Rainey Thoughts

Before I get into my recap, there's one important thing you should know about me.  I'm a realist.  I'm not a warm and fuzzy, optimistic person always dreaming up fairy-tale endings, but I'm not doom-and-gloom either.  I'm happily in between.  I am a logical thinker and I use facts and past experiences to draw conclusions about current situations.  So that's why when Uncle Dave texted me in the first half about the game, the conversation went something like this: Uncle Dave: Isn't that Hutson Mason some kind of QB! Me: So far so good! Uncle Dave: LOL you're a hard woman sweet niece Me: If Georgia has taught me anything, I've learned it ain't over til it's over. Exactly one hour later in the second half... Me: See what I mean now? My hesitation to start celebrating early after a dominant first half had nothing to do with Hutson Mason (more on him later), but more to do with the fact that I've seen too many times compla...

I have to admit right off the bat, I was extremely pessimistic coming into this weekend's game.  I figured if we were able to pull off a win, it would be by a very narrow margin.  Never did I expect we would exhibit a display of total domination that would end in our first road shut-out win vs. an AP-ranked team in school history.  The best part about the win? It was a beautiful display of teamwork and heart.  A complete team effort. I'm a Gurley girl all the way.  Like the rest of the country, I think the kid has incredible talent.  But I was also one of those people who thought he was our team.  In my opinion, he single-handedly won us most of the games we've played this year.  When Mason couldn't come through or our defense was falling apart, Gurley was Gurley.  This week proved me wrong.  This team came out ready to fight and win for a friend whom they loved and respected, and to prove to America that they are more than Gurley's as...

It's been an emotional couple of days in Dawg Nation with the news of Gurley's suspension.  I've cycled through a variety of different emotions on the matter, but I've currently settled on anger.  Anger towards the asinine ways of the NCAA.  I've been asked more times than I can count what my thoughts are on the whole ordeal, (I had 5th graders running in my classroom at 7:20 this morning to talk to me about it.) so now that I've chosen one emotion to focus on (and eaten a whole bag of chocolate doughnuts) I just want to share a few things. Gurley PRESUMABLY is being investigated for actions related to this rule in the NCAA rule book: 12.1.2.1.6 Preferential Treatment, Benefits or Services. Preferential treatment, benefits or services because of the individual’s athletics reputation or skill or pay-back potential as a professional athlete, unless such treatment, benefits or services are specifically permitted under NCAA legislation. [R] (Revised: 1/11/94, ...

What a crazy weekend in college football! While I'd love to give my thoughts on all the chaos, I haven't had time to brush my hair in days so I'll just say this: as happy as I am that South Carolina lost (again) and pretty much knocked themselves out of contention for the SEC East (barring any more general college football chaos), can't say I'm too pleased with the fact that now our loss to them is no longer a quality loss.  Bummer. Also, kudos to the state of Mississippi. Now on to the important stuff.  Had the privilege of traveling to the Classic City for the game Saturday, in the hopes of seeing a better outcome than I witnessed last year on my trip to Nashville (A- That absolutely wasn't targeting. B- That stupid ship horn sound haunted me for weeks after that trip.). Also got to have some good debates with the brother about the state of affairs when it comes to this team.  My thoughts, summarized: The defense seemed to click earlier in the game this we...