Russ to be on sidelines vs. rival

ATHENS, Ga. – Georgia has gone to its mascot bench for Saturday night's game against No. 7 Georgia Tech.

Russ, the 5-year-old half brother of Uga VII, will be prowling the sidelines when the Bulldogs face the Yellow Jackets Saturday night. He hopes to follow the success of another substitute, Otto, who filled in for four games in 1986, including an upset of Auburn, and served as co-mascot with Uga IV for a victory over Georgia Tech.

Uga VII died suddenly Nov. 19 from heart-related causes at age 4, lasting less than two seasons as the latest in the school's long line of white English bulldog mascots.

Russ may also serve as mascot in Georgia's bowl game, but won't be considered for a permanent role. Uga VIII will be selected after the first of the year.