The Countdown 2011: 95 Days to Go

Learn the lyrics: “Hail to Georgia”

Every Dawg fan is familiar with the song, “Hail to Georgia”. Written in 1931 by Gaines Waller, it can be heard played by the Redcoat Band following extra points and during the Dawg walk. And while every Georgia fan knows the music, many people have no idea what the lyrics are to the song. The song goes like this:

Hail to Georgia down in Dixie!
A college honor’d, fair, and true;
The Red and Black is her standard, proudly it waves,
Streaming today and the ages through.
She’s the fairest in the Southland
We’ll pledge our love to her for aye;
To that college dear we’ll ring a cheer,
All hail to dear old UGA!

Hail, our Varsity of Georgia!
Thy sons will e’er thy glory sing;
To thee we’ll ever be faithful, loyal and true;
Ever and aye will thy praises ring.
Grand old times of ours at Georgia
The happiest days they’ll be alway;
Alma Mater, fair beyond compare,
All hail to dear old UGA!

The Countdown 2011: 96 Days to Go

The Best Kicking Duo in America

One thing that remained constant in the ten years Mark Richt has been coach in Athens in solid performances in the kicking game. Even the worst kicker of the Richt era, Andy Bailey, was on the All-SEC Freshman team before losing his job to Brandon Coutu. This fall will be the senior season for two of the finest kickers in Georgia history, Blair Walsh.

Blair Walsh

Many people questioned the decision to offer Blair Walsh a scholarship when he came to Georgia. Georgia’s two All-SEC performers at kicker during Richt’s tenure were both walk-ons and the previous scholarship kicker (Andy Bailey) lost his job after one season. But Walsh quickly proved he was worth the scholarship, earning Freshman All-SEC marks in 2008. In 2009, he was a finalist for the Lou Groza Award, given to the best kicker in the country. And in 2010, he was named first team All-SEC, making 20 of 23 field goals and leading the SEC in touchbacks.

Drew Butler

Like Walsh, there were questions about whether a punter deserved a scholarship offer even if he was the son of a Georgia legend. Butler became the starting punter in 2009 and had a banner year. He earned First Team All-American honors, lead the country in punting by over two yards, and won the Ray Guy award. In 2010, he was once again a finalist for the award. He is the most successful punter in Georgia history.

The Countdown 2011: 97 Days to Go

Georgia Rivals: Tennessee

All-Time Series Record: 17-21-2

Last Ten Years: 6-4

Last Year: Georgia 41, Tennessee 14

Memorable Game: 2001 – Georgia 26, Tennessee 24

Mark Richt’s first game against Tennessee remains one of the greatest victories in Georgia history. When Tennessee took the lead on a screen pass late in the 4^th, all hope looked lost for Georgia. But freshman quarterback David Greene led the Dawgs quickly down the field and found Verron Haynes for the game winning touchdown:

2011 Preview – October 8 in Knoxville

Georgia and Tennessee’s 2010 seasons were very similar in the results on the field. Both teams finished with 6-7 records after failing to win their bowl games at the end of the season. Freshman quarterbacks Aaron Murray and Tyler Bray appear to be budding superstars in the SEC. This year’s contest will be critical for the Bulldogs if they hope to remain competitive in the SEC East. Georgia crushed the Vols at home in 2010, payback for the beat down the Dawgs got in Knoxville in 2009. Since 2005, the closest game between these two has been 12 points.

The Countdown 2011: 98 Days to Go

Brandon Boykin – Chasing Records

When Brandon Boykin decided to return to Georgia for his senior season, Georgia not only got its best defensive back to return but also one of its most important weapons in controlling field position. Ask Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky, or Texas A&M who Georgia’s most explosive player is and I am sure they will at least mention Boykin. This fall, Boykin has the chance to become the most prolific kickoff returner in SEC history despite only starting at that position for three years (including this fall). Here is why.

Start with Boykin’s career totals. He has returned 72 kicks for 1,810 yards (25.14 avg.) with 4 kickoff return touchdowns. That includes an NCAA record 3 of 100 yards. If Boykin’s 2011 season is on par with previous, he could break every major performance record for an SEC kickoff returner:

Career Returns

SEC Record: 112

Boykin’s Total: 72

Chances of Breaking: 35% - He would have to record 41 kickoff returns this fall, meaning the Georgia defense would have to give up a lot of scores. Since his previous career high was 38, I don’t see this one happening.

Career Return Yards

SEC Record: 2,718

Boykin’s Total: 1,810

Chances of Breaking: 75% - Boykin has already had a season in which he eclipsed this amount. If he is the primary returning for the Dawgs this fall, he should be able to reach the mark.

Return Average

SEC Record: 28.2

Boykin’s Average: 25.138

Chance of Breaking: 15% - He would need an amazing average to bring his career average up three yards.

Kickoff Return Touchdowns

SEC Record: 4

Boykin’s Total: 4

Chance of Breaking: 50% - Yes, he has already tied the record and is one away from tying the NCAA record of 5. But returning a kick for a touchdown is a difficult task. After scoring three in 2009, Boykin only scored 1 in 2010.

The Countdown 2011: 99 Days to Go

Statistical Preview: Aaron Murray

Heading into the 2010 season, the quarterback position was one in question for the Georgia Bulldogs. Aaron Murray had won the job, beating out Logan Gray following the dismissal of Zach Mettenberger. With his play last fall, Murray proved that the job should have been his all along. Named as a freshman All-American by a number of publications, Murray had the finest first season at quarterback in Georgia history. As a matter of fact, if he had not struggled in the bowl game, he may have broken the single season records for both touchdowns and passer rating. For the year, he completed 209 of 342 passes for 3,049 yards and 24 touchdowns. He had only 8 interceptions and also rushed 87 times for 167 yards and 4 scores. So what can we expect from Murray in 2011?

First and foremost, expect Murray to continue to display smart decision making in the pocket. With the exception of one bad game against Florida, Murray averaged less than a half of a turnover per game. Very impressive for a freshman. I would also expect Murray to run a little bit less than he did last season. While his legs are a great weapon, he will now be counted on to lead the offense and I see him more willing to throw the ball away than try to dance for a three yard carry.

Overall production wise, Murray’s completion percentage and touchdown to interception ratio should remain unchanged. I expect less pass attempts this fall, especially if Isaiah Crowell can be the back everyone expects.

Projected statistics:

Passing: 214 of 310, 2,750 yards, 22 touchdowns

Rushing: 67 for 150 yards, 5 touchdowns