Tony’s Take | UGA | Kicking Operation | Chop On | Super 6 + 1 

By Tony Duckworth, [email protected]

UGA.  Kirby improved to 3 – 7 all-time against BAMA in a really entertaining contest that left Tide fans so frustrated they hurled objects at the Dawgs following the 20 – 17 home loss.  The objects hurt less than the leaked tapes of Kirby’s locker room speech(es), a once sacred domain, whose words would make your mama blush.  If you were offended, don’t worry, no one inside the locker room minded. 

It’s time for critics of OC Bobo to give him credit.  Bobo called a nearly flawless game despite having key receivers and running backs out of the contest due to injuries. Gunner (18 for 22 | 249 yards | 1 TD) continues to prove he is better than advertised.  Some of his downfield throws were remarkable.   I can’t imagine there will ever be a better fit to lead Kirby’s squad.  Hardnosed, tenacious competitor, team-over-me mentality, no off-the-field drama, boyish humility, leader, and student of the game.   

The argument can be made is that if Kirby wins another national championship or two, he should be in the conversation as the greatest CFB coach of all time.  Kirby has a better winning percentage (.851) than Saban, and he led UGA to back-to-back national championships.  Arguably, the separating factor under consideration would be Kirby’s ability to win during the modern CFB era and the new Portal/NIL era. 

Time will tell, but one thing is for certain – Kirby and the Dawgs will continue to rack up win after win with no end in sight.  As Kirby says – Go Dawgs!    

Kicking Operation.  Every sport has unsung heroes or units that get overlooked. The middle-inning relievers in baseball who keep the game in reach in high-leverage situations, or a defensive specialist in basketball who neutralizes an explosive offensive player.  Football fans take for granted all that goes into making an extra point and field goal.  The placekicker takes 99% of the blame or praise, game in and game out, but there is so much more than toe meeting leather.  

The long snapper has to provide an accurate snap with high velocity to the holder. The holder has to secure the ball, place the ball on the surface, rotate and tilt the ball on the ground so the laces are aligned to the kicker’s preference.  The line has to protect the kick against down blockers and various rushing schemes designed to create confusion to block the kick.  The kicker has to account for his footing, wind, and other elements, while the trajectory has to be correct to avoid the rushers. 

The Jags ended the game against the Eagles with a backup snapper who was part of the game-winning 57-yard walk-off in London following an improbable game-winner. Jags defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton executed the snap that led to the game-winning kick. Hamilton saw action as long snapper in Week 18 last season, and between punts, extra points, and field goals, he snapped six on Sunday.  ESPN’s Michael DiRocco wrote: “(Hamilton) joked that he isn’t going to ask for extra reps this week. 

“No, I’m fine,” he said. “Hopefully I don’t have to do it next week. We can move on, but it was fun.” 

Little’s celebration in the end zone after his walk-off kick ended with him up on a couple of players’ shoulders. Punter Logan Cooke said the 6-foot-4, 335-pound Hamilton deserved to be carried off the field, too. 

“If I could, I would lift him for sure,” he said. “You can get a crane, but …” 

Chop On.  The Braves season was a success.  A playoff series win following several seasons of opening-round elimination, an NL East Division crown, and 94 regular-season wins.  This success took place with only two legitimate starting arms, batting no-shows from the left side of the end field, and an offense that relied too much on the long ball.   

Thanks to a top-tier bullpen and the long ball, the Braves were able to take steps forward under first-year skipper Walt Weiss.  Besides the inevitable off-season lockout looming over MLB, will Braves GM AA find a way to address the needs of the organization to take the next step to make a run at the ultimate hardware?   

Super 6 + 1.  Auburn @ #1 UGA | #2 NOTRE DAME @ #8 byu | #4 OH ST @ #4 Indy |  #6 BAMA @ #14 Tenn | #13 Mizzou @ #9 MISS | #18 Ok State @ 20 HOUSTON |  GA Tech @ VA TECH | Record 21 – 14 

Tony Duckworth is a Macon native and President and CEO of the Albany Area YMCA. Tony worked in intercollegiate athletics for thirty-one years. He served as an NCAA Division II Director of Athletics at three universities after ten years as head men’s basketball coach at two colleges. eMail Tony Duckworth at [email protected].