AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAlabama-Duke for Dome almost done
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Amelia Island, Fla.-Some sights and sounds from the ACC Spring Meetings, which continue here today. Warning: I know this is a football blog, but a couple of basketball notes just might sneak in here.
1. Alabama-Duke at Dome almost done: Just talked to Joe Alleva, the outgoing athletics director at Duke who is headed to LSU this summer. Alleva told me that before he leaves Duke he hopes to sign a contract to play a football game with Alabama in the Georgia Dome in 2010. Duke has a home game with the Crimson Tide that year and the Atlanta Sports Council has pitched moving the game to the Georgia Dome for more money and recruiting exposure. Alleva said that new head coach David Cutcliffe, an Alabama grad, has signed off on the idea. “It just makes sense for Duke,” Alleva said.
2. Jags predicts big things for Ryan: I had a chance to visit with second-year Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski, a former assistant with the Falcons. Jagodzinski, who led the Eagles to the ACC championship game in his first season, said that just sold his home in Gwinnett County. Then he asked me how his former quarterback, Matt Ryan, was being received in Atlanta. When I told him the reception had been good, his face lit up. He then said that Ryan will make the Falcons and their fans glad they used the No. 3 draft pick on him. “I only coached him for a year but I’m here to tell you, this guy is special,” Jagodzinski said. “The people in Atlanta are going to love him. On top of being a good guy, Matt knows how to play the game. He’s going to be a very good pro.”
3. Georgia Dome is good to go: A group representing the Georgia Dome and the Atlanta Sports Council met Monday with the ACC’s athletics directors. The purpose of the meeting was to update the league on the status of the Georgia Dome since the tornado hit during the SEC Tournament last March. The ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament will come back the Georgia Dome next March. “We feel very good about the Georgia Dome both inside and out,” said Carl Adkins, the general manager. “I think the ACC is looking forward to getting back to Atlanta.” They should be. The ACC Tournament set an all-time average attendance record (36,505) when it was first held at the Dome in 2001. There were over 40,000 for the Saturday semifinals.
4. Cutcliffe says Duke can win: Cutcliffe didn’t play golf with his fellow coaches on Monday. When you’re the new head coach at Duke, there is just too much to do. The former head coach at Ole Miss and OC at Tennessee said it is “absolutely possible” to assemble enough players at Duke to compete for an ACC championship. Changing the football culture at Duke, he conceded, will be the biggest challenge. “There is a lot of apathy and expectation of losing that is entrenched,” Cutcliffe said. “But it is our job to change that. We’re going to be given the tools to do it.” The big commitment came in salaries for assistant coaches. Cutcliffe was given a $2 million budget to hire his staff. That’s in the top third of the ACC.
5. Basketball coaches not happy: The ACC was rated as the No. 1 conference in the RPI and the end of last season. But when the NCAA invitations came out, the ACC got only four bids for the second time in three years. There is talk here of expanding the conference schedule from 16 to 18 games in order to take advantage of the conference rating. That’s not going to happen. The problem, according to several coaches that I talked to on Monday, is that the NCAA selection committee says that it doesn’t take conference affiliation into consideration when awarding at-large bids.
Commissioner John Swofford has written a letter SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, the incoming chairman of the men’s basketball committee, suggesting that conference affiliation SHOULD be a consideration of the committee. “If we have the No. 1 conference and 60 percent of our schedule is in the league, how can that NOT be a factor?” Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt asked.
The ACC is particularly upset that Virginia Tech (19-13) got left out of the field after almost beating North Carolina, the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, in the ACC Tournament. Tyler Hansbrough made a shot with .8 second left to give the Tar Heels a 68-66 victory.
Comments
By maddawg
May 13, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Come on Alabama. You stole all of the recruits from auburn for years by having 2 home fields ( t-town and bham) for years. You went to Jax last year, atl this year and trying to lock up more games in the future.I think that this is bad for college football and a trend is about to start that has only the purpose of recruiting. I don’t like it. Why doesn’t Georgia play a “home game” in bham? Why doesn’t Clemson play a home game in Charlotte. I just don’t like the way things are going.
By KR
May 13, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Pretty disappointing today, Tony.
1. Off topic. Matt Ryan doesn’t play college football anymore.
2. Off topic again. A more important question is, will the Dome be ready for ‘Bama vs. Clemson?
3. Why all of the proposed ‘Bama games at the Georgia Dome? Did the University of Alabama move its campus to Atlanta?
4. Spurrier has already proved it is possible to win at Duke. The question is, can Cutcliffe win at Duke? I’m not as impressed with him as a lot of people are, so I have my doubts. Given Duke’s most recent history, there’s no place to go but up.
5. Again with the ACC basketball… And ACC fans wonder why their football programs aren’t taken seriously.
By baloney
May 13, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
What the hell do you think the BC coach would say about his former QB?”Well he is slow, weak arm, poor leader”? That’s like asking a UGA fan if they think UGA is the best team in history.
By Roswell Ed
May 13, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
This is going to be a long week.
ACC=yawn
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why is everyone trying so hard to make us believe Matt Ryan is so great?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why don’t they bring the ACC football championship to Atl? They could do a Fri night Sat night thing.
Remember when the SEC game was in B’ham?
The weather here in the south that time of year is just too unpredictable.
The dome solved that.
I know a lot of ACC fans will think they are playing second fiddle to the SEC but guess what? The only southern cities where ACC football is more important than SEC football are Charlotte and parts further north. Atl is home to more ACC graduates then any other city and would be an easy sell out.
Charlotte will have the same issues as J’ville and B’ham.
45 degrees and raining is a bad place to watch a football game especially when its WF and Va Tech.
If WF and VT are in the same division please don’t correct me because no one knows who the hell is in the
Norris division and who is in the Campbell division of the ACC.
By JJ
May 13, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Tony, You are the best but you need to quit referring to yourself as “Mr. College Football”.
I agree about the ACC basketball issue but I’m sure it’s all about politics.
Speaking of politics (and making $$) thats what all this crap about “outside” college games is about. Creating more weekend excursions for outsiders to come to “the ATL” and spend money. The people who live here sure aren’t going to do it.
By Honestly people...
May 13, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
The Big East quit playing the ACC, so the ACC added the ACC/Big10 Challenge, which it has never lost. And yet, somehow, the Big 10 keeps getting more teams in the tourney. The ACC has a right to gripe here.
I’m getting a kick out of SEC homers calling the ACC fans crybabies for making the exact same argument in basketball that the SEC makes about football.
By jds
May 13, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Where’s the vent?
By CarolinaJacket
May 13, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
I never thought that I would agree with Roswell Ed, but I have long thought that playing the ACC championship game in Atlanta would be great. They could do a Friday night - Saturday night game(s), as he suggests, or have a Saturday day -night double header. That would be a killer weekend for Atlanta.
By Haywood Jablowme
May 13, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Who cares? The Falcons would still blow no matter WHO was lining up under center. You could take the best NFL team of the modern era….the 1972 Dolphins….re-name em the Atlanta Falcons, and they would most assuredly STILL find a way to SUCK!! This franchise has been a laughing stock to the league for all but one season (1998), and an embarrassment to the entire state for 41 of their 42 seasons.
By Ken Stallings
May 13, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
The typical “SEC better than ACC” argument. There’s an easy way for the SEC fans to validate that claim … score higher in the end-of-year RPI than the ACC!
But I guess when you cannot do that, you resort to silly statements on a web reply site!
By Spike
May 13, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Tony, we love ya, but we read your column because you are Mr. College FOOTBALL, not Mr. ACC basketball. And Alabama vs. Duke? Come on TIde fans, is that the best your highly paid savior can come up with as an out of conference game? Duke?
By SAKA
May 13, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
The ACC title game needs to be in Atlanta, whether it is on the Friday night before the SEC championship, or on Sunday night (if the Falcons aren’t playing at home) following the SEC game.
By GT
May 13, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Good start for Duke. They will get their brains beat out but they are making a statement playing Alabama that they are not making playing Navy or Northwestern. The modern players don’t run from education as much as the players of the past. I think the paying customer in the stands doesn’t either, which is very different than the NFL customer. A product like Duke can sell as can Georgia Tech. I think the quality of play all the way to the pros have diminished because the ghetto kid has matured into a kid with options and that option is not always pro sports. The other side of that is I can take my grandchildren to a college game and feel they get something out of the atmosphere that maybe a few years ago wasn’t there not to mention the participates on the field.
By DWG
May 13, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
A Saturday day-night double header is the worst idea ever proposed anywhere at any time ever in the history of earth. This is not high school football ACC people.
By B. P.
May 13, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Why don’t they play the ACC championship at a high school stadium? That way, they could promote as a capcity crowd or sellout for the first time ever.
By Dick Rod
May 13, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
To honestly people:
Big 10 - 4 teams. ACC - 4 teams. How is that a travesty? The ACC/Big 10 challenge is a joke and not a real gauge of the two conferences; matchups are based on the previous year’s standings, which in the ACC means UNC and Duke are always the top two teams. In the Big 10, the top teams rotate each year (kind of like OSU/UM in the Big 10 and the SEC in football). I’d grant that the conference affiliation should get a little more consideration, but VaTech (18-13) didn’t earn it this year any more than OSU (19-13) did - a 68-66 loss to the #1 team is still a loss. The conference RPI was high because there were two teams in the top 5 pulling everyone else up. And some of those teams (Duke, cough) exposed themselves in the postseason, so I wouldn’t chirp about that RPI too much.
By JackP
May 13, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
About the BC coach bragging on Ryan, we have heard this crap before about some Joe College kid going to be a great one. You must be kidding. This kid has yet to throw a pass in the NFL. He is still a BMOC who is about to be initiated into the NFL by a hard charging 300# lineman looking to wipe him out with a vicious hit.
By kreese31
May 13, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Please stop lying, all of you columnists. Matt Ryans’ reception is less than good. He has to prove that he is worth a #3 pick, and coming out of a WEAK ACC with weak production, he has a lot of proving to do. And please don’t start with the o-line not blockng or the receivers not catching because 2,3, and 4 yrs ago it was all MV7’s fault so logically, now, it would still be the QB’s fault right? Don’t make excuss for MATT RYAN!!!!!!!
By baloney
May 13, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
I doubt that Ryan is a “franchise QB’ I believe he may have been the best qb in the draft. It so happens this year there were no franchise qb’s to be taken and the Falcons got pressured into taking what they think is the best.In addition because of lagging ticket sales they “invited” or drafted late a coule of UGA guys to le them hang around for a while in hopes of selling a few more season tix.
By Bamafan
May 13, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
I am glad that Bama will play Duke in 2010. Bama will beat Duke 48-7 in 2010, but Duke may beat the tide in 08!! Saban such have the crimson tide rolling by 2010 with his recruiting abilities. ROLL TIDE!!
By TB&J
May 13, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
And baloney what team do you root for? My guess would be one that had a hard time stopping Mr. Brown and Mr. Shockley.
By GeauxWarEagle
May 13, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Bama needs to play all of its regular season games in the Ga Dome….that way they won’t get dissapointed when LSU and or Auburn represent the SEC West every year in the SEC Championship game.
By GeauxWarEagle
May 13, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Bama needs to play all of its regular season games in the Ga Dome….that way they won’t get dissapointed when LSU and or Auburn represent the SEC West every year in the SEC Championship game.
By RJS
May 13, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
The ACC was clearly not the best conference in college basketball last year and it wasn’t even close. They received the correct number of bids. The RPI got it wrong and the committee got it right- end of story.
By Ryan is the next Brady
May 13, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Let me let you boys in on a little secret. Ryan is the next Tom Brady. Arthur Blank finally got it right in hiring that Dimitrof (who really cares) as the GM and a defensive guy as his coach. Those two gentlemen saw the sames qualities in Matt Ryan as the same ones that Tom Brady has.
I am renouncing my name as Lowcountry Bulldawg for the new Ryan is the next Brady. You saw it first here!
GOOOO DAWGS!
By Miles
May 13, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
As I predicted, things are getting tough on Amelia Island at the Ritz Carlton. The topic of discussion has deviated from college football and includes the Atlanta Falcons and ACC basketball. So that everybody will be able to maintain their focus, I suggest moving the venue to the west coast to the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, California. After a round of golf or two to clear your mind of any irrelevant information, you can then move farther west to the Halekulani in Oahu, Hawaii. By this time, you will have arrived at a decision regarding the eight versus nine game ACC football schedule. An official announcement can then be made back on the east coast in ACC country at the Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. During this painstaking process, I hope that all involved can maintain the courage of their convictions and arrive at a favorable resolution through careful and diligent effort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God speed.
By JJ
May 13, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Georgia Dome is an oxymoron.
I’ll pray for a bigger tornado next go round.
By JJ
May 13, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
As in “blow the roof off”. So we can have outdoor football in the south.
By ACC
May 13, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Roswell Ed = yawn
By Price
May 13, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Please, what does Duke plan to get out of this? All this will shoe is that, believe it or not, DUKE CANT PLAY FOOTBALL! All this team proved in the past year is that Duke can finally find someone to beat. They set an NCAA record of most consecutive games lost at 22. Now, they are ready to break their own record. That team they beat last year was not Alabama. Duke has no chance and will be embarrassed again
By baloney
May 13, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
TB&J, don’t you think it it very coincidental that many teams passed on these guys 5 or more rounds and it just so happens that they end up signing with the local team? Ever occur to you why the Falcons waited to take these guys? I’ll tell you why. They waited because they didn’t think they were good enough to make the squad and they didn’t want to waste a pick. And it was good marketing because they know that there will be some idiots that will go out and buy season tickets or a jersey with that number on it. They won’t last more than one season with the Falcons. And it doesn’t matter which team I pull for because I can see thru the rose colored glasses.
By Lynne
May 13, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Well….I guess that didn’t work. There’s a link from the Falcons page over to the Mr. College Football blog to discuss Matt Ryan. Sorry AJC, nice try though.
By BLACKEDOUT
May 13, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
I wish Alabama would have played La Monroe in the Dome last year. Oh never mind if that had happened La Monroe would have stolen Richard Samuel and AJ Green from the Dawgs.
By Cane
May 13, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Try getting a hotel room in Atlanta if there are two conference football games on the same weekend. Sorry as much as I’d personally like to see it, it’s a bad idea.
By gdawginkalamazoo
May 13, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Duke has a football team?
By Cuz
May 13, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Lowcountry, have you lost your mind? Let the kid take a couple of snaps before you change your handle.
By DP
May 13, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Of course Bama wants to play at the Dome. What, do you think they really want recruits to see T’town before they commit? Most schools take pride in having games in their stadium, Bama seems to always be looking for a way to not play at home.
By Roswell Ed
May 13, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
JJ that idea is not Dyn-no-mite!!
No Dome = No Championship game + no Super Bowl + a lot less rotation in Bball Championship games + no Final Four or one very rarely.
Do the Falcons need an outdoor stadium?
Does Atl need the Dome?
Does the ACC need to man up and win a BCS game or an Emerald Bowl or a Rhodes Truck Stop Bowl game for that matter?
The answer to all the above questions is *heck yeah!!
By gtforever
May 13, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
SEC basketball Sux! It was proven in the tournament, and anybody on the committee that picked that many sucky SEC teams should be ashamed! It’s all about politics, and who is the next chairperson???!! Give me a break!
By dd
May 13, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
NFL GM’s play a lot of draft games.
If Atlanta hadn’t taken Ryan at 3, he wouldn’t have lasted much longer.
And what exactly do you guys do professionaly that are critical of Ryan and the Falcons?
State your occupation with your comments, so we can all get a good laugh.
By GloryGlory
May 13, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why Alabama thinks playing games in the Dome will help them. After two years of recruiting, its obvious that Saban does not need a game in Atl to have a great class. All this will do is annoy Bama fans. A one time game against Clemson is cool but Duke?? 90 percent of the Dome will be wearing Crimson and the other 10 percent will be wearing red and black. Why would students and alums want to travel extra to see Duke. I have been to T town before and its a lot more fun on game day that downtown Atlanta. It seems pointless to me.
By Cuz
May 13, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Remember the skinny kid with glasses who sat next to you in history class. He plays tight end at Duke.
With many thanks to St. Lewis Grizzard, the Sage of Moreland.
By GT
May 13, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
I remember baloney. He was the guy that said Brady was a sure winner when he was drafted. Man really knows his football. That is where he got his name. The guy I saw cut up a pretty good defense in Atlanta must have been someone else named Matt, because the guy I saw was the best quarterback I’ve seen at Grant Field in several years, which would include the other Matt and Shockley at Georgia, much smarter and accurate.
By Roswell Ed
May 13, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
GT forever:
SEC basketball has won the Tourny
5 of the last 15 times.
the ACC 5 of the last 17 times.
If the SEC sucks so bad what does that say about the ACC?
By Nick Saban
May 13, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
I want to be anywhere other than Tuscaloosa.
By mike
May 13, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
WOW Duke/Alabama…talk about big time games at the dome. Will it be blacked out in the Atlanta market?? hahaha
By Manny
May 13, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Duke has a football team???
And Atlanta is excited about this?
By Nick Saban
May 13, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
GloryGlory, the game is currently scheduled to be played at Duke, NOT Alabama. That is why it is being moved to the Dome. To be more lucrative for Duke and even more exposure for Alabama in the Atlanta metro area.
By Nick Saban
May 13, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Seriously! I will play on the Blue Turf of Boise St. Alamo Dome in San Antonio? I hear they pay coaches big time at Texas schools! Giants Stadium? Just get me away from these lunatic fans!
By William Satterwhite
May 13, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
I’m an Georgia Tech fan and ACC supporter but all the complaints about tourney bids is really silly. The main reason why the ACC rates as the top conference is because every year we have two or three top teams and the rest are just average- there are no really bad teams for the average teams to take advantage of beating up on. Conferences like the Big 10, Big East and Big 12 all have those same two or three top schools but they have two or three horrible teams on the bottom that give the average schools an extra handful of victories.
By Teddy
May 13, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Price…get your facts straight. Northwestern holds the longest NCAA losing streak in football at 34 games. Also, Duke was winning by 3 late against Bama in 2006 before they missed a 30 yard fg.
By Dan
May 13, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Duke has a football team?
Gdawginkalamazoo and “Manny”, I believe that this Duke football team you’ve “never heard of” has 17 conference championships…5 more than your beloved Bulldogs.
By GetItStr8
May 13, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
People, Duke is the HOME TEAM and Duke chose Atlanta for THEIR HOME game! As for playing DUKE, this schedule was made years ago with the first game being in TTown and the next game being played at Duke.
By bama3712
May 13, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Hey DP. You said “Bama seems to always be looking for a way to not play at home.” Incase you have trouble reading; Bama signed a home and home with Duke and played them in T-Town in 2006. Duke is scheduled to be the Home team in 2010 and of course they are shopping the game around. All they see is $$ and who could blame them their stadium only holds 33,941. Bama has twice that many fans at spring practice and has one of the country’s best traveling fan bases. Look up how many Bama fans made the trip to Hawaii a few years back. I am a season ticket holder for Bama and even though I live here in Atlanta, I for one would rather see this game played in Charlotte, NC. The Georgia Dome is a terrible venue for college football.
By Morgan
May 13, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Guys,
All the Bama bashing is a bit ridiculous considering this is a DUKE home game and NOT a Bama home game. It was originally scheduled to be played at the Carolina Panthers stadium. I guess the move is best for both teams involved, b/c Bama does not recruit the North Carolina area very much.
By TIDERKC
May 13, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Neutral site games are all about the $$$. Each team gets a payout to play the game equal to a bowl game payout. The Bama/Duke game will be a little different since it is currently scheduled as a home game for Duke but each team will receive a nice payout. Face the facts … every team schedules “losers” on their schedules and I would much rather have the name recognition of a Duke as opposed to LA Monroe (guess they aren’t all losers). Besides, Cutcliff is an Alabama alum and why not help him out. BTW, if you’re speaking negatively of the campus of Alabama then you’ve obviously never been there. It’s one of the most historic and beautiful campuses in the southeast.
By Bob
May 13, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Dan, You are correct. One Big Five Championship, 9 Southern Conference Titles and 7 ACC Titles. One of those has come since 1962 courtesy of Steve Spurrier.
By Eric1
May 13, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Mrs. Saban may not even be at UAT in 2010. She’ll probably be living in north Georgia by then.
By RED ONE
May 13, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Regarding why Bama is playing Duke and at the dome…Saban did not schedule this game; it was scheduled long before his arrival in Tuscaloosa. Bama owes Duke a visit after they visited us year before last. Duke is moving the game to the Georgia Dome for their own reasons. It is their home game, not Bama’s.
The neutral site games are likely to continue. FSU last year, Clemson this year, and if rumors are to be believed, a major opponenent in 2009 to be played in the northeast. Is 2010, we start a home and home with Penn State.
By Nick Saban
May 13, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
I mean, 90,000+ at the spring game. These people are out of their mind! Spring games are more boring than a women’s curling tournament. Get a life people…go do something constructive with your lives!
By carl
May 13, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
let’s see. Bama has 12 national football titles. 21 SEC titles. We have won more SEC titles than any other school. We are the only SEC school with a winning record against ALL SEC schools. Once beating Tenn. 11 years in a row. A great Story. I don’t know of many schools who has 2 movies made about one of their head coaches. That is why the Dome wants Bama………they bring fannies. And that brings money.
By Bear is deceased
May 13, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Let’s see - in the last 25 years, Bama has a losing record against half of the SEC teams including Georgia and Auburn; been on major probation twice; had an eight game losing streak to Tennessee; currently on a six game losing streak to Auburn; lost at home to powerhouses like La. Tech (1999) and Louisiana Monroe (2007); and set a world record for most berths the Independence Bowl. You Bama people need to face facts that since Bear passed that Alabama has been a mediocre program at best, with any “great” years always later having an asterisk placed on it for probation (Stallings - 1992, DuBose- 1999). This is why your fan base is ridiculed nationwide; need to get out of the days of the Studebaker and DeLorean and wake up to days of Hyundai. Just start admitting what are facts and quit living in the past; Yale fans long have admitted they are no longer a College Football Power. Most major schools in the SEC goes through cycles; I am sure Bama will go a winners cycle sometime in the next 5 - 10 years. No one will ever dominate College Football again like Bear and Bud Wilkinson once did; can’t let football players go to school on women’s swimming scholarships anymore !
By Bear is deceased
May 13, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Let’s see - in the last 25 years, Bama has a losing record against half of the SEC teams including Georgia and Auburn; been on major probation twice; had an eight game losing streak to Tennessee; currently on a six game losing streak to Auburn; lost at home to powerhouses like La. Tech (1999) and Louisiana Monroe (2007); and set a world record for most berths the Independence Bowl. You Bama people need to face the facts that since Bear passed Alabama has been a mediocre program at best, with any “great” years always later having an asterisk placed on it for NCAA rules violations (Stallings - 1992, DuBose- 1999). This is why your fan base is ridiculed nationwide; need to get out of the days of the Studebaker and DeLorean and wake up to days of Hyundai. Just start admitting what are the facts and quit living in the past; Yale fans long have admitted they are no longer a College Football Power. Most major schools in the SEC go through cycles; I am sure Bama experience a winners cycle sometime in the next 5 - 10 years. No one will ever dominate College Football again like Bear and Bud Wilkinson once did; can’t let football players go to school on women’s swimming scholarships anymore !
By reservoirDAWG
May 13, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Carl, I guess he told you.
By Bamafan
May 13, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Hey UGA fans I know you are pretty dumb but you should be able to comprehend what you read.IT IS A FREAKING DUKE HOME GAME NOT A BAMA HOME GAME.Idiots
By Cuz
May 13, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
If Duke wants to play in the Dome, good for them. Most likely larger than their home stadium. I don’t see what the fuss is about.
By Mike
May 13, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Maybe Atlanta can get a doubleheader at the dome- you know, another marquee game that will have the football world abuzz…how about the Jackettes and Samford.
By Jeff
May 13, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I bet ESPN will have gameday in Atlanta for this HUGE game.
By Ryan is the next Brady
May 13, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Cuz,
I have to admit that this is legit. Ryan had a hell’uva drive against Va Tech and showed so much poise with the Boston College squad that it is hard to argue against him. Sure it is easy for all the nay sayer’s to bad mouth him but honestly what do they know? Where they the same fans of Chris Miller? or Bobby Hebert?
The QB position has became to much about black or white,but no one wants to admit it. Look at the polls when you have Shockley leading it. Either it is blind Uga fans or devout fans of african americans leading the way for the franchise. Reguardless of agenda both are wrong!
It is time to let this current administration to determine the future of this franchise. The pedegre is three, so why not let it develope?
By JJ
May 13, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
The “fuss” might have something to do with a team from Alabama and a team from North Carolina playing a game in Georgia, indoors, at a place where little tailgating can take place.
By Hawker
May 13, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Looks like Bama will be able to call the Dome their home after getting so many games in Atlanta and then you have to count them in the Ga Dome for the SEC CG against Flroida this year. Shoukld be a great game! Roll Tide. Looking forward togetting more of those Jawga kids over to Tuscaloosa and home of the dominating team in SEC history.
By Sweet Home Alabama
May 13, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Based on my research,the fans are demanding that we play more in Geogia.the bulldawgs better look out cause we may come to ATHINS IF we want too.The reason is because is we are bama and you are not. TOO TYpes of people in georia and that are nerds and kattle sniffers.
ALABAMA WILL BE number one within too years…that is a gaurantee…
By PuppyDawgs
May 13, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
You see how many country bumpkins are Jawga fans after reading this thread. Gotta be the dumbest following of any southern school. Look forward to seeing two fine institutions play for the SEC championship game in December 9Florida vs Bama).
By Bama Stan
May 13, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Bama playing Clemson in the GA Dome.
Bama playing Duke in the GA Dome.
Maybe our boy Saban thinks this is the only way Bama can make it to the GA Dome!!!!!! Let’s hope not - but it is giving Bama exposure - keeping us in the headlines. P** off the Dawg nation to boot.
Actually - one of the above post has it right. ATL is in the heart of SEC country - has the best facility ….and the Falcons do not bring anywhere near the emotion that college football will bring.
So why not import some college games during the year!!!! Brings a bowl type atmosphere - kicks off the season with plenty of attention to participating programs. And - it’s college football = fun and excitement.
First game of the season - Bama vs Clemson. Feels like a bowl game - ATL Chamber of Commerce did their job - bringing in the revenue for hotels, restaurants, and taxes. May help both Bama and Clemson do some recruiting…..huge quantity of talent in State of GA for football.
Bama vs DUKE - great “bowl” trip for Duke - this will be special for them. Both teams will bring some fans and bring attention to their programs. Duke will probably make more money than if this was played in Durham.
Other excellent Dome games that I would like to see to kick off the season:
How about FSU /TN.AU, or Bama in the Dome? How about Miami /TN, Auburn or Bama in the Dome? How about VT /FL, AU, Bama, TN in the Dome? How about Clemson/TN, AU, Bama , FL in the Dome? How about Duke/Vandy at Chamblee HS? Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk!!!!!!
Yes - ACC should figure out how to bring their championship game to ATL.
Poor Tech - left the SEC - in the heart of SEC country. SEC Championship game in their backyard. Huge amount college fans. But stuck in the ACC.
Dodd regretted his decision to leave SEC … did not realize that Atl would be home to prso sports one day…and that day came too soon with Braves and Falcons.
By Ryan is the next Brady
May 13, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Just who do you follow? The credit card stealing Gators, or the Tide fans who paid of dumbas$ Alvert Means?
I’ll be waiting……
By bb
May 13, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
I see the SEC is beefing up their OOC schedule by adding Duke. LOL
Sad, but it really is an upgrade over the usual La-Mo (whom Bama lost to this past year BTW).
By Ryan is the next Brady
May 13, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Great post Bama Stan
By PJ
May 13, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Bear is deceased,
Are you obsessed with Bama? Do you really deep down have a crush? You sure do seem to know alot about them. I think the green-eyed monster loom within you, my friend.
By $hit at standard at GM
May 13, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
========================================================
Matt Ryan is a nice guy but he is pure pR . The HYPE got him paid. The Nfc Defensive will eat him a live. Yes he can throw the ball but he has no pocket.If he get a line he (may) last. The hype The Media push this guy. Now he has the easy part done. This is not the ACC but it is Atlanta. Out of all the QB’s we have had in Atlanta the fans turn on all of them. wait Watch the fan base. Honey moon now hated fill bythe fans by 2011!
By Duke?
May 13, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Bama, Duke? Duke’s football program is non-existant. It’ll be a 50-3 final score and Duke will bring zero fans to the game. If you want a Southern throw down and an absolute sell-out, then get Bama and Virginia Tech together or Clemson.
By Amanda
May 13, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Everyone here ragging on bama for scheduling duke in 2010 at the dome is missing a few important facts.
first, we arent scheduling ahead to keep a soft schedule. weve played duke on and off very consistently, but since its almost a waste of money to have that game a duke, it makes since they’d want to schedule it somewhere they can attract more fans. also, a game in the dome for bama isnt that shocking since we open the season there with clemson (that should shut up anyone who vents about a soft schedule)
second, to the jerk who said we cant get recruits by showing them our stadium: i will buy you a ticket to a night game in bryant denny if you promise to shove a broomstick up your a* afterwards. you couldnt be more wrong about our stadium.
third, why rag on bama anyways? if we are truely so pathetic, why waste your breath? why do you all sound so scared?
By Tommy Bow Wow den
May 13, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Bama will be glad to play Duke in the Dome after the Tigers will kick Bama’s a$$ this year. The ACC will show the SEC that it can play football too. Clemson’s Cullen Harper,Aaron Kelly,James Davis and CJ Spiller will show Uga’s Stafford-Moreno and Fla.’s Tebow- Harvin how to play real hard nosed football!
By Tommy Bow Wow den
May 13, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Amanda….. Your Stadium and fans suck. Just like Ugas. Clemson’s has the loudest fans in the South. Both Uga and Bama fans are so fickle. I beg you to come to The Real Death Valley and see the pageantry along with the best football entrance of college football. Now even Uga tries to emulate the gamechickins entrance of 2001 with that stupid Krypton entrance. The SEC likes to copy each others cheers and fight songs, heck the Gamechickins are now playing Krypton. So Amanda I promise you that the mighty Clemson Tigers aint skeered!
By Ryan is the next Brady
May 13, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Saban will not beat Richt in the Dome. Saban could not even handle Richt while at LSwho! Saban is one of the most overated coaches in NCAA! Can’t wait to show him up again, along with the other tide fans.
Yeah, a headline in the AJC is Bama vs. Duke. Thats what you need to know tide fans. Thats where you are at!
By frumundacheeze
May 13, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
What happened to Bama playing Notre Dame? Did Charlie Weis chicken sh!t out? Like a blogger said last night, all Notre Dame has is the NAME. Bama strikes more fear into the hearts of teams than Notre Dame does any day! Any time I see N.D. I think of North Dakota. Guess this means that Duke has more Balls than the Crying Irish. David Cutcliffe is a better coach than Chuckie Weis and Duke will probably give the Tide a better game than ND. Duke will still get their a* kicked, but we’ll see a good game.
Secondly, where is Zeb McKluskie aka Goober Johnson? Normally he’d be on here telling all us bloggers how to act, what and what not to say.
By The Clemson Baker
May 13, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
For Tommy Bow wow don, how disrespectful is that to crucify the mans name like that? I guess it means you are a Ga. fan, huh bow wow? Also, What kind of pagentry are you talking about at death valley? Do the players come out in evening dresses? They probably do.
By Falcon Freddie
May 13, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
I’m a little confused by the Atlanta Falcons and College link also. Unless, this is just to say that the Falcons will be playing like a college team this year. If Atlanta drafted the Bulldogs just to get ticket sales, they should have just signed Herschel Walker. At almost 50 he’ll have as much success as the rest of the team running behind the current OFFENSIVE line. At least they would have one guy on the team with name recognition.
By B. Hussein O'Bama
May 13, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Looking forward to that Duke/Bama game in 2010. Maybe bama will be some competition by that time. Watch, when Duke beats them Bama will try to hire Cutcliffe.
Hey, and how ‘bout that dawg McKlusky. Zeb I think his name is. Is he the same Zeb that has Zeb Deans Barbeque up in Madison County? From the sounds of things he is really upsetting some of the bloggers. Must be eating too much Pig Meat and clogged his “Brain Artery”.
Good thing he just runs his mouth in cyberspace. If he was up here in the classic city he might get his A$$ in a crack.
Calm down Zebidiah and as you told someone, “take a chill pill”, whatever the hell one of those is. If they go down good with sweet tea I imagine ole Zed would take one.
By Big Ten D
May 13, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
At last count the Big Ten only had 4 teams in the tourney, and sent two to the Sweet 16. The ACC got 1 into the Sweet 16.
BOOO HOOOO ACC. It seems the Tourney Committee got it right.
And if VaTech was so good, then they won the NIT. Oh wait, Ohio St. (A Big Ten Team) won that tourney…
By Which is it
May 13, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
On one hand you talk out your butt about Saban then on the other you headline your blog with Al-Duke.
In essence you have discounted your arguement about AL being a contender if you believe that Al vs Duke means anything, regardless of where they play.
Duke has never been anything in football. Yes, Spurrier won - right before Bowden made the decision to join the ACC vs joining the SEC in the fall of 1990. Bowden knew he ACC was crap and hence the reason Spurrier won there.
By Coach K what a joke
May 13, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
In fact, Duke has really been overhyped in basketball. How many times has Coach K taken a top 5 team into the NCAA tourney and how many NC’s does he have. What were the odds that Duke would win it all only to fall short of even reaching the final 4.
If you believe the ACC is one of the best, if not the best, and Duke had the best or second best record in the ACC but failed to reach the final four, it either speaks to ACC not being that great or Coach K being way over hyped of both.
Kinda of like Bowden having 14 10 win seasons and only winning 2 of 5 NC’s games.
By Cuz
May 13, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
I am not one of the Bama dissers, just think your Coach will leave you for the next big paycheck. Bama fans have always supported their team.
All you Zeb haters, you would have to get a step-ladder, get your mother to hold it and climb to the top and stand on your grandmother’s shoulders, just to kiss his feet. You guys would win every limbo contest. You are lower than a rash on an earthworms belly. Get it, you bite. EMRBG.
By bbtick
May 13, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Ok, here is a prediction that you can bank on…when the ACC title is moved to Charlotte in 2 years, it WILL NEVER leave that city…not Atlanta, not Jacksonville, not Tampa, not Miami, not Washington, D.C, not the Meadowlands…ONLY CHARLOTTE will be the site after 2010. Why?…because it is going to sell out in a heart beat and the exposure and response to the game is going to create an enormous amount of pressure to keep the game there. Think abou it…8 of 12 teams are within 5 hours of Charlotte…Honestly, I live in southern Virginia and I will probably start going every year, no matter who is playing…certainly there are other ACC fans who will take the same approach.
By Cuz
May 13, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
How true tick, how true. Charlotte would be the perfect spot. Now try to get the ACC to agree with it. I swear they would argue what color is the sky.
By Amanda
May 13, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Tommy-If you honestly believe that bama fans are fickle then you dont know anything about sec football. ive been to a clemson home game and we put that to shame here in tuscaloosa. and i dont care if you are “skeered” or not but come september you should be a tad scared.
By Barry O'Bama
May 13, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Hey Cuz, nobody is a Zed hater. Man mountain should realize that when his comments deviate from the sport issue of the day, to telling someone else how to express their opinion or worse yet, “use yo’ manners”, people begin to disrespect him. No doubt he is a man among men in your book. Chances are if I met him I would like him too.
I simply don’t think that the ADULTS who participate in the AJC blogs need a “house mother” in the form of ZEB MCKLUSKEY. PS did he indeed matriculate at and graduate from the University of Georgia? If he did graduate from Uga. I have great respect for him.
By YELLOWJACKETS REQUIRED
May 13, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Coz, I know you and the Zed man are buds so nobody is putting the man down. I do think many agree that he is full of himself and considers himself a regular “Emily Post” when he tries to give direction to others on how to BLOG.
Blogs exist for people to say what they think. I don’t see anyone getting overtly vulgar or abusive. I know that some of us Techies can get nasty sometimes, but so can some of you Dawgs! (if you are a dawg)
I’m sure Zen is a good dude but I don’t intend to climb any ladders and stand on his mamas shoulders to shine his boots. He just needs to discuss his team,which he does quite articulately, and be done with it. If someone says something that he doesn’t like he doesn’t have to respond.
By Bama home games, let's laugh
May 13, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Amamda,
First of all, Bama grad here.
Tide home games are a joke and always have been. First Bama never played quality competition in T-Town for a zillion years rather it chose to play their tough games in B’ham that is why Bama held the home win streak for a while. Teams like USC, Nebrask, TN, Auburn were all played in Bham.
Now that Bama plays all it home games there it is a shell of the team it used to be. We lose to everybody consistently at Bryant Denny. Besides the stadium is a joke to. On TV is looks mickey mouse compared to ah just about every other major institution of higher football.
By Bravesfan79
May 13, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
Cane: i think Atlanta can handle 2 football games in the same weekend. This is Atlanta….NOT tampa bay!
BTW…. the ACC IS the best BBall conference along with the Big East. Go GT!!
2009…. with Shumpert and the big man from South Atlanta D Favors GT HOOPS will be back BIG TIME in 2009… mark it down!
By Jeff
May 13, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
You are all nuts, except Amanda…now she does make since. The truth is I’m a Dawgs fan and I can see why Bama, Clemson and any other threat of a team would want to come in our back yard and schedule games. The reason is simple… to try to take 1,2 or maybe 3 of the best recruits away from us. It is very smart on your part and Mark Right should counter that move and also schedule some games in the dome. You see you can bash Bama and Saban all you want but you have got to admit that it is a smart move on their part. How about UGA scheduling some games in Jacksonville,FL.
By bubbabama
May 14, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
sabin=corrupt=it stinketh=why are you hanging out with this drok? Seriously. BAMA has more pride than this!
By Kristy
May 14, 2008 4:57 AM | Link to this
I’m so proud of Mark Richt and how he let his DAWGS Superman that HOO- in front of the whole country- just like a bunch of animals- very representative of this great place- Georgia- THEY SHOULD HOLD NOTHING IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA except criminal round-ups.
By WFC
May 14, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
The Bear may have been dead for 25 years but he still scares the sh*t out of you weenies. And I’m not even a Bama fan.
By Haywood Jablowme
May 14, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
To Kristy………When was the last time YOU got “superman-ed”, hoe? Sounds like you need it.
By UnderDawg
May 14, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
The Bear doesn’t scare me….as a matter of fact, the last 5 years of his career, he was such a senile old fart he couldn’t even remember the name of his starting QB if his life had depended on it. What scares me is all these Bubba-Bammers that still think Bear was actually the governor of Alabama back in the day.
By KillerBees
May 14, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
After Bama loses to Lose-iana Monroe High School, how can anyone assume they will beat Duke?…
By readytoroll2010
May 14, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
It seems that an awful lot of UGA and AUB fans spend their time, energy and focus on poo pooing Alamaba. To me that clearly indicates an inferior attitude and oozes with jealously. I have never cared what UGA and Aub are doing - nor does any else except their fair weather fans. I guess that when you have the tradition of 12 National Championships and 21 Sec Titles it warrants the interest of inferior teams that want to compete. UGA - enjoy the next couple years (after loading with top 5 recruiting for over 5 yrs) because it will not last for the lowly pups! As a tider insider I know you all will beat us this year and should with superior talent but watch out in 2010 we will spank you badly just like we used to regularly! Have fun while it lasts if you dare!
By tommyj
May 14, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
I can see why UGA fan might be concerned with Bama playing a game in the ATL twice in 3 years. Might steel a few kids in recruiting. But we played in Jax last year and nobody came from there. Might want to get use to this neutral site thing. ARK-Texas A&M will be playing in the new Texas Stadium soon and there is a strong rumor going since the winter that Alabama and Texas might meet in New Orleans in 3-4 years. I don’t care where it is, bigger the game, the better.
By ant.b
May 14, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
I think about 90% of the people who write to the blog have never played a down sport in their life but they can sit at their pc talk about atl teams I am proud to be atl fan and not only when they are wininng.www.ajc.com
By Haywood Jablowme
May 14, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Here we go again with more Bubba-Bammers living in the past like they accuse UGA of doing. Once again, Bammers…..1 BCS title since 1980, 1 SEC title since 1998. Your last BCS title was almost 20 years ago. Nobody cares about your 12 titles and 21 SEC titles. Tradition? Yes. However, college football is a “what have you done lately” sport. The answer to that, for Bama, is nothing. UGA, on the other hand has 2 conference titles since 2001, has played for another one, and has won 2 Sugar Bowls. Remember that when you are playing in another Music City Bowl.
By UnderDawg
May 14, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Hey Bammers…..loved seeing your fans unleash enough garbage to fill up the local landfill whenever UGA took it to your a*******es in OT last season. Keep it classy up there in Tuscaloser, boys…..The Bear is watching.
By Haywood dun bubba his head
May 14, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
hey Haywood, ok. let’s talk current. What is Richt’s record against FL? And West Virgina did what to you, and TN did what and you shoulda, woulda could have done what since Richt got there. FL and LSU have made it happend and GA did what. S _ _ _ you idiot.
By Ocmulgee Dawg
May 14, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
I hope Nick Saban knows Duke is a better football team than Louisiana Monroe. I can’t wait for Cutcliffe & Duke to beat Saban in Atlanta, GA! That will help his recruiting all right.
By gt
May 14, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Yeah- I thought for sure Duke was going to beat Bama a couple of years ago. They sure outplayed them and blew the FG. Duke has had pretty decent recruiting years the past couple of years. I predict a Duke win over the Tide. That will be frickin’ awesome.
By TrueCrimson
May 15, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
I must say that I am amused by the whining of Georgians on this board regarding the Crimson Tide. Some of you even go to the extreme of pretending to be Bama grads to add some oomph to your dissing of the Tide football program.
None of this childish behavior concerns Bama fans. We took you to OT in Tuscaloosa last year. We will strike fear in your hearts in Athens on September 27. You will be lucky to keep it close for four quarters this year. Next year, we will be fully reloaded and ready to make a serious shot at the BCS title.
We are well aware of the hard times that our program has endured recently, but rumors of our death have been greatly exaggerated. We are on a path to recovery.
It may bother you to have us come and play in your state, but you should just get used to it. We will be happy to welcome the best of your high school football players to come to Alabama and play for National Championships in the coming years.
As for your Saban envy — he will still come to visit Georgia when he wants to go fishing. Deal with it.
RTR!!!
By Haywood Jablowme
May 15, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Hey, silly a*******ed Bubba-Bammer….The real question is, what is Richt’s record against you Bammers? WHAT??!! 0-3? Jeez, what would the Bear think about that? Oh, and just to let you know I’m not such a hard guy….good luck against La. Monroe next time.
By UnderDawg
May 15, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Don’t you mean PTP? As in Parole, Tide, Parole! As opposed to RTR?