South Carolina vs. Georgia: Bulldogs Q&A with Dawn of the Dawg

This week we cross enemy lines and get some Q&A on the Georgia Bulldogs with Michael Collins from our FanSided sister site Dawn of the Dawg. We know since we joined the SEC, Georgia is becoming one of the biggest games of the year for South Carolina, but clearly they don’t see it the same way still. Then again, maybe this is how year after year the Gamecocks seem to catch the Bulldogs off guard.  We ask the pertinent questions to get their perspective on their new QB, the upcoming season, and of course their mascot.

What was the feeling around Georgia last year after only winning 8 games? 

Most knowledgeable fans understood that the great number of injuries to key players was a big reason for all the losses. That said, losing to Vandy is never received well by the Bulldog Nation, so that was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly given the poor officiating during the game. The last second loss to Auburn was another bad one. In general, the season was looked at as disappointing, but still mildly successful with the victories over Florida and Georgia Tech.

How are fans feeling about this season coming up?

Fans were cautiously optimistic before the season began. Anytime you change coordinators and have a lot of starters leave, it brings questions. But after the dominating performance against Clemson, that optimism has quickly turned into a feverish hope for something great.

Obviously UGA fans haven’t been big fans of Steve Spurrier over the years. How do fans feel about the Head Ball Coach these days?

Georgia fans will always hate Steve Spurrier, and nothing will change that. It goes back to his days coaching at Florida. I did an entire piece on the relationship that your readers can check out here.

The Georgia-South Carolina rivalry has definitely been growing over the past years. Where does this rivalry fall in the scope of Georgia rivalries?

Georgia has three main rivals – Florida, Auburn and Georgia Tech. The game against South Carolina has gained a lot of importance over the past few seasons, but the Gamecocks are still only viewed as another SEC opponent. The word “rivalry” hasn’t really been applied on Georgia’s side yet, other than the fact that Spurrier is on the other sideline.

Georgia fans will always hate Steve Spurrier, and nothing will change that.

If there is any amount of rancor among fans, it’s probably due to the close proximity of the two schools and (again) Spurrier. Honestly I think the feelings of hatred or “heated rivalry” as you call it come more from the South Carolina fans than Georgia. This is probably due to the biggest rivalry South Carolina has being an ACC team (Clemson), and fans are aching to have a regular beef with a conference opponent.

Mark Richt has been extremely successful at the University of Georgia. What is his relationship like with the Bulldog community? Is it anywhere near approaching Vince Dooley status there?

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Mark Richt has indeed had a lot of success, and his numbers are approaching some of the best in school history (some already are), but to reach Vince Dooley status he’ll have to coach for many more years, and he’ll have to bring home at least one national championship. Dooley is revered like no other in the state of Georgia, probably close to the way Alabama fans view Bear Bryant.

What do you think of Mason so far at QB? I know you only have one full game this season, but what are your impressions?

Hutson Mason had two starts (and half of a game) last season after Aaron Murray was injured, and then the one game against Clemson this season. He’s a 5th year senior with plenty of time in Mike Bobo’s system, as well as working with Murray for four years. He’s going to be fine as he gets more game time. He’s a heady kid, with a lot of football intelligence, much like Murray. He also has the best backfield in the nation to lean on, so that helps him tremendously.

Who do you feel is the biggest impact player on defense for UGA?

Picking the biggest impact player on defense is tough, I’d probably like to say the entire group of linebackers, which all four starters are probably All-American caliber. Having to pick however, I’d have to go with Leonard Floyd. He’s a guy who can change a game, much like Jarvis Jones used to.

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Have you met UGA IX?  What’s he like? Will be traveling to Columbia for the upcoming game?

I’ve never personally met Russ (UGA IX), but he’s been a fine mascot in the tradition of the famed line of Georgia Bulldogs. He always travels with the team, and will be there to take a bite out of any Gamecocks who dare to tread near his house. No, but seriously, he’s very nice dog and is only trained to bite Gators and Tigers.

What would be your biggest concern about Saturday’s game?

Biggest concern about playing the Gamecocks has to be Mike Davis. He’s the biggest weapon Carolina has on offense, and could potentially make a difference if this game turns into a defensive struggle, which is has many times in the past. Georgia’s front seven is going to have to limit him and force the Gamecocks into a one-dimensional offense.

What is your prediction about Saturday’s game?

I’m sure your readers are going to disagree, but I see Georgia winning by at least two scores in this game. From the first two games, it looks like the Gamecocks are really struggling on defense, particularly against the run, and that doesn’t bode well for facing Todd Gurley, Keith Marshall and company.