re: UGA and LSU are the only two contenders to win the SEC next year in football.

Me too. Three - and I saw them all. My parents saw an earlier one.
Poor UT. They haven’t won anything in years. Always acting like they are some huge juggernaut - at least in the off season. Always under scrutiny for NCAA violations. At least they provide a lot of laughs for the rest of us
And as for inbreeding mascots. Smokey’s line could use a close look. I’m not sure that the coon dogs breed is even recognized by the AKC.
Georgia does not practice inbreeding. The mom is normally from outside the line. One of my friends sisters owned one of the early Uga’s mom. There was no blood link
One Uga did have serious heart problems. Despite world class health care he died young. Since then Georgia is breeding for smaller less muscular dogs hoping to prevent some of the problems this breed often has. UGA gets the best health care any dog could want.
I expect we will be retiring Uga soon as he is old now and long trips are hard for him. There is a young pup in training and waiting to take his place. Our beloved Uga X is a damn good Dawg!