AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USOn a plane to Arkansas
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Getting ready to get on a plane to Fayetteville, Ark. I don’t know how many answers I’m going to get when I land in Wal-Mart Country, but I sure have a lot of questions for the folks at the University of Arkansas. Such as:
1. Do you people have any idea what you’ve done? Bobby Petrino is one of those guys who looks good on paper, but as a human being he has absolutely no communication or people skills. Other than his wins at Louisville, what about this man appealed to you to hire him as a representative of your university?
2. Have you forgotten November, 2003? That is when Petrino sat in a plane in an airport near Louisville and basically tried to put himself in position to take Tommy Tuberville’s job. Petrino had worked for the guy at Auburn just the year before. Why would you hire someone who would stab somebody in the back like that?
3. He lied to Arthur Blank. Don’t you think he’ll lie to you? On Monday, Petrino assured the Falcons owner that he had worked through his problems and would be back next season. On Tuesday he phoned Blank to let him know that he was quitting. If Petrino will lie to a man like Blank, he’ll certainly lie to the athletics director and chancellor of the University of Arkansas.
4. Are you THAT desperate to win? I know that you wanted to hire a sitting head coach and that Tommy Tuberville, Tommy Bowden, Jim Grobe, and Butch Davis all decided to stay put. I know that you had told some coordinators that if this deal didn’t get done, you were ready to go the route of hiring a top assistant. But there are a lot of good coaches out there with a lot less baggage than this guy.
5. Do you realize what a PR hit this university is going to take? Arkansas will survive, of course. But for the next few weeks this school is going to be the poster-child of what’s wrong with college athletics because of this hire. After all of the controversy surrounding Houston Nutt, which led to his bolting to Ole Miss, are you sure THIS is the direction you want to go? Do you think for a minute that Darren McFadden or Felix Jones will want to play for this guy? They already had one foot out the door. Now they will go running to the NFL.
Comments
By TDone
December 12, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
Tony,
I think the answer to all five questions is, “Yes, but we don’t care.”
By braveswin
December 12, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
The ship is sinking (Blanks ownership) and the rat has decided to save itself. Blank has no more business owning an NFL franchise than I do.He is a bigger disgrace to the Falcons than The Smith family.The NFL should pull the plug on this fool and appoint some leadership or just take this abomination out of Atlanta.This franchise is the biggest joke in the history of (so called) professional sport.
By Bob
December 12, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
Every day I thank the Lord that Mark Richt is the head football coach at the University of Georgia. Kudos to Tech too, because I think they have a man of class as well. Some of these guys are pretty pathetic.
By Eric1
December 12, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this
You’re wrong about Aruthur Blank, bravesboy. He’s a good man and a good owner. It’s not his fault that the people he trusted stabbed him in the back. As for pistrino, I’m glad he’s gone and he deserves to be in Arkansas and they deserve to have him. Where else in the world could white trash feel more comfortable.
By braveswin
December 12, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
Also, if Blank doesn’t go out and hire a proven winner,ie Bill Cower then all of Ga should boycott the Home Depot and the Falcons games (although it looked like the Falcons and the fans fans both failed to show up Mon).Blank has not made a single decent hire since he bought the team.HE IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM.HE is the one who hired the quitter,HE is the one who gave Vick no accountability.HE NEEDS TO GO.GO FALCONS,and take the Hawks with you
By GW
December 12, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
Sure, Petrino will have one eye on the Razorbacks and one eye on another job but who can really blame him for leaving the Falcons. As for Arkansas’ motives, they were getting in dire straits. Their board was still split after Nutt’s departure and I’m sure they are hoping to milk at least two years out of Petrino. I wonder where Falcon LBer coach Brian VanGorder will end up in this coaching carousel. It could be Arkansas or South Carolina.
By braveswin
December 12, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this
Eric1,so the owner and leader of the franchise has zero accountability for putting his faith in people like MV and Petrino?And firing Dan Reeves,the man that took this franchise further than anyone ever has?Blank is in over his head,this city needs to figure it out and move on
By Matthew
December 12, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
Petrino made a name for himself in the Big East then went to the NFL where he proved himself to be a joke. He’s going to have the same realization in the SEC.
By gdawginkalamazoo
December 12, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
TDone, Finally something we can agree on.
Bobby just joins the ranks of the “Two Face Coaches Club”. You know Nicky “Two Face” $aban, Booby “Two Face” Petrino.
Tony, Can we call him BOOBY Petrino now? That should have been the only question you asked. And I would answer Yes to that.
By eric 2
December 12, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
Can we get Dan Reeves back?
By Orville Faubus
December 12, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
Wallering with the hawgs is a good place for Petrino. Woooooooo Pig Sooooey!
By Nick
December 12, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Tony:
To answer your questions is easy, yes, but remember this is a University that took the word of a dumb High School kid over a proven winner in Houston Nutt. It is sad that this is what College Athletics is coming to. I can say this, if I was a parent for a recruit I wouldn’t want my child to play for such a dishonorable man!
By Ricky
December 12, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Coach Mark Richt is the best college hire in the last 10 years, not only for his winning percentage, but his loyalty and character. Who would have ever thought when UGA hired CMR that fans and school administraters would be clamouring to give him a raise every year and whatever else he would want to make UGA successful.
By gdawginkalamazoo
December 12, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
2004 “Thank you for flying me down here in the middle of the night Mr Lowder”
2005 “Thank you for the 10 year extension and believing in me Louisville”
2006 “Thank you for the 5 year contract and believing in me Mr. Blank”
2007 “Thank you Mr. Broyle (Broyles for those in the know) for the five year contract and believing in me”.
By baloney
December 12, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Ol sneaky snake.
By Roswell Ed
December 12, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Thank you Booby,
No one is talking about MV7 any more.
THANK YOU THANKYOU!!
Be careful what you ask for Ark.
He’ll drop you in a New York minute.
By baloney
December 12, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
I say this with a straight face. The Falcons would be better off moving the franchise to another city. It simply has not worked here. The city could wait a few years then get another franchise and start again.The Flacons have had so much misery that they will always have a stinch about them that will only go away when they go away. The NFL has a history of giving cities (usually that aren’t deserving) another chance for a franchise.
By marshall
December 12, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Blank is one of those “ego” ownners. Where’s Rich McKay? Almost all NFL teams have their GMs out front when bad stuff arises. Unlike Jerry Jones ,who understands the game, Blank is a naive amateur. Rich McKay is hiding in the tall grass or Blank is keeping there.
By gdawginkalamazoo
December 12, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
Looks like $aban has some stiff competition in the West now. Wonder which two faced liar will recruit better.
By Illinois Jacket
December 12, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Bob, although my loyalties lie with another institution in the state, I must agree with you that Mark Richt is the class of the SEC coaches. Character begets character. I also appreciate your sentiment about our new hire. I think the AD has done a good job.
With respect to the quitter, to paraphrase the narrator in Jerry Maguire, may you enjoy the success of Dennis Franchione.
By GUS
December 12, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
I hope Brian Van Gorder is left cleaning toilets at Stuckey’s truck stop. People don’t realize that HE was the most low-life coach on the Falcons staff, NOT Petrino. They are, however, two quitters who deserve to stick together.
GOOOOOO GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES!!!! HATCH ATACK BABY!
By Bk Hawk
December 12, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Falcons will never win till the fans and players stop this Vick worship and get on with football. Monday nights game was the Vicks Show not football. The players display for Vicks, fans display and ESPN talked the whole game about Vick. That’s not football and it don’t win games. Life goes on, time to forget and move on.
By Mike in Arkansas
December 12, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Do I believe everything or anything a sports writer says? No. I don’t know what Petrino said or how he said it .. maybe he was smiling ..I don’t know. I do know as I was watching the Falcons play the other night I was thinking .. how can any coach stay there? What a bad situation. I am happy to have him and the players are ecstatic. Now if the sportwriters will just mind there own business all will be well. Sportswriters try to make news .. not report it.
By 3volpaul
December 12, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
No one should blame Petrino for the leaving the Falcons. Rudderless, made for TV preening owner, never to win anything franchise, it probably dawned on him to cut for the at least understandable insansity of college football. At least he won’t have as many blown-up egos in Arkie.
Dealing with people in Mustangs is easier than those with self-import in their 24” wheeled Escalades. Shame the only honor escaping the Falcons has been taken by the Dolphins. Best Record.
By NASCARfan
December 12, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Hey, there’s only one Booby in Atlanta, and his last name is Cox!!!
As for Petrino, I don’t blame him. He was sold a Cadillac and found out it was really a Yugo.
The Falcons are the worst run organization in the NFL. And yes, that includes Miami and Detroit and SanFran.
Arthur Blank needs to keep his @$$ in the owner’s box where it belongs and off the sideline being a distraction to the players and the coaches.
Rich McKay needs to be fired for drafting THUGS like MeAngelo Hall and no-talent, low-character players like Jimmy Williams and Michael Jenkins who don’t want to work hard.
Bill Cowher needs to be hired to right this ship. Let him bring his own personnel guy and let give them free reign, and for God sakes, Blank, STOP MEDDLING AND STAY OFF THE SIDELINE!!!
As for Arkansas, they just don’t get it. They will never be Georgia. They will never be LSU. The will never be Florida. Hell, they aren’t even Tennessee or Auburn at this point.
I guarantee that when Fat Phil gets fired, Petrino will send his agent to Knoxville to enquire about the job.
I guarantee that when Les Miles leaves LSU, even if it is next week, Petrino will send his agent to Baton Rouge to enquire about the job.
He wants an SEC job, but he, like Tubbyville, wants a better SEC then the first one he got.
He’s not long for Arkansas.
Wooo pig sooey? Is there a more embarrassing and red neck call in the SEC? Even that Wooah, war eagle! cry is much better. I know the SportsCenter guys were making fun of it last night.
By B
December 12, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
D Hall needs to put up or shut up…another reason team don’t win. what a joke.
By Whistlebritches
December 12, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Who can blame Petrino for leaving the Falcons? However, you can blame him for not getting the job done and rising to a challenge. As an Auburn fan this gives me another reason to dislike Arkansas. However, now that he’s in the SEC West (his fortunes will not be as they were at Louisville), but there is no better coached conference or division in the country with Tubs, Saban, Miles, Nutt, Croom, and Petrino. The other side has 4 pretty popular guys as well with a fifth coach (Vanderbilt) that is completely underrated. Good riddens from ATL, hire Cowher, and more than ever Pig Souie, whatever the heck that means.
By Davis McCollum
December 12, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
King Aurthur deserves sooo much better. I bet he also wishes he could just crawl back into that comfy orange apron. After the Dome issues, No catch Peerless, MV7, Petrino, etc… a price check don’t look so bad anymore.!
By John Miles
December 12, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
This article serves as my Christmas present for the year! Mr. Barnhart, you made my holday season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
By DJISTHEGREATESTFOOTBALLPLAYERINTHEHISTORYOFFOOTBALL
December 12, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
So what. While I agree that guy has a history. But man…..How can anyone be blamed for leaving the Falcons. A team of thugs and misfits. They still celebrate Mike Vick, a low life of the worst kind. And who cares what D Hall has to say, that clown will be broke as soon as his last contract expires.
By Dave
December 12, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Petrino signed a contract and resigned before it was done. This is something new? Players and coaches do this all the time and most of the people that complain are the fans of the team they jilted. Players no show at training camps, even though they have a year or two left on their contract. This is news?
News flash, the Falcons have an awful collection of players who have an even worse attitude. They want “respect” while they give none and perform poorly. Petrino demanded respect as a coach, which he will get from the college game. Pro football is much more about stroking egos, managing egos and giving them what they want under the guise of “coachng”. Like the old saying goes, “The easiest way to motivate is to eliminate the unmotivated.” That would be at least half the Falcon’s team. Bobby, while I still don’t condone what you did, I understand it. I hope you finally get a group of players that will respect an authority figure, work hard towards a common goal and stop pointing the finger at everyone around them instead of accepting responsibility for their own p**-poor play and attitude.
By Whistlebritches
December 12, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Nascar Fan, They will never be a Georgia? I don’t see a lot of people until now ever wanting to be Georgia. You’re putting a UGA over UT and Auburn. Have you watched football in the last 10 years? Go dawgs, sickem, now that’s a battle cry. We’ll see how UGA does against a WAC team soon enough.
By DWG
December 12, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
After the “Free Mike Vick” embarrassment in the endzone the other night, I don’t blame him for leaving. The Falcons need to clean house and start over again.
Should be interesting when ARk. plays bama next year. Will there be one truth told in the press conference?
I still think Miles is going to Michigan.
Is Tech the only program that is going to fire and hire a new coach the right way? I applaud Tech for making a great hire above board, unlike some other schools.
Very grateful and proud to have Mark Richt as our head coach.
By KR
December 12, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Petrino’s departure was inevitable, whether through his own choosing or through Blank’s. Maybe it is best to have gotten it over with quickly.
For the record, I wouldn’t want either the Falcons or the Arkansas job. Both organizations are plagued with upper level micromanagers who don’t understand the job of head coach. Both organizations have fickle, unreasonable fan bases.
Small headline: Petrino’s successor at Auburn, Al Borges, is now gone. Should be interesting to see who is our new Offensive Coordinator.
WAR EAGLE!
By Brenda Johnson
December 12, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
Tony, Man, you were right on about your article of Petrino. He is a big classless, gutless loser. The Falcons are so much better off without him. Arkansas will suffer too. What kind of coach will leave in the middle of the night to only have a school call a thrown together news conference at MIDNIGHT! Losers too! This guy is not anyone I would ever want to be associated with. I grew up an Alabama Fan and a Falcons fan and remember when Loser Francione left the Tide without saying goodbye to his players (he send an assistant back from Texas to tell them)…gutless and look what just happened to Mr. Franchione. I can only wish the same fate for Petrino. Arkansas should be embarassed, but I don’t think they are…typical! Perhaps this is a GOOD FIT for both! I think this is a Great thing for our Atlanta Falcons….Good Riddance Bobby!
By Randy
December 12, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
No matter what the answer is to your non relevant questions, the real question is do you realize what a major train wreck that Blank sold to Petrino under the name of an NFL contender?
By STEVE LLOYD
December 12, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Wish I could just quit my job when things didn’t go my way or the way i thought they should. Most of us live in the real world, where you have to suck it up, and overcome adversity. Just another two-faced lying S.O.B. I would not hire a college coach for an NFL team, if he were the last coach on earth. About the only coach succesful from college to the NFL that comes to my mind is Jimmy Johnson.
By Football Fanatic
December 12, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Boycott Home Depot? Braveswin get a clue Blank does not own Home Depot anymore and even if he did what would that have to do with the Falcons?!?!?!
By Rick
December 12, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Guys, the Falcons are now getting the same reputation as the Raiders. They are a buch of misfit athletes with bad attitudes who have been discarded by other professional teams. Reality is, WHO WOULD WANT TO COME TO ATLANTA AND COACH THIS BUNCH??? Ever notice how when some of the guys we let go or trade wind up being somewhat successful in other organizations? While hindsight is always 20/20, we have Michael Vick as or poster boy, a rediculous history of average, or most often, poor teams. We recycle coaches like we change socks. Has it ever occurred to anyone that IT AIN’T ALWAYS THE COACHES FAULT? In college if you don’t perform, you get benched, plain and simple. Now DHall complain that “he didn’t respect me” Well guess what…HE SHOULDN’T RESPECT YO IF YOU ACT LIKE A 7 YEAR OLD AND RUN YOUR MOUTH WHILE NOT PERFORMING! The coaches job is to take talent and put them in the best position to win. But if the players display their arrogance and decide to point fingers as to why THEY didn’t look good, they blame the coaching or the scheme. Yet another reason I don’t blame Petrino one bloody bit.
By McKayless
December 12, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
Tony, You obviously think Petrino sucks. So why do you care that he is going to Arkansas. You should be happy. Quit the b***.
I am not about to defend Petrino or anyone associated with the Falcons. It is a lousy organization. Headed by an owner who has a ton of money, a huge ego and knows JACK about football…translation: on par with the Redskins under their idiot owner.
McKay has been incredibly invisible for the last year…correction, since drafting Vick. Oh yeah, that owner guy, he must be the GM ‘cause we see him talking Falcons football all the time. Come to think of it, I wonder if McKay is still with the team. Anyone seen him lately? Translation: a team that is a mess. A team that needs help at just about every position except: KICKER. Yeah, our 60 yr old kicker is the best player, by position, on the team. Remarkable.
As for Petrino. Average at best. Better off at the college level. He was a hot, sizzle coach that the GM… no, sorry, lost my head … that the owner fell for. You know, the guy that is all about merchandizing and knows JACK about football.
Anyone remember Dan Reeves? Yeah, the guy who took the team to the Super Bowl and everyone complained about. Yeah, the coach that knew football AND would not put up with a meddling owner. Can’t wait to see who the next puppet will be.
Anyone seen McKay? Anyone??? Come on people, where is our football genius GM?
By reservoirDawg(formall noyellowinthisblood
December 12, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
I don’t blame BP for leaving the Falcons at all. He came with the expectation of having #7 to run the offense. Obviously that didn’t work out and he was left with idiots like Roddy and their T-shirts and overrated players like Meangelo. Nascar I couldn’t agree more about your sentiment of BP jumping ship again at the best oppurtunity.
By Yellowjacket33
December 12, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Braveswin you are a moron. Arthur Blank is the best thing that happened to the falcons as far as ownwer go.
By College Guy
December 12, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
Petrino comes from the same cesspool as Nick Satan and Les Miles. Arkansas is a perfect match for his low class immoral “coach”.
By NASCARfan
December 12, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Whistlebritches, you’re an idiot.
In the last ten years, Tennessee hasn’t won a single SEC Championship.
In the last ten years, Auburn has won exactly one.
In the last ten years, Georgia has been one of two teams in ALL of college football to finish in top-25 every year. In the last ten years, Georgia has won 2 SEC Championships, 3 1/2 East titles, ten wins or more 5 times, ten straight bowl games, and now 3 BCS Bowls.
Whistlebritches, I think you’re the one who needs to watch a little more college football, because you’re a moron.
Once again, Arkansas and their fans suffers from Clemson Syndrome. They think they’re better than they are because they have one or two years in the total history in which they won big. They need to know who they are and understand who they are.
They are not Georgia, LSU, or Florida. Once again, they’re not even Auburn or Tennessee. They’re probably the seventh-best team in the SEC on a consistent basis. Yeah, Houston Nutt did a great job in his years at Arkansas, winning 2 1/2 West titles, going to the Dome twice.
But, Petrino or no Petrino, Arkansas and their fans need to realize that was Nutt doing an awesome job, and even success like that should not be expected.
By Charles Mullins
December 12, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
As a University of Louisville Alumni and fan, I can only say “welcome to Booby’s world” and ask “why are you surprised?”
This is a man who interviewed with every school that would talk to him every year, all the while protesting that he “was totally committed to UL.” In fact, after the Orange Bowl, he stated that he was working hard to bring UL “to the next level.” Less than 24 hours later he signed with you guys. We (UL alumni) now know that he was talking to Falcon personnel over a month earlier. This is the status of coaching in major college and professional football.
I am reminded of the old country song telling about a woman who takes in a frozen snake, thaws him out and saves his life, only to be bitten. When she complains, the snake says “oh hush up. You knew I was a snake when you took me in.”
You (Atlanta) hired him away from us. You got him to break a 10-year contract (signed less than a month earlier) to come here. And now you are surprised when he breaks this contract to go somewhere else? But you knew he was a snake “when you took him in.”
Charles E. Mullins Olney, Maryland
By Raleigh Dog
December 12, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
Poetic justice for Blank. He stole Petrino from Louisville and now he gets the same treatment. Once a cheater, always a cheater. The question is when will Petrino get his dose of medicine in the form of poetic justice. When will his ship sink with him on board or will he just keep abandoning ship after ship? And how do you tell your players not to quit or get them to trust you when you are both a quitter and untrustworthy?
By gdawginkalamazoo
December 12, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
We forget that it is not that he left Atlanta. IT IS THE WAY HE LEFT! Why couldn’t he tell Blank that this is not what I envisioned when I got here. I thought I had a QB in place. I don’t think I can do this anymore I prefer to go back to the college level. Arkansas is looking and I am interested in that. With you r permission I would like to talk to them. I think Blank is man enough to say go ahead I understand.
What do you have when your integrity and respect is gone?
By Gene
December 12, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Frank Broyles is a fine man from the old school, and I doubt if he had anything to do with this travesty. The problems is, most college presidents are politicians and not educators. Had anyone been concerned about Mike Vick’s education, he might have learned something about decent behavior. I knew some people over the years who played football for Woody Hayes and some who played for Bear Bryant. These were two very tough coaches, but the people I knew learned something from their coaches and held them in high respect. I still hold my high school coach in high esteem, and many things I learned from him remain with me nearly 50 years later. What can young men learn from Petrino? Never give up? Fight through adversity? Honesty? Integrity? Arkansas is near the bottom in academic achievement among universities, yet the president and AD have deep pockets when it comes to hiring a liar and opportunist like Petrino. Arthur Blank was unwise to hire him in the first place and it jumped up and bit him as well as the city of Atlanta. It will do the same for Arkansas.
By Bob
December 12, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Whistlebritches,
I understand your sentiments about NASCARfan. A lot of others, including a lot of Georgia fans share the same. But don’t pontificate about UT and Auburn somehow being on a higher level. How many SEC titles have the Big Orange won since Richt arrived 7 years ago? Yup, zero. How many times have the Vols finished ranked higher than the wooofing Dawgs? Once, in Richt’s first year. Since then it has been 6 consecutive years of being ranked below Georgia…in fact in two of those years the Vols were not even ranked.
I have a lot of respect for Auburn and I know UT is a top program, but don’t get carried away with your illogical dislike of Georgia.
By reservoirDawg(formall noyellowinthisblood
December 12, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
I will gladly take the Atlanta head coaching job. I will make 3.5 million a year and win at least 4 games. I will stay for a maximum of two years and retire fat and happy to an island in the carribean.
By reddawg
December 12, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
It is time for the fans of the Falcons to carefully weight their options. This team will never get any better as long as Blank is the owner. All that he knows about football can be summed up in 2 words. Ron Mexico.
I agree. Petrino is a loser. So what, add his name to thee list …. McKay, Hall, Vick, etal. Good or bad teams can be blamed on the coach; but Atlanta is not a bad team, it is an abortion. The old saying is that you can’t fire the entire team, so you change the coach. Fans, boycott the Falcons until they fire the deranged owner, and his pet puppet McKay.
By shane #1
December 12, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
another carpet bagger gone,well boo hoo,take the money and run,quitter!now mr blank may get rid of makay and hire some real football people.makay has done one of the worst jobs of building a team that i have ever seen.terrible draft choices,injury ridden free agents,big contracts for players that do not produce,hiring coaches with no HC experence,and on and on.mr blank,now is your chance,hire a tough minded nfl coach wth a track record and give him the reins.let him clean out the deadwood,blow this”team”up,and start from scratch!you need a mean sob,a”big tuna”or a jimmy johnson.i don’t like jimmy johnson,but i could stand him for a couple of years while he builds a team!
By Desert Dawg
December 12, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
As a native Atlantan who was there when the Falcons arrived, I can truly say “I have lost interest”. College football is the only game I follow anymore. The NFL has no loyality (from anyone), absolutely no integrity, and ZERO character. Is anyone surprised at what has happened in Atlanta? The phrase “You reap what you sow” comes to mind.
If you want to change things in the Falcons organization, consider the following: 1. Move outside of Atlanta 2. Change the name, colors and logo to something that southerners can relate with. (maybe squirrels or possums—just kidding folks) 3. MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE 4. BRING IN A GM AND HEAD COACH OF CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY. (Take some $$ you save on M. Vick and Petrino and spend it on people like Cowher, Shottenheimer, etc.) People with proven records over 15-20 years are good bets.
The Falcons are losers, always have been, and always will be. YOU HAVE TO SHAKE IT UP AND MAKE SOME SIGNIFICANT CHANGES.
Arthur Blank is not the problem but CAN BE the solution. Only time will tell.
By Fort Worth Dawg
December 12, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Hey Auburn fans This should be its own blog but: Who is Auburn targeting for OC? What are the rumors? Who would be your first couple of realistic choices? Does it seem strange that Borges was fired pre-Bowl game or does this indicate that Auburn had a replacement in mind?
I would think that the position would be an easy recruit (SEC, nice atmosphere and tradition, good potential for advancement). Off the top of my head I would think someone with ties to the states of Florida and Georgia would have an advantage for recruiting purposes.
By Tulane HOG
December 12, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
5 Questions
A: Unfortunately no, but they taste damn good.
A: Probably not, but given the Falcons meteoric fall from grace, and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding it, love and forgiveness is certainly the best policy here. You already stole the lunch money from the kid on the short bus, no reason to beat him up too.
A. Not much actually, said aloud casually or in good company it sounds like just about the most pointless red-neck thing one could imagine. But when 90,000 hog fans scream it in Fayeteville, it sounds like a damn Tornado siren. Intimidating as hell really, and thats not me saying it, its Texas and USC, both who had multiple players said it was the most difficult stadium they’d ever played in. I’ll take the Hog Call over a Dog Bark (one of oh… 50 in the nation… heck its not even original in the conference)… Calling an eagle when your mascot is a tiger… or having to wear a hat with (game)C** on it in (ironically) big letters.
Well I was, until all you knotheads started giving him such a hard time. The press for this has given his reputation such a blemish that he’s going to have to think long and hard before jumping for just any job. Heck, all this Bit$@ by Falcon, Auburn, and UGA/fair weather Falcon fan has probably added two years to his minimum tenure. THANKS GUYS!
Hmmmmm… tough one…. NO! Tommy Bowden’s a sound coach that will never break through to the upper level, he has a ceiling, say like, Houston Nutt. Tubberville, he’s just as guilty as Petrino. He gave us a reach around while he bribed AU for more money, but wouldn’t sign the contract until he was sure he wasn’t in line for the LSU job. Pair that with the fact that he’s getting out recruited by Saban and is now surrounded on 3 sides by coaches that are better than him (Saban, Meyer and Petrino) and I’d predict steady decline. Whatever you want to say about Petrino’s time with the Falcons, you don’t see any NFL teams coming and offering Tommy 5 mil a year.
Hears the thing, whatever the talking heads want to say, within 12 hours of the hiring every recruit that has been contacted has said that they are now firm on AR. And 3 of the big time in state recruits that AR had lost to places like Southern Cal had announced they were all taking official visits to AR before finalizing their current verbal commitments. The SEC is too good to dominate, Urban Meyer, for all his talent as a coach, found that out this year. I’ll tell you though, Les Miles is a hack, and in 5 years I’ll bet you AR is back as an elite level program in the SEC.
By hallcountyobserver
December 12, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
braveswin has to be the least informed poster i have ever read. all of you people who say that petrino didn’t have the team that he was promised are crazy. petrino was being paid 24 million dollars to deliver a winner, not the other way around. face it, petrino is a man of no honor.
By Gen Neyland
December 12, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
The headlines could read, Have Game Plan, Will Travel…or, If You Got The Money Honey, I’ve Got The Time…No gold watch for Petrino from the Falcons…So what..? The Falcons imploded in 2007 due to many variables, but the one that looms large is bunking with Bubba tonight. Can’t blame Petrino on this one. He was sold a pig-in-a-poke…
By Bruno
December 12, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe the sour grapes that I’m reading here. How can anyone blame Petrino? He was sold a bill of goods that never came to fruition, then the only thing good about the team goes to prison. The Falcons organization is a laughing stock…completely opposite of what they have down in Arkansas. Fayetteville is a growing classy town with culture and an easy lifestyle. The athletic program is one of the richest in the country with some of the best facilities, bar none. He will have no competition for fan support because Arkansas is the major university of the entire state. I think kids love the pig sooeee call and many want to be Razorbacks if the coaching staff is right. Now they have a proven offensive mind and will probably become one of the elite teams in the SEC. And don’t think you’re on morally higher ground to judge the likes of Petrino, Saban, Miles, Franchionne, etc. etc. the list goes on. It’s big time athletics, the coach has to look out for himself, because noone else will.
By cricket
December 12, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
This really puts in perspective how lucky ATL is to have the braves - great organization with great leaders like John S. and Bobby Cox.
By SuwaneeDawg
December 12, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
I think T-Done said it best, “Yes, but we don’t care.”
I’m guessing Arkansas folks are saying they’re the ones to make him want to stay and put down some roots. But, what they don’t understand is that someone like Petrino never puts down roots and has no loyalty. It’s obvious that he is one who doesn’t think twice about stabbing his “friends” and mentors in the back (Tubberville) and those who show faith in him and give him a ridiculous amount of money to prove himself on the largest stage (Blank).
At first, after the shock, I could almost understand, considering all of the crap that he has dealt with since almost his first day on the job. Then, to find out that he never addressed the team and told Arthur Blank over the phone? Well, that’s simply a lack of any kind of class. Arkansas knows this and made the deliberate decision to hire him. Well, they get what they get. If he stays 5 years, I’ll be beyond shocked.
By Quincy C.
December 12, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Great article…change of pace from the LSU/Miles bashing…BCS BS…GA whining… The common denominator is Rich McKay….hired Mora…Petrino…fired Reeves…traded away what would have been LT and Drew Brees for Vick…drafted another Va Tech bum in Williams…Arthur get Cowher and make him GM/Coach…
Petrino is bacon…and Ar-Kansas is a fool…
By B. Thenet
December 12, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Thank God Michigan did not hire this clown.
There is something to be said for taking your time and making the right hire.
I can’t wait until Nutt and Tuberville take Arkansas to the woodshed the next couple of years.
By Whistlebritches
December 12, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Nascar Fan, I agree with you about Arkansas. It is a second rate program in the SEC and their expectations are way too high. Also, Petrino will see this as another stepping stone. My point was, don’t begin to put UGA on the same plain as UF or LSU. I dislike both schools, but competing for and winning National Championships, SEC Championships, and division titles have been their staple. Tennessee won a NC in 98. Who won the UGA/UT game this year. How’d UGA do against a Big East team in the Sugar Bowl? I’m not saying UGA is that bad, because they’re good, my point is they are no higher than an Auburn team who has won or shared the West more times than 3 1/2. Tubs has beat more top 10 teams than any school. Richt has consistently won around 10 games, that’s awesome, but that’s not the elite level. As an Auburn fan, I accept the fact that we will be arond the top 5 every 3 or 4 years, and so should UGA. One NC in 80 and one Herschel Walker doesn’t make you an amazing program. Richt, is an amazing person and coach, but the reason UGA celebrated like they did in the UF game and other actions throughout the rest of the season is because they haven’t been there before. Therefore, I’ll take my idiot opinion and apply it to a team that has beat UF only twice in the last 15 years. Auburn has only beat them twice in the last two years when they were ranked number one or in the top 5 and beat them the last 3 times they’ve played.
By Rich McKay
December 12, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know where I am?
And people, stop blaming me for drafting Michael Vick. I DID NOT DRAFT MICHAEL VICK!!! Your beloved Dan Reeves, who had total control, drafted Michael Vick.
But I did draft other low-character, thugs from Virginia Tech like MeAngelo Hall. Whoo boy, I sure do love Frank Beamer’s hoodlums!
But seriously, does anyone know where I am? I’m missing. Please check the last known places I was in the last year. I would start up Arthur Blank’s butt, where I’ve happily been enabling his insane behavior as the owner of the Falcons instead of advising him and actually telling him “no” every once in awhile. That Arthur Blank, he sure does only like YES men!
By RAMBLE ON!
December 12, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
TONY, ONE LARGE CORRECTION TO YOUR STATEMENT “But for the next few weeks this school is going to be the poster-child of what’s wrong with college athletics because of this hire”
This isn’t college athletics you’re talking about. This is 100% SEC FOOTBALL. HE’S THIS YEARS NICK SABANS. THIS IS REPRESENTIVE OF SEC FOOTBALL, NOT COLLEGE ATHLETICS!!!
The whole league is this way (sorry Vanderbilt, guilty by association).
* THIS ONLY HAPPENS IN THE SEC, it will catch up though. Saban will go down, and so will Petrino. Only fools will play for Liars like these. The SEC has a bunch of idiots, but the fools that would play for these back stabbers will have trouble graduating high school. *
By Whistlebritches
December 12, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Bob, I appreciate your logical response. Let me clarify, I just sent another post as well that talks about this. I do not believe that Auburn, by any means, is a consistent top 5 program. I wish they were, but they’re not. I do think they’re getting there as UGA is. My point is, that UGA is not there yet and shouldn’t be stated as a team that’s above and beyond the likes of UT and Auburn. They are second level teams, but UGA has been in the same category as them over the years. So my point, UGA is not on the same level as UF and LSU until they are consistenlty in the top 5 and playing for NC’s.
It’s people like Nascar Fan, that give UGA fans a bad name due to their unrealistic expectations and/or thoughts about how much better they are than others. It is safe to assume though, that most UGA fans never went to the school so didn’t walk away with the same education.
By realitybites
December 12, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Doesn’t it make you wonder why a person would take a $2 million pay cut to go back to college football? The answer is thet Petrino was used to being the COACH and players doing what they are taught/told. If I came to a schoolroom full of kids that didn’t listen, acted like idiots and had egos the size of Texas, I’d either MAKE them do what they are told (can’t do that to pro players), kick the kids out of the classroom (can’t do that to pro players), call their parents (pro players don’t care) or find somewhere to hide the bodies (can’t do that…it’s a felony). If none of these approaches were available, after a few weeks you bet I’d leave skid marks on the wa out.
By Rich McKay
December 12, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know where I am?
And people, stop blaming me for drafting Michael Vick. I DID NOT DRAFT MICHAEL VICK!!! Your beloved Dan Reeves, who had total control, drafted Michael Vick.
But I did draft other low-character, thugs from Virginia Tech like MeAngelo Hall. Whoo boy, I sure do love Frank Beamer’s hoodlums!
But seriously, does anyone know where I am? I’m missing. Please check the last known places I was in the last year. I would start up Arthur Blank’s butt, where I’ve happily been enabling his insane behavior as the owner of the Falcons instead of advising him and actually telling him “no” every once in awhile. That Arthur Blank, he sure does only like YES men!
By Tommy
December 12, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Don’t blame anyone for leaving Atlanta. It is a city of losers in pro sports.
By Ex-ATL Hog Fan
December 12, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Tony, considering you left Arkansas out of your book about the SEC, are you sure you even know where Fayetteville is?
Make sure you don’t land in North Carolina, chief.
Oh, and as an Arkansas fan who used to live in Atlanta, a word to my Falcons brethren:
ESPN has unloaded on you all year, and now they’re white knighting for you… they don’t feel bad for you or think it’s wrong… it’s another story for all the national outlets. Don’t confuse headlines for sympathy.
And…
It’s “Woo Pig Sooie,” idiots… “Souey” is a junk Chinese food term.
By Gen Neyland
December 12, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
REMEMBER PLEASE
Price Buck Cochran…His memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, 16DEC…Memorials for Buck can be sent to:
Trinity Lutheran Church 1200 Tenth Ave, East Seattle WA 98102
Buck’s church helped him along the way. Provided much assistance, both personal and monetarily. Got him to JAX…etc…Let’s show that our caring goes beyond words on the blogs…Thanks to all.
By Tony
December 12, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
What were we thinking?? What kind of poorprone, sougrape ridden comment is that, obviously the same thing you were at the beginning of last summer genius. Now no where in Mr. Petrinos contract does it say that I have to tolerate my all pro qb fighting & killing dogs & becoming public enemy #1. How many people were in the stands Monday night in fourth quarter, three? Our recruits are hanging in the balance, by a thread, thats why Petrino left, to save the day here, nothing less, nothing more. Get over it. Poor Jamal, Poor Chris. You’re franchise is the worst in the league, at least the Dolphins will recover, the Falcons probably never will.
By shane #1
December 12, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
gen nyland,i am sure you are glad this guy is back in sec football,he makes phat phil look totally respectable!arkansas,you still aren’t lsu,don’t look for miracles from this bird.anyone who saw the”coaching”pet did in atlanta could tell you he is no lombardi!petrino did the right thing by leaving when he did,his inability to coach was being exposed.rich,i don’t know where you are either,but the way you”built”the falcons,if mr blank is”connected”,you are encased in a bridge abutment somewhere on 285!
By EP
December 12, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Two questions:
Hadn’t Petrino just signed a long term contract when Blanks hired him away fron Louisville? What goes around comes around Falcon fans. (I’ve been one since Tommy Nobis days!)
Second, does VT require its athletes to pass math? A 5 mil a year job is not a stepping stone to a 3 mil a year job! Get real d- angelo!
By NASCARfan
December 12, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
Whistleblower, you don’t know enough about me to cal me unrealistic. If you actually follow any blog I’ve blogged on, you’d see I’m very realistic and temper any expectation I usually have.
I also correctly predicted our 10-2 record this year. For comparison, Jeff Schultz predicted the Dawgs to go 11-1.
But if you believe that Georgia isn’t an elite team in the SEC, the yes, you are an idiot. In the SEC, we measure elite teams by the amount of titles they’ve won. You of all people as a WarTigle fan should know that the National Chumpionship Game is a bunch of BS and a beauty pageant. In the history of the SEC, only 2 teams have more titles than Georgia, and Florida didn’t win their first title until Spurrier showed up. That means that they had 100 years of futility. Georgia has won an SEC title in EVERY decade the SEC has been around (that 8 decades, now) accept for one decade, the 1990’s under Goof and Donnan.
In the last ten years, UGA has more wins than any other SEC team. We have the second most amount of SEC titles at 2, LSU has three. Don’t worry, we’ll get our third next year. Tennessee’s last SEC Title came 11 years ago after the conclusion of this season. Florida won their first title in the Mark Richt era last year, after we had won 2. As for our record against Florida, you seem to have caught Florida fans amnesia about what went on before 1990. So, Whistlebritches, if you want to play the short term memory game, Georgia v. Florida is knotted up at 2-2 over the last four games.
Also, unlike Tubby, Mark Richt has never lost more than two games in a row to any SEC Coach or team.
In the SEC right now, there are three elite teams. LSU, Georgia, and Florida. Then there is Auburn trying to poke on through. But unlike Georgia, LSU, and Florida, they don’t have enough ten win seasons or top-10 finishes (under Mark Richt, Georgia is ensured of our 5th top-10 finish in 7 years, and possibly our 3rd top-5 finish). Then on the third level there is Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas.
Once again, Whistlebritches, you’re so far off base, you’re on the moon. I’ve never been accused of being an unrealistic Georgia fan. And what I’m saying now is backed up by fact. You talk about top-5 finishes? Try having more than one in twenty years and come talk to us.
By tony
December 12, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Reading most of the comments here, no wonder he left. What a fan base you are nothing but a bunch of poor prone, sourgrape sounding, Petrino bashing, watchin you’re team losin babies. What do you mean wheres Fayettville, if you can’t find it just ask Les Miles and LSU they’ll tell you where it is. Petrino found it EAT OUR DUST. I feel sorry for Jamal Anderson and Chris Houston, they are better than that franchise ever will be. LOSERS!!!!!!
By Rick in Louisville
December 12, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
We in Louisville are not surprised with Petrino’s actions. Arkansas did the same thing to yougood folks that the Falcons did to UofL. And I suspect in a few years someone will do to Arkansas. Petrino’s got “happy feet.”
By Bob
December 12, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
Whistlebritches,
I have no problem with your point and frankly agree with most of it. All fans are a bit myopic and SEC fans are without doubt the most myopic.
That being said, I don’t think you can elevate the Gators to some super level either. Yes, they won the NC last year and as an SEC fan I was glad….although I was biting my tongue. That NC counts for more than anything else, but the body of work counts as well. No question the Gators have had their way with UGA the past 18 years, but that is a snapshot. I could say the last four years have made the series even again. Or I could say even after all the Gator wins they trail the series by 10. Or whatever. In the past 7 years Florida has won one conference title and only been in the game once. Except for Richt’s first year and last year, Georgia has finished the season ranked higher and in two cases much higher. For consistency, only LSU has matched UGA SINCE Richt arrived 7 years ago. That is not opinion, but based on the results on the field. Frankly I don’t think there is much of a difference between LSU, Auburn, Florida, Tennessee and Georgia right now. Georgia has had lots of trouble with Florida. Tennessee has had lots of trouble with Florida. Auburn has owned Florida and Tennessee. Auburn and Georgia have pretty much split with each other. Georgia has walloped LSU the last two times they played. LSU has won 3 SEC titles, Georgia has won 2, Auburn and Florida have each won 1. Next year Auburn, Florida and Georgia return a ton of folks and will probably be the three favorites.
Anyway, good points and good discussion.
By Garty
December 12, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Great Bama slamming shirt…
Gotta check out www.notredone.com
they need more product but this shirt is pretty funny and heck Saben needs a kick in the pants…
By FLA DAWG
December 12, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Not that you’ll take the time to read this Tony but, GROW UP! Colleges, BCS, Sportswriters & Commentators can say and do whatever they want about whomever they want but you criticize a man for trying to play it smart - even sly to get a better job!?
This guy can help Ark win. If not, they’ll fire him or he’ll quit. That’s the way it works.
By Bob
December 12, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
NASCARfan,
“Also, unlike Tubby, Mark Richt has never lost more than two games in a row to any SEC Coach or team”.
What do you call 2001,2002 and 2003 to Florida? Not same coach but same team.
By Mike
December 12, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
Arkansas got a coach who is a proven winner at the college level. They will not have to worry about him leaving because major programs will not hire him, because of his reputation.
I do not blame him for leaving. He was not aware of the Michael Vick situation when he accepted the job.
By TONY
December 12, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
No were not LSU, were Arkansas, we are now holding the Golden Boot, because we went into there house and took it from them, leaving about 600 hundred footprints on there turf. Were they #1. Yeah Auburn got us this year, but not last year, and most of the time we beat them. Ole Miss hasn’t beat us since Civil War reconstruction, there are teams in the sec that give us problems, thats to be expected, they are better than the Falcons, would probably beat you’re team in a scrimmage. However we’re in a Bowl game, usually are. Last year, this year and years to come. Oh yeah for you’re info Arkansas is in possesion of more National Championships in sports than any other school in the Nation let alone the sec. Thanks to our always #1 track and field teams. Combine there successes with the basketball and football and baseball success we have here and no other team in the Nation can compare, google it.
By TONY
December 12, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
No were not LSU, were Arkansas, we are now holding the Golden Boot, because we went into there house and took it from them, leaving about 600 hundred footprints on there turf. Were they #1. Yeah Auburn got us this year, but not last year, and most of the time we beat them. Ole Miss hasn’t beat us since Civil War reconstruction, there are teams in the sec that give us problems, thats to be expected, they are better than the Falcons, would probably beat you’re team in a scrimmage. However we’re in a Bowl game, usually are. Last year, this year and years to come. Oh yeah for you’re info Arkansas is in possesion of more National Championships in sports than any other school in the Nation let alone the sec. Thanks to our always #1 track and field teams. Combine there successes with the basketball and football and baseball success we have here and no other team in the Nation can compare, google it.
By TONY
December 12, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
No were not LSU, were Arkansas, we are now holding the Golden Boot, because we went into there house and took it from them, leaving about 600 hundred footprints on there turf. Were they #1. Yeah Auburn got us this year, but not last year, and most of the time we beat them. Ole Miss hasn’t beat us since Civil War reconstruction, there are teams in the sec that give us problems, thats to be expected, they are better than the Falcons, would probably beat you’re team in a scrimmage. However we’re in a Bowl game, usually are. Last year, this year and years to come. Oh yeah for you’re info Arkansas is in possesion of more National Championships in sports than any other school in the Nation let alone the sec. Thanks to our always #1 track and field teams. Combine there successes with the basketball and football and baseball success we have here and no other team in the Nation can compare, google it.
By Scott
December 12, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Arkansas fans- After the way your school treated coach Nutt, Arkansas and Bobby Petrino deserve each other. Authur is a great owner and the Falcons are better off today!
By tony
December 12, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
If Arkansas isn’t elite, I wonder what an elite runningback is, they’ve got two right now thats better than anything the Falcons or the nfl can boast, you’ll see in a year they’ll both go in the first round. They’re center was voted the best in the Nation (Remmington winner) they beat LSU in LSU, and had an off year. Granted we’re not charter members of the sec, however we sure make it a habit out of beating the competition. In his tenure Houston Nutt won more games than any other sec coach in that time span, so Richt, Miles, Spurrier (whose team gave up 524 yards on the ground to the HOGS)can call themselves elite, I agree with that, so can Arkansas. Watch what we do in the sec in hoops this year too. We’ll win another sec west title and possible overall title and add it to our ever growing trophy case.. We’ll do this while Atlanta sportswriters continue to fume. Patrino may bolt, he may not. Its a business. He’s no different than Nick Saban and a handfull of others. Its all about winning and he give us a good shot at it.
By Bob
December 12, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Arkansas TONY,
What are you smoking dude? Arkansas has 41 national titles which is truly remarkable. But more than any other school in the country? UCLA has 100, Stanford has more than 90, USC has 84 and Oklahoma State…Not OU….has 48. Do you just make up stuff expecting no one to check? Then again the discussion is football and win a conference championship and we can talk.
By shane #1
December 12, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
bob,i am sure nascar will come back at you on this,but what he said was that richt had not lost over two games to the same team.you proved his point!tony,if the hog fans had backed nutt instead of some snot-nosed kid you might have had another nc to brag about.you had,IMO,the best college player in the country in mcfadden,but you had a spoiled FRESHMAN qb that thought he should get playing time.instead of backing the coach who wanted to hand the ball to mcfadden,{duh!},forty times a game you backed the kid!you people blew up your own program!stafford may not be the best college qb,but he won’t force the ball into triple coverage when he can hand the ball off!just ask messers moreno,brown,and lumpkin.
By Erk
December 12, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Petrino will do much if any better than Houston Nutt.
By GWH
December 12, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Well said Tony. Welcome to the SEC, Bobby!!
By tony
December 12, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Scott, obviously you’re not a case study in reading. Arkansas offered Coach Nutt an extention and a raise, when he declined because the fan base was split here, he did so in an attempt to re-unite them, he made the move. In doing so the University removed his “golden handcuffs” paid him and sent him on his way, heck Arkansas even offered to share the coaching staff to help them recruit, if not for local media that would’ve happened, so don’t sit there and point fingers through the fog when you don’t know what you’re talking about. Both Nutt & Arkansas showed alot of class and Coach Petrino is welcomed here, with open arms, he’s going to love Razorback Nation. You guys, just by these posts, I can tell are in bad, sad shape.
By Gen Neyland
December 12, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
NASCARfan
“UT’s last SEC title came eleven years ago after the conclussion of this season”…Please tell me you’re not studying to be an accountant…Political Science maybe…Have a good break…Daytona’s just around the 3rd corner.
By tony
December 12, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
Ok Bob, you got me on that one, I’ll set a precedent here for Falcons fans and Atlanta sportswriters to follow, I was wrong, it was a knee jerk reaction to the false claims I’ve been reading here, thank you for the complement on our 40 something titles. That still doesn’t change the fact that Razorback Nation has more class in its pinky than the Falcons ever will. Why blast Petrino, the man took a pay cut to do what he loves and thats coach kids. Not spoiled millionaires. Let me put it this way, we’ve won more titles than anyone else in the heartland.. I stand corrected.. My bad. Its easy to admit you’re wrong when you support a team and organization like the Razorbacks. One thing I’m not wrong on though is this, in the last two years we have victories over, South Carolina, Auburn, Alabama, LSU, Tennessee. We own Mississippi. We played Florida in thier Championsip year alot closer than Ohio State did. In the last two years we’ve averaged over 200 yards on the ground against that vaulted LSU Defense. I’m proud to be a HOGFAN, and think the HOGCALL is the coolest thing in college football, it sure beats the snot out of the tomohawk chop. You guys must really hate the Padres. While you handle them perty good in the regular season, the post season is a whole different story. Where did Joe Johnson come from? Sports wise he’s the only decent thing that city can lay claim too.
By Whistlebritches
December 12, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Bob, great points. I belive you are right on with your synopsis about those teams not being too far apart. The fact is, the SEC is just that good and all those teams are really good.
Nascar Fan, Who has won the most SEC games in the last 5 years?
UGA does win 10 games a year, they’re just not winning more than that. When they do that consistently, that’s a top tier team. Not saying they have to do it every year.
About amnesia, Auburn won 4 SEC Championships in the 80’s. Who cares what they did in the 80’s. I’m talking about a top tier team consistently. When UGA plays for a national title consistently, we’ll go there.
Their amount of 10 win seasons are impressive considering how hard it is to win 10. However, I’d question some of their opponents, etc. as I could Auburn and other teams. We’re playing WV next year while Slaton and White are seniors. We’ll see how Auburn fares. I’m not a Georgia basher, just a UGA realist.
By tony
December 12, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
Thank you GWH, he should do well here, I can’t wait to see his recruiting prowess, last night the local media had recruits on the phone and they were all jacked. It should be sweet.
By Tony
December 12, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
I could’ve swore UT won a title under Tee Martin in 98, its been so long, I’ve slept alot since then. But thats what I’m thi