Our thoughts go out to the Walker family as Coach Randy Walker passed away Thursday night of an apparent heart attack.
Article from the Chicago Tribune. Chicago Sun-Times readers share their memories
pwd
June 30, 2006
Northwestern's Coach Walker Dies
Our thoughts go out to the Walker family as Coach Randy Walker passed away Thursday night of an apparent heart attack.
Article from the Chicago Tribune. Chicago Sun-Times readers share their memories
pwd
June 29, 2006
Human Interest story on UGA Recruit Rennie Curran
This is a powerful read about Rennie Curran's car accident involving a drunk driver. He was really lucky the other guy was in a smaller car. (Gwinnett Daily Post)
As a reminder, Curran is a 4 star LB recruit who recorded a ridiculous 198 tackles as a junior last year. He is scheduled to sign with UGA in Feb. 2007. He's also from Liberia, the home country of Mo Mass, a topic we covered when he announced his verbal commitment to UGA.
I think DawgPost.com is doing a chat with Curran today at 3:00. You might check it out. If I'm wrong, someone say so.
pwd
As a reminder, Curran is a 4 star LB recruit who recorded a ridiculous 198 tackles as a junior last year. He is scheduled to sign with UGA in Feb. 2007. He's also from Liberia, the home country of Mo Mass, a topic we covered when he announced his verbal commitment to UGA.
I think DawgPost.com is doing a chat with Curran today at 3:00. You might check it out. If I'm wrong, someone say so.
pwd
Fair is Fair: Marcus Howard Gets Kudos
I've said a few times that Marcus Howard at DE makes little sense to me b/c he's so small. Watching him get mauled by OTs from Auburn last year was tough to watch. 220 lbs vs. 330 lbs is tough to watch on a running play.
That said, Richt has been aggressive in his praise of Howard lately. Richt obviously knows best on this issue. So here's the link (near the bottom).
If Howard is physically maturing enough to be a help on something other than 3rd and long, that's HUGE for a DE corp that is tremendously lacking in depth. Great offseason news.
pwd
That said, Richt has been aggressive in his praise of Howard lately. Richt obviously knows best on this issue. So here's the link (near the bottom).
If Howard is physically maturing enough to be a help on something other than 3rd and long, that's HUGE for a DE corp that is tremendously lacking in depth. Great offseason news.
pwd
June 28, 2006
Mike Adams Gets Sued
The Athens paper has the scoop on Mike Adams being sued by the ex-dean of the Journalism School. According to the Athens Banner-Herald, in a June 19 letter notifying UGA and state officials of the $1 million suit, John Soloski claims that university officials "intentionally manipulated UGA's policies in an attempt to essentially blackball Dr. Soloski as an outsider of university administration because of his neutral resistance to President Adams' abuses of power." You have to get down into the article to uncover this ominous little nugget: The lawsuit filed Tuesday is just the beginning of Soloski's claims against Adams and the regents. The AJC has the story here.
The gist of the lawsuit is that Soloski's forced resignation as dean was not because of the "sexual harassment" [more on that below] accusation that Adams used as a stalking horse to demote him, reduce his salary and tarnish his academic career. Rather, the suit accuses the administration of mistreating Soloski since 2001 after he refused the interim provost's demand for him to write a letter of support for Adams as the president came under fire after an audit commissioned by the UGA Foundation. To paraphrase, Adams metaphorically put Soloski on his enemies list and conducted a Richard Nixon-esque takedown.
According to the Banner-Herald, "a month after auditors released findings in October 2003, the deans of all 14 of UGA's schools and colleges signed a statement that called for the end of the controversy between Adams and the UGA Foundation, but stopped short of blanket support of Adams, who vehemently denied accusations of financial wrongdoing contained in the audit." Soloski said the intent of the demand (for a letter of support) "was to rebuild Defendant Adams' ailing credibility in the eyes of the public and University community."
Soloski's accusations come along at an interesting time, since the Banner-Herald recently ran an article observing that all UGA Deans have now been hand-picked by Adams--a 100% turnover since his arrival in 1996. Soloski's charges certainly pass the sniff test if he is arguing that anything less than total, unquestioning, sycophantic loyalty to Adams personally will result in being stripped of your position as Dean in favor of a more obedient successor. Our take: under Adams, there is no virtue to be found in loyalty to the institution if one hopes to be in a leadership position at UGA. Some deans are even hired by presidential fiat and without the bothersome pretense of a search committe.
Soloski appears to be extremely committed to getting relief through the courts. He promises in the article to take the case to federal court if the state court in Fulton County does not grant the relief he requests. Is Soloski a credible plaintiff? The sexual harassment accusation Adams used to force him out is a controversial topic. After a black-tie fundraising event in June 2005 Soloski apparently told a female faculty member in his department that her dress looked very nice or something to that effect. She didn't appreciate the comment and accused him of creating a hostile work environment.
The gist of the lawsuit is that Soloski's forced resignation as dean was not because of the "sexual harassment" [more on that below] accusation that Adams used as a stalking horse to demote him, reduce his salary and tarnish his academic career. Rather, the suit accuses the administration of mistreating Soloski since 2001 after he refused the interim provost's demand for him to write a letter of support for Adams as the president came under fire after an audit commissioned by the UGA Foundation. To paraphrase, Adams metaphorically put Soloski on his enemies list and conducted a Richard Nixon-esque takedown.
I am not a crook.
According to the Banner-Herald, "a month after auditors released findings in October 2003, the deans of all 14 of UGA's schools and colleges signed a statement that called for the end of the controversy between Adams and the UGA Foundation, but stopped short of blanket support of Adams, who vehemently denied accusations of financial wrongdoing contained in the audit." Soloski said the intent of the demand (for a letter of support) "was to rebuild Defendant Adams' ailing credibility in the eyes of the public and University community."
Soloski's accusations come along at an interesting time, since the Banner-Herald recently ran an article observing that all UGA Deans have now been hand-picked by Adams--a 100% turnover since his arrival in 1996. Soloski's charges certainly pass the sniff test if he is arguing that anything less than total, unquestioning, sycophantic loyalty to Adams personally will result in being stripped of your position as Dean in favor of a more obedient successor. Our take: under Adams, there is no virtue to be found in loyalty to the institution if one hopes to be in a leadership position at UGA. Some deans are even hired by presidential fiat and without the bothersome pretense of a search committe.
Soloski appears to be extremely committed to getting relief through the courts. He promises in the article to take the case to federal court if the state court in Fulton County does not grant the relief he requests. Is Soloski a credible plaintiff? The sexual harassment accusation Adams used to force him out is a controversial topic. After a black-tie fundraising event in June 2005 Soloski apparently told a female faculty member in his department that her dress looked very nice or something to that effect. She didn't appreciate the comment and accused him of creating a hostile work environment.
Pay no attention to my endowment fundraising. I command you!
After an Inquisition investigation conducted by Adams hand-picked Legal Affairs Director Steve Shewmaker's office (during which Soloski says he was not allowed to present evidence on his own behalf), it was concluded he had violated the University policy on sexual harassment. Unquestionably, Soloski showed poor judgment. Whether this exhibition of poor judgment equals sexual harassment could be vigorously debated. We don't know what they teach about procedural due process at Shewmaker's University of Kentucky, but at the University of Georgia--and Constitutionally--it means notice and opportunity to be heard.
What does the suit mean? Probably not much. Unless there is a smoking gun email out there, Soloski has enough baggage that he may not be able to prove by a preponderance of the evidence he was blackballed for failing to support Adams. Unless the University and Board of Regents are able to buy Soloski off with a settlement, I would expect some embarrassing details to hit the papers during the discovery phase. There is no telling who might be on Soloski's deposition wish list, but there are probably some forced out former deans who think Soloski might be right about Adams.
We think that when loyalty to a person is substituted for loyalty to an institution or to ideas--or when the distinction is deliberately obscured-- the integrity of the institution or ideas is inevitably eroded. We believe this to be a truism both as applied to Michael Adams and as applied to governments generally. Consolidation of power by the president of an institution (whether academic or geopolitical) is stifling to the free exchange of ideas and opinions. The frequent result is unpopular policy and manipulation of people by fear and coercion.
We have to confess that when we read about the lawsuit this morning, we were pleased. But the happiness has given way to resignation and sadness. The reason lies at the heart of our dislike for Michael Adams. See, we love the University of Georgia (not just the Bulldogs). There is no question that neither the University of Georgia nor the University System of Georgia will benefit from the distraction of this lawsuit. Eventually, distractions and embarrassments will reach a tipping point. When? When our state's leaders realign their loyalty to institutions and ideas instead of to individuals.
There's no place out there for graft, or greed, or lies, or compromise with human liberties.
Dawgnoxious,
Bureau Chief
Mike Adams Corruption Division
June 27, 2006
Wanted: Old Coach Commericals
He's looking for classic coaching commercials. The worse the better. From EDSBS.com on the need for commercials:
"If it don't say Osmose on the yeller tag believe me...you don't won it. Get budder wood."
pwd
In particular, if anyone out there has an Urban Meyer commercial we’ll beg for them. His line reading is just a degree south of Bob Hope’s at 97. He looks like a hostage reading a confession: “I’m so happy to be working with Simpson Jewelers…and am also an agent of the Mossad.” Oh, and any Tommy Tuberville commercial involving Kroger. We’ve heard legends told about these that need visual verification.I remember Ray Goff having some classic Osmose Pressure Treated Pine commercials.
"If it don't say Osmose on the yeller tag believe me...you don't won it. Get budder wood."
pwd
Meyer Points, Stares, Whiffs on Recruiting Trail
Recent twin UGA commitments from Statesboro High seniors John Knox and Justin Houston continue to be newsworthy. The Statesboro Herald, as linked by Dawgbone.net, relays a telling anecdote from the recruiting trail in which future Bulldog Houston withstood the withering stare, and presumably, the paralyzing pointing of Florida's Urban Meyer.Justin Houston said he looked up to former Statesboro High and Florida defensive end Jeremy Mincey, and Florida coach Urban Meyer visited Houston to personally recruit him.
“I looked up to Mincey a lot, so I kind of wanted to go play at the Swamp,” said Houston. Meyer didn’t mince words about his desire to have Houston play for the Gators. “He told me to look him in the eye and said they wanted me,” Houston said of the meeting with Meyer.
How did Houston react to an eyeball-meld with Meyer--the kind of situation that might have caused a less-poised recruit to soil himself, go blind, or both? Houston said he started laughing. “Meyer responded by saying he was serious,” said Houston when asked how Meyer responded to his laugh. That hiss you hear is Urban Meyer's ego deflating. Pfffffffft.
To put it to you another way, if this recruting trip were a movie, Urban would be Max Fischer and Justin Houston would be Miss Cross.
Meyer: The truth is, neither one of us has the slightest idea where this relationship is going.
Houston: We don't have a relationship.
Dawgnoxious,
Film Critic &
Statesboro Division Bureau Chief
NCAA 2007 Custom Cover: Tra Battle
Click to enlarge for a full size version.
The Xbox version is here. The XBox 360 version is here.
For the full library of custom covers for all colleges, check this site. hat tip to this thread.
SEC TV lineup projection
JimFromDuluth generally does a great job of forecasting which games will appear on which networks during the season. Jim has compiled an SEC football scheduled based on his predictions plus the known announcements.
CBS. Where the B stands for Bulldog.
pwd
CBS. Where the B stands for Bulldog.
pwd
Spurrier's Football Mistress?
By SaxonDawg
Note: Saxon originally published this on the PayVent last week. He wanted to make sure the devoted gamecock faithful didn't miss it. Thus the posting here...later. Hope you enjoy. -- PWD
NEWS ITEM:
"We have some lazy guys," said South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier in a press conference today, commenting on his team's lack of commitment to summer workouts.
However, the former Gator coach's tone brightened as he predicted the reaction of Florida fans will be "very positive" when he attends the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Florida's 1996 national championship team on Sept. 2 in the Swamp. "I hope the Gators remember the ol' coach who got 'em all those championships," Spurrier said. "I think most of them understand the circumstances of why I'm not there now. I look forward to seeing a lot of players on the '96 team. It's something I think I need to do and I look forward to doing."
* * *
It was midnight at the KwickCluck Motel on the outskirts of Columbia. The Ol' Ball Coach swung a leg to the floor and pulled on a garnet-striped athletic sock.
From the other side of the bed came a soft cluck of satisfaction as Gamecock Fanbase reached for a cigarette. "One more time. Just one more time---please?" pleaded Fanbase. "Say something . . . cocky?"
"No time," said Coach, adjusting the other sock. "Busy. Winners is busy, ya know."
"Why do you always have to run out? Do I bore you?"
"Oh, now here we go," grumbled Coach. "Lou warned me it would be like this. I'm here now, ain't that enough for ya?"
"It's . . . it's her, isn't it?" clucked Fanbase accusingly. "You're thinking of HER! You're going to HER now, aren't you?"
"Just a few rounds of golf with a coupla Bull Gators," said the Ol' Baller, fine-tuning his jauntily-cocked visor. "Little love for the Ball Coach. Ceremony in the ol' Swamp, standing O for Stevie. It don't mean a . . ." Coach ducked a flying Independence Bowl Commemorative ashtray in the nick of time.
Then the door clicked shut and there was the soft sound of his Nikes treading down the corridor.
"He's such a beast," sniveled Fanbase, a salty tear sliding down her beak. "Ooo . . . and I love him I love him I LOVE HIM!" Fanbase slid another quarter in the Magic Fingers and clucked happily until checkout time.
Note: Saxon originally published this on the PayVent last week. He wanted to make sure the devoted gamecock faithful didn't miss it. Thus the posting here...later. Hope you enjoy. -- PWD
NEWS ITEM:
"We have some lazy guys," said South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier in a press conference today, commenting on his team's lack of commitment to summer workouts.
However, the former Gator coach's tone brightened as he predicted the reaction of Florida fans will be "very positive" when he attends the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Florida's 1996 national championship team on Sept. 2 in the Swamp. "I hope the Gators remember the ol' coach who got 'em all those championships," Spurrier said. "I think most of them understand the circumstances of why I'm not there now. I look forward to seeing a lot of players on the '96 team. It's something I think I need to do and I look forward to doing."
* * *
It was midnight at the KwickCluck Motel on the outskirts of Columbia. The Ol' Ball Coach swung a leg to the floor and pulled on a garnet-striped athletic sock.
From the other side of the bed came a soft cluck of satisfaction as Gamecock Fanbase reached for a cigarette. "One more time. Just one more time---please?" pleaded Fanbase. "Say something . . . cocky?"
"No time," said Coach, adjusting the other sock. "Busy. Winners is busy, ya know."
"Why do you always have to run out? Do I bore you?"
"Oh, now here we go," grumbled Coach. "Lou warned me it would be like this. I'm here now, ain't that enough for ya?"
"It's . . . it's her, isn't it?" clucked Fanbase accusingly. "You're thinking of HER! You're going to HER now, aren't you?"
"Just a few rounds of golf with a coupla Bull Gators," said the Ol' Baller, fine-tuning his jauntily-cocked visor. "Little love for the Ball Coach. Ceremony in the ol' Swamp, standing O for Stevie. It don't mean a . . ." Coach ducked a flying Independence Bowl Commemorative ashtray in the nick of time.
Then the door clicked shut and there was the soft sound of his Nikes treading down the corridor.
"He's such a beast," sniveled Fanbase, a salty tear sliding down her beak. "Ooo . . . and I love him I love him I LOVE HIM!" Fanbase slid another quarter in the Magic Fingers and clucked happily until checkout time.
June 26, 2006
Gator Hoops 'Kingpin'
The Georgia Sports Blog staff was wondering just the other day what ever happened to Gator hoops [Photo: One of these men is a cheater. The other is Teddy Dupay.]
We were waaaay off. Teddy, 26, is more or less gainfully employed as a telemarketer for the Whitney Education Group in Salt Lake City. The telemarketing part, not so shocking. The Salt Lake City part, shocking. Never been to the fair city, but we'd have to imagine the gambling scene is bleak.
Hmmm...there's a dynamite movie screenplay here somewhere. We envision kind of a rags-to-riches story of a former sports star with a shady past who finds himself in an obscure Puritanical locale where he meet a prodigy he can mentor. Can you smell the Hollywood gold! Stop me if this sounds familiar...
You don't want to know how Teddy pays his rent.Dawgnoxious,
Schadenfreude
Hat Tip: Deadspin
More on Oregon's New Unis
Like a slow-moving train wreck, we just can't avert our eyes from the abortion abomination that is Oregon's new uniforms. Ironically, this time Mississippi State may be OK with Nike holding back new shit from them.
According to Oregon, these unis were not just thrown together by some Nike intern tripping on acid and chronic. No, they were the result of a two year(!) collaborative process involving Nike bigwigs and current & former Oregon players. According to Oregon, "the advanced design and technology of the uniforms will help to diminish the weight of the uniforms by 28 percent when dry and help make them 34 percent lighter under wet condiditions. The jerseys and pants also encompass a diamond-patterned grid on the shoulders and knees, respectively, to improve the durability of the product in areas susceptible to greater wear."
Improve the durability of the product in areas susceptible to greater wear? Oh, horseshit. First, when was the last time you saw your team's football uniform wear out? Second, Phil Knight is an Oregon alum, and I think he would pony up for new pants if they get threadbare during the season. Third, Oregon basically has a pair of pants per game, so I would hope the "advanced design and technology" could last four hours. Just 'fess and admit it: you think faux steel-plating looks cool!
Still, you ask yourself: what the hell were they thinking?? A simple math problem may provide insight.
Dawnoxious,
Senior Correspondent
Beaver Jokes Division
HT: MZone
According to Oregon, these unis were not just thrown together by some Nike intern tripping on acid and chronic. No, they were the result of a two year(!) collaborative process involving Nike bigwigs and current & former Oregon players. According to Oregon, "the advanced design and technology of the uniforms will help to diminish the weight of the uniforms by 28 percent when dry and help make them 34 percent lighter under wet condiditions. The jerseys and pants also encompass a diamond-patterned grid on the shoulders and knees, respectively, to improve the durability of the product in areas susceptible to greater wear."
Improve the durability of the product in areas susceptible to greater wear? Oh, horseshit. First, when was the last time you saw your team's football uniform wear out? Second, Phil Knight is an Oregon alum, and I think he would pony up for new pants if they get threadbare during the season. Third, Oregon basically has a pair of pants per game, so I would hope the "advanced design and technology" could last four hours. Just 'fess and admit it: you think faux steel-plating looks cool!
Still, you ask yourself: what the hell were they thinking?? A simple math problem may provide insight.
PLUS
EQUALS
This is the answer to the not-so-hypothetical question 'how hard do you have to try to be the state's primary punchline when your in-state rival is the Beavers?'
Dawnoxious,
Senior Correspondent
Beaver Jokes Division
HT: MZone
Cocktail Party Kickoff Set for 3:30 on CBS
Mike Adams can kiss the crack of my ass call it whatever he likes. To us, it already has a perfectly good name, and now we know how long we'll have to get our Bulldawg on that day. The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party has been set by CBS for 3:30 October 28 in Jacksonville.
Dawgnoxious,
Bureau Chief,
Mike Adams Accountability Division
Just remember, when cocktail parties are outlawed, only outlaws will have cocktail parties. GATA!
Dawgnoxious,
Bureau Chief,
Mike Adams Accountability Division
June 24, 2006
good news on geathers
I'm the last person on these here internets to mention this, but 5-star OT prospect Clifton Geathers looks very promising towards making his grades according to the AJC and other reports.
That's great news for a Dawg team in need of immediate help at OT in 2006 and 2007.
It's frustrating a bit in that it sounds (from other reports) like Geathers still wants to play right away....at defensive end.
This sort of thing usually works out and falls under the trust the coaches heading I guess.
pwd
That's great news for a Dawg team in need of immediate help at OT in 2006 and 2007.
It's frustrating a bit in that it sounds (from other reports) like Geathers still wants to play right away....at defensive end.
This sort of thing usually works out and falls under the trust the coaches heading I guess.
pwd
I normally don't do politics, but.....
This. Is. Beyond. Odd.
Vote Miss Angela?
NOTE: The Georgia Sports Blog does not endorse this candidate for Sec. of State. The odds are very, very high that we're complete and total political opposites.
However, she does have the best theme song since that little old lady left the boozy voice mail at Coverdell HQ that said......."Vote Paul Coverdell and keep Wyche Fowler out."
The song was written and produced by Pootah. A 12 year old kid that owns his own record label, and he represents from the filthy, dirty south.
Hat tip - begger.
Keepin it realer than real. I remain,
Paul Westerdizzog.
Vote Miss Angela?
NOTE: The Georgia Sports Blog does not endorse this candidate for Sec. of State. The odds are very, very high that we're complete and total political opposites.
However, she does have the best theme song since that little old lady left the boozy voice mail at Coverdell HQ that said......."Vote Paul Coverdell and keep Wyche Fowler out."
The song was written and produced by Pootah. A 12 year old kid that owns his own record label, and he represents from the filthy, dirty south.
Hat tip - begger.
Keepin it realer than real. I remain,
Paul Westerdizzog.
Moment of Bulldog Zen: LSU 2004 Reggie's first TD
I've never seen the Dawgs look as good as we did on this day.
Video uploaded to youtube by CajunDawg.
Video uploaded to youtube by CajunDawg.
June 23, 2006
Around the Blogosphere
Mayor Kyle thinks Georgia-Michigan match-up is reaching its tipping point, plus he tips us off on an intriguing Alabama-Ohio State match-up. Bonus: Kyle tells us why Loran Smith would probably like to catch him in a dark alley. Kyle, at least you didn't piss off this guy.
Orson Swindle links to an article that [nearly] busts up stereotypes about male cheerleaders [at Marshall]. Flagboy stereotypes remain intact. Bonus: use of the words "bearded" and "clam"= comedy.
The Larry Munson Roast to benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta will be August 12 @ Renaissance Waverly hotel.
Tip to Roasters: If you don't want a hobnailed boot in your ass, be nice to Larry.
Orson Swindle links to an article that [nearly] busts up stereotypes about male cheerleaders [at Marshall]. Flagboy stereotypes remain intact. Bonus: use of the words "bearded" and "clam"= comedy.
The Larry Munson Roast to benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta will be August 12 @ Renaissance Waverly hotel.
Tip to Roasters: If you don't want a hobnailed boot in your ass, be nice to Larry.
Statesboro Day @ GSB
John Knox
For the first time in recent memory, Statesboro High is sending not one, but two players to University of Georgia. Safety John Knox and defensive end Justin Houston committed to UGA last week. If memory serves, the last Boro Bulldog football letterman was Jeff Kaiser in 1994.
Sure, Rashad Wright was a great basketball dawg, but he never scored a touchdown. It takes more than a #3 tourney seed to get Dantzler behind us.
"We hope the fact Statesboro High is sending two recruits to Athens will make the Bulldog Nation forgive us for sending Jeff Dantzler a while back," said Statesboro Mayor William Hatcher.
In unrelated Boro news, the following non-dawg story made Paul Harvey's radio commentary Thursday.
True story: a guy was drinking at Dingus Magee's Friday night when he found a checkbook under his barstool. So the guy decides he'll use the check to pay off his bartab. But the bartender refused the check. The reason? The checkbook was the bartender's.
Jody Minor was arrested, charged with theft of lost or mislaid property, theft by deception and three counts of felony first degree forgery. If this gets out, it could be embarrassing for him.
Dawgnoxious
Bureau Chief, Statesboro Division
Georgia Sports Blog
Oregon's New Uniforms: Dig
What do you do when you hit rock bottom if you're Oregon's Uniform designer?
Apparently, you keep digging.
You have to click to enlarge to completely appreciate what a travashamockery this is.
Hat tips to MGoBlog and DawgSports.com.
pwd
Apparently, you keep digging.
You have to click to enlarge to completely appreciate what a travashamockery this is.
Hat tips to MGoBlog and DawgSports.com.
pwd
June 22, 2006
Battle Hymn Pre-Game Video
As far as traditions go, this isn't as cool as the opening to Hold That Tiger in Baton Rouge or the Eagle flying down from the top of the stadium at Auburn. But it works for me. And I love it.
Bama pre-game 2003
Huge hat tip to the HobnailedBoot Blog, which is a brand new UGA blog you should keep your eye on.
pwd
Bama pre-game 2003
Huge hat tip to the HobnailedBoot Blog, which is a brand new UGA blog you should keep your eye on.
pwd
Teams with availability for UGA's 2007 opener
From Mike Floyd
Long-time Publisher of a great Dawg e-Newsletter
PWD Note: Yesterday afternoon, it was discussed the Miami is set to play Oklahoma in 2007. During that discussion, we mentioned that UGA still has an open date for the 2007 season opener. Below is Mike's response to that note.
According to my research using NationalChamps.net, the window of opportunity is closing rather quickly. The following programs still have an opening for the 2007 opener, but many are sure to demand a return trip that we might or might not be willing to grant.
Mike Floyd
Note from PWD: Back in May, the Athens Banner-Herald said that we were talking to Oregon about a series possibly starting in 2014, but we're not in discussions with them about 2007. That was two separate rumors.
Long-time Publisher of a great Dawg e-Newsletter
PWD Note: Yesterday afternoon, it was discussed the Miami is set to play Oklahoma in 2007. During that discussion, we mentioned that UGA still has an open date for the 2007 season opener. Below is Mike's response to that note.
According to my research using NationalChamps.net, the window of opportunity is closing rather quickly. The following programs still have an opening for the 2007 opener, but many are sure to demand a return trip that we might or might not be willing to grant.
Arizona is open, but the rest of the PAC 10 is already booked up.We need to hurry if a major conference team is our goal.
Minnesota is open, but the rest of the Big 10 (11) is full.
In the ACC, both Maryland and NC State are available.
In the Big East, both Boston College and Louisville have openings. I know we've spoken to Boston College within the past year, but don't know the details.
In the Big 12, both aTm and Texas are open, but - much like Georgia - there aren't any openings for a return in the next few years and they'd be sure to demand one.
Among major opponents from lesser conferences, there's a choice of Boise (again), BYU and Southern Miss.
Mike Floyd
Note from PWD: Back in May, the Athens Banner-Herald said that we were talking to Oregon about a series possibly starting in 2014, but we're not in discussions with them about 2007. That was two separate rumors.
SEC's Most Difficult Places to Play
The Sporting News' Matt Hayes opens Pandora's box a little early this year with a provocative column on the toughest places to play in the SEC. First I'll nit-pick his list, then compile my own.
[Photo: Two men enter, one man leaves]
Too many of Hayes' justifications reference the coaching staff of the respective schools (Florida, LSU). Hayes also doesn't explain his evaluation criteria, but I think when evaluating the relative advantage a stadium provides you measure "objective" criteria (size, crowd, noise, aura)--which is to say the difficulty of playing in a stadium is an advantage independent of the coaching staff or opponent talent level.
Tiger Stadium is just as hard to play in as it ever was, you just face a more talented and better prepared team under Saban (now Les Miles) than you did under Gerry DiNardo. Same goes for his comments on Florida. To quantify home field advantage, you should isolate variables like coaching. I tried to think of it thusly: if you were leading your team on the road against the same coach in every stadium in the conference, which stadiums would be the most hostile?
Hayes says the most-difficult stadium is Jordan-Hare. It's a tough place to play, but I think this is a little high. Obviously I'm biased, but I agree with him UGA has the best facility in the league. But, there's no way Georgia is a more difficult place to play than LSU.
Disclaimer: I've been to every stadium in the SEC at least twice, except for Florida. I rank Ben Hill Griffin based on the impression of some friends (dawg and non-dawg) who have been there in person.
1. LSU: scariest fans, loudest fans, totally intimidating. I sat in the upper deck last time and I thought St. Peter was going to show me to my seat. For my money there are two things in the SEC that always seem to call down crowd thunder. The first is the crowd response to the first four notes of hold that tiger.
Add 90,000 drunk, ornery cajuns, then wait for earth to quake.
2. Tennessee: The second loudest thing in the SEC? Splitting the T when the Vols run onto the field. Ok, so the cornpone fight song blaring at you is like aural rape. The structure itself may be an architectural dry heave--a asymmetrical patch work quilt of struts, beams, and low-rent engineering--but when it gets loud it's unbelievable. The flip side is 100,000 yokels clear out like someone let a skunk loose when you beat them 41-14. Seriously, did someone call in a bomb threat? Come back! The game isn't over...
Next time I'm bringing a can of paint. I mean, if we're going to own it we might as well maintain it.
3. Florida: I've heard its a great home advantage--the mullets may absorb some sound, but I understand the crowd is loud, boisterous and thisclose to the action. I heard Ray Goff talk about how Gator fans would throw piss cups on the opposing team. Come to think of it, I'm not sure how Ray knew that unless he was talking about Jacksonville, but I'm sure it is true of the Swamp too. When/if I finally make it there, this is where I expect it to a rank.
Intimidation starts...now
4. Auburn: I've always liked the scoreboard noise meter, and it can get really loud. The overwrought G'n'R "Jungle" stuff is lame, but Jordan-Hare at night is tough place to play. UGA's done well there historically, but it's never been easy. In fairness, they should probably be ranked above Florida, but this just confirms I'm part of the vast conspiracy designed to hold the program down.
5. Georgia: the fans seem to have gotten louder in the last 10 years, but our bowl shape--though aesthetically pleasing and the finest setting in all of college football-- allows too much sound to escape instead of holding sound in like a barking echo chamber.
6. Alabama: Bryant-Denny can get loud; it's a great gameday atmosphere. I always get a chuckle out of how the first few notes of "Sweet Home" can whip the crowd up. I enjoy the pre-game video with clips of the Bear too. The history of the place and the program can even feel oppressive sometimes (unless you're 'man enough' to handle it).
Dig him up. Prop him up. Roll Tide Roll.
7. Arkansas: you owe it to yourself to see a game at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. With the expansion, the place collects a respectable crowd, but I think the hidden advantage is because Fayettenam is so far from everywhere else, the visiting crowd is whittled down to just the die-hards. It feels like your looking out at the Roman Coliseum. Plus, 70,000+ fans calling the hawgs is--though perhaps not intimidating--a spectacle to behold. You probably get a different reception if you're Alabama or from Texas, but on my trips I've found Razorbacks to be ridiculously friendly and the town to be quite charming.
8. South Carolina: The stadium looks like an exterminated cockroach, but the interior is nice enough. All in all, it's a respectable facility. The crowd is usually into it for at least the first half, and can occasionally get loud. Check out these gameday photos. If they played college football in Beirut, it would probably be indistinguishable from the SC fairgrounds and Williams-Brice. I hear the campus is nice, but never really cared enough to find out.
Well, at least they've got a new scoreboard.
9. Mississippi: Though we usually manage to play poorly there, I'm pretty certain it has nothing to do with the stadium or the crowd. I've missed playing Ole Miss every year, but only because the return trip to Oxford is one of the best trips in college football. I always thought Vaught-Hemingway was named in partial recognition of Oxford's love affair with alcohol and its literary roots--that, or Ernest Hemingway coached at Ole Miss.
Ole Miss. As intimidating as a Garfield plush doll.
10. Kentucky: this place could be loud, if they cared. It's a pleasant enough place to see a game, but it just has no soul--it is the shape of tepidness and mediocrity. The fans don't seem to feel like the stadium is a special place to them, and it shows. Moderately tougher a night, but still not a big deal. That's because this is a basketball school, you say? I have a pet theory that Kentucky fans don't really like basketball, they just like winning. That's a much longer blog post for another day. If you ever get a chance to see Rupp Arena, however...
11. Mississippi State: Scott Field's recent expansion means it's bigger and louder than the last time the Dawgs were there, but it's no Temple of Doom. Friendly fans who are too in touch with reality to go through the motions of mass delusion of invincibility that characterizes South Carolina fans.
I've got a fever for from Starkville, and the only prescription is more cowbell.
12. Vanderbilt: structurally it's a nice facility with no bad seats. And there's always plenty of seats for Dawg fans. Seriously, I don't think I've ever been there when Vandy fans outnumbered us. God Bless'em. Rumor has it there's a foghorn when they score a touchdown...
Argue amongst yourselves.
Dawgnoxious
Bureau Chief, Stadium Inspections
Georgia Sports Blog
[Photo: Two men enter, one man leaves]
Too many of Hayes' justifications reference the coaching staff of the respective schools (Florida, LSU). Hayes also doesn't explain his evaluation criteria, but I think when evaluating the relative advantage a stadium provides you measure "objective" criteria (size, crowd, noise, aura)--which is to say the difficulty of playing in a stadium is an advantage independent of the coaching staff or opponent talent level.
Tiger Stadium is just as hard to play in as it ever was, you just face a more talented and better prepared team under Saban (now Les Miles) than you did under Gerry DiNardo. Same goes for his comments on Florida. To quantify home field advantage, you should isolate variables like coaching. I tried to think of it thusly: if you were leading your team on the road against the same coach in every stadium in the conference, which stadiums would be the most hostile?
Hayes says the most-difficult stadium is Jordan-Hare. It's a tough place to play, but I think this is a little high. Obviously I'm biased, but I agree with him UGA has the best facility in the league. But, there's no way Georgia is a more difficult place to play than LSU.
Disclaimer: I've been to every stadium in the SEC at least twice, except for Florida. I rank Ben Hill Griffin based on the impression of some friends (dawg and non-dawg) who have been there in person.
1. LSU: scariest fans, loudest fans, totally intimidating. I sat in the upper deck last time and I thought St. Peter was going to show me to my seat. For my money there are two things in the SEC that always seem to call down crowd thunder. The first is the crowd response to the first four notes of hold that tiger.
Add 90,000 drunk, ornery cajuns, then wait for earth to quake.2. Tennessee: The second loudest thing in the SEC? Splitting the T when the Vols run onto the field. Ok, so the cornpone fight song blaring at you is like aural rape. The structure itself may be an architectural dry heave--a asymmetrical patch work quilt of struts, beams, and low-rent engineering--but when it gets loud it's unbelievable. The flip side is 100,000 yokels clear out like someone let a skunk loose when you beat them 41-14. Seriously, did someone call in a bomb threat? Come back! The game isn't over...
Next time I'm bringing a can of paint. I mean, if we're going to own it we might as well maintain it.
3. Florida: I've heard its a great home advantage--the mullets may absorb some sound, but I understand the crowd is loud, boisterous and thisclose to the action. I heard Ray Goff talk about how Gator fans would throw piss cups on the opposing team. Come to think of it, I'm not sure how Ray knew that unless he was talking about Jacksonville, but I'm sure it is true of the Swamp too. When/if I finally make it there, this is where I expect it to a rank.
Intimidation starts...now
4. Auburn: I've always liked the scoreboard noise meter, and it can get really loud. The overwrought G'n'R "Jungle" stuff is lame, but Jordan-Hare at night is tough place to play. UGA's done well there historically, but it's never been easy. In fairness, they should probably be ranked above Florida, but this just confirms I'm part of the vast conspiracy designed to hold the program down.
5. Georgia: the fans seem to have gotten louder in the last 10 years, but our bowl shape--though aesthetically pleasing and the finest setting in all of college football-- allows too much sound to escape instead of holding sound in like a barking echo chamber.
6. Alabama: Bryant-Denny can get loud; it's a great gameday atmosphere. I always get a chuckle out of how the first few notes of "Sweet Home" can whip the crowd up. I enjoy the pre-game video with clips of the Bear too. The history of the place and the program can even feel oppressive sometimes (unless you're 'man enough' to handle it).
Dig him up. Prop him up. Roll Tide Roll.
7. Arkansas: you owe it to yourself to see a game at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. With the expansion, the place collects a respectable crowd, but I think the hidden advantage is because Fayettenam is so far from everywhere else, the visiting crowd is whittled down to just the die-hards. It feels like your looking out at the Roman Coliseum. Plus, 70,000+ fans calling the hawgs is--though perhaps not intimidating--a spectacle to behold. You probably get a different reception if you're Alabama or from Texas, but on my trips I've found Razorbacks to be ridiculously friendly and the town to be quite charming.
8. South Carolina: The stadium looks like an exterminated cockroach, but the interior is nice enough. All in all, it's a respectable facility. The crowd is usually into it for at least the first half, and can occasionally get loud. Check out these gameday photos. If they played college football in Beirut, it would probably be indistinguishable from the SC fairgrounds and Williams-Brice. I hear the campus is nice, but never really cared enough to find out.
Well, at least they've got a new scoreboard.
9. Mississippi: Though we usually manage to play poorly there, I'm pretty certain it has nothing to do with the stadium or the crowd. I've missed playing Ole Miss every year, but only because the return trip to Oxford is one of the best trips in college football. I always thought Vaught-Hemingway was named in partial recognition of Oxford's love affair with alcohol and its literary roots--that, or Ernest Hemingway coached at Ole Miss.
Ole Miss. As intimidating as a Garfield plush doll.
10. Kentucky: this place could be loud, if they cared. It's a pleasant enough place to see a game, but it just has no soul--it is the shape of tepidness and mediocrity. The fans don't seem to feel like the stadium is a special place to them, and it shows. Moderately tougher a night, but still not a big deal. That's because this is a basketball school, you say? I have a pet theory that Kentucky fans don't really like basketball, they just like winning. That's a much longer blog post for another day. If you ever get a chance to see Rupp Arena, however...
11. Mississippi State: Scott Field's recent expansion means it's bigger and louder than the last time the Dawgs were there, but it's no Temple of Doom. Friendly fans who are too in touch with reality to go through the motions of mass delusion of invincibility that characterizes South Carolina fans.
I've got a fever 12. Vanderbilt: structurally it's a nice facility with no bad seats. And there's always plenty of seats for Dawg fans. Seriously, I don't think I've ever been there when Vandy fans outnumbered us. God Bless'em. Rumor has it there's a foghorn when they score a touchdown...
Argue amongst yourselves.
Dawgnoxious
Bureau Chief, Stadium Inspections
Georgia Sports Blog
June 21, 2006
Miami vs. Oklahoma in 2007 and 2009
ESPN has the story. First time the two teams have played since the 1987 Orange Bowl. [ht-dawgsin2004]
Georgia still has an open date in 2007 for the season opener. You would think that we would sign a fairly recognizable name (not OU, but someone interesting) for 2007 given that our other OCC games are GT, Troy, and Western Carolina. Plus, our only interesting home games in 2007 are Auburn and South Carolina.
The trick will be deciding when do we give up the return visit or who will give us a 1 game deal.
Interesting non-conference games upcoming for UGA:
2006 - Colorado (home), GT (home)
2007 - ?, GT (away)
2008 - Arizona State (away), GT (home)
2009 - Arizona State (home), GT (away)
2010 - Colorado (away), GT (home)
2011 - Louisville (home), GT (away)
2012 - Louisville (away), GT (home)
2013 - Clemson (home), GT (away)
2014 - Clemson (away), GT (home)
pwd
Georgia still has an open date in 2007 for the season opener. You would think that we would sign a fairly recognizable name (not OU, but someone interesting) for 2007 given that our other OCC games are GT, Troy, and Western Carolina. Plus, our only interesting home games in 2007 are Auburn and South Carolina.
The trick will be deciding when do we give up the return visit or who will give us a 1 game deal.
Interesting non-conference games upcoming for UGA:
2006 - Colorado (home), GT (home)
2007 - ?, GT (away)
2008 - Arizona State (away), GT (home)
2009 - Arizona State (home), GT (away)
2010 - Colorado (away), GT (home)
2011 - Louisville (home), GT (away)
2012 - Louisville (away), GT (home)
2013 - Clemson (home), GT (away)
2014 - Clemson (away), GT (home)
pwd
Quick Tidbit on the Uniforms: Silver Britches are Back
Word around the campfire: The team is finally returning to the true silver pants. The matte grey pants are out. I prefer Silver, but it's not that big a deal.
A few quick photos that show the grey vs. silver.
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A few quick photos that show the grey vs. silver.
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Moment of Bulldog Zen: Tra Battle Says "That's Mine Sucka"
Tra Battle. 165 pounds (dripping wet) of whoop ass.
Video uploaded to youtube by CajunDawg.
pwd
Video uploaded to youtube by CajunDawg.
pwd
June 20, 2006
Random Sports Things
Some quick hitters for this and that.
BurntOrangeNation interviews Ivan Maisel on Texas and other topics. In other news, I may interview my dad soon. (kidding dad) [BON]
Florida finally gains more Fulmer Cup points. Domestic violence is no laughing matter, but you have to wonder about this one. It sound like the Daytona cops have Atkins and his wife on the frequent flyer program. [EDSBS]
WorldCup madness boring you to pieces? Check out soccer Simpsons Style. [Deadspin]
Are you one of the 10,000 people who got suckered in to buying ESPN Mobile? Statistically speaking, I'm wagering that you're not. [Deadspin]
pwd
BurntOrangeNation interviews Ivan Maisel on Texas and other topics. In other news, I may interview my dad soon. (kidding dad) [BON]
Florida finally gains more Fulmer Cup points. Domestic violence is no laughing matter, but you have to wonder about this one. It sound like the Daytona cops have Atkins and his wife on the frequent flyer program. [EDSBS]
WorldCup madness boring you to pieces? Check out soccer Simpsons Style. [Deadspin]
Are you one of the 10,000 people who got suckered in to buying ESPN Mobile? Statistically speaking, I'm wagering that you're not. [Deadspin]
pwd
Reuben Houston's Nerdmobile
You've heard of MTV's show Pimp My Ride. The show has been such a tremendous hit for MTV that other networks are starting to copy the idea. The latest cable channel to join the wave?
Sci-Fi Network with their new show "Geek My Ride."
Instead of taking old clunkers and making them ghetto fabulous like the MTV version; the show will instead take a perfectly good new car and ruin it with GT logos. Looks like Reuben Houston was the show's first guest.
Note: This F-150...no joke...is available for $48k according to the note forwarded to me from the Georgia Tech athletic department. No word whether it also comes with 4 tickets, 4 cokes, and 4 hot dogs.
pwd
Sci-Fi Network with their new show "Geek My Ride."
Instead of taking old clunkers and making them ghetto fabulous like the MTV version; the show will instead take a perfectly good new car and ruin it with GT logos. Looks like Reuben Houston was the show's first guest.
Note: This F-150...no joke...is available for $48k according to the note forwarded to me from the Georgia Tech athletic department. No word whether it also comes with 4 tickets, 4 cokes, and 4 hot dogs.
pwd
Great Dawg Site for Desktop Wallpaper
I found DawgFan.com a few weeks ago. The site has some slick UGA wallpaper from each game.
I've got several favorites, but I'm partial to this one.
pwd
I've got several favorites, but I'm partial to this one.
pwd
June 19, 2006
Former Bulldog Feels Roethlisberger's Pain
Len Pasquarelli has a great interview with former Bulldog Jamie Henderson (subscription required), whose NFL career was ended by a motorcycle crash in 2004 that left him in a coma.
He says he asks himself every day why he got on the bike.
"'Why?' It's the same thing I asked myself the other day, after I heard about (Roethlisberger). You had me, and you had (former NBA point guard Jay) Williams, and then Kellen Winslow last year. You would think we would all be examples. Bad examples, definitely, but still examples. But guys keep getting up on bikes and guys keep getting hurt. Why?"The great part about the article? Jamie's back on campus finishing his degree:
Two years after he nearly died, having survived frightful injuries to his brain and a deep coma, the news is significantly better for Henderson. Back at school, and taking five credits in Athens, he will graduate on Aug. 2 with a degree in sports services. How much did Henderson covet that diploma? Well, he took an unwieldy 21-credit workload last semester to accelerate the process. After graduation, he would like to perhaps work for the league, or for a franchise or a university, find a job that would put him in touch with players.Good Luck. GATA!
Dawgnoxious
Bureau Chief, Feel Good Stories Division
Georgia Sports Blog
Apology
Sorry, I needed to remove some video and pictures that I had posted earlier today. After thinking it over and talking with some folks it no longer made sense to post that stuff.
Sorry.
Paul Westerdawg
Sorry.
Paul Westerdawg
June 18, 2006
Quick Baseball Notes
Edited: Brooks (above) pitched well. Rip had a rough day.
The long and short of it so far in the College World Series is that UGA started off with a loss to Rice, and Tech is now eliminated.
Most of the articles really focused on what a bad 8th inning that Rip Warren had for UGA in relief. That's really not totally fair. We had bases loaded in the 2nd, the pitcher for Rice was wild as hell and we swung anyway. As Joey Side said in the DawgPost article, "We should've spit on [the curve balls] and then taken the walks."
Rice's pitcher had a no hitter through 7 1/3 until the Dawgs took the lead by scoring 4 runs. Sure, the relief pitching didn't hold up for us, but we got out played by a very good team. Their catcher gunned us down stealing twice, and their relief pitching was borderline unhittable in the 8th and 9th.
I think we'll win a game or two in the CWS, but getting past Rice would likely require beating them two more times. Yikes.
Mayor Kyle at DawgSports.com has all the details on the game. We play again on Monday at 2:00 EST.
pwd
June 16, 2006
Moment of Bulldog Zen: UGA vs LSU 2004 Gibson TD
Reggie, Fred and Greene were playing out of their minds in that one. This should tide you over as we near the weekend. Geaux Dawgs.
Video uploaded to youtube by cajundawg.
pwd
Video uploaded to youtube by cajundawg.
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Air Force Base to Host Dawgs in Omaha
The Air Force base in Omaha has adopted the Dawgs according to the Athens Banner-Herald. Each year area businesses and organizations adopt one of the eight teams participating in the College World Series. Given the Bulldogs penchant for sending balls deep into the wild blue yonder, it's a great synergistic fit.
Speaking of synergy. Here are some of the other rumored host organizations:
Rice University: Benihana of Omaha
Asians love rice and baseball. If the Japanese Embassy had an office in Omaha, it would be on like Donkey Kong.
Clemson: John Deer Dealers of Nebraska
Clemson folks love their tractor porn
Georgia Tech: Pan-Galactic Rebellion Re-enactment Society of Nebraska
May the force be weak with them
UNC: Ernst & Julio Gallo Distributors, LLC
Wine and Cheesers like the Tarheel fans were a natural fit for E&J.
If you have corrections or additional info on host organizations, feel free to let me know.
pwd
Speaking of synergy. Here are some of the other rumored host organizations:
Rice University: Benihana of Omaha
Asians love rice and baseball. If the Japanese Embassy had an office in Omaha, it would be on like Donkey Kong.
Clemson: John Deer Dealers of Nebraska
Clemson folks love their tractor porn
Georgia Tech: Pan-Galactic Rebellion Re-enactment Society of Nebraska
May the force be weak with them
UNC: Ernst & Julio Gallo Distributors, LLC
Wine and Cheesers like the Tarheel fans were a natural fit for E&J.
If you have corrections or additional info on host organizations, feel free to let me know.
pwd
June 15, 2006
Fathers Day Gifts for Gamecock Fans: By SaxonDawg
Chicken Shop Closeout Sale
By SaxonDawg
Have you done your Father's Day shopping? Try these last minute gift ideas from the Gamecock schlock stock!
GAMECOCK HOME VIDEO
"IF ONLY: Great Close Losses of the Carolina Gamecocks." (29.95)
-- Crow it loud and proud: "We play you close every year!" Here are highlights of favorite games the Cocks almost won. See winning football that lasted for three and a half quarters.
"RETROACTIVELY THE BEST: Great Gamecock Championships We Didn't Know About Until Recently." (29.95)
-- The year 1996 saw the Gamecocks crowned as national champions--we just didn't realize it at the time. See terrific footage of all Steve Spurrier's great games, now computer colored for righfully garnet jerseys.
CHICKENWEAR:
Gameday T-Shirt: (19.95) Front side reads, "LOOK OUT! HERE COME THE GAMECOCKS!" The back reads, "You better thank your lucky stars for that
____ last-minute fumble"
____ call by the refs"
____ freak play your guy made"
Laundry marker provided--simply take the shirt to the game, check the right slot at game's end, and scurry home! Available in sizes medium, large, and chunky chicken.
BOOKS:
"Wait 'Til Next Year: The Complete Story of Gamecock Football" (8 page booklet) (0.79) Order in BUUUULK bulk bulk bulk...
"The Gamecock Application Bible" with Steve Spurrier's words in red ink. (49.95) Special features applying the Bible to the teachings of Coach Spurrier, and tips for living every day with the wisdom of the perfect master. (Frontipiece painting: "Little David Stands Over Goliath's Body and Makes Quotable Taunting Remarks")
SPECIAL, MARKED DOWN: "The Gamecock Application Bible" with Lou Holtz's words in red ink (9.95) Special features applying the Bible to the teachings of Coach Holtz, and tips for living every day with the wisdom of the LOOUUUU. (Frontispiece painting: "Lou Motivating the Disciples As Their Boat Sinks in the Storm.")
SPECIAL, MARKED WAAAY DOWN: Plush cuddly Brad Scott doll. (0.29) Just the gift for the little peckers in your family. Pull the chatty ring and he offers several cute postgame rationalizations.
By SaxonDawg
By SaxonDawg
Have you done your Father's Day shopping? Try these last minute gift ideas from the Gamecock schlock stock!
GAMECOCK HOME VIDEO
"IF ONLY: Great Close Losses of the Carolina Gamecocks." (29.95)
-- Crow it loud and proud: "We play you close every year!" Here are highlights of favorite games the Cocks almost won. See winning football that lasted for three and a half quarters.
"RETROACTIVELY THE BEST: Great Gamecock Championships We Didn't Know About Until Recently." (29.95)
-- The year 1996 saw the Gamecocks crowned as national champions--we just didn't realize it at the time. See terrific footage of all Steve Spurrier's great games, now computer colored for righfully garnet jerseys.
CHICKENWEAR:
Gameday T-Shirt: (19.95) Front side reads, "LOOK OUT! HERE COME THE GAMECOCKS!" The back reads, "You better thank your lucky stars for that
____ last-minute fumble"
____ call by the refs"
____ freak play your guy made"
Laundry marker provided--simply take the shirt to the game, check the right slot at game's end, and scurry home! Available in sizes medium, large, and chunky chicken.
BOOKS:
"Wait 'Til Next Year: The Complete Story of Gamecock Football" (8 page booklet) (0.79) Order in BUUUULK bulk bulk bulk...
"The Gamecock Application Bible" with Steve Spurrier's words in red ink. (49.95) Special features applying the Bible to the teachings of Coach Spurrier, and tips for living every day with the wisdom of the perfect master. (Frontipiece painting: "Little David Stands Over Goliath's Body and Makes Quotable Taunting Remarks")
SPECIAL, MARKED DOWN: "The Gamecock Application Bible" with Lou Holtz's words in red ink (9.95) Special features applying the Bible to the teachings of Coach Holtz, and tips for living every day with the wisdom of the LOOUUUU. (Frontispiece painting: "Lou Motivating the Disciples As Their Boat Sinks in the Storm.")
SPECIAL, MARKED WAAAY DOWN: Plush cuddly Brad Scott doll. (0.29) Just the gift for the little peckers in your family. Pull the chatty ring and he offers several cute postgame rationalizations.
By SaxonDawg
More College World Series News and Willpower
Image from AJC.com
My brother was scouting airfare to Omaha. It's all I could do to say no, but too much is going on at work. Grrrrrr.
Anyway, The AJC brings a list of what to watch for at the College World Series.
While the Athens Paper brings us an article about Hitting on All Cylinders. The article talks about Perno bringing on Doug Sisson as the Bulldog hitting coach during the offseason.
And Rivals.com tells us that the Dawgs know what to expect in Omaha.
pwd
June 14, 2006
Gamecocks: Seen Your Video
This is an exceptional video produced by a Gamecock fan using Van Halen's Right Now. Best part is the self-deprecating comments about the Independence Bowl. Who knew the coots could make fun of themselves?
You may be asking yourself....why a Gamecocks video on a Dawg site?
The answer is...the very thing that's great about college football is shown in this video.
Let's all be honest here. The Gamecocks don't have enough tradition to put in a soup bowl, and even if they did...they would just lose the bowl. They had a 7-5 season and lost a crapper bowl to a school most of their fans didn't even know fielded a football team. But they remain fired up and optimistic. So optimisic that 50% or more of their fans probably got choked up watching a video about a season that would've gotten a UGA coach fired.
That's what's great about college football. They may have a crappy tradition, but it's THEIR crappy tradition. They may have a stupid mascot, but it's THEIR stupid mascot. And Steve Spurrier may be a penis with a mouth, but he's THEIR penis with a mouth.
And no matter how much I make fun of them, they aren't going to stop being proud of their half empty soup bowl of tradition. Personally, I think that's awesome. Annoying to deal with in person, but awesome in theory.
Update: don't miss the Gamecock Father's Day Gift Ideas article by SaxonDawg.
Hat tip to the Newspaper Hack.
pwd
You may be asking yourself....why a Gamecocks video on a Dawg site?
The answer is...the very thing that's great about college football is shown in this video.
Let's all be honest here. The Gamecocks don't have enough tradition to put in a soup bowl, and even if they did...they would just lose the bowl. They had a 7-5 season and lost a crapper bowl to a school most of their fans didn't even know fielded a football team. But they remain fired up and optimistic. So optimisic that 50% or more of their fans probably got choked up watching a video about a season that would've gotten a UGA coach fired.
That's what's great about college football. They may have a crappy tradition, but it's THEIR crappy tradition. They may have a stupid mascot, but it's THEIR stupid mascot. And Steve Spurrier may be a penis with a mouth, but he's THEIR penis with a mouth.
And no matter how much I make fun of them, they aren't going to stop being proud of their half empty soup bowl of tradition. Personally, I think that's awesome. Annoying to deal with in person, but awesome in theory.
Update: don't miss the Gamecock Father's Day Gift Ideas article by SaxonDawg.
Hat tip to the Newspaper Hack.
pwd
AP Football Poll: Most Weeks on Top
CollegeFootballResource has assembled a list of the teams who have spent the most weeks at No. 1 in the Associated Press college football poll (first released October 19, 1936):
pwd
(yeah...no 'mats headline on this one)
Georgia has spent 14 weeks on topNorthwestern, Purdue, Missouri and North Carolina have all been #1 longer than Tech. That's the sort of stat that just cracks me up. For a full list, give CFR a peek.
Tech has spent 0 weeks on top
pwd
(yeah...no 'mats headline on this one)
Dawgs Climb Back from The Ledge
JimFromDuluth sent me this gem that Chip Towers of the AJC sent him. The Dawgs are now 20-6 all-time in NCAA elimination games home and away. It breaks down like this:
1953 - 0-1 district (I would've wondered if it was 1954?)
1987 - 4-0 regional (at nats), 0-1 CWS
1990 - 1-0 regional, 2-0 CWS (incl. title game)
1992 - 0-1 regional
2001 - 4-0 regional (at Foley), 1-0 super reg. (at Foley), 0-1 CWS
2002 - 1-1 regional (at nats)
2004 - 1-0 regional (at Foley), 0-0 super reg., 1-1 CWS (swept GT 2-0 in super reg. at nats)
2006 - 3-0 regional (at Foley), 2-0 super reg. (at Foley)
Thanks for the info Jim.
pwd
CWS Bulldog Talk Tortures Tech?
Mark Bradley has a good article up on odd relationship between UGA and Tech in baseball. Georgia Tech has the more consistent program while UGA's program has won more national titles, more super regionals and eliminated Tech more times from the tourney.
Great quotes from Jonathan "Super Regional" Wyatt.
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Great quotes from Jonathan "Super Regional" Wyatt.
pwd
June 13, 2006
Moment of Bulldog Zen: Laying Down Clowns
Ain't nothing wrong with clobbering Claussens. Charles Johnson smacks Rick around in Neyland.
Video uploaded to youtube by CajunDawg.
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Video uploaded to youtube by CajunDawg.
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Beating Gamecocks: One of My Favorite Things
Owned
Georgia finished the year at 27-2 vs. the Chickens in all sports. SuncoastDawg on DawgRun.com has the complete rundown on UGA vs. SC action this academic year.
"For those of you keeping score at home, that's 27 head-to-head wins by Georgia (not counting the Gymnastics team since S. Carolina doesn't field one) and 2 head-to-head wins for South Carolina (based on the 5th place finish at the SEC Men's Indoor Track Meet)."GATA
pwd
Dawgs Advance to CWS: Color Me Impressed
Merchandise for the CWS trip is already on sale at Georgiadogs.com
Bring on Rice! Ok, I've never said anything so odd before in my life, but after UGA beat the feathers off the Carolina Poultry 11-6 in Athens on Monday Night that's where we are. Waiting on a first round battle with Rice.
The Georgia Dogs are now 11-0 in the NCAA tourney in elimination games hosted in Athens. That's a staggering statistic. Consider that the Dawgs have only made 8 trips to the NCAA baseball tourney, but we've advanced to the College World Series 5 times. Also consider that this is our third trip to Omaha in the last 6 years.
Could it be? Stability thy name is Perno?
Anyway...DawgRun.com's JimFromDuluth has the CWS first round schedule. We start on Saturday at 2:00. You can also find the TV Schedule here. NCAA Sports has the bracket up as well.
Bulldogs celebrate
More articles of interest:
Georgiadogs.com Photos
DawgPost.com Photos
DawgPost.com article
AJC article
DawgSports.com article
OnlineAthens - Wyatt is clutch
OnlineAthens main article
UGAsports.com article
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ESPN Unsatisfied with UGA Win in Super Regional
I was listening to ESPN radio on the drive home from Athens last night when I heard a great line from the studio host. He basically said:
This once again stops any possibility for the greatest headline writing fun in the history of sport as the Oregon State Beavers will not get a chance to play the South Carolina Gamecocks.
I would've pulled for the SEC in that one in hopes for a "Cocks Pound Beavers" headline. Oh well, there's always next year.
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"I and most of the staff here at ESPN are sad to report that Georgia has beaten South Carolina in the College Baseball Super Regional."Why the disappointment?
This once again stops any possibility for the greatest headline writing fun in the history of sport as the Oregon State Beavers will not get a chance to play the South Carolina Gamecocks.
I would've pulled for the SEC in that one in hopes for a "Cocks Pound Beavers" headline. Oh well, there's always next year.
pwd
Evaluating the Mascots...particularly the near Androgynous ones
The boys over at GoldenTornado.net are going across the country with their analysis of best and worst college mascots. You can check out their review of...
If it weren't for the 'stache, would you really know that it's a dude?
pwd
The ACCI usually agree with Nathan and Dan, but you gotta be kidding with the UVA Mascot review? How could anyone think this guy doesn't suck? Imagine hooking a Dirt Devil vacuum up to a Cummings Diesel Engine. You still wouldn't get as much suck as this guy.
The Big East
The Big 10
If it weren't for the 'stache, would you really know that it's a dude?
pwd
June 12, 2006
Orson's PodCast and Other Tidbits
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It's roughly a 20 minute interview with Paul Finebaum in which we learn that:
- Finebaum thinks that if Mike Shula got fired today, no other Div I-A program would hire him.
- Finebaum thinks that Mark Bradley is the most overrated columnist in America
- Orson Swindle would tackle Furman Bisher right now if he got the chance.
Photo: Furman Bisher covers Georgia Tech's spring practices
Also, Orson is giddy with the news that Phil Steele's latest football preview guide is out (Warning: Extreme Profanity).
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