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Georgia Bulldogs Countdown to Kickoff: Day 34

On3 imageby:Wes Blankenship•07/31/22
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LOUISIANA, NO - JANUARY 1: Running back Herschel Walker #34 of the University of Georgia Bull Dogs surounded by teammates after the Bull Doges defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl game January 1, 1981 at the Louisiana Superbowl in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bull Dogs won the game 17-10. Walker played at the University of Georgia from 1980-1983, and won the Heisman Trophy in 1982. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

There are now 34 days until the Georgia Bulldogs kick off against the Oregon Quack Attack (do they go by that?) in Atlanta. The Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic always brings plenty of substance and volume to the start of the season.

I’m approaching this piece about Herschel Walker the same way.

Look, this is a Georgia sports site. It isn’t a political one.

Personally, I don’t know any quotes from Herschel Walker during his campaign for senator. I haven’t heard what his pundits say about him. I don’t keep up with it.

I know some people don’t like him for that role, and some people really do. However you want to feel about Herschel Walker the politician is up to you.

Hopefully, it doesn’t affect how you feel about Herschel Walker, the football player and the greatest college player to ever do it.

But if it makes you hate all the parts of his life – even the football part – then that is up to you. It’s a little overkill in my opinion, because that guy wasn’t asking for votes. He was just ‘driving and running with those big thighs’ through SEC opponents.

Likewise, if you’re worshipping the ground he walks on as a candidate, then that’s also your prerogative. But remember, he’s only a politician, not anyone’s savior. If he loses, it isn’t the end of the world. Especially if you’re a Georgia fan. You’ll always have those highlights and bragging rights to enjoy, no matter what.

I just prefer to let my thoughts about Herschel Walker remain squarely in the football department. Also entirely my choice.

Ain’t America great?

The time Herschel Walker did win a job – based on his running and bruising capabilities

Instead of focusing on his campaign efforts, with 34 days to go until the Georgia Bulldogs kick off, let’s look at the time he did win a job.

And he never lost it after that.

With Georgia struggling to do anything at Tennessee in 1980, Georgia needed someone to take charge and turn the momentum around. The Dawgs trailed 15-0.

“When it got to Herschel, there wasn’t any question in anybody’s mind who the best player was, so I started him after halftime,” Head Coach Vince Dooley told Bleacher Report several years ago.

“He earned the job on the job, and he did it in front of his teammates, his coaches and the fans, really.”

And Bill Bates, too.

And he never lost it after that.

Then came a National Championship, a Heisman Trophy, and a retired jersey number.

Now you may see 3-4 in Georgia’s backfield, because the Dawgs like to split carries between two guys and keep them fresh. One player may have jersey number ‘3,’ and the other number ‘4.’

Herschel didn’t really go for splitting carries. He was enough.

When asked if he got tired carrying the ball 30 times again, Walker famously replied, “The ball ain’t heavy.”

I guess I know a quote from Herschel Walker after all.

Recent Georgia Bulldogs Countdown to Kickoff Stories

No. 35 – Hobnail Boot and beyond

No. 36 – One final look at a bunch of Dawgs transfers

No. 37 – Dawgs over Hawgs

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