If you know me, you know of my intensely passionate love of College Football, more specifically UGA Football. Coming off my Dawgs trying and at times heartbreaking season, I am preparing for my annual college football hibernation after Bama's return to Glory and bringing another National Championship to the Southeastern Conference (5 out of the last 10 National Champions, but who's counting). Often under rated during television commentary and in the polls, the SEC proves time and time again that the toughest football is played down south.
I digress, this brings me back to hibernation...a week after Bama won a not so pretty BCS Championship game, I am now preparing for hibernation until UGA's spring game and then the start of the 2010 season in September. I know there are other sports, and I admit that I do love my New Orleans Saints, who are in the playoffs, and my Atlanta Braves, but nothing else brings me as much joy of saddling up on either my couch or "between the hedges" to watch College's best and brightest put blood, sweat, and tears (especially if your Tim Tebow) into the game that I and they love.
I feel this year that there are several things to look forward to next season...
1. Texas Freshman Quarterback Garrett Gilbert. Imagine your first college game, is the National Championship against of all powerhouse teams, the Giant Crimson Tide...I would probably have that "I am about to crap my pants look too", but look at what this young man did. He matured in less than one half of the biggest football game there is, and came out in the second half a force to be reckoned with. I am looking forward to watching this young man next season.
2. Alabama's continued Success. With 8 starters on offense and 4 starters on defense returning, including the powerhouse, Mark Ingram, they should be stacked and ready to compete for their second straight National Championship. Maybe I have drank the "Saban Cool Aid" but there is no denying he's a damn good coach.
3. UGA's New Defensive Coordinator and Staff. I must say our interim defensive staff did a great job in the Independence Bowl against Texas A & M, but I really look forward to seeing who fills Martinez's shoes and gets the Bulldawgs back in the top 10 where we belong (a biased statement I know...but I really do bleed red and black). Kirby Smart, former UGA defensive back, would have been a great choice, but we will just have to wait and see who steps up and actually fills that position.
4. What will happen to Tennessee. We have a little saying in Georgia, we hate anything Orange, this includes Tennessee, Florida, and Auburn, but after what Lane Kiffin did with his classless abandonment of the Tennessee Volunteers I am curious who comes to the helm to bring Tennessee back to the National stage.
There are other little dramas all over the NCAA football, Notre Dame, Texas Tech, and USC...I guess we will just have to wait and see...But for this Die Hard Dawg fan...I'm wanting to see what UGA brings next year, because this season was nerve racking at best.
It should be another exciting year in college football in 2010...and thus begins my hibernation till next year.
Gooooo Dawgs!
