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From the Editor : Vance Leavy
I’m really not sure how to begin my weekly offering because like everyone in the Bulldog Nation the Auburn miracle still has me scratching my head. However, one thing is for certain, you will get no finger pointing from me. At the end of the day, the 117th meeting between the Bulldogs and the Tigers was an instant classic. And at the end of the day, like it or not, the football gods ruled in favor of the plainsmen. Like many, my heart goes out to our football team, who furiously fought back to what would have been the biggest fourth quarter comeback victory in Georgia football history. But I feel the most for our two defensive backs who were involved in the tip ball that led to Auburn’s victory. Now, my own football career didn’t get past high school and UGA intramurals, but to this day I can still remember the plays I was involved in that did and didn’t go my way. And what occurred this past weekend really strikes a cord with me because I was a defensive back. From high school, I’m still plagued by a 4th and long play, where, despite being in the right position, I jumped too soon, which resulted in a game-changing touchdown for the other team. After that play, our team never recovered and we lost the game. However, a few weeks later, I would break up another 4th down play that ensured a victory for the team. And while in college, I was on both sides of “Hail Mary” plays. In fact, the victorious one was very similar to what occurred at Auburn. A tipped ball fell into my teammates hands in full stride … touchdown. That victory was oh so sweet. However, the jump ball “Hail Mary” that an opposing receiver sneered in another buzzer beater still causes me angst to think about. Now my own little journey back down football memory lane, certainly pales in comparison to anyone playing football at the college level. But I thought it was worth including because anyone who has ever been involved in competitive sports knows that unfortunately the agony of defeat is very real. However, most of the time, something good is right around the corner and that’s what I’m hoping will be the case for our defensive backs. Finally, I will add one last tidbit from my own football experience to all the folks that think knocking the ball down at full speed is a simple task. It’s not and that’s a fact. In the perfect world, our defensive
backs would have been further back, where coming up on a play makes knocking a pass down much easier. However at 4th and 18, that luxury wasn’t available. Personally, I’m a big proponent of blitzing in these types of situations because a receiver can’t get to the first down marker quick enough if the quarterback has to get rid of the ball. Now, it’s time to turn the page and what better way to do that than paying homage to our seniors, who will play in Sanford Stadium this Saturday night for the last time. Of course, this group was most certainly led by quarterback Aaron Murray, but please make sure to read Murray Poole’s column on page 5 to remember all of his peers that contributed to many great wins during their time at Georgia. To me, this group has earned rock star status for turning the Florida series. 3-1 over the reptiles is a beautiful thing and I certainly thank all of them for it. The photo on our cover is of a building as you come into downtown Athens on Lexington Highway. In early August, the banner appeared on it, so I had a photographer friend of mine, McGinnis Leathers, capture it. Of course, like all you, I had lofty expectations of what Aaron Murray and this senior class might accomplish in 2013. And while things didn’t turn out as expected, the respect I have for this group certainly hasn’t changed. However, I do have a favor to ask of them. What better way to show the future leaders of the Georgia team how things should be than to play sound football the remaining three games of the season? Shake off the shocker at Auburn by coming out against Kentucky with the sole purpose of showing the college football world that the future is bright for the University of Georgia football program. Speaking of the future, don’t miss our Q&A session (page 13) with BI’s two recruiting gurus, Carlton DeVooght and Trent Smallwood. Their knowledge on how the 2014 class is shaping up will definitely get you fired up. Also, Loran Smith is back this issue talking with former Dawg, Daryll Jones. It’s always great to see Bulldogs doing awesome things at the next level, whatever it may be. Speaking of that, kudos to former UGA golfer Harris English for winning this past weekend’s PGA event. Yes, that’s two Bulldog victories in a row on the tour. And I could go on and on about all the Bulldogs in the NFL, but Matthew Stafford and Brandon Boykin get top marks from this past Sunday. This is a great place for me to end because my head is back in the right place. Sure, Auburn was gut-wrenching, but at the end of the day I love anything that has to do with the University of Georgia. And for that reason, I encourage you to be in Sanford Stadium 30 minutes before kickoff on Saturday to send off another great senior class of Georgia Bulldogs. See you there!
Kentucky Cha Cha Cha Publishing Inc. Editor Vance Leavy
Creative Director Cheri Leavy
Sports Guru Jeff Dantzler
Sales Caroline Kinney, Rob Saye, Holly Stanfill,Shannon Smallwood
Multimedia Director Greg Poole
Sports Logan Booker, Murray Poole, Trent Smailwood
Layout/Design Cheri Leavy, Vance Leavy
Cover Photo McGinnis Leathers
Sports Photography Rob Saye
Columnists Carlton DeVooght, Rob Sherrell , Loran Smith
Interns Pierce Persons. Annie Trice
Delivery Hatton Abernathy, Martin Cameron Matt Clutter, Will Hayes, Thompson Sewell, Champ Vance
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This has been one of the most bizarre seasons in Georgia football annals. Expectations were sky high heading into the 2013 campaign. The Bulldogs then began getting ravaged by injuries, literally on the heels of the first touchdown of the year, and what has ensued have been a series of white-knuckling knee-knockers which have taken the Georgia people on a roller coaster ride of emotion. In one of the most highly anticipated openers of the season, Georgia and Clemson, both preseason top ten teams, both coming off of outstanding years in 2012, squared off in Death Valley. Clemson took an early 7-0 lead, but Georgia struck right back as America’s best tailback Todd Gurley went 75 yards for a touchdown. On the celebration, the Bulldogs top wide receiver, Malcolm Mitchell, jumping up to do a chest bump, came down funny and tore his ACL. He would be done for the year. As the game wore on, both Gurley and fellow running back Keith Marshall were shaken up and missed several series. It was a near miss, the first of three thus far this season that Georgia has lost by five or fewer points, as the Tigers prevailed 38-35. Georgia would “burn the boats� the next week, putting on a tremendous offensive display and coming up with a critical goal line stand in a 41-30 victory over South Carolina that got the Bulldogs right back into the conversation as a top ten team in 2013. Following an open date and a win over North Texas, the Bulldogs welcomed in LSU for a third top ten vs. top ten showdown of the year. It goes down as one of the great games in Sanford Stadium history. Neither team had a lead of larger than seven. The Bulldogs would take the lead on an Aaron Murray touchdown toss to Justin Scott-Wesley and hang on to win an alltimer, 44-41. In the second quarter of the victory, though, Gurley, who appeared on his way to a monster game, suffered a high ankle sprain. He would not return. It was unclear how long he would be out. Unfortunately, it was all of October. That’s the month that began with the worst single game injury rash any team suffered this season, and maybe the worst Georgia has ever gone through. In a scintillating 34-31 overtime victory over Tennessee, with Gurley on the sidelines in street clothes, the Bulldogs lost a trio of standouts to knee injuries. Keith Marshall was hit low on a swing pass and tore his ACL. Scott-Wesley, who also had an 85-yard touchdown that put the Bulldogs on top 41-30 in the victory over South Carolina, was lost for the year with a torn ACL. It came without contact while covering a punt. Standout receiver Michael Bennett also suffered a knee injury on a non-contact play. Fortunately Bennett would return for the Florida game. With so many players gone, the Bulldogs faced an uphill battle against Missouri. Georgia turned the ball over four times while forcing none. The Dogs didn’t have the firepower to overcome the miscues and Missouri held off a fourth quarter Georgia comeback to pull away and win 41-26.
Then came another gut-wrenching road loss. Georgia had three catastrophic special teams meltdowns and lost at Vanderbilt 31-27. A blown targeting call by the zebra’s didn’t help, and suddenly the Bulldogs were 4-3 and a shell of the team that began the season in the top ten. The injuries simply had cost Georgia the juice to combat the team’s shortcomings. Fortunately there was a week off prior to the Cocktail Party. Gurley was back, and Bennett was too. In the first quarter, Gurley had 150 total yards and two touchdown s, including a 77-yard scoring reception. Georgia leapt to a 23-3 halftime lead. But Florida would come flying back. The Bulldogs, on the strength of a Corey Moore sack, forced Florida to punt, while clinging to a 23-20 lead. Georgia would then eat up the final eightplus minutes on an epic drive to put the game and the Gators away. It was a third straight win over Florida. Georgia sat at 5-3, a disappointing record to be sure. But the Bulldogs had beaten South Carolina, LSU, Tennessee and Florida. Georgia cruised to a 45-6 win over Appalachian State to improve to 6-3. It was just the second game that wasn’t extremely tight in the fourth quarter. In a season of ups and downs, filled with heart-breaking losses and memorable wins, many Georgia fans had to be thinking they had seen it all. Then came Auburn, and it takes the cake. In a series littered with unforgettable finishes, epic, memorable clashes, and seasonspoiling upset victories, Georgia-Auburn has been one of the most entertaining rivalries in all of college football. It started in Piedmont Park in 1892. Every season since 1919, the Bulldogs and Tigers have played one another. It is the south’s oldest rivalry. Heading into this past Saturday’s rollercoaster, heart-breaking loss, the series was even at 54-54-8. This rivalry has had it all. This season has had it all. Then there was this past Saturday. Rallying from a 37-17 fourth quarter deficit, Georgia took a 38-37 lead with under two minutes to go. Auburn, facing a fourth and 18 from its own 27 yard line, hit a hail-mary, with two Georgia defenders right there. The tipped pass went for a 73 yard touchdown and the Dogs were stunned. Georgia somehow got off the deck and made it to the Auburn 20. But the Tigers held. And a roller coaster season, fourth quarter and final two minutes added yet another chapter to this most bizarre of seasons. What is left now for this season is a Kentucky team that is in the midst of a tough year, then Tech, then a bowl. It is vital to finish strong – especially beating Tech for a fifth straight season – and carry the momentum over. Perhaps next season, fate will shine much more favorably on Georgia. But this season, a combination of 1965, 1973 and 1978, is one that the Georgia faithful will never forget. The good, the great, the bad, and the unbelievably painful.
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by Murray Poole
This Bulldog senior class is special
BEST STEAKHOUSE 1 9 % ! 2 3 2 5 . . ) . ' J E Z E B E L M AG A Z I N E R E A D E R S U RV E Y
photo by Rob Saye
When Georgia's 2013 senior class is recognized prior to the kickoff of the Bulldogs' final home game against the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday night, get on your feet and give each of the players a rousing round of applause. For in the past four years of wearing the red and black, these UGA senior leaders have made some notary accomplishments, both for their school and the Georgia football team. Accomplishments that should make the Bulldawg Nation proud. Yes, this senior class has experienced a number of ups-and-downs along the way since they were true freshmen, or redshirt freshmen, in 2010 but they've also played in some of the most memorable games in UGA's glorious history. Following the defeat at the hands of No. 7 Auburn on the Plains last weekend, the Georgia seniors own a 4-year record of 34-17 and have gone 21-10 in the Southeastern Conference. Of course, they started out in Athens having to go through Mark Richt's only losing season in his 13 years at the Bulldog helm, with that 6-7 (3-5 SEC) finish in 2010. But talk about learning from adversity, those Georgia freshmen players came together after the disappointment of '010, bonded even stronger with their upper-class teammates, resolved never to go through that again and consequently brought a completely new work ethic to both the practice field and weight room to become the best football team they could possibly be over the next three seasons. And, for the Georgia Bulldogs, improved results on the playing field weren't long in coming. Although Georgia began the 2011 season with tough defeats at the hands of Boise State and South Carolina, the Bulldogs then regrouped and charged to 10 straight victories, in the process capturing the SEC East Division championship. In the league championship game in the Georgia Dome, you will remember that the Georgia defense amazingly held the top-ranked LSU Tigers without a first down and a measly 12 yards of offense in the entire first half while claiming a 10-7 lead on the Bayou Bengals. Unfortunately, LSU would then dominate the second half en route to a 42-10 team over the Bulldogs. Georgia then also fell to Michigan State by three points, 33-30, in the Outback Bowl to cap the season at 10-4, 7-1 in the SEC during the regular season. And the vast improvement over the 2010 season in '011 would set the stage for even better things, when these Georgia sophomores turned into juniors for the 2012 campaign. All Bulldogs far and wide know what happened in the fall of '012 at the University of Georgia. Although there would be no SEC championship, Georgia came about as close as you can − five agonizing yards to be exact − to not only beating mighty Alabama in the SEC title game in the Georgia Dome but, also, surely bringing the school its first national championship since 1980. That's because if the No. 3-ranked Bulldogs had converted the winning touchdown against the then second-ranked Crimson Tide at game's end, they would have gone on to dismantle Notre Dame in the BCS title game, just as Nick Saban's guys did. As it was, though, that grueling 32-28 loss to Alabama was one of only two defeats all sea-
son for the 2012 Bulldogs, the other coming on a truly disastrous evening in Columbia, S.C. Then, as the freshman class of 2010 eventually evolved into Georgia's senior class of 2013 this season, great things were expected of these Bulldogs. There was not only considerable preseason talk of an SEC championship but, also, of Georgia owning the potential to make the BCS national title game at Pasadena's Rose Bowl. And despite a difficult-to-take seasonopening, 38-35 setback to Clemson in Death Valley, the Bulldogs' lofty goals for this season were still intact as they came home to face South Carolina and LSU, sandwiched around a non-conference game with North Texas. Georgia then immediately reinvigorated the fan base by dropping the Gamecocks 41-30 and the Tigers 44-41 in two of the most electrifying games ever staged between the hedges. And the dream was still alive when the Bulldogs went to Knoxville and staged a thrilling comeback to clip the Vols in overtime, by 34-31. But then came Missouri and Vanderbilt and an injuryriddled Georgia team, one minus its top tailbacks and wide receivers, didn't have enough firepower to overcome costly turnovers and killing special team blunders. But the Bulldogs kept their flickering SEC hopes alive by whipping the Florida Gators for a third consecutive time, only to see those hopes doused for good with last Saturday's' loss at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Still, these Georgia seniors have a lot to hang their hats on in their time in Athens: three consecutive wins over the hated Florida Gators to get that series back to the way it used to be; never having lost to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (pending the outcome of this year's battle in Atlanta); stopping a three-game losing skid against Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks and of course the two consecutive SEC East crowns and four consecutive bowl trips. Aaron Murray, truly Georgia's Mr. Durability over the last four seasons and one of the very top quarterbacks in Bulldog history who rewrote the SEC record book in all passing categories, is unquestionably the leader of this outstanding senior class. That goes without saying. But if you know Aaron, he will readily tell you he couldn't have accomplished as much without the contributions and support of all his fellow classmates, who either stood tall on the playing field itself or as members of the Georgia scout team. So when Murray and the 27 other Bulldog senior players come out from under the goal posts at the east end of the stadium Saturday night and run toward the open arms of their parents and relatives, let's all give them the hearty thanks they deserve. Aaron Murray, Garrison Smith, Chris Burnette, Arthur Lynch, Kenarious Gates, Rantavious Wooten, Dallas Lee, Connor Norman, Rhett McGowan, Blake Sailors, T.J. Stripling, Chase Vasser, Marc Deas, Hugh Williams, Brandon Harton, Corey Campbell, Parker Welch, Greg Bingham, Wright Gazaway, Austin Herod, Ethan Jackson, Clinton Kirk, Greg Mulkey, Alex Parsons, Jamal Payette, Drew Wilson, C.J. Wyatt and Chris Young ... 28 guys who gave their all and certainly made their mark for the University of Georgia over these last four autumns.
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Dogs vs. Cats photos by Rob Saye
By Logan Booker/BI
“Heartbreak” /ˈhärtˌbrāk/ : noun : 1. overwhelming distress After a game that will go down in lore of the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry at Auburn this past weekend, the Dawgs limped home to Athens to begin preparations for Aaron Murray’s final game between the hedges this coming Saturday. And while the SEC East is now officially out of reach for this year’s team, there is still plenty to play for. This weekend brings the first night home game of the season, and will be the final opportunity to watch seniors like Aaron Murray, Garrison Smith and Rantavious Wooten play their guts out for you in Sanford Stadium. So let’s put the heartbreak of what happened last week behind us, and get ready for an all-out party under the lights at the expense of the Kentucky Wildcats! Know the Opponent:
Despite the excitement throughout Big Blue Nation after the hiring of Mark Stoops as their new football coach last spring, the Wildcats post a disappointing 2-8 record coming into Athens, with an 0-6 record in the SEC. And they are not only losing to SEC teams, but also giving up 34 points per game in the process. Kentucky likes to run the ball, as sophomore quarterback Jalen Whitlow has run the ball with almost identical
numbers as their leading running back, senior Raymond Sanders. Each has carried the ball 104 and 106 times respectively, and both have exactly 464 total yards. As far as passing, Whitlow only has 158 attempts, completing a mediocre 62 percent of them. Kentucky is coming off a loss at Vanderbilt last week, where they were only able to post six points. All these numbers indicate that Aaron Murray should please the UGA crowd one final time in Sanford Stadium. The Offense:
Despite a slow start against Auburn, the offense ended up looking like the unit we saw before all the injuries hit earlier in the season. Aaron Murray was passing with pure efficiency, while running back Todd Gurley finally appeared to be at full strength, bowling over and dragging defenders around the field with him. Expect nothing to slow down this week, as the lights of Sanford Stadium will surely add some extra voltage into the energy of not only the fans in attendance, but into the players as well. Aaron Murray mentioned last week that he was looking very forward to this game, and you can expect he will want to leave his fans in the exact same state of awe he has continuously left them in over the past four years. Don’t worry about this unit this week. They should put up a crooked number, and look good while doing it.
The Defense:
The defense played their guts out during the heartbreak to Auburn, despite giving up another large number. They came on strong at the very end, but came up one play short of giving the Dawgs a huge win. Kentucky, however, does not have a fraction of the fire power that most teams this defensive unit has faced all year. They will face a straightforward running attack from the Wildcats, which should play to their favor. Kentucky is not going to try and trick them, or run any spread attacks to the edge, so all the defense needs to do is play some oldfashioned smash mouth football, and they should easily keep the Kentucky Wildcats from putting up offensive numbers anywhere near what the UGA offense should put up. How the Dawgs Will Win:
Aaron Murray. That’s all there is to say about that. The Dawgs take on the Wildcats at 7pm in Athens this Saturday night, and we implore you to be in your seats no later than 6:30pm to honor the seniors that have busted their tails to honor you the last four to five years. Bring your cameras and tissues, as a special night is in store. Thank you seniors, and Go Dawgs!
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WeAreBulldawgs.com WeAreBulld W dawgs co dawgs.co om G to Go to WeAreBulldawgs.com W A B lld ev every ery Tuesday Tu uesday for for o a chance to win o UGA Trivia our Trivia r Contest and a $20 Gift Gift Card Card t the UGA Bookstore to Bookstore
UGA BOO OKSTORE BOOKSTORE TUESDAY Y TRIVIA CON NTEST CONTEST Q - Who was UGA’s U AD before Vince e Dooley? A - Joel Eaves Winner: Sybil Eades from Gainesvi Gainesville, ille, GA
FAN OF TH THE HE WEEK Sam Samantha mantha Karl Karlin lin Hometo Hometown: own: New Orleans, O LA Herschel, favorite why? Q: Other than Hersch Q hel, who is your favor rite Bulldog and why ? A: A.J. Green- I met him a few times back when he A h was at UGA, so now it is i especially fun to him on the NFL. w watch
Q Who is your favori Q: favorite ite player on the curr current rent UGA roster and why? w A: I like Marshall Morgan because I have respect for A f kickers- they usually get g all of the blame, b t no glory, but l and d I think thi k Marshall M h ll really ll proved d himself hi him mself lf att the th Tennessee T game. game.
Q What makes you a true Bulldog? Q: A: Since moving to Georgia, A Georgiia, I bleed red and black now. I go to every game and always stay until the th he end.
Q: What is the most m memorable play y you have experience experienced ed in person? A: Last year at the GA/FL G game, the Dawgs pushed Florida to get a safety, s which was a huge turning point in the game gam me for us.
Q: Which one off our rivals do y Q you enj enjoy jjoy y beating g the most most? t? A: /68 ,ÂśP IURP /R /68 ,ÂśP IURP /RXLVLDQD DQG HYHU\WKLQJ WKHUH LV SXUSOH DQG JROG 7KH\ GHÂżQLWHO\ WKRXJKW WKDW 8*$ KDG QR FKDQFH DJDLQVW WKHP VR LW ZDV XLVLDQD DQG HYHU\WKLQJ WWKHUH LV SXUSOH DQG JROG 7 7KH\ GHÂżQLWHO\ WKRXJKW WWKDW 8*$ KDG QR FKDQFH D DJDLQVW WKHP VR LW ZDV a great feeling to be beat eat them. Q: What makes
yo your our tailgating scene so s special?
A: My tailgating scene sce ene consists of all of my y friends, frriends,, great g food,, and drinks. drrinks. It is the best way y to t start off a Saturday morning. mo orning.
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Recruiting update with Carlton DeVooght and Trent Smallwood
Both of BI’s recruiting gurus Carlton DeVooght and Trent Smallwood answer questions from editor Vance Leavy about the progress of Georgia’s 2014 signing class.
Name a recruit in the current class that might not be high on the national radars, but you think will be a huge contributor (and why)?
Who do you consider to be the biggest recruit signed thus far and why?
Carlton - Malkom Parrish from Quitman (Brooks
Carlton- There is no doubt that five star RB Sony Michel from Plantation, FL has received the most attention of the commitments in this class, but I am a fan of the big uglies on the line. I really like Dyshon Sims, and OT from Lowndes County HS. His recruitment flew under the radar initially, but blew up after his offer from UGA. He has the size and length to be a prototypical left tackle, and his footwork is really impressive for a guy his size. Trent - Georgia has commitments from some big time
prospects in this class. The average star rating per commit is tops in the country. If I had to pick one guy, it would go to offensive tackle Dyshon Sims. Sims, from Valdosta, GA, is the cousin of current UGA safety Josh Harvey-Clemons. Dyshon is the top offensive tackle prospect in the state of Georgia and his athleticism is second to none among offensive lineman. Entering his senior season, Sims was an unknown prospect trying to earn his first offers. Since UGA offered in the summer, Sims' recruiting has blown up and he has worked his way up to a 4-Star prospect. One thing UGA has lacked over the last several years is a true left tackle to protect that backside of the QB. Sims has a chance to be that guy for the Bulldogs. After the 2013 season, Georgia will lose current left tackle Kenarious Gates to graduation. Sims has a chance to come in and earn immediate playing time as a freshman and he has all the tools to be a good one in Athens. What are the most important needs that must be addressed in the closing months of recruiting and why? Carlton - Ideally, this class will have up to two more outside linebackers, one more receiver, and either a stud inside LB or another lineman (either DL or OL). All of these needs are due to depth concerns or elite talent at the position. The OLB's will come from a combination of Rashaan Evans, Lorenzo Carter and current Bama commit Christian Miller, most likely Lo Carter and possibly Evans. The only WR Georgia is pursuing is Josh Malone from Gallatin, TN, an early enrollee who is considering UT, FSU, Clemson, and UGA. Raekwon McMillan, from Hinesville, GA is a stud atmiddle linebacker, who you make room for if he commits. On the line,the Dawgs have an outside shot at elite OT Damian Prince from MD, who is deciding after Signing Day. The UGA coaches are also heavily recruiting DT Elisha Shaw from Atlanta. Trent - In the months until National Signing Day the Bulldogs will attempt to add a few more defensive players in this 2014 class. Out of the 4-5 spots UGA has left in this class, half of them will likely go to linebackers and edge rushers for the 3-4 scheme. Two of the final three linebacker targets are 5-Star prospects from the Peach State. Lorenzo Carter (outside linebacker from Norcross High) and Raekwon McMillan (linebacker from Liberty County) are two prospects the Bulldogs are pursuing heavily. Another linebacker, Rashaan Evans (Auburn AL) has the Bulldogs in his top 3. With Georgia running the 3-4 scheme under Todd Grantham, the linebacker spot is arguably the most important position on the field. Adding any two of these three remaining targets will be another step in the right direction in getting this UGA defense back to dominating every Saturday between the hedges.
County HS), GA. It is hard to say a guy rated as the #6 player in the state and #6 CB in the country is underrated, but I think he is. He is the top player in Georgia this year, in my opinion, just a notch above fellow commit Nick Chubb. His footwork and physical style of play will put him in a position to contribute next year. Trent - The most underrated prospect in this class for the Bulldogs has to be inside linebacker from Tucker High, Detric Dukes (6-1 225). He is only a 3-star prospect, but he is a star in the making. Dukes is a versatile linebacker who can move sideline-to-sideline very quickly. He has 4.6 forty speed and he’s an outstanding tackler in the open field. One aspect in his game that could make him an early contributor for the Bulldogs is his pass coverage skills from the linebacker position. Dukes is a star on his undefeated (10-0) Tucker Tigers team and hopes to lead his team to a 5A Georgia State Championship. Senior Stats for Dukes: 49 Total Tackles, 7 Tackles for Loss, 3 Sacks, and 3 Interceptions. He also has 7 Receptions for 114 Yards and 4 Touchdowns at the TE position. Out of the recruits out there that have not committed, name a few that you hope Georgia will land in the coming weeks (and why). Carlton - I really hope we sign Raekwon McMillan, Lorenzo Carter, and Rashaan Evans at LB, Elisha Shaw at DT, and Damian Prince at OT. With McMillan, you feel confident you will get a stop on 3rd and short, he is just that elite. Carter and Evans are both explosive off the edge. Evans is more polished right now, and Carter's potential is sky high. Shaw has apparently cleared up a concern about a neck injury, which is good news. He is stout in the middle of the DL, and someone that would really stand out under Coach Wilson. Prince may be a long shot, but we are one of his final 7, and the Dawgs seem to do well with recruits who sign after National Signing Day. Trent - Georgia currently has 17 commits, and
only has room for 4-5 more, but there are a few that will be announcing their decisions soon. 4-Star Wide Receiver Josh Malone from Station Camp, TN will be announcing his college decision on December 4th between Tennessee, Georgia, Florida State and a few other schools. Malone is the type of player that could come in and contribute immediately for the Bulldogs. Georgia will return a lot of WR’s in 2014, but with Malcolm Mitchell and Justin ScottWesley coming off major knee surgery, depth will be needed especially early in the season. Malone will be an early enrollee at the school he decides on. Defensive Back Wesley Green from Martin Luther King High could also announce his decision in the near future. The 4-Star CB was committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks early on in his process, but decided to open his process back up and Georgia looks to be the favorite to land Green at this point. Green is one of the top defensive backs in the state of Georgia and would be a huge get for the Bulldog’s if they can seal the deal.
Is there anything you think Georgia could be doing differently or better to improve recruiting? Carlton - There are a lot of rumors and innuendos about the amount of effort the coaches exert and what other programs are doing. Really, I think our coaches work hard on the recruiting trail, and are totally honest with recruits and their families, which seems to be a bit of a novel concept to other SEC and national programs. The biggest thing I think the University could do is to build a full size indoor practice facility. Believe it or not, a surprising number of recruits point out when a school they are considering has one. Trent - One thing I believe the Bulldogs need to do a better job of is recruiting kids earlier. Many times the Bulldogs have a prospect sitting in their own backyard in the state of Georgia who has 20 offers but no offer from the Georgia. Prospects really take notice of this and get offended by it. When recruits get 6 months or a year of bonding with other coaches before the Bulldogs offer, there is a lot of ground to make up. I do feel the Bulldogs have done a better job of this for the 2015 class, but this has been a concern over the last several years. Why does it seem that Georgia has often ended up thin on offensive line recruiting (even including during the Goff and Donnan eras)? Carlton - It is a combination of a bunch of factors. Under Donnan, it was miserable luck. Several highly rated guys had injuries, and one even had to end his playing days due to diabetes. Coach Nick Callaway seemed to build our depth and talent level a bit, but subsequent coaching changes and getting jilted at the signing day altar have hurt our depth.Coach Friend has built some depth and increased the talent level over his tenure. With the three current commitments on the OL, we will have about 14 scholarship linemen, including three who have started games this year, five from the two-deep depth chart and two others that have had significant playing time. Coach Friend is developing a stable. A commitment from Prince would be icing on the cake. Trent - I think UGA has got caught up in “putting all their eggs in one basket� when it comes to offensive line recruiting. Over the past several years, the Bulldogs have had a big time offensive tackle committed or favoring the Dawgs all the way up to National Signing Day, only to be left with no backup plan when the prospect went elsewhere. Georgia has done a good job of recruiting offensive guards, but can’t seem to find those bookend tackles year in and year out. If you take a look at Alabama’s success over the last several years of winning championships, it has been in the trenches. The Crimson Tide have offensive lineman from all over the country, including Maryland, California, Ohio, among other states. There are very few big time offensive lineman from the state of Georgia year in and year out, so the Bulldogs have to get out and recruit other states for offensive lineman. The Bulldogs need to make the offensive line recruiting a higher priority than any other position. The Dawgs land skill guys yearly, but championships are won in the trenches!!
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A view from Lexington, Kentucky Darrell Bird from CatsPause.com does an excellent job lending his insight on the Wildcats and Bulldogs.
do that, but Kemp most certainly can. With bowl eligibility officially out the window, expect the freshman to get the bulk of carries the remainder of the season.
Talk about the optimism around Mark Stoops . What does Kentucky need to do to beat Georgia?
I’ve now been witness to five new coaches in just 16 seasons at Kentucky – Hal Mumme, Guy Morriss, Rich Brooks, Joker Phillips and now Mark Stoops. The previous four hires combined did not match the enthusiasm generated by Stoops’ hiring. Part of the reason is that fans view Stoops as a serious hire proving, at long last, a genuine commitment to football. He not only was the first true defensive minded hire of that group, but the Stoops family name resonates for no-nonsense, blue collar football. You don’t hire a Stoops unless you are determined to fix football for good. What did it say to have over 50,000 at the spring game?
The perception, and it’s accurate, is that Kentucky is a basketball school. Eight national championships make that an undeniable reality. But unlike many of the SEC football powers where basketball is the fifth favorite sport behind football, spring football, football recruiting and baseball, Kentucky fans truly love football and want nothing more than to be an SEC contender. Remember, this is where Bear Bryant cut his teeth. UK even lays claim to the 1951 national title. It gave the NFL Hall of Famers like George Blanda and Dermontti Dawson. What would an average expectation level be for the football program for the Kentucky faithful?
The most optimistic of Big Blue fans were predicting four wins this season. They long for a bowl bid, but recognize the talent level inherited by Stoops was not great. There are some decent players at Kentucky, but depth is non-existent and that’s a recipe for disaster when you’re competing in the SEC on Saturdays. Given that, Kentucky fans fully expect the Cats to challenging in the SEC East in 2015 with clear improvement next season leading to the breakout campaign. With JoJo Kemp, is there optimism for the offense in the near future?
Jojo Kemp could be the poster child for where Kentucky football is headed. He is fast to the edge and both quick enough and strong enough to make would-be tacklers either miss or fail to make the tackle. It’s a YAK attack, yards after contact. UK has few players who can
Not going to happen. Kentucky is doing the best it can, but they honestly do not have a quarterback capable of utilizing the ‘Air Raid’ offense to its fullest, or even 50 percent of its capability. Jalen Whitlow is a good football player, he’s just not a great quarterback and that will get you beat in the SEC. Given that, there is not much firepower at UK’s disposal so they’ll never keep up on the scoreboard. What is your take on Georgia?
Mark Richt deserves better. The one thing that frustrates me most about the SEC is that great players get hurt, it’s unavoidable in a league so gifted with fast, powerful athletes. Coming in, I thought Georgia had a legitimate shot to unseat Alabama as the newest SEC team to hoist the national championship trophy. Unfortunately, we will never know and that’s sad. If a team loses fine, but when it’s ability to fight is depleted by injuries, that’s an injustice. What are some things you would like to see changed in college football?
Move from a four-team playoff to an eight-team playoff immediately. That should be the first action of the new selection committee. They emerge from an early meeting and say, ‘This is dumb. You’re excluding 60 percent of your top 10 teams so we’re going to eight. It’s going to happen eventually, so do it now. But I do have a caveat. When they move to eight teams there must not be a built in prejudice against the SEC. If the SEC has five of the best eight teams in America, then so be it. Any leagues that don’t like it can recruit better and play better. Finally, in basketball, is it Final Four at a minimum or disappointment for the Wildcats?
The mission for UK basketball, at least since John Calipari arrived, is always Final Four or bust. But in 2014, as was the case in 2012, the Final Four is the launching point. Fans aren’t demanding a national title or else the season is a failure, but they do expect Kentucky to be in Dallas and to push every game to the final buzzer. — Jeff Dantzler
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Wildcat standouts #2 Alvin Dupree, DE 6-4, 252 Jr. Irwinton, Ga. (Wilkinson Co. H.S.)
It hasn’t exactly been the 1985 Chicago Bears when it comes to Kentucky’s defense in 2013. But the Wildcats do boast one of the best defensive ends in the Southeastern Conference, Peach State native Alvin Dupree. Second on the team in stops behind tackling machine Avery Williamson, one of the Southeastern Conference’s leaders, Dupree is a big-play maker. He makes things happen in the opposition’s backfield. A second team Sophomore All-American by CollegeFootballNews.com and third team All-SEC selection a year ago, Dupree was 10th in the league with 91 tackles and ranked seventh in the rankings with 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 quarterback sacks. His best game came against rival Tennessee, registering 10 stops and three tackles for loss. This season, Dupree is again amongst the SEC’s leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. He is strong, athletic and creates great leverage. Coming home to Georgia, Dupree will certainly look to shine. #3 Jojo Kemp, RB 5-10, 190 RFr. DeLand, Fla. (DeLand H.S.)
During Georgia’s open date on September 14, watching Kentucky play Louisville on a football smorgasbord at casa de B.I. Editor, I said that little Kemp kid has got some juice. Sure enough, he does. Kemp is one of the fastest running backs in a league loaded with burners and blazers. Kemp leads the Wildcats in rushing and is averaging over five yards per carry. He rarely gets hit for negative yardage, always going forward. Kemp has been at his best on the edge. The Wildcats like to toss it to him and try and get Kemp going vertical down the sidelines. Mark Stoops has brought a lot of enthusiasm to the program. The fan-base wants some hope, though not nearly as much as another Final Four appearance. Kemp is one of those players who can provide it. Competing in the rugged SEC without a back who can go the distance is very difficult, but it appears that Kentucky has one. #40 Avery Williamson, LB 6-1, 238 Sr. Milan, Tenn. (Milan H.S.)
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One of the best linebackers in the Southeastern Conference, Williamson is a tackling machine. He follows in the footsteps of the likes of Wesley Woodyard, as one of those “just a bit undersized” standouts who slip through the cracks of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, etc. that Kentucky landed. I’m sure his home-state Volunteers would like to have him. As a junior, Williamson earned second team All-SEC honors. He was second in the in the league with a whopping 135 tackles. That’s 135 in 12 games! No bowl for Kentucky last year. Williamson had an incredible 20 stops in the Wildcats loss to Vanderbilt last season, one of eight contests in which he registered double digit stops. He is averaging close to double digits in tackles again this season and has recovered a pair of fumbles. Along with Dupree, Williamson gives a defense that has struggled some teeth. — Jeff Dantzler
Scouting Location: Lexington, Ky. Conference: SEC East Enrollment: 29,410 Wildcats in a thumbnail: After the Wildcats went 2-10 and winless in the SEC, at 0-8, in
Joker Phillips' final season at the Kentucky helm, former Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops was brought in this year to attempt to get the Cats back onto the winning path. Thus far, he hasn't been able to do so as the 2013 UK team comes to Athens Saturday saddled with a 2-8 season mark and still winless 0-6 conference worksheet. The only Kentucky wins have come over Miami-Ohio (41-7) and Alabama State (48-14) while the Wildcats have gone under to Western Kentucky (35-26), Louisville (27-13), Florida (24-7), South Carolina (35-28), Alabama (48-7), Mississippi State (28-22), Missouri (4817) and Vanderbilt, this past Saturday by 22-6. A look at the Kentucky offense: With only four starters returning from last year's unit, the Wildcats have had trouble scoring against their toughest opponents. Only in the 35-28 loss to South Carolina did the Cats' offense play reasonably well enough to win, throwing a scare into the Gamecocks that night in Columbia before falling by a single touchdown. Averaging 21.5 points per game, Kentucky is led in rushing by senior tailback Raymond Sanders (5-8, 199) and sophomore quarterback Jalen Whitlow (6-2, 208) who have each run for 464 yards. Freshman tailback Jojo Kemp (5-10, 190) follows with 455 yards. and a 5.2 average-per-carry. Whitlow and Maxwell Smith (6-4, 232) have taken turns guiding the UK attack this fall with Whitlow throwing for 1,035 yards and five touchdowns, with five interceptions, and Smith passing for 873 yards and six scores, with one pick. Juco transfer Javess Blue (6-0, 190, Jr.) tops the Cat receivers with 35 catches for 451 yards and two scores while freshman Ryan Timmons (5-10, 185) follows with 28 receptions for 303 yards and also two TDs. A look at the Kentucky defense: With some seven defensive starters back from last season
and led by All-SEC candidate Avery Williamson (6-1, 241), a senior middle linebacker, the Wildcats were looking for this side of the ball to be the team strength this season. But, here again, Kentucky has been plagued by inconsistency while allowing right at 29 points per contest. Williamson far and away leads the team in tackles with a total of 88 stops and is followed in tackles by junior defensive end Bud Dupree (6-4, 254) with 53. Dupree has recorded 6.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles-for-loss, and junior end Za'Darius Smith (6-6, 257), a junior college transfer, has also notched six QB sacks this season. What Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops says: (After loss to Vanderbilt) "Same old song and dance. Upset. Frustrated. We've got to do things right within the whole program dayto-day. That is something we can't budge on … We're going to get better as a program and that's the way it's going to be. Now, we’ve got to get ready for Georgia." Game Prediction: Coming off the heart-wrenching 43-38 loss to Auburn, it’s difficult to gauge how the Bulldogs will come out and perform Saturday night as they line up for the final home game of this up-and-down football season. But with the Georgia seniors being honored on their last game between the hedges, I’m looking for Aaron Murray and company to get a good tune-up for Georgia Tech by routing the hapless ‘Cats by about 48-17. . .
— Murray Poole
www.bulldawgillustrated.com • 15
Dawg History in your pocket See videos of all the great moments from UGA's colorful football history on your iPhone or iPad. Re-live highlights of your favorite players and much more.
Loran Smith Daryll Jones continues excellence in television
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There is some celebrity to Daryll Jones’s work, but more often than not, it is a matter of honoring the work ethic. He has an on-air role with the television show Sportsvisions, which he originated with his former teammate Dale Williams—but you will find him, more often than not, taping interviews, spending time at the editing machine. He is his own cameraman, his own editor, his own producer. He knows the importance of staying the course until the objective is met. Tote your own water. Resolve to tackle any task, great or small, and always be willing to sweat the small stuff. In his business, the little things count. If you want to succeed in TV production, you learn to pay attention to detail. After a successful career at the University Georgia where he won two SEC championship rings, followed by a five-year career in the National Football League, Daryll moved successfully into the business world, principally in medical sales and subsequently with Mizuno. But a funny thing happened one afternoon in his hometown of Columbus when he was asked to make an appearance on sports talk show. He was invited to talk about his career with the Bulldogs and his NFL experience. The calls came in with alacrity and consistency as the audience was moved by his smooth speaking style and his depth of knowledge about sports—football in particular. The owner of the station happened to be listening to the show that day and when “DJ,” as he is affectionately known, finished, he was offered a job on Columbus station, WDAK. Just like that he became a radio sports talk host. He was stunned and was overcome with great emotion. “The first thing I thought,” DJ remembers, “Is that this could be a great experience, and I am really blessed to have this opportunity.” Next thing you know, the general manager of WRBL, the CBS affiliate in Columbus, offered Daryll the job of sports director of the station. He was moving on up and was resolved to make the best of the opportunity. Right away, he learned that his Georgia and NFL affiliations were something people took note of. “That has opened a lot of doors for me,” he smiles. He would become director of operations for the arena football team in Columbus, “The War Dogs,” but he wanted to be more of an entrepreneur and TV producer. From those early broadcast assignments, his career segued into a sports marketing firm, Sportsvisions, which he formed with his neighborhood friend of his childhood days and Georgia teammate. “Dale and I have been friends since grade school. He took me under his wing and allowed me to play games with his friends, so I benefitted by playing ‘up,’ which helped me grow and develop athletically a lot quicker. Playing with older kids accelerated my development.” Drafted in the seventh round by Green Bay, Daryll played for the Packers for three seasons before joining the Broncos where he played another two years, although his career was hampered by injuries. “I enjoyed pro football,” he says. “The big thing is that you get to see other parts of the country and make a lot of friends. My era in
Green Bay was the era of the Chicago Bears who won a Super Bowl title during that time. Green Bay was down, but boy do they love their football in Green Bay. I have the greatest respect for the Packer tradition and am happy to say that I had the Green Bay experience. “Everybody loves sports. When you can sit down with a businessman when you have a proposal on the table, it is good to be able to talk about common interests. Sports won’t close the deal, but usually it will get you in the door, which Dale and I have learned is very important.” Sportsvisions is a weekly show that covers all sports. Daryll and Dale cover everything from the Masters to the Super Bowl. They are big on the Braves, the Falcons and, of course, their favorite team, the Georgia Bulldogs. DJ and Dale want to expand their show into the Atlanta market. “We have gotten good reviews,” DJ points out. “We just need some sponsorship help and we will work hard to move into the Atlanta market. We believe we have a product that is worthwhile.” One of DJ’s big projects on the drawing board is producing a show on his good friend Herschel Walker. “Next year (2014), it will be 34 years since Herschel entered the University of Georgia. We want to put together a show about his life and career, which we think all Georgia people will appreciate.” Herschel and DJ have had a long-standing friendship. When Herschel went to New York his junior year as the guest of the Downtown Athletic Club where he was honored as the winner of the 1982 Heisman trophy, Herschel was allowed to bring two guests. One of those he invited was DJ. “We are both busy,” Daryll says of his current relationship with Herschel. “We don’t see one another that often, but when we do get together, the rapport is just sensational. We have a very deep friendship.” Daryll and Dale promote a high school awards banquet that takes place in Columbus in December, which DJ says is “one of the most rewarding things we do. We like to put a smile on kid’s faces.” In the last three years, WSB-TV of Atlanta has aired one Georgia game. This year it was Appalachian State. Bob Neal, a familiar face and voice to Atlanta sports fans, does play-byplay, and DJ handles the color assignment. “The ratings have been terrific,” Daryll says. “Georgia football on TV is always going to get a lot of attention. I have been having a blast working the games.” He has also provided commentary on the Georgia Bulldog radio network. Most of his time is spent working and finding ways to grow his business. “We are a small business,” DJ notes. “This means we do everything, and while we are successful, we don’t have a lot of free time. For example, I really enjoy golf, but don’t have time to take off and play.” That doesn’t trouble Daryll, however. “My daddy, Walter, worked hard. He worked long days. This enabled me to participate in sports to my heart’s content. But at the end of practice or when the game started, no matter the sport, I’d look up there and he would be in the stands watching. What did I take away from that? One thing. If you want to succeed you have to work hard.”
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Jeff Dantzler’s 2013 rankings There were some impressive numbers put up by Florida State, Baylor and Ohio State. There is no question that style points are in play and en vogue. The story of Saturday night was Southern Cal’s win over Stanford. There are some huge games these next two weeks to shape the big picture. Florida State – There are some obvious distractions for the Seminoles, but it didn’t matter in a runaway win over Syracuse. Florida State is 10-0. Next up is Idaho, then the Gators. Then likely Duke for the ACC title.
1.
Baylor – The Bears are having a monster season, the best in school history. Bryce Petty will be a Heisman Trophy finalist and Baylor is in the hunt for the Big XII and national titles. A 66-34 pounding of Texas Tech is par for the coarse this season.
2.
Ohio State – All you have to do is look at Ohio State’s point totals the last few weeks to see that the Buckeyes are going for style points in a bid for Pasadena. Urban Meyer hasn’t lost in Columbus. They should crush Michigan.
3.
Oregon – The Ducks are in the driver’s seat in the race for the PAC-12 Championship Game. Thanks to the loss by Stanford, if Oregon wins out, the Ducks will play for the league title. That loss to Stanford cost Oregon the shot at the national title, though.
4.
Clemson – The Tigers offense was unbelievable in a 55-31 Thursday night win over Tech in Death Valley. Tajh Boyd threw for four touchdowns. Sammy Watkins is one of the most electric players in the country. The South Carolina game will again be enormous.
5.
6.
Oklahoma State – The Cowboys have bounced back nicely from a bad loss at West
Virginia. Oklahoma State is once-beaten and right in the thick of the Big XII race. The Baylor game has huge implications. Stanford – The Cardinal lost a heart-breaker to Southern Cal in Los Angeles. Com-
7.
ing off the thrilling victory over Oregon, the Cardinal looked ripe for the upset and they were. Stanford has a tremendous defense. Northern Illinois – It was one of the biggest games in MAC annals, a Wednesday night showdown between the undefeated Huskies and once-beaten Ball State Fighting Lettermans. Jordan Lynch was top flight and the Huskies are now 10-0.
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UCLA – Myles Jack has burst onto the scene as a college football star. The standout
freshman linebacker has doubled as a tailback the last two weeks and been a touchdown machine. The Bruins get Arizona State and Southern Cal and will play for the PAC-12 title with two wins. 10. Central Florida – The Golden Knights got scared by an inferior Temple team, yet
still pulled it out by three points. UCF still has just one loss, a three-pointer in Orlando to South Carolina. They are holding out hope to be a BCS buster.
Through the years, few, if any rivalries, have produced the number of thrillers that Georgia and Auburn has. This past Saturday added another chapter. South Carolina and Alabama took care of business. Five teams were idle, gearing up for the home stretch. . 1. Alabama – it was one of those games for Alabama where they take care of business but don’t blow people away. Bama downed Mississippi State 20-7. Now comes Chattanooga and then one of the biggest Iron Bowls ever, and you can bet the Tide will be ready. 2. Auburn – The Tigers had a 20-point lead get away, then on 4th-and-18, struck for one of the biggest plays in school history to prevail 43-38 over Georgia. Auburn can revel for a while. They have the week off before Bama comes to town for the biggest Iron Bowl since 1971. 3. Missouri – The Tigers had a week off to relish in what has been one of the best seasons in school history – despite a devastating loss to South Carolina. Now comes the home stretch, as Mizzou goes to Ole Miss and then hosts the Aggies. 4. LSU – The Tigers have had a tough time on the road this season, losing by three at Georgia and Ole Miss, then falling by 21 at Alabama. The Bayou Bengals were off this past Saturday and host the Aggies Saturday. 5. Texas A&M – The Aggies offense is one of the best in college football and Johnny Manziel is having as good a year as he did last season. A&M goes to LSU Saturday in a battle of teams asking what might have been? 6. South Carolina – What a big win for the Gamecocks, as they held off Florida’s upset bid to prevail 19-14 in Columbia. The Gamecocks get a tune-up and then tangle with Clemson in a monster game. A trip to Atlanta is very much in play. 7. Ole Miss – The Rebels cruised past Troy and now host a big one as Missouri makes the trip to the Grove in Oxford. Ole Miss has one of the best offenses in the SEC, and the Rebels are relishing in wins over Texas and LSU. 8. Vanderbilt – The Commodores were on upset alert at home with Kentucky. But after a Wildcat TD, the ‘Dores blocked the PAT and returned it for two. They then scored 20 unanswered to make it 6-4 with the Vols on deck. Vandy has already beaten Georgia and the Gators. 9. Georgia – It was a heart-breaking loss for the Dogs, who had a valiant comeback. Georgia literally had victory in its hands, but Auburn made the big play. It has been a year of what could’ve been for the Dogs, who led in all four losses. 10. Florida – It has been a rough year for the Gators, who have now lost five in a row. Florida needs to beat Georgia Southern and then pull off a monster upset of Florida State to get to 6-6 and keep the country’s longest active bowl streak alive. 11. Tennessee – The Volunteers were buoyed by their upset win over South Carolina, but since then, they’ve been routed three times. Tennessee needs to beat Vanderbilt and Kentucky to get to six wins. 12. Mississippi State – The Maroon Bulldogs can be proud of how they hung in there with Alabama. Next up is Arkansas. That is a match-up of two teams in dire of a win. Then comes Ole Miss, and the Rebels are the hot team in the Magnolia State. 13. Arkansas – The Razorbacks have had a tough season and are riding a seven game losing streak. Welcome to the SEC Coach B. The Hogs have a winnable game Saturday, hosting Mississippi State before closing out at LSU. 14. Kentucky – It has been a long, long season for the Wildcats. Kentucky is 28 after falling at Vanderbilt, and close out with Georgia and Tennessee. The ‘Cats need a win to avoid a second straight 0-8 SEC campaign.
photo by Rob Saye
JD’s five keys to victory 1. Set the Edge on Kemp – Kentucky’s redshirt freshman tailback JoJo Kemp has excellent speed. Georgia’s defensive ends and outside linebackers must maintain their assignments and keep containment, or Kemp could hurt the Bulldogs on the edge. Last season in Lexington, where the Bulldogs escaped with a 29-24 win over a down Kentucky squad, the Wildcats gashed Georgia’s defense time and time again. That included three rushing first downs on third down and ten or longer. This should serve as excellent motivation for the Georgia defense.
2. Pressure the Passer – Kentucky has a pair of quarterbacks, Jalen Whitlow and Maxwell Smith, who have proven to be capable passers. Georgia’s defense must not let the passer become comfortable. Clearly, this is not a juggernaut Wildcats offense from the Tim Couch or Jared Lorenzen era, but Whitlow and Smith have both had their moments and shown accuracy. What they don’t do is throw interceptions. The Bulldogs haven’t generated many turnovers this season, so that is a match-up that Kentucky has to like. It will be up to that defensive front to get to the quarterback and turn those tables.
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Control the Middle on Offense – With power in the backfield with Todd Gurley, Brendan Douglas and a pair of bruising fullbacks, strength at tight end, and Michael Bennett’s fearless ability on the slant or medium-to-deep cross, Georgia should be able to dominate the middle of the field against the Wildcats. As football is a continuously evolving game, the trend from the pro’s down of developing and featuring athletic tight ends with basketball size and taller, bigger wide receivers, teams have been able to develop physical passing games. This is a big plus in Georgia’s column.
4. Don’t Open the Door – Nothing gives the underdog hope like gifts from the favorite. Georgia doesn’t need to have major kicking game breakdowns – blocked punts, long returns allowed, etc. – or turnovers to give the Wildcats a short field. It has been a tough season, as expected, for the Wildcats in Mark Stoops first year at the helm. They are certainly looking at Georgia, with this being a sandwich game between blood rival meeting against Auburn and Tech, as a potential trap/upset spot. Kentucky beat Georgia at night in Athens in 2009. It was turnovers that did the Dogs in. Georgia must close that door to avoid losing to Kentucky and Vanderbilt in the same season.
5. Second Level Blocking – Whether it is guards Dallas Lee and Chris Burnette or fullbacks Quayvon Hicks and Merritt Hall, for Georgia to have a stellar night running the football with Todd Gurley and co., getting to tackling machine middle linebacker Avery Williamson would be a huge plus. For the last two seasons, Williamson has been one of the top tacklers in the Southeastern Conference. He has the ability to severely disrupt rushing attacks. Putting him on his heels as much as possible is the best recipe to rip through the Wildcat defense on the ground. — Jeff Dantzler
Kevin Butler’s players of the game Kevin Butler, former University of Georgia legendary kicker and a member of the Georgia radio broadcast team, will each week during the 2013 football season select his offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week for Bulldawg Illustrated. Here are Butler’s selections and reasons why for the Bulldogs’ 43-38 loss to Auburn Saturday. OFFENSE – Senior quarterback Aaron Murray, who staged one of the finest performances of his brilliant UGA career in leading the Bulldogs to a 21-point fourth quarter. Murray, passing for 415 yards (career high 33-of-49 completions) and two touchdowns and also rushing for 37 yards and also two touchdowns, tallied the apparent winning score for Georgia on a 5-yard run with just 1:49 to play before Auburn won the game on the improbable 73-yard scoring pass with just 25 seconds remaining. "The senior did what he has been doing for the last four years," said Butler. "He played his heart out to the very end. Murray's effort in the fourth quarter was one for the ages. He is a true leader and he kept challenging all the players to believe they could win the game. His run to put UGA up by one with just over one minute left was a very physical run and he was not going to be denied five yards for a second straight year. After Auburn scored the 'Hail Mary' Aaron drove the team back down field and almost stole the victory back. We will miss Aaron greatly." DEFENSE – Junior inside linebacker Ramik Wilson, who built on his SEC-leading tackle stats by
making a career-high 18 tackles, including 12 solo stops, one sack and two tackles-for-loss. "Eighteen total tackles including 12 solos makes Ramik the hands-down pick," said Butler. "His sack and two tackles-for-loss energized the defense in the second half to give UGA the boost it needed to get back in the game and take the lead. Ramik is playing at an All-SEC level and should be considered for national honors as well." SPECIAL TEAMS – Seniors Blake Sailors and Connor Norman, who each recorded tackles on the kick coverage teams and led the Bulldogs' special teams to an outstanding performance against the dangerous Tiger kick returners. “Blake and Connor have been mainstays on the special teams their whole career," said Butler. "These two players' speed and physical play leads a kickoff coverage team and punt coverage team that has been solid all year. UGA has had challenges in the special teams all year but Blake Sailors and Connor Norman are two of the most consistent special teams players we have."