Winning Smart Victory Post #116

#1 Life rule from Podunk:

When first dating a man, all his faults are “cute,” later they become annoying, eventually, they become things you will kill him over.

Yesterday was the latest installment of Clean Old-Fashioned Hate. For the first time, one side (the good guys) has beaten the other a record. Eight. Times. In. A. Row.

Four years ago, COFH was held at Bobby Dodd Stadium, so Podunk’s season tickets weren’t in play. Three years ago, it was at Sanford, so I invited my eldest (she of the NATS degree) to join me there. Two years ago, I suggested she might (as an alumnus, and since Yech wasn’t having a stellar year) be able to get tickets, so we went again. Last year, she was supposed to accompany me, but spent the evening in the ER instead, having contracted a nasty case of shingles too close to her eyes (she has since recovered).

This year, since the powers that be on North Ave decided money (specifically $10 million) talks, Mercedes-Benz Stadium (our home away from home) was decided upon as the venue. I didn’t have the opportunity to purchase tix from UGA, so I reached out to a former colleague (who was the faculty sponsor for a team both children participated in) who happens to be a season ticket holder for Tech. Colleague thought it sounded great for us to go together – providing me with the necessary code to purchase tickets at face value.

We were later than expected leaving, but still in plenty of time. Eldest had procured parking near the stadium for a reasonable price. When we parked, the lot had a raffle. Very few people had purchased raffle tickets, so she decided to purchase $20 worth. Five tickets, and she kept three, and allowed me two (this will be important later).

As we entered the stadium, there was an elderly gentleman in front of us, accompanied by what looked to be his son. The elderly gentleman was having trouble walking unaided, so he ended up being patted down. As we passed them, my child said “I want to offer him my cane”. Folks, she has some health issues that cause her mobility issues, so she seldom goes to a large event without one, and the one she chose yesterday is one of her favorites. As I expected, the gentleman initially refused, but she was insistent, and he did end up accepting it. In the end, she didn’t need it on the way back to the car, and she has others, so I hope he gets many years of its use, and remembers her fondly.

We decided to purchase refreshments before heading to our seats. I made sure to have a Chick-fil-A sandwich (and at MB, you can get actual waffle fries!).

When we headed to our seats, I found to my delight that we were right next to Tech’s Band! I knew that we would be on the gnats’ side, but to be on the aisle right next to the band – I couldn’t have asked for more. Podunk would have approved – she, eldest and I all were part of the flagline in high school, so we all know that the band is where the fun is. To add to the fun, each of us received texts during the game – I won the grand prize in the parking raffle, and eldest had won two lesser prizes!

The game itself was what I hoped – reasonably played, minimal injuries and in the end, a W.

However, it is our intention to celebrate Georgia Bulldog Football Wins whenever and wherever they occur. The ugliness or beauty of any particular win is irrelevant for the purposes of the Winning Smart Victory Post. It is therefore my deepest honor and privilege to bring to you this week’s edition of: The Winning Smart Victory Post.

Coach Kirby Smart coached his 136th game this week for the Red & Black. He currently boasts a 116-20 record and a 0.8529 winning percentage, having carded his one hundred sixteenth win overall in the twelfth game of the 2025 season against the gNats of the North Avenue Trade School.

At the identical juncture in their careers:

Vince Dooley’s 136th game as head coach resulted in a Georgia Bulldogs win over the Golden Bears of California in the 1976 season opener, giving Coach Dooley a record of 92-40-5 and 0.6949 percentage.

Coach Mark Richt was 100-36 (0.7353) after a 20-12 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers in the sixth game of the 2011 season.

One hundred and thirty six games into his head coaching career Kirby Smart is sixteen games ahead of Coach Mark Richt and ahead of Coach Vince Dooley by 24 games. As of now, he is holding his own versus the two winningest coaches in Georgia Football History.

As always . . .

Go ‘Dawgs !!!!