NOLA Is Going To Be Lit!

NOLA

IS GOING TO

BE LIT!

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GEORGIA VS. OLE MISS

BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED

IN THIS ISSUE

VOLUME 23 NO. 15

THE SEC WAS SWEET,

BUT IT’S ONTO EVEN

MORE SUGAR!

PHOTO BY: ROB SAYE/BI

SPORTS

BULLDOGS TO WATCH | 14

REBELS TO WATCH | 16

THE FIVE | 18

FROM THE INTERN | 19

A VIEW FROM | 20

SOCIAL

MIXTAPE: HUNTER HIGGINS | 24

RSM CLASSIC DAWG HOUSE | 25

GEORGIA VS. ALABAMA SEC CHAMPIONSHIP

FAN PHOTOS | 28

PROUST Q&A: KERITH AMEN | 40

MORE SPORTS

HERREN’S HOT LOCKS | 42

KEVIN BUTLER’S PLAYERS OF THE WEEK | 43

OLD AND IN THE WAY | 44

STATS THAT MATTER | 45

HOOP DAWGS UPDATE | 46

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, Will Hearn,

Matthew Herren, Anna Williams, Jane Toothaker

MULTIMEDIA SUPPORT: Will Hearn,

Matthew Herren, Anna Williams

PHOTOGRAPHY: Rob Saye, Will Hearn

COVER PHOTO: Rob Saye (UGA Players),

Sugar Bowl (logos, graphic)

COLUMNISTS: Jeff Dantzler, Loran Smith,

Kevin Butler, Greg Poole

DELIVERY: John Cook, Henley Cook, Win

Dyleski, Rob Freeman, Anna French, Scarlett

French, Caroline Kinney, John Kinney, Eleanor

Morgan, Henry Morgan, James Morgan, Jack

Sawyer, Cullen Sewell, Champ Vance, Jack

Roberts

CFP SUGAR POWL PREVIEW

December 23, 2025

BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 6 CFP SUGAR BOWL PREVIEW

Match-ups matter. So

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Time to remind the other teams: You can’t spell Sugar without UGA.

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FROM THE

EDITOR

VANCE LEAVY

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Georgia vs. Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl – NOLA IS GOING TO BE LIT!

While it would be awesome

to reminisce about the

out-of-body experience of

whipping Alabama in the

SEC Championship several Saturdays ago,

there simply isn’t time. The reason is simple

… the Ole Miss Rebels await the Dawgs

in the upcoming College Football Playoff

Quarterfinal Sugar Bowl on January 1.

Much like the Georgia team and its awesome

fan base experienced in winning the SEC, Ole

Miss Nation just enjoyed its own epic triumph

by advancing past the First Round of the CFP-

Playoffs. That accomplishment is even more

impressive in the wake of Lane Kiffin’s draining

exit to Baton Rouge.

Give Ole Miss a ton of credit. Rather than

wallowing in losing Kiffin, the Rebels quickly

rallied under their new head coach, Pete

Golding, and looked mighty impressive

versus Tulane. I can only imagine the afterparties

in The Grove and The Square.

So the scene is set … Georgia versus Ole

Miss in New Orleans. As this cover proudly

reflects ‘NOLA IS GOING TO BE LIT!’

Not only do Georgia and Ole Miss have the

two best fan bases in the country, both of

their football teams are extremely tough and

talented. The shootout back in October (in

Athens) certainly proved that to be true. Boy,

oh boy, the festivities and the game in New

Orleans are going to be one for the ages …

‘NOLA IS GOING TO BE LIT!’

This issue of Bulldawg Illustrated will certainly

get you ready and is dropping just in time for

Christmas. So who is going to win the game?

For that answer, I encourage you to quickly

turn to page 18 and read Jeff Dantzler’s The

Five. And for the pageantry of the Sugar

Bowl, don’t miss JD’s ‘A View From’ (page 20)

featuring Jeff Hundley, who is the CEO of

the Sugar Bowl. Thanks so much to Jeff for

participating and for your organization always

putting on such a dandy of an event.

In our Social section, the fan photos from

the SEC Championship (pages 28-38) are

sure to bring a smile to your face. What a

day and night in The Benz for everyone that

loves the Red and Black! Also, don’t miss our

fan photos from last month’s RSM Classic

(pages 26, 27) held at the Sea Island Golf

Club. The UGA Dawg House on the 17th hole

is always such a treat.

For our two Social section features, we

chose New Orleans natives/residents by

design. I know you are going to love Hunter

Higgins’ all-NOLA tracks for our MIXTAPE on

page 24. I had some great times with Hunter

and a handful of his New Orleans buddies

who matriculated at UGA. I can guarantee

you that Hunter knows his music, so enjoy.

And while I didn’t know (while at UGA) this

issue’s Proust Q&A participant (page 40),

Kerith Foley Amen, I’m thrilled to know she

is a Franklin College of Arts & Sciences grad.

While she spent most of her time at Park

Hall, Hunter and I were next door at LeConte

Hall mastering our history studies (among

other things). Thanks, Kerith!

That’s going to do it for me. Time to put

this Sugar Bowl issue to bed, so Cheri and I

can quickly get ready for Christmas on the

coast. We look forward to joining everyone

in New Orleans next week because ‘NOLA IS

GOING TO BE LIT!’ Finally, here’s hoping Team

BI will be bringing you a CFP-SEMIFINAL

Fiesta Bowl EXTRA issue in early January.

Ho, Ho, Ho and Go Dawgs!!

MERRY

CHRISTMAS

BEAT THE REBELS!

GO DAWGS

WWW.SANFORDUSA.COM

478.471.4221

WE ARE THE BEST at what we do!


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FROM THE

booth

JEFF DANTZLER

@jeffdantzlerTV

Hard to beat an all SEC Sugar Bowl to advance in the CFP!

Sugar Bowl bound as Southeastern

Conference champions. For so

many years, that’s been music

to the ears, to the schools of the

toughest league in the land. As the sport has

changed, with the College Football Playoff

the focal point, playing in New Orleans,

though no longer the end point, is an

enormous opportunity in the quest for the

ultimate goal of the national championship.

Back in the early 1980s, one of my

favorite bumper stickers boasted,

“You Can’t Spell Sugar Without UGA.”

Indeed. Those phenomenal Bulldogs

from 1980-1982 won the 1980 national

championship, and went to New Orleans

three consecutive times with three straight

SEC titles.

For the record, I was eight, nine and ten back

then, and kind of thought that was normal

and it was the way it would always be.

It would be another 20 years until

Georgia again won the SEC and earned a

berth in the Sugar Bowl.

Those glory days of the early 80s, which

went an extra year into 1983 as the 10-1-1

Cotton Bowl champions represented the

ultimate Golden Era of Georgia Football.

What the Bulldogs have done under the

watch of Kirby Smart has showered the

University of Georgia with the grandest of

times, similar amazing success, but over a

period twice as long, and then some.

Dating back to Smart’s second season

at the helm of his beloved alma mater in

2017, Georgia has ascended to the highest

of highs as one of college football’s elite

programs. Smart has been the driving

force, compiling a resume that rivals the

most iconic coaches in the history of

college football.

Leading Georgia to back-to-back national

championships in 2021 and 2022, four

SEC titles and nine straight seasons in

major bowls with top ten rankings (even if

Georgia gets beat worse than Cumberland

College did against the enemy, the

Bulldogs would still finish in the top ten),

this Golden Era for the Red and Black is

simply extraordinary.

To make the next step, the Bulldogs face a

tremendous challenge against the hungry

and determined Ole Miss Rebels. Lane

Kiffin left, and it was hard to know what to

expect. Well, clearly this team, under the

watch of new head coach Pete Golding, has

rallied, and not missed a beat. The Rebels

dominated Tulane 41-10 in the first round

of the College Football Playoff, and carry all

kinds of momentum to New Orleans.

Anytime there is a tournament, like the

CFP, you can look at the combatants,

and ask questions like: who is just happy

to be here, who are some teams that

might make some noise, and then finally,

who are the contenders fully capable of

winning the whole thing?

Both Georgia and Ole Miss look like

legitimate national championship

contenders. Meaning, the winner of this

rematch would then have to beat either

Ohio State or Miami in Tempe and then win

the finale, which will be played in Miami.

Amongst Smart’s most impressive

accomplishments is the rematch record.

Georgia is 4-0 all-time in Game No. 2 of

a season, including SEC Championship

Game victories over Auburn, Texas

and Alabama, and the 2021 National

Championship Game triumph over the

Tide. Can the Dogs do it again?

Back to the premise of winning the SEC

and playing in the Sugar Bowl, which

used to be the championship prize with

perhaps a shot at the national title. Now

it’s a step along the way, and what a big

one it is this year in this matchup of SEC

titans in New Orleans.

Only three times in Georgia history have

the Bulldogs both won the SEC and the

Sugar Bowl in the same year - 1946, 1980

and 2002. That’s three of the greatest

teams in Georgia football history. A victory

over Ole Miss would check off that box as

well, and move these resilient Bulldogs

one step further.


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SPORTS

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VERSUS THE REBELS!

PHOTO BY: ROB SAYE/BI

CFP-QUARTERFINAL SUGAR BOWL

JANUARY 1, 2025

GAME TIME: 8 P.M. ET

CHANNEL: ESPN

GEORGIA VS OLE MISS

BY: JEFF DANTZLER

College Football’s spotlight will be on New Orleans New

Year’s night, as the third-seeded Georgia Bulldogs take on the

No. 6 seeded Ole Miss Rebels in the College Football Playoff

Quarterfinal Sugar Bowl.

Both teams are 12-1. The Bulldogs and Rebels are each

coming off impressive victories and both will be playing a

second straight rematch game.

Lane Kiffin’s exit from Oxford to Baton Rouge to become LSU’s

new head coach was one of the biggest stories of the sporting

year. How would the Rebels react in their first round playoff

game against Tulane?

Back in September, the Rebels rolled to a 45-10 win over the

Green Wave. Now under the watch of Pete Golding, promoted

from defensive coordinator to head coach, the Rebels were

every bit as impressive, topping Tulane 41-10 on December 20.

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was outstanding, hitting 23

of 29 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown, plus two scores

on the ground as he carried six times for 36 yards. The leader

of the ground game, All-SEC running back Kewan Lacy, was

tremendous against the Green Wave, with 15 carries for 87

yards and a touchdown.

Georgia heads to the Big Easy as Southeastern Conference

champions for a second straight season. In the incredible

Kirby Smart era, the Bulldogs have captured two national

championships, four SEC titles and are making a fifth CFP

appearance in the last nine years. The Bulldogs last played on

December 6, defeating Alabama 28-7 in the SEC Championship

Game. On September 27, the Crimson Tide beat the Bulldogs

in Athens, handing Georgia its lone regular season loss.

The Rebels only loss this season came in Athens, as Georgia

rallied from a nine-point fourth quarter deficit for a thrilling

43-35 victory on October 18.

This will be Georgia’s 13th all-time appearance in the Sugar

Bowl, and 12th in New Orleans (the Bulldogs fell to West

Virginia in the 2006 Sugar Bowl, which was played in Atlanta

due to Super Dome damage from Hurricane Katrina). The

program’s all-time record in the game is 5-7.

Ole Miss will be playing in the Sugar Bowl for the 11th time.

The Rebels are 6-4 all-time in the big game in New Orleans.

The record for most Sugar Bowl appearances is 17,

held by Alabama. Georgia’s 13 equals LSU now for the

second most, while the Rebels 11 mark the fourth most

appearances. This will be the Bulldogs fourth Sugar Bowl

trip in the Smart era.


SPORTS

FOOTBALL

BULLDOGS TO WATCH

BY: MATTHEW HERREN/BI

KIRBY SMART (HC) - Coach Smart’s Bulldogs return to New Orleans

for the second straight season as SEC champions. The Sugar Bowl is where

Georgia’s season ended last year, but Smart’s program has come a long

way since that heartbreaking loss to Notre Dame. There will be some

familiarity in this game, as both Smart and the Rebels’ new head coach

Pete Golding coached together at Alabama under Nick Saban.

GUNNER STOCKTON (QB #14) - After his three touchdown

performance against the Tide a few weeks ago, the SEC Championship

MVP will once again start under center for the Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl.

Stockton played his best game of the season when these two teams faced

in October, with over 300 yards of offense and five total touchdowns.

ZACHARIAH BRANCH (WR #1) - Branch continues to be the top

receiver for the Georgia offense. His fifth touchdown of the season sealed

the victory against Alabama in the SEC Championship. Keep an eye on

Branch to get plenty of volume against a vulnerable Rebels defense and

have a huge game once again on the national stage.

DILLON BELL

WIDE RECEIVER

PHOTO BY: WILL HEARN/BI

NATE FRAZIER (RB #3) - Frazier’s stock has skyrocketed since the

early days of the season and has become the Bulldogs’ top running back.

He has four touchdowns in his last five games, along with multiple 100-

yard rushing games. The sophomore had a season-high 17 carries the

last time the Bulldogs played the Rebels, so look for Frazier to see a lot of

action against an Ole Miss defense that gives up nearly 150 rushing yards

per game.

DILLON BELL (WR #86) - Bell has had an inconsistent season, but

seems to step up for Georgia in critical moments. Against Alabama in the

SEC Championship, he scored a touchdown and was second on the team

in receptions and yards. We should expect this senior to lay it all on the

line for the Bulldogs in what could be his final collegiate game.

ELLIS ROBINSON IV (DB #1) - The redshirt freshman has held

opposing receivers to low numbers over the past few weeks and has an

interception in two of his last three games. The Rebels have plenty of

receivers with explosive abilities, so Robinson IV and the defensive backs

will need to keep up their recent success to limit the Rebels’ offense.

CHRIS COLE

LINEBACKER

CHRIS COLE (LB #9) - Though Georgia defeated the Rebels in

October, the Bulldogs were unable to sack Trinidad Chambliss. As the

team’s sack leader with 4.5 on the season, Cole is one of many Georgia

players that has progressed throughout the year. Watch for him to put

significant pressure on Chambliss and get Ole Miss out of rhythm.


BY JEFF DANTZLER

In Georgia’s first Sugar Bowl appearance on January

1, 1947, the undefeated Southeastern Conference

champion Bulldogs defeated North Carolina 20-10 to

finish the year 11-0.

Led by freshman sensation Herschel Walker, Georgia

beat Notre Dame 17-10 on New Year’s Day, 1981 to

capture the 1980 National Championship with a

perfect 12-0 record.

The Bulldogs of 2002 won the program’s first

Southeastern Conference title and made its first

Sugar Bowl appearance in 20 years, topping Florida

State 26-13 to finish the season 13-1.


SPORTS

FOOTBALL

REBELS TO WATCH

BY: ANNA WILLIAMS/BI

PETE GOLDING (HC) - Ole Miss enters the Sugar Bowl under new

leadership after Lane Kiffin departed for LSU in late November,

elevating defensive coordinator Pete Golding to head coach. Golding

arrived in Oxford in 2023 and brings nearly two decades of defensive

coaching experience, including five seasons as Nick Saban’s defensive

coordinator at Alabama from 2018–22. Known for his emphasis on

discipline and physicality, Golding’s defensive background will be

tested immediately as he prepares his team to face one of the most

balanced and efficient offenses in college football.

TRINIDAD CHAMBLISS (QB #6) - In Ole Miss’ playoff win over Tulane,

Chambliss completed 23 of 29 passes without committing a turnover,

efficiently managing the offense and sustaining drives. Georgia saw

Chambliss’ dual-threat ability earlier this season, when he accounted for

three total touchdowns—one passing and two rushing—against the

Bulldogs. His mobility allows him to extend plays and create problems

when protection breaks down, making containment a priority for

Georgia’s defense.

PETE GOLDING

HEAD COACH

PHOTO BY: OLE MISS ATHLETICS

KEWAN LACY (RB #5) - Lacy remains a dominant leader of the

Rebels’ offense. Against Tulane, he rushed for 87 yards and scored his

21st touchdown of the season, consistently wearing down defenders.

Lacy also found success against Georgia in October, scoring twice

in that matchup. If Ole Miss is able to establish the run early, Lacy’s

physical style could challenge Georgia’s front, putting an emphasis

on the Bulldogs’ ability to control the line of scrimmage and eliminate

play-action opportunities.

DE’ZHAUN STRIBLING (WR #1) - Stribling has proved himself as one

of Chambliss’ most reliable receiving options. He recorded five catches

against Tulane, including a 30-yard reception on the first play of the

game that immediately set the offensive tone. His ability to stretch the

field and win early in routes makes him a constant threat. Georgia’s

secondary will need to limit explosive plays and prevent Stribling from

gaining early confidence.

SUNTARINE PERKINS (LB #4) - Perkins has been one of Ole Miss’

most impactful defenders throughout the season. He led the Rebels

with a season-high 10 tackles against Georgia earlier this year and

followed that performance with a strong outing against Tulane,

recording 2.5 tackles for loss. In the final quarter of the playoff game,

Perkins forced and recovered a fumble to help seal the win. His range

and instincts make him a disruptive presence at the second level.

TRINIDAD CHAMBLISS

QUARTERBACK

PHOTO BY: OLE MISS ATHLETICS

PRINCEWILL UMANMIELEN (LB #1) - Umanmielen anchors the

Rebels’ pass rush and has consistently applied pressure off the edge.

He recorded 1.5 sacks against Tulane and now has eight total sacks on

the season. One of his biggest plays came in the second quarter against

the Green Wave, when his sack stalled a promising drive. With Georgia’s

offense built on timing and balance, Umanmielen’s ability to disrupt the

pocket could prove pivotal in the Sugar Bowl.

BY JEFF DANTZLER

Ole Miss’s most beloved and celebrated player of

all-time is the legendary No. 18 Archie Manning, All-

American quarterback and NFL standout, primarily for

the New Orleans Saints.

Eli Manning, Archie’s youngest son, was a standout

signal caller for the Rebels who went on to an

outstanding pro career, leading the Giants to a pair of

Super Bowl wins over the Patriots.

Prior to his tremendous career with the San Francisco

49ers as a five time All-Pro linebacker, Patrick Willis

was an All-American at Ole Miss and the 2006 SEC

Defensive Player of the Year.


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THE

Five

CFP-QUARTERFINAL SUGAR BOWL

BY: JEFF DANTZLER

1. Defensive Disruption - Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy

are one of the top backfield combinations in college football.

A dual threat quarterback and elite tailback, paired with a

tremendous offensive line and fantastic pass catchers, these

Rebels are incredibly tough to defend. They are going to move

the ball. They are going to get points. Slowing them down is a

must. That starts with disruption and forcing the Rebels’ hand.

Easier said than done. In the first meeting in October, the Rebels

scored touchdowns on their first five possessions. In the fourth

quarter, Georgia came up with three stops, essential to the 43-35

comeback win.

2. Special Teams Superiority - Brett Thorson and Peyton

Woodring are the top kicking duo in college football, and Beau

Gardner won the Manley Award as the nation’s top snapper.

Thorson, the Ray Guy Award winner, is one of Georgia’s best ever.

He is particularly hungry. Last season, an injury sustained in the

SEC Championship Game kept the Australian All-American out

of the Sugar Bowl. It was a huge blow for the Bulldogs. Can this

trio once again show the way in what could very well be another

single digit, one possession nail-biter?

3. Capitalize - One of the most important factors in Georgia’s

28-7 Southeastern Conference Championship Game victory

over Alabama was the Bulldogs ability to cash in on the biggest

plays of the day. It was complimentary football personified. The

blocked punt turned into a touchdown. The interception turned

into a touchdown. The defensive stop on fourth and two from

the 12 turned into a touchdown. When the opportunities are

there, striking for seven would be huge for Georgia’s chances.

4. Rematch - Both teams are playing their second straight

rematch games. Ole Miss beat Tulane for the second time this

season in the first round of the College Football Playoff, now

the Rebels try and avenge their lone loss of the season against

the Bulldogs. Georgia lost in September to Alabama, but beat

the Crimson Tide for the SEC Championship. Now the Bulldogs

CONGRATS BRETT

THORSON ON WINNING

THE RAY GUY AWARD!


attempt the very difficult task of beating a great team twice in

the same season.

5. Tears of 81 and 82 - Oh the pain from those Pitt and Penn

State Sugar Bowl losses. Forever haunting. New Year’s Day 1982

and New Year’s Day 1983, heartbreak. The 1981 Bulldogs needed

a win over Pitt and a Clemson loss to Nebraska to claim a second

straight national championship. Dan Marino. From the edge

of an all-time great victory to an all-time brutal heartbreak.

Crying back in my room, my dad came back to console me, and

said that Clemson had beaten Nebraska so we wouldn’t have

won the national championship even if we had won the game.

All I remember is yelling through the tears, “I don’t care.” That

one hurt. On Christmas Day 1982 at my grandparents’ house

in Savannah, I received my all-time favorite Christmas present

- Sugar Bowl tickets for the Georgia-Penn State showdown. It

was No. 1 vs. No. 2, winner take-all for the big enchilada. That

1982 season, I was 10 and didn’t miss a play, either in-person

(BYU, Memphis State and Penn State), with the MIghty Munson

or TV combined with Munson (Mississippi State and Florida). My

love for that team. 11-0 in the regular season, a third straight

SEC title, a shot at another national championship and Herschel

Walker winning the Heisman. The drive to New Orleans, part of

the Bulldog caravan was awesome. I had all the gear. From a 20-3

deficit with a two-for-none to make it 20-17. We couldn’t make it all

the way back though and Penn State came out on top 27-23. I was

in tears again. It was the worst loss ever. Until 1/8/18. There have

been some amazing moments for Georgia in New Orleans, most

notably the victory over Notre Dame for the 1980 national title. But

that sting from those next two still hurts. And always will.

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FROM THE

INTERN

Anna

Williams

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

E

ver since I came to the

University of Georgia—one

of the top SEC football

programs, might I add — this time

of year has been about more than

just the holidays. December doesn’t

just mean Christmas lights, carols

and last-minute shopping. It also

means bowl season and the College

Football Playoffs. And no matter

who is playing, college football has

a way of becoming the center of

everything.

At my house, the postseason

doesn’t pause for the holidays —

it blends right in. Trying to bake

cookies with my family? Ole Miss

versus Tulane is playing in the

background. Christmas dinner

at my grandparents’ house?

The College Football Playoffs

dominate the conversation at the

dining table. Even my 83-year-old

grandmother leans over the table

to ask when the Bulldogs’ next

bowl game is. One minute we’re

passing around dessert; the next,

we’re talking college football. And

it’s not just my grandmother, my

dad starts humming the “Who’s that

coming down the track” tune and

blasting “Baba O’Riley” in his truck

days, sometimes weeks before

the Bulldogs even take the field.

Football, it seems, is just as much

a part of the season as the cookies

and holiday music.

That’s the thing about the College

Football Playoffs: they don’t just

dominate the sports calendar,

they take over our living rooms,

kitchens, and family conversations.

Even when Georgia isn’t playing,

the Bulldogs are never far from

discussion. Every game feels

like it matters. Every result feels

connected. And every December

brings back memories.

Around this time of year, I always

find myself thinking back to my

freshman year at Georgia. Winter

break of 2022 wasn’t just about

celebrating the new year—it

was about one of the most

unforgettable moments in Georgia

football. New Year’s Eve came with

fireworks, countdowns, and most

importantly Georgia facing Ohio

State in the College Football Playoff

semifinal at the Peach Bowl.

As the clock struck midnight,

Georgia had just completed a

last-minute, go-ahead touchdown

to beat Ohio State in a thriller that

still feels unreal. Stetson Bennett

led the Bulldogs to victory and

suddenly the new year felt special

in a way that had nothing to do

with fireworks or champagne. That

moment, celebrating a playoff win

as the calendar flipped, felt like the

peak of college football fandom.

Aside from Santa and his reindeer, it

doesn’t get more magical than that.

That win led to a national

championship appearance and

eventually a dominant title victory

over TCU. Looking back now,

it’s hard not to romanticize that

season. Everything felt possible.

Championships felt expected. And

as a freshman, I didn’t yet realize

just how rare moments like that

really are.

Georgia hasn’t been back to the

national championship game

since that season, but the desire

hasn’t faded. If anything, it has

grown stronger. As I move closer

to the end of my college career,

I can’t help but hope for one

more championship run. There’s

something so special about the

idea of “sandwiching” my college

years between national titles—

starting and ending my time at

Georgia with college football’s

ultimate prize.

So, if we’re writing Christmas

wishlists this year, that’s my wish.

One more national championship

appearance. One more run through

December and January with

everything on the line. One more

chance to feel that electricity again,

to experience the anticipation,

the highs and the heartbreaks

that make college football so

unforgettable.

Each holiday season, I love

watching how the College Football

Playoffs bring people together,

family, friends, and fans alike.

Sure, rivalries can spark a little

tension at the dinner table, but

that’s part of what makes it special.

December football adds an extra

layer of excitement to the holidays.

It creates shared moments, inside

jokes and memories that last far

longer than the season itself. It’s

more than a game; it has become a

tradition. And if Georgia is playing

over the holidays, our house turns

into the ultimate viewing spot,

complete with Maryland crab soup,

charcuterie, and beverages for

everyone.

All I want for Christmas might be

a national championship, but what

I already have is something just

as meaningful: a team to watch,

games to debate and some football

magic to carry me through winter

break. And if Santa happens to

deliver a trophy along the way, I

certainly won’t complain.

Merry Christmas and Happy New

Year! Here’s to hoping we can all

wish for a national championship in

the year ahead. Go Dawgs!

WE ARE LOCAL.

WE ARE GEORGIA.

WE ARE BULLDAWGS.

706-354-4000 bbga.com

SUGAR SEASON GREETINGS

- GO DAWGS!

Providing Personal, Commercial and Life and Health policies

across the Southeast tailored to fit your needs.

CAREY STEPHENS | carey.stephens@boswellgroup.org

RANDY PEARSON | randy.pearson@boswellgroup.org

CARTER GUNN | carter.gunn@boswellgroup.org

706-546-8100

BOSWELLGROUPATHENS.COM


PHOTO BY: allstatesugarbowl.org

One of the absolute best guys in the business, a

great friend, and a titan in the college football world,

Jeff Hundley is the Chief Executive Officer of the

Sugar Bowl. I first met Jeff when I was a freshman

at Georgia and he was the editor of The Georgia

Bulldog Magazine and Sports Information Director for

gymnastics (he had also worked baseball). Jeff was

always so kind, he was a great mentor and so sharp

and witty. I knew great things were in store for him

and sure am proud of my old friend.

BY JEFF DANTZLER

A VIEW

OF THE...

CFP QuarterFinal

- Sugar Bowl

THE GEORGIA PEOPLE

LOVE NEW ORLEANS,

HOW DOES THE SUGAR

BOWL LIKE IT WHEN THE

BULLDOGS COME TO

TOWN?

One of the primary reasons

that we’ve done whatever we

needed to do to be a part of

the College Football Playoff

is because we know we’ll

have the opportunity to host

teams like the Dawgs. It’s a

great program with a very

passionate fan base – and

we’ve learned from hosting

them quite a few times in

recent years that it’s a well-run

organization and the fans are

good people and they enjoy

our city.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR

FONDEST MEMORIES FROM

YOUR DAYS IN ATHENS?

Coming to Georgia was

my first time in the “big

time.” My wife Janine and I

were in heaven in Athens,

immediately. The people in

the athletic department were

hard-working, genuine folks

and are still great friends

today. One of my most proud

moments was when I got

to help Coach Dooley write

his retirement speech (from

coaching). That was pretty

heady stuff for a young man

from Iowa who was just

getting started in his career.

I also got to travel to Omaha

with the Diamond Dawgs and

experienced a few gymnastics

National Championships with

Suzanne Yoculan and her

great teams. But more than

anything, Saturdays in the fall

were just spectacular – I feel

blessed to have been a small

part of it all over those years.

There are so many memories

from my time working for

Claude (Felton) and with a

great gang in his office. It

means so much to run into

people from that group all

over the country at different

events. My fondest memories

are all of the fun we had

while still working hard and

learning – and it was also

pretty cool that I had the

opportunity to get to know a

legend like Coach Dooley.

THE SUGAR BOWL HAS

SUCH A RICH HISTORY,

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR

FAVORITE PARTS OF THE

EVENT?

The relationships we’ve

made working with so many

different people every year

really makes this position

worthwhile. Sometimes I’ll

bump into somebody who

played in the game 30 years

ago and he’s so happy to

hear that I’m with the Sugar

Bowl, a game that meant so

much to him when he was

young. And then there are

things that happen every

year that are exciting mile

markers, I guess you could

say. The announcement of

teams is always such a big

day, the teams arriving at the

airport with our brass band

greeting them right there on

the tarmac is the start of our

time truly hosting them. And

it’s always so special to watch

the game actually kick off

and hearing the roar of the

crowd. For me, even 32 years

later, that is a “goosebumps”

moment every time.

HOW HAVE THINGS

CHANGED WITH THE GAME,

WHICH FOR SO LONG WAS

THE ULTIMATE REWARD

AND SEASON CAPPER,

NOW BEING A PART OF THE

CFP?

We’ve been saying for quite a

while now that the only thing

that’s consistent with college

football of late is change.

We’ve made a concentrated

effort to embrace that change

in order to remain relevant

in the sport. Despite all that

change, our goal with our

guests remains the same,

even if they may be going

onto another playoff game,

we want everybody – fans,

players, coaches, spouses,

staff, media, everyone – to

have a great time and enjoy

their time at the Sugar Bowl.

WITH ALL THE INCREDIBLE

FOOD IN NEW ORLEANS,

HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED

TO LIVE THERE SO LONG

AND NOT ATTAINED THE

WEIGHT OF A SAINTS NOSE

GUARD?

When I first moved to New

Orleans and started the job it

was November 1. By the time

the game was over on January

1, I’d gained 15 pounds, so I

had to learn how to throttle

back a little! You need to pick

your battles, or in this case,

pick your meals. You can’t take

them all on. There’s so much

great food here that you have

no choice but to develop

some discipline. You can’t let

your guard down either, I do

my best to make regular trips

to the gym so I can truly enjoy

the food – in moderation!

FOR FIRST TIMERS, WHAT

ARE SOME OF YOUR

FAVORITE NEW ORLEANS

ACTIVITIES?

One thing we say here is that

New Orleans has something

for everyone. So many people

think it’s all about Bourbon

Street and partying, but

there’s so much more. Take

the streetcar to see uptown,

take a ride to City Park and

see the majestic oak trees,

and for those with kids,

the Children’s Museum is

really special. The World War

II Museum regularly gets

recognized as one of the best

museums in the world. For

people coming for the game,

spend some time during

the day walking the French

Quarter and checking the

amazing architecture – and

then make your way toward

the river and catch the Sugar

Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade

that starts at 2 p.m. It’s a true

Mardi Gras-style parade which

is something new for a lot of

people. And of course, plan

out some great meals.

WHETHER IT’S THE

SUGAR, THE SUPER

BOWL, FINAL FOUR, WHY

IS NEW ORLEANS SUCH

A POPULAR BIG EVENT

DESTINATION?

We always say that New

Orleans is the smallest big city

in the world. We have nearly

30,000 hotel rooms in walking

distance to the Superdome,

and it often seems like

we have nearly that many

amazing restaurants as well.

If your friend hears you’re

in town and reaches out to

you, chances are you’re just a

couple of blocks away from

each other. And the people

of this city embrace visitors,

they love to host the Sugar

Bowl fans and make sure that

everybody is having a good

time.


CR IS PROUD TO

BACK THE RED AND

BLACK. GO DAWGS.

SIC ‘EM!

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE

MULTI-PRODUCT

SHOWROOM

IN THE SOUTHEAST

CR DESIGN CENTER WESTSIDE

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PHOTOGRAPHER: BRIAN HALL PHOTOGRAPHY | DESIGNERS: ANGELIQUE BAEZ, VIVICO INTERIORS + MICHAEL C. MORRIS, M. CRISLER DESIGNS

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GARAGE DOORS | OUTDOOR LIVING | SHOWER DOORS AND MIRRORS | TILE AND FLOORING

IT’S TOUCHDOWN

SEASON

MIXTAPE: HUNTER HIGGINS PG. 24 | RSM CLASSIC DAWG HOUSE PG. 25 | PROUST Q&A: KERITH AMEN PG. 40

Susan Holmes, Nick Berlin, Cammie Holmes,

Virginia Edwards, Lara Holmes, Sam Holmes

SOCIAL

sec championship fan PHOTOS: PGs. 28-38


M I X T A P E

playlist featured by Hunter Higgins

brought to you by BULLDAWG ILLUSTRATED + LAST RESORT GRILL

In honor of Athens’ distinction as one of the best music towns in the nation and the original

Last Resort opened as a music club in 1966. Those who can still remember the tunes of such

passionate performers as the Reverend Pearly Brown, Towns Van Zandt, Doc Watson, Jimmy

Buffett, and even Steve Martin may feel nostalgic at the mere mention of the club’s name.

Today that passion is found in Last Resort Grill’s menu and atmosphere, pulling directly from

the building’s eclectic history. - Compiled by: Cheri Leavy

HUNTER HIGGINS

NAME: Hunter Higgins

FAMILY: Wife Erin and kids Olivia (9) and

Heath (7).

HOME TOWN + CURRENT TOWN:

New Orleans

WHAT YEARS AT UGA: Fall 91 -

Winter 95.

DEGREE: History

TIES TO ATHENS MUSIC: 40 Watt

regular

FAVE BAND YOU HAVE SEEN IN

ATHENS: Follow For Now

Carnival Time - The Wild Magnolias

Let Your Mind Be Free - The Soul

Rebels Brass Band

Hunter 's Playlist

Africa - The Meters

Feel like Funkin It Up- ReBirth Brass Band

Carnival Time - The Wild Magnolias

You’ve Got to be Crazy to Live in this Town -

Alex McMurray

Cissy Strut - The Meters

I Walk on Gilded Splinters - Dr. John

Blue Moon Special - Lost Bayou Ramblers

Explode - Big Freedia

Treme Song- John Boutté

Right Place, Wrong Time - Dr. John

Let Your Mind Be Free - The Soul Rebels Brass Band

Don’t You Feel My Leg - Blu Lu Danny Barker

Shake Ya Ass - Mystikal

Corkscrew - Morning 40 Federation

Choppa Style - Choppa

Mother-in-Law - Ernie K Doe

Soul Sister - Allen Toussaint

I Need a Hot Girl - Hot Boys, Big Tymers

Tell me what you want - Zebra

City of New Orleans - John Boutté (not in Spotify;

version by Arlo Guthrie is)

Check out the

playlist on

Soul Sister - Allen Toussaint

Dinner Service

SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AT 5 PM

Brunch

SERVED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

11AM - 2PM

Friday Lunches

EVERY FRIDAY 11AM - 2PM

174/184 W. CLAYTON ST. | ATHENS, GEORGIA

706-549-0810 | WWW.LASTRESORTGRILL.COM

OWNERS KELLY AND

TOM CALL


Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

Our regulars will tell you who

makes the best TODDIES in town

BEAT OLE MISS!

420 MACON HWY | ATHENS | 706-548-3359

GEORGESLOWCOUNTRYTABLE.COM

WHERE

SMART

DAWGS

EAT AND

DRINK!

your MODERN MARSHSIDE MARKET

Now Offering:

Dawg Central for Game Day Catering

Supporting our Georgia Bulldogs

We are pleased to continue to provide catering services for your upcoming special event.

Best wishes to all students, fans, players, coaches + families state-wide

Our team is committed to delivering an exceptional homestyle culinary experience.

We look forward to working with you to make your event a success!

gifts +

gear

Yeti

central

Call in to order whole pizzas to pick up!

$9.99

WHOLE

PIZZA

EVERYDAY

TAKE N’ BAKE

PIZZA $10.99

it’s all here

Use your Harris Teeter

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when you get gas with us!

912. 342. 7833 | MONDAY-SATURDAY: 6:30 AM–8 PM | SUNDAY: 7 AM–7 PM

2304 Glynn Ave. | off the FJ Torras Causeway marshside_market Marshside-Market


SOCIAL

FAN SHOTS

Mookie DeMoss, Uga

Billy Allbritton,

Jason Allbritton

Steven Mosher, Emily Mosher,

Williamson Mosher

Ellen Sims, Richard Stephens, Patrick Sims

Elizabeth Brunson, Caroline

Champion, Uga, Charles

Seiler, Catherine Slade

Tripp Beaty, Mary Wallace Champion,

Caroline Champion, Chip Champion

Sandy Jernigan, Sandy Jernigan,

Kaylin Jones

DAWG HOUSE - RSM CLASSIC

Greyson Sigg, Uga

You might need

a bigger closet!

Paige | Simkhai | Farm Rio | Mestiza

Mirth | Shoshanna | Brochu Walker

Gola | Thatch | MZ Wallace and

many more!

www.monkeesofathens.com

1059 Baxter St. Suite A

Athens GA 30606

706.850.8577

Follow Along!

@monkeesathens


FAN SHOTS

SOCIAL

Emily Mosher, Tripp Beaty and Mary

Wallace Champion

Charles Seiler, Uga,

Bonney Shuman,

Winnie Alonso,

Palmer Kizzire

Billy Shuman,

Billy Shuman

Alannah O’Quinn,

Victoria Simms

Kathy Brown, Bonney

Shuman, Claire Mitchell

Peyton Burnsed, Ava Stewart,

Jason Jones, Cierra Ingram

Larry Edwards, Sharon Edwards,

Mason Black

David Valentine, Kelly Valentine


SOCIAL

FAN SHOTS

Marty Smith, Claude Felton Parks Harris, Heather Harris, Woody Fields Roderick Denson, Kimberly Denson

Mary Beth Smart, Kirby Smart

Chris Doering, Peter Burns

GEORGIA - 28, ALABAMA - 7

Andrew Smart, Jalon Walker


Hunter Street, Derrick Lemons, Pete Thamel, Nathaniel Lemons

Sean Glennon, Lee Cohen, Matt Wilson, Alan Joel, Drake Bernstein,

Brian Friedman, Greg Lewis, Mason Duriez, Blake Selig, David Wilson,

Olen Anderson, Reece Cohen, Jack Zambi, Eric Ferrara, Blake Bruce,

Paul Carling, Luke Ferrara, Joel Turry

Brooks Baer, Amy McMath, Jay Boggs, Bryan Baer, Carey Stephens,

Stacy Stephens, Laura Jean Leal

Stuart Oglesby, Andrew McGhee,

Olivia Nordin, Ashley Hill, Mary

Campbell Cobb, Ashlyn Aspinwall

Emily Nunn, Sarah Britton Givens, Katie Koch, Sarah Dow McVean,

Elle Langley

ULLA JOHNSON + HUNTER BELL

AMANDA UPRICHARD + STAUD

AGOLDE + DOLCE VITA + VERONICA BEARD

MOTHER + SOFTWAVES

LOVE THE LABEL + MARIE OLIVER

RAG & BONE + SEA NY + KREWE

GANNI + ENEWTON + HART

FARM RIO + CLEOBELLA + TORY BURCH

195 COLLEGE AVENUE

ATHENS, GA

706.543.0702

Henley Hayes, Erin Hayes, Molly Hayes, Alex Kritzer


SOCIAL

FAN SHOTS

James Drinkard, Lindley Drinkard, Joanne Miller, Allen Miller,

Lisa Devaney, Joe Devaney

Dale Shedd, Paree Shedd

Vance Leavy, Cheri Leavy,

Jeff Dantzler


James Hester, Abbott Hester,

Caroline Hester

Jonathan Kent, William Kent, Clare Kent, Axle Kent,

Seth Holm

Kelvin Ellis, Kelvin Ellis Jr., Michael Byrd,

Derrick Byrd

Hal Greer

Managing Director/Investments

Sheri Haugabook

Senior Vice President/Investments

George Greer

Vice President/Investments

Maggie Greer

Financial Advisor

Ryan Emory, CRPC TM , WMS TM


Mai Kulkarni

Client Relationship Manager

Hal Greer

ing Director/Investments

heri Haugabook

ice President/Investments

Lois Renfroe

Senior Registered Client Service

Associate

Mary Charles Dunn

Senior Client Service Associate

George Greer


(478) 238-1195 main | (478) 238-1096 fax | www.greer-financialgroup.com

5400 Riverside Drive, Suite 201 | Macon, Georgia 31210

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com

Maggie Greer

Financial Advisor


Ryan Emory, CRPC TM , W

Vice President/Investm

Mai Kulkarni

Client Relationship Man

FAN SHOTS

SOCIAL

Gayle Jones, Otis Jones, Caroline Arnall,

Weston Arnall, Edie Eldridge, Frank Eldridge

McKay Siebold, Sean McIlinney,

Kane Siebold

Robby Kirk, Reed Harman, Melanie Harman,

Amanda Kirk

Matt Wink, Shannon Wink,

Eddie Roche, Jack Roche

Tommy David, Randall Loggins, Gary Wright,

Skin Edge, Jarrod Wright

Tony Carver, Gavin Carver


SOCIAL

FAN SHOTS

David Long, Hamp McWhorter


Bradley Gabriel,

Braeden Rice,

Stallings Parker,

Al Parker

Phyllis Chastain, Becky Reynolds

Javier Garrapiz,

Harry Rawson

Vance Leavy, Jeff Ramsey, Robert Wolfe, Mark

Carmony, Reagan Wolfe

Greg Ehlers, George Dyar, Terry Graham, Chris

Redding, Tom Mann, Trey Elerson, Harvey Elerson,

Natalie Jones, Tom Stovall

athens

Tucker

gainesville

steelmartatlanta.com

steelmartatlanta.com

GO DAWGS!

++


++

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c Mortgage - c 678.488.5308

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Todd Cowart

Regions Regions Bank. Bank. The The LifeGreen LifeGreen color color is a trademark is Mortgage a trademark of Regions of Regions Bank. Bank. (08/25) Loan (08/25) Officer | NMLS 310972

Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark c - 678.488.5308

of Regions Bank. (08/25)



© 2025 © 2025 Regions Regions Bank. Bank. NMLS# NMLS# 174490. 174490. All loans All loans subject subject to qualification, to qualification, required required documentation, documentation, and credit and approval. credit approval. Certain exclusions Certain exclusions may apply. may Loan apply. terms and Loan availability terms and subject availability to change. subject | Regions to change. and the | Regions and logo the are Regions registered logo trademarks are registered of trademarks of

© 2025 Regions Bank. NMLS# 174490. All loans subject to qualification, required documentation, and credit approval. Certain exclusions may apply. Loan terms and availability subject to change. | Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of

© 2025 Regions Bank. NMLS# 174490. All loans subject to qualification, required documentation, and credit approval. Certain exclusions may apply. Loan terms and availability subject to change. | Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of

Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank. (08/25)

PROUDLY SERVING FOR 25 YEARS,

WITH A GRATEFUL HEART FOR EVERY

CLIENT AND EVERY REFERRAL.

YOUR TRUSTED

REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

HALLY

DEMENT

Athens Office, Founding Member, Realtor ®

o. 706.995.7500 | c. 404.771.1017

HALLYDEMENT@ANSLEYRE.COM

GOING ON 25

YEARS OF SERVICE

PUT MY EXPERTISE

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© 2024 Your Pie Franchising, LLC.

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FAN SHOTS

Trey Carter, Stallings Parker,

Kitty Carter, Al Parker

Dennis Stockton,

Josh Stockton

John Paul Jardina, John Wise Long, Charlie Estabrook,

Allen Gruehn, Andrew Charlton, Henry Koon, Drew

Dunagan, Weller Smith


John Bateman, Jill Bateman, Caroline Eaton, Bob Eaton

Edward Hudson, Maxine Hudson, Chuck Wiley, Jay Wiley

aWaRdEd tHe #2o sPoT

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iN AmErIcA bY

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FAN SHOTS

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Ed Ferguson, Duncan Walker, Hal

Greer, Hank Greer, George Greer,

Stan Copelan

Brantley Porter, Kelli Porter, Camille

Porter, Nan Vogler

Ian Pilling, Brett Jackson, Will Jackson,

Alex Jackson, Scott Jackson, Charlie

Pilling, Ben Jackson, Jason Atwell

(front) Ella Lynch, Jane Trotter, Ellie Jarrell, McClain

Anderson, Clara Williams, Clara Green ; (second row)

Anna Kate Crook, Elizabeth Mohney, Elle Smith ;

(third row) Katherine Hoover, Amelia Chen, Hila Tiller

; (fourth row) Reeve Kotz, Camille Jones ; (back row)

Morgan Bleakney, Nan Burnette, Leighton Spears

Franki Rutledge, John Ellington

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unmatched local insight, personalized guidance, and

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SOCIAL

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Brad Lastinger, Dick Ferguson, John Ferguson,

Richard Ferguson


Archie Lowe, Tracy Anderson

Alton Collins, Antonio Jones

Olivia Pryor, Madeleine Pryor, Spence Pryor Joan Carr, Chris Carr Jordan Taulbee, Addison Taulbee, Natalee Carter,

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FAN SHOTS

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Phillip Davis, Stafford Davis

(front) Talbot Nunnally, Charlie Nunnally, Lilly Nunnally ; (back

row) Michael Evert, Angi Evert, Maggie Jones, Spencer Jones

Joseph McDonald,

Samantha Tener

Yvette Daniels,

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Mile Rogers, Denise Rogers

Jose Anguiano, Franklin Park, William Souza

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Debbie Hicks, Eve Hicks, Vivian Melzer

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PROUST

Q&A

COMPILED BY: CHERI LEAVY

NAME: Kerith Foley Amen

FAMILY: My daughter, Adair (UGA 2032 hopeful) and two fur

kids (1) that we love to pieces, Violet and Welles.

1.

HOMETOWN: New Orleans, Louisiana

CURRENT TOWN: New Orleans, Louisiana

WHAT YEARS AT UGA: 1990-1994

SCHOOL/DEGREE: Franklin College of Arts & Sciences, BA in

English and a minor in French. I spent a lot of time in Park Hall.

PROFESSION: Senior Project Manager, Healthcare Publishing

and Media

ACCOLADES: Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority member – served

as Public Relations Chairman, Order of Omega, Rho Lambda, and Pi

Delta Pi Honor Societies, Metairie Park Country Day Alumni Board.

WHAT LIFE LESSONS DID YOU LEARN WHILE AT UGA?

I learned so much during my time at UGA, I count those years

as some of the best times of my life. I learned about being

independent and creating a balance between my studies and

socializing. I also learned how important it is to have a support

network away from home and my friends at UGA provided me with

that. So many of my friendships that started at UGA are still a part

of my life today.

WHAT PROFESSOR DID YOU MOST ADMIRE (AND WHY)?

Dr. Fran Teague. I took several Shakespeare classes with Dr. Teague

and loved studying Shakespeare. Dr. Teague always made studying

Shakespeare interesting and fun.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST

ACHIEVEMENT? First, I would say my daughter, Adair. She is the

brightest light in my life. Her dad, my husband, Rob, passed away

from leukemia in 2018 when she was four years old. She reminds me

of him and looks so much like him. She motivates me to show up

every day and to lead by example with compassion and integrity.

Second, would be my 16-year career at Time Inc. working for Sports

Illustrated in New York City. I loved my time in NYC and working for

Sports Illustrated. I made lifelong friends with my colleagues.

Third, would be never taking a 7:50 am class in my four years at UGA!

WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE DO YOU MOST

IDENTIFY WITH? I admire Nelson Mandela. He dedicated

his life, and was imprisoned for 27 years, for the cause of racial

desegregation and democracy for South Africa. He sacrificed his life

to help achieve equality for all people. His determination, resolve,

and selflessness to continue fighting for his cause are inspirational.

WHO ARE

YOUR

HEROES

IN REAL

LIFE? My late

husband, Rob, is Kerith Foley Amen

my biggest hero.

He had the most

positive outlook

on life, faced every

day with a smile and loved to make other people smile. Even

after being diagnosed with leukemia, Rob maintained a positive

attitude. He reminds me that life is short, to live each day fully, and

to be grateful for my health.

I would also say people in professions that serve others every day.

Our armed forces, first responders, healthcare workers, etc. I admire

them for the sacrifices they make for others on a daily basis.

QUOTE TO LIVE BY: It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,”

by Ralph Waldo Emerson and “Be the change you wish to see in

the world.” This quote is attributed to Gandhi, although it was

paraphrased from the following: “We but mirror the world. All the

tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world

of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the

world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so

does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the

divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source

of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.” –

Mahatma Gandhi

It’s an important message that kindness in the world starts with

you and can have a profound impact on others.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS? A crisp, Fall

Saturday gameday in Athens, seeing old friends and the Dawgs

play between the hedges or watching a movie with my daughter,

under blankets, on the couch. I know those days of her being my

shadow are numbered.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MARKED CHARACTERISTIC?

I am a great proofreader; my friends call me “eagle eye.”

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?

I value their friendship and the reciprocity of a close friendship. I

have many close friends that I do not see very often, but when I do,

we pick up right where we left off and it’s like no time has passed.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT

YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Probably not being

my biggest critic and giving myself more grace, as I try to do

with anyone else. You never know the burdens or heartache that

another is carrying.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS? Pat Conroy

would be one of my favorites. I can read his books over and over. It

started with The Great Santini in high school and I wanted to read

anything he wrote.

I also love the poetry of Rumi. I took a memorable creative writing

class at UGA from Coleman Barks, who is the foremost translator

and interpreter of Rumi’s poetry. Rumi’s poetry is beautiful and

transcends time.

FAVE SOCIAL MEDIA AND WHO TO FOLLOW?I

look at Instagram for levity. Smiling and laughing triggers your

brain to produce dopamine and endorphins, so it is good for

you! Anything with animals (baby goats, monkeys, etc.) is my

go-to.


HERREN’S HOT PICKS PG. 42 | KEVIN BUTLER’S PLAYERS OF THE WEEK PG. 43

OLD AND IN THE WAY PG. 44

LOOKING FOR EVEN

MORE TOUCHDOWNS

IN NOLA!


MORE

SPORTS


SOCIAL MORE SPORTS FAN SHOTS FOOTBALL

Herren’s HOT LOCKS!

BY: MATTHEW HERREN

Gator Bowl: Virginia vs. Missouri Saturday, Dec. 27 7:30

P.M. ABC

Virginia’s season ended in heartbreaking fashion with a

loss to Duke in the ACC Championship to exit the College

Football Playoff conversation. Missouri might not have had

their best season, but they had a few key wins this season

and floated around the top 25 rankings. It feels like the

Cavaliers won’t have much excitement for this game, so the

Tigers win a third straight bowl game. Go with Missouri -4.5

over Virginia.

Music City Bowl: Tennessee vs. Illinois Tuesday, Dec. 30

5:30 P.M. ESPN

Both Tennessee and Illinois failed to meet expectations,

as they were ranked inside the preseason top 25 and

finished 8-4. The Volunteers will be without wide receiver

Chris Brazzell who is leaving for the NFL, but their offense

has triumphed against Big Ten defenses in bowl games in

recent memory. Illinois struggles to keep up with Tennessee

offensively as Coach Heupel gets the win in Nashville. Go

with Tennessee -2.5 over Illinois.

ReliaQuest Bowl: Iowa vs. Vanderbilt Wednesday, Dec.

31 12:00 P.M. ESPN

All the noise will be on Diego Pavia’s performance against a

strong Iowa defense that allows less than 150 passing yards

per game. The Hawkeyes finished the season strong, but

Vanderbilt will be playing with a chip on their shoulder to

show the nation they are a premier program. Pavia shines in

what could be his final collegiate football game and caps off

a historical season for the Commodores. Go with Vanderbilt

-5.5 over Iowa.

CFP at the Cotton Bowl: Miami vs. Ohio State

Wednesday, Dec. 31 7:30 P.M. ESPN

Carson Beck and the Hurricanes survived a 10-3 slugfest

in Kyle Field to advance to the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes

will begin their journey for back-to-back national titles after

losing to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. It’s hard to

trust Miami after their poor performance against Texas A&M,

and Ohio State once again enters the Playoff following an

ugly loss. Go with Ohio State -9.5 over Miami.

‌CFP at the Orange Bowl: Oregon vs. Texas Tech

Thursday, Jan. 1 12:00 P.M. ESPN

The Ducks defeated James Madison in a high-scoring battle in

the first round of the College Football Playoff. Texas Tech won

the Big 12 Championship over BYU to clinch a bye. Though

Oregon struggled to contain the run in their last game, I

expect Lanning’s team to play at a high level and score just

enough points to spoil what has been an amazing season for

the Red Raiders. Go with Oregon -1.5 over Texas Tech.

‌CFP at the Rose Bowl: Alabama vs. Indiana Thursday,

Jan. 1 4:00 P.M. ESPN

The Crimson Tide scored 27 unanswered points in their win

against Oklahoma in the first round of the College Football

Playoff. Mendoza and the Hoosiers are playing the best

football in program history after defeating Ohio State in

the Big Ten Championship to cap off an undefeated regular

season. If the Alabama team that played in the second half

shows up in Pasadena, Indiana could be on upset watch. The

Rose Bowl never seems to disappoint, so make sure to keep

an eye on this great matchup. Go with Alabama +6.5 over

Indiana.

TEXAS BOWL

LSU VS. HOUSTON

DEC. 27 AT 9:15 P.M.

ESPN

‌MAYO BOWL

WAKE FOREST VS.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

JAN. 2 AT 8:00 P.M.

ESPN

Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs. Texas Wednesday, Dec. 31

3:00 P.M. ABC

The Longhorns finished the regular season with a stunning

win over Texas A&M, while Michigan lost to Ohio State for

the first time since 2019. This game gives Texas a chance to

jumpstart next season with Manning under center, while the

Wolverines are dealing with plenty of trouble off the field.

Texas beats Michigan in blowout fashion as distractions

keep Michigan from playing to their full potential. Go with

Texas -7.5 over Michigan.

CFP at the Sugar Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Georgia Thursday,

Jan. 1 8:00 P.M. ESPN

The Pete Golding era got off to a hot start as the Rebels

downed Tulane 41-10 to face the SEC champions for a

second time this season. When these two teams faced

in October, the Bulldogs were able to overcome a poor

defensive showing to win. I’m expecting Coach Smart to

make defensive adjustments from that game to keep Ole

Miss in check. Georgia scores a late touchdown to win and

cover on their way to the Fiesta Bowl. Go with Georgia -6.5

over Ole Miss.

All Betting lines are courtesy of https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/ncaaf. All lines are subject to change before kickoff of each game. Lines recorded on 12/21/25.

Merry Christmas

BEAT OLE MISS!

athens • watkinsville • auburn • lawrenceville


KEVIN BUTLER’S

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

COMPILED BY VANCE LEAVY

OFFENSIVE PLAYER

Malachi Toliver - the 6-5, 320-pound redshirt freshman from Cartersville,

Georgia and Cartersville High School was truly the next man up starting

at center for the injured Drew Bobo. In true Kirby Smart fashion, Toliver

took control on the offensive line and helped propel Georgia offense that

averaged 3.4 yards for a total of 159 yards rushing against the Crimson Tide.

Malachi is big and strong and certainly is learning from the best behind

Bobo. His effort and production in the SEC Championship Game clearly

makes him my very easy pick for the offensive player of the game in the SEC

championship. The future looks bright at the most important position on the

offensive line.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER

JaCorey Thomas - The senior out of Orlando had his best game of the

season in the SEC Championship Game. JaCorey has been a main stay

on Georgia’s team for four years and he is showing that his hard work

has paid off. As a senior leader on the defense, he has consistently

gotten better and he proved that with his play against Alabama in the

SEC Championship Game. Alabama was a one dimensional offense

coming in averaging 70% to 30% throwing and with Corey registering

six tackles and a sack for a loss, he really shut down Alabama’s

capability on offense to move the ball and retain possession. His

leadership was evident and it will be very important over the next

three weeks as he and his teammates prepare for the winner of the

Ole Miss-Tulane CFP First Round game. We know we count on JaCorey

being ready!

SPECIAL TEAM PLAYER

Bret Thorson - once again the “Thunder from Down Under” was on bigtime

in the SEC Championship Game. Bret has been huge part of the game this

season and his play in The Benz was his most productive. Thorson delivered

a strong game with seven punts with an average of 45.3 yards, Two punts

were over 50 yards with four fair catches. This proved to be way too much

for the Crimson Tide as their offense only went the distance of the field one

time, and that was with the help of Georgia penalties. As a Ray Guy Award

finalist I would not be surprised to see Bret Thorson introduce Ray Guy and

the Ray Guy Award to Australia. He has been a weapon his whole career and

it only seems that he gets stronger and stronger and I would love to see him

punt three more games, Go Dawgs!

UNSUNG HERO OF THE GAME

Cole Speer - the 5-11, 185-pound senior from Calhoun, Georgia

might not be the biggest player, but he certainly delivered the

biggest play of the SEC Championship Game. On fourth and nine

from the Alabama 21, Spear came from the right side, untouched

and blocked the Alabama punt and turned over the ball to the

offense at the Alabama 21-yard line. Just a few plays later the

Bulldogs offense hit pay dirt. As Kirby said after the game, Cole might

be one of the dying breeds in college football. A 3-star recruit on

full scholarship that sticks around and contributes to his team every

week no matter the playing time on Saturdays. Guys like him will be

hard to find moving forward. But for right now, he’s the Dawg of the

game and a Damn Good Dawg at that.


Old & In The Way

Since I am writing this in advance of the

playoff’s first round, and since it doesn’t

really matter which team survives, Georgia

will enter the 2026 Sugar Bowl with a

straightforward reality staring it in the face.

Whoever lines up across from the Bulldogs

matters far less than how Georgia chooses

to play. The opponent will be decided by

the Tulane–Ole Miss matchup, but the

identity of that opponent is almost beside

the point. This game is a referendum on

Georgia’s trajectory, its leadership core and

whether the Bulldogs are peaking when it

matters most.

Ole Miss is the logical assumption

(Rebels confirmed at print time.) to

emerge from that game, not because of

star power or national buzz, but because

of emotion, circumstance, and matchup

history. Ole Miss has been playing the

entire back half of the season with an

edge, fueled by internal instability,

coaching turnover, and the kind of chipon-the-shoulder

mentality that can turn

bowl games into personal business. And

then Georgia steps into the Superdome.

The only reliable predictor: Georgia’s

last game …

In college football, predictive models

are often useless once December hits.

Rosters change. Motivation varies wildly.

But one indicator consistently holds

value: how a team played in its most

recent game.Georgia’s most recent game

— the SEC Championship — wasn’t just

a win. It was a performance correction.

Across the board, Georgia showed

tangible improvement in areas that had

been uneven or outright problematic

earlier in the season. Defensive efficiency

spiked dramatically. Georgia controlled

the line of scrimmage, eliminated

explosive plays, and forced Alabama

into sustained drives — something that

had not happened consistently against

elite opponents earlier in the year. The

Bulldogs tackled cleaner, communicated

better in coverage, and closed space

faster on the perimeter.

Third-down defense flipped from

liability to strength...

Georgia dictated down-and-distance

instead of reacting to it. Alabama

struggled to stay on schedule, and that

wasn’t accidental. Georgia’s front seven

played faster, more decisively, and with

better leverage than it had at any point

earlier in the season. Situational football

improved. Red-zone defense tightened.

Georgia forced field goals instead of

touchdowns. Earlier in the year, those

same situations had been coin flips. In the

SEC Championship, they became stops.

Defensive confidence was obvious. This

wasn’t a unit playing scared or hoping the

offense would bail it out. It was a defense

that played aggressively because it

trusted its assignments. The offensive side

wasn’t flawless, but it was efficient when

it needed to be. Georgia protected the

football, controlled tempo, and leaned

into complementary football — exactly

what postseason games demand. That

performance matters because it wasn’t

theoretical progress. It was a functional

improvement against an elite opponent

on a neutral field under maximum

pressure.That’s the version of Georgia that

will show up in New Orleans.

Bowl games are about leadership, not

schemes …

By the time bowl season arrives,

playbooks are largely irrelevant. Everyone

has film. Everyone has tendencies.

What separates winners from losers is

leadership and motivation. This is where

Kirby Smart has built his empire. Smart’s

greatest strength isn’t play design or

recruiting rankings — it’s his ability to

manufacture urgency, even for teams

that have already tasted success. Georgia

does not stumble into bowl games flat.

It doesn’t sleepwalk through postseason

matchups. That’s not accidental. Kirby

Smart forces leadership development

early — sometimes uncomfortably early.

Georgia does not wait for seniors to grow

into leaders. If a sophomore or freshman

is good enough to play meaningful snaps,

they are expected to communicate,

hold teammates accountable, and carry

responsibility. Smart has long believed

that leadership delayed is leadership

denied. Players either grow fast or they

get passed.

That philosophy showed itself

throughout the season. Younger players

were put under pressure, struggled at

times and then visibly improved. By the

SEC Championship, those same players

looked settled, confident and assertive.

Smart has been blunt about this process

in the past. He has repeatedly emphasized

that leadership isn’t inherited — it’s

forced through expectation. Georgia

practices with game-like accountability

because Smart refuses to let talent coast.

That approach matters most in bowl

season, when preparation windows are

longer, and distractions are everywhere.

Motivation isn’t manufactured — it’s

programmed

One of Kirby Smart’s most overlooked

traits is that he doesn’t rely on emotional

gimmicks. There are no desperation

speeches or fake underdog narratives

unless they’re earned. Instead, Georgia’s

motivation is baked into the program

structure. Smart constantly reinforces

the idea that progress is fragile. That

BY GREG POOLE

2026 SUGAR BOWL IS ABOUT GEORGIA, NOT THE NAME ON THE OTHER SIDELINE

improvement is temporary unless

reinforced daily. Players are conditioned

to believe that comfort is the enemy.

That mindset is why Georgia rarely looks

satisfied — even after championships.

The SEC Championship wasn’t treated

as a destination. It was treated as proof

of concept. Evidence that the work was

paying off — and that more work was

required.

If the Georgia that showed up for the SEC

Championship Game returns for the playoff,

an all-star team of Ole Miss and Tulane

wouldn’t fare much better. Georgia’s internal

messaging after the SEC title centered

on missed opportunities, penalties and

unfinished execution — not celebration.

That tone defines bowl prep. Ole Miss or

Tulane may see the Sugar Bowl as a reward.

Georgia will see it as an obligation.

Ole Miss: physical, proud and limited

If Ole Miss is the opponent (Rebels

confirmed at print time.), Georgia will

face a team that plays hard, hits hard and

believes it belongs — but one that also

has clear limitations. Ole Miss’s offense

lacks the consistent explosiveness to

stress Georgia vertically for four quarters.

Its success relies on winning physical

matchups and staying ahead of the chains.

That’s a dangerous approach against a

Georgia defense that just demonstrated its

best discipline of the season. Defensively,

Ole Miss can compete early but struggles

when forced to defend tempo and depth.

Georgia’s ability to rotate bodies and

maintain physicality over 60 minutes

creates separation late — exactly

where bowl games are decided. Tulane,

meanwhile, would rely on execution

perfection and ball control — a strategy

that leaves no margin for error. Against a

motivated Georgia team playing its best

football, that margin doesn’t exist.

This Is a Georgia Identity Game

Strip away the logos and storylines and

the 2026 Sugar Bowl becomes a simple

question: Is Georgia finishing the season

as the team it believes it is? The SEC

Championship suggests the answer is yes.

The defense is faster, more cohesive and

more confident than it was in October.

The leadership core, young and old, has

been tested and hardened. Kirby Smart

has his team emotionally calibrated, not

exhausted and not complacent. Georgia

won’t be trying to prove it belongs. It

already knows. The Sugar Bowl isn’t

about Ole Miss’ grit or Tulane’s resilience.

It’s about whether Georgia sustains its

upward curve — whether it plays with

the same edge, discipline and intent that

showed up under the brightest lights in

Atlanta. History suggests it will. And if it

does, the opponent won’t matter.


STATS THAT

MATTER


BY: MATTHEW HERREN/BI

A look back at what decided the game between Georgia and Alabama.

3 - GUNNER STOCKTON PASSING TOUCHDOWNS

The Bulldogs’ quarterback stepped up for the Bulldogs’ offense

with three passing touchdowns en route to winning the SEC

Championship MVP award. This was Stockton’s highest total since

his four passing touchdowns against Texas on Nov. 15.

4 - SEC TITLES IN THE KIRBY SMART ERA

Georgia won a fourth SEC title under Kirby Smart and their second

straight. The SEC runs through Georgia and Alabama, but the

Bulldogs are kings of the conference for the foreseeable future

after taking down their nemesis from Tuscaloosa. Smart’s team will

get time off before playing the winner of Ole Miss and Tulane in the

Sugar Bowl on New Years’ Day.

1 - WIN OVER ALABAMA IN THE SEC

CHAMPIONSHIP

The win over Alabama marks Georgia’s first win against the

Crimson Tide in the SEC championship. This is also the first time

Alabama has lost in the city of Atlanta since 2008. Though the Tide

held onto a spot on the College Football Playoff, it seems like their

days of owning the SEC are over.

3 - ALABAMA RUSHING YARDS

Alabama had -3 rushing yards against the Georgia defense,

which is the second time in program history they have been held

to negative yards. Schumann and the Bulldogs kept the Tide

from establishing the run, which put Ty Simpson under a lot of

pressure in the passing game.

2 - FAILED FOURTH DOWN CONVERSIONS BY

ALABAMA

Coach DeBoer’s Tide failed two of their three fourth down

conversion attempts, with the most notable miss coming with

8:17 left in the game when Simpson missed Germie Bernard for

a first down. This stand by the Georgia defense set up Georgia’s

final touchdown of the afternoon to seal the game.

77,247 - FANS IN ATTENDANCE FOR THE 2025

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP

77,247 SEC football fans filled the seats of Mercedes-Benz

Stadium on Saturday afternoon to watch one of Georgia’s

greatest performances in recent memory. College football’s top

conference provided another classic showing under the national

spotlight between two highly-touted playoff teams.

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HOOP

DAWGS

THE HOOP DAWGS ARE RED HOT!

BY: UGA SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

HIGH-FLYING

JAKE WILKINS

PHOTO BY: Conor Dillon/UGAAA

REMAINING SCHEDULE

Dec. 29 - 7 p.m. Long Island - SECN+

Jan. 3 - 1 p.m. Auburn - SECN

Jan. 6 - 7 p.m. @ Florida - SECN

Jan. 10 - 2 p.m. @ S. Carolina - ESPN2

Jan. 14 - 7 p.m. Ole Miss - ESPN2/U

Jan. 17 - 4 p.m. Arkansas - ESPN/2/U

Jan. 20 - 9 p.m. @ Missouri - SECN

Jan. 24 - 1 p.m. @ Texas - SECN

Jan. 27 - 7 p.m. Tennessee - SECN

Jan. 31 - 1 p.m. Texas A&M - SECN

Feb. 7 - 6 p.m. @ LSU - SECN

Feb. 11 - 7 p.m. Florida - ESPN2/U

Feb. 14 - 3:30 p.m. @ Oklahoma - SECN

Feb. 17 - 9 p.m. @ Kentucky - ESPN/2/U

Feb. 21 - 3:30 p.m. Texas - SECN

Feb. 25 - 7 p.m. @ Vanderbilt - SECN

Feb. 28 - 3:30 p.m. S. Carolina - SECN

March 3 - 6:30 p.m. Alabama - ESPNN

March 7 - 3:30 p.m Miss. State - SECN

• The Hoop Dawgs entered the week of

December 14 leading all 365 Division I

teams in scoring offense (98.3 ppg),

scoring margin (+27.7), fastbreak points

(27.6 ppg) and blocks (8.5 bpg).

• Among the 79 Power Conference programs, the Hoop

Dawgs are the only team with 11 players averaging double-figure

minutes with everyone seeing action in every game.

• As of December 18, the Hoop Dawgs have compiled a 48-13 home

mark under Mike White and are a perfect 34-0 versus non-conference

competition in Stegeman over his four seasons at UGA.

• Entering the week of December 14, the Dunkyard Dogs lead the

nation in slams - according to BartTorvik.com, Georgia has scored a

nation-leading 22.4 percent of its field goals this season on dunks – 78

of 338 the Bulldogs’ total FGs.

• Individually, Somto Cyril leads the SEC in dunks and as of Monday, December

15 ranked No. 6 nationally with 25 dunks.

• The Bulldogs’ nation-leading 8.5 blocks per game as a team features Justin

Abson and Somto Cyril tied for second in the SEC at 2.5 bpg, which also ranked

them tied at No. 18 nationally entering this week.

FOR RESIDENT AND NON RESIDENT

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION CONTACT

Brian Albertson PGA, CMAA | General Manager

Past President Georgia PGA

Briana@brunswickcountryclub.com

brunswickcountryclub.com

ROUGH UP THE REBELS

IN NOLA!

NOLA Is Going To Be Lit!

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