In this week's article, I want to talk about not letting the highs get too high and the lows get too low. It is very easy for fans, sportswriters, etc. to say, "drubbing Boise State 48-13 = UGA in the top 3" and "squeaking by a less talented South Carolina team = not even top 10 worthy." I believe the truth lies somewhere in the middle. The thing you have to remember is that a football is not perfectly round, meaning it is very difficult to predict which way it will bounce. Recent history has proven that the South Carolina/Georgia game is ALWAYS close. It is approaching Georgia Tech standards, in that, talent levels rarely determine the result. There is so much heart, determination and grit on the field between USC/UGA and GT/UGA, that those intangibles do more to determine the result that the tailback's 40 time.

Now that I've talked up the Cocks all I can stand, I also want to say that I don't believe the game was quite as close as it seemed. One poor throw and one unlucky bounce made a 14-point difference in the game. That tipped ball interception returned for a touchdown in the first half was just one of those flukes that can't be helped. Then the poorly thrown fade for an interception at the end of the first half, which, by the way, I have to somewhat question Sean Bailey's play (or lack thereof) on this mistake. I'm no football expert, but I know receivers are taught to catch the ball at its highest point, and from where I stood in the stands (right in front of the play) it didn't look like Bailey made enough of an attempt to come back to the ball. Anyway, I'm not down on Bailey; I know no one is perfect.

For any cock fans that notice that I conveniently omitted the plays that could have swung the game to your favor (the missed field goal, missed extra point, questionable penalty that negated the touchdown pass, the open receiver on the two point conversion that Mitchell just missed), those were just because you suck. Remember, I am a DAWG!!

Anyway, my point in this rambling nonsense is that we have to be careful not to assume that one game defines a team's identity. UGA looked unbeatable on Sept. 3rd, but turned around and looked very mediocre on Sept. 10th. For me, I will continue to believe in the talent of the guys wearing Red and Black, and continue to trust the coaches to prepare and plan for each game. I don't think it is unreasonable to believe that this Georgia team can play in the Georgia Dome come December.

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Now I have to chime in with my personal top ten this week:

1. USC - I hate the Trojans, but, until they're beaten, that have to be number 1.

2. Texas - I don't think any other team can legitimately lay claim to this spot right now.

3. LSU - I don't think LSU is the number 3 team in the country, but I don't think anyone else is either. They back into this spot.

4. Virginia Tech - I've never really liked VaTech, but they may end up in Pasadena.
5. Florida - Is there any possible way that both Florida and Tennessee can lose this weekend???

6. Georgia - Will the real DJ Shockley please stand up, please stand up, please stand up....

7. Notre Dame - I never guessed Weis would be this good. Winning in Ann Arbor has to count for something.

8. Ohio State - How many losses would Ohio State have if they played in the SEC? (My guess, 3 or 4)

9. Tennessee - Ainge needs to grow up in a hurry. I don't think Clausen can win in Gainesville and Death Valley in back to back weeks. (Course, I don't really think Ainge can either.)

10. Georgia Tech - I'm not sure I really think they are top 10, but I had to throw the bees a bone for not choking against North Carolina.