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!!

October 8 in the SEC

Here we go with another exciting week of SEC football and (lifts up prayer hands) stellar predictions from yours truly. Here's the skinny.

Ole Miss has a bye, but do the Rebs ever show up for their games?

South Carolina hosts Kentucky. Spurrier's visor won't leave his noggin this Saturday. Lattimore and company will plow past the Wildcats.

Mississippi State goes on the road and takes on UAB. Blazers get Dogged out by Mullen's squad.

Crimson Tide crushes Vanderbilt in Tuscalooza. Commodore fans, don't waste ya gas money. This one was over as soon as it was scheduled. Tide Rolls.

Chizik's champs go to Arkansas and Petrino's Pigs flip the script. Hogs roast Tigers 37-24.

Tennessee welcomes the University of Georgia to Knoxville. Sensational freshman RB Isaiah Crowell runs over Volunteer defenders with such an intensity that they all swear their name is Bill Bates. Dawgs 41- Da'Rick Rogers and UT 27.

Florida travels to Death Valley...the real one. I don't care what the bayou's wildlife and fisheries council says...October is Gator season in Louisiana. Geaux Tigers!!

Footnote of the day: A man always takes accountability for his actions. But it's comforting to know that someone has your back, even when your scrawny azz is dead wrong. A few weeks ago, I took some time off and began to evaluate some things. But, I must join you in wondering...Who is truly to blame for all of my errant predictions? Click on the title of this post.

Disappointed But Proud

Although the final score of the Georgia-LSU game was something I didn't care to see, I saw something more important on Saturday night. I saw a Bulldogs squad that is worth believing in. I couldn't say that on September 6th. But, these Dawgs are different. Their abundance of inexperience on the field is diminishing more and more every week. We continue to see young guys, such as Rantavious Wooten, Orson Charles, Marcus Dowtin, and Brandon Boykin step up and make an impact.

On Saturday, the Dawgs were manhandled in the first half of football. But, despite LSU's constant presence deep within Georgia territory, the Bulldog defense hunkered the hell down. The Dawgs made some tremendous plays in crucial moments, that kept the Tigers stuck on 6 first half points. During the 4th quarter, Georgia got up off the mat, one more time. After a devastating Tigers touchdown put LSU ahead 12-7, UGA responded. With 7 seconds shy of 3 minutes remaining, a previously inept offense flew down the field and reclaimed the lead at 13-12. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to beat LSU.

I'm disappointed, but as a Georgia fan, I am very proud of this team. They continue to fight through adversity, regardless of the situation. This team plays with a lot of heart. You see, they've got some JunkYard Dog-ness in 'em. Such tenacity and fire will serve them very well in the future. Look for the Dawgs to bounce back this week with a victory over Tennessee.

Go Dawgs!!

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.*