AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > September > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAdmit it: It’s nice to have Spurrier back
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Furman Bisher
Pardon me. Mind if I have a few words on the subject of Steve Spurrier? You realize it’s rather gauche to say anything nice about the “Evil Genius.”
“Evil Genius,” now that’s pretty strong stuff, don’t you think? I know they’re just kidding but “evil”? Clever. Cunning. Crafty. All those things, true. Oh, well, on with it.
Spurrier is a preacher’s son, and in my time the preacher’s son was usually the meanest little wretch in town. I don’t know what Steve’s social standing was in Johnson City, Tenn., but I’d guess it wasn’t bad. He was the best athlete in school, and you know how people are about the gifted athlete.
I notice all these coaches, or formers, taking a whack at him as he returns to the stage at South Carolina. Lou Holtz, whose cast Spurrier inherited, predicted he’d upset Georgia on Saturday. Terry Bowden says, “Not many tears will be shed if he struggles.” But you know, they all have something in common — they’ve all been losing to him, all three of the Bowdens.
Now, I once said if I had to hire a coach for any kind of team, I’d hire Spurrier. I said that recently while being interviewed by a radio station in Birmingham and was abruptly cut off. It’s OK. I’ve known him when he wasn’t so great. He was just a lowly assistant. Few remember that he was quarterbacks coach at Georgia Tech in 1979, but for one season only. Got here just in time to get fired with Pepper Rodgers, who had been his offensive coach during his Heisman career at Florida.
Well, he was a great coach until he got to Washington. He didn’t realize what he was walking into. He thought he would be in charge. Nobody who works for Dan Snyder is in charge. All his losing victims cheered when he took his leave of the SEC, but life with the Redskins didn’t work out too well.
The thing about Spurrier is that he has no secrets. His face gives him away. Every emotion generated inside comes to the surface. When his games are televised, the network can’t wait for him to toss his visor, as he did when the Gamecocks were bumbling against Central Florida. Can you imagine a game between South Carolina and Central Florida, on a weekday night, being televised across the nation? It wasn’t the game, it was Spurrier. “Evil Genius” is back! Come one, come all, see the wild man toss his visor!
Enthusiasm meets bedlam, I think somebody said.
He took it in stride. “This is not about me,” he said. “I feel embarrassed by all the fuss about me.”
Oh, well, needless to try to humanize the man simply because I like him. He can be abrupt, funny, short-tempered, sometimes arrogant, all those things, but he doesn’t like to be a loser.
His mortal sin, it seems, is that he sometimes has run up the score on hapless teams. The NFL broke him of that habit, if it had been one. It’s sometimes hard to put restraints on a bunch of kids who don’t get on the field that often. I saw Holtz run up 21 points against him in the first quarter one time when South Carolina played Florida in Gainesville. But he got beat in the end.
Steve has triggered some of his own problems, and he’s looking down the gun barrel of another one Saturday in Athens. South Carolina has lately developed a habit he’d like to break — losing to Georgia. The rest of the SEC is chortling and rubbing its hands in glee. This is one that will require all the genius the “Evil One” can muster.
On the other hand, isn’t it sort of nice to have him back? Life’s no fun without somebody to pick on. Pity.
Permalink | Comments (36) | Categories: Furman Bisher, UGA / SEC
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By tom
September 7, 2005 07:47 AM | Link to this
It’s even nicer to kick the feathers off his butt this Saturday.
By Jim
September 7, 2005 08:01 AM | Link to this
Being a devoted Georgia fan unless they’re playing Tennessee I can’t help but have a bit of disdain for Spurrier, but give the devil his due. He has proven to be a great motivator and a hell of a coach. What he will bring back to the SEC is nothing short of added excitement to the game. I think we can all anticipate some new rivalries in the SEC.
Welcome back Steve!
By David F
September 7, 2005 08:50 AM | Link to this
Bisher wrote: “they’ve all been losing to him, all three of the Bowdens”. Really? Bisher, would you please support that with each of the Bowdens’ records against Spurier?
By Jeff P
September 7, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this
These are just for the Bowden’s as head coaches Spurrier vs. Bobby: 5-8-1 vs. Terry: 4-2 Spurrier has not faced Tommy. Info from the College Football Data Warehouse.
By Bill P
September 7, 2005 11:05 AM | Link to this
The only thing nice about having this fool back in the SEC will seeing that arrogant smirk wiped off his face when he can’t beat Richt, Fulmer, Crooms or any conference team. Hell, he was lucky to beat a O’Leary.
By Scott
September 7, 2005 01:13 PM | Link to this
Being a Florida fan, i wish him well. I hope he comes in second place in the East every year.
If you think he won’t be able to improve the program, you’re smoking. he will beat Tennessee, Georgia, and yes Florida. Probably not all three in one year (maybe not even two fo them in a year), but he will cause problems within a couple of years. If you think the SEC East was tough before, it’s about to get harder.
By Island Dawg
September 7, 2005 02:52 PM | Link to this
Scott, I agree Spurrier is a great coach, particularly on the offensive side, but really do you expect Spurrier to be at USC long enough to turn them into the SEC-E’s 4th powerhouse? I’m sure your Gators are as ready to welcome him back to the SEC as we are. Go Dawgs!
By sacflyt
September 7, 2005 04:37 PM | Link to this
Do people actuallly think that Spurrier can rehabiltate a program that has proven to be a coaches graveyard?
Guess we’ll just have to be patient to get that answer.
I bet he can’t do it.
By Mike
September 7, 2005 08:12 PM | Link to this
I bet yall weren’t talking this s—t before before your current coach got there.
By mike
September 7, 2005 08:14 PM | Link to this
What are ya’ll going to talk about when you get beat
By W Austin
September 7, 2005 11:21 PM | Link to this
“By tom
September 7, 2005 07:47 AM | Link to this
It’s even nicer to kick the feathers off his butt this Saturday.’
People that hate SOS have had their team’ bxxx kicked ..more than once by the Gators. Of course USC hated him and instantaneously did a 180 to love him overnight. Same with UGA if he were there
By W Austin
September 7, 2005 11:22 PM | Link to this
“By tom
September 7, 2005 07:47 AM | Link to this
It’s even nicer to kick the feathers off his butt this Saturday.’
People that hate SOS have had their team’s bxxx kicked ..more than once by the Gators. Of course USC hated him and instantaneously did a 180 to love him overnight. Same with UGA if he were there
By Marc
September 7, 2005 11:23 PM | Link to this
I think it’s great to have him back. He adds a bit of spice and color to the SEC and makes it more interesting to watch. When’s the last time anybody wanted to watch South Carolina?
All the other coaches are so bland…can anybody even remember who the coach is at Alabama? And Phillip Fulmer is such a fat tub of goo - an embarrassing cracker. Mark Richt is a straight arrow, not much in the way of charisma, but a likeable guy nonetheless. Tommy Tuberville is BORING.
The presence of Spurrier will make the rest of the league better. Once his recruits get there, USC will be a presence to be reckoned with. (And this is from a UGA grad.) I’m glad the ‘ol ball coach is back.
By Ryan
September 8, 2005 12:07 AM | Link to this
Same old joke: Do you know why Spurrier wears a visor?
To hide his foreskin.
By Alan
September 8, 2005 12:44 AM | Link to this
I’ll bet dollars to doughnuts that SOS will average 8+ wins per season by his his third year as the big ‘C**.
By Brad
September 8, 2005 01:35 AM | Link to this
I’m glad to see him back in the SEC, especially at USC. He’s going to improve the level of play in the conference (not that it needed it) as more television exposure can only help recruiting for all the teams USC plays.
However, he might want to watch what he says while in Columbia. As coach of the Florida Gators he earned the nickname “Gatormouth” for his habit of making rude comments about the opposition. Now that he’s coach of the USC Gamecocks, it might come across a lot worse…
By ATL Player
September 8, 2005 09:08 AM | Link to this
Big Ups!!!! To Steve He’s the Best and U can’t find many like him.
By Frank
September 8, 2005 09:31 AM | Link to this
I don’t have a problem with Spurrier —you have to beat people on the field then it doesn’t matter what the other coach says. I was a lot more bothered by our losing than by what he was saying. I think he’s a great coach. But SC is a coaches graveyard. Holtz was a great coach too. We shall see!
By john
September 8, 2005 09:46 AM | Link to this
As a BAMA fan I love Spurrier. In fact we were the ONLY team to beat him TWICE in the SAME season!!!!!!
ROLL TIDE!!!!
By Joel
September 8, 2005 10:15 AM | Link to this
After the Dawgs score 27 points in the 1st half, it will be up to our reseves to run up the score in the 2nd half. I hope we break off a gamecock in Steve’s secondary. Go Dawgs!!! 41-14
By bill
September 8, 2005 10:38 AM | Link to this
Love him or hate him, he’s one of the best coaches in college football. South Carolina fans hated him, just like the Dogs, the Tide and the Noles …until he became their coach.
No doubt that he will help the team, look at how much money he’s already brought to their program by getting the USF(of all teams) game televised in prime time.
Being a good coach isn’t enough these days, you’ve got to have the ca$h to build a program. Go get ‘em Steve!!
By Charles
September 8, 2005 10:53 AM | Link to this
Being an old Dawg, I remember when Georgia embarrassed him as a player. I also remember his very tough repayment of that slight as a Florida coach. I hated him. But, when he became available, I wanted Georgia to fire Richt and hire him. He is an outstanding coach and will do a great job at South Carolina sooner than later. Hopefully, just not this weekend.
By Rebel
September 8, 2005 12:31 PM | Link to this
I guess I am the first Rebel to chime in here. To start with, I have no love for Spurrier, but he is a coach that brings attention and enthusiasm to a program. I should know. How logn has it been since Ole Miss had an exciting coach. (We do now!)
As for Spurrier, he has a way of making everyone love him or hate him, but you know who he is and what he is doing. Proven by all these posts.
My expectation is an improved USC, but he will never have a program like he did at Florida.
Good Luck Dawgs. I hope you don’t underestimate his cunning. He just might spark something this weekend you don’t want to handle.
By samiam
September 8, 2005 01:40 PM | Link to this
It is true that Spurrier ran up the score against some teams, but it was usually with back-ups. His explanation was he wanted them to run the first string offensive plays, so if they had to come in for an injured starter, they would have ‘real’ experience, rather than off-tackle-right - off-tackle-left.
He ran up the score on Bill Curry at UK for firing him at GT (on Christmas Eve, he says), as mentioned above.
I understand he’s a very abrasive person to be around, but I love to watch his teams play.
I expect Cocks will be second in division in ‘07.
By GTYellowJacket
September 8, 2005 02:45 PM | Link to this
Charles wrote: “Being an old Dawg, I remember when Georgia embarrassed him as a player.”
Yes Charles, you have to be a very old dawg to remember UGA embarras UF.
By Jamie B.
September 8, 2005 04:29 PM | Link to this
FEAR Plain and simple. Love him if he’s your coach, otherwise fear him!! It won’t be long before Ugag is his personal punchin’ bag…enjoy it why you can buttsniffers…He’s Back!! To Hell with Georgia!!
By Atlantasfinest
September 8, 2005 05:03 PM | Link to this
The REAL USC is out on the WEST COAST… Since I moved here from California I can’t understand why you SEC folks always call South Carolina USC call them the Gamecocks or The other USC because that’s what they are and always will be!…lol
By Brandon
September 8, 2005 06:09 PM | Link to this
First of all, SC is not a “coach’s graveyard.” Holtz was overrated to begin with, and did the same thing he always did: Give the program a jolt for a few years (SC went 17-7 his second and third seasons there and won two straight New Year’s Day bowls), watch the success dwindle, walk away just as the scandal comes crashing down.
Spurrier’s different. He builds a successful program. He’ll get six or seven wins this year, then tear things up later.
By Cobb Gamecock
September 8, 2005 06:31 PM | Link to this
The Gamecocks have always played Georgia tough. I will admit GA has a swarming defense but I think the return of Daccus Turman and with Steve Spurrier commanding the offense, WE WILL BE VICTOURIOUS on Saturday. The Bulldogs and their fans are arrogant and over confident. GO GAMECOCKS!!!
By Tom
September 8, 2005 06:44 PM | Link to this
Furman, I,ve been reading you for ….well, more years than either of us want to remember, and you are ALWAYS a gentleman and right on the money. This observation is no exception. I’m a Gator from class of 1967 and I love what Steve did for the UF program as a player and as a coach. That said, I’m glad he’s NOT back at UF (for many reasons) but I’m with you: I’m glad he’s back in the SEC. He’s always been a breath of fresh air in the staid world of college caochs and their time-worn “cliche speech.” Steve was always honest and I loved his “Free Shoes University,” and “You can’t spell Citrus without UT.”
As for Running up the scores: He always played his subs in those runaway games, and his offense was built around the pass. How can you send those kids who have fought and bled for your team into a game and tell them, “Have fun, but don’t score.”? Bill Curry had the best comment about that situation. After being hammered by about 70-6 in the swamp, he was asked how he felt about Spurrier “running up the score” on his Kentuckey team. He replied, “The last time I checked, it was our job to keep them from scoring. We didn’t do that very well.”
Welcome back SOS, but I’ll wager you don’t beat Florida in the next four years. Hope not.
By Dewie
September 8, 2005 07:51 PM | Link to this
Love him or hate him, Spurrier is a great coach. Georgia fans, get over the fact your favorite team (not you) couldn’t beat him while he was at Florida. Every year I hear the same thing from UGA fans, “we’re going to the National Championship”! Accept your fate as fans of an overrated team in a tough conference, and give the real teams and coaches credit where credit is due. UGA 2005 Season 7-4
By Big Dawg
September 8, 2005 07:53 PM | Link to this
Love him or hate him, Spurrier is a great coach. Georgia fans, get over the fact your favorite team (not you) couldn’t beat him while he was at Florida. Every year I hear the same thing from UGA fans, “we’re going to the National Championship”! Accept your fate as fans of an overrated team in a tough conference, and give the real teams and coaches credit where credit is due. UGA 2005 Season 7-4
By Frank
September 9, 2005 11:31 AM | Link to this
Dewie- what a silly post. Overrated team in a tough conference? How’s 13-1,11-3,and 10-2 with rankings of 3,7,7 in the Ap poll and 3,6,6 in the ESPN/USA poll in the last three years. Pretty good stuff. How’s two SEC title games and a championship overrated?
Must be a Tech or SC fan — jealousy is a pretty pathetic thing.
By Patrick
September 9, 2005 04:11 PM | Link to this
Steve is great for the SEC and great for USC. The game this year will be close - USC win or lose - but give him a year to get his own players and he will school UGA just like the old day. Hell Holtz gave UGA hell and he only knew three plays.
By Sloan Howard
September 10, 2005 08:02 AM | Link to this
I was 10 years old or so and my Dad was playing in a golf tournament in Tifton, GA. There was Steve Spurrier hitting balls on the practice tee. My Dad told me who he was and suggested I ask for his autograph. When I approached him and asked him politely for his signature, he hardly acknowledged my presence and never broke from his practice routine. That memory has stuck with me more than any of the beatings UGA took from him while he was at Florida. He lacks class, and he did run the score up on his opponents at every opportunity. If you want proof of that, just look at the way Dooley dominated UF for the last 15 or so years of his term and see if you can find signs of Dooley kicking the Gators when they were down. Spurrier may or may not be succesful at South Carolina, but he will always be a jerk. If Mark Richt beats him this Saturday, Spurrier won’t have to worry too much because Mark will beat him with class.
By dino
September 10, 2005 04:38 PM | Link to this
Who gives a damn about you not getting an autograph when you were 10 years old? Spurrier kicked the CRAP out of you Bullcraps when he was at UF.