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2019 UGA Football Schedule

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It’s time, once again, to tee it up Between The Hedges! Kirby Smart (BBA ’98) is ready to lead the Dawgs into his fourth year as head coach, and all signs point to a banner year. Jake Fromm, D’Andre Swift, JR Reed, and Andrew Thomas—all among the nation’s best at their positions—are just a few of the starters returning this year, and a bevy of highly-touted talents round out the rest of this star-studded roster.

This year’s schedule is full of intrigue, with several preseason top-10 match-ups on the books—most notably the Dawgs’ return trip in its home-and-home series with college football blueblood Notre Dame. Here’s the full 2019 UGA football schedule:

 

August 31: @ Vanderbilt – Nashville, Tennessee

September 7: Murray State

September 14: Arkansas State

September 21: Notre Dame

September 28: Bye Week

October 5: @ Tennessee – Knoxville, Tennessee

October 12: South Carolina

October 19: Kentucky

October 26: Bye Week

November 2: @ Florida – Jacksonville, Florida

November 9: Missouri

November 16: @ Auburn – Auburn, Alabama

November 23: Texas A&M

November 30: @ Georgia Tech – Atlanta, Georgia

 

Can’t make it to a game in person? No worries–don your red and black and head to your local alumni chapter game-watching party. Because no Bulldog should ever bark alone!

Oh, and be sure to update your info to make sure you stay informed about all of the UGA happenings in your neck of the woods.

Other Football Season Events

10 reasons it’s great to be a UGA grad

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1. UGA has the best campus.

UGA's campus

Nothing beats campus in the fall (except campus in the winter, spring or summer). Even after you graduate and come ‘home’ to visit, it is somehow exactly the same and completely different. That’s the magic of being an alumnus of a school with so much history and a bright future.

2. UGA has the finest traditions.

The Arch

Not passing under the Arch is a lesson UGA students quickly learn, along with why leaving your house at midnight to Snellebrate is worth it, and why you have to visit sites like the Chapel Bell and Herty Field to celebrate big and small accomplishments. If you haven’t in a while, complete a UGA tradition the next time you’re on campus. As Larry Munson said, “There is no tradition more worthy of envy.”

3. Speaking of traditions: Saturdays in Athens are legendary. 

UGA Football

The population in Athens triples on game days, and for good reason. Everyone heads to town to tailgate, hunker down, and root for the Dawgs. The best college football team in the country. (Clemson and Bama, who?)

4. We have the greatest mascot. 

uga

Uga X was recently named the best mascot in college football by Sports Illustrated, as if you needed official confirmation. He’s the ‘goodest’ boy. Come on, just look at that face. 

5. Our academics are top notch.

Career Outcomes

Each class of new Bulldogs brings in more impressive high school GPAs and test scores. Our alumni use their first-rate UGA educations to excel in the workforce. That’s something to be proud of. 

6. Every Georgian is within 40 miles of a UGA facility.

Economic impact

As a land- and sea-grant university, it’s our mission to provide resources to every Georgian. With our vast presence across the state, we’re able to do that.

7. UGA has 80+ alumni chapters.

Hairy & Student

No matter where in the world you go, you can find a piece of home with your local alumni chapter. Never bark alone!

8. Our history is unlike any other university.

Chapel Bell

We were founded in 1785 are the birthplace of higher education in America. Nothing has slowed our progress in more than 230 years.

9. Everyone looks good in red and black.

hairy dawg

Enough said.

10. We are the Bulldog Nation.

There are two simple words that express the sentiments of the entire Bulldog Nation: Go Dawgs!

Are you loud and proud?

For those Bulldog Faithful and are interested in being “in-the-know” and helping us share great news with the rest of the Bulldog Family, we invite you to sign up to be a Digital Dawg! Digital Dawgs are the UGA Alumni Association’s social media ambassadors and help us BARK good news to communities around the world! Joining is simple:

  1. Sign up to be a Digital Dawg.
  2. Receive the latest news and updates from the UGA Alumni Association.
  3. Share the news on your social media channels to help spread the word.
  4. Stay connected with the Bulldog Nation!

National Dog Day

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It’s National Dog Day today, and what better way to celebrate than with pictures of our favorite dog? Uga was first recognized as the university mascot in 1956. Since then, football fans everywhere recognize Uga by his spiked collar and varsity lettered jersey, custom-made from the same material as the players’ jerseys.

Uga was recently ranked No. 1 on Sports Illustrated’s list of The Greatest Mascots in College Football History, and we couldn’t agree more. Keep reading to learn more about the history of our award-winning mascot–and favorite dogs. 

Uga X, “Que”

2015 – Present

Que served as the primary mascot for all the games of 2015, but was officially named Uga X in the game against Georgia Southern on November 21, 2015.

Uga IX, “Russ”

2012 – 2015

Uga IX was present for two SEC Eastern Division Championships, a Capital One Bowl win and a Belk Bowl win.

Uga VIII, “Big Bad Bruce”

2010 – 2011

Uga VIII’s registered name was in honor of Dr. Bruce Hollett of UGA’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Hollett was instrumental in the care and treatment of the bulldog mascots over the years. Uga VIII unfortunately had a short-lived reign after a lymphoma diagnosis in 2010.

Uga VII, “Loran’s Best”

2008 – 2009

After VII passed away unexpectedly in 2009, the bulldogs did not have a live mascot at the game. Instead, a wreath was placed on Uga VII’s doghouse and the players wore a special Uga VII decal on their helmets in remembrance.

Uga VI, “Uga V’s Whatchagot Loran”

1999 – 2008

Uga VI has the most wins in school history with a record of 87-27. He’s also the biggest Uga the university has ever had, weighing in at 65 pounds.

Uga V, “Uga IV’s Magillicuddy II”

1990 – 1999

Uga V graced the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1997 with the title of best college mascot in the nation.

Uga IV, “Seiler’s Uga Four”

1981 – 1989

Uga IV made an appearance at the Heisman Trophy Banquet with Herschel Walker. He was the first mascot ever invited to attend the Heisman Banquet!

Uga III, “Seiler’s Uga Three”

1972 – 1980

Uga III closed out his career in ultimate fashion leading the team to victory in the 1980 NCAA championship.

Uga II, “Ole Dan’s Uga”

1966 – 1972

Uga II was introduced at a pregame ceremony at Homecoming in 1966. The entire stadium erupted in a cheer, “Damn Good Dog!”

Uga I, “Hood’s Ole Dan”

1956 – 1966

Cecelia Seiler, whose family breeds the succession of Ugas, made Uga I’s original red jerseys out of children’s t-shirts.

Next time you’re between the hedges, be sure to take a peek at Uga’s air-conditioned doghouse next to the cheerleaders’ platform. You can also pay tribute to all past Ugas by visiting their memorial plots near the main gate in the embankment of the south stands. Before each home game, flowers are placed on their marble vaults.

Learn more about the Ugas from years past. 

Happy National Dog Day, or as we like to call it, Dawg Day!

Get the UGA coloring pages you never knew you needed

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These coloring pages are perfect for Bulldog fans of any age, whether you use them to distract a toddler, de-stress after a long day, or decorate your space with reminders of Athens. And yes, you can use more colors than just red and black … just no orange!

Show us your creativity by posting these on social media and tagging the UGA Alumni Association and be sure to include #AlwaysADawg.

Click on each of the following images to download them. Don’t worry; we’ve made them printer-friendly! [And we added a new option in Spring 2020].

 

May the Fourth Be With You: Star Wars and the Dawgs

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Throughout generations, one firm thing has remained a cornerstone in nerd culture: Star Wars. Whether you love or hate the prequels, no matter your opinion on Solo, and whether or not you think Han shot first, fans have remained passionate about and loyal to the Star Wars universe.

A similar passion can be found among Georgia Bulldog fans. And when the two combine, it only leads to greatness.

On May the Fourth, we’re proud to bring you five ways the Dawgs and Star Wars are connected – enjoy you will: 

1. Former Georgia football player Chris Conley (ABJ ’14) makes viral Star Wars fan film.

In 2014, then junior wide receiver Conley wrote and starred in a Star Wars fan film called “Retribution.” The 26-minute film has over half a million views, and led to plenty of interviews asking for Conley’s Star Wars opinions. Now playing professionally for the Jacksonville Jaguars, fans just have to wait until December for Conley to share his thoughts on the upcoming Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker. 

Former UGA wide receiver Conley created a Star Wars fan video.

Former UGA wide receiver Conley created a Star Wars fan video.

2. Kemp Remillard (BFA ’04) illustrates Star Wars books.

After studying graphic design at UGA, Remillard established a sucessful career as a concept artist, designer and professional illustrator. In particular, Remillard illustrated all of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens Incredible Cross-Sections” and “Star Wars:  The Last Jedi Incredible Cross-Sections”  and illustrated cross-sections in “Star Wars: Complete Locations” and “Star Wars: Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide.” Remillard now works for Massive Black Inc., and has done work for other well-known companies such as Hasbro, DK and Cartoon Network. 

 

Baker speaks to UGA students during a guest presentation in April 2018.

Baker speaks to UGA students during a guest presentation in April 2018. Photo courtesy of Sarah Freeman/Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication

3. Grady grad turned Imagineer designs Disney’s Star Wars land.

Once he had completed working on the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” for Universal Studios, Eric Baker (ABJ ’90) was offered a job he couldn’t refuse: designing “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” for The Walt Disney Company. Imagineer Baker had been sworn to secrecy about most things at the time of his meeting with UGA students in 2018. Still, he gushed about his time visiting Skywalker Ranch, stopping by the set of Solo: A Star Wars Story and seeing original film props. When “Galaxy’s Edge” opens May 31, 2019, don’t forget that there was a Dawg behind it all. 

 

 

4. Caitlin Plesher (AB ’15, AB ’15) co-hosts Star Wars podcast.

With nearly 4,000 Twitter followers, Skytalkers is a bi-weekly podcast covering all things Star Wars. Plesher and her co-host, Charlotte Errity, were invited to the recent Star Wars Celebration in Chicago, and featured on the Podcast Stage. They recently celebrated 100 episodes of Skytalkers. Be sure to check out this podcast for a Dawg’s view on the Star Wars universe. 

Plesher and co-host Errity discuss Star Wars in their "Skytalkers" podcast.

Plesher and co-host Errity discuss Star Wars in their “Skytalkers” podcast. Photo courtesy of Skytalkers.

5. Marshall Shepherd explains weather in the Star Wars universe.

Prior to the release of The Force Awakens, Marshall Shepherd, professor and director of UGA’s atmosphere sciences department, wrote an article for Forbes on the science of the weather on the different Star Wars planets. Shepherd compares the environments on Earth to the desert planet of Tatooine and the ice planet of Hoth. This article combines the world of Star Wars and atmospheric sciences, a combination that not many people can say they are experts in. Thanks, Dr. Shepherd! 

No matter what walk of life we are from, Bulldogs can agree: Star Wars is one of the most storied science fiction universes of all time. Have a great May the Fourth, and may the Force be with you, always!  

 

Get Ready for G-Day 2019

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football

Mark your calendars! G-Day 2019 is less than a week away. As you prepare to come back to campus for another exciting spring game in Sanford Stadium, here are some fun-filled activities happening before the big game.

Friday, April 19 

5 p.m. – 7 p.m: Jonathan Ledbetter and Isaac Nauta Bookstore Signings

Come to the UGA bookstore to meet and get autographs from some of your favorite UGA greats and NFL prospects! Call or stop by the bookstore to purchase your tickets today!

*Make a gift during the first ever Georgia Giving Week and get 20% off your bookstore purchase! Visit givingweek.uga.edu for more information.

Price: $15 per ticket/signature

 

Saturday, April 20

8:00 a.m. Athens Farmers Market

The Athens Farmers Market at Bishop Park hosts around 45 vendors a weekend, live music, children’s activities and cooking demos.

Location: 705 Sunset Dr., Athens, GA 30606

Price: FREE

 

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Elijah Holyfield and Mecole Hardman Bookstore Signings

Come to the UGA bookstore to meet and get autographs from some of your favorite UGA greats and NFL prospects! Call or stop by the bookstore to purchase your tickets today!

*Make a gift during the first ever Georgia Giving Week and get 20% off your bookstore purchase! Visit givingweek.uga.edu for more information.

Price: $25 per ticket/signature

 

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ARTini’s Paint Fundraiser for ESP

Come have some fun with paint with us & help raise some funds for one of our amazing local organizations, Extra Special People!

Location: 337 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30601

Price: $24, 50% donated to ESP

 

G-Day game information

11 a.m. Gates open

11:15 a.m. Alumni Football game

2 p.m. G-Day game

SEC Clear bag policy will be in effect. Parking is free and open to the public. G-Day game can be viewed on the SEC Network.

 

Chapter Game Watching Parties

Unable to make it to Athens for G-Day? Don’t worry, Bulldawgs never bark alone. Check out the Alumni Event Calendar to see if there is a game watching party near you!

 

Tailgates

MBA Alumni Tailgate: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Davis Courtyard of Correll Hall on Lumpkin Street

Price: $20 per person, children under 12 free

Register here

MPA GSPA Tailgate: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: front lawn Baldwin Hall

Price: FREE

Doc & Roc Henderson Barbeque Tailgate Party: 11 a.m.

Location: Myers Quad

Prices vary based on plate orders. Order plates here.

For more information, visit their Facebook page.

 

Giving Week Starts Now!

G-Day marks the beginning of the first ever Georgia Giving Week, and we’re calling all Dawgs to show their loyalty. Gifts from alumni and friends can help ensure that every deserving student has an opportunity to earn a UGA education regardless of their financial background. Every gift counts. All Giving Week donors will get 20% off at the UGA Bookstore and an exclusive Georgia pennant magnet. Give now at givingweek.uga.edu.

Allstate Sugar Bowl Events for Alumni

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Whether you’re traveling to New Orleans to catch the Allstate Sugar Bowl in person or attending a game watching party in your hometown or that of a relative, check out our exhaustive list of events to get you in the Bulldog spirit this January 1.

Cheer for the Dawgs will fellow Bulldog Faithful as we kick off 2019 with a battle against the University of Texas – a match-up that has been over 20 years in the making. Go Dawgs!

Keep the main thing the main thing

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This post was written by Clarke Schwabe (ABJ ’08), a true Bulldog fan and the proposal writer for the UGA Division of Development and Alumni Relations.

It’s been an unforgettable season for UGA’s football team. Despite how we felt Tuesday morning, there’s still plenty of reasons to be proud of the Georgia Bulldogs.

This year’s squad demonstrated what it means to give it your all, to work together, and to play with heart. The results speak for themselves.

Roquan Smith became the first Georgia player to receive the Butkus Award, a trophy given to the nation’s best collegiate linebacker.

Roquan Smith accepting the award for Most Valuable Player for the SEC Championship game. Photo Courtesy of Reann Huber, www.reannhuber.com

Nick Chubb and Sony Michel’s combined career rushing yardage surpassed the famed Southern Methodist University “Pony Express” tandem of Eric Dickerson and Craig James, a Football Bowl Subdivision record that stood for 35 years.

And UGA’s Rose Bowl performance stamped the Bulldog name firmly into the lore of “The Granddaddy of Them All,” setting records for the longest field goal in bowl history (Rodrigo Blankenship’s 55-yarder), most points scored by both teams (102), and the first overtime in the game’s 104-year history.

These groundbreaking achievements, along with dozens of others from 2017 (Terry Godwin’s one-handed touchdown grab, Lorenzo Carter’s sky-high field goal block) now indelibly written into UGA history, lifted Georgia into territory it has not traversed in recent years. But there is little reason to think the Dawgs will only get a brief taste of this rarefied air.

Terry Godwin’s impressive one-handed touchdown catch against Notre Dame. Photo Courtesy of Icon Sportswire, Getty.

Of the team’s freshmen and sophomores (a group that includes Freshman All-Americans Jake Fromm and Andrew Thomas, as well as Blankenship, Ben Cleveland, D’Andre Swift and Mecole Hardman), 30 players played in 10 or more games and the group has more than 90 starts among them.

An experienced group of underclassmen will also be bolstered by what is widely considered UGA’s most elite football recruiting class—a class, according to 247 Sports’ composite ranking system, that ranks in the top 10 since the turn of the century. Of the seven five-star recruits signed to SEC rosters for 2018, six are coming to Athens.

Sophomore Wide Receiver Mecole Hardman jumps through the Georgia G before a victory over Mississippi State. Photo Courtesy of Blane Marble Photography, www.blanemarble.com

The Bulldogs have a handful of new national and school records, a stable of proven, young players ready to take the reins, and one of the best recruiting classes coming to campus.

So, how ‘bout them Dawgs?

With more than 200 days to go before the Dawgs are back between the hedges, here are some other ways you can stay connected to the University of Georgia!

The Dawgs are going to the ‘Ship!

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The Bulldogs are on a relentless pursuit to win the National Championship for the first time since 1980. No matter where you are on Monday – Bulldogs never bark alone!

Continue reading below for the most up-to-the-minute information about activities in Atlanta and across the country during the National Championship.

Game Watching Parties
Whether you’re near or far from Atlanta, chapter game watching parties are free, fun and attended by passionate Bulldogs. Graduate, parent, student or friend – all are invited to these events. Find my party!

Men’s Basketball vs Alabama
Before they meet in Atlanta, the Dawgs and the Tide will face each other in Stegeman Coliseum on Saturday, January 6 at noon. Get tickets now!

Pre-Game Tailgate
Monday, January 8
3:00 to 6:30 p.m.
The Southern Exchange
$150/person
Register Here

Playoff Fan Central
January 6-8
Georgia World Congress Center
Family-friendly event incl. games, clinics, pep rallies, performances, signings
$8/person in advance, $10/person at the door
Children 12 and under are free with ticketed adult

AT&T Playoff Playlist Live
January 6-8
Centennial Olympic Park
Free live music, including performances from Jason Derulo, Darius Rucker and The Chainsmokers, throughout the day

Media Day
January 6
Phillips Arena
Free and open to the public
Fans are invited to watch as both teams and coaching staffs participate in media interviews prior to the national championship game

View the complete list of official National Championship activities

Gameday Tips + Logistics
Visit collegefootballplayoff.com for National Championship logistics, including maps, directions, public transportation guides, parking tips and stadium policies.

ATL Recommendations: Eat, Shop, Visit
Traveling to Atlanta for the National Championship? Members of your Young Alumni, Women of UGA and Black Alumni leadership councils have suggestions on the best places to visit, eat, shop and more before you prepare to cheer the Dawgs to victory against the Crimson Tide!

Get Social
Show us how you’re watching the Dawgs and celebrating the National Championship by using #AlwaysADawg or #BAMAvsUGA on social media! We’ll post throughout the day, so you can follow along from wherever you are.

The Dawgs are invading Pasadena!

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After an exciting SEC Championship victory against the Auburn Tigers, the Georgia Bulldogs will travel to Pasadena, California, to battle the Oklahoma Sooners in the Rose Bowl on January 1. No matter where you live, we hope you will join the Bulldog Nation as we cheer for the boys in the silver britches!

Official Pre-Game Tailgate Information

Join fellow Bulldogs in Pasadena for the official pre-game tailgate at the Rose Bowl! This event will take place at Brookside Golf Club (located on the north side of the stadium) from 10:00 to 1:00 p.m. PST. Registration costs $150 per person and includes food, beverages, entertainment and Bulldog festivities. Registration is $129 for all those under 21 years of age. Walk-ups are welcome until capacity is reached.

LEARN MORE

The Rose Bowl is also offering a free FanFest for the public, which will include entertainment, music and other festivities. Tickets for FanFest are not required. 

Rose Bowl Game Watching Parties

Can’t make it to Pasadena? Alumni chapters across the country are furiously planning and are excited to host game watching parties for the Rose Bowl!

FIND YOUR CHAPTER

 

Other Rose Bowl Activities and Details

SOLD OUT: Parade Viewing Party + Brunch
Hosted by the SoCal Dawgs Alumni Chapter
Barney’s Beanery in Old Town Pasadena
$38/person
Includes buffet, juice, coffee, soft drinks, cash bar
Enjoy a reserved spot on the parade route and look for the Redcoat Marching Band
Space is limited; reserve your spot now!

Gameday Tips + Logistics
Visit tournamentofroses.com for Rose Bowl logistics, including maps, directions, public transportation guides, parking tips and stadium policies.

#RoseBowlUGA
Show us how you’re ringing in the New Year watching the Dawgs! We’ll post throughout the day, so you can follow along from wherever you are.

75 Years Later, UGA Returns to the Rose Bowl
When UGA’s football team played in the Rose Bowl in 1943, halfback Frank Sinkwich commanded the field. Now 75 years later, fullback Frank Sinkwich IV, great-grandson of Frank Sinkwich, will join his teammates in Pasadena when the Bulldogs play Oklahoma in the 104th Rose Bowl game. Continue reading.

https://www.facebook.com/universityofga/videos/10154904241151682/

UGA Vet Med horse to be featured in Rose Bowl Parade
Three years ago, a horse owned by David Helmuth of Milledgeville, Georgia, was referred to the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital for a broken bone in his front leg. Today, Rusty is preparing to lead the first–ever six-horse stagecoach team for Wells Fargo in the 2018 Rose Parade New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California. Continue reading.

The National Championship Experience Pre-Sale
The UGA Alumni Association and UGA Athletics will offer National Championship hotel and tailgate packages (game ticket not included) through Georgia Sports Travel. You can reserve your spot today for $99, which is fully refundable. Your reservation will be confirmed automatically *when* Georgia wins the Rose Bowl.