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From the Editor : Vance Leavy
After Saturday’s disappointing loss to Missouri, I’m sure there are plenty of people in the Bulldog Nation that are full of frustration. I would be lying if I didn’t admit to being in that camp, as well. However, in times like these I’m reminded of how BI’s Jeff Dantzler handles the situation. Rather than just focusing on the problems on the field, JD is quick to remind everyone that Georgia football is something dear to all our hearts. And each year, we only get a dozen or so chances to do what we’ve devoted most of our lives to and that’s backing our team. Despite the slew of injuries, our guys in red and black did fight to the end versus Mizzou. That’s something to build on, right? The 2013 season is now at the halfway point and unfortunately dreams of a trip to Pasadena are ultra slim, if not over. Nonetheless with Florida losing to LSU this past week, our Bulldogs still find themselves virtually in control of their destiny as far as making it back to Atlanta to play for the SEC Championship. Of course, I’m banking on Missouri losing a couple of conference games to make this completely true. Like Georgia, now Missouri is faced with trying to win games without one of their best players, as quarterback James Franklin was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. And like Georgia, I’m betting the Tigers from the Midwest are going to find it virtually impossible to overcome. Next up for our Bulldogs is a trip to Music City this Saturday versus a Vandy team that is surely licking their chops. James Franklin and the Commodores know how beat up our team is and that presents a great opportunity for them to get a win versus a quality league opponent. Not to mention, the Georgia-Vandy series lately has been heated and you can bet the ‘Dores would relish in finishing off our team. If you are searching for some positives, like I am, then we should all lean on the fact that Mark Richt led teams have always responded well to adversity. However, as a media member, it would be re-
miss of me not to discuss a few items that must be cleaned up in a hurry to avoid this 2013 campaign getting worse. Hopefully Todd Gurley will return this week, but what will be the coaching staff’s plan if he doesn’t? Our young running backs have played incredibly, but can we all agree that J.J. Green is by far the biggest playmaker available? For the second straight week, Kevin Butler (page 14) named Green as his offensive player of the week. I don’t know about you, but if Gurley can’t go, then J.J. needs to see 20 touches at minimum. And then there’s the other side of the ball, which rightfully has the Bulldog Nation concerned and restless. Making key stops continues to plaque Todd Grantham’s unit. Back in early August, I asked Grantham who was his main leader on the field. I wanted to know who was in charge. Who was the real leader? Somewhat dismissing my question, Grantham told me that everyone is a part of calling assignments, etc. Well six games in, I’m still wondering who’s in photo by Rob Saye charge on the field and hoping that perhaps a leader will rise to the top and get thing rolling in the right direction. Or I fear this lack of continuity will continue, which won’t yield good results. Finally, the little things that make football teams great continue to be a booger for Mark Richt. Calling a timeout on the punt return team is a head scratcher. Particularly when Missouri was 4th and 18. Was taking a five yard penalty going to be the end of the world in that in situation? And guess what, that timeout was needed when Georgia was driving to get into field goal range before half time. Many folks continue to chirp about the need for a special teams coach. Richt always counters saying it would require losing another position coach, which has some merit. How about just having somebody that focuses on nothing but situational circumstances? This isn’t a new problem for Coach Richt, which is why it is so darn frustrating that he can’t figure out a remedy for it. Enough of my armchair quarterbacking … how about I end with something that I truly can control and that’s encouraging everyone in the Bulldog Nation to make the trip to Nashville. It’s a great road trip and represents an opportunity for our team to get back on track. As our cover says, we’re in need of a Music City rebound. Now, let’s go and get it!
Vandy 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 Design Boyd Martin
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
Vanderbilt, October 15, 2013
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4 • Bulldawg Illustrated
Already crippled and riddled by an inordinate rash of injuries, Georgia needed to play sound and limit mistakes to beat Missouri in a top 25 vs. top 25 matchup. But the Tigers played great and the Bulldogs had far too many miscues, lowlighted by four turnovers, three of which were devastating, as well as red zone misfires, squandered timeouts and untimely penalties that sealed Georgia’s fate. Inconsistent special teams and a struggling defense have plagued the Bulldogs throughout the season, but Georgia had the firepower to overcome those struggles and piece together some unforgettable wins. But that was before all of the injuries struck the red and black’s electric touchdown makers. Severe injuries, a leaky defense, shaky special teams and negative-four in the turnover column is a formula that does not compute to a victory. Now comes Vanderbilt, as Georgia tries to make it 5-2 and 4-1 in Southeastern Conference play. On two of Georgia’s last three trips to the Music City, the Bulldogs have escaped with narrow victories. Vanderbilt flat scared the daylights out of Georgia in 2007, as the Bulldogs were on the brink, but rallied to run the table, go 11-2 and finish No. 2 in the nation. Same story in 2011, but Drew Butler kept his feet, quite possibly altering the course of Georgia football history, and the Bulldogs held on to win. Georgia would go on to the Southeastern Conference Championship Game that year. Vanderbilt is certainly looking at Georgia as a prime upset opportunity. The Bulldogs hope to have sensational tailback Todd Gurley back from the high ankle sprain that knocked him out of the Bulldogs thrilling 4441 victory over LSU three weeks ago, and kept him out of Georgia’s heart-stopping 3431 win at Tennessee and painful loss to Missouri. Could Georgia beat Vanderbilt without Gurley? Yes. But not if the Dogs don’t cure their own ills. Turnovers are obvious. In Georgia’s two losses this season, the Bulldogs have six turnovers while coming up with just one – a fumbled punt by Clemson Al-American Sammy Watkins. There is no more sure-fire recipe for defeat than losing the turnover battle, especially going negative-four, as the Dogs did this past Saturday in the loss to Missouri. Georgia’s special teams continue to struggle with inconsistency, and too often, there are just disaster plays. Against Clemson, there was the flubbed exchange on a potential game-tying field goal. In the Bulldogs 41-30 win over South Carolina, there was a dropped snap on a punt that led to a Gamecocks touchdown. The following game, after an open date, Georgia surrendered a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a blocked punt for a touchdown. The Bulldogs played an excellent special teams game against LSU, recovering a fumbled punt and going three-for-three on stellar field goal kicking by Marshall Morgan. In Knoxville, leading Tennessee 24-17, the bulldogs surrendered another blocked punt
for a touchdown to tie the game. To win despite those huge breakdowns is a credit to Georgia’s resiliency, especially that of the offense. But the firepower is gone. In the loss to Missouri, the worst play for the special team’s on the surface was a 40yard kickoff return by the Tigers, on which there were missed tackles. But twice in punt situations, Georgia had to burn timeouts, one in the first half, another in the second, when Georgia was trailing and the clock moving. The Bulldog-worshipping Sanford Stadium fanatics were not happy. Perhaps Georgia coach Mark Richt will consider hiring a special teams coach in the offseason, or moving someone currently on the staff into that position. But what about the rest of this year? Again, the Bulldogs don’t have the firepower, because of the injuries to overcome these breakdowns. But the singular biggest concern and woe for the Bulldogs of 2013 is the defense. Georgia is giving up 33.6 points per game, worst in the SEC. The opposition has the aforementioned three special teams touchdowns, and Missouri returned a fumble for a touchdown. Taking those four nonoffensive touchdowns – and the extra points – out of the equation, the defense is allowing 29 points per game. The most points any Georgia team has allowed per game in a season is 26.6 by the 1990 team, which went 4-7. Clearly Georgia must get much, much better on defense. There are some talented parts there, but the Bulldogs just haven’t been able to put it together. Before the injuries set in – and keep in mind that Georgia’s most talented wide receiver, Malcolm Mitchell was lost for the season while celebrating the Bulldogs first touchdown of the year with a chest bump following Todd Gurley’s 75-yard touchdown run at Clemson – the firepower on offense was there to overcome struggles in the other two facets of the game and still have a chance at victory. As was painfully evident in the loss to Missouri, the Bulldogs no longer have that luxury. Quite simply, if Georgia doesn’t get better on defense and become sound and consistent in the kicking game, this season, which started with such promise will be reminiscent of the 1965 one. In that year, Vince Dooley’s second at the helm in Athens, the Bulldogs got an unforgettable 18-17 victory over eventual and defending national champion Alabama, highlighted by the legendary Kirby Moore-to-Pat Hodgson-to-Bob Taylor flea flicker. Georgia then went on to beat Big Ten kingpin Michigan in Ann Arbor. But injuries hit, and hit hard. Taylor was lost in the fifth game of the year to a broken leg, then others fell. That Georgia squad, which laid the groundwork for the next season’s 10-1 SEC championship campaign, finished at 64. If the defense and special teams don’t come around this year, unfortunately, this season may end in the same fashion, with four losses and a couple of classic victories.
Poole Shots
by Murray Poole
Cathy "T": Very Proud of her long-time Bulldog husband
BETWEEN THE HEDGES
s u rv i v a l g u i d e
John, Maggie, Jill, Molly, Joe III, Cathy and Joe Tereshinski
When Joe Tereshinski, Jr. was named Director of Strength and Conditioning for the University of Georgia in January, 2011, he brought the same old-school work ethic and will to win to the program that he displayed as a starting center on the Bulldogs' 1975 Cotton Bowl team and 1976 SEC championship team. And the same fervor and love for the team Tereshinski had in his previous jobs with his alma mater ... assistant strength and conditioning coach, video and game analysis coordinator, the walk-on program director and summer camp co-coordinator. "Coach T," a native of Washington, D.C., followed in his dad's footsteps in playing for the Georgia Bulldogs as Joe Tereshinski, Sr. was an All-SEC performer on the Charley Trippiled unbeaten and SEC champion 1946 UGA edition. His brother, Wally, also played on the 1976 SEC title team, as a starting tight end. And Tereshinski's two sons, Joe, III and John, played collegiately at Georgia and Wake Forest, respectively, Joe being a quarterback for the Bulldogs from 2004-06 and John a standout wide receiver on the Deacons' 2006 ACC champions. And the lady who is most proud of seeing both her husband and sons involved in major college football programs, and has lived every single game with them through the years, is Cathy Tereshinski. "Joe has always been exceptionally intense and I would say a bit of a perfectionist about everything he partakes in," said Cathy. "He's always been very, very proud of each different thing that he's done and he's taken them all on with just full force. Like with the video when he was doing that, he was so proud of their endeavors and also right now, with helping build what we have now. And it was kind of funny how he got into that," she said. "We were using the canister film and stuff and then it kind of just evolved into something really quite wonderful. He was very intense about it and very busy and now with the strength and conditioning, he's very proud of that. He's still with a great team of people and I think that's what he's really good about. He has a vision and he follows through on that vision. And I'm just very proud of him. He sees things and he goes after it." Mrs. Tereshinski said Coach T just has a zest for his job and loves working with the Bulldog football players and then seeing them carry that increased strength and quickness − and the new-found confidence that goes with it − to the playing field on Saturdays. "This time of year he goes in very early and kind of just works with the guys early in the morning and then goes over to study hall and works with that," Cathy said. "Honestly, I don't know how many weight lifting groups he does a day. He then goes out to practice and somehow weight lifting is worked in with the kids' schedule. Of course, they have to follow all the regulations of all that. Like I say, he goes out to practice and helps with that and then after practice there are just different organizational things with whatever he does. They'll have meetings and stuff and he'll get home I'd say about 7 or 8 during the week but, in the summertime, they're working all the time, they're very busy. His job actually is pretty yearround. During the games, he's on the field just encouraging and making sure the kids are focused and doing what they need to do." In this question-and-answer with Bulldawg Illustrated, Cathy Tereshinski gives the
Bulldawg Nation a glimpse into her background and what it's like to be married to a college football coach at Georgia. Years married, children?
We've been married 33 years. We have two children, Joe T., who's 30 and he has a little girl and he and his wife are getting ready to have another child, and John Michael, who's 28 and is also married and lives in Atlanta. The most gratifying part of being married to a college football coach?
For having boys, it's just been a wonderful life for us. The boys were also involved with their dad and what he was doing. And it's just been a good family existence. It's been a lot of fun. There was a lot of stuff my kids could do that most kids would die to do. The boys got to be around a lot of wonderful people and it's just a rewarding experience for them. The most challenging part of being married to a college football coach?
Joe, being involved with what he was doing with the film for so many years, was not away from home so much as he was away at work a lot. After the games, doing the film, we really didn't see him after the games on Saturday. Now, we're able to see him a little bit more on the weekends. Being with film and now being with this (weight training and conditioning) he's not like other coaches where they have to go recruit but he's kind of the one who's there (at Butts-Mehre complex).
Phil Hugh Hughes hes Auto Sa Sales, ales, Inc. Proud oud Bulldog Supporters Pr B Supp porters
Where did you grow up and what made it special?
I grew up in Denver, Colorado. I just grew up around very active parents and around the snow, a lot of snow sports. And then we moved to Georgia and I started going to school in Athens and just kind of stayed there after I met Joe at UGA in the 1970s. Other than rooting on the Bulldogs, what are some of your other passions?
I taught school for 36 years and right now my passions are my grandchild, Molly, who is 16 months old and Joe T's daughter. Also, going to see my other son, John Michael. And I enjoy walking and just doing a lot of different activities with my friends. What do you like most about UGA and living in the Athens area?
I love the people of Athens. I love the history of Athens and I love our history in Athens, Joe's and mine. I love all of our friends. There isn't much I don't like. I love the Bulldogs, love 'em! And my mom came to live in Athens. About six years ago she passed away but she being from Colorado, she loved the Bulldogs passionately and I just have to say it's just been a wonderful life for us. There's just so much to do and it's a great place to raise kids, and I never want to leave here. If your husband weren't a college coach, what career do you envision him having?
He would have been a pilot. He wanted to be a pilot. He has many, many passions. He loves snow skiing and other things but I think he would have really enjoyed being a pilot. Your favorite UGA football moment?
Whenever we beat Georgia Tech, it's just glorious!
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Famiily Owned & Operat Family Operated ted Georgia A Northeast Ge eorgia tradition for over 37 years www.bulldawgillustrated.com • 5
No. 15 Dogs vs. ‘Dores photos by Rob Saye
By Logan Booker/BI
his past weekend was a tough one to swallow around Dawg Nation, as a hot Missouri team came into Sanford Stadium and handed UGA (4-2, 3-1) its first home loss since early in the 2011 season. The enormous amount of injuries the Dawgs have collected over the first half of the season is now proving to be as costly as feared, as the offense no longer seems capable of bailing out poor defensive performances. The schedule has been daunting, however, and this week should bring with it a suitable remedy: the Vanderbilt Commodores.
T
Know the Opponent:
This Commodore team may not be your grandfather’s Vanderbilt (3-3, 0-3), as head coach James Franklin has successfully revolutionized the culture around Nashville, bringing with him an actual SEC attitude over the last three seasons. While under Franklin’s watch, the Commodores have gone to back-to-back bowl games for the first time in school history. Senior quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels is completing 66 percent of his passes this season, with the majority of those having gone to standout senior wide receiver Jordan Matthews. Matthews could likely start at any school in the country while averaging 15 yards per catch and racking up five touchdowns in the first half of the season. In their three SEC games thus far, the Commodores defense has given up nearly 30 points per game, which should bode well for a UGA offense that is once again trying to find its identity.
The Offense:
Last Saturday was a brutal reality check, as the depleted offense seemed very out of sync, especially in the wide receiver game. Another week of practice with the young pups taking snaps with quarterback Aaron Murray should smooth out some wrinkles. For the third straight week, all eyes will be on the status of standout sophomore running back Todd Gurley, who has missed nearly three full games now with an ankle injury. Head coach Mark Richt sounded hopeful in his postgame interview last week that Gurley may be good to go in Nashville. The offensive line, after going through a nice three game stretch, has given up seven sacks in the last two games, and will need to keep Murray on his feet this Saturday, especially if Gurley is a no-go. Also in the case of a no-Gurley scenario, however, freshman running backs J.J. Green and Brendan Douglas were very productive last week, and should find success against a lesser Commodore defensive line that is giving up big rushing yards. The Defense:
Last week, the Dawgs’ defense once again gave up over 30 points for the fifth time in six games this season. The young secondary once again proved to be vulnerable, as the Missouri offense found much more success through the air than on the ground. This week will be no break for the pups in the secondary, as Vanderbilt’s biggest offensive weapons are
its quarterback and standout receiver. The Dawgs’ defensive line has been finding success lately, especially with the emergence of freshman linebacker Leonard Floyd and junior defensive end Ray Drew. These two have given quarterbacks fits of late, and will need to keep that trend going against another passing team this week. How The Dawgs Will Win:
In order for the road trip to be a happy one for fans and players alike, the heaviest load will need to be carried by the UGA defense. The boys on the defensive front line will have to get into Vanderbilt’s backfield and disrupt any rhythm Carta-Samuels may find himself feeling in the passing game. The Dawg’s secondary will likely not find magic just yet, so it will be crucial for other aspects of the defense to disallow clean passes from being launched in their direction. If Gurley returns, expect the offense to have much better balance, as opposing defenses have no choice but to pay a player of his caliber strong attention. That would open up the passing game tremendously, allowing Murray to do what he does best: pick apart defenses that are cheating on the run. Safe travels to all of those headed to Nashville! Be prepared to be loud, and do your 12th man duty on the road to help this team rebound going into the bye week. Then all eyes can focus on the trip to Jacksonville that is looming ...
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Georgia 26 - Missouri 41
Jim Claussen, John Cheeley, Holly Bayman and Charles Pledger
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Linda Case, Tracy Cass, Ava Dove and Tassie Garrett
Chandler Hartley, Lee Cook, Becky Reynolds, John Cook and Pam Cook
Eli Crowder, William Murphy, Sam Davis and Will Davis
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Georgia 26 - Missouri 41
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www.bulldawgillustrated.com • 9
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Georgia 26 - Missouri 41
Thomas Smith, Hayes Chitty, Brooks Smith and Lisa Smith
Tom, Sarah Kate, Chandler, Kelly and Coleman Call
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Michael Mock and Clinton Rice
Steven Farmer, Andrew Stewart and JP Stewart
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Benefiting
Second Annual
Wee invite W invite you you to ssupport uppor t yyour our Uni versity and yyour our University a gift Alumni Association Association by making m gift to the Georg ia Fund ffor o orr the Georgia UGA Alumni Association. Associatio on.
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Whether Whether h yyou’re ou’re ha having ving fun wi ith your your local with chapt e , ssupporting er uppor ting chapter, sscholarships cholaarships and endo w wment s, or endowments, plug ging g int oa plugging into w o orld dwide network nettwo ork worldwide of more m e tthan mor han 280,000 g raduates, tthe he UGA graduates, Alum mni Ass ociation Alumni Association i th is h b he bes ay tto o sstay tay the bestt w way conn nected wit h connected with Y OUR U Alma Mater! Mater! YOUR
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Scouting Vanderbilt
Dynamo ‘Dores
Location: Nashville, Tenn. Conference: SEC East
#6 Austyn Carta-Samuels, QB 6-1, 215 Sr. San Jose, Calif.
Enrollment: 6,796
Stepping in for departed signal caller Jordan Rodgers, University of Wyoming transfer Austyn Carta-Samuels is having a fine season as the Commodores full time signal caller. Through six games this season, Carta-Samuels has completed 66.1 percent of his passes, hitting on 117 of 177 attempts for 1,561 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has thrown six interceptions, and clearly Commodore coach James Franklin wants for that number to come down. The Vanderbilt quarterback has also been a threat on the ground, displaying a nose for the end zone with five rushing touchdowns. Carta-Samuels was a huge pickup for the Commodores. At Wyoming, as a freshman he concluded the 2009 season by earning Offensive MVP honors in the Cowboys New Mexico Bowl victory, chalking up 201 passing yards with three touchdowns, plus 71 yards on the ground. As a sophomore, he had 2,094 total yards. As a backup to Rodgers last season, Carta-Samuels played in six games, and got the starting nod against Presbyterian, completing 14 of 24 passes for 208 yards. In the ‘Dores nail-biting 39-35 season-opening loss to Ole Miss in the Music City, he was outstanding, throwing for 300 yards and two touchdowns on 21 of 36 passing.
Commodores in a thumbnail: With some seven offensive starters and six defensive regulars returning from the 2012 squad that charged to a 9-4 record (5-3 SEC) including a win over North Carolina State in the Music City Bowl, the Vanderbilt football program was anticipating big things in this, the 2013 season. But a tough 3935 opening loss to Ole Miss in Nashville got the Commodores off on the wrong foot and, consequently, they will be taking a 3-3 season record and winless, at 0-3, conference mark into Saturday's noon kickoff at Vanderbilt Stadium. Following the setback to the Rebels, Coach James Franklin's team defeated Austin Peay (38-3), lost to South Carolina (35-25), rebounded to stop Massachusetts (24-7), rolled over UAB (52-24) but was then smashed by Missouri, by 5128 Saturday before last in Nashville. The Commodores then enjoyed an open date this past weekend while starting to get ready for the Bulldogs. A look at the Vanderbilt offense: The Commodores' big gun is of course senior wide receiver Jordan Matthews (6-3, 206), who led the SEC in receiving last season with a whopping 94 catches for 1,323 and eight touchdowns. This season, the All-SEC first-teamer has already snared 47 passes for 709 yards and five scores. Vandy senior quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels (6-1, 215), the transfer from Wyoming, has thrown for 1,561 yards (66.1 percent completion avg.) and 10 touchdowns, with six interceptions. In addition to the explosive Matthews, Carta-Samuels' other key target is senior Jonathan Krause (5-11, 182), who has 24 receptions for 430 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore Jerron Seymour, with a firepluglike build of 5-7, 200-pounds, is the Dores' leading rusher with 351 yards and a 5.9 average-per-carry. He has tallied six touchdowns. Senior Wesley Tate (6-1, 224) is the power back and has run for 271 yards and a 4.4 average, with four scores. Vanderbilt is presently averaging 33.7 points per outing.
#87 Jordan Matthews, WR 6-3, 206 Sr. Madison, Ala.
A cousin of Jerry Rice, the greatest wide receiver to ever play the game, Matthews is having another stellar season and has established himself as one of the best pass-catchers in Southeastern Conference history. As a freshman, Matthews caught 15 passes for 181 yards and four touchdowns, and the promise was well on display. In 2011, he was one of the league’s best, with 41 grabs for 778 yards – an average of 19.0 per catch, and five scores. Then last season, while earning unanimous All-SEC and third-team All-American honors, Matthews had an incredible year, with 94 catches for 1,323 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 101.8 per game. His 94 catches tied for the second best single season total in league annals, and his seven games with triple digit receiving yards is a Vanderbilt record. This Commodore standout came into the 2013 season on the Biletnikoff and Maxwell Awards Watch Lists. Despite constant double-teaming, a new starting quarterback and being the primary focus of every opposing defense, he is again shining. Through six games, he is blistering opposing secondaries, with 47 grabs for 709 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 118.2 yards per game. Every mock NFL Draft has Matthews listed as a first round pick and one of the first receivers projected to go. He is one of the best players in Vanderbilt history.
A look at the Vanderbilt defense: This has been the side of the ball
the Commodores have struggled this season. Surrendering those point totals of 39, 35 and 51 in its three conference losses to Ole Miss, South Carolina and Missouri, respectively, Vanderbilt is allowing an average of 26.5 points in all of its games. But the Commodores do have some talented players on defense, including senior safeties Kenny Ladler (6-1, 205) and Javon Marshall (5-10, 202) and sophomore linebacker Darreon Herring (6-2, 228). Ladler and Marshall are the team's top tacklers, with 49 and 40 stops respectively, and Herring follows closely with 38 tackles. What Commodores head coach James Franklin says: (After loss to Missouri) "Our bye week comes at a great time... We have to recruit like crazy because there are holes in our roster that are showing up right now. We're 0-1 this week. We'd like to be 1-0 (after the Georgia game). We have a big challenge ahead in Georgia."
#39 Carey Spear, PK 5-10, 194 Sr. Mayfield Village, Ohio
One of the Commodores top weapons is arguably the best place-kicker in the SEC. Spear was twice named SEC Special Teams Player-of-the-Week a year ago, and was second team All-SEC, while hitting on 20 of 24 field goals – a rate of 83.3 percent – and a perfect 27 of 27 extra points. Spear was behind only Florida All-American and current Miami Dolphins kicker Caleb Sturgis, one of the best in conference annals, when it came to the league’s top leg men. He is again perfect on extra points this season and has hit on four of five field goals, including a long of 54. Spear has been a strength on kickoffs, with 24 of 34 going for touchbacks
Game Prediction: The Bulldogs typically have trouble in Nashville
but coming off the disappointing loss to Missouri, you would think Georgia will be ready to snap back strongly and remain in the SEC East title picture. The Bulldogs' offense, even if Todd Gurley still isn't ready to go on Saturday, should prove too much for the Commodores' struggling defense to handle, that is, if Georgia doesn't turn the ball over like it did against the Tigers. And defensively, the Bulldogs' shaky unit won't stop Jordan Matthews but in this one, Georgia's offense should get on the scoreboard enough to deliver a 41-28 win for the Dogs. − Murray Poole
− Jeff Dantzler
A view from Nashville, Tennessee Joe Fisher, the voice of the Commodores, is one of the best play-by-play announcers in the business and one of the great guys in the Southeastern Conference. He once again lends us his expertise on the Dogs and ‘Dores. Where does Jordan Matthews rank amongst the recent greats to play for Vanderbilt?
Has anything in the league surprised you this season?
When you think of great receivers recently at Vanderbilt, you'd have to think of Dan Stricker, Earl Bennett and Jordan Matthews. Barring injury, Jordan will be the SEC all-time leader in career receiving yards. He has that great combination of size, speed and hands along with the ability to get open from tight coverage. He has been a joy to watch.
I think Missouri and Auburn might be a bit better than most thought they would be. South Carolina made quite a statement at Arkansas as well. What does Vanderbilt need to do to beat the Bulldogs?
First get off to a decent start. VU has only played one decent first quarter this year (vs UAB). We can't afford to dig an early hole against the Dawgs. I also think our defense needs to make two or three big plays. They haven't forced many turnovers this year and that would be a big plus.
Describe what it meant to win nine games, have five SEC wins, blow out Tennessee and win a bowl game last year.
Well, the last time VU win nine games in a season was almost 100 years ago (1915). VU hadn't beaten UT in Nashville since 1982 and had never gone to bowl games in back to back seasons. So, obviously, it was special. What it has done is raise the expectation level of Commodore fans which has been exciting to see. What are the attributes that makes James Franklin tick?
He is a relentless recruiter, not just to potential student athletes but in selling the program to anyone. He understands that the Vanderbilt job entails more than just X's and O's and he embraces that. He also talks about having a chip on his shoulder and wants the players to feel that way too, as part of turning around a program that hasn't gotten much respect over the years.
What is your take on Georgia?
You start with one of the premier QBs in the country. You add big, powerful runningbacks and you've got your hands full. Obviously injuries are now a huge factor. But it's still a tough, physical team if Dawgs on both sides if the ball. Who do you see ending up in Pasadena playing for the whole thing?
I guess I'm not staring into a different crystal ball than most anyone else. It's hard for me to see anyone other than Alabama and Oregon playing for the title. I think they are clearly one and two in the nation.
Talk about how fun it is to follow your pal, Vanderbilt grad Brandt Snedeker, the last couple of years at the Tour Championship .
Walking 18 with him last year as he won the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup was one of my favorite sports memories. It has been great to see him rise to top ten in the world. What's even more enjoyable is to see how much he's liked by fans and fellow players. He's a genuinely good, humble guy with a terrific family that's living his dream and enjoying every minute of it. He's the type of athlete and person the sports world needs. . — Jeff Dantzler
www.bulldawgillustrated.com • 13
Jeff Dantzler’s 2013 rankings Top 10 Non-SEC - One of the biggest stories in college football this season is the strength of the At-
lantic Coast Conference. Clemson, Florida State and Miami are all undefeated, and Virginia Tech has just one loss, to Alabama. Oregon looks unstoppable in the PAC-12.. 1. Oregon – Washington hung in there with Oregon for three quarters, but the Quack Attack exploded yet again. Marcus Mariota is the front runner for the Heisman Trophy. The pace that Oregon scores at is astounding. 2. Clemson – The Tigers survived a potential upset, holding off Boston College 24-14. Now comes the mega-showdown in Death Valley with Florida State. It’s one of the biggest games ever at Clemson, with ACC and national title implications. 3. Florida State – The stage is set for one of the biggest showdowns in Atlantic Coast Conference history, as the Seminoles go toe-to-toe with Clemson in Tiger town. Jameris Winton is a phenom behind center. 4. Ohio State – Urban Meyer has the Buckeyes rolling. They posted back-toback impressive wins over Wisconsin and Northwestern and had this past week off. There shouldn’t be any problem with Iowa in the Horseshoe Saturday. 5. Miami –The Hurricanes are undefeated and have a couple of impressive wins over Florida and Tech – Dog fans would love to duplicate that. Miami takes on North Carolina Saturday in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels are very disappointing. 6. UCLA – The Bruins are one of the best teams in the PAC-12, and this is their chance to show what they’ve got. It’s Stanford, smarting off that loss to Utah, and then Oregon for the Bruins. Brett Hundley may be the first pick of the draft. 7. Baylor – The Bears of Art Briles have been lighting up the scoreboard as impressively as Oregon. Through the first month of the season, Baylor had scored at least 69 points in every game. Kansas State hung around, but Bayloer pulled it out 35-25. 8. Stanford – The Cardinal, coming off that thrilling 31-28 victory over Washington, were upset at Utah. Stanford has to pull it together for UCLA or there is no way the Cardinal will be able to catch Oregon and return to the PAC-12 Championship Game. 9. Virginia Tech – Somewhat quietly and sneakily, the Hokies have pieced together six consecutive wins after losing to Alabama in the season opener. Even in that loss, the Hokies showed that they have an elite defense. 10. Louisville – The Cardinals haven’t exactly been blowing teams away, but Louisville is winning. Teddy Bridgewater is having a good year. But the Cardinals can run the ball and the defense is improved. SEC 1-14 - It was moving day in the SEC East. Missouri upset Georgia and is the lone unbeaten in the East. But they lost quarterback James Franklin. South Carolina looked great at Arkansas, and got a big boost from the Dogs loss.
1. Alabama – The Crimson Tide machine left some points on the table early in Lexington, but then just started churning up scores on every possession. A.J. McCarron, surprise, surprise, is having another great year and that line is coming around. 2. LSU – The Fightin’ Tigers have roared back from a heart-breaking loss at Georgia by routing Mississippi State in a shootout and Florida in a defensive struggle. Zach Mettenberger could be the top overall pick in the draft. 3. Texas A&M –The Aggies for a second straight season got scared in Oxford, but pulled out a thriller. Johnny Manziel is having another incredible year. Statistically, he may even outdo last year. But that loss to Alabama is blocking them from Atlanta. 4. Missouri – There are two undefeated teams in the Southeastern Conference. It is Alabama and Missouri. The Tigers 41-26 win at Georgia was their first road victory over a top ten team since 1981. But they lost quarterback James Franklin. 5. South Carolina – Kicking off a tough stretch of road games in Fayetteville, the Gamecocks were just a 5.5 point favorite over the Hogs. They played their best game of the year and rolled to a 52-7 victory over Arkansas. Atlanta is in their sights. 6. Auburn – The Tigers have just one loss, and it is to LSU. Auburn is ahead of schedule and the likely fourth place finisher in the SEC West. Offense is Gus Malzone’s forte, but the defense is better than expected. 7. Georgia – The Bulldogs blew their foot off with four turnovers in a 41-26 loss to Missouri at Sanford Stadium. Coupled with all of those injuries, it was just too much to overcome. The Dogs venture to Vanderbilt, trying to cobble together an offense. 8. Florida – The Gators offense was shut down at LSU. Florida has the best defense in the SEC, and is fully capable of running the table and going to Atlanta. This so far has not been the fireworks Gators of Spurrier and Meyer. But that “D” is nasty. 9. Ole Miss – An Ole Miss friend of mine posted, “King of the Moral Victories – Ole Miss!” following a heart-breaking loss to Texas A&M. This stretch of schedule is just brutal. Next up, the old rival, LSU. 10. Tennessee – It looked like the Volunteers had Georgia beaten, but a tremendous effort before a rocking Neyland Stadium came up just short, in large part due to a tough luck fumble. Can they emotionally recover and threaten South Carolina or Alabama. 11. Vanderbilt – Vanderbilt had a week off and now host beaten up Georgia. That will be a real upset opportunity against the beaten up Bulldogs, who they have severely frightened on two of their last three trips. 12. Arkansas – The Razorbacks have lost four straight, and it really went south in a hurry against South Carolina. That was a popular “upset alert” pick throughout the week. Life in the SEC is brutally tough. 13. Mississippi State – The Maroon Bulldogs pulled it to 3-3 with a razor-thin win over Bowling Green, one of the best teams in the MAC. That loss to Auburn really knocked them off the mark. MSU may be fighting Arkansas for last in the SEC West. 14. Kentucky – The Wildcats are in the midst of a lonnnnng season. The Commonwealth crowd was pumped up after getting a turnover against top-ranked Alabama and a scoreless first quarter. But reality set in quickly.
photo by Rob Saye
JD’s five keys to victory 1. Blanket Matthews – Over the past several seasons, Vanderbilt has produced several standout all-stars who have gone on to the National Football League, including current Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. D.J. Moore was an All-Southeastern Conference cornerback and Chris Williams was a first round pick at offensive tackle. Jordan Matthews could be the best of the lot. In a league loaded with All-American caliber wide receivers, like Alabama’s Amari Cooper, Texas A&M’s Mike Evans, LSU’s duo of Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr., and Missouri’s Dorial Green-Beckham, Vanderbilt’s record-setting pass-catcher Jordan Matthews is at the head of the class. Georgia’s pass defense has had a rough go in 2013, ranking at or near the bottom of the SEC statistics. To beat the Commodores, Georgia’s secondary must contain Matthews. He can catch a short one, and turn it up for a long touchdown. Matthews is very tough over the middle and goes to get the long ball. This young Georgia secondary is in for another tremendous challenge.
2. Physical Up Front – Georgia’s offense has to take the fight to the Commodores. The Bulldogs offensive line can set the tone and the backs can cut through the ‘Dores defense. When Todd Gurley, America’s top tailback, went down against LSU, Keith Marshall stepped right in and ran for 92 yards. When Marshall was hurt and lost for the season at Tennessee, J.J. Green rose to the occasion and chalked up 129 yards against the Volunteers. Brendan Douglas had a big catch and run in Knoxville and helped close out South Carolina on the epic closing drive. Georgia’s run game must show the way and then have Aaron Murray strike through the air.
3.
Sound Special Teams – This goes for every week. On the upside, there have been some great moments, like Marshall Morgan’s three made field goals and the recovery of a Beckham fumbled punt in the win over LSU, and the Bulldog kicker’s 55-yarder and game-winner at Tennessee. But the Bulldogs have suffered three years’ worth of critical to catastrophic special team’s breakdowns in the first half of the season. Nothing would give Vanderbilt a boost to pull off the upset like making a big play in the kicking game and take advantage of any special teams breakdowns by the Bulldogs. Georgia needs a least a push and it would be a plus if the Dogs could cash in and make a big play in the return game.
4. Win the Middle of the Field – Great teams control the middle. That’s where the sledding is toughest. That’s winning the battle at the point of attack with a defensive line turning back the offense on third and fourth and short. That’s the offense making those short yardage runs on third and fourth and short. The great John Madden once said, “when you have to run, and the other team knows you’re going to run, and you can still run, that’s a good football team.” Controlling the middle with the passing game, especially by utilizing tight ends Arthur Lynch and Jay Rome, would put the Commodores defense on the ropes.
5. Create Turnovers – A year ago, Georgia’s defense didn’t perform up to expectations for much of the season. But there were elite athletes like Jarvis Jones, Baccarri Rambo and Alec Ogletree who made game-changing plays – sacks, strips and fumble recoveries and interceptions. This season’s defense has obviously struggled. There is talent on this unit, and it is time for these young guns to start making those kind of game-changing plays – come up with turnovers, create short fields for the offense, make stops behind the line and sacks, put the other guy in second-and-17 and thirdand-13 type downs. Put that offense behind the chains and make those game and season-shaping plays. — 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’ 41-26 loss to Missouri Saturday. OFFENSE – Freshman tailback J.J. Green receives the offensive honor for a second consecutive week after rushing for 87 yards on 12 carries, including a 57-yard run, and catching five passes for 42 yards. "J.J. is doing everything he's being asked to, 110 percent," said Butler. "This week again his ability to help Georgia establish a run game, he did that in a very positive manner. J.J.'s talent can be showcased running the ball and catching the ball out of the backfield, as well as returning kicks. He's a tremendous athlete that gives Georgia a great advantage on offense even when we put in our third string running back who is performing like a first string running back should." DEFENSE – Junior inside linebacker Ramik Wilson, who again led the Bulldogs' defense with nine total tackles, including eight solo stops and one tackle-for-loss. "Ramik played a solid game with eight unassisted tackles," said Butler. "He's becoming a better leader on defense through the team communication on the field as well as his performance in leading Georgia in tackles. I cannot paint a good picture of the defense in their overall performance but when I look for highlights, Ramik's performance needs to be mirrored by everybody on defense to improve the overall defensive performance." SPECIAL TEAMS – Junior punter Adam Erickson, who stepped in for starting punter Collin Barber and averaged 40.5 yards on two kicks. “Adam stepped up for the second week in a row filling in for the injured Collin Barber," said Butler. "Coming in the middle of the game against Missouri, Adam improved Georgia's punting and net punting with his 40-yards net average. Him being prepared stepping in when Collin went down again is a true indicator of his work and professionalism in being ready at a moment's call." — Murray Poole
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