Friends, if you haven’t figured it out by now, the beginning of the Winning Smart Victory Post each week is very much a stream-of-consciousness from me. It’s about remembering our beloved OG Housemother, and wishing she were still with us writing the post (since she was a MUCH better writer than me). Some of you indulge me each time by reading all of the post, and commenting positively. Please understand I lurk eagerly for those posts, and each one lifts my spirits immensely. Some of you are just here for the stats (and that’s fine – to each his own). For you, go ahead and skip down to the paragraph that begins “However, it is our intention….” (by the way, that part of the post is directly the way Podunk originally wrote it. All I change each week is the winning numbers and percentages).
There’s something special about Saturday in Athens. Those of you that have been know exactly what I mean. Podunk probably watched more Georgia games in person at other venues than she did in Athens, but she adored coming to see the Dawgs in Athens. When she came, we made an event of it. We made sure to arrive plenty early to take part in any tailgating she might be invited to, the Dawg Walk, a trip to the bookstore, food and whatever else might strike her fancy. What and where we did exactly was dictated more by game time than anything else. For night games, there would be more shopping/tailgating before the game. For noon or 3:30 games, there was more likely to be dinner after the game. But no matter what, game day was an all day event, even when she saw the Dawgs at other venues (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Liberty Bowl, Arkansas, Stillwater, maybe even the good Columbia? I don’t remember on that last one). It was “seester time”, and both Mr. Podunk and Mr. Squillian understood our need for time together.
I have now (I think) been to more games in Athens without her than total games I went to with her. Until we lost her, I NEVER attended a game in person without her. Never even considered it. Now I prioritize home games with a zeal I never thought possible. Of course, some of that is that she (finally) had gotten season tickets in 2021, and Mr. Podunk has understood my desire to keep those season tickets and has worked with me to do so.
As you know, Mr. Squillian would rather be poked in the eye with a sharp stick than go to Athens every weekend, so I usually leave him at home. Which means I have to have a buddy each time I go to Athens (Mr. Squillian will insist on accompanying me rather than allow me to go by myself, which is both sweet and annoying at the same time). During the day Friday, I got a text from Mr. Squillian asking if he was attending the game with me on Saturday. When I replied that he was not, he insisted on knowing who my companion would be. This week, I took one of my work colleagues, who is currently enrolled in graduate school at UGA (and has completed a graduate degree at UGA previously), so I know he is a fan. I warned him that this was likely to be an all day affair, so he would plan accordingly.
I picked him up around 9:15AM, and he immediately said he had hoped he would get to ride in my car (for those who don’t know, I bought Podunk’s 2018 Challenger from Mr. Podunk after she passed). We drove uneventfully to Athens (although there was a heavy police presence all along US78) and parked in the East Campus Deck. We made our way to the Tate Center to get good spots for the Dawg Walk (since I don’t usually get invited to any tailgates).
Y’all, I’m picky about who accompanies me to games. I want someone who will match my energy and enthusiasm. I want someone who will sing Glory Glory with me. I want someone who will bark with me. I’m willing to take my children when Georgia plays their Alma Maters (GT and Clemson), not so they will root for Georgia, but because they bring their passion for their team and match my energy. That being said, there are very few people that have come with me twice. Yesterday’s colleague will join that very short list. We had a great time, and I managed to not even get sunburnt! A successful day all around.
However, it is our intention to celebrate Georgia Bulldog Football Wins whenever and wherever they occur. The ugliness or beauty of any particular win is irrelevant for the purposes of the Winning Smart Victory Post. It is therefore my deepest honor and privilege to bring to you this week’s edition of: The Winning Smart Victory Post.
Coach Kirby Smart coached his 112th game this week for the Red & Black. He currently boasts a 96-16 record and a 0.8571 winning percentage, having carded his ninety-sixth win overall in the home opener of the 2024 season against the Golden Eagles of Tennessee Tech.
At the identical juncture in their careers:
Vince Dooley’s 112th game as head coach resulted in a Georgia Bulldogs win over the Oregon State Beavers in the season opener of the 1974 season, giving Coach Dooley a record of 77-31-5 and 0.7098 percentage.
Coach Mark Richt was 87-25 (0.7768) after a win over Vandy in the seventh game of the 2009 season.
One hundred and twelve games into his head coaching career Kirby Smart is nine games ahead of Coach Mark Richt and ahead of Coach Vince Dooley by 19 games. As of now, he is holding his own versus the two winningest coaches in Georgia Football History.
As always . . .
Go ‘Dawgs !!!!