Bama - what to look for

It's finally here. Our bonus gameday. The culmination of a long season. The reward at the end of a long, hard SEC road. So here's what I'm looking for starting at 4:00pm eastern.

Like last year, only bigger

• Poise. We were in the same spot (physically speaking) last year this time. Nothing is new to this team. The upperclassmen and their leadership has carried us down the stretch this season. We shouldn't need any miscues from the opponent to be in this game early. We should be ready to play football from the start.
• Deep looks. Or maybe not so deep looks. But how much does Bobo use the intermediate and long routes to open up their defensive front will go a long way toward answering some questions we have on the offensive side of the ball. Namely...
• Protection. If we can give Murray enough time to work through his checks, it will be a difficult day for Coach Smart. If we can even give Murray enough time to work the seams and the deep outs it will slow down their pass rush and help the offensive line immensely.
• Freshmen. We're deep and experienced at most skill positions. Gurley and Marshall have faced two top tier opponents' defenses this season. Their performance in this game could go a long way towards deciding the eventual outcome. Against South Carolina and Florida things weren't as sexy as against other opponents. But we still came away admiring their toughness and character. Let's ramp that up a notch.
• More poise. As mentioned earlier this week, we've just come around to having some confidence in our special teams. If we need them to cover a lot of kicks it will take discipline and poise to keep those plays from deciding the game. Nothing is going to come easy today. So it's not the time to give up anything easily either.

In the end, this game will be won or lost like most others - along the line of scrimmage. I like our chances because of that and not in spite of it. Which says a lot for how far we've come.

But win or lose this has been a fantastic season. As fans, let's not lose sight of that. Hope to see y'all at the Dome!

Go Dawgs!

Boss Bailey at AT&T Fan Zone

For immediate release:

AT&T Fan Zone Kicks off SEC Showdown with Former Players, Unique Activities and Offerings

WHAT:	AT&T* is joining Alabama and Georgia fans at the SEC FanFare this weekend to present the ultimate fan experience with the AT&T Fan Zone. Regardless of team loyalty, all college football fans will have the chance to explore some of AT&T’s most exciting services and football offerings. Visitors can pose for digital caricature artists, capture commemorative photos, try their hand at interactive games, score giveaways and of course, meet a few former players.
WHEN:	Friday, Nov. 30, 2012,  1 – 6 p.m. EST Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012,  9 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST Player appearances by former athletes scheduled for: Dec. 1, 1 - 2 p.m. (EST) – Julio Jones Dec. 1, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (EST) – Boss Bailey
WHERE:	Georgia World Congress Center Hall C 285 International Blvd NW Atlanta, GA
WHO:	In addition to bringing fans face to face with some of AT&T’s greatest services and offerings, the AT&T Fan Zone will host former University of Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones and former University of Georgia linebacker Boss Bailey.
VISUALS:	·          Athlete autograph sessions ·          Fans interacting with AT&T Fan Zone games and activities ·          Caricature artists using the Samsung Galaxy™ Note II ·          Commemorative photo station featuring the Samsung Galaxy™ Camera ·          A number of interactive products, services and games on display, football-themed games for the Web and wireless devices, prizes and much, much more.

Friday Misery - where the devil won't stay

Breaking: Joe Waterloo was last seen southbound on I-75 acting all Dorsey Hill on us. He had pledged before the Tech game that he was heading straight for Miami. That might sound noble, prophetic or maybe like he had a little too much Mr. Boston's. The problem is that he only packed two things: a red thong and a bottle of of tanning oil.

If found, please refill his red solo cup.

Of blood and confidence
Ok. This rotgut moonshine is making me sick. So put on your big boy pants bitches. Shit. Getting. Real.

The only blood that's any cleaner is the blood that's blue or greener

Without either you just get meaner and the blood you gave gives you away

ESPN's hard on for Darling Nicky knows no bounds. They strap it on, spout off about stats and strength of schedule and how the streets of Tuscaloosa are paved in gold and suddenly any game that might take place on an actual football field is perfunctory (that's "meaningless"...for any of you Tide grads that just stumbled in wearing your Wal-Mart t-shirts and your good underwear). The game is just a matter of financial obligation to the host city and as a way to stir up more support for this year's Florida gator pity party.

Never won his conference, but plenty of "highlights".

What do they give us? What do they give Coach Richt, who by the way is 2-2 against that dwarf mother humper? What do they give Jarvis and Aaron and CRob and Gurley? Hope. That's right, they give us nuggets of hope that feel more like bassackwards compliments and warm piss dripping down our backs.

Look, we don't need your goddamn hope. We don't want your casual glances and flirtative gestures. We don't need your pity and if you so much as aim that bulge in your pants towards us Bristol...I'll go all Mitch Davis on Herbstreit's ass. You all slather on the crimson lipstick, sloppy kiss Bama's defense and put your hand down Saban's chinos as much and as often as you'd like. We'll pass on that shit. After all, our memory isn't so short. We've seen that trumped up midget at his lowest point.

Look. They buckle their chin straps just like we do. Just because they backed into last year's national title game doesn't mean they should be given this year's conference crown. Willie Joe never faced a safety blitz from Shawn Williams on his road to the '64 title and Bear Bryant ran out of swimming scholarships to hand out to offensive linemen decades ago. This is 2012 jack! The world's no longer gray, it's full of color and silver britches. Bama fans drink the same Kentucky bourbon I pour into my cup. McCarron's tears might be a little saltier, but he can wet his pants just like Aaron Murray did...back in 1991.

I'm sick of watching Mark May round third base with their first string. I'm tired of reading Aschoff whine about his team being left out, all while forgetting about getting bitch slapped in Jacksonville. I'm sick of Mandel packing our bags for Orlando whilst breathing hope out the side of his mouth. You want to talk about hope? I hope Saban gives all of you chlamydia. I hope Mark Richt has mercy on your worthless ass because I sure as hell wouldn't find the time. I hope you one day understand that while we might bleed the same, our blood is Georgia red son.

Sit your narrow ass down...I'm just getting started.

Dome bound and down
No, no one wants to give us a chance in hell. And I'm just fine with that. It's been 30 years since Georgia has played a game with this much importance. And while I was alive back then, my Dawg years had truly yet to begin. So I can wade through whatever load of shit anyone wants to pour in my way. I can stomach the stench of the national media's entitlements. I wouldn't miss this for the world. The opportunity to see these players prove themselves while the rest of the nation sits slack-jawed in a pool of their own drool. The chance to see the team reach their goal that has consumed every practice since August and every point put up on the scoreboard since the first of September. The absolute privilege to witness my Dawgs punch their own ticket and not have it punched for them!

It's been 30 years in the making and the feeling I have is unmistakable. There's no denying the confidence I feel that the crest of the mountain has yet to be conquered. In many ways, last year this time we'd reached the top. Everything was new and wonderful. We were playing LSU with nothing to lose, but also with not so much to gain.

Tomorrow we have EVERYTHING to gain. Tomorrow we take the next step, and it goes beyond what we built last season. In 24 hours we look destiny in the eye and refuse to blink. If your blood runs red and black, it's going to be a moment like none other. Nothing in our immediate or long term recollection can compare to the magnitude of this competition. Our experience as fans and as students and as alumni of the University of Georgia has yet to see the Glory that this team can produce. For tomorrow we reach the top, the place we've aimed for all along.

Yes, Dawgs on top! I'm Dome bound then down...for a trip to Miami. Join me. I've been hunkering for this for some time. I'll gladly rise beside you as our Dawgs take the field. I'll gladly cheer with you as we score on them at will. And we'll sing our anthem proudly as the confetti rains down upon our team.

Hell hath no fury like what you will witness tomorrow Alabama. It's our time, and the devil has no business here this year.

Go Dawgs!

SEC Kickoff with Coach Dooley

While you're waiting on the Friday Misery, Coach Dooley preps us for the weekend's SEC Championship Game.

SECCG - ground attack

This Barrett Sallee preview of the rushing game for both Georgia and Alabama follows the expected script.

Two things give Alabama the edge on the ground in this one—its solid offensive line and Lacy's experience.

The Crimson Tide offensive line is widely regarded as one of the top units in the country. Center Barrett Jones, guards Chance Warmack and Anthony Steenand tackles D.J. Fluker and Cyrus Kouandjio haven't lived up to expectations in the pass-blocking department, but they've been stellar in the run game all year.

Georgia's offensive line has been better lately, but the inconsistency may pop up again—especially against a defensive front seven like Alabama boasts.

But there's one thing Gurley and Marshall have that Yeldon and Lacy don't - Aaron Murray's passing game. Georgia ranks 4th in the league in passing and Bama ranks 9th. I think Bobo has the luxury of being able to use the pass to open up some run lanes. If that happens I like our chances on the ground as well.

SECCG - Countdown to Kickoff

Hannah Chalker sets the stage for a big weekend in Atlanta.

SECCG - 48hr preview featuring Malcolm Mitchell taking a knee

On Monday we talked about the two entrances: the one to start the game and the one coming out of halftime. Ever since publishing that post I've been ready to head to the Dome. Alas, here we still sit. So might as well take another temperature check.

Here's a collection of questions, thoughts and ramblings:

• How many turnovers can we force? We're +15 in that category since Jacksonville. Can a disciplined team like Bama give us some freebies too?
• I'm both uncomfortable and intrigued by all the talk of A&M's quarterback^* this week. On one hand, Murray is a much better signal caller, better passer and is a veteran. On the other, the Aggies don't win that game without their little quarterback.
• But the bottomline is that we're a much different and much better offense than A&M. So despite Murray's mobility I don't see us altering our offensive game plan around Bama's one loss this season.
• That being said, if our offensive line starts to struggle we need to be ready to buy some time for Murray and his targets. So allow me one more time to point out that the QB Waggle is a play that has worked more times than not when we've run it.
• But lets face it, Bobo doesn't need our help. He's got two great running backs, a quarterback that is having a great month to add to a great season and a stellar career, and depth at wide receiver despite a couple key injuries. We can stretch the field, if the o-line can hold their own...
• And it's a credit to Coach Friend that I'm not overly worried about the offensive line. They've played well coming into what should be their second or third biggest test of the season.
• I've failed to mention it earlier I believe, but Jamie Lindley has been a beast of late. Surely he can continue to nail those kickoffs deep from the GA Dome floor.
• Speaking of special teams, they've been solid of late (knocks on head a little too vigorously). Richt's confidence in Morgan never wavered and mine is starting to follow suit. He's made a couple big field goals this season. The next one he lines up for will be the biggest of his young life, not to mention the team's season.
• Another special thought: although punt coverage has been better, we're not exactly used to doing a whole lot of that each game. If this turns into a field position battle and low scoring, conservative affair...we better be ready.

Lastly, touchbacks are a good terrific thing. And Malcolm Mitchell, just like Christmas, that goes for giving and receiving.

^*I'm sure a lot of Heisman voters read this blog, so I'm purposefully not mentioning the kid's name because it would be a friggin' travesty for ANY freshman to win that sucker after Herschel was hosed. Prissy ballot mongers...

2012 season highlights

via SECDigitalNetwork

Head coach musical chairs

First off, don't worry about Coach Grantham and any rumors at this point in the game. I can confirm that Mrs. G is very happy in Athens. If you think he's uprooting his posse for a gig in Raleigh you're crazy. Now, if he gets a crack at Notre Dame's offensive juggernaut... then that's a different story.

Meanwhile, Kentucky's head gig has been sealed up. But we're just getting started. Landscape has changed dramatically since the last time we did this. Probably will again before I even click publish. Here are some thoughts.

Auburn. A lot is in play here. Jimbo Fisher has been mentioned, along with many others. But it seems to me this will end up being the right fit between a man who's desperate enough and a program that needs anything north of John L. Smith a warm body. Even though Trooper and Luper have taken their show Brink's truck and magic transcription pens back on the road, there is still plenty of heavy clouds over Opelika. (sidenote: if you're an Auburn recruit and are interested in players rewards cards, just click here and ask for the Trooper Towel discount.)

I think Petrino is the best match. Both can give desperation a nice hug.

Tennessee. John Gruden is the power play, complete with coon skin and part ownership of some semi-pro team up in South Canadia. So let's weigh this one out shall we? Nice gig behind a microphone while waiting on Miami to open up, or spend the Winter talking to a bunch of dipshits and the Fall driving their kids on the short bus to games? Hmmm...still a pipedream. Even with the homemade possum pork rinds.

Also some rumors about a possible "hot coordinator" taking this one. But that's a road the hillbillys have been down already. So give names like Kirby Smart and Chad Morris the most casual of glances here. They smell to me like the perfect fit for someone such as Butch Jones or maybe Malzahn. They'll interview Charlie Strong I bet, but they lack the IQ score to offer him.

Arkansas. Lesticles? In Fayetteville? Even Gary Patterson makes more sense. But no, I think either Malzahn or Charlie Strong is the fit here.

Tech. Coach Turkey Neck gets a six year extension for winning the ACC championship this Saturday in front of 6,000 FSU fans and a Georgia Tech couple that recently relocated to Charlotte.

SECCG - Georgia vs. Bama (video)