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We're back again with the players to watch for during the rest of this SEC football season, and a lot of LSU Tigers stood out today.
LSU QB JaMarcus Russell - Today was a resounding message to the rest of the SEC that LSU is up and roaring, and with Russell at the helm, they're a very dangerous team. Russell was just about perfect today, and his teammates, who are a very talented group, raised their game to a higher level with Russell's play, making LSU almost impossible to beat today.
LSU WRs Buster Davis, Early Doucet, and Dwayne Bowe - A quarterback can only have a great game if his receivers get open and create opportunities for big plays. All three of these players did that for LSU. Davis, Doucet, and Bowe burned so many MSU defenders that Russell had his choice of three players to throw to, and they decimated the Bulldog secondary, putting this game away very early.
The LSU Offensive Line - All of them did their job today. Very rarely was JaMarcus Russell in any danger, which says a lot, given MSU's front 4 defensively are a pretty strong group. The Tigers also gained over 100 yards rushing today, with a very raw Charles Scott starting at QB.
LSU DL Tyson Jackson and Chase Pittman - Totally in control of the lines in the first half, these two defensive ends just gave MSU QB Omarr Connor no mercy. Both had two sacks on Connor, while completely shutting down Anthony Dixon and the State ground game. The Bulldogs simply had no answer for the LSU blitz package.
MSU DB Derek Pegues - The one shining star for Mississippi State, Pegues did everything for the Bulldogs, from returning kickoffs and punts, to making touchdown-saving tackles, to tipping one of Russell's two incomplete passes and intercepting one of Matt Flynn's passes for a third quarter touchdown for MSU. Pegues plays hard on every snap, and today, while his teammates floundered, he stood out as a solid defensive player.
Those are some of the players that you've got to keep an eye out for, as the SEC season has really kicked into high gear!
The LSU band was playing Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" as the game ended, and for LSU fans, the Bayou Bengals answered their prayers in a big way today, having little trouble in routing Mississippi State today, 48-17.
The game was highlighted by the outstanding play of JaMarcus Russell, who was nearly perfect in completing 18 of 20 passes for 330 yards and three touchdowns.
"Obviously JaMarcus Russell and our passing game had a great day," said LSU Head Coach Les Miles. "He threw 14 consecutive completions, 18-of-20. He is a tremendous weapon for us. He really performs when called on. We took him out of the game and put him back in the game. We told him we wanted to engineer a drive and he did so. No question he is having a great year and certainly looks forward to the remainder of the season."
“I just kept my head in the game and stayed focused on the task at hand," said Russell. "We kept clicking that first drive (after the rain delay) and made sure the rain delay didn’t take us out of the game.”
Three different receivers caught touchdowns from Russell, including Buster Davis, who seemed to be open all day for the Tigers.
"It comes down to us communicating so well," said Davis. "We worked hard in the summer and fall camp to get to where we are right now."
The Tigers seemed to be aware of what was happening the entire afternoon, including when the game was suspended temporarily due to lightning.
"We were told at halftime the game was going to probably be suspended," said Miles. "We knew that bad weather was coming in, so we were ready."
Mississippi State, meanwhile, just didn't seem to have it together all game, especially in the first half.
"We got beat today by a very good football team, and we knew that going in they were going to be a good football team.," said MSU Head Coach Sylvester Croom. "The thing that disappointed was that I don’t feel like we challenged them early as well as we did. The only thing you can attribute that to is lack of confidence, and this is what I addressed with the team after the game. We didn’t play with any confidence at all, and it was not aggressive in that first quarter. And when we play teams of the caliber of LSU the only chance you have to beat them is to be aggressive and go out there and look them in the eye and challenge them."
But the story of the day belonged to LSU, and the all-American performance of JaMarcus Russell.
"He did really well today," said Davis. "Going 18-20 is great. I think he threw 14-straight completions, with a performance like that, what else can you ask for?"
The rain is coming down hard in Baton Rouge, and lightning has filled the skies, as play has been suspended with 10:31 to go in the 3rd quarter, and LSU up 35-3 on Mississippi State. Here in Louisiana though, when lighning occurs, it isn't a time to stop everything...it's just another excuse to keep the party rolling!
A nice chunk of the student section is still out, braving the storm, cheering, diong the wave, and chanting non-stop...everything from L-S-U!, to GEAUX...TIGERS!...to TIGER BAIT! Most the the fans have sought shelter in the concourses, but there's also a lot of fans who are gathered just under a covering, waiting patiently for the game to resume, and talking and laughing with others during the storm.
Up here in the press box, we're all talking and visiting with each other, admiring the lightning in the sky, while watching other games (Tennessee-Memphis) and talking about what has been a great performance by LSU so far in this game. Not one person in the press box is upset with the delay, in fact, everyone is all smiles and having a great time in our cozy facility.
When we resume, MSU will have third and 9 from the LSU 26 yd. line. For now though, it's a thunderstorm party from the press box at Tiger Stadium!
They might call Tiger Stadium "Death Valley", but this place is alive, kicking, and in one great, festive mood, as we are less than 30 minutes away from kickoff between LSU and Mississippi State!
When we drove up on campus, it was a beautiful setting, as quiet lakes and towering old trees welcomed us to Baton Rouge. However, as we drove deeper into campus, the tent cities were up, purple and gold flags were waving triumphantly, and the undeniable smell of good Cajun food filled the sweet bayou air.
The walk to the stadium was pleasant, and the fans are dressed to the max in gold, talking amongst each other, laughing, and chanting "L-S-U!" proudly from lot to lot.
While Adam and Emily checked out the tailgating, Glenn and I caught a firsthand glimpse of Mike the Tiger and his terrific domicile, located right across the street from Tiger Stadium. Crowds lined up to cheer Mike on, and to stand in awe of his posh surroundings (I'll go further in detail in a later article, but let's just say it's first-class living!)
Speaking of first class, the press box here at Tiger Stadium is just incredible! Newly renovated, LSU took the requests and dreams of every print writer, and made them come true. Great seats, spacious facilities, amazing food (alligator sausage and grits really IS the way to start a morning), and a spectacular view not only of the stadium, but the entire campus on the right, and the Baton Rouge skyline on the left.
From the corner of the stadium, the Golden Band from Tigerland enters in a way that is uniquely Louisiana. Instead of coming onto the field, they march from a stadium entry and up the bleachers to their seats, with drums in full force and trumpets sounding off the party-like atmosphere that everyone at LSU is feeling this morning. It's never too early to party here!
So, we've seen colorful and exciting fans, had some great food, and have the best seats in the house...now we're ready for some great football here in Louisiana! We're almost set to go...or is it geaux??
Unknown to most of the 16 million people who bought "Cracked Rear View", the debut album of Hootie & the Blowfish, they bought not only a CD, but a picture of the famous Longstreet Theatre on the South Carolina campus, which is pictured on the CD and cover.
Hootie & the Blowfish, who were a widley popular band in the 90s, were created thanks to four students at South Carolina, who met in a dorm near the Longstreet Theatre, and from then on, created a band that rose to the top of American music charts.
"The dorm is abandoned now," said Dean Felber, band member and avid Gamecock fan. "How sad is it when your own dorm is abandoned? Man, that makes me feel old."
Felber, along with Jim "Soni" Sonefeld, gave the crew a tour of the campus they called home for four years.
"The Horseshoe, the most famous part of campus...I wasn't smart enough to be on this part of campus," said Sonefeld. "We ended up giving a huge concert right here. It felt good to be a part of this part of the school."
The two pointed out the place where they first gave their concert, located just across the chemistry building, that's now being rebuilt into an office building, and talked about how the fraternities on campus were beneficial to the start of the band.
"Fraternities would pay us well," said Sonefeld. "I was never in a fraternity, but I had a lot of friends in them."
"Our wallets loved them, that's for sure." said Felber.
As for Gamecock football, both still attend USC games whenever they can.
"We wrapped up a tour in Boston, and we finally have about 10 days off, which in rock and roll is a long vacation," said Felber. "It's nice to be back home."
"I spend a lot of my extra money for a skybox for every Carolina game," said Sonefeld.
The two seemed easygoing about the fate of Carolina's chances before the Auburn game.
"I love having Coach Spurrier here," Felber said. "He's going to help the program. If things go to plan though, and we're losing pretty badly by halftime, everyone, especially the students, will be heading out for the night."
And it's the easygoing nature of Carolina fans that makes Gamecock football so special. There is raw passion, but it's mixed with the belief that the game should always be enjoyed, and winning is just icing on the cake.
As always, we have players for college football fans to watch during the remainder of the college football season. Our list is short tonight, but the players are definitely worthy.
South Carolina WR Kenny McKinley - This guy played all-World tonight. Auburn was determined to stop Sidney Rice at all costs, and the results led to McKinley having the game of his life. McKinley, who is grossly underrated when it comes to his speed and his hands, was open so often that Syvelle Newton began looking for McKinley first instead of Rice. McKinley had a great game against Miss. State, and tonight, he had to catch the attention of NFL scouts, as he torched Auburn's secondary time and time again.
South Carolina QB Syvelle Newton - Newton was worth the price of admission tonight. He was the rock of the team, and his play tonight only symbols better things to come for the Gamecocks. Time after time after time, Newton scrambled out of pressure to turn sure losses into 10 yard gains. Newton's arm wasn't that bad either, as he and Kenny McKinley hooked up all night, as well as Jared Cook and Sidney Rice. In his third game as QB this season, Newton looked like a seasoned veteran, and Steve Spurrier, despite the loss, has to be happy with the remarkable progress of Newton at quarterback, both in skills and in leadership.
That's the list for tonight. Short, wasn't it?
Well, it was hard to come up with some real stars tonight. It was a terrific game, another slugfest that came down to the last minute (by the way, our last THREE games have gone down to the last play of the game!). This was a game where teams stood out much more than players. It took a whole team effort from both Auburn and South Carolina to produce the classic game that we saw tonight.
South Carolina came into this game motivated and energized. The Gamecocks knew this was the biggest game they had this season. They wanted to prove themselves on the national stage, as well as make themselves serious contenders in the SEC East race. Unfortunately, they fell short tonight, but not for trying.
South Carolina was better than Auburn tonight.
Before you appear shocked, let the facts be stated.
The Gamecocks had more total yards than Auburn. They drove the ball better. Their QB, Syvelle Newton, made a lot more big plays than Auburn's Brandon Cox. They even managed to go a whole quarter without touching the ball and still be not only in the game, but with a chance to tie or win it. And, let's not forget a very controversial review in the first quarter that gave a touchdown to Auburn's Kenny Irons.
So why didn't they win? The answer is two-fold
1) Carolina also made a lot more mistakes than Auburn. - The onside kick was bad enough, as the Gamecock players were totally fooled, but when you have the ball in the red zone, you've got to put up points, and South Carolina's had a lot of trouble doing that this season. One of the bigger plays of the game was the double fumble, that took Carolina from inside the red zone to re-starting a drive from their own 40 yard line. This is not how great teams win football games, and though the Gamecocks are young, this is a huge issue that Steve Spurrier must fix.
2) Auburn made more timely plays - When Auburn made big plays, they led to points. When South Carolina seemed to have the momentum shifting to their side, Auburn would come up with a clutch play to quiet the crowd. South Carolina made a lot more plays, but they didn't finish the drives as well as Auburn did. That's the difference between a good team and a great team. Great teams, despite difficulties, or even being outplayed, find a way to win. Auburn managed to find a win against LSU, and they did it again tonight against South Carolina.
So where does this leave Auburn and South Carolina?
Well, it leaves South Carolina in a battle for what will most likely be a mid-level bowl game for SEC standards. Carolina has the talent and the potential to win every game that's left on their schedule, but this team has a lot of holes that they need to fix quickly. As for the East race...Carolina's hanging on by a thread. Only once has a team lost 3 conference games and gone to Atlanta for the SEC Championship (Arkansas, 2002) and chances are that Georgia, Florida, or Tennessee are not all going to lose 3 conference games. The pressure is definitely on the Gamecocks if they want to win the SEC East.
As for Auburn, their national title hopes are hanging by a thread. SEC teams that watched this game tonight realize that Auburn is not only a vunerable team; they are a team that can be beaten. Worse for Auburn, the media will not come away impressed with the Tigers. They know Auburn's a resourceful team that can win games when outmatched statistically, which is the sign of a very good team. However, that also says that good teams like Southern Cal or Ohio State could have a potential field day against them as well. Auburn is still mostly a one-dimensional team, although Cox had a few good passes today for the Tigers. For a team to beat Auburn though, they have to be tough enough in the fourth quarter to match Auburn stride for stride, and not make the mistakes that have cost other teams this season when facing the Tigers. Their SEC title hopes are hinging on next week's game against Arkansas, who also sits undefeated in conference play. If Auburn beats the Razorbacks, the road to Atlanta looks good, save tough games with Georgia and Florida. However, a loss to Arkansas, and the SEC title road runs through Fayetteville and not the Plains.
So that's where tonight has left us, as we wake up about 3 hours from now and head for Baton Rouge! We're thankful to Columbia for providing us with another great experience, and look forward to seeing the ground shake in Tiger Stadium.
So, we leave you tonight from the heart of the Palmetto State...as Mission: SE Football heads for the bayou tomorrow!
They let Kenny Irons run for over 100 yards. They didn't touch the ball for the entire third quarter. They fought reviewed calls, a string of bad penalties and a costly double fumble that wasted a chance to score. And with all of that, Carolina had a chance to tie the game up...and couldn't come up with the one big play they needed.
It was a gutsy performance from South Carolina, who outgained, outhustled, and beat Auburn in just about every statistic, including time of possession, but couldn't come on top on the scoreboard.
"It just didn't work out," said South Carolina Head Coach Steve Spurrier. "I'm really proud of the effort, but some of our guys are still making stupid mistakes, mistakes that are costing us."
Spurrier emphasized the onside kick Auburn successfully pulled in the third quarter, with the Tigers up 17-10 at the time.
"We teach our players not to run back on kicks," Spurrier said. "I guess we don't teach them well enough."
Tuberville was elated over the kick, which he decided to try for two reasons.
"We needed to control the clock more and tire their defense," said Tuberville, "and with the wind swirling around, it was really the right time to try that sort of kick."
Tuberville praised the Gamecocks for their effort as well.
"South Carolina played their tails off," he said. "We were fortunate that we came up with one more play than they did. We ran the ball well; played pretty good there. But we didn't have an answer to South Carolina's offense. Thankfully, they didn't have an answer to ours either."
Auburn's player of the game, in Tuberville's mind, was QB Brandon Cox.
"Brandon was more clutch today than he's ever been," said Tuberville. "He made the key third down plays when we needed him. As for our team, sometimes we played good, sometimes we played bad. We're just glad to get out of here with a road win, and we have 10 days to prepare for our next game."
As for Spurrier, when asked if this could be described as a moral victory, he quickly rejected the thought.
"I don't take much from this game at all," he said. "All this tells me is that we can play football a little bit, that's all. We have a long ways to go, and we have to get a lot better."
We're about one hour away from SEC Football in Columbia, as Steve Spurrier attempts to throw a huge hurdle in the SEC race, and beat the #2 Auburn Tigers, who are still riding high off of victories against LSU and Buffalo.
The press box is buzzing, as my fellow members in the media begin to prepare for tonight's showdown in Gamecock country. Carolina stayed in the same hotel as us, and this morning, the Gamecock players were upbeat, but also very focused. There were smiles all over, but no one was goofing or joking around. They look tonight like they mean business.
Right now, the special teams units from both teams are on the field. Noting the missed PATs and field goals from last week's Arkansas-Alabama slugfest, both kickers are taking the extra practice to make sure they're on target tonight.
Unlike last time, when the Gamecocks threw on the black uniforms, South Carolina is going with the garnet jerseys tonight. The reason, from sources up here, is heat related, as the garnet uniforms don't absorb as much heat as the black jerseys do, and with temperatures still in the 80s, Spurrier wants his team as well rested and cool as possible.
The student section is filing into the stadium, and they seem pumped and ready to go. Everyone is dressed in red and the sounds of "GO COCKS!" are alreading echoing their way around Williams-Brice Stadium. Meanwhile, on the opposite side, the Auburn band continues their warm up, and a small but visible contingent of Tiger fans are making some noise of their own.
It should be a classic SEC matchup tonight in Columbia...and we're just an hour away from kickoff!
It's Wednesday night at Wild Wing Grill in the heart of Columbia, and Mike Morgan and Jay Phillips are at work, talking to the many Gamecock fans who are anticipating tomorrow's heated matchup against Auburn.
Our crew of four (Adam Aizer arrived Monday and has been going full speed with us since he landed in Memphis), enjoyed the sights and sounds of an early football's eve in South Carolina.
"Auburn, shoot, they're running the football," said Phillips to one caller. "Tuberville said they were going to pass against Buffalo, and he ran instead. They're going to run and run and run and do what they do best."
Callers were predicting the game cautiously, with most taking the second-ranked Tigers to win.
As a caller gave a 24-10 Tiger prediction, Morgan nodded his head. "That's a pretty good pick," he said.
"Hopefully, we (Carolina) can put on a better show than we did the last time you were here," Morgan said, laughing as he noted the Gamecocks' 18-0 loss to Georgia during our last visit to Gamecock country.
Meanwhile, fans were debating if Auburn could cover the 16 point spread against Carolina, and how many yards Auburn RB Kenny Irons would get during the game. Most were taking Carolna to beat the spread, but just not win the game.
As for Irons, the numbers were quite varied.
"87 yards," said one caller. "He's good, but we'll cover him well."
"I'll take the nice round number of 113," said another caller, to Morgan and Phillip's dismay.
"That number spells likely doom for Carolina," said Morgan. "If Irons gets over 100, we're in big, big trouble."
Somwhat surprising was that the two lowest picks for Irons belonged to Glenn and yours truly. While I thought Irons would get 71 yards, Glenn predicted 42 in a Carolina defensive shutdown. Two thoughts though rang true with Carolina fans and our Carolina radio crew: for the Gamecocks to win, Irons must be stopped, and Carolina has to put up enough points to win a low-scoring game.
Will they do it? That's to be found out tomorrow, as our road crew hits Williams-Brice stadium for what should be another intense game in Columbia!
Driving down Cumberland Avenue near the Tennessee campus, you see coffee shops, restaurants, small gift shops, and...a bright orange tank? That's right, a huge orange tank stands out in the midst of the hustle and bustle on the Tennessee strip, and it's home to the Big Orange Army, Tennessee's newest way to show Volunteer pride.
"This is TNT: Tennessee's Next Tradition," said "General" David Jamison. "We're going to help bring all the championships out there back home to Tennessee."
The Army, according to "Captain" John Black, was started so that all Volunteer fans around the world could be unified into one unit.
"That shield," Black said, pointing to the Big Orange Army crest, "was created in honor of all Tennessee fans. This is THEIR group. We are here solely for the fans."
Though any Tennessee fan may enlist, it takes effort to rise in rank within the army.
"We have rewards and points that determine rank," said Jamison. "Contributing to charitable organizations is worth a lot of bonus points. We strongly believe that we must be good citizens within the community. We also give out points to those who participate in our events."
The Army, however, does give out some special ranks.
"Charlie Daniels, Philip Fulmer...they're members and are brigadier generals," Jamison said. "Bill Dance, a famous pro fisherman, is captain of our amphibious unit (Vol Navy). Bruce Pearl is a major, and will become a brigadier general when he starts to win championships in Tennessee. Dolly Parton's a member. Kid Rock's a member. Mancow, a famous radio DJ, is a huge Vols fan. He came down here for a game and became a member."
Honorary memberships are also awarded, as one was being awarded to Victoria Caldwell, a Tennessee student, this afternoon.
"She was reprimanded by officials for being too LOUD at a game," said Jamison. "We want her to know we love her and support her. She didn't cuss or do anything wrong at all; she was just cheering too loud."
The goal of the Big Orange Army: 100,000 members.
"We have around 4,500 members right now," said Jamison. "We're aiming for 100,000 to fill up Neyland. We have the rights to the name "Fort Neyland". Florida has the Swamp, and we'd like to become Fort Neyland."
The Army has several divisions, including the Amphibious Unit (Vol Navy), the Heavy Maintenance Division (RV drivers), and the Delta Force (female army members).
"We'll go on the road too," said Black. "We'll have an 18-wheeler head for Athens and the Georgia game. We'll bring our tanks, and a hot air balloon that hopefully can be seen over Sanford Stadium, so everyone knows that the Big Orange Army is there."
And with that, our crew signed up. After filling our information, we were given our shirts, as well as our dog tags and certificates, acknowledging our admission into the army. We were also given our deployments, as yours truly was sent to the 25th Infantry, 4th Division.
So, having been properly deployed, we were sent to the streets of Knoxville to get fans cheering and Volunteer spirit flowing, as we drove all over Knoxville with our fellow soldiers. We were greeted by frequent car horns, waves, and cheers from energetic Tennessee fans.
We returned back, knowing that as members of the Big Orange Army, we did all that we could do today for Tennessee. As we leave Knoxville tomorrow, we'll carry our tags with us, and pay respect to the noble cause the Army has: uniting Tennessee fans even more in a spirit of football passion.
The Peabody Hotel in Memphis has stood for decades as a symbol of true Southern elegance and class; the crown jewel of fine hotels in the South. Thousands of guests come here each week to unwind, and experience what true luxury is all about. They also come to experience a unique tradition that has stood the test of time: the grand entrance of the famed Peabody Ducks to the lobby fountain.
One of the greatest legacies in American hospitality, the legend of the ducks started with a simple prank.
"Way back in the 1930s, we had a general manager named Frank Schmitt," said Daniel Fox, who has served as Peabody Duck Master for three years. "His best friend was Chip Barwick, and they were duck hunting in Arkansas. They were drinking Tennessee sippin' whiskey, and they decided for a prank to put three live duck decoys in the lobby fountain."
The three English ducks (live decoys were legal at the time) were a hit, and both Schmitt and Barwick were shocked that the ducks hadn't left the fountain. However, the ducks still were not permanent guests.
"They decided then to put turtles in the fountain," Fox said. "However, the turtles didn't get much attention. Plus, it takes too long to walk turtles to the elevator!"
The ducks would become a permanent fixture though, as five North American Mallard ducks were brought in. Schmitt called Edward Pembroke, who was a trainer with the Barnum and Bailey circus, to see if he would become the first duck master. Pembroke not only accepted, he kept the title for over fifty years.
"They had temporary duck masters after he left," Fox said. "After awhile, the hotel wanted a new permanent duck master, and they put an ad in the Wall Street Journal. Little did they realize that, thanks to the Internet, this became an international search."
Though people from around the world applied for the job, it was the local resident Fox, whose wife and daughter urged him to apply, who got the coveted position. Thanks to the popuarity of the ducks, especially with kids, Fox has become somewhat of a celebrity.
"I was eating dinner in Denver, Colorado, and the table next to us recognized me," Fox said. "I get autograph requests all the time from parents with kids who know about the Peabody ducks."
"He's the ambassador of the hotel," said Kelly Earnest, Peabody's Director of Public Relations. "There are pictures of him everywhere from guests. Kids line up for his autograph. He's been on Food Network and Japanese TV, and was in National Geographic for Kids for having one of the four coolest animal jobs. It's a very big deal."
Then, just like that, it was showtime for Fox, as well as myself. I was named "Honorary Duck Master," which meant that in moments, I would join a unique circle of honorary duckmasters, including Cardinals great Stan Musial, the Duchess of Devonshire, TV News commentator Chris Matthews, Oprah Winfrey, and Kevin Bacon.
Musial, Duchess, Oprah, Matthews, Bacon...me? For once, that answer was yes!
After rolling a red carpet from the fountain to the elevator, Fox welcomed the crowd and began to tell the story of the ducks. A true showman, he stopped only to let a small girl come to the edge of the red carpet, so she could get a close-up view of the ducks when they walked by.
Then, I was brought up to the fountain steps, where he read a declaration in my honor, and gave me the famed Peabody Duck Master pin. Then, it was off to the skyway to meet the ducks, who were roosting in the penthouse on the roof of the hotel, getting the most spectacular view of Memphis.
"We have two sets of ducks here," said Fox. "We have one drake (male) and four hens (female). The drake's wings are pinned, so he temporarily can't fly, and the hens will never leave the drake. We only keep a set of ducks for 90 days, so they don't get domesticated and know their way too well around the hotel. The group that's coming out, they'll be taken back to a duck reserve outside of Truman, Arkansas next week. The other set are my rookies who are in training."
Though the ducks are well-trained, sometimes things don't always go to plan.
"Two years ago, one of them strayed," Fox said. "A waitress was secretly feeding one of the ducks orange slices. One day, the ducks were marching and one lady was eating orange slices in the lobby. She had her hand down with an orange and the duck went after the orange. I heard the loudest scream, while she was yelling in her phone that she was being attacked by a Peabody duck. Of course, the duck didn't attack her, she just wanted the orange."
These ducks, however, were clearly accustomed to what they needed to do. Once the pen was open, all five ducks walked out and slowly headed for the door, pausing only to eat bugs they could find along the way. When they walked inside the elevator, they waited patiently until we reached the lobby. Then, the doors opened, the cameras flashed, the Sousa procession piece was playing, and it was time to shine.
Amazingly, the ducks showed incredible media savvy, walking on the red carpet, then stopping suddenly and posing for the cameras, as if they had done this for years. The small girl that had been called out by Fox earlier now was all smiles, as the ducks had stopped right beside her. Then, after a few seconds, the ducks headed for the fountain to a flurry of camera flashes, as Fox and I walked behind, clutching a gold-topped cane in the shape of a duck's head. As we hit the top of the fountain steps, the ducks splashed their way into the fountain to a storm of applause from the guests and admirers who had stopped by to view the procession.
And like that, it was over. However, it was quite the unique and enjoyable experience. The Peabody Ducks add to the incredible ambiance of the hotel, which is the epitome of Southern hospitality, elegance, and class.
We've had an incredible time in Fayetteville! The people were terrific, the crowds were great, the energy was incredible, and today's game was as good as it could possibly get.
On the way back, Glenn and I talked about sending a big thank you to everyone who had helped us while in Arkansas, and we decided that this is the place to do just that.
So, from the crew on Mission: SE Football, a huge "Thank You" goes out to J.L. Austin (Atkins sign expert) Mike Nail (voice of the Razorbacks) and Jean Nail (UA spirit coordinator), Jim Tran (photographer and longtime head of the "Trough"), Brooke Plack and Brandon Hammons (who taught the Hog call) Kim Nottenkamper and Rachel Smithson (UA pom squad members), Wade Parsons and Ashley Ketz (who are the producer and anchor of KFSM's morning show, respectively, and who sat in the same class as me one year ago!), Peter Smith (UA Trough member and fanatic), and the many ushers, fans (from BOTH sides), and staff who made our time here memorable.
There are some very happy Razorbacks tonight. Standing outside the team meeting room, I noticed it'd been a long, long time since I'd seen a happier group of Arkansas players. This was a program that needed a big win; a program that needed something to hang their hat on, and needed to give its fans something to cheer about and become that much more excited about this team and this season. Today, with a lot of intensity, a lot of toughness, and a little bit of luck, Arkansas got exactly the medicine it needed.
As for Alabama, they will bounce back. This is a team with a lot of talent, and John Parker Wilson is only going to get better and better. Today, the Tide showed that they can run a balanced attack, which makes them a more formidable threat for opposing squads. Tonight, they return to Tuscaloosa with their hearts broken, but the future is bright for Alabama. With a traditionally tough defense to go with their new balanced offense, Alabama is going to be a fun team to watch this season, and will really be a challenge for the rest of the SEC.
It's always good to come back home, and though we leave Northwest Arkansas tomorrow, we won't soon forget the time we've spent here. However, the road trip beckons us on, and we're excited to see what awaits us this next week in Columbia and Baton Rouge.
We bid you good night from the heart of Razorback country! Thanks again to everyone in Arkansas, and as always, we'll see you on the road!
Ever since the journalism bug caught me, I've thought about how great it would be to cover my alma mater in Razorback Stadium. Thankfully, CSTV not only provided me the job of a lifetime with Mission: SE Football, they also provided me with the chance to live out another dream, as I entered the Orville Henry Press Box for today's Arkansas-Alabama game.
As I was preparing for today's game, talking with Glenn, I got a friendly tap on the shoulder from Mike Nail, the voice of the Razorbacks, who was gracious enough to talk with me the day before.
"Jean, great to see you here," Nail said. "Remember, though, you can't cheer in the press box."
I laughed, remembering how I told Nail on Friday how hard it would be for me not to cheer for the Razorbacks.
"I guess I'll just have to go to your booth when I need to cheer," I said, still laughing.
The view from the press box was simply amazing. As the clouds faded away from earlier this morning, and the sun shone brightly over the stadium, the windows were opened, and the atmosphere I had come to know and love welcomed me back home to Fayetteville.
My advantage for staying unbiased in the press box? I sat next to a reporter for Birmingham's WBRC, who was gracious enough to point out certain formations in Alabama's offense, while we traded thoughts about the game that was unfolding in front of all of us. I don't know how it is in other places, but thankfully, everywhere I have gone on this trip, the print media gets along well. We share notes, talk about big plays and players, and act more as one collective team than a group of people fighting to top each other.
However, the Hog fever kept inching in me. As I was typing the play-by-play, each Hog play was getting more exclamation marks, and Hog leads were going in caps, while keeping my composure and not cheering. This held me until late in the fourth quarter, when most of the media, including myself, headed for the sidelines to watch the end, and prepare to head for whatever press conference we needed to go to.
Once on the sidelines, the Hog fever was really kicking in. As overtime progressed, I grimaced and bit my lip with every big play Alabama made, while exhaling sighs of relief with every Razorback repreive.
When Alabama missed the extra point, the nerves were kicking in, where I was bouncing on my toes, but still staying quiet.
Then, Mitch Mustain found Ben Cleveland for a touchdown, tying the game and setting up Jeremy Davis for the win.
The fists flew triumphant in the air....still saying nothing. Meanwhile, I was almost tackled as two members of the Arkansas staff were jumping up and down, screaming and sending me into a flurry of high fives and hugs.
Then, all went silent. It was as if the crowd didn't utter a word...because I couldn't hear a thing. All I could think, or hear, or see, was the upcoming kick. The ball was snapped. The kick was up....it was good.
At that moment, all the bottled up emotions had to be taken out in some fashion...so I dropped my computer case and took off sprinting...first to the west stands, then to the east, then all the way down the field as the Razorbacks celebrated on the field. Exhausted, I succumbed to high-fiving fans and fellow Razorback media members, singing the fight song with the team, cheerleaders, band, and students.
I then made my way to the Broyles Center, asking an usher for directions to the press conference for Houston Nutt. I was given the wrong directions, and ended up, of all places, in the meeting room for the team...as they were coming in, celebrating the victory. I quickly squeezed my way out, but not before countless players high-fived me, along with defensive coordinator Reggie Herring.
"That's called WINNING," shouted Herring happily. "They don't tell you how you do it, you just do it. That's winning!"
I made my way to the press conference, and then afterwards, introduced myself to Coach Nutt, who still had a grin from ear to ear. He shook my hand eagerly, thanking me for showing up, and for congratulating him on the win.
There are many moments on this road trip that I'll never forget; that will stand the test of time. This will always be one of them. Being able to sit in the press box, then be a part of everything that happened, was truly amazing. I was thrilled that Arkansas could win on my return to Fayetteville, and that my tripmates could see the passion and bedlam of Razorback fans. It's what college sports should be about, and thanfully, CSTV.com gave me the opportunity to be part of this incredible day.
It was 1987, and Anthony Cooney had just sealed a 24-17 win for Arkansas over Ole Miss in Jackson. My family and I were standing in line at a local restaurant to eat, and that's when I first saw Paul Eells in person, standing right behind us. I was in awe then. And today, even after his tragic death, I'm in awe of the legendary Voice of the Razorbacks.
As a child, I first knew Paul Eells as the sports anchor of Little Rock's KATV, which was the one news broadcast my grandparents always saw from their home in El Dorado. I was in awe as a kid, because this was, in my mind, a big time celebrity figure. Little did I know then, that he was even bigger a celebrity in Arkansas then I could've imagined.
The night of July 31, 2006, Eells, coming back from Fayetteville to his home in Little Rock, collapsed at the wheel, crossed the median on Interstate 40, and struck another car outside of Russellville, killing Eells and the driver of the other car, Billie Jo Burton.
"I didn't sleep that night one bit," said Mike Nail, who is entering his 26th year as voice of the basketball Hogs, and serving his first as voice of the football Razorbacks. "I know that if Paul had discovered Ms. Burton had died as well, he would've been devestated."
"Whether you knew him for 28 years, like I did, or for 28 minutes, Paul always made you feel like you were his best friend," said Nail. "Paul cared about you, your family, how your day was. He was the nicest guy I've ever met."
That sentiment, that Eells was the nicest guy anyone had met, was echoed numerous times after his death. Papers hailed his kindness to everyone. Calls poured in on radio shows about how friendly he was. And for millions of Razorback fans, as well as members of the media, losing Paul Eells was like losing a close family friend.
"We lost a great one in Paul Eells," said Jack Cristil, voice of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. "He was a great broadcaster, and he was really a class guy. He never said a bad word about anybody, ever."
"Not only did Paul never say a bad word about anyone," Nail said, "No one ever said a bad word about him. Paul was a real people person. He loved people, and the people loved him just as much."
Eells was known so fondly for what a great person he was, that many forget to mention his mark in the sports world. The three longest games in college football history (two 7 OT wins and a 6 OT loss) were are called by Eells. His famous call of "Touchdown, Arkansas! Ohhhhh My!" became part of Razorback lore. Fans loved Eells calling the games so much, many would mute the TV whenever Arkansas was on, and turn the radio to listen to Eells call the game.
Those words... that call of "Touchdown, Arkansas!" is so famous, so special, that for Nail, he won't say it over the air.
"I just decided to say the player's name after 'Touchdown," Nail said. "Those words, Touchdown Arkansas, that's hallowed words. I think about Paul every time I enter that press box, and how I think it's such hallowed ground. And I think about his family, his wife Vicki and son Brandon, and how tough football Saturdays must be for them."
There were so many memorable moments....the 2000 Cotton Bowl, where he called the first game of the new millenium, a 27-6 win over hated Texas, and then the "Ambush in Austin," where the "TOUCHDOWN ARKANSAS" call felt even sweeter for Eells in a 38-28 win.
There was the '99 win over Tennessee...which was Paul's favorite game of all time to call...
"Paul came here from Vanderbilt, and Tennessee always beat Vandy," said Nail. "Plus, we had that heartbreaking loss to Tennessee the year before. Arkansas winning that game....that really meant a lot to Paul."
There was the first seven overtime win over Ole Miss, when I had no ESPN2 on my cable (poor college student days), and had only Paul's voice to guide me, and how the whole town erupted when Paul exclaimed "ARKANSAS WINS! ARKANSAS WINS IT!"
And then, there was the Miracle on Markham...the pass from Matt Jones to DeCori Birmingham that won Arkansas the SEC Western Division title. Even to this day, I go to the ARSN website and listen to Paul shout "IT IS...COMPLETE!!! TOUCHDOWN ARKANSAS!"...followed by the extra point.. "IT IS.. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!"
Tonight, as I left the stadium, I thought about Paul Eells...and how he would've felt after such a big win. I thought abuot how he'd be as excited as a kid on Christmas, and how he would've exclaimed "OHHHHHHH MY!" after Jeremy Davis made the game-winning extra point. I even said it myself after the kick, and I know I wasn't the only one.
Even in his death, Paul gave all of us hope. It's the hope that his enthusiasm of the Razorbacks, his spirit, and his never-ending kindness spreads forth to everyone that he touched, be it in person, or through the radio waves. It's the hope that his optimism carries through, and that more people will follow his lead, making a special place like Arkansas even greater.
Tonight, I think Paul Eells is smiling from above. I think he enjoyed watching the game today, and I believe that "OHHH MY!" and "IT'S GOOOOOD!" were heard through the heavens, pleasing the multitudes of Razorback fans there who were listening to his every word.
And that thought makes this Arkansas win that much sweeter.
Houston Nutt called today's game between Arkansas and Alabama "a good, old-fashioned slugfest". And, with a good, old-fashioned slugfest, there are lots of players who stepped up, and will be guys to watch for the remainder of this season.
Here are some of the players to watch this season....
Arkansas LB Sam Olajabutu - He's undersized for a linebacker, and when you see him on the field, you wonder if he belongs out there, and how badly he could be pushed over. However, this guy is all heart, and he's the true leader of the Razorback defense. Sore, bruised, beaten, and limping at times, Olajabutu made play after play, tackle after tackle, finishing with 8 tackles, one of them for a three yard loss. This defense rallies around Olajabutu...when they see him fighting, they're inspired to hit a little harder, and play a little tougher. You can't say enough about a leader as strong as Olajabutu.
Arkansas RBs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones - During SEC Media Days, the debate was close for who would be all-SEC first team at running back. McFadden beat out Alabama's Ken Darby by five votes. Today, while Darby struggled, McFadden stood out, showing pure aggression and power with breakthrough speed to solidify his standing as a first team all-SEC player. As for Felix Jones, he had 65 yards...on just four carries. Jones showed incredible speed, with a great ability to cut and dodge tacklers, giving Alabama fits. One could question why Jones didn't get the ball more, but when Arkansas was trailing, the ball needed to be in the hands of their best offensive threat, which is McFadden.
Arkansas DL Jamaal Anderson and Antwain Robinson - They helped shut down Ken Darby, while giving John Parker Wilson fits, sacking him a combined four times (two each for the players), for a total loss of 37 yards. Anderson, who has tremendous speed to go with an aggressive demeanor on the field, is the most underrated defensive lineman in the SEC, while Robinson stood out tonight, showing toughness, creating havoc, and setting up the biggest defensive play of the game, knocking the ball out of Wilson's hands and setting up Randy Kelly for a touchdown.
Arkansas DB Randy Kelly - He had 13 tackles, 10 of them solo, was all over the field making plays, and returned a fumble 39 yards for a touchdown to put the Hogs ahead. Kelly, a veteran in the secondary, sparked not only the team, but the fans as well, creating a more hostile environment and rallying his teammates on to win. With the Hog secondary being a major work in progress, Kelly, along with Olajabutu, will be the anchors that the secondary can rely on.
Alabama WRs Keith Brown and DJ Hall - Wow. Wow. Wow. These guys burned the young Arkansas secondary all day long. The Tide was able to convert on many third and long plays because of the ability of Brown and Hall to get free, making life a lot easier for John Parker Wilson. Brown, who had 97 yards receiving, and Hall, who had 144 yards receiving, were simply magnificent, and they give Tide fans hope that a balanced offense could be setting up for big things in Tuscaloosa.
And finally.....
Arkansas PK Jeremy Davis - He might've missed one extra point....but becoming the hero of the state in your second game as a placekicker...that earns some respect here. Years from now, no one will remember the missed PAT by Davis in the third quarter, but EVERY Hog fan will remember the PAT that won the ball game.
College football fans that enjoy passion, that enjoy a true battle on the field, where two teams leave every ounce of sweat and energy on the field, this game was for you. For those who enjoy drama at its absolute finest, where every last play drew gasps or cheers from the crowd, this game was for you. Today, we saw one for the ages, a classic battle of hard-hitting SEC football, and in the end, Arkansas prevailed with a 24-23 win over Alabama in double overtime.
"I'm so proud of our guys," said Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt. "There were five or six times where they could have just let go of the rope, but they never gave up. I appreciate the courage, the guts of our team to fight the way they did."
Arkansas clinched the game when Jeremy Davis, making his second start as a placekicker, split the uprights on the PAT attempt, sending the crowd of 74,869 into bedlam, and sending the Razorback players charging onto the field in celebration.
"Jeremy Davis...that kick was huge," Nutt said. "You can't take an extra point for granted. I know he was burning up after missing that extra point earlier in the game, but he's a competitor."
While Alabama's defense shut down freshman phenom Mitch Mustain, the Razorback defense came up with some big plays of their own, including a 39-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Randy Kelly. The fumble recovery was the first turnover forced by Arkansas, making them the last team in 1-A football to force a turnover.
"The defense, they did the job today," said Nutt. "They got that touchdown, scored for us. Sam Olajabutu...this guy could barely walk in between plays. He's really beat up. But he gave his all every play, and that's what you expect of him every time."
Nutt also had praise for his linebacking corps, which featured three newcomers, that held Bama's star running back Ken Darby to just 64 yards on 26 carries.
"Adrian Davis, Wendall Davis, Matt Hewitt, what a job they did," said Nutt. "Matt Hewitt...we move him to linebacker and give him a crash course, 72 hours before game time. Reggie (Herring) was in his ear all week long, and you know that's not easy. They did such a great job."
The win today gives Arkansas a 6-1 record in overtime games, including 2-0 in overtime games vs. Alabama.
"I love overtime," Nutt said. "Our players love overtime. They know, deep in that fourth quarter, that they're going to win that ball game. I didn't want to play another overtime though. I feel really bad for their kicker (Leigh Tiffin), but I'm glad he missed that extra point. I just felt, all game, that something was just going to happen."
This game meant a lot to the Arkansas program, and its fans, who were in desperation for an important win.
"We owed these fans in Fayetteville a win," Nutt said. "Take a look outside. We have the most beautiful stadium in America. Opposing coaches, they tell us all the time we have the best locker rooms of any stadium. We have the best facilities in America. These fans, they deserved to see us win. We needed it, and they needed it. We're going to make a lot of phone calls, a lot of text messages to recruits. You win a game like this, on national television, that really helps your program out. When recruits see all these freshmen playing, and making big plays, that really motivates those recruits, and that helps us out."
And now, Arkansas is 2-0 in the SEC for the first time since 1998, sits in first place in the SEC West standings, and will have two weeks to prepare for a showdown with Auburn.
"We're banged up pretty badly in there," Nutt said. "But it's great to be 2-0 in the SEC. I'm tickled to death for these guys. We'll use this extra week to heal up, and then get ready for Auburn."
After a night filled with severe thunderstorms, the skies have cleared and the sun is shining as we are 30 minutes away from today's SEC West showdown between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Alabama.
Both teams are busy with drills right now, as the Hogs are lined up stretching, while the Tide are working drills in three seperate stations. The cheerleaders have circled the stadium with Tusk, while the Razorback Marching Band has circled the stadium, playing the fight song twice. This is a huge day for the band, as they are receiving the Sudler Trophy today at halftime. Considered the "Heisman of college band trophies", the Sudler Tophy is given annually to the best band in America, which this year belongs right here in Fayetteville!
The student section is already boisterous and ready to go, as fans are beginning to leave their tailgates and file into Razorback Stadium for what should be an outstanding game of football. Sitting next to me in the press box are representatives from the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, which immediately tells you the importance of the game, and the quality of the teams that are taking the field today.
We're almost set to go...it's game day in Arkansas!
There are some classic cheers in college sports, especially in the SEC. In Alabama, they yell "Roll Tide". In Georgia, they ask the Dawgs to "Sick 'Em!" and to Hunker Down. Ole Miss fans have the "Hotty Toddy" chant. However, one of the more famous...and unique...cheers in college sports happens when Arkansas fans stand up and call those Hogs.
I grew up in a Razorback family, where calling the Hogs was something you learned shortly after you took your first steps. For Arkansas fans, the cheer is not only a rallying cry, but it's a welcoming greeting when one is far away from home. Calling the Hogs unites a whole state in a way that few cheers can.
For incoming students who come to campus, the U of A holds a pep rally, just for freshman, where they learn to call the Hogs, along with other cheers, and the words to the fight song. Walk along the Arkansas campus, and any student you talk to can sing the fight song, and call the Hogs with no hesistation.
Our field producer, Glenn, is a proud Penn Quaker who's never had the privilege of calling the Hogs until today, when Razorback cheerleading captains Brooke Plack and Brandon Hammons, along with UA's Mascot Family (Big Red, Sue E., and Pork Chop) gave a lesson in how to properly call the Hogs (which, by the way, is a MUST see on video).
How does one call those Hogs? It's actually very simple....
Step 1: Raise your arms high and shake your fingers, as you shout "WOOOOOOOOOOO"
Step 2: Bring the hands down, creating two fists, and shout "PIG"
Step 3: Raise your right arm high, hand still in a fist, and shout "SOOIE!"
Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 two more times, and then, do step 3, but instead of "SOOIE", yell "RAZORBACKS!"
That's all there is to it....four steps to properly calling the Hogs.
Glenn caught on quickly, and really enjoyed learning the Hog call. We know he'll always have Penn first in his heart, but there is definitely some newfound love for the Razorbacks, which is what every SEC school on our trip hopes for from all of us (though the Hog spirit has run deep in me since birth).
After the lesson, we headed to the pep rally at the Road Hogs RV park, with all the cheerleaders, mascots, pom squads, and "Tusk", a 2,000 pound Russian boar, who serves as the official mascot. While there, fans cheered and danced with the cheerleaders as Razorback spirit and pride swelled through everyone there.
Even with severe storms raging the area, the vibe is strong throughout the Razorback Nation, as Hog fans anxiously await the showdown with Alabama tomorrow afternoon. It should be another classic in Fayetteville!
WOOOOOOO PIG SOOIE! RAZORBACKS!
It's been four weeks since I left Fayetteville for Atlanta to begin the ultimate road trip in college sports. Since then, we've been to five campuses, met lots of great and generous people, and caught some incredible college football. However, coming back to Fayetteville has been a pleasure, and being able to show off my alma mater today was truly a fun experience that makes me even more proud of what the University of Arkansas is all about.
The traditions of Arkansas run deep through every Razorback. The legacy of Old Main, which has housed every college on the U of A campus. The history of Senior Walk, which engraves the name of every graduate, ensuring that every alum leaves their mark in Fayetteville. The romance in Spoofer's Stone, where men left notes for their girlfriends and proposed to them often. Every tree, every inch of sidewalk....they help tell the story of how special this place is.
Walk through Old Main and into the plaza, and one sees the statue of J. William Fulbright, and Vol Walker Hall, where the School of Architecture is housed. The pride swells as you can talk about the academic legacy of Fulbright, and the many famous buildings, from New York's Radio City Music Hall to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India, that have been built by Arkansas graduates.
And the passion and love for the school, and the Razorbacks, can be found everywhere. Just about everyone walking through campus is wearing some sort of Arkansas hat or shirt. In the Student Union, Razorback gear is flying off the shelves, as students eagerly purchase everything Razorback, ready to show their colors when Alabama rolls into Razorback Stadium.
Touring the Jones/Lindsey Hall of Champions, and seeing all the trophies and awards of football past, the hope lies within every Arkansas fan who comes here, or Little Rock, to watch a game. Arkansas has a storied football history, and fans hope that this year will be the return to glory for the Razorbacks.
However, no matter the season, we always have national championships pouring in from our track program. Walking into the track offices brings a smile to every Hog fan's face. The conference and national championship trophies come in so fast that the staff has nowhere else to put them but on the floor. At least ten of them sit on the window sill in Coach John McDonnell's office, a symbol of dominance that is unmatched in college athletics.
Today, I got to remember all the many reasons why I'm proud to be a Razorback, and why there truly is no other place in the nation like Arkansas. I got to watch our producer Glenn stand in awe of our track program's trophy cases (and floors and window sills), and admire the campus and the city of Fayetteville, which he thought was "beautiful" and "very cosmopolitan and upscale" (which it is). While so many people think of a different picture when they hear Arkansas, they end up pleasantly surprised when they come to our campus.
All in all, it's always good to be home, and home is always where the HOG is.
GO HOGS!
When you think about college football, we think more of the college towns and larger cities within a state that are affected with the outcome of each game. However, small towns in the South have proven to be just as passionate about their beloved teams, and one small Arkansas town shows everyone who drives by just how excited they can be.
In most states, there are two or three major schools who divide the state into seperate fan bases. However, in Arkansas, the Razorbacks represent the whole state, and two hours away from campus, the town of Atkins has a unique tribute for their beloved Hogs.
With a population of around 2,800, Atkins looks like a simple stop off Interstate 40 in west central Arkansas. However, just on the outskirts of town, a 40-foot sign stands proudly on the base of a cliff, reading "GO HOGS GO!", with a huge Razorback in the middle, and "ATKINS" on the bottom.
"We built the first one in the 60's," said J.L. Austin, who heads up People for A Better Atkins. "We got 8 sheets of plywood together in the school gymnasium, painted a huge hog in the middle of it, and we had our first sign."
Atkins decided to build the sign to pay tribute to the Razorbacks, who played football games not only on the Fayetteville campus, but also in Little Rock, where the team would pass Atkins along the way.
"We're a good football town," said Austin. "We've usually got a pretty good football team here (the Atkins High Red Devils) in town, and during Friday nights, the whole town is at the game. We've got a great football tradition too. When Frank Broyles was coaching, we had an assistant, Wilson Matthews, who was from this area."
Matthews, a popular assistant coach, has his likeness on the Broyles Award trophy, honoring the nation's best assistant coach.
"When we first put it up, the State Police called us," said Austin. "They told us that a similar sign had been stolen in south Arkansas, and they wanted to know if we had that sign. We told them though that we built our sign."
The sign gathered so much attention from fans and players alike, that the tradition of the sign continued to this very day. As signs rotted, or were torn down, a new sign appeared just as quickly.
"We're on our fifth sign now," said Austin. "Usually the signs lasted 5,6,7 years, but this sign was stronger. It's steel enforced, and the paint isn't supposed to fade. We've had this sign for about 4-5 years now, and it's in real good shape. And we're proud of it. We're proud that it boosts our Razorback team."
And Arkansas fans are just as proud that a small town like Atkins shows their support in such a big way.
If you go to Birmingham's Elmwood Cemetary, you could get lost easily on the seven miles of trails leading to generations of family burial plots. However, take the trail marked in red, and it leads to a small, simple tomb that marks the resting place of Alabama's most beloved hero.
"We actually didn't mean for the red trail to lead to Bear Bryant's grave, said Joe Mull, director of Elmwood Cemetary. "It just turned out to be that way, but it's pretty fitting."
A crimson and white pom pom waves in the gentle breeze over the small, Georgia granite tomb, a reminder of the proud moments that Paul "Bear" Bryant delivered to a state that truly adored him and his football team.
"We've seen all sorts of momentos here," said Mull. "Pennants, small stuffed elephants, pom poms, flags, banners, signs, newspapers, footballs, bags of Golden Flake chips (which Bryant endorsed year after year on his coach's show). When it gets to be too much, we'll dispose of everything."
Charles Turney, whose family has been doing tombstones for Birmingham natives for over a hundred years, helped design Bear's tombstone.
"Really, it's a lot simpler than most people would expect, including me," Turney said. "I wish we could do something a little bigger, but we do what the family asks."
Turney remembers the January morning when Bear Bryant passed away due to heart failure.
"I remember walking out of science lab (on the Alabama campus), and someone told me that Bear Bryant had passed away," Turney said. "The whole campus was silent and depressed. Everyone was devestated. And the funeral, wow. It was the biggest funeral ever held in the state of Alabama."
"They shut down the interstate (20/59) between Tuscaloosa and Birmingham that day," said Mull. "The state police escorted the casket here, and people were lined up on overpasses with signs and banners, crying. There were people all over here," he said, pointing to an area around 50 yards away, "all the way around, at least six deep."
Twenty-three years later, people still come by every day to pay their respects to the man that, for decades, made Alabama a mecca in the college football world.
"I had the privilege of knowing him," Turney said. "He was a wonderful man."
And thousands of Alabama fans echo Turney's words to this day.
Scott Moore is known around the South as the host of "Southern Sports Tonight", a weekday radio show covering SEC college football. However, Moore is also known for giving fans a taste of the whole SEC, as he impersonates several famous SEC characters.
"It all started when I was young," Moore said, relaxing in his chair. "You know how in every family, there's someone, an aunt or uncle, that you end up impersonating? Well, that's how I got started. I was so involved in sports and hearing all of the great figures of the SEC that eventually, by listening to them for a long time, I could end up speaking just like them."
The charasmatic Moore has toured the South, impersonating coaches at Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, and several other SEC schools. He didn't start out as a broadcaster, but fortunately found his calling.
"I was a sports agent for around five years," Moore said. "I always wanted to do this though. This is exactly what I've wanted to do."
Name a legend in the SEC, and most likely, Moore can do a spot-on impression of the character. From Lou Holtz to Mike Shula, Moore covers the full gauntlet of SEC characters.
"At last count, I am able to do around 75 impersonations of SEC figures," Moore said.
The impersonations not only come in handy at dinners and alumni gatherings, but also on his radio show, which he does from his apartment in Tuscaloosa.
"We're now on 144 stations across the South," said Moore. "We're really picking up stations and popularity."
Then, Moore launched into his incredible array of impersonations.
As Mike Shula, "We're going to get better...we've got to run the ball better," while nodding and lowering his head just a little in the classic Shula pose.
As Steve Spurrier, "We just aren't good enough at South Carolina...not yet...but we're going to work on it."...with just the right amount of pauses in between, echoing Spurrier's mannerisms.
Lou Holtz, Phillip Fulmer, Tommy Tuberville...Moore does them all. But when he got to MSU's Sylvester Croom and former Alabama coach Gene Stallings, he left everyone in the room in awe. To put it best, if you closed your eyes and listened, there was absolutely no way you could tell it was Scott Moore, and not Croom or Stallings.
Moore isn't close to stopping with his impressions, though.
"I'm working on a scene as if Bill Clinton was the head football coach at Arkansas," Moore said, "and Frank Broyles, being the athletic director, would be advising him on how to coach the team."
The success of the show, and the popularity of Moore, is due in part to the rabid fan base of the SEC.
"We talk college football on this show every day, even well into the offseason," Moore said. "The passion of the fans, the energy they put into football, that's what makes SEC football so unique from anywhere else."
As we head into week four of the college football season, here are three thoughts as conference play has kicked into high gear...
1) SEC's Year of the Freshman QB
While most college programs shudder at the thought of throwing true freshmen into the starting quarterback role, we've seen four SEC schools start freshmen at quarterback. One of them, Mississippi State's Trey Rutland, was replaced this Saturday by veteran Omarr Connor (MSU finally scored, but still lost 32-29 to Tulane). The other, South Carolina's Chris Smelley, didn't play, as Spurrier decided on veteran Syvelle Newton. However, after Carolina's 27-20 nailbiter over 1-AA Wofford, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Smelley taking the snaps.
The other two, who were the top two ranked high school quarterbacks in the nation by every publication going, played well in leading their respective schools to victories last week. Mitch Mustain (Arkansas) was 13/20 for 224 yards, throwing 3 touchdowns and 1 interception in a 21-19 win over Vanderbilt. Matt Stafford (Georgia) was 10/17 for 107 yards, rushing for 1 touchdown and throwing 0 INTs in a 34-0 win over UAB.
2) Defense, Defense, Defense
Our road trip crew has been to four games this year, and defense has dominated three of those four games. On the Sept. 9th game between Tennessee and California, the two teams combined to score 53 points (Tennessee won 35-18). The other three games that we've seen (S. Carolina/Miss. State, Georgia/S. Carolina, and Auburn/LSU) have produced a grand combined total of 43 points.
3) Stacking the Line
How many SEC running backs rushed for over 100 yards this weekend?
The answer: One
That's right...only Florida's DeShawn Wynn broke the century mark this weekend in the SEC, rushing for 104 yards in Florida's 21-20 win at Tennessee, as opposing defenses are heavily stacking the line to keep talented SEC backs at bay. Preseason All-SEC backs Darren McFadden (Arkansas) and Kenny Irons (Auburn) rushed for 71 and 68 yards, respectively, while Ole Miss's BenJarvis Green-Ellis rushed for 85 and Alabama's Kenneth Darby ran for 79. As of today, Irons still leads the SEC with an average of 107 yards a game, followed by McFadden with 99 yards a game.
However, Florida's potent passing attack opened the door for Wynn, and it might take a big spark in the passing game for some SEC schools to really compete for the title, not excluding #2 Auburn.
Not 30 minutes after Auburn's victory did the trees at Toomer's Corner become completely covered in white, as students covered the trees with toilet paper to celebrate.
Students were everywhere, climbing the trees, throwing toilet paper rolls in the air, and whooping it up like they had just won the greatest battle in history. Auburn flags hung from branches, poking the paper out in some places, but definitely not breaking the white toiler paper covering.
Among the throng of students were elementary school kids, joyously throwing up the white stuff themselves, or tossing rolls to grateful college students to throw for themselves. Co-eds at the very edge of the corner were wrapped in 2-ply sashes, waiting for their turn to roll the trees.
Meanwhile, from a few hundred yards away, LSU fans, along with some elder Auburn fans stood in absolute amazement at the sight. However, the elder Auburn fans were laughing, marveling at the site, while the LSU fans, naturally, were much more subdued, but still impressed with the job the Auburn students had done.
That's the story tonight from Auburn, as we leave you from the fully-rolled trees at Toomer's Corner, while Auburn fans celebrate this win into the night.
During today's defensive showdown, won 7-3 by Auburn, here are some players, and coaches, that any SEC, or college football fan, have got to be looking out for as we continue the football season.
Early Doucet, LSU - Really, this was the one offensive star on the field today. Doucet, who was overshadowed by the performances of Dwayne Bowe against UL-Lafayette and Arizona, came out today and made several incredible catches for the Tigers. He was responsible for the best play of the day, a 37-yard reception that put LSU deep in Auburn territory. Doucet has great hands, but his strongest asset is his blistering speed and ability to shift directions very quickly.
Glenn Dorsey, LSU - A true defensive monster. This guy will be responsible for the bruises, headaches, and hours in the physical therapy room for Auburn offfensive linemen, and QB Brandon Cox. More than once, Dorsey would slice through the Auburn OL untouched and send Brandon Cox tumbling to the turf. Dorsey is quick, strong, and forget All-SEC, this guy was All-American tonight. First team All-American that is.
The entire Auburn DL - They held LSU to 42 yards rushing. They completely shut down Alley Broussard and Justin Vincent. They pressured JaMarcus Russell when they needed to the most, forcing key last-minute sacks and hurries that would be LSU's demise in the fourth quarter.
Will Muschamp, Auburn Def. Coordinator - If you can shut down an offense who has won their last three games by a combined 130-9, you've done an incredible job. Muschamp had the right strategy from the get go, and it paid off handsomely for the Tigers. Mark him down now as a Broyles Award finalist.
Those are the people to watch, as Auburn prevails over LSU, 7-3.
Look at the stats, and it should've been different. LSU had 120 more yards, forced the only turnover of the game, and held Kenny Irons to 68 yards on the ground. However, when Auburn needed to make the long touchdown drive, they made it, and when LSU needed to answer, they couldn't.
"It was one heck of a ballgame," said Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville. "Now that was a game where you really hated to have a loser. But we're really happy it wasn't us that lost. Kenny Irons, he had what, 50-60 yards? He earned every one of them. What a defensive effort on both sides."
Despite LSU's offensive production being better, the Auburn defense refused to cave when their team needed them the most, and they held the Bayou Bengals in check.
"Defense just played great," said Tuberville. "Will Muschamp (AU def. coordinator) just did an incredible job coaching tonight."
Tuberville refused to talk about Auburn's likely ascension to the #2 spot in next week's AP poll.
"Notre Dame lost? Don't tell me that," said Tuberville. "Please don't tell me that."
However, Tuberville, and Auburn, were very happy to be told the final score over and over again.
"It was just a classic defensive battle," said Tuberville. "As a head coach, you wish there were more points scored overall in a game. But you know, I'll take this win anytime. I'm glad we won this one at home."
Here are just a few general observations that I've seen from the first half of play, as LSU leads Auburn 3-0 at halftime.
This game has definitely belonged to the two defensive units, as the defensive front fours from both Tiger squads are dominating the lines, allowing only 153 yards of total offense combined in the first half.
The momentum is squarely behind the boys from Baton Rouge right now. They had a great drive to end the half, as they capatilized on Auburn mistakes, while making good runs and short passes to set up Cole David's 42-yard field goal to end the half. A great defensive half for LSU, as Glenn Dorsey has created mass havoc for the Auburn offense.
Auburn has got to focus on playing one half of football, instead of lamenting over missed opportunities. They had an eight minute, 30 second drive that was championship-caliber quality. The Tigers mixed it up and totally had LSU reeling as they marched down the field. However, missing a 26-yard field goal is not the way to finish off a great drive. For Auburn, their goal has to be finishing the job that they started. It's hard to give up points against a team like LSU and come away winners.
There's more to come from Auburn as we head to the second half, with LSU leading 3-0.
During a timeout of the Auburn/LSU game, I raced back behind me in the press box to catch a glimpse of the ongoing game between Arkansas, my alma mater, and Vanderbilt. Only two of us were watching the TV...one was myself, the other was SEC Commissioner Mike Slive.
Slive grinned as I joined him and told him I couldn't help but catch a sneak peek at my alma mater.
"I don't blame you a bit," he said. "That's what you have to do when you're a SEC fan. I'm interested in both games myself."
If anything was true that day, it was Slive's comment earlier. He was like an all-American sprinter, racing to see if he'd missed anything from the Auburn-LSU game (we never did), and then racing back to watch what was happening in Nashville. Thankfully, the heavens were smiling on us, as the games seemed to alternate plays at just the right time, so we could catch both without missing a beat.
We watched anxiously as Vandy attempted a game-winning FG, and when they missed, I couldn't help but let out a joyous "YES!" at the knowledge of a Razorback vistory...to a laugh and a pat on the back, as if we were old friends watching a game together.
I had to thank the commissioner for watching the game with me.
"My pleasure," Slive said. "I was really happy to do it. Boy, what a great day this has already been. Lots of good, close games. I can't wait to see what happens here in Auburn."
Neither could I, as I raced back to my seat in the press box.
A day before the huge SEC West showdown between #4 Auburn and #7 LSU, the city, as well as the campus of Auburn, appeared strangely quiet...awaiting the throng of fans who will arrive tomorrow for the nation's marquee matchup of the day.
Taking a walk on the Auburn campus, there was an eerie silence at first, as kids shuffled from building to building on a hot, but clear Friday morning. However, at noon sharp, noise filled the air as the bells chimed out the Auburn fight song from the clock tower of Samford Hall, the most famous building on the Auburn campus.
After the walk, we took a seat today at Mama Goldberg's Deli, an Auburn institution. One had to notice the history of Auburn athletics on the old walls. Posters of Tiger heroes, schedules for this year's team, and newspaper clips from years past filled the small shop, telling the history of football in the Plains.
Walking by Toomer's Corner, the famed Auburn landmark, the trees were still, but seemed like they were preparing themselves for the possible celebrations to come tomorrow night. At Toomer's Drug Store, a small corner shop with an old fashioned soda fountain, students talked over glasses of lemonade, advertised by the store, and Auburn students, to be the best in the world.
However, some people in Auburn were ready for the game right then and there! One fan who was full of energy and ready to stir the fans up is Trey Johnston, who runs the J & M Bookstore in downtown Auburn.
"This isn't a bookstore, this is a TIGER of a bookstore!," Johnston would tell fans, before releasing a tiger growl.
Enthusiastic to a tee, Johnston showed us a hat from CBS Sports that was given to him in 1989.
"This is from the first time Alabama came to Jordan-Hare," Johnston said. "I got this hat and Payne Stewart took it from me. He wore it the whole game and then gave it back to me afterwards."
Hopefully, Johnston will be able to keep his hat tomorrow, as we're going to see two quality programs, loaded with talent, play four quarters of very high-caliber football.
As for now, we bid you a good night from a quiet Auburn, Alabama.
"When Auburn scored the first touchdown, the old eage broke free from its master and began to soar above the field. Auburn people looked skyward, saw the familiar figure, and shouted 'War Eagle'. At the end of the game, which Auburn won 10-0 (over Georgia), the old eagle collapsed and died, presumably having given his all in pursuit of victory for Auburn" - Auburn Media Guide
And with that story, on February 20, 1892, the legend of the "War Eagle" battle cry began at Auburn.
The legend continues today with a group of eagles that fly over Jordan-Hare Stadium shortly before kickoffs of Tiger football games. The eagles: a bald eagle named Spirit, and two golden eagles known as Tiger and Nova, take turns, with only one flying at each Auburn home game.
Early this morning, the eagles took off from the top of Jordan-Hare Stadium in preparation for the game.
"The birds have to be hungry in order to do this right," said Roy Crowe, who runs Auburn's Southeast Raptor Center, and takes care of the eagles. "We have a lure on the field that they aim for and land on each time, but they have to be hungry enough to want the lure."
The eagles eat enormous amounts of food usually, but not when game time nears.
"Today, Spirit got about 80 grams of raw chicken," said Crowe. "We don't feed him much before the game time, and you have to really schedule the meals according to game times. It's very much like a track athlete preparing his meals before a race. When they're finished, they will eat the equivalent of a 12-pound turkey. Their metabolism is so fast, by the next day, they're ready to eat another 12-pound turkey."
The other key factors with the eagle takeoffs are the weather conditions at game time.
"Definitely, the wind plays a factor," Crowe said. "On a very calm day, we'll go to the very top of the stadium, but on days with a lot of wind, we want them to have a downward slip wind-wise. If we release them in the wrong place, the win can push them out of the stadium, and if they can't see us, or the lure, they'll land in a tree and we have to go find them. It's happened a couple of times before."
However, from the confines of Jordan-Hare, the eagles waste little time finding the lure and going after it. Spirit, one released, took two steps with his powerful (and huge) talons, and then took off into the open gray sky. He circled the stadium as if he was hang-gliding, and not flying. Seconds later, the lure was brought out for all to see, and Spirit wasted no time. Swooping low, like a plane on a heroic nosedive, he lunged and made a perfect landing on top of the lure.
"Show off," said Chris, a volunteer of the center, laughing.
Though Spirit will be the eagle used against LSU, all the birds get their practice.
"It takes a lot of practice, and a lot of months of training, to get it right," Crowe said.
But when they do, what an amazing site to see for Auburn fans each fall, as their war eagles take the field.
Today was the third interview with a Hall of Famer that I've had in the last week. We've interviewed a Hall of Fame player, and a Hall of Fame coach, and today, we took a tour of Jordan-Hare Stadium with Aubie, Auburn's Hall of Fame mascot.
Aubie showed us why costumed mascots are unique and special. Though Aubie has his own translator, who turns Auburnese into English, one can easily comprehend Aubie's expressions. His ability to connect with the crowd comes through these expressions, whether it's falling down in shock, or waving and giving a thumbs up to fellow Auburn workers, or throwing his hands up in disgust at the mention of LSU's tiger, Mike.
After watching Aubie's antics, we've come to a question... what's better? Do SEC fans like a real mascot better, or a guy in a costume cheering you on?
Do Auburn fans like Tiger, or Aubie? Do Vol fans like Smokey, the blue tick hound, or Davy Crockett?
Tonight, we're opening the discussion to the SEC masses. Real or fake...what's your preference?
Send in your comments below...we want to hear from you!
Two weeks ago, a group of middle school boys from Columbus, Ga. became America's baseball heroes. While Team USA suffered subpar results at soccer's World Cup and basketball's World Championships, this Team USA showed that a lot of sweat and a close-knit team could take on the world and finish on top.
One of the stars of the Little League team is 3B Patrick Stallings, who now is returning to the football field for the first time in years, playing defensive guard and center for Columbus Midland Middle School's Jaguars.
"I hadn't played football since I was nine," Stallings said.
For Stallings, the differences in preparing for the two sports are easy.
"I think football is more about conditioning," Stallings said. "There's more running and conditioning in football. Baseball is more about practicing on the basics."
It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks for Stallings, as he's had to adjust back to a school routine after his Northern Little League team played a month of championship baseball, ending in triumph at Williamsport's Lamade Stadium.
"The good thing is that the principal, when they came back, held a pep rally for the team," said Patrick's father, Rick Stallings. "They got all of the talk out of the way in one day and let the boys adjust quicker."
Assistant Prinicipal Richard Green noted the historic achievement of the team, which features six players from Midland Middle School.
"It's the biggest thing that's happened to Columbus since we hosted Olympic softball in 1996," Green said.
"This put Columbus on the map," said Rick Stallings.
But for now, it's football that's on the mind of Patrick Stallings.
When asked about his favorite part about football, Stallings smiled and answered "hitting people."
"Our team is going to be pretty good," Stallings said. "We're 3-0 right now, and I think we're pretty good."
Stallings is a diehard fan of the Auburn Tigers. His favorite player?
"Kenny Irons, who's their running back...he's my favorite player," said Stallings.
Patrick has followed the Tigers from the very beginning, as his family has been casually rooting for the Tigers for years. "Patrick's room was full of Auburn stuff, before we took it all down to paint the walls," said Rick Stallings.
"We were all changing rooms," said Patrick Stallings. "I'll put it all back up again."
With the obvious athletic talent that Stallings possesses, what would happen if rival Alabama came calling?
"I don't know if he'd take it, but I might take it if it's the only offer he gets," said Rick Stallings, laughing.
"It depends if I'll take it, because I'd have to find out if I was being accepted to Auburn," said Patrick, showing proof of his strong loyal ties to Auburn.
And with his athletic talent, plus his strong commitment on the field, who could blame Tommy Tuberville or Tom Slater if they made an early visit to the Stallings residence?
"It's great...to be...a GEORGIA BULLDOG!"
The cheer echoed through Williams-Brice Stadium all night, from pre-game to an hour after Georgia claimed victory. For Mark Richt, no statement rings more true than that very cheer.
Richt is entering his sixth season at a Georgia program that has flourished under his direction. In five years, Richt won 52 games, three division titles, and two SEC championships. His current squad is ranked tenth in America and 2-0 on the season as they prepare to host UAB.
"Part of the reason for the success is being at one program for so long," Richt said. "I was at Florida State for a long time. Where most coaches take a lot of what they learn from a lot of different programs they've been at, we did everything the Florida State way, and it's paid off."
The things Richt did seem simple, but it became the foundation for a wealth of success.
"We have Family Day tonight," Richt said. "We give the coaches' families time with the players, and build a real family atmosphere here at Georgia. One thing I'd tell a high school recruit: if he comes to Georgia, we'll treat him as if he was our son. We'll take care of him, make sure he becomes the right kind of man and one that makes Georgia proud."
So far, Richt can't complain with the on-field results this season.
"We looked good out there," he said, noting the win at South Carolina last weekend. "We're excited about the 2-0 start. Of course, the shutout only came when we had enough points to where Coach Spurrier had to score 7 instead of 3. No doubt they would've made some field goals. But, you have to have some things going right when you are forcing a team to go for touchdowns instead of an easy field goal."
Despite rumors that the Bulldogs might change uniform designs for key SEC matchups with Tennessee and Florida, Richt said that Georgia will never switch from the famous 'silver britches'.
"We can't change uniforms for different teams," Richt said. "If you wear a unique jersey for one team, but not another, that pumps the opposing team. It tells them that their game isn't a 'big game', when every game should be a big game for us. So I'm not in favor of changing uniform designs. I want us to be known for our silver britches. When people mention Georgia, I want them to think of us as the team that wears those silver britches."
Richt's dedication to team unity and family atmosphere is rare among coaches. His wife, Kathryn, even serves as the 'water girl' of the Georgia football team.
"I love having Kathryn on the sidelines with me," Richt said, smiling. "We won't talk much during the game, but if we score, I might go back there and get a drink of water."
As Richt got up to leave, and thank you's were said, Richt immediately headed for the elevators, as his wife and kids were waiting upstairs. Family Day was in full session, and with Georgia's rise to a consistent national power, it's one big happy family in Athens.
When Vince Dooley was brought to Athens to be the head football coach of the Bulldogs, the Georgia faithful were not very happy that an Auburn alumnus was taking over the program.
"I think the fans were downright depressed," Dooley said. "Fortunately for me, I never knew it."
Two years later, Dooley would win his first of six SEC titles, and today, he's the enduring symbol of the Bulldog athletic program, which rose to new heights under his leadership.
"When I first came here, our stadium held 43,000 people," said Dooley. "Today, our stadium seats 93,000. We have 77 Sky Suites; we had none of those when we started here. Our budget was $2 million back when I started, and now it's $65 million. One of the more impressiv we changes was an increase of service personnel. We had a guy, Dan McGill, who was a legend in Athens. He was our tennis coach, our sports information director, and the secretary of our Bulldog Club. Today, there are 34 people that handle the duties that Dan did when I started."
Though Dooley has a plethora of memories, it's the players he coached that mean the most to him.
"Winning championships is what you pkay for, so winning six SEC titles was a great moment," Dooley said. "Winning the whole thing, the national championship, was really special, so I was fortunate to do everything I wanted to do as a coach. As an athletic director, I was thrilled with the great progress we made here at Georgia. We won 20 national championships when I was athletic director, which was very rewarding. But the players, and the relationships you have with the players when they graduate...that's what you remember the most. That's the greatest moment of satisfaction."
Some of his favorite memories involve two other UGA legends: football great Herschel Walker, and beloved radio announcer Larry Munson.
"Herschel was not a great player, but he's a great person as well," Dooley said. "He's in demand because of the person he is. He was a coach's dream. He used to say that 'my only desire was to please my coaches and my teammates.' So, even with all the attention he was getting, his teammates respected him as an athlete and as a person. As for Larry, he came to fame thanks to a team we had in 1978, called the 'Wonder 'Dawgs". It seemed like that year we'd get in close games every time, and find a way to win. Well, Munson would come with sayings we'd never heard before, like 'our team', and 'we're driving down the field'. That made him unique and popular with our fans."
There are few things in the entire UGA athletic program that Dooley hasn't had an effect. Even the famous Georgia "G", similar to the G of the Green Bay Packers, came to be thanks to Dooley.
"When we came here in 1964, we wanted to change the headgear," Dooley said. "We went to the red headgear, with the forward-looking, current G, much like the Green Bay Packers, and with the red and black being the most harmonious colors, it became very popular with the fans. Of course, we won a conference title in our third year, and that helped the new uniforms catch on. Had we been losing in those years, we'd have had to go back to the old styles, and the G you see now at Georgia wouldn't be there."
Dooley's legacy at Georgia is simple: Be successful, but do it the right way.
"I want a player to say he/she was proud to be a Bulldog, not only for the success, but for the way we did it," he said.
Dooley's mark on college football didn't stop in Athens. As a chairman of the NCAA Football Rules Committee, Dooley worked hard to maintain, and improve, the game of college football.
"Safety was always a big issue with us," Dooley said. "But the biggest strides we made were with sportsmanship rules. We were getting to a point where it was more 'look at me', than football being a team sport, which is what it's all about. We had to deal with sportsmanship rules, taunting and excessive celebration. Even the pros, who are known for not liking to change, are adopting some of the rules that we made here."
Contrary to many SEC coaches, Dooley supports the NCAA rule to shorten games by running the clock on first down.
"The games were too long, especially TV games," he said. "We tried hard to find ways to shorten the game without cutting plays. This year, it's the first time they've decided to cut plays, about 10-12 plays a game. I maintain the thought that offensive coaches hate the new rules because it takes away plays, while the defensive coaches are in favor of it."
Dooley believes that the era of long-term coaches, of which he was a legendary part of, is coming to an end.
"Coaches are becoming rich in 10 to 15 years, so they don't need to coach so long," he said. "Not only am I talking about head coaches, but also assistant coaches. With those high salaries, expectations run higher and patience runs lower. So, there won't be many long-term coaches like there were in the past."
Since retirement, Dooley hasn't slowed down at all. He travels to small towns over Georgia, talking football. He's written three books, including a new children's book "How 'Bout Them Dawgs!". He has an office in the Smith Student Academic Center, where he can watch football practice from his window every day.
Dooley has high praise for current UGA coach Mark Richt.
"He's doing well," Dooley said. "Just done great. I'm very pleased with him. He's not only a fine coach, but a great person with great moral leadership. He's also got a great knack of coaching great quarterbacks. The team is doing very well. To win in Columbia, which is tough, and shut them out, which is a bonus, is just a great thing."
With everything Vince Dooley has seen and done, the passion for UGA and SEC football still burns deeply inside of him.
"SEC fans have a great passion for the game," he said. "I don't think anywhere else in the United States is the sport more unifying than it is in the South. There are so many great in-state rivalries, Alabama and Auburn being one of them, and we have one with Georgia Tech, though they're not in our conference. We also have great border rivalries with Florida and Tennessee. And, in the SEC, you find stadiums that hold so many more people than anywhere else. I think seven of 11 of the biggest stadiums in college football are SEC programs."
And those stadiums are as big as they are, and fan bases are as avid as they are, because of living legends like Vince Dooley, who created a state of euphoria in a state that loves its football.
For the Tereshinski family of Athens, Ga., playing football for the Bulldogs is a family ritual. Winning SEC championships is another tradition that three generations of Tereshinskis have shared.
"My grandfather was a tight end/defensive end when he played at Georgia," Joe Tereshinski III said. "My father came to UGA to be a fullback, but ended up playing center. I also had an uncle that was a tight end at Georgia."
The family has never strayed from their Bulldog heritage. Although Joe III checked out other schools, the loyalty to the team he grew up with was too much for him to go anywhere else.
"I looked at a couple of other places," he said. "But everywhere I went, I thought to myself 'this isn't Georgia.' The camaraderie of the players, the fact I grew up around here. Georgia is part of my family, and it's a big part of me. I was a Bulldog straight from the crib."
Joe III has never called anywhere else home but Athens, and Sanford Stadium.
"It's electrifying," he said of the stadium. "Georgia football is an all day affair. From tailgating in the morning to partying at night. When you get a win here, it ties everyone together. You'd wait in your red and black, just waiting to walk to the stadium that day."
As for winning, well, that has come as natural to the Tereshinski family as wearing the Georgia "G".
"My grandfather was on the 1942 national championship team," Joe III said. "My dad and uncle were on the 1976 SEC championship team, and I've been on two SEC championship teams in 2003 and 2005. Hopefully this year, we win a national title as well as another SEC title."
The Georgia pride runs deep in the Tereshinski family, but especially deep during certain games.
"The two I circle are Florida and Georgia Tech," Tereshinski said. "You just never lose to Georgia Tech. Losing to them leaves a bad taste in the mouth. If we won all our games and lost to them, it's a bad season for us."
As for Joe III's memories, he carries some now that he'll always keep with him.
"I'll always remember playing in the SEC," he said. "The players that I played with, the camaraderie that we all shared, and what we all did together as a team. The memories here, you develop together and they carry with you forever."
As does Bulldog blood in the Tereshinski family tree.
After tonight's 18-0 Georgia victory, here are four players that SEC fans will need to keep an eye out for this season...
Georgia QB Matthew Stafford - Sure, he's a freshman who made a lot of mistakes (3 INTs, 0 TDs), but to his credit, he never got rattled, staying cool from the get go when he entered the game for injured starter Joe Tereshinski.
"Matt's a pretty cool customer," said UGA Coach Mark Richt. "He's a pretty strong guy."
Stafford's furious passing attack kept SC's defense honest, allowing the Bulldog offensive line to bulldoze the Carolina defensive front, and giving Thomas Brown, Kregg Lumpkin, and Danny Ware plenty of holes to run through. Is Stafford the best QB in the SEC? No, he's not. He makes mistakes that most freshmen would make, including throwing into traffic when he's chased out of the pocket. However, the talent is definitely there for Stafford to become a legend before he leaves Athens.
Georgia DE Charles Johnson - He sacks, he forces hurried passes. He slams running backs down and plugs up holes faster than just about anyone. Add a safety to that mix, and you have one great player who had one really good night. Johnson might be under the radar now, but the NFL scouts at tonight's game definitely took notice.
Georgia PK Brandon Coutu - Another NFL slam dunk. This guy will be the all-American kicker in every poll. Even when Coutu kicked the ball off the side of his foot, he still made it from 42 yards out. Coutu's got a strong leg and makes UGA deadly the moment they cross the opponent's 35-yard line.
S. Carolina WR Kenny McKinley - There were few bright spots for the Gamecocks, but the only time the Gamecocks managed some serious drives is when McKinley was able to get free. Almost ignored during the first half, McKinley made some great catches in a noble attempt to spark the Carolina offense. McKinley has great speed, good hands, and great agility, and when he's able to catch the ball, it frees up Sidney Rice and the rest of the Gamecocks to make more receptions themselves.
Those are the four players from tonight's game that I'd be watching carefully this season.
We'll have more coverage from today's events as Mission: SEC Football continues from South Carolina. For now, we bid you good night from Columbia, where Georgia has claimed an important 18-0 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks.
DT Jeff Owens was relaxing inside a golf cart, slappng high fives, singing with trainers, and completely savoring the 18-0 win his Bulldogs put on South Carolina tonight.
"We wanted to win for the Junkyard Dawg," Owens said, mentioning the late Erk Russell. "We knew we had to bring it to the table, and that's what we did."
Owens made one of UGA's biggest plays, stripping the ball from Carolina's Blake Mitchell on fourth down to preserve a shutout of the Gamecocks, the first for a team coached by Steve Spurrier since 1987.
"He (Mitchell) was trying to jump over me, so I stood up," Owens said. "I knew if I stood up, he couldn't get over me, so I stood up, and he ended up losing the ball because of it. We practice on trying to strip the ball one time each week during a drill, and I guess how we practiced is how we played."
When told that it was the first shutout of Spurrier in 19 years, the grin on Owens's face grew larger than ever.
"I didn't know that," Owens said. "Now I feel really good. Spurrier's a great offensive mind. We knew we had to bring our "A" game and take it to a whole new level. You have to bring the pressure, and not let South Carolina try and pick you apart. And next week, we have to concentrate on UAB, and bring that same level to them."
Georgia SE Mohamed Massaquoi said that the Bulldogs were out to prove something against the Gamecocks.
"We just were more focused today," he said. "We really wanted to produce today."
Both Massaquoi and Owens had praise for freshman QB Matthew Stafford, despite Stafford's three interceptions.
"He showed a lot of good things today," Massaquoi said. "The offense played really well."
"He did excellent," said Owens. "We won the game, so obviously he was doing something right. I'm proud of the entire team tonight."
And for good reason. With the win, Georgia has definitely entered the SEC East race as a frontrunner.
"This was a real special game," said Massaqoui. "They have a real high-powered offense. Coach Martinez and the defense did a great job out there."
Mark Richt strode into the media room, took his water, and acted as if he'd just survived a nailbiter. However, Richt was immensely pleased with the effort of his Bulldogs, as they shut out the South Carolina Gamecocks tonight in Columbia.
"We wanted to truly honor Erk Russell tonight," said Richt, noting the famed "Junkyard Dawg" who passed away this week. "I tihnk our guys honored him the right way with the defense we played tonight."
Richt had special praise for the red zone defense, which he called "awesome".
"I'm very proud of them," he said. "It did help, though, when we were up so much that Coach Spurrier had to go for the touchdown. That helped us get a chance at a shutout. I think South Carolina is a pretty good football team. You never feel comfortable guarding someone like Sidney Rice every play. That's why tonight, our defense really did a great job putting pressure on their quarterback, and did all we could to re-route Rice."
The Bulldog coach praised the play of DE Charles Johnson, who was all over the field tonight on defense, creating havoc for Blake Mitchell all night long.
"Tonight, on our radio show, we named him Player of the Game," said Richt. "I call him 'Big Bully' in practice. Well, he did a little bullying tonight. I'm really glad we've got him."
Richt also had praise for his offensive line, and for his freshman quaterback, Matthew Stafford, who took over with 4:41 to go in the first quarter, as starter Joe Tereshinski left with a right ankle injury.
"We ran the ball well pretty well," he said. "South Carolina made some nice adjustments in the second half. We didn't run great, but we ran pretty well. Matt iced the backup position when he led the second team offense to a touchdown over the first team defense in a one minute drill. That iced it in my eyes. He did a nice job considering the circumstances. He'll continue to get better as time goes on."
However, it was the defense, and the memory of Erk Russell, that was first on the mind of the Georgia coach.
"When we got here to Georgia, we wanted to start playing like the defenses of old at Georgia played," Richt said. "Certainly Erk (Russell) was a big part of starting that, and I think we honored him the right way by playing like 'Junkyard Dawgs' tonight."
Since 1987, when Rutgers defeated Steve Spurrier's Duke Blue Devils 7-0, teams coached under Steve Spurrier haven't been shut out of a football game. Tonight, Mark Richt and Georgia decided 19 years was long enough.
The Bulldogs dominated both sides of the field, and thanks to numerous Carolina mistakes, cruised to a relatively easy 18-0 victory over the Gamecocks tonight at Williams-Brice Stadium.
We'll have more to come, including post-game reaction, thoughts on the game, players to watch, and comments from the Georgia press conference, as the Bulldogs move to 2-0 on the season, and 1-0 in SEC play.
Stay tuned, as CSTV.com's Mission: SEC Football continues coverage from Columbia, where once again, Georgia has handed Steve Spurrier his first shutout in 19 years, and claimed a huge conference victory on the road.
It's not time for the South Carolina State Fair, but tailgating before a Gamecock game is a carnival all in its own. While most fans gather at the fairgrounds, some of the luckiest fans tailgate in one of the most unique, and luxurious ways possible: a South Carolina Cockaboose.
Billy and Laura Rentz have owned a Cockaboose for 15 years, and walking inside, one instantly sees why they'd never want to be anywhere else. The luxurious caboose seats themselves, all their friends, and is complete with plush seats, a sizeable kitchen, a comfortable deck outside, and of course, a great TV set to watch SEC football.
"We've loved every bit of it," said Laura Rentz. "Our five kids all went to South Carolina, so we became pretty big Gamecock fans."
The talk on board the Cockaboose was about tonight's game, and how great it was to have someone like Spurrier on board as the head Gamecock.
"We're so lucky to get a guy like Spurrier," said David, a friend of the Rentz's who frequently visits the Cockaboose. "Of course, we said that when we got Lou Holtz, but so far, we're very happy with Spurrier. This is a big game though. Beating Georgia will go a very long way."
The spread was incredible, as friend chicken, with every side item you could imagine, lined the kitchen tops. The Rentzes were gracious to everyone who entered, even offering Georgia fans food and drink when they stumbled upon their little slice of tailgate heaven.
Roy and Laura McKay, who share ownership of the Cockaboose with the Rentz's, enjoy the atmosphere just as much. In Roy's case, it comes out even more handy, as he was sporting a cast and crutches.
"Everyone's welcome to get some food or drink if they want here.," says Roy Mckay. "Take a picture of my cast here. It's decked in Carolina colors."
As is just about everything else. From the interior to the exterior, everything is decked in garnet and black.
What makes Carolina football so special that these fans pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to renovate a caboose for tailgating? The answer was unanimous.
"The atmosphere," said Rentz. "The fans, the whole setting and experience of Carolina football. It's worth it all to be a part of this every year."
And for the thousands of Carolina fans that pack Williams-Brice every year, despite the team's overall record, Rentz's sentiment rings true.
Sitting in the press box at Columbia's Williams-Brice Stadium, one is naturally overwhelmed when they see line after line of cars streamed across the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. Tailgating was its own carnival of sorts, and sitting amongst friends of mine, the smell of the gril and the sounds of football were in the air.
Mike and Katy Simmons are not only great friends, but avid SEC football fans. Mike comes from a long generation of proud UGA fans, while Katy is a diehard Razorback fan. However, today, she was sporting Bulldog gear, as we all mingled with UGA and Carolina fans hours before kickoff.
About once a minute, you could hear the chants of 'GAME...COCKS"...and "GO COCKS!", followed by the sounds of Georgia fans answering with barks and howls.
"We're gonna stomp the Bulldogs, baby!" shouted a USC fan as he walked by. "Spurrier's taking us ALL..THE..WAY!"
"It's over!" yelled another Gamecock fan. "Pack up and head home Bulldogs...don't even show up. This one is in the bag!"
Mike, however, had a totally different opinion.
"It's going to be a bloodbath," he said. "No doubt about it. UGA is gonna stomp 'em."
Sitting next to the Simmons' tent were Symmes and Casey Johnson, both originally from Anderson, S.C. Although the two are sisters, Symmes is a current Georgia student and proud Bulldog. As she sported a bright red dress with a Georgia "G" painted on her check, her sister Casey was decked in Carolina black, having decided to stay within state boundaries and attend South Carolina.
"I like Georgia," Casey said, "but I just liked South Carolina a lot better. I just didn't want to go to Georgia."
The consistent shouting between fans continued towards the stadium, as the intensity has yet to let up since early this afternoon. Even now, boos are cascading through the stadium when UGA's band plays a note. You have to love it though; this is what SEC football is all about. Expect one incredible game tonight here in Columbia!
Steve Spurrier mentioned at SEC Media Days that there were only a few Outback Bowl trophies in the Gamecock trophy case. Though those are the trophies that are displayed in the team case, the most prominent trophy is one that can't be found at Alabama, or at South Carolina's rival, Clemson. It's the Heisman Trophy, which belongs to the living legend of Carolina football, George Rogers.
For a program with an avid football base, but not much success, Rogers was the hero of the Palmetto State during his playing years. In his senior season, he led the NCAA in rushing, and convincingly won the Heisman Trophy. He was so beloved, Carolina retired his jersey...while he was still playing for the Gamecocks.
"There wasn't much winning in the history of South Carolina then," said Rogers. "I think that's why they retired my jersey so fast."
New Orleans coach Bum Phillips, whose Saints picked Rogers first in the NFL Draft, said Rogers had the unique ability to either "dodge a defender or run straight over them." Rogers would lead the league in rushing in his rookie year, and be named NFL Rookie of the Year.
"I wish I had dodged more," Rogers said, laughing. "Maybe I'd look better then I do now."
Although Carolina was an independent, seeking to build a winning tradition, Rogers had no hesistation picking the Gamecocks out of high school.
"They had two senior running backs leaving the school," he said. "I could get playing time right away if I went to South Carolina. Jim Carlen was my coach back then, and he was really a great man and great coach. And the fans at South Carolina; they are second to none. They show up and fill the place whether we're winning or we're losing. They are truly the best fans in the country."
Rogers also had high praise for his teammates on the offensive line.
"My offensive line was great," Rogers said. "When the game was over, they'd ask me how many yards I had gotten that night. I'd tell them around 150 or so, and they'd say 'we'll do better next time.' That always inspired me to do better."
Although his Super Bowl ring proudly rests on his left hand, it's the four years he spent playing in Columbia that mean the most to him. Gamecock garnet blood is what flows through his blood, and beats in his heart.
"The win over Clemson in '79, that was better than winning the Super Bowl," Rogers said. "We rarely beat Clemson back then, but we beat them that year. Over in Clemson, everyone points out the two Heisman winners that never scored against them: myself and Herschel Walker. But we point out that to find a Heisman Trophy, they have to go to South Carolina."
Tears came to his eyes as he spoke of the Clemson game, and it was easy to see how much it meant to win for the Gamecocks, and how proud he was to be part of South Carolina's history.
"I'll do anything for these guys," he said. "I'm not an aggressive recruiter, but if Coach Spurrier or any of the coaches ask for my help, I'll help them. I'll tell every one of them that if they want to go to a REAL school, they should go to South Carolina."
So, while the #38 jersey of George Rogers sits on the wall of the Crews Center at South Carolina, there is little doubt that his legacy, and a big piece of his heart, sits everywhere at Williams-Brice Stadium.
On June 9, 2006, the NCAA posted a series of rule changes for NCAA football. Among them was rule 3-2-5-e, which stated the clock would start on the ref's whistle after a first down. However, many coaches are not pleased with the new rule, and one of the more outspoken coaches against it is South Carolina's Steve Spurrier.
The rationale of the NCAA, in making the rule, was that "by starting the clock, the committee estimates it will shorten the game by about five minutes, according to studies by several Division 1-A conferences".
Spurrier, however, sees the rule differently.
"They want to shorten the game, and help the underdog," Spurrier said. "It helps the underdog greatly because the favorite gets fewer plays. They (the underdog) get fewer plays. I don't like the rule personally. I think a team has a right to eighty plays a game. It's going to be a shorter game, with fewer plays, and that's how it's going to be."
Georgia's Mark Richt, whose Bulldogs face South Carolina this Saturday, echoed Spurrier's comments.
"Fans py a lot of money to go to games, and now you've got a lot less of it," Richt said. "It's just not good for the interest of the game."
The Gamecocks wrapped up a short practice this afternoon in a light drizzle, and Spurrier greeted a small media scrum after practice. After quotes from his teleconference, and on a tip from a USC equipment manager (who filled me in on lots of Gamecock news and knowledge), I asked Spurrier if any changes would be made to the offensive line for this Saturday's game.
"Not yet," Spurrier said, grinning. "But we should change after the way we played. We're going to give those guys another chance and see how it goes."
Heath Shuler was known throughout the SEC as a fearless leader who was instrumental in making Tennessee a consistent power in conference play. After a NFL career, and beginning a successful real estate business, Shuler has his focus set on a new challenge: becoming the next Congressman in North Carolina's 11th District.
Shuler's big smile and easygoing personality has struck a chord with citizens, as he currently holds a lead over Charles Taylor, who has held the Congressional seat for 15 years. Sitting in his offices in Asheville, NC, the energetic Vol alum was eager to share his beliefs and stories.
"I'm running for Congress because someone has to stand up for the working class people of this district," said Shuler. "Too many jobs are leaving North Carolina, and someone needed to step up and try to change things. That's why I'm running for Congress."
Shuler's strength is not only in his charismatic and upbeat attitude, but in his work ethic and leadership skills, both of which he says he learned while at Tennessee.
"Work ethic was big at Tennessee," Shuler said. "Coach Cutcliffe stressed tempo and work ethic all the time. You can see that now in this year's Tennessee team. They are leaner, faster, and they play hard every play. Coach Cuttcliffe always said the key to a good offense is tempo, and he always stressed having a strong work ethic."
Shuler's day is a long one, but one he obviously seems to enjoy.
"We talk to everyone we can find," he said. "We like going to coffee shops, stores in little towns, anywhere across the district, talking to people and getting the gossip. It's better information than any poll. It's a four hour drive from one side of the district to the other, but we'll go to as many places as we can. We'll talk to teachers and find out what they would like to see in schools, and we'll talk to working people all over and get their feelings on a lot of issues."
While this campaign has been dirty at times, Shuler is completely unfazed by the mudslinging.
"It's something you expect," Shuler said. "When you walk into Athens or Birmingham, the fans are trash talking you all game long. You become used to it. That's what helps in politics as well. You know there will be mudslinging, and you're prepared for it, so it doesn't bother you as much when it happens."
Shuler's been a resident of Washington before, having played for the Redskins in his NFL career. However, this time, he plans to head to Washington on a much more serious agenda.
"Football was great to me, and I was blessed to have played it," he said. "But anything that we'd do in Washington is so much more important. As great as the thrills of football have been, we're talking about affecting the everyday lives of Americans when you're in Congress."
However, Shuler did have some good things to say about the current group of Tennessee Volunteers.
"Much leaner, much quicker, much more in tempo," he said. "They looked good last Saturday. Coach Cutcliffe really got them back in shape. He has already made a huge difference."
As has Cutcliffe's protege. The confidence and work ethic just comes out naturally in the former Tennessee quarterback. He seems focused to have a long, successful career, should he return to the nation's capital
Drive through the main strip of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and you'll see a slew of restaurants, shops, and hotels. Located in the middle of all the hustle and bustle is the quaint Gatlinburg Inn, where a couple known for songwriting sat in a room and created the most popular song in the history of the state.
"Boudleaux Bryant was named for a French solider in World War I," said Wilma Maples, who has run the Gatlinburg Inn since it opened its doors in 1937. Boudleaux and Felice, who was born Matilda Genevieve Scaluto, had a whirlwind love story.
"Felice was an elevator operator in Illinois when she was young," said Maples. "She met Boudleaux when he was playing in a band at her hotel. Three days later, they were married."
The couple were traveling songwriters, who had written songs for the Everly Brothers ("Wake Up Little Susie", "Bye, Bye Love"), Jim Reeves, Buddy Holly, and many other songwriters. They frequented the Gatlinburg Inn often, where Wilma and Rellie "Rel" Maples lived and ran the hotel.
"We were sitting in our living room and Boudleaux walked in, and we started a friendship with the Bryants," Maples said. "They stayed with us on and off for twenty years. In winter, we were closed, but we'd leave a set of keys for them and they'd come and go as they liked. They were really nice people, but so different though. Boudleaux was very easygoing, while Felice could be fiery."
Along the lobby wall of the Gatlinburg Inn, autographed photos stand out for all to see. Lady Bird Johnson stayed there. So did Dinah Shore, Andy Williams, Pete Maravich and James Cash Penney, founder of JCPenney department stores. However, one framed picture stands out. It's an autographed record cover that says the following...
"To Wilma and Rel,
Since this was written here in our favorite room, 388, we'd like for you to have this copy.
-Boudleaux and Felice"
The copy was of Rocky Top, a song that has given us 137 reasons why Tennessee fans have adopted it as their most beloved tune. How they wrote it was a story all its own.
"Boudleaux and Felice were here to write some songs for (Archie) Grandaddy Campbell," Maples said. "From what I know, Boudleaux was sitting on his couch, while Felice was pacing the floor. They had been trying to write songs all day and all night. Suddenly, Felice just threw her work on the floor and said she'd had enough. Boudleaux didn't want to stop though, so he started strumming his guitar as hard as he could and sang the first lines of a song that was in his head. They took turns writing the lines, and in ten minutes, they had created Rocky Top."
Although the hotel had been the setting for Rocky Top, Wilma and Rel Maples never heard the song until it had been released to the public.
"You just never encroached a guest's privacy," Maples said. "But we were awfully excited when the song did so well.'
Though the Bryants would eventually buy the nearby Rocky Top Village Inn, today guests from all over the world come to this old, but extremely charming hotel to see the room that created one of college football's most famous songs.
"We've had people from England and France, and all over Europe that have heard of Rocky Top," Maples said.
If you entered Room 388 today, a plaque proudly states the fact that Felice and Boudleaux Bryant created Rocky Top in 1967 in that very room.
"I miss them dearly," Maples said, "Wonderful people. I think about them when I hear the song being played."
We're going to combine the Rocky Top Meter with the Mission: SEC Football Stat Meter...and come out with the new results. Here's what we have, as of 9:00 EDT here in Knoxville.
# of Days on the Road: 8
# of Miles Traveled: 764
# of Time Zones: 2
# of Hotels Where We've Spent the Night: 5
Record of Home Teams We've Seen: 1-1
Combined Record of all of our alma maters this season: 1-1
# of MSU Cowbells in our possession: 2
# of CSTV Campus Reps we've met: 2
# of days it hasn't rained on this trip: 6
# of pictures I've taken on this trip: 94
# of Boats we've been on: 2, both on the Vol Navy
# of points Junior (Western Plaza Barber Shop) missed the predicted TN score: 1 (he had TN by 18, instead of 17)
# of fans combined that have attended the two games we've been to: 156,286
# of fireworks shows we've been to: 1 (Boomsday was great)
# of cups of coffee engulfed by Emily: at least 20 (this girl is a coffee-drinking machine...she loves tea though too)
# of hotel keys we have: 14 (we've built up a collection here...not intentionally though)
# of SEC pins on my white CSTV hat: 3 (and thanks to the SE of Disorder crew for the Smokey pin)
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And as for the Rocky Top stats....
# of times we've heard Rocky Top: Amazingly, 133 times
# of times Glenn has sung it randomly: countless...at least 25 times, but no exact number is available on just the times he's sung it.
# of different ways we've heard Rocky Top: 11 different ways, the newest being a ringtone on Bobby Fischer's (Bread Box/Conoco gas station) cell phone.
We'll keep adding up the stats as we go! Next stop: Gatlinburg, TN!
It might be Labor Day for most of America today, but today, the staff at the Conoco "Bread Box", located off of Lovell Road in the northwest section of Knoxville, was hard at work. With the daily business at hand, the management graciously took some time to talk some Tennessee football with us, as well as the business they run.
Chuck Baine and Bobby Fischer are responsible for twenty "Bread Box" stations throughout Tennessee, with 14 of them being in the Knoxville area.
The Lovell Rd. Conoco "has been open for three years," said Fischer. "But it's been a hidden gem for us. We had to build it quite a ways back from the highway, so we were worried a bit. It's been a great spot for us though."
As for Tennessee football Saturdays, both Baine and Fischer noted the increase in traffic.
"We get quite a nice increase in sales and traffic during football weekends," Baine said.
"However," said Fischer, "we're not around downtown Knoxville. The stores we have there just get swamped."
There's a lot of Tennessee pride throughout the store, despite both Baine and Fischer's wishes to paint the store orange instead of red. Tennessee car flags cover the coffee area, while Tennessee coolers, key chains, lapel pins, and anything else orange can be found inside the store. Both Baine and Fischer were decked in orange shirts. The Bread Box polos proudly display the "Power T" along with their logo.
"We've got to keep it Conoco colors," said Baine, noting the red and classic metal trim inside the store. "However, if we had it our way, we'd replace that red with orange. You should see Bobby's office."
"It's all orange and white," Fischer said, smiling. "In this town, you've got to have orange."
While decked in red, and stocked with Vol gear, the Conoco store is as clean and neat as any gas station one will ever find. To the Bread Box staff, having a neat, clean appearance is vital to business.
"It's the presentation of the store that helps sell the product," Fischer said.
As for the presentation that Tennessee's football team put on display last Saturday, consider Vol fans sold.
"Ainge took a lot of grief last year," Baine said. "But he had a terrific game. They just really played great."
"Hopefully, you can interview us again when we head to Atlanta," Fischer said.
And with the victory on Saturday, working on Labor Day seems more like fun than actual work at the Bread Box.
If a Tennessee game isn't going on, the place to be in Knoxville is Volunteer Landing. It is not just a place for boats to dock, it is a series of stages, restaurants, and people milling here and there, enjoying the open air and the company of fellow UT fans. Tonight, it was the stage for Boomsday, the Knoxville festival that features the largest fireworks show in America during Labor Day weekend.
The Vol Navy was out in full force, and recruited some new ships to their fleet, as convivial gatherings were taking place all over the Tennessee River. Neyland Drive was shut down by police, as thousands of people roamed the streets, talking, laughing, watching people ride mechanical bulls or sing karaoke, while the smell of hot dogs, funnel cakes, and a wide assortment of different foods filled the twilight air.
The energy in the air was high, capped not only by the anticipation of fireworks lighting the night sky, but also from the outstanding performance by the Vols in dismantiling California last night. As the throng of people milled around Neyland Drive and Volunteer Landing, the smiles and laughter from Tennessee fans was plain to see.
"How 'bout them Vols!," shouted a voice from the distance, and fans answered with cheers.
Horns sounded throughout the Vol Navy before the show began, as "Rocky Top" could be heard in the distance.
The boat of fans that welcomed us in might be called "Southeast of Disorder", but to watch the fireworks display, it was right on target. The atmosphere was friendly, as it has been from the start with the Moffitts and their friends.
When asked about the game, our hosts broke into huge smiles.
"They played really well," Laura Brewer said. "We hope they'll make it to Atlanta this year."
Tonight, though, as well as the Vols played, the fireworks show was the topic of choice.
"The city used to have the event on Labor Day," said Brewer, "and I couldn't make it. I couldn't take Tuesday off of work to go see fireworks. But a few years ago, they moved it to Sunday night, and then I could see it. And WOW, it was amazing."
Shelly, Gary and Julia Moffitt's daughter, gave a piece of advice as to what to watch for.
"They make a waterfall with the sparks, starting from the top of the (Henley Street) bridge," she said. "That is the best part of the fireworks show."
And with a rousing countdown, the show began shortly after 9:30 this evening. The sky was instantly lit up with continous series of fireworks that left people gasping, clapping, shouting, and cheering. Streams of gold sparks shot diagonally across the sky, while red, white, and blue stars soared above them. Red hearts followed a burst of gold circles that seemed to hang in midair for minutes at a time before gently fading into the moonlight.
Then, the 'waterfall' was created. As fireworks exploded overhead, a stream of white and gold sparks spilled from the top of the bridge, creating a waterfall that looked like it came down from the heavens, welcoming all of us to enjoy the wonders that we were watching, with jaws dropped low enough to taste the river bed below.
Moments later, what seemed to be impossible was being shown in front of a captivated crowd. Fireworks were coming straight out of the water, shooting streams of sparks instead of water. The sparks flew until suddenly, with a loud BOOM, fireworks shot off streams of gold from everywhere around the boat.
As the show ended, to much cheering and whooping from the crowd, Shelley and Gary watched the smoke move down the river, away from their boat.
"One time," Gary said, "the wind decided to go the other way and we watched through the haze and smoke. It definitely wasn't much fun that year for us."
"It turned everything on the boat black," Shelley said. "It took hours of washing and scrubbing to get the black soot off of the boat."
Once the show was over, the music was turned back up, and laughter, along with lots of little girls, and girls at heart, dancing the night away as if there were truly no worries or concerns in the world at all. This was, after all, Boomsday, where having fun and being awestruck by the fireworks above were the issues of the day.
And that only adds to the unique flavor and excitment that is football time in Tennessee.
The new stats are up for CSTV.com's official Rocky Top Count Meter, counting every time "Rocky Top" is played during the stay in Knoxville.
Current Stats, as of 11:50 am, 9/3/06
Friday - 55 times
Saturday - Pre-game - 23 times
Game/Post-game - 23 times
Sunday - 3 times
If the math is correct, that means we've heard Rocky Top 104 times here at Tennessee.
Is 125 within reach? We'll find out!
I'd never been to Neyland Stadium until today. I'd heard the stories about the crowds, and the emotion, and the drama, and the noise levels, and the consistent Rocky Top playing, but I'd never been there before in person. Having said that, one definitely has to see Neyland, and be inside Neyland, to truly capture this incredible football experience.
Oh, believe me, I was warned. A campus policeman told me the noise level was going to be really loud, and really exciting. A cheer coach told me that the noise levels would be simply incredible, so long as Tennessee was doing well.
They knew of what they told me.
First, you really can't describe the size of the crowd. I could say it was a sea of orange, but that's a total understatement. Even saying it was an ocean of orange doesn't say it just right. The feeling is more or less like a mass exodus of people from their cars, houses, apartments, or wherever they came from, entering Neyland Stadium as if they were drawn to it magnetically.
The noise level brings a new definition of deafening. When Cal took the field, it was as if anyone dressed in white and blue had committed the most heinous crime ever to be committed on the face of the Earth. The boos echoed past the stadium and down the Smoky Mountains, telling everyone from Knoxville to North Carolina that there were unwelcome visitors in their house. When Tennessee took the field, it was as if everyone in that stadium had found out they won the lottery...at the same time. People were screaming, jumping up and down, hugging others beside them, almost in awe of these collegiate men of orange taking the field.
Every loss of yardage for Cal equaled mass celebrations. Every penalty against Tennessee brought an explosion of boos. And speaking of explosions, every touchdown at Tennessee meant fireworks, cannon booms, and noise levels that reach decibel numbers that would give grown men headaches just to read the number on how loud it was. When Cal had the ball, the noise level was so deafening that your mind could not process any thoughts whatsoever. How the Golden Bears only had one delay of game penalty is amazing. It's actually a credit to their team. How can anyone focus through that noise?
And in the fourth quarter, with the game in hand, Tennessee's fans stayed in the stadium, cheering and yelling as hard as they could for their scrubs, who played just as hard for them as well.
For Shannon Baxter, a freshman on the Volunteer pom squad, it was a perfect setting for her first game.
"I'm very excited," Baxter said. "The crowd is amazing, and the Vols are really doing well."
Maybe it was different last year. Maybe in that 5-6 season of 2005, the crowds weren't as loud. Maybe this crowd was especially loud because it was a Top 10 team visiting Knoxville, or that they needed this win to have hope for the season. But personally, I'll say that's not the case, and wonder how anyone, or any team, has been able to take the field at Neyland and actually win a football game against Tennessee there.
For college football fans, it's a must see. That's as simple as I can put it.
Just behind Neyland Stadium is, well, Neyland Drive. After that, the Tennessee River flows through the heart of Knoxville, and just by the Tennessee campus. And on the river, there are boats lined up ten deep along the nearest bank to the stadium. Welcome to tailgating's water world: the Tennessee Vol Navy.
Climbing aboard Julie and Gary Moffitt's "Southeast of Disorder" (a Jimmy Buffett themed boat), you enter a floating home to avid fans of the Volunteer Nation. Here, a large balloon of Smokey greets you at the gate (he's been signed by Phil Fulmer), and upstairs sits the Moffitts and their fans, all of whom are extremely hospitable.
Once on, the Rocky Top begins, and the gathering joins right along in the lyrics. Just by singing the chorus with them, I am immediately accepted and welcomed into the festivities. Along with food and drink (ice water is SOOO good on hot Tennessee afternoons), they provided us with some great moments of Vol football, and of being on the Vol Navy.
According to Julie, they dock the boat 40 miles from Knoxville during the off-season. "About two weeks before the first game, we'll get the boat and drive it to Knoxville. We take it back the day after the last game of the season," she said.
Most everyone had the last win over Florida in Knoxville as their favorite moment, but Gary added an extra favorite moment. "The Jack Daniels girls came by after a win, and we partied with them," Gary said. Better yet, they had pictures of the girls in a photo album of great moments on the boat.
After the games, what do the fans usually like to do on the boat? The consensus was definitely to dance, and given Tennessee's convincing win this afternoon, there was a lot of dancing going on aboard Southeast of Disorder!
It definitely wasn't as close as the score indicates, but Tennessee's offense was simply magnificent in rolling up over 500 yards of offense, and smashing any national title hopes of California's, while heavily boosting morale in Knoxville. Tennessee has definitely stamped themselves as contenders to win not only the SEC East, but the conference as well.
It was as good a performance as Tennessee's fans could ever ask for....
Rocky Top was in full force today, as an overwhelming wave of orange celebrated not only a victory, but the sign of a return to glory, and not a repeat of a shocking 5-6 season last year.
Tennessee's offensive line was nothing short of heroic, as they opened up hole after hole for the Vol backfield. The Cal defensive line simply had no answer for Tennessee's big men up front. Even in the late stretches of the game, Tennessee's second and third team OL were breaking large holes for LaMarcus Coker. Passing wise, Erik Ainge performed beautifully, throwing for four touchdowns. However, as well as Ainge played, he owes a lot of credit to his line, who gave him lots of time to find the right receivers, and make great decisions almost all night.
Robert Meacham was hardly mentioned during Media Days coverage, but he was simply amazing on the field tonight, and should be a candidate not only for All-SEC, but All-America as well. When big plays were needed, Meacham was making them. He gave the Vols breathing room with a 40 yd. touchdown reception in the second quarter, and doused any hopes for a Cal comeback with an 80 yd. touchdown reception on the second play of the third quarter, putting the nail in the coffin for the Golden Bears.
Simply put, this was as perfect an opening game as Tennessee could ask for. The crowd was terrific, the team was pumped, and Tennessee was clearly on a mission. They wanted to set the bar high; and assure the fans, as well as themselves, that they were much better than last year's 5-6 club. They not only set the bar high, they set it at astronomical heights. Thrashing the 9th-ranked team in the country was just the medicine needed for the entire Orange Nation, and the celebrations along the Tennessee River will carry long into the weekend.
Stay tuned to CSTV.com, as we'll have more coverage of Tennessee's win, including a look at the Neyland experience (which is incredible), and more post-game reaction from Volunteer fans. For tonight, we bid you good night from Knoxville, where Tennessee dominated Cal today in a 35-18 win.
This morning, I got up, showered, and did everything else to start the typical road trip morning, except for one thing. I wanted a good shave, and good football talk, so I went to the best possible place for both: Knoxville's famous Western Plaza Barber Shop.
Now, I am a huge fan of the 'classic' barber shop. By 'classic', I mean that the shop must meet 5 requirements.
1) White tile floor (colored tile can count if it meets the colors of the local college)
2) Barber pole (no pole, no barber shop)
3) Old Coke Machine (gotta have a good, cold coke from a fairly old machine)
4) Television Set (it's got to be big enough to see, but small enough to where the customer wants a bigger one)
5) Last, but definitely not least: In-depth sports conversation
How did Western Plaza rate? A perfect 5 of 5, plus bonus points for their incredible assortment of pennants (200+ pennants on the wall, all of different schools), and for the creative display of Tennessee football colored doughnuts (courtesy of Krispy Kreme), and a very good cup of coffee.
The adrenaline is flowing through me today, and so while my co-workers were getting their much needed shuteye, I arrived at Western Plaza at 7:45 this morning, and the place was already packed. The shop has 7 barbers, and everyone had appointments. For over 40 years, this has been THE place to go get haircuts in Knoxvile. Players, coaches, judges, doctors, lawyers, and anyone who follows Tennessee football attempt to get haircuts. The shop is so popular, appointments must be made almost three weeks in advance.
To begin, I was given a special cream to put on my face. As Junior and Phyllis, the owners of the barber shop, explained, the cream provides even more lubrication to make a smoother, closer shave. After applying the cream, Phyllis led me to the hot lather machine to get the perfect shaving cream for my face. Once applied, the shaving becomes really easy, and after a hot towel to clean off, I had to admit, i'd never had a better, closer shave.
As for the conversation, it was lively and entertaining. Junior, a die-hard Volunteer fan, keeps the fans talking football, asking for predictions as they file into the shop, and also as they leave. His pick? Tennessee by 18.
"I think we'll bounce back from last year," he said. "I think that #3 pre-season ranking last year; that was a year too early."
The majority of the fans were cautiously optimistic. When asked for a prediction, everyone picked Tennessee, but more were hoping for the win, instead of firmly believing the Vols would beat Cal.
"I hope we'll win," one fan told me. "I don't care if it's just by a point, I just want to win."
What keeps the barber shop so packed is not only the rarity of classic barber shops today, but also because of the remarkable memory of Junior.
"It's funny," Junior said. "I can tell you what each customer likes sports-wise, and what they like in a haircut. I can't tell you what I had for breakfast this morning, but I can tell you what each customer likes. That's just my job."
Another barber, Micki, had an amazing story to add to that.
"One guy left Knoxville, and hadn't been back for about 18 years," she said. "He comes back, after 18 years, with his son, and Junior just looks up and says 'Hi, George', like he'd seen him last week. He has such an incredible memory."
It's a job that Junior, his family, and the other barbers around truly enjoy, which makes the atmosphere inside the shop light and fun. Football season just adds to it.
"It's football season every day in here," Junior said, as Phyllis nodded her head in agreement. "But I love this job. This shop has been very good to my family. I can't imagine doing anything else. Where else can you have as much fun at your job than this?"
Well, besides the job we have, road-tripping the SEC, I can't argue with his statement. As for the barber shop, it's one of the best places for good football, good haircuts, and good laughs in Knoxville.
We are hours away from football time in Tennessee, and we can't wait to get it started all over again!
Think a song can't strike a chord with the masses? According to statistics from 2005, Tennessee's band played Rocky Top an incredible 42 times a game. The song symbolizes the spirit of the Volunteer Nation, but to what extent? Well, we'll all find out together, as we'll be counting not only the # of times we hear Rocky Top during the game, but also during the entire time we're in Knoxville!
As of midnight, September 2nd, we've heard Rocky Top, or parts of Rocky Top, 55 times. This includes radio, fans, and even Glenn singing it from the back seat of the car.
Expect this count to skyrocket over the days, as we'll keep count of Tennessee's most famous song.
The scene is simple...we're driving down I-40 on the outskirts of Knoxville, Tenn. It's 5:00 pm, and the rush hour traffic is in full force. The following scenario begins to play out over the radio waves...
Gunner (DJ): You're on the air, caller. What would you like to request?
Caller: Well, my girl and I are getting married tonight...
Gunner: Tonight? The night before the Tennessee season opener?
Caller: That's right. Anyways, we'd like you to play something romantic, something to remember the day by...
Gunner: Well, caller, I think we can help you out. How about a little Rocky Top? Is that romantic enough?
Caller: Sounds romantic to me, let's do it!
Seconds later, Dolly Parton's version of "Rocky Top" is trumpeting proudly over the radio waves at WIVK, Knoxville's radio station for non-stop Rocky Top (107.7 FM on your radio dial for you Knoxville locals). As a tradition, the station entertains Volunteer fans by giving them one hour of different variations of Rocky Top during Friday rush hour before the season opener.
Not only is it a great way to spark Tennessee spirit, it's also a lot of fun, as the songs vary differently, making it interesting to see what version comes up next....
Gunner keeps the suspense going...
Caller: Hey, as much as I love Rocky Top, it sort of seems like everyone sings it the same way...
Gunner: Oh, that's not true. Ever hear the Pig Latin version?
And just like that, Rocky Top is played, with the performer singing the lyrics entirely in Pig Latin.
Roy Clark, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and the Tennessee band are playing it. So are callers who just want to sing on the air. Rocky Top was even played by kazoo, which I thought was hysterical, but Emily decided she'd heard enough Rocky Top for the day and muted the car radio! (She drove through some tough traffic, though, so you gotta cut her a little slack).
Anyways, WIVK's "Non-stop Rocky Top" is a fun and interesting way to open off football season in Tennessee.
We're headed to the barber shop tomorrow, and then it's off to experience football time in Tennessee!
As we close tonight, I'll leave you with this: What was the top story on the radio newsbreaks, the 5 pm news, and the 6 pm news all over Knoxville? It wasn't Iraq, or the Middle East, or any other depressing news story out there. It was Tennesee football beginning tomorrow....you've got to love the morale shift that SEC football brings to a city.
Some of my earliest and fondest childhood memories take place inside the walls of the IAA Football stadiums of the North East. My father, an offensive lineman for PENN in the late 1960’s, instilled a profound passion for the game in my siblings and me. We traveled to games all around the Ivy League to proudly cheer for the Red and Blue— but it was the red-brick beauty of West Philadelphia, Franklin Field, that will forever occupy a space in my memory bank. And more than 25 years later, Quaker Football remains a family tradition—yes… I love the game, but College Football has come to mean so much more…
Tonight … I saw that same passion, that same ‘dogged’ commitment to team and campus that drives my love of the game in the eyes of the students of Mississippi State University (Should that be bull-dogged commitment?). To each and every one of them, the ‘maroon and white’ has come to mean so much more than could ever be ‘explained’ or ‘analyzed’ by the most prominent of MSU scholars.
In the wider world—tonight’s game may not mean very much. In a few years time most of my new friends in the student section will probably forget about me and will even forget the score of the game.
But for a few fleeting moments—they welcomed me as one of their own…
We celebrated together…
We consoled each other…
…and for no other reason than the spirit of the game – we were friends and teammates!
PENN’s jingling keys may have been replaced by MSU’s jangling cowbells… but the passion, the beauty and the profound importance of ‘the game’ were still very familiar.
So… to my new friends in Starkville, MS … I’d like to say THANK YOU for letting me be a part of your family… and NEXT SEASON, I’d like to invite you to be a part of mine at the big stadium on the corner of Spruce St & 34th Street in Philadelphia, PA.
GO BULLDOGS!
PS:
I’m currently driving through NORTHPORT, AL which is the ‘other’ NORTHPORT that pops-up when I do web-searches for my Hometown of NORTHPORT, NY… It is truly a SMALL world!
It's hours before gametime in Starkville, and the three of us are sitting in the SID office. However, getting wireless Internet was a problem, and it had me leaving the office and heading to the brand new campus Barnes & Noble, which is hands down the nicest student bookstore I've ever seen. After I finished posting some blog articles for everyone here, I had hours of time to explore a campus scene in a town I'd been in for less than 1 day. However, thanks to CSTV.com's Campus Rep Program, I was fortunate to have a lot of help in finding out in what MSU, and MSU tailgating, are all about.
Erin Jones is a senior broadcast journalism major at Mississippi State, and is also a campus rep for CSTV. I was lucky enough to have her fight through gameday traffic to meet me on campus and show me around. We began by going into MSU's newest tailgating section, known as the Junction The area got its name thanks in part to an old railroad track that used to intersect a nearby street at the location. The MSU fans were out in full force, decked in maroon and white, talking and laughing as the undeniable smell of grilled chicken and pork permeated the summer air. Along with the tailgaters, the MSU Alumni Assocation was also in full force, and we were able to get some really cool MSU stickers for the car (one sticker from each school for this road trip!) Across the street from the Junction was the Bulldog Fan Fair, held at the Ampitheatre, which is a huge stage in the middle of a slightly sloping grassy field. The MSU Band, along with the cheerleaders, arrive hours before gametime and keep the fans entertained.
We then took a trip down fraternity and sorority row, noticing the banners over some of the houses, and the stickers worn by just about every sorority girl and fraternity guy, many of them saying "WE LOVE THE DAWGS", or "BEAT THE GAMECOCKS", or something to that effect. We stopped and went inside the Kappa Delta house, which is a beautiful, well-manicured, classic Southern mansion that serves as the largest sorority house (by square footage) in the entire SEC. Erin, along with the KD house mom, known as "Mom" Kennedy, were incredibly gracious hosts, and provided me a tour of this amazing house. They also provided me with much needed ice water (it's HOT in Starkville in August!). and a sticker of my own to wear (I have it stuck to one of my bags as we speak). To put it short, the house defined Southern class and elegance.
We then traveled back through the Junction, and over to the Chatham Cheese Shop, located just a block away from the stadium and the Junction. Mississippi State, which used to be known as Mississippi A&M, makes their own brand of Edam and Cheddar cheeses, along with the widely popular chocolate milk and muscadine grape juice. The shop stays busy most days, but today was even busier, as fans trickled in nonstop into the shop.
Erin's favorite SEC game? Actually, it was last year's Battle for the Golden Egg (Jack Cristil told me it's NEVER the Egg Bowl, and I'll respect his wishes on that one). "Living in Houston, I wasn't able to go to the MSU-Ole Miss game my first two years, because it was always around Thanksgiving," she said. "I finally got to see them play here in Starkville last year, and even though people were saying 'Oh, they're two bad teams, it won't be a very good game', we beat them, and everyone in Starkville ended up very happy."
To continue with the tour....another great MSU hot spot is their bakery/creamery. Along with cheese, milk, and wine, MSU makes their own ice cream as well (which is pretty good stuff). Emily struck an immediate friendship with an employee named Lydia, who turned out to be really great, and gave us free samples, all of which were really good!
Overall, I was incredibly grateful to Erin for guiding me across the MSU campus. We definitely would not have known as much history, or seen as much of the campus, without her help. It was the essence of Southern hospitality, served CSTV style, which made us feel right at home in Starkville.
The morning brought new hope to a Mississippi State faithful that was desperately searching for a win...a big win...an important win...a spark to ignite them out of recent frustration and into the spotlight of the SEC. However, tonight it was not to be, as Steve Spurrier claims his first win in Starkville, with a 15-0 Carolina win over the Bulldogs.
You have to hand it to Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks. During Wednesday's teleconference, Spurrier stressed how young and inexperienced his defense was, but that he hoped they'd represent the team and school well.
Oh, how we all should've known when Spurrier is pulling wool over our eyes.
We should've known that, even when he's stating problems, if he's talking with confidence, it spells doom for an opponent. Tonight, Mississippi State learned the hard way.
Carolina's defense will make some noise in the SEC. Sure, this game wasn't the perfect test for Carolina, given the injury to Michael Henig. However, the Gamecocks had answers for each Bulldog drive. As I overheard one fan say tonight "it's not about State finishing...they gotta learn to START something too!"
Is Carolina good enough to win the SEC East? It's hard to say tonight. They weren't world beaters, but they did get the job done, and as long as Steve Spurrier controls the sidelines, you can't ever count the Gamecocks out.
As for MSU, this team will bounce back. This team won't quit, and neither will Sylvester Croom. Croom is a class act and a rarity in the coaching profession. In a society where people tend not to live by the sword and die by the sword, Croom took the entire blame for the loss, relieving his team of any fault, and re-establishing himself as a strong leader, and one that the State players and fans can trust to right the ship in Starkville.
Will it take time? Absolutely. MSU is still a very rough-edged team. They'll pull an upset here and there, but they still lack the overall talent to win the SEC West. However, as Croom pointed out tonight, this team is much better than in the last two years. The execution is better, the players are faster, and the effort is much, much harder.
Over the past few days, we've experienced all that Mississippi State has to offer. From it's M Club, to it's legendary voice in Jack Cristil, to its cowbell-loving fans (must...have...more...cowbell), MSU delievered a very unique experience that fans are sure to remember if they ever visit the Starkville campus. This is a school and fan base that doesn't expect, or demand, perfection. However, this school has tons of hope, tons of faith, and tons of spirit, and that will eventually carry them to happier times on the football field.
I'd like to thank Jack Cristil, Mike Nemeth and the MSU SID office, and the many ushers who guided us through the game tonight. Special thanks to go Cedric, a security guard who made sure that I got great views of the game and gave me tips during the pre-game warmups (the white jerseys on MSU were a great example).
HUGE thanks to Erin Jones, who is not only CSTV's MSU campus rep, but also the best tour guide any road tripper could ask for. After fighting traffic just to meet up with me, she gave me a fantastic tour of the MSU campus. Any and everything that I could possibly learn about this school, she knew about it, and kept me very informed. She also helped with our video clips, and gave us tips on where to go, and what to see, and that's what I'll have coming later on CSTV.com.
For now, we bid you good night from Starkville, Miss., where on a beautiful August night, South Carolina opened the SEC football season with a 15-0 win over Mississippi State. Good night everyone, and we'll see you on the road!
After South Carolina's 15-0 win tonight in Starkville, there are several players that have stood out as ones to watch this SEC season...
We'll start with the victors from South Carolina...
WR Cory Boyd - This kid has it all. He's tall, has great speed, and has even better hands. This is the guy that makes South Carolina a dangerous team every week. We all know about all-SEC WR Sidney Rice, and believe me, Rice is the real deal. However, while MSU was double-teaming Rice, it was Boyd who had 12 receptions for 96 yards, including the trick play from Syvelle Newton that left Boyd wide open to cruise into the end zone. Boyd will catch anything thrown at him, and is deadly enough to make opponents pay attention to him. This, of course, frees up Rice, and once again the brilliance of Steve Spurrier's offensive mind is shown.
QB Chris Smelley - Last year, Smelley was playing for hundreds at American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Tonight, in front of tens of thousands, Smelley overcame a shaky start to make one of the biggest plays of the night, finding a wide open Kenny McKinley for a 41-yard pass. Smelley has a great arm, and he doesn't make the typical freshman mistakes that most freshman QBs tend to make all season. He's got a great mind for the game, and don't be surprised if Spurrier throws a 2-QB attack on teams, just to make his offense even that much more confusing.
LB Jasper Brinkley - Man, this guy is good. When MSU had wide open receivers, Brinkley would dive in and deflect passes. Or, he'd rush the QB and force State to make errors. Or, he'd go ahead and make the big hit. His name ame up often, not only on the PA system here in Starkville, but also on my notepad (whose contents will be revealed soon enough). He might be a newcomer to the Gamecock D, but he's going to be the anchor of it in no time.
For Mississippi State, we have one really good player to watch...
RB Anthony Dixon - Granted, Sylvester Croom didn't give Dixon too much slack.
"He made some plays, but he also missed some reads," Croom said. "He's a freshman though."
That last quote is what makes this guy promising. He's a bruising back with good speed that is very tough to handle on sweep plays. He made many a 10+ yard run on South Carolina tonight, and basically was the lone spark in the State offense. This guy might be a freshman, but he's got great potential, and don't be surprised if he's in the running for SEC Freshman of the Year honors.
Those are 4 players that SEC fans have got to keep an eye on after watching this game tonight here in Starkville. Stay tuned, as I'll have a final wrapup from Scott Field shortly.
The scene outside Davis-Wade Stadium is still filled with fans tailgating, but the energy and atmosphere is definitely subdued, as South Carolina completely dominated Mississippi State's offense in a 15-0 victory.
The Gamecock offense sputtered at times, but thanks to three great offensive plays, the Gamecocks managed to score enough on offense, while holding the Bulldog attack completely in check. Granted, MSU suffered heavily with the loss of QB Michael Henig. According to a source at KCBI, the CBS affiliate in Columbus, MS, Henig has severly injured his shoulder, and looks to be out of the linup for quite awhile.
Sylvester Croom had no comment about Henig's injury, only to say that he will talk to the trainer, and that "it doesn't look very good right now."
State's lone bright spot was freshman RB Anthony Dixon, who had quite a few nice runs on sweep patterns. However, on a crucial fourth and one, Dixon ran a draw that was completely stuffed by the Gamecock defensive line. Croom, however, took full responsiblilty for the play, and for the loss as well.
"Our defense played really hard," Croom said. "If you have to blame anyone, put it on my shoulders. I made the call on fourth and one and we failed. All I asked my kids to do was play with heart and compassion, and that's what they did."
Croom had nothing but praise for his Bulldogs.
"I'm proud of them," Croom said. "I believe in this football team. This team is not going to quit. They have a lot of character."
Continue to watch CSTV.com as we'll carry further updates from Starkville, including highlights from players, post-game reactions, and first game reflections from this road trip. I'll also have a great feature on tailgating and the hot spots here at Miss. State, featuring one of CSTV's own campus reps!
The MSU players tonight are wearing their road white uniforms, despite being the home team. The reason? According to my new friend Cedric, who's been on the MSU security force for 3 years, Carolina came with road black jerserys instead of road white, making the Bulldogs change to white in order to avoid clashes between dark maroon and black.
More will be coming from Starkville later tonight, as we cover the crowd, fan reactions, and post-game coverage. Plus, I'll give you my view from the sidelines tonight, as this will be the first time I've covered game from the field. It's all on CSTV.com's Mission: SEC Football!!!!
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