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SPORTS
Georgia, Kentucky seek boost for bowl
ATHENS, Ga. -- There will be a wreath placed over Uga VII's empty doghouse when Kentucky visits Georgia on Saturday night.
Some Georgia fans may find it to be a fitting somber note for the final home game of the Bulldogs' disappointing season. Losses to Oklahoma State, Louisiana State, Tennessee and Florida have left some fans in the mood to place a wreath over the season.
The unexpected death of the latest in the line of beloved mascots only casts more gloom over the season.
Uga VII, the white English bulldog, died Thursday of heart-related causes before he could finish only his second season as mascot.
Georgia (6-4 overall, 4-3 Southeastern Conference) has a chance to finish the disappointing season on an upswing. The Bulldogs have won two straight games, including last week's 31-24 win over Auburn, and could clinch second place in the SEC East by beating Kentucky (6-4, 2-4).
Kentucky has won at least six games in four straight years for the first time since 1953-56. The Wildcats will try for their first win in Athens since 1977.
Brooks said Kentucky needs another win, either Saturday night or next week against Tennessee, to lock up a bowl bid.
"The bottom line is whatever the circumstances are, this senior class has achieved something that no one else in school history has achieved," Brooks said. "We need to win to ensure ourselves of going to a bowl. Bowl eligible doesn't mean that you are in a bowl. With all probability with the way things are going, we would be. But I would rather not to leave it to chance."
While Kentucky fans hope to celebrate another bowl bid, Georgia fans are disappointed the Bulldogs are not in the running for a major bowl.
Richt has faced frequent questions about the possibility he may make staff changes after the season. He wouldn't address the speculation this week.
"I'll say this, and it's definitely good policy for me, it's not the answer you want, but my main focus is Kentucky," Richt said.
"That's where I have to keep my mind. That's what I have to focus on. Focusing on anything too far down the road is not healthy for me or the team, so my goal is to really make sure we are ready to play against Kentucky right now."
