The Standard Is SKY HIGH! - Georgia vs. Kent State

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BULLDOGS 

GEORGIA 

GEORGIA BULLDOGS 2022 SCHEDULE 

TEAM DATE LOCATION 

TIME/ 

RESULTS 

OREGON Sept. 3 Atlanta, GA W 49-3 

SAMFORD Sept. 10 Athens, GA W 33-0 

SOUTH CAROLINA Sept. 17 Columbia, SC W 48-7 

KENT STATE Sept. 24 Athens, GA 12:00pm 

MISSOURI Oct. 1 Columbia, MO TBA 

AUBURN Oct. 8 Athens, GA TBA 

VANDERBILT Oct. 15 Athens, GA TBA 

OFF Oct. 22 

FLORIDA Oct. 29 Jacksonville, FL 3:30pm 

TENNESSEE Nov. 5 Athens, GA TBA 

MISSISSIPPI STATE Nov. 12 Starkville, MS TBA 

KENTUCKY Nov. 19 Lexington, KY TBA 

GEORGIA TECH Nov. 26 Athens, GA TBA 

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP Dec. 3 Atlanta, GA 4:00pm

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GEORGIA VS. KENT STATE 

BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 

IN THIS ISSUE 

VOLUME 20 NO. 6 

BULLDAWG ILLUSTRATED 

THE DAWGS ARE NO. 1 IN BOTH POLLS AND 

OSCAR DELP GRABS HIS FIRST CAREER TD! 

PHOTO BY: ROB SAYE 

years 

SPORTS 

BULLDOGS TO WATCH | 14 

GOLDEN FLASHES TO WATCH | 16 

FIVE KEYS | 18 

DAWG BONES | 20 

A VIEW FROM ... KENT STATE | 22 

SOCIAL 

GEORGIA GIRLS: MARY LOVETT BECK | 24 

UGA VS SOUTH CAROLINA GAMEDAY FAN PHOTOS | 27 

BULLDOGS OF THE 4TH ESTATE: JIM MINTER | 38 

PROUST: CORKY WARNER | 39 

MORE SPORTS 

FROM THE FIELD | 42 

STATS THAT MATTER | 44 

BUTLER’S PLAYERS | 45 

JD’S EARLY TOP 15 | 46 

OUR TEAM 

EDITOR: Vance Leavy 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Cheri Leavy 

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR: Greg Poole 

CHIEF SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR: Jeff Dantzler 

ART DIRECTOR: Stacey Nichols 

SALES: Caroline Kinney 

SPORTS: Jeff Dantzler, Greg Poole, Coby Serina, 

Bryan Dixon, Clay Watkins 

MULTIMEDIA: Hamilton Culpepper, 

Caroline Schlabach 

PHOTOGRAPHY: Greg Poole, Rob Saye, 

Blane Marable, Carter Horne 

COVER PHOTO: Greg Poole 

COLUMNISTS: Hamilton Culpepper, 

Loran Smith 

DELIVERY: John Cook, Wright Cook, Rob 

Freeman, Anna French, Scarlett French, Flynn 

Kelly, Caroline Kinney, John Kinney, Lynn 

McLanahan, Eleanor Morgan, Henry Morgan, 

James Morgan, Jack Sawyer, Cullen Sewell, 

Henry Stokes, Champ Vance 

ISSUE 6: KENT STATE 

September 27, 2022 

BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 6 ISSUE SIX • KENT STATE

GO 

DAWGS! 

AWARD WINNING 

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ATHENS WEST

FROM THE 

EDITOR 

The chickens have properly been disposed of, next up is the 

opportunity to set the Georgia standard even more sky high 

VANCE LEAVY 

EDITOR IN CHIEF 

Well Bulldog fans, things are 

certainly off to a tremendous 

start with one fourth of the 

2022 regular season in the books. The 

Dawgs are 3-0 with the good guys having 

scored 130 points and the not-so-good 

guys combining for a meek total of 10 points. Holy moly, you can’t 

beat those stats. 

Nonetheless, borrowing from Rudyard Kipling, both our team 

and fan base “must keep their heads about them” because there is 

plenty of football remaining. 

My intent for this issue’s cover is not to boast about the standard 

of Georgia football being sky high. Rather it serves as a reminder 

that a “standard” is a level of quality or attainment, which can 

either be improved upon or lessened by those responsible. 

So far our Dawgs’ play has been sky high. What I personally like 

best is that no Georgia player on the field is taking any plays off. 

Zero, Nil, None! 

From blocking down the field to making wise decisions on 

special teams, Coach Smart truly has his team playing the game 

of football the way it is supposed to be played. The standard for 

the Georgia football program demands that on every down. 

Now the question is can this 2022 Bulldog unit raise the 

standard even higher? 

Can I get a hell yeah because I certainly think they can and 

this Saturday’s game versus Kent State is another valuable 

opportunity for this team to continue its quest to adhere to its 

standard. 

This issue of BI should certainly get you ready. 

Traveling over to the Columbia is always a bizarre adventure, 

but it was certainly well worth it for the Red and Black faithful 

who made the trip. Nothing like seeing the Gamecock fans 

pouring out of their stadium at half time. Beginning on page 27, 

enjoy the fan photos from the South Carolina game day. 

Also, in our social section, you will love the wittiness and 

seriousness of Athenian Corky Warner, who is profiled in our 

Proust Q&A (page 39). What else would you expect when learning 

the quality, tutelage Corky experienced (as a youngster) with “The 

Greatest Bulldog of them All,” Dan Magill. 

Equally entertaining is this issue’s Georgia Girls feature with 

Mary Lovett Beck (pages 24, 25) from Columbus. Her favorite 

quote (from her father on family vacations) is an all-timer … “We 

ain’t here to get no sleep, lose no weight or save no money.” 

Beautiful prose indeed. 

Speaking of the power of words, Loran Smith features longtime 

“Mr. AJC Everything” Jim Minter in our Bulldogs of the 4th Estate 

series (page 38). Loran hits on the high points of Minter’s terrific 

career, while lamenting that Minter deserves far more recognition 

for his writing prowess. 

On the sports front, Jeff Dantzler (page 10) appears to be 

accepting the fact of the ever-changing landscape of college 

football that lies ahead. His look at the SEC going to pod system 

scheduling is certainly intriguing. 

Also, in this issue, our student interns look both ahead and back 

at the Kent State game and what made the South Carolina game 

so deliciously lopsided. My, my, it’s certainly wonderful to be a 

Georgia Bulldog these days. 

Finally, enjoy these sequence shots by BI’s Greg Poole of Brock 

Bowers outstanding catch in the end zone where the Georgia 

section was in Columbia. By the way, the throw by Stetson Bennett 

was equally impressive. What a day it was for No. 19 and for No. 13. 

Flawless. Can you say two Heisman Trophy candidates please? 

Greg Poole’s roots along the Georgia/South Carolina line 

definitely are on display in his snarky From the Field (page 42). 

Like so many fellow Bulldogs, Greg clearly isn’t a fan of the 

Gamecocks or going to Columbia, for that matter. Love it! 

Next up, Kent State on Saturday. See you in Sanford, where the 

goal is to set the standard even more sky high. Go Dawgs!! 

PHOTOS BY: GREG POOLE

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For sure, the times are changing as POD systems seem 

inevitable ... nonetheless it should produce more appealing 

SEC road trips and great match-ups for the Bulldog Nation 

JEFF DANTZLER 

@jeffdantzlerTV 

These last couple of years have 

featured more collective change in 

college football than the previous 

45 seasons combined. No need to 

list off the issues, topics and subjects, we 

diehards know them all. One of the issues 

that is at the top of the list, and always will 

be, is the schedule. 

In my daily talk show hosting days gone 

by, if there was ever a slow afternoon or 

morning, my co-hosts and I could always talk 

schedule, and the day would go by much 

faster. Lots of ideas, lots of chatter. Who 

should we play? Intraconference, alliances, 

rivalries, should it be uniform across the 

board, or leave it to the leagues? Some 

conferences play nine game schedules, 

some eight. Many a great rivalry has 

been lost or put on the backburner (see 

Oklahoma-Nebraska and Pitt-West Virginia), 

as scheduling talk is obviously so closely 

tied with the hot button topic of conference 

expansion. 

Some true pearls of wisdom surfaced. 

Just this past week, the Southeastern 

Conference ‘ordered’ both Georgia and 

Tennessee to do away with their scheduled 

home-and-home series with the University of 

Oklahoma. The Bulldogs were scheduled to 

go to Norman next season, while the Sooners 

were to visit Athens in 2031. Obviously off 

short notice, with hands tied, Georgia has 

replaced the premium non-conference 

matchup with a game at Sanford Stadium 

against Ball State. 

It should be noted that Georgia has 

historically played a ‘big name’ non 

conference foe plus the annual Saturday 

after Thanksgiving date with the in-state arch 

nemesis Yellow Jackets. For instance, in the 

Kirby Smart era, the Bulldogs have played 

a home-and-home series with Notre Dame, 

and faced off with North Carolina, Clemson 

and Oregon in season-opening neutral site 

games. It is a huge benefit to play a marquee 

game early. It gets the players attention 

during preseason camp and you get a much 

more honest assessment of legitimately and 

realistically how good your team is early. No 

matter future scheduling and conference 

realignments, etc., not playing Oklahoma 

next year is not good for the 2023 Bulldogs. 

And Sooners. And college football fans. 

Texas is on Georgia’s schedule for 2028 and 

2029, but with the Sooners and Longhorns 

both joining the conference in 2025, that 

series will be done away with. Though, who 

knows, maybe the two play in those two 

seasons anyway. 

Which brings us to the topic of how 

everything will be laid out in terms of the 

schedule in a 16-team SEC? Will there still 

be an SEC Championship Game, with the 

12-team playoff looming? The start dates for 

the playoff, which is tripling in size from four, 

the total under the current format which was 

instituted, has yet to be determined. Will it be 

the second Saturday in December? The first? 

The devil is in the details. 

Anyways, just sticking to how the SEC 

regular season will play out, taking the 

matter of a league title tilt and how the 

participants would be determined out of the 

equation, here is the most likely scenario - a 

quartet of four-team divisions, or ‘pods,’ if 

you prefer. With a nine-game schedule. The 

10-game conference contest only schedule 

of 2020, which the league did a tremendous 

job of putting together, opened some eyes 

and possibilities. 

One thing that almost every fan has 

been clamoring for is increased variety of 

competition, but all the while holding onto 

those traditional rivalries. For instance, since 

Texas A&M came into the SEC in 2012, the 

Aggies and Georgia have played once, a 

19-13 Bulldogs victory in Athens in 2013. 

Georgia is scheduled to go to College Station 

in 2024. That would mean that the Bulldogs 

first trip to A&M would come in the Aggies 

13th season of league competition. 

So what is likely to happen is that your 

team, in this case Georgia, would play the 

three teams in its ‘pod’ annually, and two 

schools from each of the other three for a 

total of nine conference games. The next 

year, in addition to the three intra-’pod’ 

games, the Bulldogs would play the two 

schools from the other three divisions not 

played the season prior. It would flip back in 

years three and four with alternating home 

and away dates. So over a four year period, 

every school would be guaranteed to play 

everyone else in the league twice, once at 

home and once on the road. Of course, the 

three other teams in your division would be 

played annually. 

For example, Georgia is in ‘Pod A’ with 

Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina. All 

three are played every year. We’ll save 

Jacksonville/Georgia-Florida topic for 

another day. 

‘Pod B’ - with Bama fans insisting it be 

called the ‘Bear’ Bryant Pod - would feature 

Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. 

‘Pod C’ - Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU and 

Texas A&M. 

‘Pod D’ - Arkansas, Missouri, Texas and 

Oklahoma. 

Over a four year period, for example, for the 

six SEC games out of division, here’s how it 

would set up: 

Year One: Home Alabama, at Auburn, Home 

Ole Miss, at Mississippi State, Home Arkansas, 

at Missouri. 

Year Two: Home Tennessee, at Vandy, Home 

LSU, at A&M, Home Texas, at Oklahoma. 

Year Three: At Alabama, Home Auburn, at 

Ole Miss, Home Mississippi State, at Arkansas, 

Home Missouri. 

Year Four: At Tennessee, Home Vandy, at 

LSU, Home A&M, at Texas, Home Oklahoma. 

And so on. 

It will all get sorted out as we all endure 

college athletics ever-evolving journey 

through time and space. Meanwhile, we 

embrace every Saturday, because there’s 

nothing like it when the Bulldogs … the 

reigning college football national champions 

play. That’s forever. 

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FIVE KEYS PG. 18 | DAWG BONES PG. 20 | A VIEW FROM ... KENT STATE PG. 22 

SPORTS 

BROCK ‘THE BEAST’ BOWERS 

HAD HIS WAY IN NOT SO 

COCKY-LAND! 


GEORGIA VS KENT STATE 

GAME TIME: NOON 

CHANNEL: SECN+ 


BY: JEFF DANTZLER 

Top-ranked Georgia takes on Kent State Saturday at Sanford 

Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for high noon Between the 

Hedges. The Bulldogs come in with a record of 3-0 following 

this past Saturday’s 48-7 victory over South Carolina in 

Columbia. The Golden Flashes are 1-2, rolling past Long Island 

University 63-10 at home this past Saturday. 

This marks the second ever meeting between the two schools. 

Georgia won the 1998 season-opener over Kent State 56-3 in 

Athens. One of the captains for Jim Donnan’s Bulldogs that day 

and season was senior All-Southeastern Conference safety Kirby 

Smart, now in his seventh year as the head coach at his alma 

mater. 

Since 2017, Georgia is 30-1 at Sanford Stadium, with the lone 

loss over that stretch coming to South Carolina in 2019, as the 

Bulldogs were upset 20-17 in overtime. There would be no 

upset by the Gamecocks this season. Georgia scored on its first 

three possessions, crisp and consistent throughout the game 

en route to the 41-point victory. The defense was tremendous. 

South Carolina scored a touchdown in the final minute of the 

game to get on the board. 

Kent State had a much needed break against arguably 

America’s most treacherous September schedule. The Golden 

Flashes opened with a 45-20 loss at Washington, and then 

fell to Oklahoma 33-3 in Norman. Against LIU, the Golden 

Flashes blowout win in the home opener at Dix Stadium was 

led by a powerful rushing attack and efficient passing game. 

Quarterback Collin Schlee was 10 of 12 for 199 yards and two 

touchdowns, and carried four times for 75 yards on the ground. 

The Golden Flashes amassed 353 yards on the ground. Marquez 

Cooper rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns, while Gavin 

Garcia ran for 82 yards on nine carries. 

A one-time second tier team in the Mid American Conference, 

the Golden Flashes have enjoyed a resurgence under Sean 

Lewis’s watch. Last season, Kent State played in the MAC 

Championship Game and earned a berth in the Famous Idaho 

Potato Bowl. Lewis is in his fifth year at the helm. He was hired 

in 2018 at the age of 32, at the time, the youngest head coach 

in college football. 

There is a connection between the two schools, Bulldogs 

baseball coach Scott Stricklin played for Kent State from 1991 to 

1993, and later served as the program’s head coach, leading the 

Golden Flashes to the 2012 College World Series. 


SPORTS 

FOOTBALL 

BULLDOGS TO WATCH 

BY CLAY WATKINS 

LADD MCCONKEY (WR #84) - Through three games, McConkey 

has 162 yards and two touchdowns. Stetson Bennett has made Ladd 

one of his top targets and it is becoming clear that he is one of the 

most versatile receivers in the SEC. With the Golden Flashes coming 

into town, and AD Mitchell’s health still in question, McConkey could 

once again see a significant number of touches against Kent State. 

LADD MCCONKEY 

WIDE RECEIVER 

PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE 

DAIJUN EDWARDS 

RUNNING BACK 


KAMARI LASSITER 

CORNER BACK 


DAIJUN EDWARDS (RB #30) - Expect to see numerous backs 

featured as the depth chart will most likely be heavily utilized this 

weekend. Edwards had 33 yards on just four caries against South 

Carolina. The Junior running back from Norman Park is a silent assassin 

and should make the most out of his carries this upcoming weekend. 

It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if he found the end-zone for the first 

time this season. 

SEDRICK VAN PRAN (C #63) - The starting center for the Bulldogs 

has stepped up as a vocal leader and has cemented this offensive line 

as one of the more dominant units in the country. In a game against 

an overmatched opponent, it is necessary that the Bulldogs’ leaders 

ensure in practice that there is no drop off following an emotional win 

in SEC play. Georgia would like to work on its run game, which has 

not yet been dominant, and Van Pran will lead that effort against the 

Golden Flashes. 

NOLAN SMITH (OLB #4) - While his stats may not burst off the 

page, Smith has done a phenomenal job leading the defense. Smith is a 

complete outside linebacker that can rush the passer at an elite level as 

well as defend the run exceptionally well. Similar to Van Pran, Smith will 

need to set the tone early against the Golden Flashes to continue the 

Bulldogs domination on the defensive side of the ball. 

KAMARI LASSITER (CB #3) - Lassiter has been flat out 

phenomenal this season. While all the talk has been on Keele Ringo, 

whose interception sealed Georgia’s national championship, Lassiter 

has locked up wideouts on the other side of the field. Keele will likely 

be a First Team All SEC player. While Lassiter will not get the same 

amount of attention as Ringo, the corner from Savannah will continue 

to shut down opposing receivers in coverage while hitting significantly 

harder than his 6-foot, 180-pound frame would suggest. 

XAVIEN SOREY JR. (ILB #18) - The 6-3, 214-pound Inside 

Linebacker is just a sophomore, however, he has loads of talent. 

Throughout the numerous press conferences covered this season, 

Sorey has often been praised as the fastest linebacker on the team. 

Sorey is a natural talent who has worked his way into getting minutes 

in numerous packages, but the young linebacker is a player who should 

get more minutes and playing experience against a lesser opponent 

like Kent State. 

BY JEFF DANTZLER 

Georgia and Kent State last met on the gridiron to 

open the 1998 season, as Jim Donnan’s Bulldogs, 

with Kirby Smart starting at safety, defeated the 

Golden Flashes 56-3 in Athens. 

Two members of the 1998 Bulldogs football team, 

CB/WR Champ Bailey (2019) and DT Richard 

Seymour (2022), have recently been inducted into 

the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Georgia’s nine appearances in the SEC 

Championship Game are the third highest total in 

league history, all coming since 2002 - tied with 

Alabama for the most in the last 20 years. 


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SPORTS 

FOOTBALL 

GOLDEN FLASHES TO WATCH 

BY COBY SERINA 

COLLIN SCHLEE (QB #19) - A lot of quarterbacks nowadays are 

expected to be mobile and have the ability to escape a collapsing 

pocket, but Schlee is intentionally used as a rushing threat. Until 

their Week 3 match up, he led the team in passing and rushing yards, 

averaging over five yards per carry. He’s a slippery runner who needs 

more than just an arm tackle to be brought down. 

COLLIN SCHLEE 

QUARTERBACK 

PHOTO BY: KENT STATE ATHLETICS 

MARQUEZ COOPER 

RUNNING BACK 


MARQUEZ COOPER (RB #1) - At 5’7 Cooper is definitely a 

smaller back, but he didn’t let that stop him last year. Coming off an 

extremely productive 2021 season, rushing 297 times for 1487 yards, 

he’ll be trying his best to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke. He’s off 

to a rough start only averaging 3.5 yards per carry, but he’s bound to 

find his groove with the way they lean on him; through three games 

he’s had 51 rush attempts. 

DANTE CEPHAS (WR #14) - Cephas earned First Team All- 

MAC honors last year catching 82 passes for 1,240 yards and 12 

touchdowns. This season he’s caught 14 passes for 244 yards, 

averaging 17.4 yards per reception, but regardless of the efficiency, 

that’s probably a bit slower than he’d like. Adjusting to a new 

quarterback and having two of their first three games against Power 

Five opponents hasn’t put him on pace to get totals like last year, 

but he’s a proven receiving threat that will demand his fair share of 

respect come gameday. 

NICO BOLDEN (S #24) - A fifth-year who only started to get 

major snaps last season, Bolden is establishing a presence on this 

team. He’s a bigger guy at the safety position. Coming in at 6’3, he 

attracts physicality and his stats show for that. He leads the team in 

tackles with 27 total. With a knack for flying to the ball, it shouldn’t be 

too surprising to see him give the Dawgs some trouble. 

KHALIB JOHNS (LB #32) - Originally a transfer, Johns has now 

earned a role as the field general of this defense. Stats don’t lie, and 

the stats say he’s a force to be reckoned with in the intermediate area. 

Four sacks, two pass deflections, and 15 total tackles doesn’t sound 

too shabby. Kent State may look to get him involved in blitz packages 

when they’re in need of a play on D. 

NICO BOLDEN 

SAFTEY 


JOJO EVANS (S #23) - Evans looks like a playmaker back there 

in the Golden Flashes’ secondary. In just three games this season, 

Evans has amassed two pass deflections and a forced fumble, clearly 

displaying the ability to disrupt offensive play. Similarly to Johns, he’s 

managed to earn himself a larger role this season and you can see it 

in his numbers. 


Pittsburgh Steelers legendary Pro Football Hall of 

Fame linebacker Jack Lambert, No. 58 for the Steel 

Curtain, played at Kent State along with teammates 

Nick Saban and Gary Pinkel. 

Late, great New York Yankees catcher Thurman Lee 

Munson, tragically killed in a plane crash in 1979, 

starred at Kent State before becoming a seven-time 

All-Star for the Bronx Bombers. 

Georgia Head Baseball Coach Scott Stricklin was a 

standout player and coach at Kent State, playing for 

the Golden Flashes from 1991-93, and coaching his 

alma mater from 2005-2013. 


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FIVE KEYS 

FOR A DAWGS VICTORY 

1RUN DEFENSE - Kent State has played one of college football’s toughest 

schedules, opening at Washington and then going to Oklahoma. The Golden 

Flashes have been tough and certainly earned a great deal of respect for 

hanging around against these college football bluebloods. Against Washington, 

Kent State ran 39 times for 147 yards, an average of 3.8 per carry. In Norman, Kent 

State ran for 12 first downs and 164 yards on 52 carries. Now obviously this is not 

a dominating attack, but it’s allowed Kent State to run some clock and build some 

toughness. Now it’s Georgia, and the Bulldogs run defense will be “on notice.” For a 

comfortable victory, that stop unit must answer the bell and stuff the run. 

2BIG PLAY OFFENSE - The modern term is “explosives.” Chunk plays. Both 

on the ground and through the air, everyone is looking for those big gainers and 

long touchdowns. It can be hard to sustain drives. One miscue, next thing you 

know, you’re behind the chains. On the ground, through the air, the Bulldogs would 

love to rip off some big plays and a long score or two. That goes for special teams as 

well. An overwhelming athletic play can take the wind out of the underdog’s sails. 

3KICKING GAME CONQUEST - Turnovers and special teams. That’s how 

the door for an upset can be opened. Georgia is looking for a sound and clean 

performance first, and then the play-making to create separation from one of 

the Mid American Conference’s best teams. Depth - more on that below - shows up 

on special teams and this is an area where the Bulldogs will look to capitalize and 

excel Saturday afternoon. 

4DOMINATION WITH DEPTH - That depth will clearly favor Georgia. 

The Bulldogs would love to take an early lead, create a cushion and get 

some critical game snaps for reserves. Georgia has had that opportunity this 

season, and would love to do it again. Quarterback is the position that gets the 

most attention. Who will that next guy be after Stetson Bennett? There are three 

talented scholarship underclassmen behind the Bulldogs sixth-year signal caller - 

who knows, maybe there’s another walk-on who’s time will come - and there’s no 

way to quantify the value of getting those snaps “when the band’s playing.” 

5BRING THE ENERGY - It’s a noon game after the huge Southeastern 

Conference showdown with the Gamecocks at South Carolina. Next week, 

Georgia heads to the other Columbia to play Missouri in the second SEC game 

of the year, and the beginning of seven straight against league foes. Kent State has 

already played at Washington and Oklahoma, so the Golden Flashes don’t figure to 

be star struck. Georgia’s players and fans thrive off one another. The energy created 

Between the Hedges between the two has helped turn Sanford Stadium into one of 

the most intimidating atmospheres in college football. 

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THE DAWG BONES 


BY CLAY WATKINS 

DAWG BONES OFFENSE: GEORGIA 

Georgia has been the most dominant they have been in years on 

the offensive side of the football. Stetson Bennett is only a few 

yards away from throwing for over 1,000 yards, and it is only mid- 

September. Georgia’s tight ends are a nightmare for opponents. On 

top of that, Georgia is using their running back depth and attacking 

the perimeter, giving Todd Monken plenty of play calling options. 

DAWG BONES DEFENSE: GEORGIA 

Wasn’t there supposed to be defensive drop off this season? The 

Georgia standard has been set in stone, and the No. 1 ranked 

Dawgs are still showing that they are a force to be reckoned with. 

Georgia’s goal has always been to hold teams to less than 13 points. 

Through three games, the Dawgs have given up one touchdown (in 

garbage time) and are averaging conceding only 3.3 points a game. 

Could this defense be better than last year’s historic unit? 

DAWG BONES SPECIAL TEAMS: GEORGIA 

The Dawgs’ Special Teams hasn’t missed a beat this season. Jack 

Podlesny is 5 of 6 on the year with a 100% extra-point percentage. 

Brett Thorson averaged 49.5 yards a punt versus South Carolina 

and has proven to be an impressive replacement for current Tampa 

Bay Buccaneers’ punter, Jake Camarda. Special Teams has certainly 

been an underestimated part of Georgia’s team, largely because 

they have blown out all of its opponents. The Dawgs will have some 

close games and will need their stellar kicking game to continue. 

DAWG BONES COACHING: GEORGIA 

Kirby Smart has led Georgia to the No. 1 ranking during the season, 

once again. He will be the first to tell you that means absolutely 

nothing, but it sure is a testament to the program that he has built. 

Kent State’s head coach, Sean Lewis, has done a fantastic job in his 

relatively short time with the Golden Flashes. He plays an explosive 

brand of football that has proven successful in the MAC, however, 

the elite Georgia Bulldogs coaching staff shouldn’t have a problem 

game planning for this match up. 

DAWG BONES OVERALL: GEORGIA 

The Dawgs top billing appears well deserved. Without a doubt, 

they should absolutely dominant this game on all sides of the ball. 

After an inefficient outing in the redzone on offense the last time 

the Dawgs played in Sanford Stadium, expect Georgia to be hungry 

to put up touchdowns and not field goals in the red zone. Expect 

a complete performance on Saturday and lots of young players 

getting playing time. 

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A VIEW FROM ...kent state 

Rob Polinsky does a great job with the Kent State University broadcasting team. He’s been on the Kent State 

football broadcasts since 2008 and has been the Golden Flashes Play by Play man since 2020. Rob has worked 

in radio and sports for 35 years, and is kind enough to give us his insights into Saturday’s game, and on college 

football in general. His final answer has some particularly insightful thoughts on the game that we love so dearly. 

PLAYING ONE OF THE TOUGHEST 

SCHEDULES IN THE COUNTRY IN 

SEPTEMBER (AT WASHINGTON, 

OKLAHOMA AND GEORGIA), DO 

YOU THINK KENT STATE WILL BE 

PRIMED FOR MAC PLAY? 

First thing it is the toughest non conference 

schedule they have ever had. Arguably 

the toughest anyone has ever had, so it 

will either have them primed for MAC play 

or if they get physically banged up and 

aren’t healthy it could hurt their season. 

September will not only take a toll on them 

physically but it will be difficult mentally. I 

would like their chances more if they had a 

bye week before getting into league play. 

Time will tell, I might have a better answer 

after the season. 

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE 

TEAM THIS YEAR? 

In my opinion the goals are to retain the 

wagon wheel (Kent State vs. Akron winner) 

and win the MAC Championship. 

MAKING THE MAC CHAMPIONSHIP 

GAME AND PLAYING IN A 

BOWL MARKED AN EXCELLENT 

ACCOMPLISHMENT LAST YEAR, DO 

YOU FEEL THE GOLDEN FLASHES 

ARE ON THE RISE IN THE MAC? 

I feel the team has been on the rise in the 

MAC ever since Sean Lewis arrived as head 

coach for the 2018 season. The last three 

years they haven’t had a losing season and 

that’s the first time that has happened since 

the early 70s. 

WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON 

GEORGIA? 

They are the defending National Champs 

and they are that until someone knocks 

them off. My take is after watching some of 

the Oregon game is that they might even 

be better than last year. They look like a 

shoe-in for the CFP this year. 

WHAT DOES KENT STATE NEED 

TO DO TO BEAT GEORGIA? 

KSU would have to play the perfect game 

and they would still need a lot of help from 

Georgia to have any chance. Sometimes 

in these types of matchups, KSU can hang 

around for most of the first quarter and 

even first half, but that’s awfully difficult to 

do for four quarters. 

HAVING ALREADY PLAYED 

WASHINGTON AND OKLAHOMA, 

IS THERE EXCITEMENT AROUND 

THE PROGRAM VISITING 

SANFORD STADIUM? 

Of course there’s excitement to come to 

Sanford Stadium, it’s one of the cathedrals 

in all of college football. For me it will be my 

first time, I can check another one off of my 

bucket list. 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAS 

UNDERGONE SUCH SWEEPING 

CHANGES THE LAST FEW YEARS, 

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT 

YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE 

HAPPEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE? 

Tough question, I would like to see 

somehow, someway that they cut down 

how easily players can transfer. Find a 

way to make NIL clearer and simpler 

for everybody. I’m not a fan of all of the 

super conferences and the expansion that 

seems never-ending. I hope the Bowls can 

be saved even with the CFP expanding 

because the Bowls are very important to 

schools like Kent State and other Group of 5 

schools. Actually I would like the group of 5 

schools to have their own championship to 

compete for. 

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GEORGIA GIRLS: MARY LOVETT BECK PG. 24 | PROUST: TOMMY E. WARNER PG. 39 

SOCIAL 

S CAROLINA FAN PHOTOS PG. 27-36 

PHOTO BY: VANCE LEAVY 

Carson Ratley, Ryen Minton, 

Sydney Sasser, Ella Sammons 


GEORGIA GIRLS 

SOCIAL 

3. 

Georgia Girls 

MARY LOVETT BECK 

Cheri Leavy’s rapport with her favorite tastemakers and 

UGA Alumnae brings you plenty of doggone good inspiration! 

Foundation: 

NAME: Mary Lovett (Varner) Beck 

FAMILY: Jeff (husband), daughters Sally 

(14), Wynne (12) and Lovett (10).....and a 

whole lot of sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces 

and nephews. And one Gigi (my mother 

and personal hero). And we all live in 

Columbus! 

HOMETOWN: Columbus, Georgia 

CURRENT TOWN: Columbus, Georgia 

WHAT YEARS AT UGA: 2001-2004 

SCHOOL/DEGREE: Public Relations in Grady School 

of Journalism 

PROFESSION: For the past few years I’ve worked in residential 

interior design, which has always been a passion of mine. In 

2021, my youngest sister (who was in marketing at the time) 

and I combined our shared interests to form our own business, 

Varnish Collection. We offer wicker and rattan furniture 

and accessories for the home. Our pieces are handmade 

by artisans using all natural materials. We have a deep 

appreciation for unique design and family tradition (so much 

so that we based the name of our company off our maiden 

name, Varner). We strive to help others create beautiful and 

memorable spaces in their own homes. 

2. 

BOOK: The Giving Tree, Cutting 

for Stone, Pillars of the Earth (1) 

MAGAZINE: Anything “home” 

or “design” - I stash them in 

a pile until I can quietly pore 

over every page. 

PODCAST: How’d She Do That, This 

American Life and Nothin’ But Fine. 

BLOG: I’m afraid I’ve actually shifted from 

blogs back to books! 

INSTAGRAM: @charliemackesy, @natgeo, 

@tanksgoodnews and too many artists and 

designers to count. (2) 

BRAND: Tuckernuck. (3) 

Inspo: 

FASHION DESIGNER: Buru - Morgan is a style 

icon, mother, wife, super smart business 

woman and a good person. Is she even real? 

BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 24 ISSUE SIX • KENT STATE 

1.

Athens + UGA: 

DESCRIBE ATHENS IN FIVE WORDS OR 

LESS: Little slice of heaven. 

RESTAURANTS AND BARS: The Last 

Resort was my second home in college 

(bless you Jaamy) and I love that my 

children now enjoy it as well. 

4. 

INTERIOR DESIGNER: Chenault James and 

Charlotte Lucas - I think they are artists more 

than they are designers. (4) 

CHEF: Anyone who cooks for me. 

HISTORICAL FIGURE: She may not be in 

history books, but my grandmother (whom 

I’m named for) is a constant inspiration in my life. 

SHOPS: We pretty much spend our 

shopping time in the bookstore, but 

now that I have teenagers I’m thinking 

that will change to Heery’s. 

ATHENS/CAMPUS LANDMARK: The 

Tree that Owns Itself. (5) 

MEMORY WHILE IN SCHOOL: I would 

give anything to go back to living in 

the Theta house for one night! There 

were some crazy and fun memories 

- and some friendships that I really 

cherish. 

PROFESSOR/CLASS: Graphic Design 

and Art History were two of my 

favorites. 

GAMEDAY RITUAL/PLAN: In college we 

typically woke up to a blaring “Glory, 

Glory” followed by a questionable 

beverage. Now we usually have a 

soccer game or two, suit up in our 

red and black and get together with 

friends. 

TAILGATE RECIPE: Pick up Smokey Pig 

BBQ sandwiches 

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25 ISSUE SIX • KENT STATE 

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27 ISSUE SIX • KENT STATE

SOCIAL 

FAN SHOTS 

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Tyler Eith, Hank Crawford, Jeff Bolch, Brendan Herrmann; (back) 

Bo Palmer, Jack Gardner, Michael Wagner, Hamilton Culpepper, 

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SOCIAL 

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Demi Fitzgerald Lally, Cheri Leavy, Jana 

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Hank Stephens, Bo Stephens, Stacy Stephens, Carey 

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LORAN SMITH 

Bulldogs 

of the 4 th Estate 

PHOTO BY: 

OHMS.LIBS.UGA.EDU 

PHOTO BY: 

AJC.COM 

JIM MINTER 

PHOTO BY: 

RACINTODAY.COM 

Bulldawg Illustrated continues its new series, featuring long-time UGA personalities of the Fourth Estate. There are many who are published authors along 

with network television superstars. Our fourth installment spotlights Jim Minter, who is an under appreciated marvel with the pen that has the distinction of 

training some of the best writers in our state. 

One of the best writer-editor’s in this state has never been 

adequately recognized for his work, which is a shame. An 

unadulterated shame. 

A nonagenarian living peacefully on a small farm in 

Fayetteville, Jim Minter is best known for his prose on the sports beat, but 

if you ever read his weekly down-home column in the Atlanta Journal- 

Constitution a few years back, you would have found it both informative 

and delightfully entertaining. 

The column I remember best was one about his inadvertently leaving 

a side door open to his house, which allowed for an unannounced and 

unwelcomed entry into his home by some goats. His essay on what 

happened, especially when these notorious plunderers found their way 

into the dressing room of his wife Anne, was downright hilarious. It 

would have turned the heads of Bob Hope’s writers. 

The University of Georgia hosts and administrates “The Georgia Writers 

Hall of Fame,” and the absence of Jim’s name on the rolls is, in my view, 

a glaring omission. Some of that has to do with the fact that Jim mostly 

wrote sports, but when he found an angle such as a birddog which could 

point fish, not even Hemmingway could have been more descriptive. 

As an editor, Jim was tough when it was necessary, and he was not 

without the resolve and motivation to put the uppity in their place—be it 

a politician, a state contractor, a football coach or a bootlegger. However, 

he preferred writing stories about birddogs, cane pole fishermen and 

those who lived off their acreage, those who would do for others and 

those who had affection for the church in the valley by the wildwood. Jim 

has always been a John Deere and a Red Man type man. 

Another issue with Jim being a full-time writer was the fact that he 

also spent time with the administrative side of the newspaper business. 

He became the Executive Sports Editor of the AJC sports department 

which meant that he ran the sports section. His superiors took note of 

his expertise and leadership. He would become managing editor of the 

Atlanta Constitution and soon thereafter Executive Editor of the AJC. 

When he wasn’t writing stimulating columns and sidebars, with a 

poignant flair in his down-home style, he was putting out good-looking 

sports sections with crisp and snappy headlines. 

He was forever keeping an eye out for talent. It was Minter who kick 

started Lewis Grizzard’s career and became the popular columnist’s 

biggest promoter and “damn good friend.” It you know anything about 

the trials and tribulations of Grizzard’s life, then you could appreciate just 

what a “damn good friend,” Jim was to Lewis. 

Minter also hired noted political writer Howell Raines, Steve Oney, who 

authored an award-winning book on the murder of Mary Phagan, “The 

Dead Shall Also Rise.” Then there was Lee Walburn who became editor 

of Atlanta Magazine which was a pace setter in Chamber of Commerce 

publications, and Terry Kay, who was such a prolific author that he could 

deliver a title monthly for the Book of the Month Club. 

While Jim didn’t have time to pursue an angle that might have 

brought him a Pulitzer Prize, he was certainly capable. He didn’t write 

novels, but he could have. He didn’t team up with legendary superstar 

sports figures, but, God knows, he had bushels of contacts and 

relationships that could have brought insightful and illuminating coauthored 

treatises—if he had. 

Jim, perhaps, has a split personality. There is the dedicated, seasoned 

and insightful writer and then there is the sentimentalist. He loves riding 

his John Deere tractor with a bush hog harrow in tow. He enjoys country 

music and following a bird dog is almost equal to being waved through 

the Pearly Gates. 

I have fished with him and have quail hunted with him. I have drunk Irish 

whisky with him while reminiscing about Georgia football, the political 

characters we have known and the unmatched joy in living in this state 

and exploring every one of its 159 counties and meeting some of the most 

genuine and respected natives of the Empire State of the South. 

Jim is a raconteur who has written and trained some of the best writers 

in our state. Only a bad back has slowed him down in recent years, but he 

still rides his tractor and reads a book a week. He has told stories as well 

as any columnist in this state’s history. He just didn’t make a career of it. 

The Georgia Writer’s Hall of Fame has inducted Celestine Sibley, a fine 

writer so there is a precedent for the inducting newspaper writers. I hold 

the view that of the many writers thus far inducted, Jim’s credentials are 

as legitimate as anyone whose name is on the roll of inductees. Sadly, he 

is a man whose talent has been overlooked. However, it is not too late for 

the Hall to make amends. 


PROUST 

Q&A 

BY: CAROLINE CHAMPION 

WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE DO YOU MOST 

IDENTIFY WITH? 

TOMMY E. WARNER, JR. 

NAME: Tommy E. Warner, Jr. but most people know me by my 

nickname Corky. 

FAMILY: Wife: Catherine (Double Dawg 1994, 1998), Sons: 

Tommy III (Emory University ‘23), Will (UGA ‘26 ) and Ben (Athens 

Academy ‘27 ) 

HOMETOWN: Athens, Georgia. 

CURRENT TOWN: Athens, Georgia. 

WHAT YEARS AT UGA: 1991-1994 

SCHOOL/DEGREE: Terry College of Business/ BBA 

PROFESSION: Real Estate Development/Property 

Management 

ACCOLADES: Not sure this is an accolade but I think I hold our 

tailgate record for eating the most sausage (45 inches) and the 

most chicken nuggets (85) during a tailgate. I was attempting to 

eat 100 chicken nuggets but fell short (I should not have had two 

bowls of Gumbo during my quest.) Note: sausage consumption 

and chicken nugget chomping were at two different tailgates. 

WHAT LIFE LESSONS DID YOU LEARN WHILE AT 

UGA? 

UGA has so much to offer. You get out of it what you put in it. Just 

like most other things in life. 

WHAT PROFESSOR DID YOU MOST ADMIRE? 

Dr. Ramal who taught the History of Rock & Roll. He said we had 

to call him Dr. because it cost him $20,000 to get that title. You’ve 

got to admire a guy who convinced UGA to pay him to teach 

that subject matter. I couldn’t figure out why there were so many 

athletes in that class? I also had Dr. Dawn Bennett-Alexander for 

Legal Studies. She was a professor who really got my attention. 

She was a very powerful and demanding professor in the Terry 

College of Business and recently retired after 33 years at UGA. 

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST 

ACHIEVEMENT? 

My family. Parenting is hard work and there is no one I would 

rather tackle it with than my wife Catherine. It is always nice to 

hear others compliment your children on their kindness and 

humility. It feels good to know that some of your lessons have 

taken root. 

Coach Dan Magill. The greatest Bulldog of them all. I was fortunate 

enough to spend a lot of time with him while I was growing up. He 

was everything: coach, athlete, teacher, raconteur, writer, showman, 

inventor. He did it all! Coach Magill made a lot of history and he even 

wrote several books to record his accomplishments for perpetuity. 

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE? 

My Dad. He taught me the values of organization and hard work. He 

was a serial entrepreneur. Some of his most notable business ventures 

in Athens included Cedric’s Fish & Chips, Popeyes Famous Fried 

Chicken, Oscar’s Chicken Fingers & Hamburgers , Take Out Taxi, and 

Big League Barbers. He was a great operator of franchise concepts. My 

mother also amazed me surviving lung cancer against all odds. She 

refused to quit fighting! Big thanks to Dr. Petros Nikolinakos and the 

staff at UCBC for all they did to help her win the fight!! 

QUOTE TO LIVE BY: 

“Sure as you can’t steer a train, you can’t change your fate.” 

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? 

Spending time with my family and friends whether at the beach, 

the lake, the mountains or a UGA tailgate! 

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MARKED CHARACTERISTIC? 

People say that I have a good memory, sometimes too good. 

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS? 

Integrity and Humor. 

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT 

YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? 

I wish that I could have more patience both with myself and with 

others. 

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS? 

You can’t beat a good prognostication from Leonard Postosties 

and his venerable weekly publication Leonard’s Losers. I also like 

the Mad Libs guy. Those stories always end up crazy. And I do like 

listening to Andrew Rothschild. Someone needs to write down his 

tall tales and adventures. 

FAVE SOCIAL MEDIA AND WHO TO FOLLOW? 

I am not on any social media platforms. If you need to reach me 

you can still call me on a landline telephone number. It is the 

same phone number that I got in my first Athens apartment, unit 

84 at Towne Club on Springdale Street, with my roommates Jay 

Ferguson, Zan Banks, and Bobby Mariencheck. My number is 

706-543-????. Give me call! 


STATS THAT MATTER PG. 44 | BUTLER’S PLAYERS OF THE GAME PG. 45 | JD’S TOP 15 PG. 46 

FRESHMAN SENSATION MALAKI 

STARKS CONTINUES TO SIZZLE! 


MORE 

SPORTS 


MORE SPORTS 

FOOTBALL 

FROM THE FIELD 

BY GREG POOLE 

GEORGIA - 48, SOUTH CAROLINA- 7 


If Georgia keeps dominating opponents like they crushed 

South Carolina (and their first two victims), I will run out of 

superlatives very soon. The Gamecocks and their fans, perennial 

winners of off-season championships, were unceremoniously 

slammed back to reality by a bunch of Dawgs who don’t have 

time for pretenders. Georgia raided the Chicken House leaving 

only scattered bones, feathers and eggshells. 

Beating Georgia is a dream for Carolina fans, and most years, 

that dream becomes a nightmare as the Bulldogs now lead the 

series 54-19-2. Carolina thought this season would be different, 

with their transfer quarterback trashing Smart’s vaunted pass 

defense. The Cocks believed their defense would limit Georgia’s 

offense, precipitating a fourth-quarter shootout that their highlevel 

transfer quarterback would win going away. Wrong! 

Several media outlets have asked if these Dawgs are better 

than the 2021 national champs, but I’m unsure how one 

would answer that question. The teams are different, and 

the competition has changed. However, one thing has not 

changed: Kirby Smart and his staff have filled their roster with 

some of the nation’s most talented players and turned those 

highly-ranked individuals into a team. A team always beats a 

collection of individuals … Saturday was a prime example. 

Pundits often point to South Carolina’s fan loyalty because 

they fill their stadium even when things are not going well. On 

the flip side, those same extreme loyalists know how to desert 

their team when it becomes apparent that the gambling line 

is an optimistic estimate. Whole sections of Williams-Brice 

Stadium emptied in the third quarter, including the student 

sections. 

Empty home stadia are beautiful. 

Those loyal South Carolina fans can hurry back to their coops 

to cluck away about their fantastic recruits and newfound 

coaching excellence until another summer rolls around. 

Ripping July from the calendar is the annual signal to emerge 

from the shelter of their offseason fantasyland, strutting, and 

clucking. However, September follows, and fowl are always on 

the Dawgs’ menu, de-spurred, roasted, and smothered. 

The inventive violinist, singer, and songwriter 

in an unforgettable concert with full orchestra. 

Kishi Bashi 

UGA Symphony Orchestra 

Mark Cedel, conductor 

“He really is a one-man orchestra. But backed by the 

real thing, the results were even more stunning.” 

—St. Louis Post-Dispatch 

Oct 

6 

THURS 

7:30 pm 

Hodgson Concert Hall 

UGA students $10. Free parking. 

Buy tickets now: pac.uga.edu or (706) 542-4400 

Scan for info and tickets 

Max Ritter 

230 River Road, Athens 


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SCAN TO SHOP 

GEORGIA – 48 

SOUTH CAROLINA - 7 

BY: COBY SERINA 

A look back at what decided the game 

between Georgia and South Carolina. 

In an electric offensive showing that was 

only hindered by veteran quarterback 

Stetson Bennett “feeling sick” during the 

first half, Kirby Smart and the Georgia 

Bulldogs showed the football world why 

they are deserving of their No. 1 status. 

After facing off and beating down on 

South Carolina in their SEC opener, Georgia 

proved they could get it done against 

48-7 

opponents within their own conference. 

Albeit the Gamecocks don’t necessarily 

lie at the top of the food chain around 

these parts, beating them in the fashion in 

which they did serves as further evidence 

that Kirby Smart is building a program 

that is made to last. Here are some stats 

that proved the difference in the Dawgs 

schilacking of the Cocks. 

78 

Brock Bowers truly is a freak of nature. On 

the Bulldogs’ first drive of the second half 

against South Carolina, Bennett tossed 

one to Bowers to turn what looked to be a 

decent gain into a house call. The secondyear 

tight end shoved a defender to the 

ground and outran a couple more to trot 

78 yards into the end zone. Bowers had 

a similar play against Georgia Tech last 

season; neither play was a fluke. Plays like 

that just happen when you put the ball in 

the hands of an elite playmaker. 

320 

Right when you think you’ve seen it all, 

Stetson Bennett will always have another 

trick up his sleeve. South Carolina was 

essentially Bennett’s “flu game.” Even 

though he was retching on the sidelines 

during the first half, the former walk-on 

turned 2022 CFP National Championship 

MVP still 9put up 320 all-purpose yards. 

Throwing for only 284 had Bennett a little 

short of the 300-yard game that fans were 

looking for, but to make up for that Bennett 

quietly led the team in rushing yards 

having three attempts for 36 yards and a 

touchdown. People underestimate his legs. 

Bennett doesn’t just possess the ability 

to run when needed. It’s a skill he’s been 

honing in on this offseason. 

9/21 

As the offensive identity of this team slowly 

comes to form, Ladd McConkey and Brock 

Bowers are emerging as Georgia’s more 

reliable pass catchers (AD Mitchell could 

be included too, but he’s injured). Out of 

the 21 passes dished out on Saturday, nine 

went to this receiving duo. There were 

plenty of plays scripted around them. Plays 

that were focused on getting the ball in 

their hands one way or another. Both of 

them had rushing attempts and Bowers 

even scored off of his. The beauty about 

these two guys is that they surpass the 

expectations of what a traditional player 

at their position is expected to. Their 

versatility opens up the offense and gives 

play callers more options and in turn, more 

opportunities. 

320 

9 


The Dawgs defensive front has only 

recorded one sack so far this season. It was 

against Samford. Although that stat makes 

it look like the Georgia is failing to affect 

the quarterback, the opposite is true. The 

Dawgs didn’t take dowh the quarterback in 

Columbia, but their impact was definitely 

still felt. Against South Carolina, Georgia 

recorded nine quarterback hurries forcing 

misthrows and ending plays before they 

could even begin. The fact of the matter 

is this defense isn’t focused on sacks. 

They’re focused on pressure. If they can 

consistently pressure the quarterback, 

sacks are just a bonus. Coach Smart has 

said that he wishes they could finish more 

and come up with sacks, but he is not at 

all disappointed in the defensive line’s 

production. 


FOOTBALL 

KEVIN BUTLER’S PLAYERS OF THE GAME 

OFFENSIVE PLAYER 

Each week, Georgia and Chicago Bears 

Hall of Fame legend Kevin Butler 

picks his Players of the Game. A 

member of numerous Halls of 

Fame and holder of a slew of 

records, Butler co-hosts DawgTalk 

on Georgia Football Saturdays 

and the famous Bulldog Brunch 

from the Hilltop Grille on Sundays. 

— COMPILED BY JEFF DANTZLER 

Brock Bowers - I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Brock 

from Napa only gets better with time. The sophomore from 

California keeps doing more amazing things each week. Against 

the Gamecocks, in my mind, Brock’ s performance now puts him 

on everyone’s Heisman watch. He can run, catch and block like 

a superstar. Georgia is using him to its advantage and it shows 

in his production. Saturday, he recorded five receptions for 121 

yards - punctuated by a 78-yard TD sprint. He also had one carry 

for a 5-yard touchdown, but his presence really wreaks havoc on 

any defense prepared to play the Bulldogs. Look for more Brock 

which will rock our opponents’ world. 

DEFENSIVE PLAYER 

Jamon Dumas - Johnson - the sophomore from Maryland is 

playing at a very high level, set by two Butkus winners. Johnson 

was on the preseason watch list for the Butkus award and by 

seeing his performance in the first three games I understand 

why. Saturday’s performance against South Carolina showed his 

leadership and his fundamental execution of an inside linebacker. 

Jamon recorded six SOLO tackles to lead the defense to a healthy 

victory over the Gamecocks. As we get deeper each game, 

Johnson’s leadership will enable Georgia to march towards the 

championship game. 

SPECIAL TEAM PLAYER 

Ladd McConkey - we are getting used to seeing Ladd have great 

performances in each game so far, but we should not forget his 

play on special teams. Ladd has brought a calm feeling to the 

punt return position. The first thing you have to do when the team 

punts is to protect the ball. Ladd is as sure handed as anyone 

on the team. Not only did he have four receptions for 52 yds 

Saturday on offense, but his heads up play on special teams saved 

the Bulldogs their possible first turnover of the season. Never 

happened - Lad’s smart, hustling play eliminated that mistake, 

jumping on a punt return that touched one of the Bulldog 

blockers. Anytime Ladd touches the ball the Bulldog nation takes 

notice! DGD! 

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JD’S TOP 15 

— Jeff Dantzler 

FOOTBALL 

MORE SPORTS 

And here we go into the final weekend of September. After Saturday, the 

regular season sadly will be one-third over. A lot of big intra-conference 

matchups are on the slate and the playoff talk is constant. The PAC-12 

had an excellent week, while Georgia and Alabama were dominant. 

1. GEORGIA - The top-ranked defending national 

champions were incredible in a 48-7 victory over South 

Carolina. The 3-0 Bulldogs scored on their first three 

possessions and were stifling defensively. Kent State comes to 

Athens Saturday for a nooner. 

2. ALABAMA - It was an easy win for Alabama over 

Louisiana-Monroe following the thriller with Texas. The 

Crimson Tide is 3-0, with Bryce Young and Will Anderson 

leading the way. Now it’s time for SEC play with Vanderbilt coming 

to Tuscaloosa. 

3. OHIO STATE - The Buckeyes took care of Toledo 

77-21 Saturday night to make it 3-0. Arkansas State and 

the Rockets made for a nice appetizer after the season 

opening win over Notre Dame. Now Wisconsin comes to town for 

the Big Ten opener. 

4. USC - The Trojans have the skill personnel to be a 

threat against any team they play. Southern Cal handled 

the always dangerous Fresno State Bulldogs 45-17 last 

weekend. This Saturday night could be tricky, with the Trojans 

heading up to Oregon State. 

5. ARKANSAS - The Razorbacks are 3-0 after a scary 

38-27 win over Missouri State. The Hogs have a nice 

resume, having beaten Cincinnati and South Carolina. 

Now comes the Aggies in Arlington. Sam Pittman has done a 

tremendous job at the Fayetteville helm. 

6. CLEMSON - The Tigers are 3-0 with wins over the 

Yellow Jackets, Furman and Louisiana Tech. Saturday’s 

game at Wake Forest will be the Tigers toughest test 

yet and figures to have a bearing on who plays for the ACC 

Championship. 

7. OKLAHOMA - Brent Venables’ Sooners have been 

very impressive defensively, giving up just 30 total 

points in three games this season. A 49-14 victory over 

Nebraska in the old rivalry conjured a few memories. Boomer 

Sooner hosts Kansas State Saturday. 

8. MICHIGAN - The Wolverines first three games were 

against Colorado State, Hawaii and UConn. Now comes 

a fourth straight home game for the Big Ten opener, as Maryland 

comes to the big house. 

9. TENNESSEE - The Volunteers are off to a 3-0 start 

following the 63-6 blowout of Akron this past Saturday. 

Now comes Florida. If it is going to be a great year for 

the Vols, a win in Knoxville is badly needed. The Gators 

have won 16 of the past 17 meetings. 

10. KENTUCKY - The Wildcats are 3-0 and are still 

riding high. An impressive 31-0 win over Youngstown 

State was an easy follow-up to the stirring victory at 

Florida. Northern Illinois visits Lexington Saturday then 

comes a trip to Ole Miss and the gauntlet. 

11. TEXAS - The Longhorns knew that one was 

dangerous against the UTSA Roadrunners. But they 

survived last Saturday. Now comes a very tough road 

trip, as the Longhorns fly to Lubbock to take on the Red 

Raiders of Texas Tech. 

12. OLE MISS - The Rebels put together a complete 

performance in a 42-0 victory over the Yellow Jackets 

in Atlanta. The schedule has been soft, but Ole Miss is 

putting up impressive numbers. Ole Miss entertains Tulsa 

Saturday in Oxford. 

13. OREGON - The Ducks are on track under Dan 

Lanning’s first year watch. Oregon won one of the 

biggest games of the day last weekend, beating BYU 

41-20. Bo Nix had an excellent performance. Next up is 

Washington State in Pullman. 

14. BYU - The Cougars were dominated in Eugene, 

falling to Oregon 41-20. Brigham Young must now 

regroup. Next up is Wyoming in Provo in an old WAC 

battle. The Cowboys are going good following a 17-14 

win over Air Force on Friday night. 

15. FLORIDA STATE - The Seminoles may not look 

like their glory days teams of the 1990s, but Florida 

State is 3-0 with a win over LSU in New Orleans and at 

Louisville. Now the ‘Noles will try and make it 2-0 in the 

ACC, hosting Boston College Saturday night. 

Juicy Quarter 

Pounder ® Burgers 

athens • watkinsville • auburn • lawrenceville 


Enjoy Responsibly.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. 

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The Standard Is SKY HIGH! - Georgia vs. Kent State

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