National Landscape, week three. The Dawgs lose a first round bye.

Once again, this week brings some changes. Although I'm not overly concerned about this Georgia team, I do admit it now feels less likely we can go undefeated. The Dawgs' schedule is just brutal and the offensive line is down a starter and looked road weary already Saturday night.

So I'm shaking up my SEC stance this week. I'm moving Texas up to the top, which drops Georgia significantly. And I'm also shying away from my confidence in the SEC getting five teams in. To put it as concisely as I can, I think Georgia, Alabama, and Texas are my clear favorites to compete for the conference crown. And I think all three get in the playoffs. That leaves Ole Miss, Missouri and Tennessee on a second tier, and maybe only one of them gets in.

Why? Of those three, Tennessee has the hardest path. They get Bama at home, and go on the road against their other two ranked opponents - Oklahoma this weekend, and Georgia in November. Missouri - away games against A&M and Bama, home against Oklahoma. Ole Miss - home against Oklahoma and Georgia. It's early I know, but it feels like these three need to shove their way onto that first tier to guarantee a spot come December.

Lucky for them, there's still a LOT of football to be played.

In the ACC, I'm sticking with Clemson over Miami. And I still don't see a second team making the playoffs. In the Big10 however, Oregon finally showed some hope for a post-season run in their win over a pesky Oregon State team. I'll keep Penn State and Ohio State in, but move the Ducks up to a 1st round bye. And in the Big 12, Kansas State's rout of Arizona put them on my radar. But I'm keeping Utah as both the Big 12's conference champ and only seed in the bracket.

The only thing left to decide: if I scale the SEC's seedings down from five to four, who gets the other spot. At this point I'd have to go with the Salukis, as NIU's victory over Notre Dame is the Group of 5's biggest win thus far. In fact it only looked better after the Fighting Irish laid waste to the Boilermakers this past weekend. But keeping an eye on Toledo and Memphis here too.

Onto the bracket:

1. Texas (bye)
2. Oregon (bye)
3. Utah (bye)
4. Clemson (bye)
5. Georgia (hosts)
6. Penn State (hosts)
7. Alabama (hosts)
8. Ohio State (hosts)
9. Ole Miss
10. UCF
11. Boise State
12. NIU

Yes, I know that Tennessee and Missouri are likely better than (probably) both Group of 5 teams. But it's September 18th, and I prefer to recognize NIU's play on the field rather than reward something...I don't know...something like an onside kick in the 1st quarter when you're up 30-0.

Anyway, as always, we close this weekly post with this: Those are at least some intriguing matchups in Round 1. $till not $old on making the $ea$on thi$ long. But I'd watch, and I gue$$ that'$ why they expanded, right?

Digesting Kentucky

With a couple of nights to sleep on it, the fog has cleared and I think we see what Saturday night in Lexington actually was - a road win in the SEC, even when we had an off night.

So I think the best way to translate this from my brain to a page on the web, is to use pros and cons. Let's dive into it starting with the good.

Pros

• The defense wasn't at its usual prowess in tackling, but stood up to the test with a depleted defensive line. For the fourth consecutive game they have not given up a touchdown. And looking back, we can all agree that to do so on Saturday night would've meant a loss.
• Jalon Walker's night doesn't show up enough in the game stats. But man oh man, what a night he had!
• Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins earned every bit of his Co-Defensive lineman of the week honors.
• Special teams had a good night when we needed them to have one. Thorson averaged nearly 50 yards a punt and had three inside the 20 yard line. Woodring connected on both FG attempts.

Cons

• Beck had an off night. As much as some would lay the offensive woes completely at Bobo's feet, I suspect a lot of the inability to find an offensive rhythm is on our quarterback's shoulders. It's a new era with helmet communication. At 15 seconds on the play clock Bobo's mic is turned off. There were several plays where Beck just didn't check into a pass and went with a run into a seven man front. Weird, and not something we're used to from the last few years as there was little to no drop off in line of scrimmage adjustments from Stetson to Carson.
• That being said, the play calling was very vanilla. Which is a good point to remember, Kirby determines the game plan. And I can see (clearly) a scenario where he tells Bobo to save pages of the playbook for the gauntlet that starts in Tuscaloosa.
• The bend but don't break defense was just enough, but the lack of contain on Vandergriff is definitely a point of emphasis heading into a matchup with the country's best dual threat quarterback. BVG made use of space for big gains. Milroe can turn yards into actual touchdowns.
• More than Bobo and Beck's play calling, the blocking overall should receive a failing grade. And let's give a nod to Kentucky's game plan and their players for having a great game. On our side, even before Ratledge went down, the OL was not in sync. In short, they were dominated for much of the game. Especially in run blocking.
• And our wide receivers and tight ends didn't fare any better. That screen pass to Frazier for -5 yards saw both Delp (who usually runs a clinic in downfield blocking) and Lovett whiff. Not good.

I think that's enough of that. It's time to take the win and move along. 

With games like this, I always attempt to view it through Kirby's eyes. It was a ugly win ahead of a bye week, with a huge game in Tuscaloosa up next. Use the extra week to sharpen up. Iron on iron. Go Dawgs!

the Friday Misery isn't scared of blue cats

/checks calendar

Full moons. Jason Vorhees' hockey mask. Walmart parking lots. Presidential elections. Snakes. Sharks. Women driving in the left lane on the interstate with one hand on the mascara brush and the other holding their triple non-soy half-caff mocha latte. Black cats. Hell, most cats! They freak me out man!

Those are some things to be afraid of. A blue cat trying to shoot a three point shot with a football from their own 25 yard line.

Nope.

the Bourbon Trail's Tales

The Keeneland crew!

So yes, we've taken to venturing up yonder in the spring. Keeneland is an amazing venue, where memories to be made are ripe for the picking. Taking pictures with our ladies all dolled up. Chris trying to herd us like a group of 8 year olds a full year off their hyperactivity meds. Kelley nerding out over the race bulletin. Heath and I getting absorbed into a bachelorette party for pictures against the rail. Tommy Guns nearly leaving a winning ticket worth hundreds behind!

Just lying there. Next to a puddle mixture of bourbon, melted ice, champagne, and a hint of Tommy's homemade cologne. 

There was also the first time I went up for a Georgia/Kentucky tilt. Celebrating the win with Tony's crew, we were about to run out of bourbon. So Wayne and I walked stumbled up to the local CVS's liquor aisle to replenish. 

Yes you read that correctly.

Shorter versions: early morning conversations in the snakes at Buffalo Trace, waxing your own bottle in Loretto (not a euphemism), Bluegrass Tavern, bundled up for a noon kickoff and sitting next to the Redcoats!

from business decisions, to game time ones

The writing was on the wall for both Brock Vandergriff and Jamon Dumas-Johnson: the 3rd string QB wasn't going to have significant playing time, and the former starting middle backer was seeing it significantly diminish right before his very eyes. So they packed up and caravanned up to the Blue Grass State.

CJ Allen on a previous kitty hunt

It was the right decision. Probably still is for both. JDJ is off to a good start. Vandergriff struggled mightily against the Gamechickens, but that Kentucky O-line is terrible. Like swiss cheese that has aged poorly. I mean, they were so bad you could see their mommas leaving the game early. They were so bad I hear Stoops made them attend classes this week. They were so bad, their professors sent them back! Oof.

That's bad. But there was a moment earlier in the week when I thought, why shouldn't Stoops start (checks notes) Gavin Wimsatt at quarterbacker. Our coaches and most of our players don't need tape on their former player and teammate. 

Things Bernie types that make you go "Hmmm...". But for our side we know what's what. Beck and his boys bring their pimp walk to Kroger Field, while CJ Allen uses his helmet communicator thingy ma-jig to direct blitzes and the what-nots.

We held these guys to under 200 yards last season, with just 50 something rushing. I for one believe there's a chance to do something even worse to these kitties tomorrow night.

Another game time decision...24 point spread? Wow. That's a LOT!

"Thank you sir may I have another?!"

Screw it! Lay the points! I don't know if Vandergriff starts but he sure as shit ain't finishing! Go Dawgs!

An Old-Fashioned Don Draper

Remember when Kentucky was sexy, they were trendy. They beat the florida fightin' gators in the swamp after a 300 year drought and suddenly the "Wild"cats are hot shit on a tin roof. They had "super talented Will Levis Dungarees slingin' the rock. LOLOL!! They were who Tennessee is now - the team people want to pick in the summer so they might look like they know something come falling leaves season.

Turns out, these so called "experts" think 12 personnel is code for sneaking an extra player onto the field. Their dad was a knuckle-dragger and their very own are starting to need some bactine and band-aids. They're chasing the spotlight when they are meant for the dim lighting in mom's basement.

Because the truth is, these Wildcats are staler than that half pack of Marlboro Reds that has been lodged in between seat rows of Kroger Double Fuel Points! Stadium section 222 since the late '90s. After A&M slammed the door on him, Stoops whined in the off season about Wildcat fans stepping up with some NIL money, but for his tackle football players this time. Then he rewarded said fans by losing the SEC opener, at home, to Shane Beamer's travelling cluckers.

Wildcat football donors are so pissed they're diggin up old VHS tapes of Tim Couch and Coach Mumme's days to get them through to basketball season. 

Now, please remove your snap back caps and bow your heads...Dear Almighty Lord, please generously provide our backs room to roam free and Beck the time to spread the wealth. And not just the NIL kind. In the name of Rex Robinson's whatchamacallit, Amen!

Tasty suggestions for Dawgs going to Lexington

A group of us head to Keeneland each April to watch the ponies take our money and to make some distillery visits. I know the Kentucky trip is always a popular one for Dawg fans. I've made it a handful of times. The trip has that Venn diagram sweet spot for us - Georgia Football, bourbon tastings, and good food!

All that being said, I wanted to share a couple new spots we found the last two trips we made.

Spring of 2023 we were finishing up at Woodford, and ventured a couple miles down the road along Glenns Creek to Castle & Key. Originally built by none other than Col. Edmund Hayes Taylor Jr., it quickly became a very popular stop. And not just for the spirits, but also the beauty of the land as well as the buildings themselves. But like with so many distilleries, the government got in the way in 1920 and Prohibition saw the distillery's doors close.

After nearly a century of some other failed ventures and plenty of decline and decay, it was rediscovered in 2012 by Will Arvin. Despite it's caved in rooves and dilapidated architecture, Arvin saw its inner beauty. By 2018, it had re-opened its doors and was a full functioning distillery again. They have a great tour and delicious cocktails. I'm not a fan of gin, but theirs is the most unique version (non-piney) I've ever tasted. The bourbon is coming along, as it just recently hit their gift shop. But I like the rye, which I believe they started selling in 2020.

Great stop for history buffs and those that just wanna sit on a relaxing day and sip a cocktail. Castle & Key opens on Friday and Saturday at 10:30, close at 5:00. On Sunday they open at 11:00.

Then last year we found Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., previously known as Three Boys Farm. I love the history of Maker's Mark, Woodford and now Castle & Key's grounds, buildings, and whiskey. And Buffalo Trace is always a must, especially if they're shelving one of those rare ones you need stock on.

Admittedly, the tour at Whiskey Thief is not nearly as deep an experience at those others. But the views, the food truck, some live music, great bar, the views! This place also stands out for an experience you can't get anywhere else. Sure, you can pay for a customized bottle at Woodford. You can buy a bottle and dip it in that red wax at Maker's. 

But have you every thieved your own bottle of whiskey?

And the whiskey is good! They do a good job of going through their flavor profiles and how they "build" different tastes. Which is good for both newcomers and experienced whiskey afficionados so that everyone can buy the bottle they want. You can grab one off the shelf, or tell them you want to fill it with a thief and get the full experience.

Whiskey Thief is open Friday and Saturday 10-5 and they open at 11 on Sundays.

I'm unable to go this year, but if we were we'd hit BT early Friday (hopefully for some Wellers), then Woodford, Castle & Key, then finish the day at Whiskey Thief, which is still in Frankfort about 20 minutes away. Nice long tailgate on Saturday, before hitting Maker's Mark down in Loretto on the way home.

National Landscape, week two

 Wow, what a difference a weekend makes. Because just last week I wrote this:

"Notre Dame has the best track into the CFB Playoffs."

I typed those words because the "Fighting" Irish are both independent and have a super soft schedule. Fresh off a road win over A&M, heading into this past weekend, their toughest test seemed to be a neutral site game (Atlanta's Benz Dome) against GA Tech. Then the Northern Illinois Salukis got off the bus in South Bend. I mean, this schedule is so soft they get FSU at home!

The Irish can still make the playoffs, and likely will given the media's obsession with them. But my broader point is hoo boy, things changed quickly!

I think my feelings in the SEC are the same as last week: Georgia a clear favorite as we prepare to begin our conference slate. I still believe the SEC enjoys getting four more spots. But I'd put Texas ahead of Alabama, and Tennessee ahead of Ole Miss.

Same for the ACC. Clemson rebounded nicely, while the Hurricanes' win over florida fails to impress me much.

Everyone is putting a lot of stock in Nebraska after the Huskers kicked Deion's merry band of transfer portals to the curb. For now, I'll stick with Penn State out of the Big10 and I am penciling in Ohio State.

In the Big 12, Arizona State edged out Mississippi State at home. But I'm sticking with that regular season ending matchup between UCF and Utah as the conference's biggest game.

So all in all, except for Notre Dame dropping out, this week's ranking is very similar to last week's. I just had to decide who to place in the Irish's spot. I ruminated, argued with a wall, and then eventually watched a monkey fling poo at said wall. Went with a third Big 10 team. Congrats Ducks!

1. Georgia (bye)
2. Penn State (bye)
3. Utah (bye)
4. Clemson (bye)
5. Texas (hosts)
6. Ohio State (hosts)
7. Alabama
8. Tennessee
9. Ole Miss
10. UCF
11. Oregon
12. Boise State

And I also decided last week's closing will continue to end this weekly post indefinitely. Those are at least some intriguing matchups in Round 1. $till not $old on making the $ea$on thi$ long. But I'd watch, and I gue$$ that'$ why they expanded, right?

National landscape, week one

Have seen and heard a lot of articles/discussion regarding where the expanded playoff stands after the first full weekend of play. So I thought I'd start a weekly look at things and sprinkle in my own opinions.

First and foremost, I think we can all agree our Dawgs should be at the top of any list. True, it's early. And many challenges lie ahead, both at home, on the road, and at (hopefully) the Benz Dome again. But it's already clear that our roster and this coaching staff can overwhelm an ACC championship challenger at the very least.

After Georgia, who sticks out? Miami is a hot pick after throttling the gators, but that is a bad football team. Napier won't last the month I suspect. Other ACC teams that could win the conference...both Techs. The Jackets are already 1-0, but feel like they don't have the roster to go the long haul. Virginia Tech was a popular dark horse before the season. They could still compete, but were pushed around by Vandy for much of that game.

So the ACC feels like a Clemson and Miami race early on, just waiting to see who else steps up.

In the Big Ten, Oregon didn't look ready and Ohio State eventually rose to the occasion. But I'd put Penn State at the top right now. Good win on the road against West Virginia.

Out in the Big 12, a lotta cupcakes. But I'd say Utah and UCF did the best at not playing with their food before digesting it.

So I'll go with Georgia, Clemson, Penn State and Utah as the top four as conference champions. The SEC will probably have the highest ranked non-conference champions, so I'd say three and maybe four others get in after the Group of 5 gets its bid. Notre Dame has the best track into the CFB Playoffs. After its win over LSU Sunday night, they are a virtual lock. So if we make the SEC's total number 5 (Bama, Texas, Ole Miss and Tennessee?), Ohio State and another Big 12 team should round it out.

1. Georgia (bye)
   
2. Penn State (bye)
3. Utah (bye)
4. Clemson (bye)
5. Notre Dame (hosts)
6. Bama (hosts)
7. Ohio State (hosts)
8. Texas (hosts)
9. Ole Miss
10. UCF
11. Tennessee
12. Boise State

Those are at least some intriguing match ups in Round 1. Still not sold on making the season this long. But I'd watch, and I guess that's why they expanded, right? $$$

the Friday Misery once wore orange

 "I want to coach a team that opponents don't look forward to playing." - Danny Ford, Clempson head side line roamer 1978-1989

I understand the sentiment Coach Ford. But feel the opposite about Georgia vs Clemson. And I think Coach Smart feels the same as I do. Maybe Dabo too.

A tail as old as time

Long time readers may recall, I both grew up in Athens and am the product of a Clemson Tiger household. Yes, those two things can indeed both be true! Dear ol' dad took me to 100% more games at Lake Hartwell's version of Death Valley than he did at Sanford Stadium. I both had an orange windbreaker as a kid AND remember listening to Munson on the radio calling Georgia games while I raked leaves in the backyard.

Talk about a conflicted upbringing!

"Coach, that boy Herschel is gonna be a problem for us isn't he?"

And yet it all worked out in the end. Dad went on to get his doctorate from an actual school, UGA, and Georgia continued this rivalry by flat out dominating! Also, I ditched the orange windbreaker for a gray Member's Only jacket in middle school and started doing impressions of Michael Jackson on the side.

The '80s! What a time!

The point I'm failing to get to is...I love this game! My greatest prediction in this series came when I was walking into Sanford in 2002, called the folks on my flip phone, and predicted a 31-28 Georgia win. Thank you Billy Bennett! 

Speaking of Sanford, this game was the first one under lights 'tween the hedges. Forty two years ago ABC moved the game to Labor Day night, gave Vince Dooley $50k for temporary lights, which he parlayed into $250k for permanent ones. Dawgs won 13-7. And then won every other game until we lost to Penn State in the Sugar Bowl. Meanwhile, Clempson went undefeated, but got caught giving recruits extra cow patties and had to forgo a bowl game.

To be honest, it's not much of a rivalry, as Georgia leads the series 43-18-4. But they've played some epic games. And two of which I was sitting beside my IPTAY father in Death Valley. We watched that 2003 team dominate with Pollack, Greene, and Fab Fly Freddie Gibson. And we watched that 2013 team come so close in a 38-35 Clemson win. 

Picture that Dad's colleagues hung at his desk

Saturday it's time to Hunker Down and grab that kitty by the tail, again!

Pro-NUN-see-a-shuns

As we begin another college tackle football season, I again begin to appreciate how we can both hate a team, yet respect their pride in said team. In our family text threads, the perfect Fall Saturday is when Georgia wins, Clemson wins, and South Carolina loses. We can't stand the Gamecocks, but Lord A'mighty they HATE them.

And then there's little things too. Years ago, Dad and I had a nice Sunday at Augusta National (watching, not playing). We're walking out the gate and I pointed at Mike Tirico, who naturally was there to cover the little tournament they had going on. Dad had a long look of disgust, to which I asked why he didn't like the dude.

Turns out, Tirico pronounces "Clemson" in a way that is considered somewhere between a gross error and downright idiocy. He emphasizes the "s" as more of a "ZZZZ" if I recall correctly. Which is why I often type "Clemson" with a "p", because that's what I've heard since childhood.

Come on Tirico! How are you gonna make it in that business if you can't connect to a rural upstate South Carolina farming population. Jeesh.

Other adventures in pronunciations. en-dor As in Georgia fans enjoy indoor plumbing, now going on more than a century! Or how about, klown. Because our coach isn't named after one. And tra-dish-shuns. They touch a rock.

And we create HA-VOK! Go Dawgs!

Chubb didn't need a helmet in 2014

Quick housekeeping notes

Stapleton's White Horse will forever be my go to tune before a game. It was playing at our tailgate before we marched into the WLOCP last year...I lost my voice. Thanks to our youngest for the reminder!

And here's a link to the first episode of our podcast - 4th & 3 Dudes - in which Nama does his best to put a tent over a circus. 

In closing

I understand what Farmer Ford meant when he gave us that quote about the kind of team he wanted to build. But there's a real, tangible difference between opening up on national television against Clempson, as opposed to an Austin-Peay. Even at noon.

The players are tired at this point of lining up against their own teammates. They're hungry to hit someone in a different jersey. They want this game. Kirby wants this game.

I want this game. And I know you do too. It's been a long off season. About a week longer than we had gotten used to, am I right? Now let's bow our heads please...dear Lord, please allow our fellas to give Klubnik an awful nightmare tomorrow afternoon. And thanks for helping me get rid of that hideous windbreaker!

Amen. Go Dawgs!!

Kevin Grizzard, but just a gleam in Lewis' eye

"I hugged perfect strangers and kissed a fat lady on the mouth!"

Lord I miss Lewis Grizzard. So since it's Clempson week, here's his letter to a future son.

To my Son, if I ever have one:

Kid, I am writing this on September 3, 1984. I have just returned from Athens, where I spent Saturday watching the University of Georgia, your old dad’s alma matter, play football against Clemson.

While the events of the day were still fresh on my mind, I wanted to recount them so if you are ever born, you can read this and perhaps be able to share one of the great moments in your father’s life.

Saturday was a wonderful day on the Georgia campus.

We are talking blue, cloudless sky, a gentle breeze and a temperature suggesting summer’s end and autumn’s approach.

I said the blessing before we had lunch. I thanked the Lord for three things: fried chicken, potato salad and for the fact he had allowed me the privilege of being a Bulldog.

“And , Dear Lord,” I prayed, “bless all those not as fortunate as I.”

Imagine my son, 82,000 people, most whom were garbed in red, gathered together gazing down on a lush valley of hedge and grass where soon historic sporting combat would be launched.

Clemson was ranked number 2 in the nation, and Georgia, feared too young to compete with the veterans from beyond the river, could only dream, the smart money said, of emerging three hours hence victorious.

They had us 20-6 at the half, son. A man sitting in front of me said, “I just hope we don’t get embarrassed.”

My boy, I had never seen such a thing as came to pass in the second half. Todd Williams threw one long and high, and Herman Archie caught it in the end zone, and it was now 20-13.

Georgia got the ball again and scored again, and it was now 20-20, and my mouth was dry, and my hands were shaking, and this Clemson fan who had been running his mouth the whole ballgame suddenly shut his fat face.

Son, we got ahead 23-20, and the ground trembled and shook, and many were taken by fainting spells.

Clemson’s kicker, Donald Igwebuike, tied it 23-23 and this sacred place became the center of the universe.

Only seconds were left when Georgia’s kicker, Kevin Butler, stood poised in concentration. The ball rushed toward him, and it was placed upon the tee a heartbeat before his right foot launched it heavenward.

A lifetime later, the officials threw their arms aloft. From 60 yards away, Kevin Butler had been true, and Georgia led and would win 26-23.

I hugged perfect strangers and kissed a fat lady on the mouth. Grown men wept. Lightening flashed. Thunder rolled. Stars fell, and joy swept through, fetched by a hurricane of unleashed emotions.

When Georgia beat Alabama 18-17 in 1965, it was a staggering victory. When we came back against Georgia Tech and won 29-28 in1978, the Chapel bell rang all night. When we beat Florida 26-21 in the last seconds in 1980, we called it a miracle. And when we beat Notre Dame 17-10 in the Sugar Bowl that same year for the national championship, a woman pulled up her skirt and showed the world the Bulldog she had sewn on her underbritches.

But Saturday may have been even better than any of those.

Saturday in Athens was a religious experience.

I give this to you, son. Read it and re-read it, and keep it next to your heart. And when people want to know how you wound up with the name “Kevin” let them read it, and then they will know.

- Daddy

Welp, here we go!

It's here. As our beloved coach says, "Talkin' season is over!" 

IT'S GAME WEEK ‼️

🏟️: vs. Clemson
📅: Saturday, August 31 | 12 PM ET
📺: ABC/ESPN+#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/jaZp2KMMpl

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) August 26, 2024

The 2024 college football season is among us. There are so many changes (rules, conferences'  landscapes, coaches, schedules) my head is spinning faster now than that time I first saw my future wife walk through the lobby of Russell Hall!

But...it is well!

Remember, I'm not promising much. Certainly nothing is being posted here on the daily. I'm enjoying our new lifestyle deep, deep in SE Georgia a lot, as well as semi-retirement. Suffice to say, I have more time on my hands, but am busy filling it with...getting old. I had rotator cuff surgery last month, so the golf clubs are tucked into a corner of the garage and Kirby has me down as out indefinitely.

All that aside, here are a few thoughts on my mind before our opener against Clempson:

• I hope we beat them good, because if not my tiger family is gonna text and call like it was 1981, the year Clemson first got telephone service.
• Ahh, injury lists and late August, a power couple since well before BradJolina. Still...not great, but getting better.
• Can't wait to see Beck and this offense do work. It's hard to believe we could lose Bowers, Ladd, Milton & Co. and may be even better offensively.
• (insert second offensive bullet point) I hope this OL is nasty good!
• I think the defense will be great...eventually. We may have to be patient, but hopefully not too long given this gauntlet of a schedule. Let's pencil circle that first off week in September as a time that maybe the coaches have enough on tape to make adjustments and fine tune this talented but young defensive roster.
• Over/Under on number of punts Thorson has this season? I'll set that line at 31, one less than last year.
• Who's the new name you're most excited to see? I'm hearing Nate Frazier (RB) is the real deal.

As Groo recalled, Kirby said "We built a program to be sustained." Time to go get after it!

Dear Senator, thanks and rest in peace

It was Saturday morning before I realized Senator Blutarsky had passed away. In the weeks since he wrote about being sick, like many of you I'm sure, I've been checking Get The Picture for more than updates on college football's comings and goings.

When I joined the Dawg Blog roll in 2008 there was Paul Westerdawg's crew at Georgia Sports Blog, there was Dawg Sports, Groo's DawgsOnline, David Hale's Bulldog Blog, The Grits Tree, Bubba 'n Earl, Bulldawg In Exile, a kid named Mackie over at Blogging Pantsless.

And fittingly, it was Mackie who messaged me Saturday morning to check if I'd heard. I quickly clicked my GTP bookmark and there were the words on my phone. The good Senator had passed away Thursday.

Over the weekend I started this post a few times. I didn't know Michael personally (although I'm still honored he graced my comment section that time Coach Richt admitted he didn't read Blutarsky's blog either), but wanted to share some thoughts of appreciation.  Others have offered their words as consolation and remembrance. Weiszer had interviewed him before, and Tony knew him professionally as well as from UGA fandom. 

Senator Blutarsky's iconic Get the Picture banner

More broadly, his daily readers have long ago formed a community, one that gathered daily to not only discuss college football but also read Brochstein's words, his explanations, his passion. When I needed to better understand the comings and goings of the latest NCAA development, I didn't got to ESPN or Sports Illustrated. I went to Get The Picture. Blutarsky was genuine, loyal, intelligent, passionate. He was prolific! Who else could nudge the ball rolling and see it form out as The Montana Project? He created a reasonable and accurate poll in The Mumme Poll. He put together a lexicon of common terms we use around Georgia football.

Anytime I got a link from his illustrious space to my little corner spot here, I was proud to have earned the Senator's attention. Going forward, I'll miss his words, guidance, explanations, Musical Palate, humor, Monday morning viewpoints...

For years, there's been such comfort in having Michael's experience blended with his history and knowledge of Georgia football. He made the blogosphere a much better place. And for that I am deeply grateful.