Something You May Have Missed at G-Day
The RACC. Below you will see the coolest thing since the Ice Age. The RACC folks were set up in the Tate Center Parking lot so you may have missed them. If you have ever wrestled with your standard tent canopy to tailgate, you’ll understand the genesis of the idea. Chris Troxel said, “there has to be a better way” and now there is. Partner Paul Jankowski has designed a better mousetrap and you can be the benefactor. Go to www.raccstore.com. This week they will be at Auburn’s spring game, then The Steeplechase on the 24th and The Taste of Marietta with me on the 25th. Come see us!
Who wants Dominoes?
Well, you got’em! The first to fall was Jim Mora getting fired as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Before the door could even hit him in the butt, the Seahawks were on the phone with Pete Carroll. Captain Cool said yes and left the USC Trojans, the college football mecca of this decade, in his dust. After overtures to Oregon State’s Mike Riley and the Jacksonville Jaguar’s Jack Del Rio, the Trojans have settled, and I do mean settled, for Tennessee’s Lane Kiffin.
As of about midnight last night, the campus of the University of Tennessee became a reenactment of the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s with Lane Kiffin the only McCoy left to shoot. The air was filled with snuff spat in such anger that some kids thought it was raining.
Kiffin’s departure tips the next domino and creates a vacuum in SEC recruiting just three weeks from signing day. This could be great for Georgia if we can get our stuff together. There were several of those commits to UT that had Georgia high on their list.
The first replacement for Kiffin that came to mind was Peewee Herman, but I think I dreamed that. The next name was Duke’s David Cutcliffe. I’m sure that would be fine with Duke because Cutcliffe has been there two years, more than could be reasonably expected…..insert crickets chirping….I have always felt that Cutcliffe was the key to much of the Vols success in the 90′s.
It would be refreshing and just freakin’ awesome if he were to stay at Duke and continue building a competitive program there. I for one will not be holding my breath but, whether it’s him or another coach yet un-named, the dominoes will continue to fall.
Oh yeah, and all the kids can do is watch.
Who Dey?
The Georgia Bulldogs game against Florida was a confusing game to watch. When the game began, they looked like a different team. That’s not because of the way they played, it was the black pants and black helmets. Think about a love child between a Red Raider and a Bearcat.
Then put it up for adoption.
Georgia Bulldogs – That 70′s Show
The Georgia Bulldogs were very fortunate to escape the confines of Home Sweet Hedges with a victory this past Saturday night. The South Carolina game final score was close as usual, but with some offense thrown in for a change. 41-37? That was supposed to be last weeks score at Okie State! Man, I’m confused!
Back in the day, we didn’t score 41 points in our two SC victories combined(28). That was strange. Something that did look familiar though is the bend don’t break defense, big plays on special teams and winning ugly. I felt like it was 1978 all over again.
I want to apologize on behalf of those late 1970′s and even the 1980 team. I hope you all will forgive us for putting you through such torture, such frustration and contributing to your collective drinking problems. I was at home watching that dang game Saturday night and even though Rennie Curran kept me among the living, I still lost several years off my life.
I never knew why people criticized Coach Dooley so harshly. Now I do. Heck, I’m even mad at him right now. Just kidding coach! I can’t tell you how many games we were outgained and seemingly outplayed but still found a way to win.
People said we were lucky.
Coach Russell said, “I’d rather be lucky than good”.
Coach Dooley said, “Luck is where preparation and opportunity meet”.
I sure hope we continue to court ‘Ole Lady Luck and treat her right and make her happy. I wouldn’t want to piss her off. I think we are going to need her.
George Rogers is not Happy!
I called George Rogers today for my annual bit of fun. For the record, I am not a true trash talker. However, I do have a good enough relationship with George that I can poke a little fun and predict a Georgia victory. I have talked before about how George and I met on the recruiting trail. I see him now about once a year and talk a couple of more times when possible.
I called him this morning and said Georgia was going to spank that behind tomorrow night…I can’t print George’s response, although he was laughing as he said it. The only thing that we did agree on is that it’s usually close.
Heck the two games we(UGA) won during my four years versus South Carolina were -15-13 in 1977 and 13-10 in 1980. Yep, two field goals in each game were the difference.
Your welcome…lol!
This Naked Pig is Smokin’!
Georgia Bulldog Fans! It’s true, I was there. Last Saturday while many of you were in Stillwater, I was in Acworth, Georgia gettin’ busy with some pulled pork and ribs. I’m not ashamed, I’d do it again if I was invited again.. You should too.
Earlier this year the idea for The Naked Pig was conceived by one of my oldest friends, Anthony Swiatek. We’ve known each other for over 40 years, which pains me to say, but the alternative sucks even more, if you know what I mean.
Anthony invited me to his Super Bowl Party and I was able to sample his BBQ for the first time. Everything was great but his ribs hit me in the head! They were awesome! Later in the year we started talking about him doing a tail-gating biz where he does all the work for you…all you do is just show up and party! Well one thing led to another and circumstances thrust Anthony together with another old high school friend, Terry Decker.
Terry’s family has been in the restaurant business for over forty years. Together, these two Georgia Fans bring more than great food to the table.
But you may be asking yourself, ” why they would call their business “THE NAKED PIG”? Well if you knew these two guys you wouldn’t give it a second thought, but it actually does make sense. Their Q is so good, it does not need to be dressed(with sauce). It’s very true. The Naked Pig is a full service event planning company available for Tailgate parties, Block parties, Reunions, Fundraisers, and Corporate Outings.
Contact terry@thenakedpig.com or call (678)740-PIGS(7447)
I have a feeling we might even be in Athens sometime this fall. I will let you know. Just FYI, I am not receiving any remuneration for this post. Heck, I just want some more ribs down the road.
Terry, the Kicker and Anthony in happier times…about an hour before Okie State!
Georgia’s Biggest Rivals, Real or Imagined?
The pundits are always talking about how competitive SEC football is and how much natural rivalries play into the weekly grind. In looking at the new UGA Media Guide, I noticed some interesting tidbits. Some folks have handed it to the Dawgs, some series are competitve and some we dominate more than I realized.
Alabama has an eleven game lead in a series that until recently was very on again off again. In the olds days we rotated those teams that are now mostly SEC Western Division teams, except Auburn and Ole Miss who we played every year.
This is our record against our traditional rivals:
Alabama 25-36 -4
Auburn - 51- 53-8
Clemson-41-17-4(ACC)
Florida -47-38-2
Georgia Tech -59-37-5
Kentucky -49-11-2
LSU -12-14-1
Mississippi -30-12-1
Mississippi State -16-5-0
South Carolina - 45-14-2
Tennessee -16-20-2
Vanderbilt - 49-18-2
What jumped out at me and maybe you too is that as tough as the South Carolina series seems, it’s on par with our record against Vanderbilt. That blew me away. It’s the same way with Clemson, Kentucky and for many years Florida also. Games like this week with South Carolina always seem close, but we do dominate the Gamecocks.
The Dawgs have some work to do this week to beat South Carolina, but they can do it.
Go Dawgs!
Bulldog Fans Find Muddy Water Hard to Swallow
Stillwater was pretty clear. The Georgia Bulldogs have a lot of work to do. The Dawgs really did disappoint in their first game and I have waited to see if the water would clear up. After Saturday’s loss in Stillwater, all the questions supposedly answered during pre-season practice have been dredged back up again. Is Joe Cox the man to lead us at quarterback? Who is our running back? Can we cover kick-offs?
I don’t know, do you?
What I do know is that if it’s still a question mark at this point, it’s falls back on the coaching staff. Whatever your criticism of choice; play calling, conditioning, or choosing to directionally kick-off, it all comes back to the staff and particularly Coach Richt.
I understand that Joe Cox was under the weather. To what extent, I don’t know. If he was physically unable to perform, he should not have been put in that position. COACHING. If he had recovered sufficiently to play near 100% of his abilities, then we have a problem. Joe is a fifth year senior and did not look it at all. From decision-making to telegraphing his passes to his throwing motion, it was not good. COACHING. How can a young man be in our program for four plus years and have such bad mechanics? It’s not about MS vs. JC, it’s about doing it the right way and if MS was stronger then so be it.
Richard Samuel looked good at times, but he runs hard and goes down easy. He looked very much the same to me, minus the fumbles, which is good. Carlton Thomas had some flashes but got blown up and fumbled. He definitely needs more touches whenever possible.
The kickers looked pretty good. I think Blair Walsh did all that was asked of him. Drew Butler had a great punting average but needs more hang-time for sure. The other aspects of special teams were fairly poor. Too many return yards and too many penalties really hurt us, obviously.
To be going into the SEC schedule with this many question marks is very scary, but most of these issues are fixable. COACHING.
Until further notice muddy water is all we have.
Follow-up Friday
- For the answer to the question, “What is your Pregame Ritual? The acquisition of an adequate supply of beer was not just the NUMBER 1 answer, it was the only answer. I guess I forgot who my readers were!
- It’s Game Day Eve and I am about to bust for real. I think writing this blog and interacting with the Dawg Nation has heightened the anticipation for the season for me. Sort of a like..well never mind.
- The South Cracka-Lacky LameCocks and NC State WoefulPack were hard to watch…Don’t get over confident, though. Let’s stay focused next week so we can pound Spurrier into retirement!
- I am sooo glad that Oregon and Boise State shook hands before last nights game. Almost immediately after, they had to be separated due to trash talk and posturing near mid-field. I love it when I’m right! Oh yeah, an Oregon RB sucker punched a Boise State player who looked to be trash talking after the game.. Wow.
- I sincerely hope Richard Samuel is ready for a heavy work-load tomorrow. Caleb King’s hammy has been slow to heal and is not even going to Stillwater. I bet he will be at the Parkview or Greater Atlanta Christian Game tonight.
- Georgia’s defense is scary good when focused. Think Hawaii…I look forward to them being that defense tomorrow.
- Prediction for the Georgia Tech-Jacksonville State game….224-0….Paul Johnson will try and set a new Tech record. The Cumberland score of 222-0 has stood long enough.
- The Florida score? Who gives a….
Sportsmanship a Bad Idea
The Georgia Bulldogs and Oklahoma State Cowboys meet this Saturday to play Big Boy football. This season opener has more hype than a Hannah Montana Concert, but with less testosterone. OSU Head Coach Mike Gundy does not want to comply with a pregame hand shake requested by the AFCA and Director Grant Teaff. Gundy is concerned that bringing these two teams together for a receiving line could precipitate a brawl. I am not sure why he thinks Georgia would start anything.
Maybe he’s concerned we would finish it…you know..we do FINISH THE DRILL!
It’s perfectly reasonable and customary to shake an opponents hand after doing battle. There is nothing wrong with a grateful winner and gracious loser. What the AFCA is proposing is taking two hyped up groups of finely tuned, aggressive athletes whose whole summer has been dominated by thoughts of kicking off this season with a bang, and then throw cold water on it.
This is the “G” of today, not the “U” of old. Even so, keeping the players apart during this crucial time of pregame build-up has been the priority, not thrusting them together.
I’m not sure why this is happening now. It’s been a couple of years since any major fights have occurred. All I know is all of a sudden it feels less like a Georgia game and more like the Little League World Series. I don’t like it.
LATE BREAKING NEWS…OSU has decided to NOT participate in the ceremonial handshake.
The BCSAT, UGA’s Test Begins at OSU
The new look Georgia Bulldogs have a long season ahead. Each week a new question in a long test. The BCSAT. It’s difficult to know if Georgia can answer all the questions in the pundits minds. The questions change every year. The opener in Stillwater this week could effect the final grade. Answering the bell and building some confidence will go along way towards competing in the “EAST” and ultimately another 10 win season.
Anyone who professes to know what will happen on Saturday is delusional at best and a liar at worst. How did we do on our BCSAT’s last year? I’m glad we get a re-do every year. There are way too many questions on both teams to know how we will do for sure . You know all the names, so I won’t rehash that. At this point, it’s about the little things.
Can Georgia stay healthy? Can we minimize penalties and other mistakes that plagued us last year? Until we establish ourselves, we cannot afford to shoot ourselves in the foot. The offense does not need to be spectacular, just consistent. The defense does not need to be oppressive, just fundamentally sound. Obviously, the special teams need to pull their weight for this to be a complete team, but I think they will.
The pieces are there. Some are very young talented pieces, but they do have leadership in key spots. That’s something that may have held us back a year ago. Back in the day, we surprised some people when no one expected much from us.
Maybe we’ll ace the BCSAT’s this year!
Bulldog Travel Plans
One week from today, many of you will wake up in Oklahoma. Another group of you will be on your way to the airport to make your way to watch Georgia/Oklahoma State. I can’t help with those travel plans, but if you love to travel and you know who you are, I can help with some post season options.
RTK Travel specializes in International flights and other accommodations. One of the newest destinations of great interest is Poland. Whereas other European countries have been much more popular for years, Poland is all of a sudden an international hotspot.
The best airfare for next January 10 is listed below. American Airlines connecting with Polish Airlines is your best bet, through www.Expedia.com.
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| 7:40 pm Depart Atlanta (ATL) Arrive Gdansk (GDN) 5:20 pm  +1 day |
Sun 10-Jan Duration: 15hr 40mn |
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You may also want to check out this great website to see what exciting adventures await in this historic land. While you are there you may want to take in a sporting event. Polish soccer is well worth a try, especially if you can find someone that can fit in your carry on luggage.
So Far, I’m Wrong and Loving It
Georgia Bulldogs running back Richard Samuel has bolted into the lead as the heir apparent at Tailback U. I for one am pleasantly surprised because of his struggles to fully adjust to the college game last year as 17 year old true freshman. Sometimes it’s difficult to judge when it’s a boy in a man’s body. But boy oh boy, that’s no boy now.
Just a few weeks ago I had predicted a different outcome, but Caleb King pulled a hamstring and Richard and red-shirt freshman Carlton Thomas have both had two outstanding scrimmages. I have no problem being wrong, in fact I’m ecstatic. As many have said, the prospect of a true thunder and lightning combination could be just what Georgia needs this year.
On top of that, the Bulldogs offensive line has been heaped with praise and expectations this year. If they can fulfill that promise, these two running backs could find themselves thrust into national prominence as a top backfield combo. The icing on that tasty cake is that a even an above average running game should allow QB Joe Cox to go out with bang this year, with his many targets at wide receiver and now some young, talented tight ends.
I believe the continued emergence of Richard and Associates will be an answer to prayer and The Bulldog Nation is very, very thankful for that.
Those Vainglorious Beesturds
I am so sorry, but I just could not resist. Is it not perfect? After winning the “State Championship” for the first time since 2000, you’d think that Tech had won an ACC Championship or a National Championship or something. The seniors of 2008 voted to put 45-42 on their Chic-fil-a Bowl ring? I can actually understand that. The 1990 Tech team won a share of the MNC, something unique in Tech’s history. The 2008 squad did something just as unique. They beat Georgia.
I found a very informative article in the Bleacher Report, published just two weeks after last year’s game. The writer was very prophetic in his guess that Tech would act as if this somehow put them on par with THE University of Georgia. That is a worthy goal to be sure, but a goal measured over years and years of success against the toughest of competition, the SEC.
Or maybe winning more than 12 games in 45 years against your in-state rival.
((((((((12-33))))))) – Hahahahahahahahaha!
Fabris and Martinez, and The Truth Shall Set You Back
It’s been quite a week for Georgia assistant football coaches Jon Fabris amd Willie Martinez. Both have had their share of criticism in recent years and both had opportunities to share their thoughts in the media. Their respective units have struggled at times to say the least and both have been discussed in the Bulldawg Blogosphere. My question is this. Did either coach make you feel better in any of their recent opportunities in the print or online media?
Let me know what you thought of Fabris’ description of his kick-off situation and the process for determining who will man that unit. Did Willie Martinez come across as makng excuses and even pointing fingers in the AJC?
Personally I did not feel better after either. Now I truly believe both the defense and the kick-off unit will be better. From winter workouts on, I believe the entire team has a renewed focus and especially the defense. Coach Mark Richt is freeing up freshman to compete for special teams spots. That could let some young guy shine and not ride the pine.
Even so, the two coaches did not come across very well, in my opinion. Maybe Coach Richt should consider a new policy for allowing assistants to be interviewed.
Coach Mark Richt Misquoted
I have been misquoted a few times in my life, nothing too serious or damaging, just frustrating. Coach Mark Richt does interviews almost every day of his life. I am sure he occasionally has to deal with some corrections. I am sure he was quick to call a certain newspaper last week, because they obviously misrepresented him in a big way. That’s the only thing that makes sense. In an article about Brandon Bogotay and the possibility his kicking abilities might bring about a change in the kick-off philosophy Coach Richt allegedly said this about Brandon:
Man, if I was Coach Richt I would be ticked off. There is no way Mark Richt said that. He knows better than to think that kickers can kick a ball 75+ yards and to a spot. As I’ve written before, the best kick-off man in America last year was David Buehler from USC. He ”only” kicked 54% of his kicks for touchbacks and number two was not even close. David is a 6’2″ 225 lb. true athlete that is in training camp with the Dallas Cowboys. But Coach Richt knows that. I am sure Coach Jon Fabris, who was also blatantly misquoted, has done the research and passed it along to Coach Richt.
Boy, I bet the roof of Butts-Mehre is still in orbit from when the coaches found out. I would be mad too. It makes the coaches look like they don’t have an understanding of what rules have been changed and what is reasonable to expect from a kicker these days. I don’t believe that for a second. They are too good at what they do for this one area to be so deficient, so weak, so totally in the dark.
I have not seen a retraction yet, but it should be forthcoming. It has to. It just has to.
UGA, Who Do We Think We Are?
I have not posted anything in 4 days. I’m still steamed about something reported out of Athens and as of this posting, still don’t have the “cajones” to say all that I want to say. Anyway, I hope that title grabbed you, because it did me. I found it on ugasports.com, The Dawgvent. A member named “davisinga” had it on his profile. He may have posted it awhile back but I never saw it. I thought it was worth posting here, lest there be any doubt in anyone’s mind. DawgNation, Who DO we think we are? I have printed it as it was posted, without regard to typos and the like. I just like the sentiment.
Who do WE think WE are?
WE are THE University of Georgia! (U-G-A)
Who does UGA Think It is?
UGA is the Flagship University in The State of Georgia
UGA has a winning tradition that spans back to 1892
UGA is the largest institution of higher learning in the State of Georgia
UGA is 58th overall (public and private) in the nation
UGA is 38,831 students proud and strong
UGA is Larry Munsun and Lauren Smith blaring on an AM transistor radio
UGA is Fran Tarkenton, Herschel Walker, Charlie Trippi, Hines Ward, Garrisom Hearst, Terrell Edwards, Jim Cagle, George Woodruff, Wallace Butts and The B-52s,
UGA is Dominiqoue Wilkins, Chip Beck, Champ Bailey, Bill Goldberg, Billy Payne, Bill Stanfill, Vince Dooley (and Barbara), Pat Dye, Lewis Grizzard, Theresa Edwards, Knowshon Moreno, Mikael Pernfors, Bubba Watson, and REM
UGA is the greatest of all sports mascots… UGA I – VI (Watcha got Lauren)
UGA is the school that beats its in State rival so consistently they strive to be like us
UGA is surrounded by schools in the SEC with bigger budgets, richer traditions and more name recognition yet UGA never backs down
UGA is the team that historically has beaten Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, LSU, and others
UGA is the Rock that SEC Conference was built upon
UGA is Tailgating on Saturday afternoons in the hallowed confines of Athens
UGA is not defined by any one man or woman but by tradition
UGA is not satisfied with mediocrity and 3 loss seasons
UGA is not satisfied with finishing 2nd in SEC Conference (or nation)
UGA is not satisfied with going to Bowl games before New Years Day
Who do WE think WE are?
WE think WE are the heart and Soul of SEC Conference and should compete for the championship every year
WE think WE are program that should be a top 10 program most every year
WE think WE are a program that should be competing with USC, LSU, and ND as BSC annual contenders
WE think WE should have played and beat USC in the Rose Bowl this year
WE think WE are a program that should excel in all academia and athletics
WE think WE are a program that not only meets but exceeds expectations
Who do WE think WE are?
WE ARE THE UNIVERSITY OF ” BY GOD” GEORGIA!!!
I don’t think I can add anything to that…oh yeah.
To Hell with Georgia Tech!
Georgia Bulldogs Picture Day 1980
Boy did I get a blast from the past today. I received this picture from a “young” man who had his picture taken with me on picture day 1980. Mark was nine then, that would make him 37 now. I see pictures like this from time to time and I always wonder where those folks are now.
Mark S. is an software sales guy with his own blog too. We apparently had spoken on Dawgvent or something and recently he found this photo. It made me do some searching and I broke out the pictures my mother took on that same day.
I found a picture of a very young Bill Hartman and Lindsey Scott behind him. Also below you will see a picture of Hershel before we knew what was in store. No one knew what lay ahead. What a great year… Thanks Mark!
Georgia High School Football
Most folks I know are bu…uh…woofing in anticipation of College Football. I am the same way, because I believe the Georgia Bulldogs will be a different team with a whole new outlook from a year ago. But more on that in another blog. Only slightly behind college football is my love for high school football. The State of Georgia has as strong a tradition as any other state and with the growth our state experiences, there are always new schools looking to make their mark.
I just received my copies of Georgia High School Football Magazine. It’s a great resource for coaches and fans alike. I have known the publisher, David Patterson for several years. I could never get my old employer to support David, but when I started Total Team Sports, I jumped on board. My ad is on page 86 with the AAAAA Pre-season All-State Team. Get your copy at www.highschoolfootballmagazine.com .
SEC Rivals Crossing the Line
You may have heard about the Tennessee and Auburn billboards that will grace the Atlanta area soon. Lame Kiffin and Eric Berry are shown prominently. I have not seen the Tennessee pieces of…..”artwork”, but I did see this Auburn ____ three times this week…I took this picture with my Blackberry somewhere between Dallas and Rockmart on Highway 278…are there some prospects in Cedartown or something?
I would say let’s put one up in Auburn and Knoxville, but is there anybody we want in those areas? Especially Big Urange Country. When was the last time we got someone of value in East Tennessee? Hmmm. This was in the paper.
Georgia Football, A Real Family
I was reminded of some simple truths yesterday. The Georgia Football Lettermen are emailed with announcements of news of illness, surgeries and sometimes deaths in the family. Yesterday was one of the bad days. One of my old team mates Tim Morrison lost his mother to cancer two nights ago. It was another reality check regarding priorities in life. It’s about the rightful place that our loved ones occupy versus the game we love. Sometimes I think we as fans fail to understand the way we can effect a family and even a kid(player).
The kids were cheer and jeer have moms and dads that want the very best for their sons, but don’t always get it. Sometimes it just circumstances like an injury. Sometimes they just get passed on the depth chart by a better player. Whatever the reason, it’s rarely as simple as we might think. But still we criticize. That can be hurtful to parents and other loved ones.
I always think about the mamas…I have witnessed parents at UGA who never got to enjoy the college experience because of the criticism and the anxiety it produces. Heck, I never knew how bad kicker’s moms had it until I started coaching them. It’s no picnic, even when they are successful.
Anyway when I heard about Tim’s mom, it reminded me of my own mother who passed away in 1983. About how much she supported me no matter what. My Dad confirmed how difficult it was for her back then, but she still came week after week, home and away. The only game she ever missed was the Senior Bowl. She was in Mobile but was too sick to leave the hotel room. Five months later she grew ill again, went into cardiac arrest. She was revived but lay in a vegetative state/coma for two and a half years before she died in November, 1983.
I will be going to Boaz, Alabama today to be with Tim and his family.
Football brought us together, but it’s not what keeps us together.
Bulldogs find Strength in Numbers
It starts very early for some athletes, getting attached to a certain number. I was talking to a friend whose daughter, a middle school basketball player, wears the #10. For the first time she will have to give it up because she is lowly 6th grader and a 7th grader has #10. As crazy as it sounds some athletes equate their continued success to the ability to maintain their favorite jersey number. Chip Towers writes about this phenomenon and the part it plays in recruiting blue chip football players. A few years ago, Ernie Sims of Tallahassee Lincoln HS, Florida State and now the Detroit Lions; wanted his #34….hahahahaha…hit the bricks bro…we ain’t un-retiring nuttin! He was a great linebacker, but that scenario bordered on the ridiculous.
I remember wanting the #5 because no kicker had worn it so I could possibly stand out if I worked hard. Then the next two guys after me wore it(some guy named Butler and Steve Crumbley). Twelve years of #5, so much for that idea. This issue takes some twists and turns though. I have noticed guys over the years, like Garrison Hearst, who also wore MY number and very well, just so you know. When Garrison played in the NFL, he could not wear a single digit number because of NFL rules…so he went with 23…2+3=5…ahhh see what I mean? You know Herschel wore 43 in high school 34 in college. Eric Zeier wore #15 at Marietta HS and #10 at Georgia. Am I reading more into it than I should? Maybe, maybe not.
Herschel might have been a Walter Payton fan, but I have seen these little quirky number changes many times over the years. You may have even heard of pro athletes paying new team mates mega bucks for their jersey numbers. It happens more than you think.
Now here come the freshman of 2009, and some wanting a certain number. Branden Smith wanted Number 1 and Orson Charles a very talented TE from Tampa wanted number 7. Did he commit before or after Matthew Stafford was drafted, hmm. It wouldn’t be such a big deal to me but what it does is leave the kickers with whatever is left over. A kicker wearing a number in the 80′s or 90′s is one thing….but 57? Holy crap!
Well as long as there is a Georgia Bulldogs…folks will know who number 57 was…
or will the next two guys wear it too.
Do you know of any other examples of the numbers game?
Tell me what you really think!