Perspective

Old Georgia barn on Hwy. 15 (from here.)

In conversations with the locals over the past week, I've come to realize that LSU fans think they've got a lot in common with those of us who bleed red and black.

Bad team, bad coach. Our programs are going in the wrong direction. We need the season to mercifully end and, in the off season, we need to make some major changes. 

It's like they want to commiserate with me. 

But here's the thing: LSU is undefeated, with a 5-0 record on the season. UGA is still searching for a win in the SEC and stands at 1-4. 

Tigers, you'll have to pardon me if I don't feel your pain. 

Things are gloomy in dear old Athens town. And some 700 miles away, things aren't any brighter for anyone with a Georgia flag flying out front. I'm disappointed. I'm frustrated. I'm downright baffled by too many red zone visits that end with three points on the board, not seven. I can't explain a 3-4 defense, but I know what tackles look like and I'd sure like to see more of 'em.

But I'm not embarrassed to be a Bulldog. My loyalty doesn't deepen during winning seasons, and it doesn't fade when the getting is not so good. I'm no bandwagon fan; my Georgia roots run deep. I have an old Georgia yearbook with photos of my great-uncles as students. I have my grandmother's freshman beanie. My parents officially met at Georgia. They're alumns, like me, my brother, my husband, my aunts and uncles and cousins. Matthew proposed on campus at Herty Field.

Heck, I actually know the words to the University's alma mater!

For me, being a Bulldog isn't just about tailgating and touchdowns. It's rich tradition and family history and fond memories. It's respecting the Arch by not walking through as a freshman. It's North Campus in the spring. It's "Battle Hymn" and "Glory, Glory." I could go on.

Don't get me wrong, I want to win football games. And I want the right people in the right positions to make that happen—frequently and in a dominating fashion. Is that Richt? I don't know, and I'm glad I'm not the one who makes those decisions.

As for the Tigers, when you can't enjoy a 5-0 start, well, I think you need a little perspective. Things could definitely be worse. Yes, the most difficult stretch of their schedule is still to come, with Florida, Auburn and Alabama coming up in the next four weeks. But after seeing last week's game, I've got this theory that involves Les Miles and a deal with a New Orleans voodoo queen, and I'm betting the coach will find a way to pull a few more mind-boggling wins out of his ubiquitous white hat.

As for me, I'll still be rooting for my Dawgs each and every Saturday because, as the Redcoats say at the end of every game: Once a Dawg, always a Dawg. How sweet it is!