AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 21
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
For Gailey, it shouldn’ t come down to Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just one man’s opinion:
1. For Gailey, it shouldn’t come down to Georgia: If Georgia Tech AD Dan Radakovich wants a new football coach, it is certainly his right to make that change. But the outcome of Saturday’s game with Georgia should not be the determining factor in the decision. Either Gailey is the right man to lead your football program or he’s not. An additional 60 minutes of football should not tip the scales either way. It’s not fair to Gailey and it’s certainly not fair to put that burden on Georgia Tech’s players.
2. LSU is pulling for Tennessee: In no way am I showing a lack of respect for Tennessee. What Phillip Fulmer has done with his team since losing to Alabama (41-17) on Oct. 20 has been very impressive. But I’m telling you that LSU doesn’t want any part of Georgia in the Georgia Dome in next week’s SEC championship game. If the Bulldogs hit the daily double on Saturday, which means beating Tech AND getting to the SEC championship game, they are going to be pretty geeked up to play the Tigers.
3. Saban’s worst fears have come true: Yes, Nick Saban did go over the top when he used the 9/11 reference concerning Alabama’s loss to Louisiana-Monroe. Coaches go over the top all the time. He shouldn’t have done it but the point is this: Going into this season, Saban was concerned how this team would react when things got tough. And after the Crimson Tide lost to LSU on Nov. 3, this team simply had no bounce back, no toughness. It could be the veteran players have tuned Saban out. If so, that does not bode well for Saturday’s game at Auburn.
4. Tuberville will stay at Auburn: The Tommy Tuberville to Texas A&M talk has been going on for a while and there is no doubt that the Aggies will pick up the phone if they cut Coach Fran loose after Friday’s game with Texas. But I’m hearing that the money guys at Auburn have determined that they’ll do what’s necessary to keep Tubs right where he is. That means a new contract, more money for his assistants, and some facility improvements will be moved to the front burner.
5. Michigan’s first call won’t be to Miles: Everybody assumes that Michigan will immediately turn to LSU’s Les Miles to replace Lloyd Carr. I think that if Michigan offers the job, Miles will take it. He’s a Michigan man and, as Bo Schembechler once said, Michigan SHOULD be coached by a Michigan man. But I’m not convinced that the first phone call will go to Miles. And if Michigan does call, when would Miles take the job? Would he walk away from a national championship game to start recruiting for the Wolverines? I don’t think so.
