.
112-111 Boston with 1:01 left.
115-113 Boston with 20.1 left. Bulls have ball.
115-115 with 12.3 left.

Also airing at 7 ET, the Okland A's travel to NY to battle the Yankees. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN. Baseball Tonight follows.

Looking for some NFL conversation? Catch Path to the Draft at 6 PM ET on the NFL Network. If that ain't enough coverage, the four letter network will be airing a SportsCenter Special at 8 PM. The ESPN2 broadcast will take a look the upcoming draft.


At 7 PM ET, the Washington Capitals travel to NY, as they take on the Rangers in game 3 of this eastern conference game. The NHL quarterfinal game will be shown on Vs. At 9:30, the network will broadcast the Calgary Flames and Chicago Blackhawks game 3.

How 'bout some CFB coverage? At 8 ET, the NFL Network will be airing the Top 10 Football Factories. This show features universities that produce the most NFL players. How many SEC schools will be highlighted?

Crimson Tide fans can catch a replay of A Day at 6:00 ET on ESPNU.

Following the Bulls Vs Celtics on TNT, you can watch the San Antonio Spurs take on the Dallas Mavericks at 9:30 PM ET.

Are the Gamecocks a threat to steal the East?

So far, Steve Spurrier's coaching career (21-16) at South Carolina has been less than spectacular. Given his previous success at the University of Florida, a few shock waves roared through the conference, when he replaced Lou Holtz in Columbia. However, the Gamecocks have failed to join the Eastern elite, during his regime. Will 2008 be the year that a new dynasty is finally born? With all of the spotlight shining on Gainesville, Florida and Athens, Georgia, can South Carolina sneak up and knock these teams down off of the mountain? It's no secret that the Gamecocks are always one of Georgia's toughest opponents. Added into the equation, is the fact that Spurrier does own one victory over the Gators and Dawgs, while pacing the sidelines in garnet and black. The big question is, does this South Carolina squad have enough talent to take away the prize, that Georgia and Florida already consider their own?