In 1964, Alabama won the national championship. In 1965, Georgia beat the Crimson Tide, 18-17.

In 1981, Clemson won the national championship. In 1982, Georgia beat the Tigers, 13-7.

In 1990, Georgia Tech won a share of the national championship. In 1991, Georgia beat the Yellow Jackets, 18-15.

In 1996, Florida won the national championship. In 1997, Georgia beat the Gators, 37-17.

In 2003, L.S.U. won a share of the national championship. In 2004, Georgia beat the Bayou Bengals, 45-16.

There are exceptions, of course . . . Tennessee won the national title in 1998 and went on to defeat the Bulldogs in 1999, although the Volunteers proceeded to lose five of the following six series meetings to the Red and Black.

However, the fact remains that defending national champions are 1-5 against the 'Dawgs over the course of the last 43 seasons.

Accordingly, my heartfelt congratulations go out to the Florida Gators on their 2006 national championship.

We'll look forward to seeing y'all in Jacksonville in 2007.

Go 'Dawgs!