Unless you’ve been living under a rock lately, you’ve heard that my beloved Dawgs have been ranked (by those who know what the hell they’re talking about) #1 in most pre-season polls. I don’t believe in all of that “SI curse” bullcrap, but I do think every team on our schedule will be gunning to knock us off our cloud.
No matter though. I truly belive this year is going to be special. Whether we win it all or get geared up for what most believe is our real shot at an mnc title: next year. Either way, I think we’re ready. Despite the injuries, our run for the Fulmer Cup, and the throngs of naysayers, I think know we’re the best team in football. No question!
Apparently CMR thought such a special team and special year deserved a motto of its own. “Finish The Drill” has served us well the past several years, bringing SEC crowns, division titles, and BCS bowl wins. But let’s face it, a year with this level of expectation and excitement requires a little more motivation than what’s served us in the past. So Bulldawg Nation, I give to you the new motto for the 2008 season:
“Focus On The Moment”
I’m never one to knock Coach Richt, but my initial reaction to this was…”Huh?” Quite frankly, it sounds like the theme from 1984 Prom at a high school in Perry, Georgia. Its not exactly what I expected, but I’ll go with it. I just hope the coaches don’t start wearing the t-shirts to match. Anyways, my giggles stopped when I read a few quotes from our players.
Senior linebacker Dannell Ellerbe said that focus on the moment “means we have to keep a level head and stay focused. We’re focused on one day at a time, one week at a time. I mean, ain’t no tellin’ the outcome should be in our favor every game.”
Fellow senior Tripp Chandler agrees, saying that “the sky’s the limit for this team. I think we have a lot of really good football players. Our coaching staff is top in the nation, I believe. And I think with our work ethic, I don’t think there’s anything that could stop us, besides ourselves.”
It doesn’t exactly strike fear in the hearts of our opponents like “Junkyard Dawgs” or motivate like “One More Time”, but I guess its not supposed to. Its a new day, a new team, and a new goal. Whatever it takes for this team to bring home that crystal trophy is alright by me. So goodbye “Finish The Drill” and hello “Focus On The Moment.”
I’m hoping the more I say it, the less gay it sounds. Ugh.
If the new motto doesn’t get you excited enough for Saturday, hopefully this will:
See y’all at Sanford on Saturday!
Go Dawgs!
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Ally,
Coach Richt has said all summer that he wants the players to focus on what they can do “this day” to get better and to do this every day. He has tried hard to direct their focus away from MNC thoughts and onto “today’s workout” or “today’s film study” and so on. This mantra would then translate into the proverbial “take it one game at a time” approach. It is certainly not a slogan that Patton would use before the Battle of the Bulge, but if it helps our kids focus on this week and only this week, I like it!
Can’t wait to see how it works out in 5 days. GATA!
Hamp –
Yeah I know. And I said I really don’t care what the slogan is if it works, you know? Just thought it was a little funny. Sorry – hope I didn’t offend anyone.
Go Dawgs!
I am sure you didn’t offend anyone. I was just highlighting what Richt has been preaching all summer to try and keep the guys focused. I hope it worked.
3 days and a wake up.