Gameday Liveblog - GDay 2012

Ok, here's the deal. I realize a lot of you can't come to Athens today. So I'm going to try and have some pictures and videos up here for you to see at least some of the action. Unfortunately I won't be there until about kickoff due to a kid's soccer game this morning. So I won't have any footage of the alumni game. But if I can get three females motivated toward the same goal around noon then I should get good enough seats to give you a decent view of some action.


In the mean time, here's some reading material.

• Charley Trippi Day sounds like it was a success.
• Also a great story here on Jack Loonam.
• Uga IX should be ready to replace the Legendary Russ by Picture Day it sounds like.
• UGA released the Spring Awards yesterday. Here's the list.
• One of the more intriguing things to watch today will be the offensive line which has the task of blocking one of the greatest defenses in the nation. In related news, Max Garcia is nearing a decision ($$).
• A quick story about Justin Scott-Wesley and his relationship with his father.
• Lastly, I've got a special GATArchives planned for next week. So as you watch today's action (whether live in Sanford, or recorded through CSS) and/or read about what happened in the papers think about how GDay is structured and if there are better/different ways to organize it other than splitting the team in two.

NFL Draft - Cordy Glenn

It was announced yesterday that former Dawg Cordy Glenn has been invited to New York for the NFL Draft. Glenn had a great career 'tween the hedges and has followed that up with some great preparation for next week's draft. 


He's expected to go in the first round. Damn Good Dawg!

Friday's Misery, GDay chapter: as the calendar turns

It's thirteen going on fourteen. Time to get miserable instead of unlucky.


It's a flash in the pan. A meteoric rise followed by a plummet into ocean depths never before fathomed by the college football crazed brain. In the words of Mr. Montgomery and Gentleman Gentry...Gone, like a freight train.


It is the THE SPRING GAME! That quick bold taste of what we all crave. A bountiful steak dinner that is placed on the table before you. You've barely gotten the napkin tucked into your replica #34 jersey and a bite into your mouth before the whole thing is taken away. You show up for a marathon and it sprints away like a bolt of lightning. If the college football season is hot sex, the spring game is either the cigarette afterward...or the taking off of the socks beforehand.

Water Girls don't ride
Hogs, or motorcycles

However you choose to look at it, don't blink.


Trainer's Table Blues
Could it be worse? Well of course it could. Murray's arm could be in a sling and Jarvis could be on crutches. It's mostly a bunch of dings and stings but there's a lot of first stringers that'll be in street clothes tomorrow.


People bitch and moan about doing away with oversigning. We complain about unlevel playing fields when it comes to everything from recruiting to drug testing. We've gotten to a point in our college football development where coaches are no longer revered, but are chastised for throwing bitches off the back of their hog.


Might I take a moment to suggest...swift, fast leglislation that immediately does away with the hamstring pulls...the tweaked groins...the sprained shoulders...and of course the turf toe! You wanna blaze a trail Slive?!? You want to pound your yankee chest on something real Prez Adams?!? 


Take down the trainers tables and let these kids play.

Ya feel me, brah?

Offseason, the sequel
I'm not going to type down to you. I know this ain't your first rodeo. You've handled the long drawn out off season before. Multiple times. But it stands to mention that we are on the brink of the calendar's worst squares. We are tiptoeing ever so close to that driest, most desperate time of year. 


The first edition of the off season is barely enough time to miss it. You pull the winter sweaters down out of the storage and Signing Day is already here. You spend a couple Saturday nights watching some chick flick with Matthew McConaGay instead of football and then suddenly spring practice is here.


The second session however is like a persistent hemorrhoid. It won't go away. There are no salves to make time go faster. No ointments to ease the pain and suffering. Like all sequels to great movies the next chapter of the offseason is the Highlander 2: The Quikening of the offseason. Sucks harder than a Hoover inside a hurricane. These next few months are like that last hour of work that never seems to end. 


But yea...though I walk through the valley of endless discontent...eternal days of no football related news...boundless deserts of no tailgates...I will have no fear. For I carry the sound of the lone trumpeter with me. Forever and always.

h/t AHD

See y'all tomorrow!

Diamond Dawgs ride Pal's arm

A big 8th inning and a HUGE complete game by Pallazone spells doom for the Rebel Black Bears of Oxford at Foley last night.

Spurrier's black kettle

Now that you mention it...

His thoughts on the Georgia-South Carolina game moving from the second week of the season to the sixth week in 2012. 

“I don’t know. I sort of always liked playing them that second game because you could always count on them having two or three key players suspended.” 

I've always wished Georgia played South Carolina around the sixth game of the season when the starting quarterback is finally forced out against the OBC's will despite being the John Daly of the SEC.

GATArchives: Georgia - Clemson, 1984

If you come by here often you know that there is orange blood in my family. However, you are also aware that this fact doesn't keep me from bold predictions and putting the flags at full Glory in their territory. The Georgia-Clemson rivalry can cause some family tension certain Fall seasons, but it also allows me to sit in the middle of their endzone sea of orange every now and then and watch Greene and Pollack dismantle their team 30-3.


So I'm thrilled that this rivalry appears to be saved for the 2013-14 season openers. To celebrate I want to use this edition of GATArchives to remember one of the greatest (if not THE greatest) game between the two programs.


It was the day Sanford Stadium became worse than bonkers. It's known for Kevin Butler's miraculous and momentous 60 yard game winning kick that went 100,000 miles. Georgia beat the #2 ranked Tigers 26-23 after trailing by two touchdowns at halftime. Here are some important notes from the game.

• Georgia gave the ball away three times in the first half on interceptions, but Tiger QB Mike Eppley accounted for five second half turnovers (and seven total for the game with three INTs and four fumbles, holy crap!) in helping the Dawgs climb back into the game.
• William "The Refridgerator" Perry was limited to seven tackles. When asked what the Dawgs did to neutralize him he claimed it was anything but blocking him. "Tripping, holding, clipping. But I don't think they blocked me."
• On the other side Georgia center Pete Anderson had a different take: "I was exhausted but [Perry] was more tired. We were in better condition. I think they should have rested him at times."
• Although it's the 60 yard FG that everyone remembers, it was Tron Jackson's 24 yard run on a '23 Draw' late that set up the kick.
• Both coaches pretty much agreed the turning point of the game was Georgia's first possession of the 2nd half. The Dawgs drove 70 yards and quarterback Todd Williams found Herman Archie on a 19 yard score.
• Another unsung hero of the game was punter Chip Andrews who averaged 47.5 yards on 4 punts.
• Munson's memorable call

Source - The Atlanta Journal & Constitution
Date - September 23, 1984
Context - #20 Georgia beats #2 Clemson 26-23 after some confusion at the end of the game.
Photo courtesy of Lanna Swindler

So, Butler's kick gives the Dawgs a 3 point lead with 11 seconds left and in the chaos of celebrating Dooley's team is assessed a 15 yard penalty. Ford's Tigers tried a cross field lateral on the ensuing kickoff that appeared to have fooled Georgia momentarily, but eventually the Clemson ball carrier was forced out of bounds at the Georgia 35. The controversy came when it was uncertain as to whether there was a penalty on the kickoff and if there was one second remaining when Roulhac went out of bounds. After a brief conference officials determined that the ballgame was over.

Quotable: Ford on the final play - "I would like to have discussed it with officials but I couldn't find one. I thought there was one second left, and I thought there was a penalty, and I thought a game couldn't end on a penalty. I don't know if they made a mistake or not, and I hope I don't find out I was right."

And...Ford on what he was thinking on Butler's kick - "That he would miss it. Seriously, I knew he had the leg and knew he had a chance. That ball must be flat now. He kicked the fool out of it."

Lastly...Defensive Coordinator Bill Lewis on where the win ranked in his experience - "If it's not No. 1 then it's No. 2. But I haven't been in a more exciting game I don't think."

Back to the centerfield confrontation, Ford hinted that he didn't realize it was Dooley in front of him when he was yelling after the game. He later went to the Georgia locker room to apologize for the heated exchange. It was a tight contest that went down to the last minute. We've all seen games that even when they are over the emotions are still high and pandemonium seems to grab hold at least momentarily. Regardless of how it ended, it's evident that this was just another chapter in what is a storied and tense rivalry. 

Perhaps the greatest chapter of all if you ask Dawg fans.

Wednesday's Tax Sheltered Headers

One parting shot on the whole Petrino thing. It occurred to me during AD Jeff Long's presser last night that Arkansas can't even do a scandal right. At least at Georgia we have undergarments, martinis and some curbside groveling thrown in. 


After the vacation I'm still catching up on practice news. And about every time I catch up there's another significant injury. Nevertheless, here's some links that won't pull your groin but might turn your stomach.

Whitehurst...meet Mr. Davis.

• Is there a better off season college football website than this one? NO. But we're getting there. (h/t Keg n' Eggs)
• Malcolm Mitchell is likely out for Saturday's scrimmage. You can insert your own four letter word here - - -> ___________ !!!
• That previous link also explains that there is no player draft for teams this year. The coaches determined the teams and we'll find out what they are later today.
• Kholton Houston is the starting right tackle after a great spring.
• Coach T came out of his bunker to speak with the media about the ever changing S&C program. And sounds like Rex Bradberry's position will be filled by a grad assistant.
• Marc Deas did a 180 and the team welcomed the turnaround.
• And Thomas Davis was on hand yesterday. Here's some Q&A with the former Dawg.

Wrap up that tax return before Saturday ladies and gents. Coach Richt might just need you on the field.

Advice for Petrino successor

Piggy Petrino is done in Arkansas.

The phrase still fits Hog fans!!

I called Arkansas AD Jeff Long last night to suggest he hire Dorrell's fiancé Josh Morgan as the interim coach. There wasn't an answer.

So in a persistent effort to help, I'd like to suggest the new Arkansas coach take the time to complete Pig Trail's Skilled Rider Course.

What is Pig Trail you ask? That's a Harley-Davidson dealer about 25 miles outside of Fayetteville Arkansas. For the sake of Ozzie Guillen's the new coach's wife, family, mistress, mistress' fiancé, the Hog fans and of course all the people that showed up Monday night...a head coach with better "cornering judgment" and experience at "swerving" could save everyone a LOT of hassle.

SEC Today - Bubba Watson

Host Hannah Chalker talks with Golf Channel commentator Jerry Foltz about Bubba Watson winning the 2012 Masters. Great recap on the memorable Easter for Bubba, but also some nice words for Coach Haack and the UGA Golf program. Go Dawgs!

JJ Green made 14!

There's probably another commitment to the 2013 class before you even read this. No seriously, there probably is.


So I won't go into a lot of detail into what's developing in Athens since it changes by the minute (CMR has received five commitments since Friday, maybe six by the end of the day). But I thought this video pretty much said it all when Radi Nabulsi gets taken off guard by JJ Green's announcement.

Monday's Meatloaf - fornicators, scalpers and sinners...OH MY!!

There are so many honors in attending the Masters. Augusta National Golf Club possesses so many opportunities, both small in significance and magnificent in grandeur. For an example, you get an opportunity to see Amen Corner before the shadows cloak it in its familiar mystique. Growing up watching the tournament I had just assumed it was forever positioned at a point where the Sun caught the tree tops at just the right angle as to lengthen the legends' shadows. Then you get there early one morning and realize Amen Corner is actually here on Earth, susceptible to the Sun's light in a very normal fashion. 

Ummmm...delicious!

It'd been two years since I'd last made the walk in Augusta. No, I'm not just referring to the stroll along the 11th fairway towards the raucous crowd at Amen Corner. And not the one to the concession stand for yet another round of egg salad and pimento cheese sandwiches. I'm also talking about the one outside of the main entrance. You emerge from the parking lots readying your badge for inspection and quickly checking your pockets to make sure they don't contain any contraband. You ease up to the crosswalk with a gathering of other patrons. And then it happens. For your troubles you are promptly called a fornicator, a habitual sinner and other inauspicious insults. And Martha Burk is no where in sight! WTH?!?


A couple dudes waving Bibles are trying to out-shout each other and you are the target. You thought you were about to enter one of sports most prestigious and beautiful arenas. Instead you're evidently about to enter Hell. It's all a little much to take in, especially since I'd had oatmeal for breakfast and mostly driven the speed limit in getting to Augusta. I even changed my underwear that morning. Luckily you eventually get to leave them behind to harass the next group. By the time you get to the security check you can no longer hear them calling you out for being lucky enough to have a badge. You can't hear them scold you for being a good person with an agenda for the 14th green.


Yes, it is then that your transgressions are truly washed away. The practice area is alive with activity and the bathroom line is short. It's going to be a good day, and no dude in jeans  violently waving a Bible can convince me otherwise. Why don't these overly aggressive "preachers" descend on the transgressions just down the road where the scalpers are enticing patrons to cash in on their badges? Talk about an inexcusable sin.


Today's Ingredients

via Anti-Orange Page

• Just a terrific Masters Tournament. So much to follow and a Dawg wins it.
• Nice write up here by ABH's Chris White on who Bubba Watson is and where he might go from here.
• Oh, and that double-eagle Titleist that Louis Oosthuizen casually tossed into the gallery? It eventually made it's way into the hands of Augusta National officials. Enjoy your return trip Mr. Mitchell!
• Who better to extend some congrats to Bubba than Streit at Bubba 'n Earl's. Also, ecdawg thinks it might be an omen.
• In other alumni news, John Isner...just doing his thang.
• The GymDogs reached the NCAA semis by crushing Auburn on their home floor.
• Blutarsky likes the meat on these Cocktail Party bones.
• Corey Moore is doing his best to step in at safety amidst the injuries and impending suspensions.
• Looks like we won't get to see Keith Marshall in Saturday's GDay game after all.
• After Alex Wood's terrific performance Friday, the Diamond Dawgs faltered in the weekend series against Arkansas.
• Hey you know The Lady Sportswriter. Well, make sure you change your bookmark for her new blog address. And check out her thoughts on the possibility of signing 30 tackle football players in 2013.
• Still early, but doesn't appear as if Petrino's job is going to be taken from him as support for him swells. Personally, I don't care either way as long as the pig's family and Josh Morgan are as comfortable as possible with the outcome.
• Lastly, one more golf link. And if you like (or dislike) Phil Mickelson you're going to want to click it. Save it if you have to, cuz Posnanski nails it like a floopty doopty.

Whether you're lining up an impossible shot from the pinestraw off #10 in a playoff or simply sitting on the other side of the ropes enjoying an egg salad sandwich, Augusta National is the perfect place to spend an afternoon in April. Even the I'M GON' SCREAM AT YOU AND THIS CAPTIVE AUDIENCE SO THAT YOUR SOULS CAN BE SAVED FROM ETERNAL DAMNATION!!! washes away as soon as you walk through the gates. You've arrived in God's backyard and the scalpers and fornicator haters are well out of earshot. The beer is cheap and the hosts all smile and remind you to do the same. You are at the Masters after all. 

Thanks Bernie!

You might as well be a million miles away from your email, yard work, boss, 2012 election campaign ad...or any other worry and hassle. Which is what amazes me with the people that run the risk of smuggling in their cell phone, electronic device. These are strictly forbidden and I can't imagine the embarrassment of getting caught and losing the badge. Have I thought about jumping the rope, blindsiding Padraig's caddy and assuming the role in his stead? Sure, but the consequences are much heavier than the bag itself. Have I stood behind the 18th tee box and wished I could snap a picture? Absolutely. But like Dad said they'll sell you one in the clubhouse, and in the end that's cheaper than handing over the badge.

No, for me I'd rather leave the contraband behind and enjoy an afternoon of just golf, tucked inside the pines and between the splendor that is the course itself. Text messages can wait. In truth they are the furthest thing from my mind. After all Dad and I have the difficult task of reading the 14th green. It may be the only hole on the course without a sand trap but the golfers are rewarded with a glass-like surface that has several extremely delicate changes in altitude that must be negotiated carefully and cautiously. There's no time for the camera phone and your BookFace status can wait. What? Are you just going to leave that downhill putt to Patrick Cantlay and his caddie (who's probably some dude he pulled out of his surfboard mechanics class at UCLA) while you tweet something out about how you just bought a Masters sweater and umbrella for just $130!! ? 

As the PGA commercial says, these guys are good!. Sometimes they're even great. But without Dad's help Justin Rose never makes birdie at 14 Saturday. He parred it every other round. You think that's just a coincidence? I think not! The patrons every other day were probably playing Words with Friends on their iPhones. Or worse...thinking about fornicating!

But not you Reader. You're too classy for that crap. But not so classy that you can't get some gravy on your chin. Here's your napkin. Hurry up so you can make the turn.

Bernie

Congrats Bubba!

More coming in The Meatloaf shortly. But that was as an emotional, dramatic victory at Augusta National as I can remember.


Back in June of last year, I pleaded with Bubba Watson not to give up his day job. Since then he's purchased the General Lee, filled in as an assistant coach for Andy Landers and adopted a baby boy named Caleb. But luckily, he never stopped stroking it.

Congrats Bubba! A sudden death playoff wedge shot for the ages and a nice fit into the green blazer. Damn Good Dawg!