Georgia Football: Ten Things to be Thankful For

Thanksgiving is upon us, so here is a list of ten things Georgia football fans have to be thankful for.

The 2015 campaign hasn’t exactly been what Georgia football fans expected coming into it, but that doesn’t mean Dawg fans have nothing to be thankful for.

So, to go along with mac ‘n cheese and stuffing as a nice trimming for your Thanksgiving feast, here are ten things, in no particular order, that Georgia football fans have to be thankful for.

1. Jacob Eason is still committed to Georgia.

The Dawgs’ quarterback situation has been less than ideal this season (to put it nicely), but if everything goes as planned that should not be the case next year as highly-touted freshman quarterback Jacob Eason will finally makes Athens his home this January. Eason’s forthcoming success is not a guarantee, but if his high school stats and highlights are any indication of what’s to come then Dawg fans should be licking their chops thinking about the future. Even with the not-so-impressive play the Dawgs have showcased this season, Eason has not wavered from his commitment, which he made in July of 2014. That speaks highly not only of the young man’s honor but of his love for Athens and the University of Georgia, and hopefully that love will translate to victories in 2016 and beyond.

2. Nick Chubb has another year of eligibility.

To be honest, I’m not at all sure of when Nick Chubb will be able to play again or if he will suit up again for the Dawgs. But the fact that there is a possibility that we will see #27 gashing defenses again is something to be thankful for. Just imagine how powerful our offense would be with Jacob Eason AND Nick Chubb.

3. Devon Gales’ condition is improving.

Gales is the young Southern University player who suffered a scary neck injury on a kickoff return when he collided head-first with Georgia kicker Marshall Morgan. Since the incident, which occurred on September 26th, Gales has been rehabbing at Atlanta’s Shepherd Center where he has been greeted with love and prayers by Georgia players, coaches and fans. The injury was paralyzing, but Gales has since regained strength in his upper body. The fact that the young man is alive and improving is something Georgia fans, and all people, should be thankful for.

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4. Malcolm Mitchell is healthy.

Malcolm Mitchell, once among the most promising and potential-filled players in all of college football, has seen his career somewhat derailed due to injuries he received in the latter part of his career. 2015, however, has been something of a revival for the receiver from Valdosta. Mitchell is now back at full health, blowing past defenders, juking them out of their shoes, and making big-time catches like he did in his first two seasons. Without Mitchell, Georgia’s already lackluster passing game would be nonexistent so the health of the young man, who is now a published author, is definitely something to be thankful for.

5. Steve Spurrier has retired.

Although we were able to get the best of him in what would be the Ole Ball Coaches’ last dance with the Dawgs, the Visor has been a constant thorn in the side of Georgia’s football teams in the past. It didn’t matter what the records of the two teams were or if there was a talent discrepancy, Spurrier’s Gators and Gamecocks always knew how to get the Dawgs. But the 2016 season will be one without Spurrier, thankfully. At least that’s what he wants us to think.

6. We have a chance to win 10 games.

Even with the Dawgs’ shortcomings on offense, with victories over the nerds and our bowl opponent, Georgia can win 10 games for the 10th time in 15 seasons under Mark Richt. Contrary to what many delusional Dawg fans think, 10 wins is nothing to sneeze at. Just ask Georgia Tech, Auburn and Tennessee, among a multitude of other programs, what it feels like to not reach double-digit wins in 2015.

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7. Brice Ramsey is exceeding expectations.

Punting is an important part of the game, just ask Michigan fans. To have found a solid punter like we have in Brice Ramsey is something to be thankful for. Sure we recruited him as a quarterback, but I would rather have Punter Brice Ramsey than no Brice Ramsey at all.

8. Uga X, a.k.a. “Que”, is doing a great job following up Russ.

This season, the collar was passed from Georgia legend Uga IX, or “Russ”, to his successor “Que”, the new Uga X. Before the switch was officially made last Saturday against Georgia Southern, Que had taken a few in-game test drives to see how he would perform as Uga. Even though Que does not have brown spots like his grandpa Russ did, he’s still cute as a button and he figures to be a Damn Good Dawg just like the backup-turned-starter Russ is.

9. Targeting of turkeys is still legal.

Ever since the targeting penalty was introduced in 2013 Georgia has had its fair share of ugly brush-ins with it. The most notable occurrences came at Vanderbilt in consecutive trips. While players can no longer hit a defenseless player above the shoulders, we can still target defenseless turkeys with our forks and they still taste delicious.

10. We’re not Georgia Tech fans.

I know it’s a little brazen to say this before we play them, but the fact of the matter is that the Nerds have a 3-8 record. The Dawgs are 8-3. You don’t have to be an engineer or mathematician to know that eight is greater than three. Hopefully Tech retains Paul Johnson as their head coach because I would really be disappointed to not get to watch us plug up his archaic triple option offense every year.

So Dawg fans, if you were beginning to feel a little uneasy regarding this season just remember, all of the things you have to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving and Go Dawgs.