Santa Monica, Calif. - Trent "Big Dawg III" Woods carries on the unique tradition his grandfather started and his father made famous - attending University of Georgia games with a bulldog painted on his head.
"It's been a blessing to come out here and meet all these Georgia fans who know my family," he said.
But get this: many of the people who wanted a photo were Oklahoma fans.
"When it comes to these games we're all family," Woods said. "Both teams have to go through a lot to get here. They deserve to be here. We deserve to be here."
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Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
He declined to make predictions, saying only, "I hope we have a good game."
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Trent's birthday happens to be Monday and figures it'll be a memorable way to turn 39 regardless of the outcome.
Woods' grandfather, Lonnie Lee Woods, started the family tradition in 1980 and his father, Mike "Big Dawg" Woods, took up the mantle after the elder Woods died in 1987.
Mike Woods died in January at 65, a loss UGA fans mourned with thousands of social media tributes.
"My dad would be tickled pink to be here," Woods said. "My dad would be so happy."
A jovial guy who makes friends with ease, Woods got serious, even a little emotional, when talking about his dad. We asked if his trip to the Rose Bowl feels like a tribute to the late Mike Woods.
He cleared his throat, turned his head and took a minute to collect himself.
"My dad gave everything he had to the University of Georgia," he said. "He instilled it in his family. Go Dogs."
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
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