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BI From the Editor : Vance Leavy

Well Bulldog fans, it was certainly not the start we had allhoped for as our beloved team fell short at Clemson this past Sat-urday night. However the good news is there is zero time to sitaround and belly ache. Steve Spurrier brings perhaps his bestSouth Carolina team into Athens on Saturday and would lovenothing more than to finish off Georgia’s hopes for a banner 2013campaign.

That is why our cover states the obvious … Rally Call. The scene at Clemson was electric. The Tiger fans were

going nuts before, during and most certainly after the game. Now,are we as fans up for the chal-lenge to get behind our team tohelp them earn a similar tri-umph versus the Gamecocks?

I sure hope so!Don’t get me wrong I’m

still smarting from the loss. Itwas devastating to see ourteam go down in a very similarfashion to other losses of theMark Richt era. The bottomline is untimely turnovers,penalties, a special team gaffeand the inability to get key de-fensive stops makes winningclose games nearly impossible.

Without question, theGeorgia coaching staff must dosome quick soul-searching toremedy what I call junk foot-ball. Clean up the little thingsthat are paramount for a complete game or else 2013 is going tobe over before it barely began.

Rally Call!Before looking closer at the task at hand, let’s look at what

was encouraging from game one. Like we all knew, Todd Gurleyis a beast running the football. A slight injury during the game,kept him from getting more carries according to Richt. I surehope that is the case because otherwise it is just plain silly. WhileAaron Murray had catastrophic turnovers, his numbers were ex-tremely productive otherwise. Last week, in this space, I pleaded

that his maturity would make him live tosee another play. It didn’t shake out that wayagainst Clemson, but a victory over SouthCarolina won’t be possible if #11 doesn’thave a short memory.

Defensively, this young team is defi-nitely still a mystery. The return of Josh Har-vey- Clemons will be huge. There weresome good signs, but stopping the run is ahuge concern after seeing how massive

South Carolina’s offensive line looked last Thursday night. While I have plenty of 0-2 worries, what has me most con-

cerned is how we as fans will represent on Saturday. Are we upfor the challenge to get into Sanford Stadium early and establishthe huge advantage a ruckus crowd provides? And even if some-thing bad happens early, can we keep our composure to providepositive reinforcement for our team?

Rally Call!Dig deep Bulldog Nation. Our players need to feel our love.

The road for a magical season definitely started with a harsh thud,but a 1-0 SEC record willerase the Clemson blues inrecord time.

No it won’t be easy withthe masterful Bulldog de-stroyer Steve Spurrier lickinghis chops. And my goodness,leave it to Georgia to be luckyenough to get JaDeveon Clowney coming offprobably his only lacklustergame of his entire life. Still, Ihave faith that this Georgiateam will pull it together for aperformance that will have ussmiling by the final whistle.

Rally Call. Let’s all band together to

make Saturday a monumentalabout face. And lastly for ourcoaches it’s time for your own

Rally Call. Please focus on the little things to help your players be-come a fundamentally sound team. This must happen!

Please enjoy this first home game issue of BI. The fan pho-tos throughout are awesome. And after putting in a very longnight at Clemson, our sports guys rallied for great insight to getyou ready for SEC game number one. It’s a big one, that’s for sure.

And be sure not to miss Murray Poole’s column (page 5) onlinebacker coach, Kirk Olivadotti’s wife, Keely. Their family cer-tainly personifies what a real life Rally Call is all about. And onpage 20, Loran Smith returns this issue with a great tribute toCandler Meadors who has been so instrumental in the success ofthe Athens Touchdown club.

I think that covers everything on my end, except for onelast Rally Call and that goes to Malcolm Mitchell who will missthe rest of this season due to an ACL injury. Godspeed to himthroughout his recovery. Keep your head up #26, the BulldogNation loves you!

See you on Saturday with your Rally Call face on! And justa reminder that our next issue (North Texas) will come out intwo weeks due to the off-week.

Cha Cha Cha Publishing Inc.

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South Carolina, September 3, 2013

South Carolina

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Jeff DantzlerDogs must find a way to beat Gamecocks

This is a program game. After coming so close to winning the

Southeastern Conference ChampionshipGame and playing for the national title,and returning a wealth of talent, the ex-pectations for Georgia’s 2013 gridirongang were off the charts.

They are still high, but for the sec-ond time in the last three games for theprogram, Georgia suffered a heart-break-ing loss. Clemson’s 38-35 season-open-ing win, which added yet anotherchapter to the storied history of this ri-valry chock full of knee-knockers, is ablow to Georgia’s dreams, but not aknockout one.

Now comes South Carolina, whichhas won an unprecedented three consec-utive contests in the series. The Game-cocks now try and make it four in a rowagainst the Bulldogs.

All of this has happened under thewatch of the coach who has beaten Geor-gia unlike any other.

Steve Spurrier was a whopping 11-1against Georgia during his 12 year in-credibly successful stint as Florida’scoach from 1990-2001. Many of thosewins were one-sided embarrassments,including a 52-17 blasting of the Bull-dogs between the hedges in 1995.Spurrier’s Gators became the first team toever hit “half a hundred” against Georgiaat Sanford Stadium.

He has a serious loathing for theBulldogs. If you know your historyand/or a reader of Bulldawg Illustratedthrough the years, you know the story.

In 1966, Florida was coming off a30-27 victory over Auburn to stay unde-feated. Spurrier booted a long field goalon the only attempt of his collegiate ca-reer in the closing seconds to deliver thewin and jump to the top of the Heismanheap. The following week in Jack-sonville, the Gators led the Bulldogs 10-3 at the half. But the bulldogs held theGators without a first down in the sec-ond half. Bill Stanfill led an awesomedefensive performance, highlighted byLynn Hughes’s 39-yard interception re-turn for a touchdown. Georgia stuck ina late touchdown and pierced the Gators27-10. The Southeastern Conferencechampionship would go to Georgia andAlabama, both unbeaten in conferenceplay. The Gators would have to wait aquarter century, Spurrier’s second year atthe helm in Gainesville, for their firstSEC title in 1991.

Now Spurrier has dealt the Bulldogs– with the help of the likes of MarcusLattimore, Melvin Ingram and JaDeveonClowney – some dark days against SouthCarolina.

Georgia finished No. 2 nationally in2007, going 11-2. A 16-12 loss inAthens proved hugely costly to the Bull-dogs national and SEC championshiphopes. The Bulldogs would win the nexttwo meetings. South Carolina had never

won more than two in a row in the se-ries. But this is Spurrier, and what hehas done at a school that had one doubledigit win season in its history (the Cockswent 10-2 in 1984), has been quite re-markable.

Over the last three years, while craft-ing those three straight wins over theBulldogs, Spurrier has led South Car-olina to the 2010 SEC ChampionshipGame and back-to-back 11-2 seasons in2011 and 2012. The Gamecocks in thatstretch, this is South Carolina now, arean astounding 14-2 combined againstthe Bulldogs, Florida, Tennessee, Clem-son, Alabama, Nebraska and Michigan.

Let that sink in. Well for Georgia, this is a MUST

WIN on two fronts. If the Bulldogs have any hopes of

getting into contention for the nationalchampionship and competing in the SECChampionship Game for a third straightyear, Georgia simply has to have it. De-spite the caliber of the first two oppo-nents, a 0-2 mark would obviouslycompletely knock Georgia out of the racefor the crystal football. At 0-1 in leagueplay, needing to win out and have SouthCarolina lose out, that’s a long shot. TheBulldogs have gotten to Atlanta each ofthe last two years despite losing to theGamecocks. For that to happen a thirdstraight year is a huge stretch.

Then there is the rivalry and the se-ries. To have never lost three straight, itwould be a blow to drop four in a row.To think of a crop of Georgia seniorsgoing through their careers without everbeating the Gamecocks is something thatwould have seemed downright incom-prehensible not too long ago … and along time ago.

Saturday’s showdown will wrap up afive-game stretch over two years againstTech, Alabama, Nebraska, Clemson andSouth Carolina. That’s another mark ofan outstanding program, being at a pointand a stature where Georgia can play inmajor games like this.

But Georgia needs to win more toget to the very top. Too many penalties,losing the turnover battle and gettingoutperformed in the kicking gamehelped doom the Dawgs in the toe-to-toeshowdown with Clemson. Georgia haslost seven games over the last threeyears. In six of those, the Bulldogs failedon a field goal attempt. In the last twolosses, to Alabama and Clemson, Geor-gia had more penalties and penaltyyardage. And look no further to the lastmeeting with South Carolina in Athenswhere catastrophic turnovers – as well asa fake punt run for a touchdown – didthe Dogs in, as the Gamecocks won 45-42.

Georgia has been oh-so-close. To get to that final step, the Bull-

dogs, especially in major games like this,must first stop beating themselves.

photo by Rob Saye

4 • Bulldawg Illustrated

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Wife Keely real trooper in Olivadotti family

Since Kirk Olivadotti joined the Geor-gia coaching staff in February 2011, afterserving as a defensive assistant with theWashington Redskins, he has rendered anoutstanding job developing the Bulldogs'inside linebackers. Such players as AlecOgletree, Mike Gilliard, and ChristianRobinson were able to improve the level oftheir play significantly and, certainly, thisyear's two starters at the position − AmarloHerrera and Ramik Wilson − continue togive Georgia stellar inside linebacker play.

But, as Coach Olivadotti will readilytell you, if it weren't for the real trooper,the real hero in his family, he wouldn't beable to contribute to UGA's football pro-gram the way he has over these past threeseasons.

When the Olivadottis' four-year-olddaughter, Kasyn, was diagnosed withleukemia in 2011 − shortly after the fam-ily moved to Athens − Keely Olivadotti hasminded the home front and lovingly min-istered to Kasyn and their other child, nowfour-year-old Kruz, every step of the waythrough Kasyn's illness while her husbandputs in the necessary long hours coachingand recruiting on the UGA staff.

And, for the whole family, it has beenan arduous − and yes, very stressful attimes − journey these last three years. Butthe wonderful part of the journey is thatKasyn Olivadotti is now in remission andmom Keely says words can't express howthankful she is to the other Georgiacoaches' wives and the Athens communityas a whole for their prayers and supportthrough Kasyn's struggle.

At this spring's G-Day, the “UGACoaches’ Wives” hosted their second an-nual “Lunch with the Legends" where theydistributed more than 200 special editionUGA footballs from Nike with the auto-graphs of Georgia’s greatest quarterbacksover the last 50 years. The proceeds annu-ally go to the Kasyn Cares Fund, whichbenefits pediatric cancer research at theAFLAC Cancer Center of Children’sHealthcare of Atlanta.

"We're still in the trenches still fight-ing it for her (Kasyn) and thankfully,Katharyn (Richt), Paige (Grantham) andAmanda (Lakatos) have done all the foot-work and have done everything with that,"said Keely. "Everybody in the Bulldog Na-tion was wanting to do something for us(after Kasyn's diagnosis) and when welived in the hospital for however manymonths. I just asked for prayer and theysaid, 'what can we do?' and Kasyn justhappened to hear us talking and she said,'I don't want any other kids to ever haveto go through this.' The coaches' wives andthe coaches who came up to visit us, with-out even really knowing us and seeing allof us and the love and the tears and all ofit, they really felt that too and I think all ofthose wives took it and whatever theycould do to run with it and support us thatway, they did."

Kasyn Olivadotti was diagnosed withleukemia in June of 2011. "Kasyn had herfourth birthday in May that year so we hada huge backyard birthday party for her. Ithought that would be a great way to meeteverybody," said Keely. "And then she wasdiagnosed like two weeks later. She is inremission. She's been through a couple ofthose surgeries for extra complications andthat was a really rough hump to get over.But, yes, as of now she's in remission andin maintenance. She still takes meds everyday at home and we go for treatment oncea month. Kasyn has a great spirit about allof this. It's tough but she's strong beyondbelief. She's got that mentality, 'this isn'tgoing to get me, I'm going to win.'"

In this question-and-answer withBulldawg Illustrated, Keely Olivadottigives the Bulldog Nation a glimpse intoher background and what it's like to bemarried to a college football coach atGeorgia.

Years married, children?We were married in February of 2001

so that will be 13 years in February. Kasynis six and Kruz is four.

The most gratifying part of being mar-ried to a college football coach?

Kirk is very busy coaching but he doesput us first. We haven't actually gotten tobe so involved yet because Kasyn has to beaway (from game crowds, etc.) due to herimmune system. Kirk loves football and hedoes such a good job teaching and work-ing with the guys but, then also, we've gonethrough such a struggle with our daughter.He knows how difficult it is for me at homeand how much is on my shoulders so evenif it's finding a break in his day, he's like,"OK, I'll pick the kids up at this time, callme." Kirk is so good at doing so many tasksat once, no matter how much he's puttinginto football.

The most challenging part of beingmarried to a college football coach?

I would say the one thing I didn'tknow was recruiting. Kirk didn't really tellme much about that. We just felt like wewere both at peace with it (coming toUGA), yeah this was what we want to do.And when we got down here, I teased hima little bit, and this was before Kasyn gotsick, 'wait a minute, remember when wedecided what we were going to do, youdidn't really mention recruiting.' It was al-ways kind of a joke, it was part of it, but Iteased him about it. So, yes, I would say re-cruiting (with her husband traveling a goodbit) would be the biggest change (over Kirkcoaching in the NFL) but obviously I knowit's important and, I get it. But it is the onething that's different, on top of having a sickchild.

Where did you grow up and what madeit special?

I grew up in south Florida (CoralSprings) and I went to high school inLafayette, Ind. And that's where Kirk and Imet, there at Purdue. Kirk was also fromFlorida but was a little farther south, in FortLauderdale. But after we married, we wouldgo down every summer and it was likehome to both of us.

Other than rooting on the Bulldogs, whatare some of your other passions?

Wow, they've sort of been put on thebackburner for so long. But I've got to getmy yoga and my treadmill in there, forsome sort of sanity. I like to mess aroundwith cooking but I'm not a good cook. Butnow, I would just say I put everything intothe kids and now, what we have with Kasynmaking sure she's adjusting and now thatKruz is getting older making sure he'shappy, healthy and adjusting, too.

What do you like most about UGA andliving in the Athens area?

The minute Kirk was hired, with thecoaching wives here, you just instantly feltlike you had family. This is definitely a veryspecial place, not just Coach Richt but therest of the staff and the wives. And I stillhave saved letters I got when Kasyn gotsick, from people all around the state, allaround the South from people we didn'teven know. It's so humbling. These areamazing people and I'm proud to be a partof it.

If your husband wasn’t a college coach,what career do you envision him having?

I would love for him, and I always tellhim this, to be a writer. Kirk writes reallywell.

Your favorite UGA football moment?I really loved the game when Alec

(Ogletree) picked someone up with a tackleand plowed him right back down (last sea-son in win over Georgia Tech). I thought,"how could you not love this?" I did actu-ally get to go to a game the year after Kasynwas diagnosed and I do remember just thefeel of sitting with everyone in there. It isjust truly unique, a spirit I haven't reallyever felt at any other arena or any other sta-dium. It's an awesome experience and towatch all the pre-game stuff with the bandand cheerleaders and pompoms, it's just socool.

www.bulldawgillustrated.com • 5

Serving northeast Georgia and the Golden Isles

Dogs vs. GamecocksDogs vs. Gamecockshis coming Saturday brings with it a “rivalry” that has onlyrecently been worthy of the term. Coming off threestraight wins over our Dawgs for the first time since theteams first met in 1894 (65 meetings), South Carolina

will invade Athens seeking to continue their exploration throughuncharted waters. Ranked consistently in the top 10 over thepast two seasons, South Carolina finally possesses the confidenceand has been showing results to force UGA fans to finally paythem some attention. At 4:30 p.m., under what will be a na-tional spotlight, these two teams will make it meeting number65. Hopefully for UGA fans, the results will be a little differentthan they have in recent memory. The Dawgs will be looking toget back on track against the Gamecocks in ways that have giventhem an overall 46-17-2 record in this “rivalry.”

Know your opponent

If there were only one name, and one name only that youtruly need to pay attention to on the South Carolina roster, it isJadeveon Clowney. In the 2012 matchup against UGA, Clowneywas able to disrupt the Dawgs’ backfield at will, causing fits forthe quarterback Aaron Murray all night long. This year Clowneyis poised to be high on the list of Heisman Trophy candidates,hoping to become only the second defensive player to ever winthe award. Running back Marcus Lattimore is no longer withthe Gamecocks, as he has moved on to the NFL. That thatshould certainly allow UGA defensive coordinator ToddGrantham to sleep a little easier this week. However, do not over-look sophomore running back Mike Davis, who is with theGamecocks by way of Stephenson High School, just outside ofAtlanta. Davis looked good against North Carolina in week one,and will be looking to continue to prove he is worthy of not onlystarting, but also filling the void Lattimore left behind. Quarter-back Connor Shaw returns for his senior season, and has been

very consistent in his time as starter. Shaw is with South Car-olina by way of Flowery Branch High School, just under an hourwest of Athens.

Steve Spurrier in Athens

The thorn in many a UGA fans sides the last few decades,current South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier, will becoaching his sixth game ever between the hedges (five withSouth Carolina, once with Florida in 1995). Spurrier domi-nated the Dawgs during his days as head coach at Florida, post-ing a frustrating 11-1 record, and has coached the Gamecocksto a 4-4 record against the Dawgs since arriving in Columbia.He is a coach UGA fans love to hate, and just his being in San-ford Stadium should certainly spark a little extra motivation inyour ability to truly get up for this Saturday’s game.

The offensive game plan

With the success the undersized offensive line and run-ning backs of North Carolina had in week one against SouthCarolina, look for the Dawgs to try and run the ball right at theGamecock front seven from the start. With a veteran, big of-fensive line lining up for the Dawgs, and the star running backduo of Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall ready to run behindthem, the Dawgs will look to extend drives and control theclock. UGA also has the luxury of having very large tight endsin senior Arthur Lynch and junior Jay Rome, as well as goodsize in sophomore fullback Quayvon Hicks, providing extrahelp in blocking Jadeveon Clowney. Though Clowney will bean issue worth paying attention to all night, expect the UGAcoaches to have learned from last season that by controllinghim, if only a little bit, they control everything else that they cando with the ball.

The defensive game plan

Against North Carolina, the Gamecocks found most oftheir offensive success through the air. On Saturday, I wouldexpect to see a lot of nickel defense (five defensive backs onthe field) from defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, espe-cially with sophomore strong safety Josh Harvey-Clemonsreturning from suspension against Clemson. If the Dawgscan prevent Gamecocks quarterback Connor Shaw fromfinding his young receivers open downfield, the team can sellout on the run more often, hopefully containing the inexpe-rienced running backs South Carolina will be running atthem.

Keys For A UGA Victory

In 2012, the Dawgs found themselves in a deep holeagainst the Gamecocks very early on. Because they were insuch a predicament, the offense was forced to turn one-di-mensional very early on. And when an offense is forced toturn one-dimensional against a defense that has a JadeveonClowney looking to stop you, it allows him to thrive undersuch circumstances. The Dawgs must avoid finding them-selves in a similar hole, allowing themselves the privilege ofremaining balanced on offense in order to keep the SouthCarolina defense guessing. Another factor that hurt theDawgs in the 2012 meeting in Columbia, South Carolina wasan electric crowd who showed out in support of the Game-cocks. UGA will need you, the fans, to duplicate this scenarioon Saturday, hopefully wreaking havoc on any plans theGamecocks have of jumping out in front. If this game re-mains close into the fourth quarter, plan on lining up to ringthat Chapel Bell well into the Athens night.

photos by Rob SayeBy Logan Booker/BI

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A – UGA has won 3 at Herty, GT has won 1. So the record is 3-1Winner: Jeremy Lackman, Athens, GA

Q: Other than Herschel, who is your favorite Bulldog and why?Deanna: That’s a tough one. I love watching Dawgs with a lot of heart that can make big plays and pull the team together when we need it the most. Some of my favs are Champ Bailey, the David’s (Pollack & Greene), Matthew Stafford, Knowshon Moreno, and Jarvis Jones. Q: Who is your favorite player on the current UGA roster and why?Deanna: Aaron Murray. I’m so impressed with his dedication and love for his team and thankful he decided to come back for one more season. We were so close last year. This year it WILL happen! Of course “Gurshall” is also high on my list because of their talent.Q: What makes you a true Bulldog?Deanna: I was born and raised a Bulldawg. I bleed red and black. My favorite color is red&black. I love my Dawgs whether they win or lose. My favorite season is football season. My favorite sport is UGA football. I never miss a game whether I’m near or far away (I lived in Texas for 10 years after college). I never have a voice after gameday. I miss hearing Munson call the games. I get chills every time I hear the trumpet soloist play the battle hymn. I didn’t have a back-up plan if I didn’t get in to UGA (thankfully it all worked out). Athens is my favorite place on Earth and UGA will always have my heart.

Q: What is the most memorable play you have experienced in person?Deanna: I can’t pick just one play, but I can pick my most memorable game. I was in college and the year was 2000--UGA vs Tennessee--night game at home in a 21-10 victory over the Vols, ending a 9-game losing streak. We hated Tennessee as much as we hated Florida then. I vividly remember running in heels down the bleachers from Section 311 (not down the aisle because it was taking too long). When I got down to the field a fellow fan hoisted me up onto the cheerleading box so I could see the field--a sea of red and black and elated fans. It was so powerful I began to cry. The goal posts came down and we all followed them downtown. We painted the town red and black that night and it was a night I’ll never forget. Q: Which one of our rivals do you enjoy beating the most?Deanna: If you are a true Bulldawg the answer is ALWAYS Florida! I’m a gator hater! Q: What makes your tailgating scene so special?Deanna: Catching up with old friends and reminiscing about our college days. We tend to tailgate hop. I just love Athens on gameday! You never meet a stranger. It feels like being home with family.

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What Worked

The Bulldogs scored a lot of points, gained a lot ofyardage and showed they are capable of moving the ball bothon the ground and through the air … when not stoppingthemselves with turnovers and penalties. And the young andrebuilt defense stopped the explosive Tigers on a number ofoccasions, prompting defensive coordinator Todd Granthamto say he was proud of his unit’s effort in a hostile environ-ment and that he saw a number of good things the Bulldogscan build on.

What Didn’t Work

There was just no consistency on either the offense ordefense’s part when it came to making the clutch plays thisnight, plays you simply have to make when going againstone of the best teams in the country. Particularly disap-pointing was the offense going six consecutive possessionswithout cashing points over a stretch in the second and thirdquarters. And, we’ve already harped on the costly turnovers,penalties and just a failure to execute in crucial junctures ofthe contest.

Top Performers

Gurley, despite missing time after straining a quad mus-cle on his long touchdown jaunt, showed he’s ready for ahuge sophomore season by running for 154 yards on just 12carries, with two scores. Making his first start, fullback Hicksran for 38 yards on just three carries and also raced 38 yardson his lone pass reception. Murray threw for 323 yards, on

20-of-29 completions but did have a pick, that lost fumbleand of course was sacked the four times. Returning to thelineup after his 2012 injury, junior Michael Bennett led thereceivers with five catches for 60 yards while Scott-Wesleystepped up with four grabs for 55 yards. Barber punted fora 47.4 average on five kicks and Beless made all five of hisextra point attempts while subbing for the suspended Mar-shall Morgan. Defensively, junior linebackers Ramik Wilsonand Amarlo Herrera had big efforts, with 13 and 12 totaltackles, respectively. Then came DBs Tray Matthews andConnor Norman with eight stops each.

Kevin Butler’s Players of the Game

Kevin Butler, former Universityof Georgia legendary kicker and amember of the Georgia radio broad-cast team, will each week during the2013 football season select his offen-sive, defensive and special teamsplayers of the week for Bulldawg Il-lustrated. Here are Butler’s selectionsand reasons why for the Bulldogs’ season-opening 38-35 lossto Clemson Saturday night.

OFFENSE – Sophomore tailback Todd Gurley, who ran for154 yards on just 12 carries, including touchdown jaunts of75 and 12 yards against the Tigers despite leaving the gameearly with a quad strain.

“He came right out of the gate just like we all expectedof Todd Gurley throughout the preseason," said Butler. "He

showed tremendous speed and power against an elite, topfive team. He had just a tremendous burst of speed on the75-yard touchdown run. And along with that his demeanorand his leadership are invaluable to the success of the Bull-dogs' offense this year."

DEFENSE – Junior linebacker Ramik Wilson who had 13total tackles and teamed with fellow inside linebacker AmarloHerrera (12 tackles) to lead a young Georgia defense whichalthough surrendering 38 points to the potent Clemson of-fense, still made a number of key stops in the game thatpleased coordinator Todd Grantham.

“In a game where we wanted to limit the rushing byClemson more than we were able to, Ramik stepped up andplayed a very physical, fundamentally sound game," saidButler. "His 13 tackles builds confidence and certainly we'regoing to need that consistent play throughout the year."

SPECIAL TEAMS – Sophomore punter Collin Barber, whoaveraged 47.4 yards on five kicks including a long punt of 57yards. Barber also kicked off for the Bulldogs with several ofhis kicks going into the end zone. And, also, he ran five yardson a fake punt to pick up a key first down.

“Collin, in the first half, played a valuable role in fieldposition with his high, towering punts," said Butler. "Beingeffective like he was, it was a complement to both the offenseand the defense when we were in the field position battlewith Clemson throughout the game. He also did a wonder-ful job filling in for Marshall Morgan kicking off. Also, hewas able to do the fake punt and get a first down, which washuge because I believe we scored off that drive."

— Murray Poole

Clemson rewind and Kevin Butler’s players of the gameClemson rewind and Kevin Butler’s players of the gamephotos by Rob Saye

Location: Columbia, S.C.

Conference: SEC, East Division

Enrollment: 22,556

Gamecocks in a thumbnail: Coming off last season's 11-2 season, whichincluded a 6-2 SEC record and a 35-7 pounding of eventual East Divi-sion champion Georgia, Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks are once again a for-midable contender to make it to the SEC Championship Game on Dec.6 in Atlanta. With six returning offensive starters including four playerswho were regulars in the O-line last season and senior quarterback Con-nor Shaw, South Carolina should be potent on that side of the ball onceagain. And even though the Gamecocks bring back just five defensive

starters from the 2012 unit, one of those of course is All-America defen-sive end Jadeveon Clowney, who rates a sure-fire Heisman Trophy can-didate and a No. 1 pick in next spring's NFL Draft. Carolina tuned up forthe Georgia game Saturday by downing North Carolina 27-10 in theirseason opener last Thursday night, which had a long lightning delay inthe final quarter.

A look at the South Carolina offense: The Gamecocks lost some heavy-weights on offense in three-year Georgia nemesis Marcus Lattimore andstandout wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Ace Sanders, but Spurrier stillhas the capable Shaw (who passed for 149 yards and a TD in the opener)as well as Dylan Thompson to guide the attack, junior wideout BruceEllington and huge tight ends Rory Anderson and Jerell Adams to headthe receivers' corps and those four returning offensive linemen in tacklesCorey Robinson and Brandon Shell and guards A.J. Cann and RonaldPatrick. Mike Davis, the 5-9, 215-pound sophomore out of Lithonia, isthe heir apparent to Lattimore and rushed for 115 yards and a TD in theopening win over the Tar Heels.

A look at the South Carolina defense: In addition to the mostly un-blockable 6-6, 272-pound Clowney (although he was held without asack by North Carolina), South Carolina also returns Kelcy Quarles (DT),Victor Hampton (CB), Jimmy Legree (CB) and Brison Williams (SS) fromlast season's starting defensive unit. But the Gamecocks lost all three of

their linebackers including steady three-year regular Shaq Wilson. Theyalso lost their most vocal leader and hardest hitter in the secondary, freesafety D.J. Swearinger. So, question is, will the Gamecock defense haveany falloff this season ... despite the fact it puts arguably America's bestplayer on the field every Saturday?

What Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier says: "We had somegood plays in this game and we had a lot of bad plays. But it was a goodgame. We made enough touchdowns to beat them (North Carolina), butwe've got some improving to do and have to get in better condition. Wecan win sort of ugly looking games. We beat Vanderbilt last year in apretty ugly looking game. Hopefully, we can improve and get ready forGeorgia."

Game Prediction: In our June preview issue, I said that the Bulldogs willsnap the three-year stranglehold by Spurrier's Gamecocks and beat SouthCarolina in this huge SEC East opener by 24-17. Coming off the toughopening night loss to Clemson, Georgia knows the significance of takingthis first conference outing and should be primed to avenge the threeconsecutive defeats to Spurrier and the Gamecocks. That 24-17 picksounds about right as the Dogs stop Carolina and then enjoy an off weekafter maybe the toughest first two games of a season within memory.

− Murray Poole

ScoutingCarolina

A look at the GamecocksAtlanta based college athletics tv and radio broadcaster Mike Morgan is agood friend and excellent talent. He covered the gamecocks for several yearsin columbia and offers his insights on the game

What is your take on the Gamecocks this year?It could be Spurrier's best team, although I like last year's team better. Goodup front on both sides. Clowney is the headliner, but he hasn't been alone.The back seven was tremendous last year, and DJ Swearinger was the heartand soul of that defense (not Clowney) last year. The weak spot could belinebackers where they are extremely young. Chaz Sutton becomes a hugefactor each game now because he replaces Devin Taylor at the opposites endof Clowney.

What is your take on the Bulldogs this year?Love the offense---what's not to love. Have some concerns about the defenseand how young it is. I think it simply comes down to this game vs. SouthCarolina. The way the schedules line up, Georgia has to win it to make it toAtlanta. I'm a fan of Aaron Murray, but so much of his legacy is going to bedetermined upon whether or now he shows up big against the Gameccocks.

Who plays for the SEC Championship?Georgia vs Alabama

Who plays for the national championship?Alabama

What has Steve Spurrier meant to South Carolina?In a word ... EVERYTHING. He's given that program an identity that it

lacked for 100 years. Lou Holtz had it for 2 years, Spurrier has set it up forcredibility for much longer. The term "build a program" and "change the cul-ture" are used entirely too often and incorrectly....but that's what he's done.What's most impressive to me is that he's done it by revamping his wholephilosophy on offense. Ball Control, zone read, running quarterbacks, fieldposition, defensive oriented ... these are terms never associated with the OBCbefore ... but its how he's won in Columbia. That to me is as impressive asanything. To watch a coach change his M.O. that late in his career.

Do you think the SEC will soon go to a 9—game conference schedule?Would love to see it. Makes sense financially for the league, and entertain-ment-wise....it's what the fans want. Many coaches will fight it tooth and nail.I think eventually, it will happen.

Where does Clowney rank with South Carolina’s best?Best defensive player to come out of the school. Next!

Any surprise teams in the conference this year?Ole Miss. I don't think last year was a fluke. Like Hugh Freeze. Unfortu-nately, they play in the toughest division in college football.

Any surprise team/players in the country you have seen who couldbreak through?Don't sleep on Baylor. Had them a couple times last year....I am an Art Brilesguy. He's a perfect fit. Lache Seastrunk is a baller, and they can score pointson anyone in that conference.

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1. Man Up D-Line – What most stood out in South Carolina’s impressive 27-10 victory overNorth Carolina in the season-opener was the dominant performance of what may be the Southeastern Con-ference’s best offensive line. Shawn Elliot, the semi-psychotic position coach who gained fame at Ap-palachian State after the upset of Michigan and the ensuing Fox Sports South feature, has put together atremendous unit. They are monsters who create huge pushes in the run game, and they form a near im-penetrable wall on passing downs. Georgia’s defensive front will have its hands full. They cannot getpushed around and must create pressure. If not, South Carolina has a great shot to make it a once un-thinkable four straight.

2. Stay Disciplined with Shaw – Connor Shaw is one terrific quarterback. He is an excel-lent passer, superb runner, tough as nails, and quite crafty. Especially on that read option. Georgia’s de-fensive ends and outside linebackers have to be disciplined and stay home. On his longest run againstNorth Carolina, Shaw flat-out juked a Tar Heel linebacker with a nifty fake then turned on the jets. Youcan bet Todd Grantham and first – year defensive line coach Chris Wilson will be preaching throughoutthe week the importance discipline on the edge. Jordan Jenkins and Garrison Smith are dynamos, theywill have to be at their best and show the way.

3. Manage Clowney – The likely No. 1 overall pick in the draft isn’t going to get dominated.You know that with Jadeveon Clowney. Georgia’s offense has to manage him though. The last two years,he has made monster, turnover and touchdown-causing, game-changing (in 2011 game-winning) playsagainst the Bulldogs. Since he did not have a great game statistically against the Tar Heels, you can bet heis going to pull out all the stops for the Bulldogs. You can bet that Georgia’s tackles – and Clowney figuresto move around – will have some help from tight ends and fullbacks. But in the end, the line is going tohave to set the tone. South Carolina has a lot of other defensive standouts who flourish if it takes two orthree to keep Clowney from having a monster performance.

4. Go Gurley Go – Georgia has the nation’s best tailback. This is the game where he can set thetone and have another of those memorable afternoons – like the one in Jacksonville. Leading with thiselite talent and being the more physical team also puts the defense on its heels and slows down “you knowwho.” It was physical against Clemson, but there’s an open date and then North Texas before LSU rollsin, so Gurley can empty the tank. With Gurley showing the way, it makes the Bulldogs already danger-ous passing attack even more lethal. Gurley went over the century mark against killer defenses in Jack-sonville and the Georgia Dome, and this is another stellar stop unit. If he can soften them up a bit, maybethe speedy counter-puncher Keith Marshall can break loose on a long one.

5. At least push the Kicking Game – Struggles on special teams in recent years have beenpretty evident – especially against the Gamecocks. In 2011, South Carolina brilliantly executed a fake puntwith defensive end Melvin Ingram going 70 yards for a touchdown, and the Bulldogs missed a short fieldgoal in the Gamecocks 45-42 victory. Last year, Ace Sanders broke Georgia’s back in the first quarter witha punt return that made it 21-0 in the 35-7 South Carolina rout. The Bulldogs just can’t afford these kindsof breakdowns. If Georgia can play it at least even on special teams, the odds lean towards the red andblack breaking this losing streak to the Gamecocks and opening SEC play with a huge win.

— Jeff Dantzler

JD’s 5 keys to victoryJD’s 5 keys to victoryphoto by Rob Saye

#7 JaDeveon Clowney, DE6-6, 274 Jr. Rock Hill, S.C. (South Pointe)When he was a high school senior, Clowney was the sure-fire consensus No. 1 player in the country. That’sa rarity for football considering the number of positions and depth of talent. Well after being National Fresh-man of the Year in 2011 and consensus first team All-American last season, Clowney seems destined to bethe No. 1 overall pick in next spring’s NFL Draft. He is the total package, a dominating defender in the moldof Lawrence Taylor or Bruce Smith. Clowney makes game-changing plays and always has the offense on edge.Even if he doesn’t wow statistically on a given Saturday, the impact he has in terms of drawing double andtriple teams and affecting plays the other squad runs is immeasurable. Clowney is an incredible athlete anda great football player. He has the size, speed and strength to go along with the skill and technique to be theonce-in-a-decade defensive end that he has become.

#23 Bruce Ellington, WR5-9, 196 Jr. Moncks Corner, S.C. (Berkeley)One of the best athletes in the SEC, Ellington is a rare two sport standout in football and basketball. And at5-9! Yeah, that tells you how good he is. A first-rate wide receiver, Ellington’s biggest play thus far in his ca-reer is hauling in the game-winning touchdown in the closing seconds of South Carolina’s thrilling 33-28 Out-back Bowl victory over Michigan. He is slippery, speedy, shifty and has excellent hands. Ellington was limitedagainst North Carolina due to a hamstring injury but is expected to 100 percent against the Bulldogs. Withthe emergence of Shaq Roland, who hauled in a 65-yard touchdown to put the Gamecocks on the boardagainst North Carolina, the Gamecocks have some pure juice on the perimeter. With two excellent quarter-backs and a tremendous offensive line, South Carolina has all the tools for a first rate passing attack, andEllington is a leading man.

#14 Connor Shaw, QB6-1, 209 Jr. Flowery Branch, Ga. (Flowery Branch)Without question, Shaw is one of the toughest players in the Southeastern Conference. That was on displayin last season’s opening victory at Vanderbilt when he played valiantly with an injured shoulder. He does notget the national attention of A.J. McCarron, Johnny Manziel or Aaron Murray, but Shaw is dynamite. He’sthe total package. Shaw has tremendous accuracy, and that was on display on his first throw of the season,a 65-yard touchdown toss in the Gamecocks 27-10 win over North Carolina. He is also an extremely dan-gerous runner. Shaw has speed and elusiveness. He can spring the big play on quarterback runs by design,on the read option or when a play breaks down. Throw in Dylan Thompson, who’s first pass of the seasonwas a 29-yard touchdown against the Tar Heels, and South Carolina has a tremendous quarterback situa-tion.

— Jeff Dantzler

Gamecocks with game

18 • Bulldawg Illustrated

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Loran SmithAthens TD club owes a lot to Candler Meadors

The Touchdown Club of Athens hadits beginning in 1946, organized to sup-port Georgia football after World War II.The year '46 was a very good year.

Charley Trippi was in his final year ofeligibility, Wallace Butts in his heyday as acollege coach, the master of the passingtame. What a season to remember! Geor-gia won the national championship withan undefeated season and a 20-10 victoryover North Carolina in the Sugar BowlNew Year's day, 1947. Trippi was chosenby the Maxwell committee as college foot-ball's outstanding player.

Not many touchdown and quarter-back clubs flourish today. First of all, sit-ting coaches won't take the time to traveland speak. Even with the use of an air-plane, it still would take, even for a shorthaul, three or more hours to speak to aclub within a couple hundred miles.Coaches make too much money today tomake the effort to speak in the hinterlandsfor $1,500.00 or less.

Since its inception, the TouchdownClub of Athens, has had three secretaries:Harry Atwell, who was the first. He wasfollowed by Jimmy Hayes who gave up therole in 1981. Candler Meadors suc-ceeded Hayes and is in his last year as ex-ecutive secretary, having served in thiscapacity for 32 years. He will still be withus, however, as Secretary Emeritus.

Harry Atwell was an interesting char-acter, given to innocent name dropping.He had a mid-western background andwas friendly with Big Ten luminaries alongwith personalities like Frank Leahy, NotreDame head coach. Hayes ran McGregorPrinting Co. for years and was a quiet,soft-spoken type who enjoyed the club so-cials and particularly appreciated the witand humor of well known coaching per-sonalities who often visited the club--Frank Howard of Clemson, PeaheadWalker of Wake Forest and, of course,Georgia's colorful coach, Wallace Butts.Candler has served the club longer thanany officer and has worked with Georgiacoaches from Wallace Butts to Vince Doo-ley to Mark Richt.

For years, Candler managed the op-erations of the Touchdown Club, handlingall the administrative chores, managingthe checkbook, collecting dues, supervis-ing the accounting which, for years, in-cluded a $50.00 contribution to theGeorgia Athletic Association. He woremany hats within the organization: Coor-dinating the meeting dates with theAthens Country Club, sending out themeeting notices, taking reservations,choosing the menu, facilitating the meet-ings, corresponding with speakers, book-keeping, setting up meetings of theofficers and board of directors, keepingthe files in order and being the cheerfulface of the Touchdown Club of Athens.All the while, he was one of the most en-

thusiastic fans of Georgia football. Bas-ketball too. For years he has served on thestatistician crew for Bulldog basketball.

At the meetings of the club, he wasthe welcoming committee, reservation co-ordinator, ticket dispenser, troubleshooterand greeter with an eternal smile of good-will and good cheer. From his seat at thehead table, he was always an attentive lis-tener to every speaker, always asking en-thusiastic questions. He loved being partof the exciting atmosphere of the Touch-down Club of Athens. Candler whojoined the club in 1958 is one of the mostsenior members. You can count on yourleft hand those who have been memberslonger than Candler. He has been amember of the board of directors for 53years and served as President of the clubin 1967.

As a businessman, he was in saleswith Heyward Allen Motor Company for26 years before taking over his own deal-ership, Meadors Mercedes Benz, Volk-swagen which he operated for 12 years..

Candler, who grew up in Atlanta, re-ceived his business degree from UGA in1951and served in the Air Force 1951-53.In high school, he rode a street car to BoysHigh where he played football and wasvoted "most athletic" by his senior class.

"We appreciate Candler's long timeloyalty to the Touchdown Club and hislove of the Bulldogs. If you pick the mostloyal friend of the University of Georgia,you would have to give consideration toCandler. For sure he loves the Dawgs,"says Greg McGarity, Georgia athletic di-rector.

Mark Richt, Bulldog head coach, says,"We need more fans like Candler Meadors.He is always loyal to our program and isforever ready to extend a helping hand."

If those who appreciate Candler'scontributions to the Touchdown Club ofAthens, bellied up to the bar to toast himfor his years of work, the bartender wouldhave to work overtime to fill the orders.

Candler Meadors with Gene Stallings

BI Athens Touchdown Club

Adam Singer, David Hamilton and Roray Singer John Huntsman, Scott Norris, Eric Rosseng, Gary Mitchell and Bill Mitchell Frank Bathers, Steve Greer, Bobby Poss and Steve Haugabook

Matthew Williams, Carl Parks and Keith Middleton Ron Smith, Nancy Denson and Candler Meadors John Hill and Woody Chastain Bobby Poss, Vince Dooley and Ron Smith

Wayne Templin and Bill Nash Melvin Cooper, Bob Homond and Chuck McDowell Bo Sorrells, Steve Yonts and Mark Slonaker Bill Bowdion, Carl Hawkins and Tom Odom

Bill Hallman and Bill Warnell\ Candler Meadors and Mark Richt Carl Parks and Nancy Denson

BillySlaughter,

DonWilliams

andCharlesRowland

Bobby Poss and Dave Johnston Robby Dickerson and Eddie Drew Dexter Fisher and Josh Brooks Greg Branch and Josh Branch Bobby Poss and Mack GuestJim Broyles and Travis Broyles

No. Name Pos. Class Ht. Wt. Hometown

1 Tramel Terry FLK FR 6-0 184 Goose Creek, S.C.2 Sheldon Dawson CB SO 5-11 190 N. Memphis, Tenn.2 Parker Welch QB JR 6-3 203 Jesup, Ga.3 Paris Bostick CB FR 6-1 217 Tampa, Fla.3 Todd Gurley TB SO 6-1 232 Tarboro, N.C.4 Brendan Langley CB FR 6-1 181 Marietta, Ga.4 Keith Marshall TB SO 5-11 219 Raleigh, N.C.5 Damian Swann CB JR 5-11 178 Atlanta, Ga./Grady6 Michael Erdman SE JR 5-10 191 Merritt Island, Fla.6 Shaq Wiggins CB FR 5-10 165 Tyrone, Ga.7 Greg Bingham QB SR 6-4 219 Columbus, Ga.7 Blake Sailors CB SR 5-11 179 Athens, Ga.8 Shaun McGee LB FR 6-3 233 Snellville, Ga.8 Blake Tibbs FLK RS FR 6-2 179 Lithonia, Ga.9 Reggie Wilkerson CB FR 5-11 171 Ocala, Fla.9 Curtis Wyatt SE SR 6-1 205 Locust Grove, Ga.10 Faton Bauta QB RS FR 6-3 216 West Palm Beach, Fla10 Kennar Johnson CB JR 6-2 185 Perkinston, Miss.11 Aaron Murray QB SR 6-1 208 Tampa, Fla.11 Connor Norman FS SR 5-10 201 Duluth, Ga.12 Austin Herod SS SR 5-10 195 Woodstock, Ga.12 Brice Ramsey QB FR 6-3 205 Kingsland, Ga.13 Marshall Morgan PK SO 6-3 200 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.14 Hutson Mason QB JR 6-3 202 Marietta, Ga.15 J.J. Green TB FR 5-9 183 Kingsland, Ga.16 Christian LeMay QB RS SO 6-2 200 Matthews, N.C.17 Davin Bellamy DL FR 6-5 235 Chamblee, Ga.17 Rantavious Wooten FLK SR 5-10 176 Belle Glade, Fla.18 Jesse Jones CB RS SO 6-0 194 Habersham, Ga.18 Jonathon Rumph SE JR 6-5 208 Cayce, S.C.19 Shaquille Fluker CB JR 6-1 192 Meridian, Miss.20 Brandon Harton TB SR 5-6 180 Reidsville, Ga.20 Quincy Mauger DB FR 6-0 200 Marietta, Ga.22 Brendan Douglas RB FR 5-11 202 Augusta, Ga.23 Marc Deas SS SR 6-1 217 Kissimmee, Fla.23 James Eunice WR JR 6-0 175 Valdosta, Ga.23 Alex Parsons TB SR 5-10 188 Fayetteville, Ga.24 Tristan Askew CB JR 5-11 177 Kent, Wa.24 Lucas Redd FS JR 6-1 207 Jefferson, Ga.25 Josh Harvey-Clemons SS SO 6-5 212 Valdosta, Ga.25 Jake Star TE SO 6-5 228 Lawrenceville, Ga.26 Malcolm Mitchell FLK JR 6-1 190 Valdosta, Ga.27 Rhett McGowan SE SR 6-0 180 Calhoun, Ga.28 Tray Matthews FS FR 6-0 196 Newnan, Ga.29 Uriah LeMay WR FR 6-2 197 Matthews, N.C.29 Jamal Payette FLK SR 6-3 190 Cleveland, Ga.30 Kosta Vavlas ILB JR 6-0 214 Tarpon Springs, Fla.31 Jon Bailey CB JR 6-0 195 Alpharetta, Ga.31 Chris Conley FLK JR 6-3 206 Dallas, Ga..32 Collin Barber P SO 6-2 200 Cartersville, Ga.32 Matt Stagg OLB RS FR 6-3 225 Salt Lake City, Utah33 Chase Vasser OLB SR 6-3 219 Gainesville, Ga.35 A.J. Turman RB FR 6-0 198 Orlando, Fla.35 Chris Young FB SR 6-1 235 Hinesville, Ga.36 Devin Gillespie SS RS FR 5-10 189 Grayson, Ga.36 Kyle Karempelis TB JR 5-9 180 Roswell, Ga.37 Devin Bowman CB RS SO 6-0 180 Rossville, Ga.37 Kenneth Townes SE RS FR 6-3 201 Albany, Ga.38 Clay Johnson FLK RS FR 6-1 171 Calhoun, Ga.38 Ryne Rankin ILB FR 6-1 222 Orlando, Fla.39 Dominic Bryan RB RS FR 6-0 236 Germantown, Md.39 Corey Moore SS JR 6-2 214 Griffin, Ga.41 Brandon Burrows OLB JR 6-3 235 Marietta, Ga.41 Jared Chapple TE RS FR 6-4 227 Alpharetta, Ga.42 Tim Kimbrough LB FR 6-0 228 Indianapolis, Ind.43 Merritt HallFB RS SO 5-11 226 Alpharetta, Ga.43 Tommy Long ILB RS FR 6-2 220 Marietta, Ga.44 T.J. Stripling OLB SR 6-6 237 Decatur, Ga.44 Drew Wilson TE SR 6-2 207 Tignall, Ga.45 Reggie Carter ILB FR 6-1 229 Snellville, Ga.46 Corey Campbell FB SR 5-10 217 Hephzibah, Ga.46 A.J. McDonald ILB JR 6-0 226 Suwanee, Ga.47 Ray Drew DE JR 6-5 276 Thomasville, Ga.47 Taylor Maxey FB JR 5-10 220 Statham, Ga.48 Quayvon Hicks FB SO 6-2 257 Blackshear, Ga.48 Dillard Pinkston OLB RS FR 6-3 218 Dallas, Texas49 Nathan Theus SN RS SO 6-3 241 Jacksonville, Fla.50 Johnny O'Neal LB FR 6-2 225 Dublin, Ga.51 Ramik Wilson ILB JR 6-2 232 Tampa, Fla.52 Amarlo Herrera ILB JR 6-2 244 College Park, Ga.53 Clint Kirk DE SR 6-3 289 Perry, Ga./Perry54 Brandon Kublanow OL FR 6-3 290 Marietta, Ga.56 Garrison Smith DE SR 6-3 299 Atlanta, Ga.57 De'Andre Johnson DL FR 6-3 311 Newnan, Ga.58 Sterling Bailey DE RS SO 6-3 282 Gainesville, Ga.59 Jordan Jenkins OLB SO 6-3 246 Hamilton, Ga.60 Josh Cardiello OG FR 6-3 299 Buford, Ga.60 Wright Gazaway SN JR 6-0 240 Buford, Ga.61 David Andrews C JR 6-2 295 Johns Creek, Ga.63 Xzavier Ward OT RS SO 6-7 278 Moultrie, Ga.64 Dallas Lee OG SR 6-4 295 Buford, Ga.65 Eddie McQuillen OT RS SO 6-8 300 Newnan, Ga.66 Hunter Long C RS SO 6-4 312 Memphis, Tenn.67 Michael Scullin OL FR 6-2 285 Cumming, Ga.68 Chris Burnette OG SR 6-2 314 LaGrange, Ga.69 Trent Frix SN FR 6-0 218 Calhoun, Ga.70 Aulden Bynum OG FR 6-5 261 Valdosta, Ga.71 John Theus OT SO 6-6 298 Jacksonville, Fla.72 Kenarious Gates OT SR 6-5 327 Grantville, Ga.73 Greg Pyke OG RS FR 6-6 326 Baltimore, Md.74 Thomas Swilley OL FR 6-3 320 Athens, Ga.75 Kolton Houston OT JR 6-5 280 Buford, Ga.76 Zach DeBell OT RS SO 6-6 273 Tarpon Springs, Fla.77 Glenn Welch OL FR 6-3 290 Jesup, Ga.78 Watts Dantzler OG JR 6-7 307 Dalton, Ga.79 Mark Beard OG JR 6-5 300 Adamsville, Ala.80 Greg Mulkey TE SR 6-3 234 Fairmount, Ga.81 Reggie Davis WR FR 6-0 159 Tallahassee, Fla.82 Michael Bennett SE JR 6-3 205 Alpharetta, Ga.83 Jack Loonam TE RS SO 6-0 213 Lexington, S.C.84 Leonard Floyd LB FR 6-4 220 Eastman, Ga.84 Hugh Williams TE SR 6-5 234 Atlanta, Ga.85 Jordan Davis TE FR 6-4 225 Thomson, Ga.86 Justin Scott-Wesley SE RS SO 5-11 206 Camilla, Ga.87 Jay Rome TE RS SO 6-6 254 Valdosta, Ga.88 Toby Johnson DE JR 6-4 305 College Park, Ga.88 Arthur Lynch TE SR 6-5 254 Dartmouth, Mass.89 James DeLoach OLB SO 6-3 265 Millen, Ga.89 Cole Trolinger TE RS FR 6-5 229 Newnan, Ga.90 Ethan Jackson P SR 5-11 177 Sandersville, Ga.91 Josh Dawson DE SO 6-4 275 Tucker, Ga.93 Patrick Beless PK SO 5-9 162 Atlanta, Ga./Marist93 Chris Mayes N RS SO 6-4 321 Griffin, Ga.94 Thomas Pritchard PK RS FR 5-10 164 Louisville, Ga.94 John TaylorDE RS FR 6-4 336 Millen, Ga.96 Mike Thornton N JR 6-1 290 Stone Mountain, Ga.97 John Atkins DL FR 6-4 322 Thomson, Ga.97 Adam Erickson P JR 5-10 171 Athens, Ga.

2013 Dawgs roster

1. Clemson – The Tigers closed the 2012 season with a thrilling 25-24 victory overLSU in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. They open this season with a 38-35 victory over then-fifth ranked Georgia. It was huge. They could play for the whole thing if they winout.

2. Stanford – For some reason, the Cardinal didn’t play on the opening weekend.They take on San Jose State this weekend, and this is often a good game. DavidShaw is a hot coach who has kept Stanford rolling.

3. Oregon – The Quack Attack was rolling full speed ahead in a 66-3 rout of NicholsState. Can they keep it rolling with the departure of Chip Kelly? Two weeks fromnow, Tennessee comes to town.

4. Oklahoma State – In a neutral site game in Houston, the Cowboys fell behind 3-0 early to Mississippi State, but turned it on and cruised to a 21-3 win. This is anice win, and impressive performance from the Okie State D.

5. Ohio State – The Buckeyes didn’t set the world on fire, beating Buffalo 40-20.After going 12-0 a year ago, but being ineligible for the postseason, has the Buck-eyes thinking Pasadena and unseating Alabama.

6. Louisville – We hit press time before the Cardinals took on Ohio this past week-end. There are big time expectations for the Cardinals, but keep in mind, as im-pressive as they were against Florida, they didn’t exactly tear up the Big East.

7. Washington – A sleeping giant got the breakthrough win they needed. BoiseState, which has slayed several big boys to open seasons, was christening renovatedHuskie Stadium. Washington pounded the Broncos 38-6 and is on the rise.

8. Florida State - We hit press time before the Seminoles and Pitt played MondayNight Atlantic Coast Conference Football. The Seminoles schedule is manageable.They are trying to build on an ACC title and Orange Bowl win.

9. Texas – Hook ‘em ‘Horns! It was an easy runaway victory for Texas, whichblasted New Mexico State 56-7. There are big expectations inside the Texas family.But the normal question marks are there, like can they beat Bob Stoops?

10. Notre Dame – The Fighting Irish didn’t look like any of Knute Rockne’s greatpowerhouses, but they handled Temple 28-6. Tommy Rees is the unquestionedstarter at quarterback this year. The front seven should be stout.

Jeff Dantzler’s 2013 rankingsThere were a lot of tremendous match-ups in the opening week of the season, and we were treated to somegreat games. Hopefully fewer teams will schedule the old creampuff to open the year. If someone is going toknock the SEC off the top of the heap for this season, it figures to be one of these schools.

Give the league credit, over half of the schools played a high profile opponent in Week One, including Ole Missand Vanderbilt, who opened conference action with a thriller. It is pretty amazing that the top six teams from ayear ago return their starting quarterback. Ten of the 14 schools bring back their starting signal caller, which is yetanother indicator that there won’t be a drop-off in the toughest league in the land.

1. Alabama – The two time defending national champions were impressive in takingdown Virginia Tech 35-10. Christian Jones returned a kickoff and punt for a touchdown.

Bama has this weekend off and then tangles with the Aggies in College Station.

2. South Carolina – The Gamecocks looked outstanding in the season-opening 27-10victory over North Carolina. What an offensive line they have assembled! South Carolina

again looks nasty on defense and the ‘Cocks are in great shape at quarterback.

3. LSU – The Fightin’ Tigers are money in these non-conference games. LSU held off agame TCU squad to win in Dallas. The Tigers lost a lot of talent, but have been recruit-ing great for a long time. The schedule is tough, but LSU is in the mix.

4. Texas A&M – The circus with Johnny Manziel is an all-timer. The Aggies held off Riceand will blast Sam Houston State Saturday. Then Alabama comes to town. I’m sure theAggie faithful are glad the season is underway so they can focus on football.

5. Florida – The Gators did what they usually do against the likes of Toledo. Floridakind of muddled through, but didn’t have to sweat this one too badly. All eyes are nowon South Florida, as the Gators and Hurricanes renew their old rivalry.

6. Georgia – It was a typical Georgia-Clemson classic, with the Tigers prevailing 38-35.Georgia lost the turnover, penalty and kicking game battles. If that happens Saturdayagainst South Carolina, the talented Dogs are likely looking at 0-2.

7. Ole Miss – In what may wind up being the game of the year in the conference, theRebels came back and edged Vanderbilt 39-35 in Nashville. The Rebels had to have it.After a tune-up, their schedule turns downright nasty.

8. Vanderbilt – It was a crushing loss for the Commodores to Ole Miss. Vanderbilt hada double digit lead get away and then gave up the late big play touchdown. They’ll haveto regroup and refocus. Jordan Matthews is a special talent at receiver.

9. Auburn – The Tigers rang in the Gus Malzone era with a hard-fought victory overWashington State. The fan base is re-energized, but the schedule is brutal. Nick Mar-shall is the seventh different opening day starter at quarterback in seven years.

10. Mississippi State – It could be tough for the Maroon Bulldogs to get to six wins andbowl eligibility. Holding Oklahoma State to 21 points gives MSU optimism for a poten-tially good defense. But it is going to be hard to score.

11. Missouri – The Tigers could be a team on the move this year. They blew out Mur-ray State – no great accomplishment – to open the year. They could be the sleeper anda contender for a spot in the upper division of the SEC East.

12. Arkansas – The Razorbacks were on upset alert, but posted a nice victory overLouisiana. It is going to be hard get to .500 or better for Arkansas, but at least they havesome stability after the last 18 months.

13. Tennessee – It was a nice debut for Butch Jones, as the Volunteers easily took careof Austin Peay. Tennessee’s strength is an outstanding offensive line. A.J. Johnson is a

big-time star at linebacker. Bobby Petrino and Western Kentucky come calling before theslate ramps up.

14. Kentucky – It will be tough for Mark Stoops and the Wildcats to get over one or twowins. A season-opening loss to Western Kentucky does not bode well. Basketball sea-

son can’t begin soon enough.