Smith: Developing rivalries

Georgia went from 1937 to 1968 without playing Tennessee — more than three decades — and I have often been asked, “Why?”Well, it was a challenging trip in those days, even by train.

Smith: Horace King

There is redeeming serendipity when you interact with a former player who had his day in the sun, overcoming stiff challenges but maturing into senior citizen status with humility and thanksgiving.

Smith: Love of the game

In Athens earlier this week, I timed a trip uptown via Lumpkin Street to immerse myself in the phalanx of students, watching them cross the street all the way to the bottom of the hill and up past Joe Brown Hall toward the canopy of trees of North Campus.

Smith: Darryl Jones

Here in Columbus, the waters of Georgia’s most romantic river — the musical Chattahoochee — bring a lively atmosphere to a vibrant populace bent on creating a city that combines work and play, making it not only an attractive destination but also a place to put down roots.

Smith: Lexington, Kentucky

Flying into Bluegrass Field has always been emotionally intoxicating — even before you tour a distillery upon disembarking. There is something special about Kentucky “Horse Country,” which reminds you this environment is as rare as a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle.

Smith: George Patton

On Sept. 19, 1964, a muggy night in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Joe Namath lined up under center for the first series, called for the snap, and dropped back to throw. As soon as he set up in the pocket, George Patton was in his face and threw the heralded Tide All-American for a nine-yard loss.

Smith: Tom Cousins

There are many Biblical references to incompatibility in the afterlife for those who accumulated wealth on earth, and while no living person, sinner or saint, knows what awaits, I believe Tom Cousins will be in the quarters reserved for the most special of people.

Smith: Summer’s heat

High temperatures, which have overwhelmed us lately, seem to be more intense and more enduring than I can remember. You notice, however, that those who work outside appear to be carrying on with a “business as usual” demeanor.

Smith: Kirby’s kickoff

I have been monitoring the start of each season of Georgia football for almost seven decades. There was never a time when there was not a rush of adrenaline accompanying that first day of practice.Yesteryear, the players reported on Labor Day weekend.

Smith: Commissioner Tyler Harper

Near Ocilla is the home of Tyler Harper, Georgia’s commissioner of agriculture, who is more than an established politician.