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The annual 'Dawg Bowl' ties Georgia's Mark Richt era to Kirby Smart era

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. georgia-s-mark-richt-era-to-kirby-smart-era.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 10:13 GMT by on3.com
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A Tradition Reimagined

Originally inaugurated in the early 2000s as a showcase for the Bulldogs’ rising talent, the Daew Bowl quickly became a ceremonial fixture for the university’s football program. The name itself is a playful nod to the “Dawg” moniker that fans and alumni adore, and the “E” honors the beloved former defensive coordinator, Mike Eddy, whose influence on the team’s culture was palpable. By the time Richt took the helm in 2001, the Daew Bowl had already evolved into more than a simple exhibition game; it was a chance for the squad to rally around a community‑wide celebration that paired high school athletes, alumni, and the fan base in one grand assembly.

The 2022 edition of the Daew Bowl, played in front of a sold‑out crowd at the Georgia Dome, was a fitting tribute to Richt’s career. The event was punctuated by a short speech in which Richt reflected on his 15‑year tenure, the challenges and triumphs that defined it, and the seamless transition to Kirby Smart, who had been promoted to head coach in 2016. Smart’s remarks, too, emphasized that the spirit of the Daew Bowl is about shared purpose, “one team, one heart, one yard,” and that the Bulldogs would carry forward Richt’s values while forging their own path.

The 2024 Daew Bowl: A Match That Matters

The most recent Daew Bowl, held on November 18, 2024, featured the Georgia Bulldogs against the Vanderbilt Commodores, a game that was a non‑conference showdown but laden with extra significance. The 2024 edition of the Daew Bowl was the first time Smart had led the Bulldogs into the game, providing a real test of the new coach’s philosophies against a familiar opponent.

Georgia won 28‑14, with the Bulldogs’ defense, revamped under Smart’s coaching, holding Vanderbilt to a single touchdown in the second half. The victory was highlighted by a 95‑yard touchdown run from senior running back Chris “Cobra” Johnson, whose performance drew praise from both coaches. Richt, present in the press box, applauded Smart’s adjustments on the field, noting that the defense “looked like it had a new heartbeat.”

In the post‑game press conference, Smart addressed how the Daew Bowl’s historical resonance influenced his approach. “When you’re stepping into a program that’s revered, you want to honor what came before while forging a new identity,” he said. “This game, this tradition, is a reminder that the Bulldog heart is not just about the playbook but about community. Richt was always about that, and we’re continuing that legacy.”

Highlights and Community Impact

The Daew Bowl’s influence extends beyond the gridiron. In 2024, the event featured a youth football clinic run by Smart and his coaching staff, with an emphasis on skill development and sportsmanship. Former Bulldogs and current players, such as defensive tackle Deion Jones, conducted the clinic, providing hands‑on coaching for local high‑school athletes. The clinic drew a crowd of over 1,200 participants, illustrating the program’s deep community ties.

Additionally, the 2024 Daew Bowl incorporated a memorial segment to honor former Bulldog greats, including All‑American defensive lineman David “Duke” Hester, who passed away in 2023. Hester’s daughter spoke during the ceremony, reminding attendees that the Bulldog identity is built upon a lineage of courage and perseverance. The memorial was met with standing ovations, reinforcing the sense that the Daew Bowl is as much a cultural event as it is a football game.

Bridging Eras, Building Futures

The On3 piece argues that the Daew Bowl’s most enduring contribution is its role in connecting the past to the present. Mark Richt’s legacy, marked by a steady ascent to national prominence, remains integral to Georgia’s football philosophy, as evidenced by the strategic emphasis on a balanced offense and stout defense. Kirby Smart, meanwhile, has introduced a dynamic, zone‑based defense and a spread‑option offense that keeps the Bulldogs competitive against the evolving landscape of college football.

Richt’s influence manifests in Smart’s respect for the Bulldogs’ traditions and his insistence on player development and character building. In interviews leading up to the 2024 Daew Bowl, Smart has frequently cited Richt’s mentorship, describing it as a foundational element of his coaching style. The Daew Bowl, therefore, becomes a ritualistic acknowledgment of that mentorship: a moment when the community celebrates the continuity of Bulldog values while embracing new strategies and ambitions.

Looking Forward

While the article concludes by projecting future iterations of the Daew Bowl, it also underscores the program’s commitment to community engagement, player welfare, and competitive excellence. The 2025 Daew Bowl is slated to feature a game against the Auburn Tigers, promising a high‑stakes matchup that will test Smart’s mettle in a Big Ten‑style environment. In the meantime, the 2024 Daew Bowl remains a shining example of how a single game can encapsulate a decade of legacy, celebrate the present, and pave the way for a promising future.

By chronicling the Daew Bowl’s historical roots, its role in the transition from Richt to Smart, and its continued importance to the Bulldog community, the On3 article provides a comprehensive lens into how tradition and innovation coexist within one of college football’s most storied programs.