UGA/Bama '02

Since we are sub-80 days until college football starts, I get in the habit of searching out old YouTube videos of the Bulldogs. I came across the UGA/Bama game from 2002 and it reminded me of how special this game is to me, personally.

When @OliveTheTweets (OTT) and I first started dating, the first college football game we went to together was UGA at Alabama in 2002. Many of you know this as the "Man enough, Dawg enough" game because of Pat Dye's redonkulous claim that UGA wasn't "man enough" to beat the Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium.


Since OTT was still a student at Alabama during this season, she was sweet enough to get us tickets to the game...in the Alabama Student Section.

I wore my UGA gear and cheered when the Dawgs played well, and took my lumps when the Dawgs blew their lead later in the game. As Billy Bennett sent it through the uprights for the game-winner I WOOFed even as the cups came raining down.

OTT and I would eventually attend 3 future UGA/Bama contests where the Dawgs hold a 3-to-1 record (yes we were at the Blackout Game). But the '02 game is special to me because it was the first time we didn't cheer for the same team. The week leading in to these games is ALWAYS fun, and as I sit here reading Phil Steele predicting UGA and Bama in the 2011 SEC Championship Game I get all excited and tingly. I promised her anytime our 2 teams play I'd do my best to get our butts in the seats, so in this regular season when we don't faceoff a Championship on the line would be pretty sweet.

This isn't a great post, if you've been reading Blogging Pantsless for the last 4 years you understand mediocrity is the norm and greatness should be left to the awesome bloggers in my blog-roll (column right). But when I saw this game on YouTube I felt compelled to dedicate a post to my wife, who gave me Alabama as a team-in-law, and makes me laugh with her trash-talk on the rare occasions our 2 teams meet.

I long for the days when Alabama was just an okay team and Georgia found a way to win. I've got high-hopes Coach Richt will turn our team around, but I'm a self-professed Richt apologist so even if he doesn't I'll probably be the only Dawg fan left saying "give him one more shot".

Keeping the faith in 2011, happy Friday folks.

GO DAWGS!

New Enemies for 2011

If you'll scroll down and take a look at the "Know Thine Enemies" section of the blog, you'll notice links have been provided for the scheduled opposition. Feel free to click around and troll their posts with trash talk.

GO DAWGS!

News Quickie

The Senator does a good job of summing up the story on Al from Dadeville. Pro-choice Al perform this Arbortion after being provoked by seeing a Cam Newton jersey on the Bear Bryant statue in Tuscaloosa.

This admission is a complete shock to me. My initial accusations went to Yella Fella whom I presume had a beef with the Auburn Athletic Department. That guy knows all about treating lumber and has told the ticketing office NUMEROUS TIMES to change the nameplate on the Osmose Suite to the YellaWood Suite.


Calls immediately went out for crimson colored Spike 80DF t-shirts to be printed (and I'd be lying if I told you I wouldn't throw $20 toward that investment). But seriously, Al, if you're reading this. Please send some Spike 80 this way so I can finally kill off that holly bush that rears it's ugly sprouts every year in my landscaping. I've tried everything but it keeps coming back.

Aside from the Barners whining about someone poisoning their old-ass trees, the other big news yesterday dealt with the hiring of a new coach for our defensive staff. On Twitter yesterday there were several "knock out" lines being thrown around regarding who the new coach might be...

...this of course led ME to believe the Dawgs were going to hire...



...unfortunately, Iron Mike was NOT the hire our friends at UGASports.com were referencing. Looks like Todd Grantham landed a guy actually capable of coaching and not just a former-boxer-turned-actor-slash-Phil-Collins-enthusiast who will scare the hell out of our players into making plays.

So allow myself to welcome Kirk Olivadotti to our Coaching Staff. I always love bringing NFL experience down to the college level because my assumption is the kids you're coaching respect where you've been and trust your advice to get them there as well. I shouldn't have gotten my future hopes up to purchase a noble-looking, Irk Russell-esq portrait of Mike Tyson with blood running down his chin...but that falls on me, not Coach Olivadotti.

I'm making the same yearly mistake of getting my hopes WAAAAAY to high on the Dawgs, but all signs are pointing to a solid foundation for the 2011 season. I shouldn't assume 2010 is in the distant past, but we gotta move on and drink that memory away. There's a lot to be excited about for our defense this year, but I'm most pumped to see Big John Jenkins (6'4", 340 lbs) going nose-to-nose with Boise States' Center Thomas Byrd (5'11", 281 lbs). Here's hoping for a massacre in the Dome September 3rd...Lord knows both the fan-base AND Coach Richt need a big win.

Go Dawgs!

Motorized Barstool

While many tout the iPad or some other garbage Apple product as the greatest invention of the last 10 years...I beg to differ. I totally could have used one of these the other night when I was in no condition to walk. Apparently it's pretty simple to construct. All you need is:
1. counter stools
2. an old lawnmower
3. a friend who can weld (...you're on your own there).
4. a good lawyer

VOILA! Merry Christmas.

The Shakeweight Fiasco

...is this Aaron or Josh? (please say Josh)

If we somehow turn this season around and finish strong enough to get a Gameday hosting, I wouldn't expect this picture to completely disappear. Even those idiots in Auburn are smart enough to blow-up a picture at Kinkos.

GrillTopper Open

I've received a lot of emails saying the GrillTopper Open booted you out. I tried to sign in today and it wasn't even appearing on my Fantasy League board anymore. Once I figure out what's going on I'll let you know. Until then, I'm working on it.

A Tribute to the Stupid, Non-threatening Mascot Hat

Any ideas what this style of hat is called? It's the undersized hat mascot designers of the 1940's thought made their mascot appear uber-threatening. Anyway, we at BloggingPantsless salute you, undersized-hat-wearing mascots!

TEXAS!


OREGON!


ME-YAMI!


...and don't you worry, the SEC wasn't exempt from this.

AUBARN!


LSU!


Of course the most famous illustration of our mascot, Uga, is wearing a hat as well...but it's a normal ball cap still found in places that aren't submarines.

...for which we are ALL thankful.


Just like me, the ball cap is primarily used to cover up hairline issues.

So Dabo wants to play ball, eh?

To be perfectly honest, I love the idea of a fauxpponent in the Spring Game.

Why not, Clem's boy?

In addition to the some groundrules about QB's being no-contact, as long as provisions are taken to ensure player safety (and get the back-ups some reps) I think it's a great idea.

Hell, if we're gonna have a throw-back opponent. Why not have a throwback coach come in and deliver a pep-talk?!?

Watch Coach Goff and his flat-billed ballcap tell you what "wins games".

Super Bowl Photography Tricks

You know it's going to be a good day when someone sends you a semi-subtle gay joke pictorial to kick it off.

Thank you Fake TT...you've started my day on a high note.

Jeff Whitaker Announcing Today

I know Signing Day is a couple days away, but unless I'm mistaken, Warner-Robins' defensive lineman Jeff Whitaker will be announcing his decision today.

Apparently this kid could be the future of CTG's D-Line at nose tackle. We're in the running with OurBarn and Miami, but I see this as being the first big splash for our defense and a recruiting victory for Grantham if he chooses UGA.

Here's his bio per Rivals...

Why I like our chances:
I like the placement of the "official visit", we came after Auburn, and before Miami. That puts forward the perfect scenario of going from Auburn (beyond Thunderdome) to Athens (indoor plumbing + electricity + 5 Star Day Cafe) to Miami (rampant gun-violence and Scarface scenarios).

Plus the kids from in-state and appears to have a good head on his shoulders.

Why he might not sign:
Per David Hale's post, Mr. Whitaker is quoted as saying:

"The thing I tell people all the time is that Georgia will be great with me or without me. It’s a great football program, and they have a great coaching staff."

...of course this was made last week and he might not have been trying to appear biased one way or the other. I like the kid, I want him as a Dawg and whomever he signs with will have a heckuva player.

UPDATE:
AJC is reporting a 2PM announcement. They are assuming he's leaning Auburn...we'll see.

DCRotD: Logo Purge Edition

If you were unaware, yesterday the Buffalo Bills purged their coaching staff like Phi Mu's the morning after a Pink Penis bender.
...yep, thoughta that myself!

That's music to the ears of Bulldogs pining for Bob Sanders to return to college football and NOT be wearing jean shorts and gold chains.

Sanders worked under the OBC at Florida during that run in the 90's where we lost a game or two...(cough!)...moving on...

Since then he's bounced from the Dolphins, to the Packers (where we're hoping he gained an affinity for logos), and landed with the Bills last year as their defensive lines coach.


Now he's outta work, and we're in the market...

h/t to Allyugadawg

DCRotD

I'm gonna keep this short and sweet, but I could use a little help from anyone who knows a lot about the NFL.

Since we successfully got raises and contracts for every DC in college football, the rumor mill (running 24/7, open on Christmas) has turned it's eyes to the ranks of professional football.

Here is where I need some assistance.

Lotta folks throwing around the name, Travis Jones. If you are unaware Mr. Jones is the D-Line coach of the New Orleans Saints. (picture found on Leather Helmet Blog who is doing a fine job following this ordeal)

Now let me first say, I think the position of Defensive Coordinator at a top-tier program like Georgia, is a GREAT job any coach worth his weight would love to have. But what I don't get is why an NFL coach who's team went 13-3, finished 1st in their division, and has already worked his way up to NFL money through the SEC ranks (Jones was a GA at Georgia and Line Coach at LSU) would move back down to the collegiate ranks?

Unless I'm mistaken, usually the money is better in the pros, right?!? I understand loyalty (he's a Bulldog, ftr) but maybe I'm used to thinking the only people who go back to the NCAA level are the NFL stinkers...


And who could forget, failure's poster boy...


Let me know if there are any successful NFL guys who returned to college football, because I can't think of any. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have Travis Jones back at Georgia...but just like all rumors, without any legs they're just flopping around on the floor.

(also, I'd like to inform WLayton January 2nd has passed)

DCRotD: Vagueness Edition!

Oh boy, this is a GOOD one! Gotta thank Hamp Tanner for this one, but as far as vague rumors go this is not only the "vaguest" but it's also the "rumoriest".

Per Hamp:

"An unnamed person who owns an unnamed bar in an undisclosed location told me tonight that his source told him that CMR already has a committed DC. Said he could not tell me who it is."

HOLD THE MOTHER F@#$'n PHONE, PEOPLES!!1

What makes this great is the extreme ambiguity of a guy who doesn't want to be named telling Hamp that his unnamed source told him that Coach Richt already has his man...but can't tell us who it is.

(slow clap aimed at Fernandina Beach)

that can only mean 1 thing:

Our next Defensive Coordinator will be....




Tyrone Nix

Special thanks to Hamp for the initial offering and Kit Kitchens for the two-fer!

Don't worry folks, this can't go on for much longer, the AJC is already reporting that John Chavis isn't denying the rumors he's headed to Georgia. OMG, did I just blow your mind with a three-fer!?!?

DC Rumor of the Day - Hipster Edition!

Looking to get traffic? Try featuring a segment related to the Defensive Coordinator search at the University of Georgia. For a guy who's been streaky at best the last month, 1300+ hits is what the kids these days call "the tits". (please note, link is to Urban Dictionary...not...you know.)

The DC Rumor of the Day shall from here forward be referred to as the DCRotD, like how LOTR is short for "Lord of the Rings" or TTPNDB was short for "Tim Tebow's Prom Night Dumpster Baby". Family Guy...always hip, Bruh.

Anyway, today's DCRotD comes linked from Bernie who shot me Chris Low's article from the WWL. This article does 3 things...

#1. They throw a name out there. That name being John Chavis from LSU, nothing new really. We've heard this name before, but it goes on to report that LSU Linebacker Kelvin Sheppard states he was pulled aside during practice and told

“You knew if I was going anywhere, you’d [Sheppard] be the first person I’d tell. I’m here with you all, I love it here, I’m not going anywhere.”

Hey, that's quite a heart-to-heart being had with a Junior LB...plus I don't believe I've ever heard of anyone at LSU lying to their players before... ...holla atcha boi.

But I'm not mocking Sheppard or Chavis in this, I just love the thrills of speculative journalism...

#2. Chris Low gets into the dollars and cents of it all, claiming:

The word out of Georgia, though, is that the Bulldogs may go to $600,000-plus annually and offer a three-year contract.

Whoa, Nelly's bandaid! That's a serious chunk of change...I mean, it's not the 1.2 million that Gramps is swimming in up in Knoxvegas, but then again Coach Richt isn't hiring his daddy. It is, however, a lot of money for a coaching position with the added bonus of job security. So now we know the financial ballpark we're playing in (or technically, rumored to be playing in).

#3. Low throws out a couple more names from the NFL ranks. Todd Grantham of the Dallas Cowboys (whom David Pollack said "might be a name to know for Georgia fans") and Bob Sanders of the Buffalo Bills.

SO, what is there to gather from the DCRotD? Absolutely nothing! Why? Because there is no news and message board fodder gets reported as investigative journalism. Thanks again to Bernie (whom is definately hip because his emails end with "sent from Bernie's iPhone")...I'm assuming he's enjoying his time off wearing a flat-billed UGA hat, some nut-huggin' blue jeans, and his Advocare 100 Independence Bowl Victory T-shirt! ...you know, 'cause he's so hip!

But don't you worry Dawg fans, this segment won't last forever and the day we receive word from David Hale or an actual release from UGA Athletics we'll run the Defensive Coordinator FACTS of the Day and I'll fall back into relative anonymity.

Go Dawgs!

DC Rumor of the Day

Firstly I'd like to congratulate our boys on a great win in Shreveport last night. What started off as an ugly first-half (hmm...imagine that) got turned around with a quickness during the last 30. Best of luck to the seniors, thanks for your services to the Dawg Nation. It's been a great 4 or 5 years.

But back to business:

This gem came piping hot outta the velvet throat of Ron Franklin last night. While calling the Advocare V100 Independence Bowl (and taking a break from using the words "open field tackle" and "Washaun Early" for 5 minutes) I'll paraphrase the latest rumor as best I can:

"Our very own Joe Schad is reporting that Mark Richt has turned his eyes to the ranks of the NFL in his search for a new defensive coordinator...Ed do you like my new trench coat?"

Not verbatim, but something like that was said last night. The only reason this lands as Rumor OTD is because it comes on the heels of everyone thinking John Chavis and Mark Richt have worked out some backroom deal. You know...because Michigan will be coming after Les Miles and Chavis, though portly and mustachiod, doesn't enjoy the cold weather like you'd think a fat guy with a mustache would.

Also, if you're "doing the Twitter" as my mother would say, following @SchadJoe might be one of the more reliable sources for info regarding our DC search...sadly enough.

Mr. Schad broke the Willie firings before it was confirmed by UGA and he also had a late-night Tweet-a-thon covering the Vic Koenning fiasco as it unfolded. Like him or not, Joe Schad has someone feeding him info whether it's good or bad...well, use your filters wisely.

Favorite DC Rumor of the Day

Though technically it could have been the "Rumor OTD" 4 days ago, it's still a fun one.

Per a Dawgs.com message board user WLAYTON:

This was just emailed to me from my contact....very interesting and exciting.

There is a guy claiming that Richt has his DC decided, and it will be announced Jan. 2nd. I don’t know who this guy is because the guy won’t say. He says it was shared with him in the STRICTEST of confidence because the guy is coaching right now. However, the guy said that it’s one of the top 3 defensive coordinators in college football. He said that it is NOT Kirby. He said the guy has 10+ years as a defensive coordinator, and his defenses are consistently top 3 in the land. He said UGA fans will be VERY excited. Maybe Brent Venables from Oklahoma? Maybe Chavis from LSU? I don’t know…

The guy could be full of it, but that’s what he’s saying.


Again, I have no more verification than anyone (see two posts below where I select my new DC based on fictitious cinema) but rumor mongering went stale on me the first week of December. Now the fun is watching the rumor mongerers and sorting out who is legit and who is full of crap.

For the record I left the land of legit when I predicted UGA would win the East this year...BWAHAHAHA!!1

As I told the great Rex Robinson, "...if you weren't such a credible source you wouldn't have these problems (with scrutiny). Me? I try to stay away from credibility."

Hamp's Back

I got a message last night from Hamp Tanner of Hunker Down Dawg. He's back like cooked crack and ready to grace us with some writing way better than the junk you read here.

Win a Grill Topper

Just passing along the chance for you to win a Grill Topper of your favorite team, brought to you by our official sponsor!


Enter our Yahoo! Sports College Football Pick'em contest and win great prizes. Absolutely FREE to play - all you need to do is pick the winners of each college football game every week and the person with the highest weekly score wins a free Grill Topper 550 model of their choice (estimated retail value $18.99).

Registering your team is simple:

1. Follow this link to Yahoo! College Football Pick'em
2. Click the option to "Join A Group"
3. Enter our League ID: 12548 and Password: mygrilltopper

Everything is FREE - no obligations, no hidden fees. All can play, but prizes will only be awarded to residents of the continental United States. Each weekly winner will be contacted via email - winners will be asked to provide a valid shipping address and their choice of team. Team choices are limited to product availability. To see which teams are available in Grill Topper products, please refer to http://www.thegrilltopper.com/products/grill-toppers/.

Have fun!

Many of you may remember Blogging Pantsless hosted our own College Football Pick'em Group last year. This year I decided we'd open the gates for readers to win some prizes that don't include warm beer from my tailgate!

Blogging Pantsless Update

Just wanted to let you guys know I've finally found a blog for every team on the schedule this year except Tennessee Tech (which is fine because I don't think Cookeville has the internets yet).

You can find the updated "Know Thine Enemies" section below on the right. If you get the chance to look at only one today, check out Gator Tailgating . Yeah, I know it's a Gator Blog but they've got a great layout and you can definitely steal some ideas from their Tailgating Guide if you're already planning your away game schedule for the season.

Anyway, have a great weekend...let's go out on a low-note.

The New Look Lions

The AJC is running a story saying Matthew Stafford is telling friends he is going to be paid $40 million to be the Lion's first overall pick. The Detroit Lions are being a little more quiet about it and dropping Aaron Curry references.

Also in the story it appears the Lions are going for a complete makeover as they unveil a new logo on Monday as well.

My hope (if Stafford does end up in Detroit) is that he is capable of turning the franchise from this...

into this...


Perhaps a little less of this...

and a little bit more of this...


Until the franchise gets turned around, if they want to be associated with winning perhaps they should change from this...

to this...