Wow, What a Saturday.
While I spent part of the afternoon in a dove field, I had my trusty Turtlebox Ranger with me, dialed in to the first half of the UGA vs. Tennessee game. It’s wild how much is happening in college football right now. I can’t remember a season where things felt this unpredictable — and I love it.
The evidence is everywhere. Preseason rankings? Garbage. Every week is its own new reality. The “automatic W” games we used to circle are gone. That’s what makes this year so exciting — you can’t assume anything.
Yesterday’s picks: 3–2 (now sitting at 6–4 on the season).
Around the South:
Georgia Tech – Huge congrats to the Jackets. They played inspired football and didn’t blink when Clemson pulled ahead. I’m a buyer of GT stock right now. Key has that program headed in the right direction. And if we’re picking teams schoolyard-style, Haynes King is my first pick. That guy is a straight-up stud. On the flip side, something’s broken at Clemson. Maybe Dabo’s distracted by all the Alabama rumors?
Alabama – The Tide finally showed up. Granted, Wisconsin isn’t much this year, but it looks like Bama figured out a few things. That’s not good news for the rest of the SEC.
Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M – Notre Dame has a good football team, but hats off to the Aggies. They wanted it more, and they caught the Irish a little too big for their britches.
South Carolina – Right now, the Gamecocks look like a one-man band. If that QB doesn’t come back, .500 feels generous.
Texas – Looking at Arch Manning’s line made me think of that Varsity Blues scene where Mox took the boys to the strip club the night before the game. I seriously hope that’s the case.
West Georgia – Don’t sleep on the Wolves. Down 11 going into the 4th, they scored 15 to beat ETSU 34–31 in front of about 500 rabid fans. Huge win in Carrollton.
UGA vs. Tennessee: I couldn’t be prouder to be a Dawg fan. It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win — especially in Knoxville, against a really good Tennessee team. Both squads might not lose another game the rest of the season.
Tennessee’s kicker? He’s going to get roasted on their message boards. And I know this one stung for Vol Nation, because the excuses came quick: “bad calls,” “Bobo conspiracy,” and the classic “you didn’t even go to Georgia.” Same song, different verse.
Bottom line: the Dawgs handled business. Well done. Keep it rolling.
Looking Ahead
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The “Why does the Big Ten schedule suck so bad?” conversation is coming — soon.
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UGA’s offense still raises questions, especially around play-calling.
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Expect more Saturdays like this one in the grown-man leagues (read: the SEC). Tons of close games, statement wins, and no easy outs. This ain’t 2015 anymore.
Leave your thoughts below — and get ready, because this season is just getting started.
I was there in 2020 when Clemson embarrassed Tech 73-7 the last time they played at Bobby Dodd. Today, I was on the field with my six year old son on my shoulders and him wearing one of the player’s helmets. We may not have the biggest fan base, but by god we’ve got a resilient one. We deserved this one. Grateful today for Tech men like Brent Key, Haynes King, and our President, Angel Cabrera, who has finally rewarded us with a commitment of resources and support for our program. This commitment and great leadership from our new AD, sets us up to be an attractive choice for the big conferences in the future.
For the group – I’m a huge college football fan (Wisconsin … unfortunately) from the midwest. I’ve never been to an SEC game and my wife and I are going to plan a trip next fall for my 40th. We’re prioritizing game day atmosphere and college town experience, but accessibility will factor in as well. I’m not too picky on the matchup. Is UGA the play? Knoxville looks great as well. I’m obviously familiar (from afar) with the Death Valley gameday atmosphere, but I’m not sure Baton Rouge is at the top of my list. Am I overlooking anywhere (maybe Oxford?)?
I’m an ACC guy who has been fortunate to attend several SEC games. As an SEC outsider, here are my favorites, though you really can’t go wrong with any of the campuses, except for maybe Vanderbilt (you either love Nashville or hate it).
1) UGA- Athens is just such a cool town, worth visiting, even when there isn’t a game; very easy drive from Atlanta.
2) The Iron Bowl- Bama vs Auburn at either campus
3) Ole Miss- same as Athens, Oxford is a very cool town and a must-see if you’ve never been in the Deep South.
Really interested to hear your UGA offensive questions.
500 yards of offense, 30 minutes time of possession, and 38 points in regulation all on the road in a very hostile environment, mainly trailing in the game so you had to have it, and while trying to work around a playing three different RTs to find one to protect Gunner. Stellar play design on the 2 point conversion to boot.