15 Thoughts Loves a Tacklin’ Punter

It was my first game since 2022 – also a win against the Vols. I like this habit.

Wow. What a game. What an atmosphere. I hope we have more meaningful night games in the future. Heck, I hope we have more meaningful home games in our future.

1. This was my first visit back to Sanford Stadium since 2022 when we beat Tennessee 27-13 on our way to a perfect season and the 2nd consecutive National Championship. That game was a 3:30 CBS (wipes away a tear, actually misses Gary…a little) kickoff that ended up being played much of the afternoon in the rain. I didn’t think that aura could be topped. Last night was special. Give the crowd a ton of credit, especially after another slow start. The intensity never wavered. There’s nothing better than watching the Orange Horde leave early after we kill ‘em with a 92-yard, 12 play clock-eating, soul-crushing drive. All those horrendous orange and white overalls! They look like an orthodontically compromised chain gang.

2. I took my cousin to his first Georgia game. He’s 52. He grew up north of Chicago, but relocated to Athens with his 3 daughters in 2020. He had never been to a college game. He told me his dad took him to see Northwestern play one time when he was a kid. So, yes, in fact he had never been to a college football game. Adam was thoroughly impressed.

“Wow! Is it like this every game?” he asked? I said “yes!” Who am I to lie?

“My only issue is the TV timeouts! ,” he said. I can’t argue there.

3. He drove and I was concerned about parking but remembered a perfect little spot that could still be there very near campus and it was. Gawd Athens is hilly. My legs are killing me this morning, but I’m joyful. Joyful and out of shape. I must fix that. I have a feeling I may never wear Speedos again.

4. At the 2:37 in the first quarter, after Georgia could do absolutely nothing on offense and Georgia receivers were dropping passes as if they were hot coals, we had to punt again. Our Australian kicker, who probably has never drank a Foster’s Lager because it’s piss-water and no self-respecting Aussie would never drink it anyway, punted for the 3rd time in 3 opening possessions. The Tennessee returner eluded about 31 Georgia tacklers and was surely on his way to score with one man to beat, but Brett Thorson stuck the runner with more than a little bit of attitude and may have saved us in that moment. “Adam,” I said to my cousin. “Remember this play. I think this could be huge.” The Vols kicked a field goal to put ‘em ahead 10-0. It could’ve been 14-0 and that game might’ve turned out differently. Thorson’s tackle was huge.

5. Tennessee converted ten 3rd downs on the night. It seemed like a lot more. But we really only gave up a couple of chunk plays and made them work the field. It was great to see Smael Mondon back, albeit in a limited role. His presence was very big and if he can round back into shape and continue to heal from his foot injury we are simply a better defense.

6. We did not give up a single sack on the evening. What a difference a week makes! I thought this was a very good point by someone familiar to us:

7. Tennessee has a very good defense and they have built their line specifically to beat us. A lot of teams are doing this through the Portal. I really felt, after witnessing yet another poor 1st quarter, they had succeeded. As the game went on, our patchwork mix ‘n match offensive line began to play about as well as they have all year. Carson Beck had time to do his thing and we eventually rushed for 106 tough yards. Mike Bobo called a great game. Yes, he did.

8. Our tight ends were the offensive story in my opinion, after a combined 14 reception, 130 yard night. Oscar Delp had a night to remember with 2 scores, Ben Yurosek played as well as he has all year.

9. Who is #2 on offense? Oh, that’s Nitro Tuggle who was pressed into service when Dillon Bell left the game with an apparent sprained ankle. Nitro’s stat line wasn’t particularly eye-popping, but I think we’ve got something there. London Humphreys with 3 catches, 63 yards and none bigger than his contested grab in front of the Tennessee bench on the drive to ice the game late.

10. Let’s talk about Carson Beck. Yeah, he’s had a rough stretch since Auburn with some incredible moments, too. Last night, he played loose. He played like he was having fun and took shots that a gun-shy QB would never take. HIs passing was again victimized by drops. One of these days, Arian Smith might actually catch an opening play bomb. But Beck’s legs were a difference maker, too. I think this was by far his best game wearing that big, beautiful “G” on the side of his helmet.

11. Nate Frazier ran hard all night long. He gutted out 68 yards on 19 carries and, more importantly, protected the football. That kid has great vision and burst and will only get better as he gets stronger and wiser in the offense.

12. Early on, we were not doing anything on 1st down. I remarked to my cousin I’d rather see us get something on 1st down – even if it’s just 2 or 3 positive yards – so we aren’t constantly facing 2nd and 3rd down behind the sticks situations. Bobo seemed to embrace this. If this team could just figure out how not to trip over their own Johnsons right out of the gate, they might be more than a little bit dangerous.

13. Back to defense: The secondary really took away Nico Iamaleava’s downfield options, but he did a very good job in the short and mid-range game. I can live with that. He’s got a plus arm and is mobile enough to be sure. It seemed like Tennessee ultimately gained a lot more yardage than they did – 313 in total. That is their 2nd lowest output on the season. Shutting them out in the 2nd half was something I did not have on my bingo card.

14. The coaching staff – across the board – really had an excellent game plan last night. Poor Josh Heupel. He haz a sad. And then when “Glory, Glory” kept playing in the background during his post-game presser he haz a mad. I really think Tennessee came into this game expecting to win. Twenty-nine game home winning streak!

15. Special teams were solid once again, if not spectacular. I think Brett Thorson took offense to actually having a punt returned. Peyton Woodring was perfect, and only a single Vol kickoff return didn’t amount to much.

So, Georgia has concluded their SEC slate with UMass up next and then Tech – all at home.

Someone make sure the CFP Committee reads that X post, please. Truth to Power x infinity.

BONUS THOUGHTS:

• The only game I watched yesterday was a bit of Texas and Arkansas, which was a good excuse for a nap, and a little bit of LSU-Florida. The wheels may be off the rails down in Red Stick.

Oh, my.

• I saw this live and in-person and nearly fell out of my seat laughing:

• Look at South Carolina, all come-backy and stuff. Nice win over Mizzou. But they rushed the field. You don’t rush the field after beating MIzzou…unless you’re South Carolina.

That’s all I’ve got, folks. What a wonderful night it was. Maybe we’ve got it in us?

As Always,

GO DAWGS!