Gov. Kemp declares Monday ‘Hunker Down Day’ as Georgia vies for national title

Gov. Brian Kemp announced on Saturday that he was proclaiming Monday as “Hunker Down Day” as the Georgia Bulldogs vie for the national title in the College Football Playoff championship game.

Kemp, a University of Georgia alumnus, is calling on Georgians to wear red and black to rally behind the Bulldogs.

He shared his official proclamation in a tweet, adding, “I have proclaimed Monday, Jan. 10, 2022 as #HunkerDownDay in Georgia. Join @GAFirstLady, the girls, & me in wearing Red & Black and supporting @GeorgiaFootball! When the #Dawgs take the field for the #NationalChampionship, we hope all will join us in rallying behind them. “

No. 3 Georgia faces No. 1 Alabama at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis at 8 p.m. Monday.

“Hunker Down” (or “Hunker Down Hairy Dawgs”) is a reference to a popular cheer for Georgia fans. The late broadcaster Larry Munson is known in UGA lore for his 1982 call of Georgia’s victory over Auburn, in which he said, “I know I’m asking a lot you guys, but hunker it down one more time.”

The proclamation says:

Whereas: On Monday, January 10, 2022, the Georgia Bulldogs will face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff National Championship; and

Whereas: This Georgia team has shown throughout the season they possess a unique grit and determination of which the entire Bulldog nation can be justifiably proud; and

Whereas: From week one, they have overwhelmed their opponents with a stifling defense that has drawn comparisons to the best of all time. From a devastating pass rush that has made life impossible for opposing quarterbacks to a swift and intelligent linebacking corps led by field general Nakobe Dean, and an imposing interior line led by honorary redcoat and decorated nose tackle Jordan Davis, opposing offenses have been helpless in the face of this historic unit’s superiority; and

Whereas: Not to be outdone, the offense has been a model of efficiency and explosiveness, consistently delivering the points needed to leave opponents in the dust. Former walk-on quarterback Stetson Bennett has proven ready as the next man up and led an outfit featuring bruising running backs “Zeus” White and James Cook, sure-handed receivers Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers, and a punishing O-line helmed by Jamaree Salyer; and

Whereas: Refusing to bow in the face of adversity, these Dawgs have overcome injuries, outside questions, and even a heartbreaking defeat to ultimately come within touching distance of achieving their goal: winning the University of Georgia’s first national championship in over forty years; and

Whereas: With our Bulldogs ready to take the field of battle, let us all rally behind the men who now wear silver britches. Georgians, join me in wearing red and black this Monday to support our team and, as the great Larry Munson once said, “hunker it down one more time.” now

Therefore: I, Brian P. Kemp, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim January 10, 2022, as HUNKER DOWN DAY in Georgia.

WE HAVE YOU COVERED

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution continues its expansive coverage of Georgia’s quest for a college football national championship. A team of 10 reporters and photographers will provide all the news, reaction, context and stunning visuals as Georgia faces Alabama in the big game Monday night in Indianapolis. Georgia beat reporter Chip Towers, columnists Mark Bradley and Michael Cunningham and reporters Steve Hummer, Ken Sugiura and Gabriel Burns are joined by photographers Curtis Compton, Hyosub Shin, Bob Andres and Greg Bluestein on Team AJC. As you have all season, you can count on us for the most complete coverage, before and after, of the culmination of the Bulldogs’ historic journey.