D’Brickashaw…Really?
I remember it like it was a few years ago, because it was. The NFL Draft was a few months away and the mock drafts were mocking. That’s when I heard it. D’Brickashaw Ferguson, tackle from the University of Virginia. Say what? Come again?
Ferguson is named after Father Ralph de Bricassart, a fictional character in the 1977 novel (and on the 1983 television mini-series) The Thorn Birds, played by Richard Chamberlain.(From Wikipedia)
You girls should LOVE that!
Okay, at least that makes a little sense. Sort of. I actually like unusual names, heck, I have an unusual name. How many Rex’s do you know, personally? My full name is even better or worse, depending on how you look at it. Noble from my paternal grandfather and Rexford from my Father. The first day of school every year was an adventure, with each teacher getting to the R’s and hesitating but eventually saying, “Noble Robinson”? I would wait for the giggles to subside and I would sheepishly say, “just call me Rex”.
Some parents just go off the deep end in their attempts to make their children “stand out in a crowd”. Instead of allowing them to create their own identities, they do it for them by naming them like cartoon characters. Celebrities are the worst. Apple? Audio Science? Pilot Inspektor? Sage Moonblood? Bronx Mowgli?
The reason this subject came to mind is one of our commits(as of today anyway), Da’Rick Rogers. Do you know how to pronounce it? If you are a die-hard you might, but I bet many of you do not. You might think it’s Duh-Rick or Dah-Rick, but you would be wrong. It’s Day-Rick with the apostrophe taking the place of the “Y”, what’s wrong with you? I have talked with many teachers over the years and have heard some great names.
See if you can figure this one out. This is a real name.
Le-a.
I’ll even give you a hint. It’s a girl’s name.
Chance Veazey Fundraiser in Tifton
This is my invitation to all of you , to come to a Chance Veazey Fundraiser in Tifton next Friday, January 29th. Several members of the 1980 team will be on hand to lend our support to the young Bulldog baseball player paralyzed in a scooter accident last fall.
The event will be held at the Tifton UGA Conference Center and starts at 5:00 PM with an autograph signing and a memorabilia auction to follow.
I hope to see you there.
Mike Singletary, The Eyes Have it
I just put Monday Night Football on and the 49er’s are handing it to the Cards 17-0 in the third quarter. It sounds like Arizona has done all they can to give it away. Whatever the case, I would be pulling for San Francisco anyway. I want Mike Singletary to succeed as head coach, for lots of reasons, but more on that later.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Mike Singletary. It was the season opener in 1978 and we were playing Baylor University. It would be a great day for the Dawgs and for me personally, but I also remember #63 making a tackle on the sidelines right next to me. That’s when I saw them. Those eyes! Dang, who is this guy? He’s possessed!
I have no idea how many tackles he made that day, but later that year he made 35 against Arkansas. Look it up. We were both sophomores, so no one outside the Southwest Conference knew who he was yet, but they would. He and I made some of the same All-American teams in 1979 and 1980, but he went on to a Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Bears. Me, not so much.
I really am pulling for Mike to succeed because of what he represents. He is a man of faith and holds on to the old school way of thinking we grew up with. He’s a great guy.
Oh, and in case you were not in Sanford Stadium that day, Georgia upset Baylor 16-14. I had three field goals of 43, 38 and 36 yards and one PAT…I even won the Chevrolet Player of the Game.
Thanks for asking!
McCollum in the Mix?
Georgia Bulldog fans may or may not know the name Andy McCollum. I will explain shortly why you should. Andy and I both played football at Marietta High School and graduated in 1977. Andy was our quarterback and went on to play for the Austin Peay Governors. He grew out of the quarterback position and played tight end and even some guard before his playing days were through.
McCollum started his coaching career at Middle Tennessee and was there from 1981-1988, coaching all the skill positions on both sides of the ball and special teams at one point or another. From there he went to Texas-El Paso and coached linebackers/wide receivers and special teams from 1989-1993. Baylor hired McCollum in 1994 and Andy became defensive coordinator and associate head coach in 1995. This was when Baylor was good. Middle Tennessee State hired McCollum away in 1999 to be it’s head coach and Andy laid the foundation for MTSU’s present success on the FBS level. He is now wrapping up his third year as NC State’s linebacker coach.
Now, why am I talking about Andy McCollum? Because coaches at Georgia and Georgia Tech are talking to him. In recent days both programs have touched base with McCollum. Why? Because they know he’s a quality coach from Georgia that knows Georgia and recruits Georgia very, very well. Both the Dawgs and Yellow Jackets are looking to retool their defensive staffs although UGA has a head start in the process. Depending on how the DC scenario plays out in Athens, Andy McCollum might be a complimentary piece of the puzzle for the Dawgs.
I certainly hope so.
Throwback Thursday – Easy to Hate? Damn Straight…
Georgia Bulldogs fans will remember 1977 as one of the few losing seasons we have had to endure in the Dawg Nation. In fact, In my 50 years on the planet, UGA has had 7 losing seasons. Georgia Tech has had 15, just fyi. I have talked about my freshman year(’77) a few times. This Tech game could have been called the battle of the bogus. The winner would go 6-5, the loser 5-6. Tech won.
The reason for my post is not about what happened between the lines, but what happened in the stands and on the sidelines. Keep in mind, this was the last game of the year of course, and probably our fourth away game. Nothing we had experienced, prepared me for what happened that day, but some background first.
I think it’s important to say, I did not grow up a huge Georgia fan. My family had no loyalties to speak of. When my recruitment began, Georgia Tech was front and center and actually pursued me more aggressively than Georgia did. Memphis State was also in the mix, but was too far away for my liking. The point is, I went to plenty of Tech games as a recruit. Even so, I had no idea what was in store when one year later, I would return as a Georgia Bulldog.
From the very beginning we knew it was going to be a long day. The Georgia Tech student section was hurling insults and dog biscuits during the game. We had to wear our helmets the entire time or run the risk of getting hit in the face. We had already experienced our fair share of injuries, but the total would increase this day. Things got so bad, fellow freshman Scott Woerner, who at that point was mainly a return man, was taking snaps in case he had to play quarterback.
The seeds of hatred were sown in very fertile soil that day. Taking abuse from the likes of these nerds, who apparently had so much pent up rage from the repeated wedgies of days gone by, they couldn’t help themselves. This was their chance. To throw things from well outside of harm’s way, in the melting pot of humanity, obscure as ever. The fact that no one in authority, i.e. security/police did anything, lets me know that the lack of class went all the way to the top.
My only advice to you is this Tech fan. Enjoy yourself while you can, because your success against Georgia is the exception, not the rule. But then you knew that, didn’t you? If you win this weekend, you will inch closer to having a winning record against UGA at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field.
Right now it stands at UGA 25…Georgia Tech 20…3 ties.
Go Dawgs!
Hey, It’s Throwback Thursday! Yeah…Yeah…Yeah…Yeah!
Georgia Bulldogs fans ask me about the 1978 Kentucky game more than any other game. I understand why. It’s the only game I made a kick at the very end of a game to help my team win. Oh yeah, Larry Munson had a little something to do with it too. In fact, this game is memorable because of Larry and I feel very strongly that his call of the great comeback of the 1978 Wonderdogs is why this game is high on some people’s list of great Georgia games.
This particular season we were expected to be a very average team but at this point were still unbeaten in SEC play. This game was where the name Underdogs to Wonderdogs was born.
Many of you have heard the call of the 29 yarder that beat the ‘Cats, and that’s all well and good. What you may not realize is how great a comeback this really was. After spotting Kentucky 16 points, we began chipping away at the mountain we had to climb. This was in Lexington at night, another tough SEC setting we had to deal with.
There were so many great plays by what turned out to be a great team. Jeff Pyburn, Willie McClendon, Ullysses Norris, Amp Arnold to name a few. A never say die attitude, “The Bulldog Way”, drove us to do what seemed impossible.
Kentucky missed a field goal with 4:03 to go in the game. The drive that ensued was one for the ages. The strong Kentucky defense that had been so tough all night was beginning to crumble under the pounding of our offensive line and the running of Willie McClendon. Larry Munson’s voice, not quite as gravely as it would ultimately become, was filled with emotion. His call was building up to a crescendo of unforgettable one-liners. There were some guys on Facebook last night doing some of them, since it’s Kentucky week.
We drove all the way down to the 12 yard line and called time-out with 8 seconds to go. One of the more memorable things that happened was Kentucky’s Fran Curci calling time out to “freeze” yours truly, the kicker. Little did he know we only had 10 men on the field and it probably helped us win the game.
Coach Dooley tells this part of the story quite often, Little Timmy Morrison, who was anything but little, was on the sideline praying for me to make the kick. You know, I really appreciated the sentiment, but a little blocking would have been great! Coach Dooley told Tim that his prayers had answered and to get his butt back in there!
With all this drama, the kick itself was the boring part.
This picture is from the Kentucky paper the next day…
Larry’s call was magical. He noticed before the kick that most of the Georgia fans were upside down but were trying to stand, Once I kicked it he uttered the memorable, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah”! Later he said, “He kicked it not quite 87 1/2 yards across the cross-bar up toward the scoreboard…he kicked the whatchamacallit out of it”! He added, “the bench is unconscious”! Holy smokes I spoke to Robinson’s parents in the lobby of the motel today and he missed his first two tonight. But guess which one he hit?!
That was all great stuff, but my question is this. If you were around back then, where were you? Many people have told me where they were, all over the Southeast, listening on WSB Radio. The signal traveled a long way that night. A night I’ll never forget, but made memorable to all by the one and only Larry Munson.
Thanks again Larry!
A Proud Crazy Uncle
Okay, okay Georgia Bulldog fans, I have held off long enough. I have been holding back believe it or not. But someone called me on it earlier in the week, and I really should put in my two cents. This season of frustration has had it’s bright spots and today is my day to discuss a couple of them.
The Dawg’s kickers, Blair Walsh and Drew Butler have each excelled this year. I have written a great deal about my faith in these guys to perform at a high level, especially Blair. This being Drew’s first year of being the man, I believed he would do well. I am sure no one predicted Drew to lead the nation in punting at nearly 50 yards a punt. Just today, Drew was listed as a semi-finalist for the Ray Guy Award for the nation’s top punter. This is on the heels of Blair being listed as one of twenty semi-finalists for the Groza Award for the best kicker in the nation. What a rare accomplishment. Both kicker and punter on the premier watch lists.
Blair is 13-14 on field goals with three over 50 yards. He is tied with Auburn’s Wes Byrum for best FG percentage in the SEC at 92.9%. He also leads the SEC with 14 touch-backs. In my humble opinion, this combination of stats mean All-SEC, even if another kicker has more attempts.
No matter what else happens, both of these young men have been recognized nationally as being among the best in the business and I am one proud crazy uncle.
Keep it up guys!
Throwback Thursday, Tiger Style!
Thirty years ago Georgia played Auburn in Athens with a chance to go to the Sugar Bowl. That same crazy year we talked about last week with the awful homecoming game versus Virginia, yet we still had a chance win the SEC. A win against Auburn and we would be tied with Alabama. Since the Crimson Tide had won a title more recently, the Dawgs could go to the Sugar Bowl and represent the SEC, but it was not to be. For the second year in a row, the Tigers would derail the Dawgs.
Today’s post is more personal though. This game meant something special for other reasons. My focus was on trying to help us win but, I also had a personal challenge with Auburn’s kicker, Jorge(pronounced George) Portela. As Auburn’s kicker Jorge had made All-SEC in 1977 and had become the target of my obsessive desire to be considered better than Jorge.
I know that probably sounds weird, but as a kicker, how else do you measure yourself besides statistics and against other kickers. There is no direct physical confrontation like an offensive and defensive lineman might have. As a freshman, I looked at Jorge as the standard to shoot for.
In the summer of 1978 I found a picture of Jorge and kept it in my wallet. Each day I imagined what Jorge was doing that day, and I did more. If it rained, I thought that Jorge might take the day off and I kicked anyway. This degree of focus and desire helped me become the best kicker I could be. I made All-SEC in 1978, 1979 and 1980. I was an All-American in 1980. Jorge Portela is a huge reason why.
Back to the 1979 game. Jorge and I had both kicked for three years, and we were tied going in to the Auburn game with an SEC record 35 field goals. I had my senior to go still, but I wanted to win the three year battle too. Jorge finished the year with 38 FG’s….I finished with 40.
I have not talked to Jorge since 1982, but I owe him a lot for setting a standard that pushed me to be my best.
Thanks Jorge…
Is the Drill Finished?
The Georgia Bulldogs stand at 5-4 and even though they are coming off a nice win against Tennessee Tech, many fans doubt the Dawgs ability to “Finish the Drill”. That’s understandable. This year’s team has been like that box of chocolates you gave your wife for Valentines. At this point, whatever is left, I’m not sure I want it.
Auburn, Kentucky and Georgia Tech remain. There could be three wins or three losses just as easily. You would think that at this point of the season, you would have a feel for what team will show up this Saturday. Do you? I don’t have a clue. It reminds me of a Bulldog Club meeting I attended years ago.
Jim Broadway, the old punter and my holder my senior year, invited me to a Roswell Bulldog Club meeting back when Ray Goff was coach. Roswell always does it right and we were having a great time until Ray spoke and then took a few questions. Now this was coming off the 1993 season when the Dawgs went 5-6 and fans were frustrated to say the least.
One old Dawg got up and in an even tone asked the following: “Coach, even if the Dawgs record is not dramatically different this year, can we as fans at least expect 60 minutes of hard-nosed never quit “Georgia Bulldog” effort? Coach Goff hesitated. I thought to myself, “Oh no”! That’s the least you should expect! He went on to say the following:
I wish I could promise that, but kids are different these days…
If kids were different in 1994, how much different are they now? A great number of the decisions made today are made to try and motivate “the kids”. Black Jerseys, pants and helmets. Allowing the “soulja boy” to become our anthem in 2007. Auburn is watching that this week…over and over. Believe it.
I don’t think the coaches have any more clue as to how this team will perform than we as fans do. This week we will all find out at the same time if this group will finish the drill or if the drill is already finished.
A True Homecoming
Spending a fall day in Athens is as good as it gets, and on this day, the game had nothing to do with it. Now don’t get me wrong. I am very glad we won the game in a fashion close to what should have happened. It sounded dominant, yet far from perfect. My day consisted of reunion after reunion, and none of them were planned. Spontaneity thy name is Athena, and I love you.
Scott Woerner and I had an appointment to meet some folks from Monticello to tailgate. We couldn’t find them. Although the silent auction package to hook up with Scott and I was acquired last summer, we didn’t know about it for sure until Wednesday night. I tried calling all the numbers I had to find out where we needed to be. Maybe you heard Neal “Hondo” Williamson mention this fact on WSB radio, we tried everything.
Since that didn’t work out, we went to see some other “Old Dawgs”. We ran into Andy Johnson, he is really old…just kidding. Old team mates Jim Milo, Mark Hodge, Pat Collins, Mack Guest, Donnie McMickens, Freddie Gilbert, Mike Weaver….I didn’t see Eddie Weaver, but I think I could hear him wherever he was.
As the game started, we walked back to the Carlton Street parking deck, we went our separate ways. Scott went home to the mountains. My wife and I went to see my eldest son, Ryan. He is 25, works at UGA and lives with his wife in Watkinsville. We hung out for an hour or so and took a tour of his new office.
Next we went to the “V”…oh yeah. The Varsity takes me back to 1977 all over again. Two chili dogs, shared rings and fries and a large drink….suuhweet!
A very gratifying day indeed, yet strange. I go to Athens and missed my first game of the year. Go figure.
I’ll have to watch the replay.
Georgia-Florida, Then and Now
It’s that time of year again. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing and Jacksonville, Florida is the center of the football universe. The fact that the “WLOCP” falls on Halloween this year means the crazy meter might reach an all-time high, but that would take a lot. It is the one game where the amateurs are encouraged to stay home and let the professionals do their thing.
I was fortunate to play in four Georgia/Florida games. The good guys went 3-1 and ended the era with one of the most famous games in the series; the 1980 game. It does not matter if you wear red and black or jorts, you remember this game. It’s the game where Georgia QB Buck Belue hit WR Lindsey Scott with a short pass and Lindsey raced 93 yards to totally deflate a previously euphoric Gator sideline. It was 3rd and 11 after all, with 1:03 left in the game. There was no way Georgia could win. But miracles do happen and believe me, this was a miracle.
Georgia may need another miracle this week if they are to beat a superior Gator team. Florida is 8-0 and ranked number 1 in the nation by the BCS poll. But let me ask you this. Do you know what dogs do to polls(poles)? That’s correct. That’s what Old Coach Erk Russell used to tell us every preseason. It was great motivation for us to exceed expectations.
Many of you have only heard about the recent history of this series where Florida has dominated 16-3 in the last 19 contests. It’s as if college football was invented in 1990. Well, it was not, and even with the impressive run that the Gators have enjoyed, the Dawgs still lead the series.
Good Guys- 47 Bad Guys – 38 Ties – 2
What’s that you say? That’s impossible Mr. Robinson?
Oh no, I’m not lying. We used to spank that armor plated fanny on a regular basis. Do the math. That would mean at one point it was 44-22-2. Ouch! Georgia’s series with the Gators ranked right up there with the Vanderbilts, South Carolinas and Kentuckys of the world. Yep, it was that good.
But then Florida hired freakin’ Steve Spurrier aka “The Ole Ball Coach”. Man, I knew as soon as it was announced that he was going to be trouble. He took Duke to an ACC Championship. Nuff said. Back in the day everyone acknowledged that Florida had talent, it just never had the teams you thought they could have. The rest, as they say, is history and with the advent of Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow, Florida has truly reached their full potential.
Two eras, B.S.S., before Steve Spurrier and A.S.S. after Steve Spurrier….as different as they could possibly be. Georgia dominated the first three quarters of the series and Florida has dominated the last quarter. If Georgia wants to stem the tide, they must do everything better.
Recruit better…Coach better…Play better…It’s just that simple.
Go Dawgs!
Roughing The Kicker – Bye Week
Since the Dawgs are laying low, so am I. Heck, I need to make some money. It’s letter jacket time and basketball and wrestling seasons are right around the corner. I gotta get busy.
Come back soon.
Throw-up Thursdays – Georgia Bulldog Style!
The highlighted section is a linked excerpt to David Hale’s blog.
For the second straight year, Georgia’s kickoffs have been an adventure, but this season there is one big difference: Richt has an alternative to kicker Blair Walsh.
The Bulldogs signed junior college transfer Brandon Bogotayduring the offseason to push Walsh for the kickoff job, and while a change hasn’t come yet, Richt said the team has given some thought to handing the job to Bogotay if Walsh continues to struggle.
First of all, it’s the kick-off coverage that is the adventure.
Many of you have left positive comments on my attempts to be frank and honest about issues concerning Georgia Football. I do try, but I bite my tongue quite often.
I am sure many of you will understand my growing disdain for any coach…any coach, that would utter the nonsense written in this section of this blog post. It is beyond my comprehension.
The kicker is a convenient target. Because admitting you can’t motivate players to cover kicks and make tackles reflects poorly on you as the special teams coach and of course that kind of thing goes all the way to the top.
And what does it mean that the “team” has considered “handing the job” to Bogotay….
Who is in charge Coach Richt?
The Pig Hits The Road!
I told you all a couple of weeks ago about THE NAKED PIG, a new BBQ, catering and event planning venture started by some old friends. Things have taken off for these guys and they are hitting the road this weekend. They will be in Athens for the LSU Game and they will be bringing the heat, the smoke and the taste that they made famous before they were famous.
Call 678-740-7447 or 678-439-3499 to place your order.
Then pick up your order at:
Meats and More
1580 Lexington Road, Athens, Ga. 30605
Herschel, Herschel, Herschel…
When Georgia Bulldog fans speak of Herschel Walker, the reverance expressed is only rivaled on Sunday mornings in our fair state. If you were among those that witnessed the physical gifts bestowed upon him from “On High”, you would know the connection. God woke up early the day he created Herschel Walker, because he knew he needed the extra time to get it right.
No amount of running, pull-ups, push-ups and sit-ups could have created the specimen that is Herschel, much less was Herschel Walker. When you hear someone described as a “freak” in sports, it’s a compliment to be sure. But what they are really saying is this person is so uniquely gifted of God, that we are the ones “freaking” out.
There are many people who enjoy the process of challenging themselves physically. Can you imagine being one of the greatest athletes who has ever lived on the planet and feeling that way? What do you do? Uh, go out for the USA bobsled team? Check. Ride bikes 200-300 miles in ultra-marathon bike rides? Check. How many degrees are possible in a black belt, five? pfht! And this after a 3 time All-American college football career and Heisman Trophy and an under appreciated professional career.
Herschel is the only player in NFL history to have 10,000+ yards from scrimmage and 5,000+ return yards (all of which were on kickoff returns). He is the only player to gain 4,000 yards three different ways: rushing, receiving, and kickoff returns. He is one of six players (Jim Brown, Lenny Moore, Marcus Allen, Marshall Faulk, and Thurman Thomas) to exceed 60 touchdowns rushing and 20 touchdowns receiving. Another NFL record he possesses is that he is the only player with a 90+ yard reception, 90+ yard run, and a 90+ yard kickoff return all in the same season (1994). Not bad.
The last time I actually saw HW was at a autograph signing about three years ago in Macon. He was talking about an MMA reality show pitting former pro football players with MMA fighters. The only other name I heard attached to this ill-conceived idea was Bill Romanowski. You remember him right? What’s the first word that comes to mind when you hear the name Bill Romanowski? C…R…A…Z…Y…NUTJOB… was I right?
I don’t know why that “opportunity” fell through but of all the things I have heard about Herschel doing, this bothers me. I don’t know why. Now he has signed with a promoter to enter the MMA arena as a fighter. Obviously Herschel can take care of himself…physically…but now he is challenging UFC President Dana White to step in to the ring for criticizing this latest development. This on the heels of wanting to fight Steve Spurrier last year. Now I have long held the belief that somebody needed to spank that smart azz, but Herschel?
What’s really going on? If you read his book, you know that he at various times has been on the edge. Why is he calling out famous people to fight? There is a point of diminishing returns when someone flirts with the fringes. Herschel has done it repeatedly now.
I hope he’ll come back soon, safe and sound.
Georgia Fans, Why Corn Dogs?
I have to tell the DawgNation that until recently, I had never heard that LSU fans smell like corn-dogs. Really? If that’s true, I’ll take three with mustard. I love a good corn-dog. Alton Brown did an episode of GOOD EATS on how to make a home-made corn-dog…It just as easily could have been called porn-dogs, it was so good.
Why couldn’t the Cajun Crew be called Chitterlings, “Chittlins”? Do you know how bad those smell when being cooked? Do you know why? Ewww. What about cooked cabbage? I’ve alway heard the old, “he or she smelled like hot dog water”. Again. Is she single?
As a single guy back in the day, don’t ever think smelling like one of my favorite foods was a bad thing. In fact, I once went out with an order of Nachos, a Lasagna, and a Cuban sandwich with Black Beans and Rice.
Anyhoo, I hope the C##nA## Bayou Bengals go home smelling like losers. My prayer is that somehow Georgia puts together that elusive complete game and take a step closer to reaching their full potential.
Go Dawgs!
Atlanta Floods 2009
I had some things I wanted to say today, but the rains and subsequent flooding have diverted my attention. If you have seen the TV reports about the rain in Metro Atlanta you may have seen the multi-colored maps showing the various amounts measured. If you have noticed the little white area that stretches from Douglas County up through SE Paulding County and into West Cobb, thats where I live. They say as much as 15-18 inches fell here Sunday and Monday.
We are fine, but we are in such close proximity to the real devastation that I don’t have the heart to talk football today. Alot of the footage you have seen on TV in Powder Springs and Austell are close. Real close. My wife and I went to Martin’s in Powder Springs for breakfast this morning. The couple in front of us had their home under water. They were able to save their cars and clothes, but little else. The cashier at Martin’s described how she had seen a dead baby floating in a swollen creek nearby.
I’m sorry but I can’t just take the position that life goes on, because it doesn’t.
Not for everyone.
Dawgs Win 52-41…
Yes….it’s still beating. But just barely! Check back for my next insightful commentary of Georgia Football!
Today is Throwback Thursday… Arkansas Style!
The Georgia Bulldogs didn’t play Arkansas on a regular basis back in my day. The Razorbacks were in the now defunct Southwest Conference, which initially consisted of schools from Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. One of my favorite stories of those days was when Arkansas played Oklahoma in the 1978 Orange Bowl. This was the end of the 1977 season. An awful season for us at Georgia, but this was a memorable bowl game. This is back when I liked their coach…..LOU HOLTZ. He was only known as “Coach” back then. He had yet to receive his PHD in Jibberish.
Anyhoo, The 6th ranked Razorbacks were 18 point underdogs to the 2nd ranked Sooners. Then the un-thinkable happened. Arkansas’ star running back, Ben Cowins was suspended right before the game. Roland Sales, a sophomore who had only gained 399 yards all year long went out and ran wild for 205 yards in this one contest alone. His performance, along with some great defense, allowed the Razorbacks to pummel OU 31-6.
It was beautiful!
I remember the TV folks saying that suspending your best running back on the eve of such a huge contest, was a death sentence to the Arkansas cause. Dr.Lou would later practice this same form of nonsensical rambling to the dismay of millions. Only wetter. Even so, He was a great coach. And what a great lesson. Do the right thing and win.
Keep in mind, this was Coach Holtz’ first year at Arkansas. This win in the Orange Bowl gave them a final record of 11-1 and put them in a four way tie with Alabama, Texas and Notre Dame, the eventual National Champion.
I have always admired that decision. Not enough coaches follow that line of thought. You break the rules, you suffer the consequences the NEXT game. Our Coach Richt is in that camp. In fact, Justin Houston makes his first start this weekend after a two game suspension. I wish him well.
Roland Sales runs for part of his 205 yards on 23 carries
Georgia Bulldogs – That 70′s Show
The Georgia Bulldogs were very fortunate to escape the confines of Home Sweet Hedges with a victory this past Saturday night. The South Carolina game final score was close as usual, but with some offense thrown in for a change. 41-37? That was supposed to be last weeks score at Okie State! Man, I’m confused!
Back in the day, we didn’t score 41 points in our two SC victories combined(28). That was strange. Something that did look familiar though is the bend don’t break defense, big plays on special teams and winning ugly. I felt like it was 1978 all over again.
I want to apologize on behalf of those late 1970′s and even the 1980 team. I hope you all will forgive us for putting you through such torture, such frustration and contributing to your collective drinking problems. I was at home watching that dang game Saturday night and even though Rennie Curran kept me among the living, I still lost several years off my life.
I never knew why people criticized Coach Dooley so harshly. Now I do. Heck, I’m even mad at him right now. Just kidding coach! I can’t tell you how many games we were outgained and seemingly outplayed but still found a way to win.
People said we were lucky.
Coach Russell said, “I’d rather be lucky than good”.
Coach Dooley said, “Luck is where preparation and opportunity meet”.
I sure hope we continue to court ‘Ole Lady Luck and treat her right and make her happy. I wouldn’t want to piss her off. I think we are going to need her.
George Rogers is not Happy!
I called George Rogers today for my annual bit of fun. For the record, I am not a true trash talker. However, I do have a good enough relationship with George that I can poke a little fun and predict a Georgia victory. I have talked before about how George and I met on the recruiting trail. I see him now about once a year and talk a couple of more times when possible.
I called him this morning and said Georgia was going to spank that behind tomorrow night…I can’t print George’s response, although he was laughing as he said it. The only thing that we did agree on is that it’s usually close.
Heck the two games we(UGA) won during my four years versus South Carolina were -15-13 in 1977 and 13-10 in 1980. Yep, two field goals in each game were the difference.
Your welcome…lol!
Georgia Football…My Pre-Game Preparation, Then and Now
The “IveyLeaguer” has posed a question I should have answered already. My old routine included mentally covering every conceivable scenario and how I would react. A concept I learned from NASA procedures, believe it or not. I liked the idea of knowing what you would do in the “heat of battle” well before the battle. NASA wrote it all down, I just visualized it all, over and over and over.
This created a sort of self- induced nervousness that meant many sleepless nights during game week. I roamed the “halls” of McWhorter Hall many, many nights. While my team mates had visions of Sugar Bowls dancing in their heads, I was a zombie. But what it translated into on Saturday was a feeling of complete confidence and no doubts.
On Game day, I had a definite ritual involving everything from what I ate and drank at the pregame meal, to watching a little LOONEY TUNES on TV…Yep, Bugs was always a favorite. I also got dressed in a particular order…socks first then pants…then jersey. Nothing superstitious but like Coach Russell always said.”Why take chances?’
Prep these days is much simpler..plenty of football food..a variety of beverages…my new Sharp Aquos I got for last bowl season…and simply assuming the position at 12:00 noon and then game after game after game.
Go Dawgs!
Hillgrove QB commits to Tech
Georgia Tech may have have found another piece of the puzzle this week. Synjyn Days of Hillgrove High School has chosen the Jackets over Oklahoma State believe it or not. Hillgrove is a customer of mine and I have seen Synjyn play for several years. He is a tough kid. In fact, many schools were recruiting him to play defense, probably an outside linebacker or strong safety type. But Georgia Tech wants him at quarterback. There is a good reason.
Hillgrove runs a version of the option, similar to Tech and that means Paul Johnson may have someone that can take his offense to another level. That’s bad. What’s not bad, is Synjyn himself. He is a quiet unassuming kid that works hard and I can’t hate him for that. There are too few kids like him.
Congratulations Synjyn, I hope you have a lot of success and may you never ever beat Georgia.
What NOT to Wear…in Training Camp
The year was 1982 and I was in training camp with the Miami Dolphins. I had started out in Denver that summer and was still struggling with consistency kicking off the ground. I was very happy to be in Miami as I had been a fan of the Dolphins and Coach Don Shula for years. I will never forget meeting him for the first time, at practice after having been picked up from the waiver wire.
He called me over and said he was glad to have me in camp. He then asked how much I weighed…I said 197….he said don’t get over 200 lbs and pinched my stomach. As crazy as it sounds that made me feel good that he actually knew me and my tendency to struggle with my weight.
Yes, that’s right I said TENDENCY…pfft!
But that’s not what this post is about. It’s about thinking about what you say and do and wear in every situation. You may have heard of the TV show, WHAT NOT TO WEAR. Well it sometimes is a matter of life and death. One of my old team mates, punter Mark Malkiewicz gave me a tee shirt in 1981. His parents had moved to Poway, California to relocate their mattress business and factory. You may or may not know that Poway is a suburb of San Diego. Mark brought me a Chargers tee shirt on one of his trips back home. It was cool, but it was just another tee shirt to me.
Can you feel the stupidity building?
So one day I went to lunch wearing said shirt. Bad, bad mistake. Have you ever heard of Bob Kuechenberg? Bob was a NFL Hall of Fame offensive lineman. He played at Notre Dame back when they were still Notre Dame. Let me just say, he was a bad man. Bob approached me and “suggested” that I take that _____ shirt off. I asked if I could wait til I got back to my room or did I have to do it in the cafeteria. He let me go back to my room, the fact that I was still alive was a bonus.
Now, do you by chance remember the 1982 AFC Playoff game when the Dolphins played the Chargers in one of the most historic games on record. It was a back and forth knockdown drag out war, that ultimately the Chargers won in overtime. Kellen Winslow became a legend that night. Think about if the tee shirt incident had happened after that game and not before. Holy Crap!
How I could do something so stupid still baffles me.
For those of you that know me, don’t say a word.
On a positive note I did finish my time a Miami with a great game against the New York Football Giants. I had field goals of 42 and 53 yards and a 31 yarder to win in overtime.
Tell me what you really think!