It’s official! The Dawgs are heading to Memphis to face TCU in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Dec 30th. Trust me, I know at first glance it doesn’t seem like an exciting bowl trip. Going to Memphis at the end of the year to watch the 7-5 Bulldogs take on the 6-6 Horned Frogs, ESPECIALLY considering the last time Dawg Nation made the trip to Memphis, they went down 10-6 to UCF. Well I’m here to tell you there is reason to be excited. I am and let me give you a few reasons why you should be too.
The game! It seems like just yesterday we were all heading to The GA Dome to get the season kicked off and now its over. Not only is it over it ended on a BAD note. This game gives us a chance to get the taste of that loss out of our mouths.
Kirby and the players. Individual game outcomes aside, this program gave us everything they had week in and week out. They deserve our support. Kirby is our Head Coach (like it or not) and we need to support him. This will also be the last time 20 seniors will suit up in the Red and Black. Here is the FULL LIST of all the seniors.
Nick and Sony! Will this be the last time we see this duo in the backfield for UGA? Probably. Nick Chubb has been a beast for UGA. He is currently 3rd in all time rushing yards for the Dawgs behind Herschel and Gurley. Chubb should pass Gurley at the bowl game since he is only 3 yards behind and the Horned Frogs average giving up 4.11 per attempt this year. When Nick has been injured or unavailable, Sony has given his all to fill in for this team. He may not have the yardage Chubb does but he has been a BIG part of this team the last season and half.
Can’t sell you on just the game alone? Ever been to Memphis? No? You SHOULD!
Good eating! There is good BBQ all throughout Memphis, but a couple that are famous that I visited back in 2010 are my favorite:
Central BBQ and Rendezvous. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at either restaurant, and both are famous for their dry rub ribs. Expect a wait, but its worth it! I’ll visit Central multiple times.
Music scene. If you enjoy good music you’ll find it in Memphis! Whether it’s Blues on Beale Street, or touring Sun Records Recording Studio “Where Rock & Roll Was Born,” you can see where Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Merle Haggard and Elvis Pressley and numerous others recorded albums.
Speaking of Elvis, Graceland is worth a visit. I went last time and thoroughly enjoyed it. It sounds cheesy or corny, but its pretty cool! Plus if you happen to be a fan of the Commodores, they are preforming at halftime.
Gambling is close by. If rolling the dice and splitting 10s is your thing, take a quick one-hour drive over the state line to Tunica, Mississippi for a handful of awesome casinos to choose from. Gold Strike, Sam’s Town are a pair to experience for yourself!
The atmosphere! I’ve mentioned Beale Street already but it’s a great place to go out and have fun at night. Restaurant and bars line the street and at night comes to life with live music.
The bowl also puts on activities daily for fans of both schools like parades, pep rallies and more! You can see that schedule HERE!
If none of these reasons can get you interested in joining me in Memphis later this month. Well…stay home because you’re probably not any fun anyway! If you do come, find me I’ll buy you a beer!
Get your tickets for the game HERE!
“Road Dawg” Adam Gillespie
Producer of “The Georgia Bulldog Roundtable”
Adam Gillespie
WCNN 680 The Fan & 93.7 FM
Producer Bulldog Roundtable
Senior Road Show Producer
680 The Fan – “The Official Sports Talk Station of the Georgia Bulldogs”
