Photo Credit: Joseph Sisson @joesisson
Wow. How do I even begin to describe the history we all witnessed last night? Last year the word was elite. This year? What other word can you use than legendary? This wasn’t just a great offense overshadowed by an epic historic defense. This wasn’t a battle to the end and a magical pick six to seal the deal and end the 41 year championship drought. That first was unbelievable. It was 41 years of heartache and tears and almost's vanishing in the seconds that it took Kelee Ringo to catch that ball and run it back against the most perfect foe— Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. Nothing will compare to that. I will forever smile when I see Adonai Mitchell catch that pass in the end zone. And I will probably forever cry when I see this video of Kelee Ringo’s pick six and the celebrations of countless Georgia fans. But as amazing as that was, this national championship was unique. It was historic on multiple levels as the Dawgs broke record after record as the game went on. It was a once in a lifetime game that probably won’t be seen again for a long time. It was legendary. Georgia didn’t just beat TCU. They obliterated them, scoring the most points by a team in a half in playoff history and then most ever by the end of the game. It was the most lopsided victory in championship history. And 65-7 is a stat that will probably stand for a while. The Heisman runner-up only scored one touchdown while being sacked several times throughout the night, including a few by Georgia defensive freshmen. And on the other side of the ball, Georgia’s offensive line didn’t give up a single sack, setting a season record by only allowing single digit sacks— a first ever. Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey both had multiple huge plays while Kenny McIntosh and the other running backs racked up more rush yards than TCU's entire offense. Adonai Mitchell caught his 4th touchdown pass in his 4th playoff game. Even Branson Robinson had two touchdowns. And the walk-on? Well, Stetson Bennett IV broke Aaron Murray’s single season pass record, became Georgia’s first 4,000 yard passer, and tied Joe Burrow’s record for most touchdowns scored in the championship game with six. Not bad for someone who just a few weeks prior was being slammed by many people for being invited to the Heisman ceremony. *Cue epic mic drop* When talking with my family before the game, we were all experiencing various levels of nervousness. But we were hopeful that we were just the better team and that we would beat TCU much like we did Tennessee earlier in the year. I’m not gonna lie, I hoped it would be like the Oregon game and even said so. But I honestly didn't think that was an actual possibility. And never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be better than the Oregon game. And to be honest, I still don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. I’m happy and exhilarated and proud, but still shocked. That can’t be real right? First team EVER in the college football playoff to win back to back titles? It seems too good to be true. Too perfect and tied with a big, shiny gold playoff bow to not have come straight out of a storybook. Written perfectly from start to finish by someone much better than me in a fashion we could never even imagine. Because we didn’t just win and break records. We dominated the game from start to finish and shattered those records. There is no "if" in this game. Kirby said they were going to hunt and hunt they did. Last year, they burned the boats. This year the Dawgs left no doubt. Georgia is champions once again. And while many of our favorite players will part ways and move on, this doesn’t feel like an ending. It feels like Kirby Smart and his team are just getting started. And I can’t wait to watch every minute of it and soak it all in. These are indeed the Glory Days.
2 Comments
Steve Harris
1/11/2023 05:57:43 am
Great article. Makes me want to hug a Dawg!
Reply
Dan Espie
1/13/2023 06:28:34 am
This makes me cry. Wow what a game, a season and 2 seasons!! For someone who has a child the last time the Dawgs won the championship these 2 years have been worth a lifetime of waiting. And the potential of our team is scary for the opponents. Go Dawgs!!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
The DAwgsAll things Georgia football and basically the reason I don't do anything on Saturday's in the fall. ArchivesCategories |