Usually, Uga is the only dog in Sanford Stadium.
Georgia's beloved pooch has been roaming the home sidelines since 1956—posing for photos, starring in movies and generally having free rein.
On Saturday, however, the Bulldogs' mascot wasn't alone.
ESPN color commentator and former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit brought his dog on to the field before Georgia's showdown with Ole Miss. The furry friend was an instant hit, rolling around and playing with the announcer on the field while players and coach came up to greet him.
Video of Big Ben, Herbstreit's beloved golden retriever, circulated across social media Saturday evening before the game.
.@KirkHerbstreit has brought out his dog and he is loving the turf inside Sanford Stadium. He’s is the fluffiest pup and players and coaches are walking up to meet him! Adorable !! #godawgs pic.twitter.com/hlZTgnsnUy
— Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) November 11, 2023
It's not the first time Big Ben has gotten star billing on ESPN and its flagship pregame show, College GameDay. In 2021, Herbstreit took Big Ben from GameDay in Cincinnati to Alabama's game against LSU in Tuscaloosa.
What a FULL day for Big Ben! pic.twitter.com/purp7BimVj
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 7, 2021
Amazingly, Big Ben did not seem in any hurry to sleep—perhaps eager to see if a dog-based team could topple the Rebels.
