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FINISH LIKE A‘PACK OF RABID DAWGS!’ VS.

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GEORGIA BULLDOGS 2021 SCHEDULE TEAM TIME/ RESULT DATE LOCATION CLEMSON Sept. 4 Charlotte, NC W 10-3 UAB Sept. 11 Athens, GA W 56-7 SOUTH CAROLINA Sept. 18 Athens, GA W 40-13 @VANDERBILT Sept. 25 Nashville, TN W 62-0 ARKANSAS Oct. 2 Athens, GA W 37-0 @AUBURN Oct. 9 Auburn, AL W 34-10 KENTUCKY Oct. 16 Athens, GA W 30-13 OFF Oct. 23 FLORIDA Oct. 30 Jacksonville, FL W 34-7 MISSOURI Nov. 6 Athens, GA W 43-6 @TENNESSEE Nov. 13 Knoxville, TN W 41-17 CHARLESTON SOUTHERN Nov. 20 Athens, GA W 56-7 @GEORGIA TECH Nov. 27 Atlanta, GA W 45-0 ALABAMA SEC Championship Dec. 4 Atlanta, GA L 41-24 MICHIGAN Orange Bowl Game Dec. 31 Miami, FL W 34-11 ALABAMA National Championship Jan. 10 Indianapolis, IN Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Message and data rates may apply when using our mobile app.

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B U L L DAWGI L LU ST R AT E D GEORGIA VS. ALABAMA IN THIS ISSUE 2022 N ATI O N A L CHAMPIONSHIP COACH SMART SAVORS UGA’S FIRST ORANGE BOWL VICTORY SINCE 1960! PHOTO BY: ROB SAYE ON THE COVER: (clock-wise from top/center) - Andrew “Boogie” Smart, Vira Halim, Sara Goede, Kylie Skovira, Elizabeth Cochran, Abby Gardner, Stetson Bennett, Jamaree Salyer, Zamir White, Derion Kendrick, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Kirby Smart, John Lastinger, Lindsay Lastinger Sterry, Genniefer Meeks, Lewis Meeks OUR TEAM SPORTS 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, Davis Baker, Bryan Dixon MULTIMEDIA SUPPORT: Hamilton Culpepper PHOTOGRAPHY: Greg Poole, Rob Saye COVER: Vance Leavy, Rob Saye COLUMNISTS: Hamilton Culpepper, Loran Smith, Kevin Butler DELIVERY: John Cook, Wright Cook, Rob Freeman, Anna French, Scarlett French, Flynn Kelly, Caroline Kinney, John Kinney, Lynn McLanahan, Eleanor Morgan, Henry Morgan, James Morgan, Jack Sawyer, Cullen Sewell, Henry Stokes, Champ Vance 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: January 6, 2022 BULLDOGS TO WATCH | 14 TIDE TO WATCH | 16 FIVE KEYS | 18 DAWG BONES | 20 A VIEW OF THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP | 22 SOCIAL GEORGIA GIRLS: MARY BETH SMART | 26 UGA VS MICHIGAN FAN PHOTOS | 28 MORE SPORTS FROM THE FIELD | 44 BUTLER’S PLAYERS OF THE GAME | 45 STATS THAT MATTER | 46 BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 6 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

CONGRATULATIONS ORANGE BOWL CHAMPIONS GO DAWGS! BEAT BAMA! bensonsinc.com CAMPUS HOTEL/DOWNTOWN ATHENS ATHENS WEST/OCONEE

FROM THE EDITOR How’s it going to be Bulldog Nation? It is time to finish like a pack of rabid Dawgs and earn the distinction of being the 2021 national champions! A s I sit down to write this issue’s I hope music lovers, particularly Widespread Panic fans, enjoy my note, it’s Monday evening, decision to weave lyrics from the song “Greta” on the cover of this January 3. In exactly one week, very special National Championship EXTRA issue. Perhaps it’s not our beloved football team and it’s politically correct to want my team and its fan base to be amped to VANCE LEAVY dedicated fan base will be just hours the point of being rabid, but I really don’t care. The massive elephant EDITOR IN CHIEF away from playing for the national in the room is Nick Saban and his mighty Crimson Tide team. And championship. If that doesn’t get you both excited and nervous, without a doubt, you aren’t beating that juggernaut by bringing a then you better check your pulse. meek disposition to Indianapolis. The excitement comes from the fact that Kirby Smart, his coaching So how’s it going to be Bulldog Nation? staff and his players have done exactly what many in the sports Are you ready to finish like a pack of rabid Dawgs all the way to the world and their fan base thought they would do … make it to checkered flag in Indy? the final game of the 2021 season (played on the second Monday This issue of Bulldawg Illustrated should certainly get you ready. night in 2022). However, as the Bulldog Nation knows too well, Jeff Dantzler’s column (page 10) is where I suggest you start. As JD sometimes a season deemed “as the year” can often end in major is incredible at doing, he reminds fans of the unbelievable five year disappointment. run that all of us in the Bulldog Nation have enjoyed. The message is That didn’t happen with this 2021 team. simple. Yes, winning the Natty is the final climb up the mountain, but They started the year talking about being connected and that is don’t forget to enjoy the ride. exactly what they have remained. Yes, getting thumped by Alabama Thankfully, most Georgia fans embrace that line of thinking, which in the SEC Championship was a major kick in the gut. However, is why I suggest you then going to our fan photos (pages 28-40) these guys went back to work big time from Miami. From Fort Lauderdale over the last month with something to to South Beach, the Bulldog Nation NEXT STOP, INDY!!! prove. The result … just ask the proud represented itself well amongst an PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE Michigan team, who rode into South equally impressive Maize and Blue Beach confident only to be dismantled faithful. And thankfully the scene inside early and often on both sides of the ball. Hard Rock Stadium quickly became a Red Dawgs 34 Michigan 11. and Black celebration factory because of the drubbing our team put on Coach I’m also so excited for everyone out Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines. Woof, Woof, there who backs our Bulldogs. Coach Woof! Smart nailed it during his Orange Bowl celebration speech, when touting the Finally, make sure to hit all our other University of Georgia fans as the best in sports pages, before landing on our the country. And that is why the majority Grand Finale of this issue with our of our cover montage includes fans. Georgia Girl’s feature with Mary Beth They are the reason my wife (Cheri) and Smart (pages 26, 27). Score!!! I started Bulldawg Illustrated almost 20 MB, as many call her, simply put is a cool years ago. Yes, the football team is at chick. Yes, being the first lady of Georgia the center of all our content, but the football comes with many perks, yet tons camaraderie among the groups of friends of expectations and pressures. Yet, none that band together every Saturday during of it seems to faze MB. I won’t divulge the fall is really what makes Georgia and too much, but you have to love that she this publication so special. quotes Jim Carrey and that she and Kirby Now the nervous part … are finding the time to keep up with the show “Yellowstone.” In my opinion, her Personally, I’m not nervous about hubby is part John Dutton and Rip with Georgia finally beating Alabama. It can his leadership ability and grit. That’s a and will happen at some point. History handful that MB supports and loves like a champ. Enjoy the fun read. and any media guide proves that. Instead, my nerves are somewhat And thanks so much, MB, for agreeing to Cheri’s request to be in this edgy in anticipation of what an opportunity this is for the football special Natty Extra. team and University that I so love. And yes, as all our SEC foes like to remind us, it has been over 40 years since Georgia ended the season Alright Bulldog Nation it is time to finish like a pack of rabid Dawgs. as the last team standing. There’s no denying that is a long time, And best of luck and support to Coach Smart and his terrific football which is why I think our team and fans mindset has to be exactly like program. No matter what, know that everyone in the Bulldog Nation our covers says … loves and appreciates all the hard work that has gone into this 2021 season. Now let’s cross the finish line first in Indy to be the No. 1 Finish Like a Pack of Rabid Dawgs! team in the country. See you there and Go Dawgs!! BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 8 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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These are grand times for the sons and daughters of the Red and Black, now Georgia must finally slay Saban and the Crimson Tide to find victory lane in Indy E JEFF DANTZLER @jeffdantzlerTV mperor Nick Saban has yet another fully armed and operational Death Star looming between Georgia, the forces of good and light, and the national championship. Seven straight times Saban’s Crimson Tide have defeated the Bulldogs. Included in that, the infamous date of 1/8/18 for the national title, two SEC Championship Games where Georgia, like in the national title game, led by double digits in the second half, and this year’s league title tilt where the Bulldogs led 10-0 early in the second quarter. So close so many times since beating Notre Dame on New Year’s Day 1981, there is one more massive battle to be won to deliver the Bulldogs college football’s ultimate prize. Bama. Georgia must beat Bama. Seven is enough. An evil genius once roamed the sidelines of Gainesville. And Jacksonville. Steve Spurrier tormented Georgia. He reveled in it. Spurrier’s Florida teams went 11-1 against the Bulldogs from 1990 to 2001. Most of those games weren’t close. Back in 1997 though, Florida, riding a seven game winning streak over Georgia, and favored by 19 points, found a different Bulldog to deal with. The underdog Bulldogs jumped on Florida, withstood a Gator rally, and finished powerfully in a 37-17 victory. Reverse Cover. Amongst the standouts for Georgia that Saturday was junior safety Kirby Smart. The All-SEC selection from Bainbridge intercepted two passes in one of the most memorable Georgia victories of the 1990s. To win games like that, and games like the one coming up in Indianapolis, your guys have to be guys. The best players must perform at their best. Along with Smart, Robert Edwards, who ran for four touchdowns, Hines Ward and Champ Bailey were all sensational against the Gators in that streak-busting win. Guys being guys. Smart has done a tremendous job as the head football coach at his alma mater. Under his watch, Georgia is in the midst of one of the greatest periods of excellence in program history. Since 2017, his second year, Smart has led Georgia to five straight top ten finishes. And even if the Bulldogs lost to Alabama in Indy worse than Cumberland fell to the enemy, Georgia will finish in the top ten again. That is a first in the rich history of Georgia football. Over that five year period, the Bulldogs have played in five consecutive “major bowls,” winning the Rose, Sugar, Chick-Fil-A Peach, and now Orange Bowls. That too, unprecedented. Against the annual rivals, Smart’s Bulldogs have been superb dating back to 2017: 4-0 vs. the Yellow Jackets, 4-1 against Florida, 5-1 vs. Auburn and 5-0 against Tennessee. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED Georgia has done everything except … win the whole thing. Alabama has been the nemesis. While Georgia has emerged as one of college football’s elite programs, the Bulldogs ascent has coincided with the second half of the Crimson Tide’s unprecedented run of greatness. Through the years, there have been long stretches of losses. Too many to too many rivals. Thanks to everything good in the universe, I wasn’t alive when the Dogs lost eight straight games to Tech from 1949-56. The infamous drought. I was “in my Georgia football prime” from 1983-1990 when Auburn beat Georgia seven times in eight years. The 1990s had a couple of dreadful losing streaks. Georgia lost to Spurrier’s Gators, as mentioned above, 11 of 12 years. From 1990-2010, the Bulldogs went 3-18 against Florida. Then there was Tennessee. The Volunteers beat Georgia nine straight years, in 1989, and then from 1992-1999. For longtime Bulldog fans who got kicked in the teeth during those years and decades, the success against the rivals has been especially sweet. World War II interrupted, amongst other things, a terrific stretch of success for Georgia in the 1940s. In 1941, Georgia went 9-1-1 and won the Orange Bowl. The next season, the Bulldogs were consensus national champions and Frank Sinkwich won the Heisman Trophy. Led by Charley Trippi, who returned midway through the season, Georgia went 9-2 in 1945, then posted a perfect 11-0 campaign in 1946. The Bulldogs would dip a bit in 1947, and then win the SEC for the third time in seven years in 1948. Then came the drought. Vince Dooley’s Bulldogs won the SEC title in 1966 and 1968, his third and fifth seasons. But there weren’t five straight great years. The gold standard of Georgia football is the early 1980s with Herschel Walker the centerpiece. The Bulldogs won the 1980 national championship and came really, really close afterwards. SEC champions from 1980-82 and 10-1-1 in ‘83, the Dogs went 43-4-1 and had four straight top five finishes. But that stretch was bookended by 6-5 and 7-4-1 seasons in 1979 and 1984. Mark Richt’s Dogs had four straight double digit win seasons and won two SEC championships from 2002-2005. But there weren’t five straight great years. Georgia lost at least three games eight times in nine years from 2008- 2016. In four of those seasons, the Bulldogs lost at least five times. These are grand times for the sons and daughters of the Red and Black. But everyone is so hungry for that national championship. Of course it’s Alabama standing in the path. Two dragons that Georgia must slay for the dream to come true. 10 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

GO DAWGS, let’s win it ALL!

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FIVE KEYS PG. 18 | DAWG BONES PG. 20 | A VIEW OF THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PG. 22 SPORTS MVP STETSON BENNETT DROPPED DIMES AND ORANGES IN MIAMI, NOW HIS TEAM NEEDS ANOTHER SOLID PERFORMANCE IN INDY! PHOTO BY: ROB SAYE GEORGIA VS ALABAMA GAME TIME: 8 P.M. CHANNEL: ESPN GEORGIA VS ALABAMA BY: JEFF DANTZLER Top-ranked Alabama and Georgia square off for the national championship Monday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The home of the Indianapolis Colts, the Big Ten Championship Game and numerous Final Fours in basketball serves as the site this season for the title tilt in the College Football playoff. Both the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs were dominant in their major bowl semi-final victories on New Year’s Eve. Alabama shut down previously unbeaten Cincinnati and put up an impressive 27-6 win over the Bearcats in the Cotton Bowl. Georgia raced to a 27-3 halftime lead and posted a sparkling 34-11 triumph over Big Ten Champion Michigan. These two SEC heavyweights collision course has produced a second meeting this season. championships and, along with the title he led LSU to in 2003, has an astounding seven over the last 18 years. Monday night will mark the 10th time that Saban has coached a team in a BCS or CFP national title game. Smart is in his sixth season at the helm of his alma mater, and has done a tremendous job, driving Georgia into college football’s elite. The former Saban assistant has led the Bulldogs to four major bowl titles and now has Georgia on the brink. There have been so many agonizing close calls, none more so than 1/8/18, as the Bulldogs aim for the program’s first national championship since 1980. Both teams come in supremely confident. For the second time in five seasons the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs are playing for the crown. Georgia lost a devastating heartbreaker 26-23 in Atlanta on 1/8/18 for the 2017 national championship. That is the most significant in a streak of seven straight wins for Alabama against the Bulldogs. The streak was extended to seven on December 4, when Bama defeated Georgia 41-24 in Atlanta in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. That was an identical score to the Tide’s regular season victory over Georgia in 2020. Since Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young directed a scintillating 97-yard game-tying drive in Alabama’s overtime victory at Auburn, the Crimson Tide has won the SEC Championship Game and Cotton Bowl over previously undefeated teams by a combined score of 68-30. Not since the fifth-ranked Bulldogs beat No. 2 Tech 34-0 in 1942 en route to the national championship, has Georgia won a top five vs. top five matchup by a margin as impressive as the 23-point win over Michigan. Nick Saban has established himself as arguably the greatest and most successful coach in the history of the sport, right there with the likes of Bear Bryant and Knute Rockne. He is undoubtedly the coach of the 21st century. Saban has led Alabama to six national The national title awaits the winner. Will Alabama, ho hum, do it again? Or will these Bulldogs pull it off and register a victory that would mean so much to so many? BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED The stage is set. 13 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SPORTS FOOTBALL BULLDOGS TO WATCH BY DAVIS BAKER KIRBY SMART HEAD COACH - Smart leads Georgia to its second National Championship appearance since he took the reins as head coach. Again, Georgia will face Alabama, the Bulldogs’ kryptonite to this point. Smart and his staff were out coached during Georgia’s 41-24 loss to the Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship. The narrative that Smart cannot beat Saban will be prevalent all week. So, it is now up to Kirby to make adjustments in order to get his first win over his former boss and bring a national title back to Athens. JAMES COOK RUNNING BACK PHOTOS BY: ROB SAYE STETSON BENNETT (QB #13) - Stetson Bennett again shut his doubters up by winning the Orange Bowl Offensive MVP. Bennett was decisive with his throws and used his legs when needed to get away from a good Michigan pass rush. He will have to avoid the interceptions that he threw against Alabama in the first go around but Bennett has proved that he is capable of playing well in big moments. Now, he is just one win away from a storybook ending. JAMES COOK (RB #4) - Cook was phenomenal in Georgia’s win over Michigan, showing his versatility and speed on multiple occasions. His ability in the passing game is what sets him apart from Georgia’s other backs, racking up 99 yards receiving yards and a touchdown in the Orange Bowl. Speed kills, so if the Bulldogs are to stretch the field against Alabama, Cook should get 10 or more touches. BROCK BOWERS TIGHT END PHOTOS BY: GREG POOLE NAKOBE DEAN LINEBACKER BROCK BOWERS (TE #19) - Bowers set records with his performance against Alabama in the SEC Championship game with 10 catches for 139 yards and a touchdown. As the best tight end in college football, he will be a mismatch for any defense, even one with as much speed as the Crimson Tide defense has. If Alabama keys in on Bowers, Todd Monken can use him as a decoy to open up throws down the field. Also, Georgia fans should be happy they get two more seasons of Bowers, he truly is a special player. NAKOBE DEAN (LB #17) - Dean was all over the field in Georgia’s win over Michigan. All signs point to this being Dean’s last game in a Bulldogs uniform, as he is projected to be a first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, he will be remembered as one of the best linebackers to ever play at Georgia with one more dominant performance. His speed and instincts make him one of the smartest players on the team. TRAVON WALKER (DE #44) - Alabama played a really fast, up- tempo style against Georgia the first time these two teams matched up. That kept players like Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt off the field at times for Georgia. Travon Walker is Georgia’s most athletic defensive lineman, so his conditioning will be key. The Bulldogs did not have a sack against Alabama the first time. That cannot happen again if Georgia wants to win this time. PHOTOS BY: ROB SAYE BY JEFF DANTZLER From 1980-1983, Georgia had the best record in Georgia broke a 20-year SEC championship drought The Bulldogs posted an 11-0 record in 1946, winning college football with a mark of 43-4-1, highlighted in 2002, posting a No. 3 ranking and 13-1 record, every game by at least 10 points, including a 14-0 by the 1980 national championship and three which included a 27-25 victory over Alabama, the victory over Alabama in one of Charley Trippi’s straight SEC titles from 1980-82. Bulldogs first ever in Tuscaloosa. most legendary performances. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 14 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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SPORTS FOOTBALL CRIMSON TIDE TO WATCH BY DAVIS BAKER BILL O’BRIEN (OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR )- O’Brien might not have been the best head coach in the NFL but he certainly knows how to dial up an offense. In the first matchup, O’Brien outschemed Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning and Kirby Smart. Most shockingly, he found a way to neutralize Georgia’s pass rush, which will not be easy to do twice in one season. We will see if he incorporates the run more with a healthy Brian Robinson. BRYCE YOUNG (QB #9) - Young has been stellar in his first season as Alabama’s starting quarterback and has the potential to be the best quarterback under Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. He certainly deserved the Heisman Trophy throwing for over 4,500 yards and 46 touchdowns. In the first matchup, he picked apart the Bulldogs defense, seemingly making every throw on the field. Pressure has been the best way to throw Young off of his game this season, so Georgia’s defense will need to be more aggressive than they were in the first matchup. BRYCE YOUNG QUARTERBACK BRIAN ROBINSON JR. (RB #4) - Robinson was dealing with an injury the first time these two teams met, so the Bulldogs were able to keep him in check. However, Alabama used him as their power weapon in the Cotton Bowl against Cincinnati. Robinson finished that game with 204 rushing yards on 24 carries. Georgia has had one of the best run defenses in the country, showing that against Michigan. The Bulldogs will need to stop Robinson and make the Crimson Tide as one-dimensional as possible. JAMESON WILLIAMS (WR #1) - Williams might still be giving Georgia fans nightmares for what he did in the SEC Championship game. With John Metchie out with a knee injury, Williams will be Young’s top weapon. He has speed that can burn defenses over the top, and that is exactly what he did to Georgia’s corners in the first game. With Derion Kendrick’s play in the Orange Bowl, Georgia could stick him on Williams if needed. BRIAN ROBINSON JR RUNNING BACK WILL ANDERSON JR. (LB #31) - Georgia just faced Michigan’s Aiden Hutchinson, one of the best pass rushers in the country. It doesn’t get easier now facing Will Anderson, who leads the nation in sacks with 17.5 this season. He has also shown the ability to set the edge on the run with 34.5 tackles for loss. If Stetson Bennett waits too long in the pocket, Anderson will be there. Bennett will need to make quick decisions with the ball, like he did against the Wolverines. JAMESON WILLIAMS WIDE RECEIVER PHOTOS BY: ALABAMA ATHLETICS JORDAN BATTLE (DB #9) - Battle left his impact in the SEC Championship game with a pick-six to ice the game for Alabama. He followed that performance up with seven tackles in the Cotton Bowl. Battle is a versatile safety that can fly all over the field. If he plays well in the National Championship, he could be a first round pick in the NFL Draft. BY JEFF DANTZLER The first three Most Valuable Player Awards in Super One of Alabama’s best ever basketball players Alabama became the first school to win 100 games Bowls went to famed former Alabama quarterbacks, is Robert Horry, who was a part of seven NBA in a decade in the 1970s, highlighted by a record five as Bart Starr won the first two with the Packers, then Championship teams in his 16-year pro career with the straight Southeastern Conference championships Joe Namath with the Jets. Rockets, Lakers and Spurs. from 1971-75 and then 1977-1979. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 16 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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PHOTO BY: ROB SAYE BY JEFF DANTZLER FIVE KEYS Enchanted Hideaway FOR A DAWGS VICTORY St. Simons Island | Sleeps 10 | Bedrooms: 5 | Coming February, 2022 Georgia Beach Rentals offers luxury property management to help you earn more with less stress from your investment. 1 PLEASE GIVE BENJI BENNETT A CALL, 912-268-4543 Or Email info@georgiabeachrentals.com georgiabeachrentals.com TURNOVERS – Georgia must win the turnover battle to win the game in Indianapolis and be crowned national champions. In the first meeting in Atlanta, an interception with the Dogs down 14 in the red zone cost Georgia points. Another interception was returned for a touchdown when Alabama broke it open to go up 38-17. At the end of the first half, with the game tied 17-17, Georgia didn’t get on an Alabama fumble. The Tide scored, and then got a two-for-none by scoring on the opening drive of the second half. Alabama doesn’t turn the football over, but Georgia must find a way to get one or two. 2 RUN THE BALL - Nick Saban baited and trapped Georgia into getting out of its game in Atlanta. The Bulldogs threw 48 passes in the loss in the SEC Championship Game. Throwing by design is a must to beat the Crimson Tide. Just like Georgia must win the turnover battle, it is essential to outperform Alabama in the rushing department. Georgia’s RUN D must be at its best. Meanwhile, behind Matt Luke’s offensive line, James Cook and Zamir White must get lathered up. The Dogs need to run for at least 4.5 yards per carry and hold Alabama to around 2.8 to emerge victorious. 3 KICKING GAME – Jake Camarda must shine, Jack Podlesny must make his kicks, and the Bulldogs coverage and return units will have to be on top of their games. Alabama is lights out on special teams. But on these possession changes and wide swings in field position, Georgia needs to cash in and win on special teams. Sound play in the kicking game is essential to bringing home the crown. 4 THIRD AND MANAGEABLE – Against Michigan, Georgia did a great job of staying out of third and long, especially when the Bulldogs grabbed control of the Orange Bowl in the first half. Not that you ever want to be behind the chains, but third and long against Alabama is a recipe for disaster. Establishing the run, throwing by design, utilizing the best players on the team, Georgia can’t waste downs against Bama. To beat the Tide, you have to give yourself a realistic chance on third down. Third and three is doable, third and nine is trouble. 5 CAPITALIZE –During Alabama’s run against Georgia under Nick Saban’s watch, the Crimson Tide has made the plays. There’s a long list of painful situations where Georgia was on the doorstep, but couldn’t finish. To beat Bama, you have to make the run, the catch, the tackle, the pass, the stop. You must get on the fumble, secure the interception, wrap up that ball carrier, make the field goal and down that punt inside the 10. Capitalize and the confidence mounts. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 18 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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SPORTS Providing Personal, Commercial and Life and Health policies across the Southeast tailored to fit your needs. FOOTBALL THE DAWG BONES GEORGIA VS ALABAMA BY DAVIS BAKER DAWG BONES OFFENSE - ALABAMA HUNKER DOWN ONE MORE TIME! CAREY STEPHENS | 706-546-8100 carey.stephens@boswellgroup.org BOSWELLGROUPATHENS.COM The Crimson Tide have arguably the best player in college football with quarterback Bryce Young. They also average just under 500 yards of offense per game and score 41.4 points per game, which is third-best nationally. Georgia’s offense has been good this year and was on fire against Michigan, too. It is the Crimson Tide’s explosiveness and quarterback advantage that gives them the nod in this category. DAWG BONES DEFENSE - GEORGIA Don’t let recency bias fool you; Georgia still has the best defense in the country. Yes, Alabama picked them apart in the SEC Championship game but it was a needed reality check. The Bulldogs defense is a lot better than they showed that day and they proved that again in the Orange Bowl, only giving up 11 points to an explosive Michigan offense. Alabama’s defense also played well in the Cotton Bowl win and should not be taken lightly by UGA’s offense. However, facing the Bulldogs again, this time with a chip on their shoulder, will not be easy for the Tide. DAWG BONES SPECIAL TEAMS - GEORGIA So much for Jack Podlesny’s shaky start to the season. Podlesny went nearly six games without missing a field goal; he missed a 45-yard field goal towards the end of the Orange Bowl. His leg combined with Georgia punter Jake Camarda should give the Bulldogs the special teams advantage. Special teams did not matter much in the last matchup between Georgia and Alabama, but if it is a close game, having the better specialists will help. DAWG BONES COACHING - ALABAMA Don’t stop believing! Hunker Down One More Time Beat Bama Hally works with a variety of clients ranging from Atlanta, Lake Oconee and all over Athens and Oconee County. Hally’s success stems from her ability to build relationships and establish trust with her clients. 5 MARKET REALTY HALLY DEMENT | 404.771.1017 706-850-4636 | HALLY@5MREALTY.COM Kirby Smart is 0-4 at Georgia when coaching against Nick Saban and Alabama. The Bulldogs have led in all four of those games. Saban has consistently been the better coach when matched up against Smart. Obviously, if Georgia wants to change the outcome, that cannot happen again. Both offensive coordinator Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Dan Lanning called terrific games against Michigan. This must happen again on Jan. 10! DAWG BONES OVERALL - GEORGIA Would it be any fun if this category was “even?” Georgia and Alabama are the two best teams in college football. In the SEC Championship almost everything that could go wrong for Georgia, did go wrong. It is highly unlikely that happens again, which is why Georgia has the overall advantage. The Bulldogs have the deeper team and have film on what went wrong against Alabama in December. Combine that with the focus this team showed against Michigan and it’s easy to understand why Vegas has Georgia as the early favorite. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 20 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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SPORTS BY JEFF DANTZLER A VIEW OF THE ... 2022 National Championship Going back to his days as the college football writer for the AJC, Tony Barnhardt has been synonymous with the sport we love so much. He is an award winning writer, superb on television and a great friend to all who live for college football. My old friend was kind enough to give us his insight on Georgia and Alabama in Indy. CAN GEORGIA WIN THIS GAME? Georgia can absolutely win this game. First of all, history tells us that when two teams (Alabama and LSU 2011) play twice in a short period of time, rarely is the second game like the first one. LSU won the first game 9-6 and Alabama won the rematch (21-0) for the national championship. WHAT DOES GEORGIA NEED TO DO TO WIN THE GAME? Georgia doesn’t have to do anything extraordinary to win but the Bulldogs must get some kind of pressure on Bryce Young or he’ll kill you with explosive plays. Also, Georgia must come up with its own explosive plays on offense. No turnovers. In fact, if Georgia is plus 1 or 2 in turnovers the Bulldogs win. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON INDIANAPOLIS AS THE HOST OF THE TITLE GAME? Indianapolis is one of my favorite cities. It has a cool downtown and everything is walkable. If you asked the media to choose their favorite site for the basketball Final Four it would easily be Indy. I also love the stadium. BRYCE YOUNG IS PHENOMENAL, DO YOU THINK HE COULD BE NICK SABAN’S BEST QB YET? Bryce Young has a great chance to win back to back Heisman Trophies. He is fast and can keep plays alive with his feet. When he is on the move, he still throws with great accuracy. Jalen Hurts had the legs. Tua had the arm talent. This guy has both. THIS SEASON, BOTH NICK SABAN AND KIRBY SMART HAVE DONE SOME OF THEIR BEST WORK. WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON THE PERFORMANCES OF THESE TWO HEAD COACHES IN 2021 NOW 2022? I’ve said this many times in public. I think this is Nick Saban’s best coaching job since he came to Tuscaloosa in 2007. They lost 10 NFL Draft choices (six in the first round). They lost the nation’s best offensive line, a first round draft pick at quarterback, a Heisman Trophy winner at receiver. But still Alabama is within one field goal of being 14-0 right now. I can say the same for Kirby. When you have talent like Georgia, managing that talent through an SEC schedule is a tough thing to do. He has been positive and uplifting to his players. Every year Kirby becomes a better coach. And this is his best year at Georgia. PLEASE TELL ME YOU AGREE THAT THIS GAME SHOULD BE PLAYED ON A SATURDAY? Of course I would like to see the National Championship game on a Saturday, but this is where the real world meets our wishes. Playing on Saturdays is not an option because the NFL has staked out those Saturdays. And the first rule of college football programming is “Thy Shalt Not go Head to Head with the NFL. because it won’t go well.” That’s why the game is always on a Monday. WHAT IS YOUR SCORE PREDICTION? Georgia gets a late drive led by Stetson Bennett and kicks a field goal on the last play of the game to win 24-21. Maybe then Stetson Bennett’s critics will be satisfied. BEAT BAMA! Juicy Quarter Pounder ® Burgers BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 22 athens • watkinsville • auburn • lawrenceville 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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GEORGIA GIRLS: MARY BETH SMART PG. 26 Brian Fuller, Jeff Bicksler, Leslie Bicksler, TJ Callaway, Brooks Andrews, Catherine Callaway, Ashley Dains, Dale Dwelle, Hil Harper SOCIAL FAN PHOTOS: CFP-SEMI/ORANGE BOWL FAN PHOTOS, PG. 28-40 BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 25 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

3. GEORGIA GIRLS SOCIAL Georgia Girls MARY BETH SMART Cheri Leavy’s rapport with her favorite tastemakers and UGA Alumnae brings you plenty of doggone good inspiration! Foundation: Inspo: FAMILY: Husband, Kirby; children: twins Weston and Julia (13), son Andrew (9); dog, Bess; cat, Apollo HOMETOWN: Morrow, Georgia CURRENT TOWN: Athens, Georgia WHAT YEARS AT UGA: 1 999-2003 SCHOOL/DEGREE: Terry College, BBA Finance PROFESSION: I run and manage (with a lot of help) the Kirby Smart Family Foundation. We focus on helping children and families in need in our community and around the state of Georgia. BOOK: I love historical fiction and just read A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers for the third time. 2. MAGAZINE: I don’t read magazines. I do watch a lot of nonsense tv. Mostly Bravo shows. I am currently binging Emily in Paris on Netflix and Just like That SATC on HBO Max. Kirby and I are trying to keep up with Yellowstone. Accolades: Well, I’m obviously most known for being married to Kirby, and I’m super proud of that because I’m very much in love with my husband. But personally would say that I’m proud to be a former Lady Dawg. Named team captain my senior year by Coach Andy Landers and leading the team in minutes that year is my claim to fame. PODCAST: The Morning After with Kelly Stafford. She’s hilarious. Also love Not Skinny but Not Fat (this one has a lot of my favorite “Bravo-lebrities” as guests. Also love Lipstick on the Rim with Molly Sims for beauty tips and life hacks. INSTAGRAM: @livingwithlandyn - for mom tips and fashion inspo; @houseinhabit - love her, she follows news stories like Free Britney, the Brian Laundrie case, and currently the Ghislaine Maxwell Trial; @garyjanetti and @bradgoreski - I think they are just hilarious. 1. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 26 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

eyes.” - Jim Carrey. I’m laughing again as I type it because of course I would never roll my eyes at Kirby. CELEBRATING A DECADE OF Athens + UGA: JOIN THE SOUTHERN C DESCRIBE ATHENS IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS: HOME. RESTAURANTS AND BARS: Chuck’s Fish(1), Last Resort, Five & Ten, The National. Love them all for different reasons. SHOPS: Dukes, Heery’s (5), Fleet Feet. #CONNECTCOLLABORATECREATE TO #EDUCATEANDEMPOWER FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS EST. NOVEMBER 2011 TICKETS ON SALE: The Southern C Summit February 2-4, 2022 on Sea Island and Virtual JOIN MEMBERSHIP: • weekly zoom calls • access to experts • peer-to-peer mentoring ATHENS/CAMPUS LANDMARK: Stegeman Coliseum. MEMORY WHILE IN SCHOOL: My senior season, the Lady Dawgs upset Rutgers to advance to the Sweet 16 and finish the season undefeated at home. (Dantzler adds, MB played great and had 9 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds). 4. PROFESSOR/CLASS: Dr. Chris Pope FINA 4920 Financial Modeling (I had to look that up). I took it in summer school and learned how to rock an Excel spreadsheet in that class. BRAND: Lululemon, Golden Goose, Zara, MOTHER denim. FASHION DESIGNER: H unter Bell, Mignonne Gavigan (2). CHEF: Peter Dale and Hugh Acheson. HISTORICAL FIGURE: Eliza Hamilton, Barbara Dooley (she is such an important part of UGA Football’s history) (4). I had no answer for this. My son googled famous quotes and found this and I thought it was hilarious. “Behind every great man is a woman rolling her BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED GAMEDAY RITUAL/PLAN: I meet up with some friends at Transfit and do a game day run. We always make sure to run across the bridge. Always gets my day started right. If we are on the road, I’ll find a run or a peloton somewhere to sweat out my nerves. (3) TAILGATE RECIPE: Pretty simple here. Little smokies and crescent rolls. Pigs in a blanket. Can’t mess it up and everyone loves them. THESOUTHERNC.COM MOVING DAWGS ACROSS GEORGIA SINCE 1972 Residential and Commercial Moving Local and Long Distance On-site Document Destruction Document Data Storage Go Mini’s Portable Storage Units Packing Materials DUKE LINDSAY dlindsay@thelindsaygroup.net 180 Trade Street Bogart, GA 30622 5. 706.549.8902 MC2934 27 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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FAN SHOTS Kyle Smith, Caroline Smith Will Cochran, Allie Erickson, James Cochran, Katherine Hunnicutt, Mary Alice Cochran, Guyton Cochran Evan Pines, Hatton Abernathy, Olivia Fallon Warren McClendon, Vance Leavy Sam Lanier, Jay, Brian, Shelly Satisky We are proud of Coach Kirby Smart and our Georgia Bulldogs! A new shipment of antiques arrived just in time for a Happy New Year! 1730 S. Lumpkin Five APPOINTMENTS Points Mon.-Sat. 10-5 706-353-8251 APPOINTMENTS APPOINTMENTS AT FIVE AT FIVE AT FIVE apptsat5@gmail.com BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 31 SOCIAL 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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MVP DERION KENDRICK AND THE GEORGIA D PUT THE SWARM ON MICHIGAN, NOW IT’S REMATCH TIME AGAINST THE TIDE’S VAULTED O! MORE PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE SPORTS FROM THE FIELD PG. 44 | BUTLER’S PLAYERS OF THE GAME BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 43 PG. 45 | STATS THAT MATTER 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PG. 46

MORE SPORTS FOOTBALL FROM THE FIELD GEORGIA - 34, MICHIGAN - 11 PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE BY GREG POOLE Georgia’s Orange Bowl victory brought back memories of 2021 regular season predictions. Remember Kentucky, Auburn, and Florida? According to the pundits, each of them would cage the Dawgs and show the college football world that Georgia had been lucky under Kirby Smart. Many also predicted that Jim Harbaugh would show the college football world that UGA’s attempt to compete for a national championship with a former walk-on quarterback was a recipe for disaster. PHOTO BY: ROB SAYE Michigan! The storied program that reclaimed prominence in the Big 10 would announce to the college football world that Blue was back by destroying Georgia and its walk-on quarterback. Wrong! Michigan may be back in the B1G but would have to strain to finish second in the SEC East. Most Dawgs have strong opinions about Stetson Bennett. There has been a strong (often loud) voice about Smart’s quarterback decisions in my house, and I admit to harboring doubt about Bennett’s ability to lead the Bulldogs to college football’s promised land in Indianapolis. Strong opinions do not die quietly, and I should never have discussed the subject with my wife after the game. I learned my lesson - sleeping Dawgs should always remain undisturbed. Here’s hoping she doesn’t read this. whether Georgia has the talent (on the field and the sideline) to beat Alabama? I believe that answer is a resounding YES! What matters in sports is winning, and Stetson Bennett guided the Dawgs to 13 wins in 2021. The SEC Championship disaster gave hope to the Michigan’s of the world and convinced a sizable percentage of Dawg Nation that there could be no national title as long as number 13 led the offense. I remain unconvinced. Georgia can beat Alabama with Stetson Bennett at quarterback. Join The THE Bulldog quarterback did not Nights the at SEC Championship game. Mad Dawg Tuesday lose 7 There is plenty of Talk to a shared; neither for Recaps, Previews & Trash blame - from be Dawg’s perspective! Mr. Bennett nor the Sponsored Dawgs’ staff is immune - by but that game is over. The question is Join the notches on his belt, Mad Nick Saban for has Recaps, THE Previews & Dawg Talk Tuesday but Nights Smart is the Kirby at 7 Trash - from a Dawg’s perspective! Sponsored by young gun. Wounded in the first showdown of the year, Smart will re-challenge the Master in Indy. The Tide is their usual selves, exceptionally talented, this time with their quarterback polishing his newly awarded Heisman Trophy. The battle Live on Facebook starting Sept 7th shapes up as a classic David and Goliath matchup. The reigning https://fb.me/themaddawgshow Heisman winner, coached by “The universally Show” acknowledged king Or Search the Mad Dawg of college football, opposed by his protege and his David. Just remember that after propelling that rock with pinpoint accuracy, David left the field with Goliath’s head. Live on Facebook starting Sept 7th https://fb.me/themaddawgshow Or Search “The Mad Dawg Show” Join THE Mad Dawg Tuesday Nights Join THE Mad Dawg Tuesday Nights at at 7 7 Recaps, Previews Trash Talk - from Dawg’s perspective! for for Recaps, Previews & & Trash Talk - from a a Dawg’s perspective! Join THE Mad Dawg Tuesday Nights Mad 7 Dawg Tuesday Nights at 7 at Join THE Sponsored by Sponsored by for Recaps, Previews & Trash Talk - from a Recaps, Previews & Trash Talk Sponsored a by: Dawg’s perspective! for Dawg’s perspective! Also - from Sponsored by Sponsored by gocleanco.com macon, ga Marketing + Media theparkgroup.net kudugrills.com Live on Facebook starting Live on 7th starting Sept Sept 7th Sept Live Facebook starting Sept Live on on Facebook Facebook starting 7th 7th https://fb.me/themaddawgshow https://fb.me/themaddawgshow https://fb.me/themaddawgshow https://fb.me/themaddawgshow Or Search “The Mad Dawg Show” Or Search “The Mad Dawg Show” Search “The Mad Dawg Show” Or Or Search “The Mad Dawg Show” Also Sponsored by: The Natty is Our Destiny ... Stay Elite ... It’s Time to Eat! gocleanco.com macon, ga Marketing + Media theparkgroup.net kudugrills.com BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 44 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

FOOTBALL KEVIN BUTLER’S PLAYERS OF THE GAME Each week, Georgia and Chicago Bears Hall of Fame legend Kevin Butler picks his Players of the Game. A member of numerous Halls of Fame and holder of a slew of records, Butler co- hosts DawgTalk on Georgia Football Saturdays and the famous Bulldog Brunch from the Hilltop Grille on Sundays. — his supporting cast he can bring a national championship to the University of Georgia after 41 years. He is truly a Damn Good Dawg. DEFENSIVE PLAYER COMPILED BY JEFF DANTZLER OFFENSIVE PLAYER Stetson Bennett. After three weeks of the Dawg Nation and the whole nation questioning Stetson as the starter for the University of Georgia football team only added fire to the fuel of The Mailman. Stetson is old school, not only does he have a flip phone he also has the ability to reach deep down inside and pull out a tremendous performance. Stetson went 20 for 30 for 310 yards with three TDs in the college football playoff game against highly rated Michigan. His leadership goes beyond what he does on the field and is a catalyst for the offense for the University of Georgia. You always have a quarterback who is ready and prepared when the offense needs a leader. Stetson will have an opportunity to avenge his only 2021 loss in the national championship game against Alabama this coming Monday night. Stetson cannot do it alone, but with Nakobe Dean – The Butkus Award winner showed the United States of America why Georgia produces the best linebackers in the nation. On the heels of Roquan Smith, Nakobe dean has maintained the level of excellence for linebackers at the University of Georgia. His speed and knowledge are unmatched in college football and his domination continues. Nakobe had seven tackles, five solos, one pass deflection and two tackles for loss in an unbelievable performance against the Joe Moore offensive line of the year from Michigan. The challenge was not too great for Nakobe, as he was assisted by Nolan Smith and Quay Walker for a total defensive domination of Michigan. Nakobe‘s leadership will never be as important as it is this week leading up to the arch nemesis Alabama. This is a chance of a lifetime so take advantage of it. SPECIAL TEAM PLAYER My take is that we lost yardage on our kickoff return, we missed a field goal, we were average but minus yards and production. Special-teams must be 100% to complement our offense and defense in championship games. Whether it’s field goals, punt, punt return or an onside kick, we need 100% of our special teams this week, so instead of naming a player this time, the group has received a challenge from Kevin Butler representative of all special teams in the world. T H E D O N A L D R O SS GEM O F T H E G O L D EN IS LES “YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE HERE TO BE A MEMBER HERE” “you don’t have to live here to be a member here” The Donald Ross Gem of the Golden Isles BRUNSWICK COUNTRY CLUB brunswickcountryclub.com brunswickcountryclub.com | 912-264-4377 5 Dan Hogan, 912-264-4377, ext Westside • 2020 Timothy Rd. 706.549.7700 Non-Resident Membership Rates Single : $135 / month * Family: $175 / month * *Does not include initiation fee Eastside • 1985 Barnett Shoals Rd. 706.208.0911 Book your special event now! BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED DINE-IN • TAKE-OUT DELIVERY • CATERING 45 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP locosgrill.com

THE UGA JOHNNIE-O COLLECTION Find it at UGA Bookstore STATS THAT MATTER GEORGIA – 34 MICHIGAN -11 BY: BRYAN DIXON A look back at what decided the game between Georgia and Michigan The Georgia Bulldogs have redeemed themselves in the eyes of college football world by defeating Michigan 34-11. This secures a spot for them in the CFP National Championship. Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines were unable to penetrate Georgia’s defense. Michigan could not stop Georgia’s high-powered offense. Another all-SEC Championship highlights the difference in quality between the SEC and the other conferences. Without any doubt now, the top two teams in college football are Alabama and Georgia. The only concern I have from this game is that Georgia was shutout in the third quarter and only scored seven points in the fourth. Michigan made defensive adjustments at half time to counteract the thrashing they received in the first half. Now, Georgia must overcome Alabama in order to win the National Championship. Nick Saban is a master of in-game adjustments. Georgia will need to play consistent high-quality football for all four quarters. Georgia will need to counteract strategic changes and cannot let their foot off the gas. 158 0 ugabookstore.com | 706.542.3171 "It's Where Dawgs Shop" receiving touchdowns and had some great receptions. 158 Georgia fielded six different guys as rushers throughout the game. Subtracting Stetson Bennett’s 32 total rushing yards from the overall total, we get 158 rushing yards. The most utilized rusher was Zamir White, who rushed for 54 yards on 12 attempts. There were also runs by Daijun Edwards, James Cook, Kendall Milton, Kenny McIntosh, and an 8-yard rush by Ladd McConkey. Michigan, in comparison, if you remove any quarterback scrambles from the total, only picked up 61 rushing yards. They had three guys rushing compared to Georgia’s six. This highlights that Georgia has weapons that can be utilized anywhere, and this also allows skill players to rest for the next play. The ability to conserve energy and have fresh players is a wonderful commodity and is vital to winning the fourth quarter battle. 0 313 Georgia beat Michigan with their passing game. Stetson Bennett played exceptionally. Bennett through three TDs and no interceptions. Bennett made some good runs with his legs, his longest being a 20- yard pickup. Kenny McIntosh threw one TD to Adonai Mitchell in a beautiful half-back pass play. James Cook was front and center of the Dawgs passing attack. Cook was targeted for times, with for receptions for 112 yards, and one receiving TD. Brock Bowers and Jermaine Burton also got Next to Tate Center PHOTO BY: ROB SAYE 3 Georgia’s offensive line did not allow a single sack. Michigan had quality edge rushers in Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo. Neither of Michigan’s star rushers were a factor in this game. Georgia’s line received a major boost when Jamaree Salyer’s injury concerns subsided. Against Alabama, Georgia lost the battle in the trenches. Against Michigan, Georgia dominated the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense. This was the first foundational cornerstone that resulted in a Georgia victory. 313 O-LINEMAN WARREN ERICSON BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED Georgia’s defense managed to get 3 turnovers. This included one fumble, recovered by Devonte Wyatt, and two interceptions by Derion Kendrick. Kendrick played his best game all season. Georgia defensive backs were zoned in. Alabama tore them apart in the SEC Championship, so they needed a well-executed performance to regain their confidence. 4 The pressure was on Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara. Georgia’s defense managed to get 4 sacks. Against Alabama, Georgia did not get a single sack. This was a much-needed confidence boost for the defense. Travon Walker, Nakobe Dean, Nolan Smith, and Robert Beal Jr. each got a sack. Nakobe Dean’s intelligence was on full display. If you watched Nakobe, would see that he had successfully called the play Michigan was running. He did this at least twice. Nakobe Dean is a 4.0 GPA Mechanical Engineering major and 2021 Butkus Award Winner. Nakobe studies film. His performance against Michigan highlights the importance on intelligence on a football field. 46 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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