The Gold Standard 1964 - 1980
Erk Russell coached defense at UGA for seventeen years.As long as he was on campus,fans rarely worried about his side of the ball. Dooley's offense, or lack there of, was nearly always a major concern.The exception was when Ole #34 wore the Red and Black! Over a span of 182 games Erk's boys did some amazing things:1.They allowed 40+ points One time! 2.They allowed 30+ points just 15 times. 3. Gave up a mere 14.3 points per game and lastly- 4. Blew 4th period leads a total of 4 times.
Coach Russell rarely had elite talent as Dooley kept it on his side of the ball.What Erk did was to take whathe had to work with and coach them into a cohesive group of over-achievers. He was a master motivator, as fine as there was or ever will be.
In 1975 Erk called his defensive group: "The Junkyard Dogs." They fought every play as if were their last. The term "Junkyard Dogs" has over the years evolved into "Junkyard Dawgs." It has also grown to define the17 years Erk blessed our campus: "The Junkyard Years!" Those 17 teams set the Gold Standard by which all UGA defenses have been judged ever since.
Our defense in 2011 made a lot of moves toward achieving the label of "Junkyard Defense." They flashed signs of greatness but fell short in the end. The defense that will line up in 2012 has the P-O-T-E-N-T-I-A-L
to reach the Gold Standard. Let us all hope they do! GO DAWGS!
"If we score,we may win.If they don't score,we
will win" -erk
G . A . T. A.
