1 WEEK LATER: The Sanford Stadium crowd had some early electricity thanks to the first appearance by new mascot Uga VII in a pregame ceremony. The seventh in the Uga line of Georgia mascots was introduced to the Georgia people on Saturday, Aug. 30, during pre-game ceremonies of the Bulldogs’ season opener against Georgia Southern.“Loran’s Best” will officially become “Uga VII,” when he is introduced for the first time to the Sanford Stadium crowd prior to the 12:34 p.m. kickoff. He will be escorted onto the field by members of the Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler family of Savannah who have owned the continuous line of mascots since Uga I took up the mantle in 1956. Uga VII’s coronation will become official when UGA President Dr. Michael F. Adams slips the new red leather spike collar over his head during the ceremony at midfield. He succeeds his father, Uga VI, who passed away in June of this year. Uga VII will be escorted onto the field by Charles Seiler and two Seiler grandchildren: Margaret Story and Sara Thompson.At 56 and one half pounds, he’ll be second only to Uga VI as the biggest mascot in the line. Seiler said he “has an excellent coat and bears a striking resemblance to his father.”

The top-ranked Georgia football team opened the 2008 season with a 45-21 victory over Georgia Southern on Saturday at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs (1-0) got three touchdown runs from tailback Knowshon Moreno and a career-high 275 yards passing from quaterback Matthew Stafford. 

