The University of Georgia Bulldogs football team is steeped in tradition and pride.
For fans of some teams, coming up with 25 reasons they love their team might be a tall order. Yet for UGA football fans, it is trying to whittle down the list that takes some effort. Bulldog pride reaches beyond what happens on the field and beyond what might happen tomorrow. The reasons to love Georgia football are as varied and eclectic as the fan base itself.
So, in no particular order, here are 25 reasons to don the red and black with pride:
1. Red and Black: Georgia colors look great on the field and in the stands. Even psychology backs it up. Red is for passion. Black is for power.
2. Pop Warner: Most people recognize Pop Warner as little league football. It is named after the coach who led Georgia to an undefeated season way back in 1897.
3. Hershel Walker: Before he took the NFL by storm or became a middle aged skull cracker, Hershel Walker was leading the Dawgs to their first national championship.
4. Between the hedges: The hedges that have surround the playing field in Sanford Stadium for over 80 years. According to ESPN, "The most famous flora in football, if not all of sports."
5. Vince Dooley: Vince Dooley coached Georgia for 24 years and won six SEC championships and brought Georgia a national title. Since retiring, Dooley is still an ambassador for UGA fans and a trustee with the university.
6. The G: The Green Bay Packers may have used the letter first, but when they saw Georgia's 1964 version of the "G" logo, they copied Georgia's.
7. World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party: Not many teams have an annual game that turns into a mini-Mardi Gras.
8. Georgia Pride: According to The Collegiate Licensing Comapny, U.G.A was in the top ten for all collegiate merchandise sold.
9. 1980: Since 1869, Only 41 teams have claimed a national title. Georgia is one of those few.
10. Mark Richt: Richt has had only one losing season in the last 11 years. He also has won two SEC Championships.
11. SEC Football: Whether the SEC is the best division in college football is debated every year. The fact the conference has unbelievable talent is not.
12. Aaron Murray: What can be more exciting than a record-breaking gunslinger?
13 .92,746 packed seats: Georgia's Sanford Stadium is the fifth largest on campus stadium in college football.
14. 62-39-5: Georgia fans can be proud of their record against hated in-state rival Georgia Tech.
15. UGA will bite you: In 1996, an Auburn player decided to run directly at Georgia's mascot, UGA. The Auburn player had to hit the brakes as UGA tried to defend his ground via his chompers.
16. Fran Tarkenton: Before he was a Hall of Famer, he was a Bulldog.
17. 65: Even in November, Athens Georgia averages a pleasant 65 degrees.
18. The bark: On kickoffs, Sanford Stadium thunders with a 90,000 voiced bark. It is something to behold.
19. Buck Belue: Thirty years ago, Buck Belue helped bring a national championship to UGA. Now, he sticks close by talking about the Dawgs on Atlanta radio station 680 the Fan.
20. Hunker down: Though legendary announcer Larry Munson has passed, his famous phrase is still an inspiring rallying cry.
21.The Varsity: This post-game tradition will have everyone asking, "Waddayahave, waddayahave?"
22. Athens: Georgia, not Greece. This college town comes to life at night. Perfect for celebrating a victory.
23. Dawgs: The nickname for the nickname is just fun to say. Try it. See what I mean.
24. Matthew Stafford: The fan-favorite on Saturdays is still followed by many on Sundays.
25. The Future: Georgia often gets accolades for its recruiting classes, and the 2012 class seems to have a lot of stars.
Christopher Beheler was born and raised in Georgia. He is a lifelong Georgia Bulldog fan.
