Georgia is still on my mind.....

Clemson gets a W, TV audience gets an entertaining game, and we climb in the polls.  It can't get much better than this. But, it does...

Recruits nationwide are calling and either committing or putting Clemson on top.

We had a few commitments from recruits attending the game.

ABC did a fantastic job filming and walking us through the players' loading the busses and running down the hill.  I have never been so pleased.  It still gives me goose bumps today!

We saw an all powerful SEC defense do the injury fake once again as they try to stop our offensive  tempo.  Note to SEC, we weren't even that fast Saturday night, we are going to improve on that.  

In opposition to some opinions, UGA has a fantastic team.  Their QB is one of the best.  The entire offense is extremely talented.  At running back, they are all one step away from breaking through, every play.  Their defense had some holes out there, but overall they were really good.  Special teams are good.  Place kicker has some inconsistency, sorry, I am an expert on kickers!  Punter was really good.

Tigers come out of the game, banged but not broken.  We get our Tight End back this week.  

Dabo finally gets to tell the media to get a different story line about our let downs in the past.  I agree, it's time to move on, we are very consistent.  I also agree, our players deserve that talk to stop.  They have worked their fannies off in the offseason.  Our overall conditioning is awesome. So media, find something else to report.  The inconsistent thing is OLD!!!

Tajh moves, in my opinion to the front in the Heisman race.  I hate to even comment on this, but looking at the other front runners, there is no question, Tajh has the edge.  It's a long season, however, I get that.

So many positives came out of this game.  It was an all day party.  Death Valley had never been louder.  The orange at night is electrifying.  

Here's the better part....My guest for the game, was attending her second game after graduating back in the early 80's. her husband is a Georgia graduate and they attend those games.  She is my hero, more so than any player on the field.  You see, she has stage 4 cancer and is fighting for her life.  She stood, she sat, she sweated, she cheered, but most of all she smiled.  A big, bright beautiful smile.  Could it be, that Tiger Victory was drawn up just for her?  Does God care for her that much?  I answer a resounding YES!  As I finished off my pregame blog last week, I ended with 2 little words...those words mean so much more than last week....

I BELIEVE

Night Game in Death Valley...UGA comes to town

Clemson versus Georgia.  Tigers versus Bulldogs.  The Tiger versus Uga.  Orange versus red. It's been several years since these two teams have met each other in football.  Personally, I haven't really missed the rivalry, I kind of put it on the back burner for several years now.

A few things I recall about the series during the 80's, don't ever wear orange to Athens.  Definitely don't attend a night game in Athens on Labor Day night, believe me when I say this.  It's not your friendliest of places.  In fact, I've never had so many bottles and cans thrown at me trying to get into a stadium ever.  I'm sure those days are better,  I sure hope they are!

This game is huge for my Tigers.  I went up to the scrimmage for former players a few weeks ago and there is something different about this Tiger Team.  We have sizable linemen.  Huge, fast , linemen.  We have incredible talent at wide receiver.  We have a seasoned quarterback, who by the way is on everyone's Heisman Watch List.  We have 4 very fast and strong running backs.  Our kicking game with CatMan and Pinion could not be any better. Defense?  Yeah, they dominated the scrimmage and did more yelling and jumping around than I have seen in many years.  Linebackers are talented.  Freshman Ben Boulware is a beast, very talented and can mouth off and prove it!  I love this kid.  This is the same defensive line that pushed LSU around in the bowl game.  I am still basking in that situation!

On the flip side, Georgia is too, very talented.  Offense is very good and can put up some points behind a very good and seasoned quarterback.  Running backs have always been a positive for the Dawgs and this year is no different. The defense lost 8 starters, they have had some injuries, but don't smile too much, I'm sure they just reload.

Thinking about the game, several things went through my mind.  Will it be we have to out score them?  Can we put up big numbers against the infamous SEC defense?  I wish I could look in a crystal ball and give you some answers.  One thing is for sure, GameDay hoopla in addition to night time in the Valley are all huge pluses.  I've spoken with Dabo a few times and he says motivation has not been an issue this off season.  Our guys get they have to be ready and confident.  They have worked super hard this summer and are tired of beating up each other.  They are excited. They are motivated.  They are in outstanding physical condition.

8:00 pm August 31, National Spotlight, GameDay festivities.  Death Valley, the hill, the rock, Tiger Rag, orange attire, tailgating, Tiger Walk, the BIG STAGE!  What a way to start a season.  

ARE YOU ALL IN?

Go Tigers!  I BELIEVE...