ATHENS — After playing its first six games with an interim mascot, Georgia will introduce Uga VIII before Saturday's homecoming game against Vanderbilt.

Georgia has had "Russ" as the interim mascot since Uga VII's death last year.

Uga VIII's registered name is "Big Bad Bruce" in honor of Dr. Bruce Hollett of the university's school of veterinary medicine.
Hollett has helped in the care and treatment of the line of white English bulldog mascots owned by members of Savannah-based Sonny Seiler's family.

University of Georgia president Michael Adams and new athletic director Greg McGarity will participate in the pregame ceremony as the collar is passed fro Russ to Uga VIII.

Uga VIII, was born on Sept. 12, 2009. He weighs 55 pounds and is the grandson of Uga VI.