Ding, ding…let the “Super Battle on the Capstone” begin! – Bulldawg Illustrated

After what has always been a pleasant week off from games, it's great to be back in front of my laptop putting the finishing touches on another issue of Bulldawg Illustrated, especially with the upcoming Super Fight on the Capstone starting Saturday night in Tuscaloosa.

Ding, ding!!!

Hammy Culpepper from BI and I had a lot of fun brainstorming for the cover of this issue. The idea was to recreate old boxing posters like Ali-Frazier, etc. Whether Coach Smart or Coach DeBoer wants to admit it, the plot of this episode of Dawgs vs. Tide revolves around these coaches facing off against each other for the first time.

ESPN agrees, as I saw a commercial this Sunday morning where they actually mentioned Ali-Frazier while panning the video of Smart and DeBoer. Not so fast, Bristol, Hammy and I started planning our covers a week ago!

Seriously, Saturday night's game is huge for both coaches and of course even bigger for the players on the field.

For Coach Smart, a win in Tuscalossa will no doubt ease long-standing bitterness over Bama, not only for himself, but for his team and the entire Bulldog Nation. Unlike in years past, a loss in this game isn't so bad because of the 12-team playoffs. But don't tell that to the loyal Red and Black fans who desperately need a win over the Tide.

Not only is it important for Coach DeBoer to have his team start the SEC season with a win, but a win over the Dawgs also confirms that his hiring is a damn good decision. I have to say, DeBoer is pretty impressive and I remind all Dawg fans that winning in T-Town is never easy. NEVER!!!

The countdown to the “Super Battle on the Capstone” can begin. It will be a hell of a battle…

Ding, ding.

This BI issue will certainly prepare you for it.

In their columns, Jeff Dantzler (page 10) and Loran Smith (page 44) delve deep into the history of the Georgia-Alabama series. JD also glorifies the victory over the Tide (in Indy) that led to the national championship. And Loran gives readers some history that I would say you won't find anywhere else. Enjoy, and thanks to JD and Loran!

This edition also contains all of our normal SPORTS coverage to get you ready for the Bama game. Our entire BI team deserves kudos for not only consistently delivering quality content, but also for always hitting their deadlines. I say this especially because next week's Auburn edition will be a big one (and is scheduled to be released the Sunday after the Bama night game).

Enjoy all the photos from the road trip to Lexington in the SOCIAL section of this issue. Kentucky fans are always fun to be around because they are always great hosts. By my calculations (with the new SEC scheduling), it could be another five years before Georgia fans can travel to the Bluegrass State again. Hopefully the game will be in October. Both the Bulldog Nation and Keeneland deserve to be reunited!

Finally, read a lot about Colby DeCesare (Proust Q&A – page 40), the Director of Facilities Operations and Maintenance for UGA Athletics, in our Social section. I always joke with Colby by asking him if Kirby keeps him busy. I know the answer because it is often visible on his tired face. However, Colby absolutely loves his job and does it with great pride. He is also very grateful for the opportunities everyone at Butts-Mehre gives him (since Greg McGarity).

So Dawgs fans, get ready for battle. See you Saturday night at the Super Fight on the Capstone. May the best coach and team win…Go Dawgs!!