The second of a 4 part series leading up to the start of the UGA football season. The only criteria I am using is the fact that I personally had to witness the subject/person listed. On to my favorite UGA games of the past 15 years (1994-2008)!10. November 16, 1994 / Georgia 56-Auburn 49
The first overtime game in SEC history. UGA V almost takes Robert Baker from a bass to a soprano. UGA comes back from the dead and ties the game with a hail mary pass as time expires. After the defense finally stops Auburn in the 4th OT, we proceeded to be herded out and run full speed from our seats to the band buses, still shaking our heads in amazement as to how we won that game.
The first overtime game in SEC history. UGA V almost takes Robert Baker from a bass to a soprano. UGA comes back from the dead and ties the game with a hail mary pass as time expires. After the defense finally stops Auburn in the 4th OT, we proceeded to be herded out and run full speed from our seats to the band buses, still shaking our heads in amazement as to how we won that game.
9. September 3, 2005 / Georgia 48-Bosie State 13
Many of the so-called pundits had pegged UGA ripe for an upset with an up and coming challenger coming into Sanford Stadium to start the 2005 campaign. Our friends from Idaho were quickly shown how we play football SEC style, and DJ Shockley showed that there would be life after David Greene. The crowd was alive from start to finish, reminding our guests that (at least that day) they were over-rated (clap, clap, clap-clap-clap).
Many of the so-called pundits had pegged UGA ripe for an upset with an up and coming challenger coming into Sanford Stadium to start the 2005 campaign. Our friends from Idaho were quickly shown how we play football SEC style, and DJ Shockley showed that there would be life after David Greene. The crowd was alive from start to finish, reminding our guests that (at least that day) they were over-rated (clap, clap, clap-clap-clap).
8. October 11, 2003 / Georgia 41-Tennessee 14
UGA took control early and held a 13-7 lead as the first half wound down. Casey “Iceman” Claussen rallied UT and had them positioned to take the lead as they sat inside our 5 yard line. All of the sudden we caused a bobbled snap, and there was Sean Jones scooping up the loose ball and running right towards our seats in the Neyland Stadium End Zone. We went completely bonkers as he dashed by us and the rout was on. I think we heard Rocky Top a total of 2 more times that night. Which is still 2 more times than I care to hear it, but not bad indeed. Here’s a nice summary of the evening for all you UT fans:
UGA took control early and held a 13-7 lead as the first half wound down. Casey “Iceman” Claussen rallied UT and had them positioned to take the lead as they sat inside our 5 yard line. All of the sudden we caused a bobbled snap, and there was Sean Jones scooping up the loose ball and running right towards our seats in the Neyland Stadium End Zone. We went completely bonkers as he dashed by us and the rout was on. I think we heard Rocky Top a total of 2 more times that night. Which is still 2 more times than I care to hear it, but not bad indeed. Here’s a nice summary of the evening for all you UT fans:
7. November 29, 1997 / Georgia 27-Georgia Tech 24
We closed out 1997 aiming for a sweep of Tech for my college years. The game was your typical back and forth rival slugfest. I didn’t sense we were in trouble until Tech jumped ahead 24-21. I knew we could rally, but a drive highlighted by Champ Bailey’s pass catching clinic was nearly derailed by a Tech interception with about a minute left. I quickly scanned the field and saw a yellow spec (that was too bright to be a Tech shaker) thrown by the back judge indicating pass interference on Tech. Mike Bobo took the second chance and threaded a dart to Corey Allen in the back of the end zone with 30 seconds left to give us a win and sweep of Tech.
We closed out 1997 aiming for a sweep of Tech for my college years. The game was your typical back and forth rival slugfest. I didn’t sense we were in trouble until Tech jumped ahead 24-21. I knew we could rally, but a drive highlighted by Champ Bailey’s pass catching clinic was nearly derailed by a Tech interception with about a minute left. I quickly scanned the field and saw a yellow spec (that was too bright to be a Tech shaker) thrown by the back judge indicating pass interference on Tech. Mike Bobo took the second chance and threaded a dart to Corey Allen in the back of the end zone with 30 seconds left to give us a win and sweep of Tech.
6. October 7, 2000 / Georgia 21-Tennessee 10
As a student and fan of UGA from my first day on campus in 1994, I had seen UGA pull off triumphant wins and close calls against big rivals like Tech, Florida, Auburn, and Clemson. But the one thing that gnawed away at me was not being able to beat Tennessee and their smug fans who think that Rocky Top is a classic of folk music. But on that night, everything lined up finally for the Dawgs. Even tailgating that day, I had a sense that tonight would be different. The Dawgs took it right to UT and beat them at their own game, running the ball and playing stout defense. Even when UT took a 10-7 lead early in the 3rd quarter, I had confidence that we’d get the job done. Quicy Carter led UGA on a 99 yard drive and got us ahead for good early in the 4th quarter. Then the defense just willed us the rest of the way. After stopping UT on 4th down and putting the game away, you knew what was next. The area around the hedges turned into a mass of humanity which quickly stormed the field and tore down the goalposts. It’s too bad we ruined the hedges, but on this night, after so many years of frustration, UGA finally broke through.
As a student and fan of UGA from my first day on campus in 1994, I had seen UGA pull off triumphant wins and close calls against big rivals like Tech, Florida, Auburn, and Clemson. But the one thing that gnawed away at me was not being able to beat Tennessee and their smug fans who think that Rocky Top is a classic of folk music. But on that night, everything lined up finally for the Dawgs. Even tailgating that day, I had a sense that tonight would be different. The Dawgs took it right to UT and beat them at their own game, running the ball and playing stout defense. Even when UT took a 10-7 lead early in the 3rd quarter, I had confidence that we’d get the job done. Quicy Carter led UGA on a 99 yard drive and got us ahead for good early in the 4th quarter. Then the defense just willed us the rest of the way. After stopping UT on 4th down and putting the game away, you knew what was next. The area around the hedges turned into a mass of humanity which quickly stormed the field and tore down the goalposts. It’s too bad we ruined the hedges, but on this night, after so many years of frustration, UGA finally broke through.
5. October 2, 2004 / Georgia 45-LSU 16
On a sun-splashed afternoon, UGA used the 2 losses from the prior year as motivation and completely routed the defending national champs. David Greene was masterful throwing the ball and had perhaps his finest afternoon from a pure passing standpoint. LSU had no clue what hit them. Georgia looked like a national champion contending team and played their most complete 4 quarters of football of the year.
On a sun-splashed afternoon, UGA used the 2 losses from the prior year as motivation and completely routed the defending national champs. David Greene was masterful throwing the ball and had perhaps his finest afternoon from a pure passing standpoint. LSU had no clue what hit them. Georgia looked like a national champion contending team and played their most complete 4 quarters of football of the year.
4. October 5, 2002 / Georgia 27-Alabama 25
This has got to be the hottest, most humid day I’ve ever spent outside watching the Dawgs play. Pat Dye said we weren’t “man enough” to beat Alabama. It sure looked like we were on that first drive as we plowed down the field capped by a Musa Smith TD. Back and forth we went; this game had everything. Acrobatic long touchdown catches. Blocked kicks. Hard hits on defense. Long drives. Bama took a late lead, but what followed was the most complete display of execution by all segments of our team. It started with excellent punt return blocking and a nice return. Then the offense came roaring down the field, not with a big pass play or run, but methodically, taking time off the clock. Needing only a field goal, the offense got Billy Bennett in range and kicking right towards our end zone seats. The ball sailed high and right through the posts giving us the lead. Then we had a tremendous kick coverage, pinning Bama deep. Thomas Davis capped it off by picking off a Brodie Croyle and the win was ours. I give credit to the Crimson Tide fans, of all the fans I’ve come across, they are the most rational and generally pleasant folks to deal with after a game, win or lose.
This has got to be the hottest, most humid day I’ve ever spent outside watching the Dawgs play. Pat Dye said we weren’t “man enough” to beat Alabama. It sure looked like we were on that first drive as we plowed down the field capped by a Musa Smith TD. Back and forth we went; this game had everything. Acrobatic long touchdown catches. Blocked kicks. Hard hits on defense. Long drives. Bama took a late lead, but what followed was the most complete display of execution by all segments of our team. It started with excellent punt return blocking and a nice return. Then the offense came roaring down the field, not with a big pass play or run, but methodically, taking time off the clock. Needing only a field goal, the offense got Billy Bennett in range and kicking right towards our end zone seats. The ball sailed high and right through the posts giving us the lead. Then we had a tremendous kick coverage, pinning Bama deep. Thomas Davis capped it off by picking off a Brodie Croyle and the win was ours. I give credit to the Crimson Tide fans, of all the fans I’ve come across, they are the most rational and generally pleasant folks to deal with after a game, win or lose.
3. November 30, 2002 / Georgia 51-Georgia Tech 7
Having 2 weeks to savor 70-X takeoff and clinching the SEC East in Auburn, Georgia came home to a raucous celebration on Senior Day in Sanford Stadium. The weather was crisp, cool, and perfect for late November. It became obvious after about 3 minutes that Tech was going to be in for a loooonnnnggg day. We ran at will. Pollack was everywhere causing havoc. Boss Bailey jumped as high I’ve ever seen a football player jump to block a field goal. David Greene bombed away. Heck, ol’ JT Wall even got in on the action in the second half. What a great day. If you ever come across a Tech fan, be sure to remind them what time it is: 6:09 (that’s 51 to 7).
Having 2 weeks to savor 70-X takeoff and clinching the SEC East in Auburn, Georgia came home to a raucous celebration on Senior Day in Sanford Stadium. The weather was crisp, cool, and perfect for late November. It became obvious after about 3 minutes that Tech was going to be in for a loooonnnnggg day. We ran at will. Pollack was everywhere causing havoc. Boss Bailey jumped as high I’ve ever seen a football player jump to block a field goal. David Greene bombed away. Heck, ol’ JT Wall even got in on the action in the second half. What a great day. If you ever come across a Tech fan, be sure to remind them what time it is: 6:09 (that’s 51 to 7).
2. November 1, 1997 / Georgia 37-Florida 17
There are so many wonderful memories I will take with me from being a 4 year member of the Redcoat Band. However, if I had to pick one, it would be the weekend of October 30-November 2, 1997. From the all night bus ride to St. Augustine to the Friday hotel tailgate avoiding the downpour to the Landing that night. When Saturday morning arrived, it was clear and beautiful. We bused over St. Johns River and entered the Cocktail Party frenzy. The game finally kicked off at 3:30 and it felt so different than prior games against the Gators. We were confident. We played with no fear. We threw everything from our playbook at them. The defense was lights out. Even when Florida took a brief lead early in the 3rd quarter, we came right back took the lead, then flexed our muscle. I can still visually in my mind see Robert Edwards break off tackle and rumble 37 yards to ice the game with five minutes left. The scene afterwards with equal parts joy, hysteria, reflection, and pure unbridled emotional release. I’m not ashamed to admit I was fighting off tears of joy in the post game concert and on the bus ride back to the hotel. It was a glorious day and night. And then I got my head shaved on the ride home, as I promised I would my freshman year if we were to beat Florida.
There are so many wonderful memories I will take with me from being a 4 year member of the Redcoat Band. However, if I had to pick one, it would be the weekend of October 30-November 2, 1997. From the all night bus ride to St. Augustine to the Friday hotel tailgate avoiding the downpour to the Landing that night. When Saturday morning arrived, it was clear and beautiful. We bused over St. Johns River and entered the Cocktail Party frenzy. The game finally kicked off at 3:30 and it felt so different than prior games against the Gators. We were confident. We played with no fear. We threw everything from our playbook at them. The defense was lights out. Even when Florida took a brief lead early in the 3rd quarter, we came right back took the lead, then flexed our muscle. I can still visually in my mind see Robert Edwards break off tackle and rumble 37 yards to ice the game with five minutes left. The scene afterwards with equal parts joy, hysteria, reflection, and pure unbridled emotional release. I’m not ashamed to admit I was fighting off tears of joy in the post game concert and on the bus ride back to the hotel. It was a glorious day and night. And then I got my head shaved on the ride home, as I promised I would my freshman year if we were to beat Florida.
1. November 10, 2007 / Georgia 45-Auburn 20
Following our Dance Dance Revolution win in Jacksonville (complete with Mark Richt almost going PG-13 with Mrs. Richt afterwards), we came out a bit sluggish and had to struggle to beat Troy. Sensing he needed a spark, he got the word out that the Seniors wanted everyone to wear black to the GA/AU game the following week. I like a lot of you, thought it was a neat idea, but I had my doubts given the fact that UGA fans sometimes get unfairly pegged for a lack of enthusiasm or spirit. When you compare us to other fan bases, we’re known for showing up right before kickoff, and sitting back and enjoying the view from the most ascetically beautiful vista to watch football. But since I like the color black, and well heck, it’s one of our school colors, I went along it. Upon arriving on campus that morning, I was pleasantly surprised that most fans were going along with it too. I even remember seeing some fans who didn’t plan ahead go buy a black shirt to be part of the action. As we walked down to the stadium, it was a feeling of solidarity amongst the fans, regardless of age, race, sex, or place in life, with us all in our black. After entering Gate 6, getting a cold beverage, I walked to the tunnel to go to our seats in Sec. 123. The scene that awaited my eyes was the most breathtaking I’ve ever witnessed at ANY sporting event in my life. There in front of me was a sea of complete black. EVERYONE was in on it and the seemed to be savoring the moment. You knew something special was about to happen. Pregame had more energy then I’ve ever seen. The student sections were unconscious. Then of course everyone waited for that special moment of the players arrival out of the tunnel. Would they be in black? I thought I would get a jump start by watching the captains jerseys, since they have to come out early. When they were donned in the traditional red, I was a bit bummed, but I noticed that none of the other players were milling around the statue in the East end zone as they typically do before running out. Then I saw the big black signs blocking the view from down below and I knew they had pulled off the black jerseys. I’m glad I remembered that moment because about a second later a deafening roar engulfed us as Sanford Stadium almost exploded as UGA hit the field.
Following our Dance Dance Revolution win in Jacksonville (complete with Mark Richt almost going PG-13 with Mrs. Richt afterwards), we came out a bit sluggish and had to struggle to beat Troy. Sensing he needed a spark, he got the word out that the Seniors wanted everyone to wear black to the GA/AU game the following week. I like a lot of you, thought it was a neat idea, but I had my doubts given the fact that UGA fans sometimes get unfairly pegged for a lack of enthusiasm or spirit. When you compare us to other fan bases, we’re known for showing up right before kickoff, and sitting back and enjoying the view from the most ascetically beautiful vista to watch football. But since I like the color black, and well heck, it’s one of our school colors, I went along it. Upon arriving on campus that morning, I was pleasantly surprised that most fans were going along with it too. I even remember seeing some fans who didn’t plan ahead go buy a black shirt to be part of the action. As we walked down to the stadium, it was a feeling of solidarity amongst the fans, regardless of age, race, sex, or place in life, with us all in our black. After entering Gate 6, getting a cold beverage, I walked to the tunnel to go to our seats in Sec. 123. The scene that awaited my eyes was the most breathtaking I’ve ever witnessed at ANY sporting event in my life. There in front of me was a sea of complete black. EVERYONE was in on it and the seemed to be savoring the moment. You knew something special was about to happen. Pregame had more energy then I’ve ever seen. The student sections were unconscious. Then of course everyone waited for that special moment of the players arrival out of the tunnel. Would they be in black? I thought I would get a jump start by watching the captains jerseys, since they have to come out early. When they were donned in the traditional red, I was a bit bummed, but I noticed that none of the other players were milling around the statue in the East end zone as they typically do before running out. Then I saw the big black signs blocking the view from down below and I knew they had pulled off the black jerseys. I’m glad I remembered that moment because about a second later a deafening roar engulfed us as Sanford Stadium almost exploded as UGA hit the field.
The game itself was tremendous too. First play of the game was a pick by Kellin Johnson. Matthew Stafford bombing away to MoMass. Sean Bailey tiptoeing in for a late 1st half TD. Once again, even when the opponents took the lead, UGA never blinked and proceeded to out “Auburn” Auburn by running the ball at will and creating havoc on defense. After UGA had built a comfortable lead, the party officially got underway. First it was Soulja Boy and Crank That, with the UGA bench and fans turning Sanford Stadium into a nightclub. Then Thomas Brown got his due and got a long run and subsequent TD. The butt-whipping was on, and afterwards hearing “Back in Black” was greeted with another supersonic roar from the crowd. So what that it took us 4 hours to get home that day? I didn’t mind at all because it was a day like no other for Dawg fans. We were loud and boisterous from pregame through postgame, and we were united like never before in cheering on UGA. That’s why this was my favorite game seen live and in person.
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