After a season of upsetting losses, one of the most long awaited team members will finally set foot on the field Saturday.

He is a little smaller than most of the players, but he comes from a long line of recruits that have stepped up to their duties since 1956. We have been without him for almost a year, but his presence has the possibility of raising the team’s morale and leading us to victory. Plus, he can bark.

Uga VIII will make his debut at the Homecoming game this weekend against Vanderbilt.

A “collaring” ceremony will be held before kickoff, said Sonny Seiler, owner of the line of bulldogs that have served as the country’s best mascot for more than 50 years. He also mentioned that Russ, the interim mascot, will also take part in the ceremony. Both dogs will stay on the field during the game.

“It’s a new generation of the best mascot in college football,” said Ty Goodbar, fifth year international affairs major. “I think he’ll inspire our team to have a better second half of the season.”

Seiler, who is from Savannah and not presently in Athens to help plan the ceremony, said Uga VIII is the grandson of Uga VI and is a 55-pound white male.

“Hopefully this one is healthy,” said Dominique Gardner, a pharmacy major.

His registered name is “Big Bad Bruce,” named for a doctor at the University College of Veterinary Medicine, Bruce Hollett, who has “taken care of the dogs wonderfully.”

Hollett will also appear on the field for the ceremony.