It's Almost Cocktail Time

“Nothing is ever done beautifully which is done in [rivalries,] or nobly, which is done in pride.” – John Ruskin

The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party is my favorite of the year.  Of all of Georgia’s rivalry games, World’s Largest Cocktail Party is my favorite of the year.  Although the Bulldogs have lost three in a row, I am hopefully this will be our year to reverse the trend.  Here are my top four Georgia – Florida moments:

1.       In 2004, the Bulldogs were trailing late in the game, and David Greene threw a long beautiful and easy pass to wide receiver Fred Gibson, who looked like he looking for any excuse to drop the ball.  Thankfully, Gibson caught the pass. The Dawgs continued down the field to score.  For the first time in 6 years, the Bulldogs beat the Gators 31-24.

2.       In 2005, Georgia lost to Florida 14-10 in a largely uneventful game; however, this was the first time I went down to the World’s Largest Cocktail Party.  We stayed in St. Augustine, went to the Landing, and tailgated along the St. Johns River.  It’s a necessary pilgrimage for both Georgia and Florida fans alike.  

3.       In 2007, the entire Bulldog team performed the “Gator Stomp” in the end zone after running back Knowshon Moreno scored Georgia’s first touchdown of the game.  It was a surreal and exciting moment to watch the UGA bench clear and parade on the field.  I have never been so hype during a game.  The Dawgs won 42-30, Moreno finished with 188 yards, and Georgia defense sacked Tim Tebow 6 wonderful times.

4.       In 2009, the Gators destroyed the Bulldogs 41-17, but this was first and only time (to date) that Georgia wore black helmets, white jerseys with black lettering, and black pants with ride, silver, and white stripes.  Most folks hate these uniforms because they stray so far from UGA’s tradition and based on the fact that UF beat us bad that year, but I like them and hope Coach Richt has the courage to pull them out the closet again.