AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > July > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTech-Irish series has ugly past
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Come Sept. 2, Notre Dame will play its latest holy war in football. Such is always the mind-set for those whenever the Fighting Irish enter their world, particularly south of the Mason-Dixon line. This time, the folks from Touchdown Jesus will travel to Bobby Dodd Stadium in a game as big as the one in 1978.
Hopefully, for the sake of everybody, it won’t be as nasty.
Or smelly. Among other things, the Notre Dame contingent was pounded back then by a combination of dead fish and whiskey bottles before, during and after what eventually was an Irish rout of the Yellow Jackets. So, with the Tech Nation already losing its mind for its home opener by selling out the place in a flash to see a pretty good bunch of Jackets against a consensus top 3 team that has all of those legends and ghosts, you wonder if Tech officials are concerned that Jackets fans might disgrace themselves again.
“The safety of players in any game is always something that you think about and you make arrangements for as you go through the planning for your football season with your game management people,” said Dan Radakovich, in his first year as Tech’s athletics director. “My goodness, that other game happened 28 years ago, so I think that some of the people who may have been involved with [the trash throwing] may be running corporations at this point in time.”
Maybe, but this is for sure: At that point in time, all of those folks should have gone from the stands to the slammer for their ugliness on Nov. 18, 1978, the next-to-the-last time that the Irish had the audacity to come to town.
For some perspective, consider the chat I had this week with an old acquaintance who recalled more than a few explosive trips in high school to battle foes around his native Monongahela, Pa., a hard-scrabble steel town. Not only that, throughout his 15 NFL seasons along the way to four world championships and legendary comebacks, his San Francisco 49ers weren’t exactly the people’s choice, stretching from the Black Hole in Oakland to the intimidating rocking and rolling of old Mile High Stadium to the creatures who often populate the stands in the Meadowlands.
“Even so, I still have to say that Georgia Tech game was it. I mean, that was the worst thing that I ever experienced at a football game,” said Joe Montana, the Hall of Fame quarterback, over the phone from his home in the wine country of northern California. That’s opposed to bourbon country, which provided some of the stuff that once filled the bottles that were hurled at Notre Dame players back then.
The sky over the stadium was filled with even more debris than clouds when it became apparent in the fourth quarter that Notre Dame would smash Tech’s chances of extending its longest winning streak since its Bobby Dodd days from seven to whatever. “They also were a little upset, because they thought we had poured it on the year before [69-14]. Then, when we got down there, they had the same feeling, I guess,” said Montana, whose Irish had a taste (and a smell) of things to come heading to the stadium. “We were driving in on the bus, and they were throwing fish and all kinds of stuff at us. Then we got into the game and it got worse.”
For one, Notre Dame’s bench was within howling (and throwing) distance of Tech’s student body. “You were right there, and at one point, it looked like a rum bottle smashed on the helmet of the guy standing right in front of me,” Montana said. “They were throwing batteries, champagne bottles, everything. It was so crazy that after [former Notre Dame coach Dan] Devine said, ‘We’re outta here,’ they put us on the same sideline as Georgia Tech.”
All Radakovich knows is that, since his arrival in April from LSU, Tech associate athletics director Bobby Robinson has met intermittently with his staff to discuss security matters for the Notre Dame game and beyond. “Certainly their planning will kick into high gear around the beginning of August,” said Radakovich, an expert on crazy environments after watching LSU fans drink themselves silly all day before stumbling into Death Valley to scream themselves hoarse all night.
Said Radakovich, “After Auburn and LSU in 2003, when we clinched a spot in the SEC championship game, some of the students and fans attempted to remove the goalposts. There was a decision that was made that it shouldn’t occur, and we had our security force there, and they held the goalposts, and from that point on, no one has ever gotten on the field.”
That’s encouraging. Just in case, maybe Tech should ban those arriving for the Notre Dame game with scales falling from their pockets.
Permalink | Comments (103) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech / ACC, Terence Moore
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By mark
July 16, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this
What none of you recall, particularly Montana, was that Notre Dame took a 35-7 lead into the halftime. Tech’s only score was a 105 (+/-) yard interception return right before the half - or the score would have been 42-0.
The Tech fans were fine until then and did not begin the bashing until the last two minutes of the game. At that point, Notre Dame led 38-35 I believe - it’s been a long time - and had the ball inside Tech’s 10 yard line. TECH HAD NO TIME OUTS LEFT. But Notre Dame thought it was worth it to call all their time outs in the closing seconds to score one more touchdown - even going for it on 4th down rather than kick another field goal.
You bet, Tech fans were upset. In all the years I’ve attended Tech games, I’ve never seen our fans react like this before or since. But, of course, we can’t expect Terry Moore to tell the Rest of the STory.
Maybe Radokovich should do his own research rather than depend on the crack staff of the AJC.
By Mark
July 16, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this
Forgot to mention - nobody moved ND to the Tech sidelines. Terry, you need to check some of this out by talking to someone other than Joe Montana - he’s certainly objective (?) - and DAn Radokovich. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t there, either. Too bad this is the best AJC can do to hype up a game.
By Keith
July 16, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
This happened almost 30 years ago.
I’m assuming that since Terrence didn’t mention the 1980 game, that the Tech fans were on good behavior for that game.
But mentioning that wouldn’t fit in well with this story.
I’ll never understand why the AJC keeps paying you for the garbage you keep spewing out. The only logical reason I can come with is that YOU are their “TOKEN”, which is a insult to the many african-american sports writers who deserve to have your job more than you do.
By reality check
July 16, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this
I was at that game, Mark, but as I recall it wasn’t that close at the end. After Ford ran that ball back - it was 104 yards, BTW- Tech got a little closer, but it was never that close.
I agree with you, Mark, Notre Dame never moved to the Tech sidelines. I was in the West stands right behind the Tech bench. What I recall vividly was that Notre Dame had a nose guard - I believe it was Mike McGhee - who was really dominant and loved to rub his big plays in. He was pretty obnoxious about it really. My recollection is he got people ticked off more than anything. His displays wouldn’t be tolerated under today’s rules.
Were you at the game Terrence?
By Doug Kinney
July 16, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this
And this is journalism? Thirty years old? What possible good can come from this? This isn’t reporting…this is just plain lousy “let’s provoke the past” jibberish. Were you there Reporter Moore? I don’t think so. And while we’re at it….please don’t show up this year for the Notre Dame game either…you’d only “stink it up”. And that is not a fish story!
By Chris
July 16, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this
Terrance, did anything occur at the 1980 game? No. Did anything occur at the 1999 Gator bowl(when 70% of the 60,000 in the stands were Tech fans)? No. The Tech student section isn’t even behind the opposing teams bench anymore. Hasn’t been for 20 years at Grant Field.
Not a relevant article…
By Concerned Citizen
July 16, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this
Terrance, have you lost your mind? A thirty year old incident and now we better watch out because it may happen again. WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE A JOURNALISM DEGREE FROM…?
THIS IS NOT NEWS.. IT is old….
This just in Terrance… The Jews and the Palistinians are fighting in the holy land… This may continue for some time. It is just as pertanent as this drivel in your column. I am dumber for having read it.
What island have you been on for thirty years? The only thing that stinks was your editor took your # of words because you a had a deadline to meet. Research something else and report it.
Oh man, the world of reporting and column writng is in some serious trouble with geniuses like you at the helm.
By jcm
July 16, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this
It’s official….You are an idiot!!
By Colo
July 16, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this
Notre Dame is always good to beat. I remember in 1997 I was watching the game on TV. The NBC Notre Dame Network. After a running play, Charlie Rogers was tackled and when the Notre Dame player got up he clearly stomped Charlie in the chest. There was no penalty and the anouncers made no comment.
We are going to school Notre Dame in September and send them back to understand what playing a southern football team is all about.
By Dawg67
July 16, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this
LOL Moore is an idiot
By No more Moore
July 16, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
Terence, shouldn’t you be writing another column about the time Bobby Knight or Pete Rose called you? That happened thirty years ago too. Just because you paid $5000 on ebay to get a call with Joe Montana doesn’t mean you have to write an idiotic column about it.
By dawgnation
July 16, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
I don’t know why people are criticizing you, Mr. Moore. It doesn’t detract from your article that Notre Dame really didn’t move to the West Stands. It’s not relevant that you’re too busy to check your facts. It would have been classless of you to mention how classless Notre Dame was the year before in Indiana and during that game at Tech. The only thing that matters is that you took some good shots at Tech. That line about the security guards needing to check people coming to this year’s game for fish scales was great! You wrote an interesting column that was very well received by all Georgia fans. Thanks again, buddy.
By Surfrider
July 16, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this
It was a hellof a second half, if memory is right. Yes I saw the debris flying but refused to throw anything. The real fuse was lit the year before when ND ran up the score 69-14 on a team that was much better than the score indicated. If memory is right a big fight broke out in that game. Back then there was still some memories over the years prior since Tech being an Independent and having northern players on the squad was considered by some to be the Notre Dame of the South. It was a huge rivalry and still could be.
By cewbee
July 16, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this
What no-one has brought up is that then head coach Pepper Rodgers appeared at a Tech pep rally the night before and encouraged? the student body to raise h* at the game - he didn’t give particulars. However, truth be told all the shops within a 10 mile radius of Ma Tech were sold out of fish guts and rotten potatoes. Draw your own conclusions.
By cynthia mckinneys hair dresser
July 17, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this
Terence Moore is the AJC’s Jason Blair. Hopefully he’ll have to cover UGA’s Western Kentucky joke of a game, instead of this one.
By greg
July 17, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this
TERENCE MOORE IS AN IDIOT.OBVIOUSLY YOU ARE A NOTRE DAME FAN AND A TERRIBLE JOURNALIST WHO DOESN’T KNOW FACT FROM FICTION.THE SIMPLE FACTS WERE THAT NOTRE DAME RAN UP THE SCORE 69-14 THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND WAS TRYING TO SCORE A LATE TOCHDOWN IN A GAME THAT THEY HAD ALREADY WON.THAT’S WHEN THE BOTTLES STARTED TO FLY.IT’S A SHAME THAT LITTLE TERRY MOORE WASN’T STANDING ON THE NOTRE DAME SIDELINE. ONE OF THOSE BOTTLES MIGHT HAVE KNOCKED SOME JOURNALISTIC SENSE INTO YOU AND YOU WOULDN’T BE SUCH AN IDIOT AT YOUR AGE.LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT GT-ND ARTICLE ON SEPTEMBER 3,2006 WHEN GEORGIA TECH BEATS NOTRE DAME.NOTRE DAME SUCKS, TERENCE MOORE SUCKS AND SO DOES RUDY. SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA FOR A T-SHIRT.
By E C Long
July 17, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this
Let me tell how I remember and I didn’t throw anything although I was there and can’t say I wasn’t laughing. First - Ma Tech had a policy back then for students on seating that was 1st come 1st serve. Tech had won 7 in a row and the student body was excited and to get seats was there early. The student body section was full at least an hour before the game while the rest of the stadium was empty. By game time, the students were drunk. Then ND spanked GT early and was up preety big (35-20 maybe?), when late in the game they begin to call timeouts like the year before’s 69-14. By the way, Jeff Ford had long graudated -this was Mike Kelly and Eddie Lee’s team. The timeouts did not go over well and I was amazed at what came out of the stands. How did they get it in - but they did and it rained fish and bottles!
By E C Long
July 17, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this
Let me tell how I remember and I didn’t throw anything although I was there and can’t say I wasn’t laughing. First - Ma Tech had a policy back then for students on seating that was 1st come 1st serve. Tech had won 7 in a row and the student body was excited and to get seats was there early. The student body section was full at least an hour before the game while the rest of the stadium was empty. By game time, the students were drunk. Then ND spanked GT early and was up preety big (35-20 maybe?), when late in the game they begin to call timeouts like the year before’s 69-14. By the way, Jeff Ford had long graudated -this was Mike Kelly and Eddie Lee’s team. The timeouts did not go over well and I was amazed at what came out of the stands. How did they get it in - but they did and it rained fish and bottles!
By Dave
July 17, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this
Terrace also fails to mention that when ND came to town for homecoming in ‘76, the only physical abuse they took from the Tech players . Tech beat ND 23 - 16 that day.
As far as Terrace covering the game this year, it appears that we’ll be lucky to get anyone from the AJC to go. Several years ago, Furman Bisher admitted on the award winning Sportswriters Roundtable that he was the only reporter from the AJC at the ‘80 game.
It turns out that even though the #1 ranked team in the country was coming to town, no one from the AJC wanted to cover it. They all wanted to go to the cocktail party in Jacksonville, so they made Furman stay in town. Of course he witnessed Tech lose both the first and second string QB’s and be forced to play a receiver at quarterback.
Luckily the receiver-turned-QB was Ken Whisenhunt, (yes that Ken Whisenhunt,the OC of the SuperBowl Champion Steelers). Ken led the 1-8 Jackets to a 3-3 tie of ND, knocking ND from #1 to #7.
But I don’t guess a columnist from South Bend would want to revisit those games.
By Doug
July 17, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this
I can’t tell you how hard I’m laughing right now. A bunch of people who can’t stop whining about rude and out-of-control UGA fans making excuses for throwing fish and bottles? A bunch of people who mutter “Jan Kemp” in their sleep whining about how the AJC is bringing up stuff that happened 30 years ago? I guess everything’s OK as long as you’re a Techie.
By Mart
July 17, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this
I sat in the student section that day and had the usual fairly boring time watching the game. It wasn’t til much later that I read that fish and whiskey bottles were heaved at the Irish players. This is one of those (non) stories that gets bigger over time.
By Theo
July 17, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this
This just Terence’s way of tweeking a genuine sports writer and great supporter of the Institute - Furman Bisher.
Furman presents what is good and eternal about the College game in the South. Mr. Moore is determined to tear down 60 years of great sports journalism by trying to create a story when it doesn’t exist. The NY Times fires reports this irresposible.
By 20oz Bulldog
July 17, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this
Thank god for affirmative action or Terrence would be sweeping the floors of the AJC instead of sitting at typewriter.
By Roswelldoc
July 17, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this
I guess the fact that ND had a nose guard that was excited about playing football or that Dan Devine decided to call timeouts in the closing seconds justified the behavior on the part of the fans at GA Tech. What about the peltimng of the team buses on the way into the stadium grounds before the game? That was probably OK because the buses did not come to a complete stop at an intersection. Don’t go on Moore’s word for it, I was there with my father and brother and we were pelted with dead fish and called all kinds of derogatory names. I have never been in an NFL Stadium, College Stadium or High School Stadium and seen the likes of what I saw that day. Don’t hide behind a few erroneuos facts, the behavior that day on the part of Tech fans was horrific. And by the way CALO Notre Dame has ventured out of the North and played football in the south before. Won some / lost some. One thing for sure is that Notre Dame fans do not see this game anywhere as big as the GA. Tech fans do. So load up on your fish and whiskey bottles and give ND your best shot.
By Gladys Strickland
July 17, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this
You are obviously a UGA fan and hate GT or you wouldn’t be dredging up old news to try to make Tech look bad. If you are a UGA fan, you should definitely should recognize bad behavior!
By Sam
July 17, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
Go Jackets!!!
By gatech87
July 17, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this
What makes me mad about the article is that Terrance implies it may happen again.
SORRY BUT WE’VE PLAYED THREE TIMES SINCE THEN WITHOUT PROBLEMS!!!!
THE ND ADMINISTRATION HAD NO PROBLEMS SENDING THEIR FOOTBALL TEAM BACK TO ATLANTA IN 1980. There was no request by the ND admin or the GT admin to refrain from fish throwing in the 1980 game. NONE.
By rambler
July 17, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this
I was there and remember the incident vividly. Devine took the ND team to the middle of the field to avoid the bottles from the student section.
Pepper Rogers said after the game that he would have invited the ND team to the Tech sideline, in front of the alumni, but the only difference was they would have been hit with more expensive bottles.
Pepper and Devine did not like each other. This went back to the days when they coached at Kansas and Kansas State. That hatred led to the score beeing run up by ND. Also Tech, led by Rogers, beat ND in that homecoming game without attempting a forward pass. Pepper had been running the Veer offense all year, Tech had a week off and put the wishbone back in for ND. Gary Lanier at QB, David Sims and Eddie Lee ran all over the Irish.
Devine, didn’t forget that either.
Pepper and Devines hatred for each other led to this nasty incident.
I have missed only 2 home games in the last 22 years and have never seen another bottle tossed at an opposing player (maybe an obnoxious UGA fan though).
I don’t expect any problems this time unless Terrence continues to stir it up.
By GOS
July 17, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this
Terrence, you sure know how to stir the North Avenue’s Trade School’s pot!! I love it. Have you read what Louis Grizzard wrote the day before and the day after the 69-14 game in South Bend? What he wrote was a classic, look it up. On September 2 the world will know how much the Tech fans have matured. Go Irish, beat Tech!
By br
July 17, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this
Colo,
Show Notre Dame what southern football is all about? Sorry, but Tech sucks and the ACC stinks as well. I would agree with you if you had said UGA or the whole SEC, that conference is what southern football is all about. The ACC? Get real, that’s the minor leagues! Get ready for a 35-17 thrashing by the Irish!
By ChrisD
July 17, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
Went to Tech, and I’ve never heard this story. And I have travelled to ND for a game in the past.
By Valerie
July 17, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
I was at that game too as a young lady fan and I remember noone like Dan. That will always be in my mind and I cant blame the students for throwing fishs on the field. I stlll think it funny to this day. Maybe that why Terence bought it up as that still fresh in our memory. Dont fuss at him, that what writers does for living.
By Jsonic
July 17, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
I like Tech so who cares about what happened over 20 years ago? Tech can be dangerous but I believe Notre Dame will solidly beat them. This is ND’s year and very few teams will be able to handle the pounding that Quinn and the Irish offense will be handing out. We will have to wait and see about the defense but I’m sure it will have only gotten better.
UGA SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Spacecoast Bud
July 17, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
I watched the infamous “fish throwing” game on television. One play by Notre Dame has stuck in my mind after all these years. Notre Dame had a 35 point lead at halftime and kicked off to GT to start the second half. Guess what, even with a big lead, they did an onside kick!!! Real class. No wonder the Tech fans were upset. Maybe Terrence Moore should ask Joe Montanna why they did this. Oh, I already know why ——- Dan Devine’s the name.
Also, Dan Devine coached at Missouri, not K-State, and that rivalry with Kansas is as intense as Tech-UGA
By Reggie
July 17, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
You people need to show some respect. When you address this esteemed columnist, you address him by his full name, Bigot Terence Moore. That being said, wasn’t it the illustrious John Heisman who ran up the score on little ol’ Cumberland College because they dared defeat his baseball team the spring before?
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
I think it is time that GT folks be acknowledged for the classless jerks that they are. I have often wondered if Tech attracts preppy jerks to their school, or they admit normal people and turn them into preppy jerks during their stay there. Either way, Tech players have always played and acted ugly win or lose, and Tech fans think they are entitled to win because they consider themselves better than everyone else, and just can’t reconcile their narcisstic self image with their crappy athletic program. Calling Terrance a Token for writing an article that doesn’t praise the deluded Tech self image shows an ugly racism in Tech people’s self centered character. It is little wonder that other schools across the South hate Tech. I have often wished UGA would end its football rivalry with Tech not because Tech is any good, but because its alumni, fans, and students are so hateful and ugly that they are just the type of people that others are better off having nothing to do with.
By steve in virginia
July 17, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this
Terence is an angry, bitter man. I think the most effective way to show our distaste for his brand of journalism(?) is for no one to respond at all. I certainly won’t again, especially since I won’t even read his columns. Color me gone. Why can’t the AJC attract higher quality writers?
By Paul
July 17, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
I don’t care if one team runs up the score on the other, in the current game or in games past - fans should NEVER throw things at the opposing team.
It’s called SPORTSMANSHIP.
By Larry Vicario
July 17, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this
Terence:
Thanks - it took a lot of guts to write this story.
By Larry Vicario
July 17, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
Terence:
You have a lot of guts. Thanks for telling it like it was.
By Brett
July 17, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
So let me get this straight, Tech fans.
Wow. You guys really have come a long way in 28 years.
By Kevin
July 17, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this
TO all the posters who are claiming that the debris was thrown only because ND wanted to run up the score at the end of the game, my question is what are fans doing with dead fish at a football game to begin with if they didn’t intend to throw them? It was a stupid thing to do by some ignorant idiots (not “fans”)and should not be accepted for any reason. All of the ND fans and alums, (me being one who was at that game) that I know have nothing but respect for GT and know that that game was an isolated incident by some stupid people, of which all teams have some. This article only gets a reaction but sports writers basically have nothing to contribute to society so this is their way of staying relevant.
By buzztheirazz
July 17, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this
What an absolute waste of time. This happened before I was even born. Same ole Same ole. The atlanta urinal takes another pathetic pot shot at GT. Why don’t you do an article on the UGA fans pissing off the upperdeck? Because its not really an issue that bears repeating. An isolated incident from 30 years ago is completely irrelevent to this years GT/ND matchup. I hope this isn’t the best you could do Terrence.
By Chris
July 17, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this
Twenty-one years ago I was hit in the back of the head by a cup of beer at the Braves game. I have refused to go back because I’m afraid those huligans will do it again. I know those same guys will be there waiting with their full beer cups. Maybe Terence can write a story about that next.
By Kevin
July 17, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this
ND was not tryng to run up the score as has been suggested. The score of the game was 37-21 and ND was inside the 10 at the end of the game. Rather than kick a field goal to add to the score they basically did a dive play into the middle of line. I was also at the game the year before which was the 69-14 game and it was one of those games when everything went wrong for Tech. All longtime fans remember games like this, and ND has been on the other side quite a few times. They did not run up the score and to suggest they did is not accurate.
By gatech87
July 17, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this
You’d be wrong to say that ND wasn’t trying to run the score up. It’s well known that the ND players told the GT players what the play call was going to be, on the goal line, because they were disgusted with Devine trying to run it up.
As a Tech fan it just makes me mad that our hometown newspaper works so hard to denegrate us and our program. Over and over again. Why didn’t Terrance try to write an article on the 1980 game that was a 3-3 tie with Wiesenhunt subing as qb? Or numerous other POSITIVE stories that he might choose. And it isn’t just Terrance over at the AJC…
By austindog
July 17, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
Terence, you can’t be critical of GT students not knowing how to act in social situations. That’s like criticizing the fish for swimming.
By John
July 17, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this
I seem to remember near the end of the game that we got a very bad call at a point where the game was very close. The whiskey bottles started to fly out of the upper deck. The refs brought both teams to the middle of the field and the game was delayed for about 15 minutes. The game and the events were covered in the following week’s Sports Illustrated magazine.
By gatech87
July 17, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this
Hey, I don’t think any Tech fan condones the bottle throwing. If so they are crazy. I’m not really sure how much bottle throwing really went on anyway.
I personally don’t condone the fish throwing, even though I am sure there is a segment of the Tech fanbase that probably thinks it was funny. At least that can be defended by knowing no one would get hurt.
However, I just can’t believe that three games have since been played by the two teams (without incident) only to have Terrance drag up the embarrassing episode again 25-30 years later.
Again I say why not write a positive article on Tech? There are hundreds of possible positive stories to choose from. Why choose the worst one that you can find, Terrance?
By Dave
July 17, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this
In response to this by gatech:
“Again I say why not write a positive article on Tech? There are hundreds of possible positive stories to choose from. Why choose the worst one that you can find, Terrance?”
Terrance is from South Bend. Do you expect him to write about when we beat them here in ‘76 or knocked them out of #1 in 1980?
By Stan
July 17, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna hit Brady Quinn with a 22LB Spanish Mackeral !….and I will invite some UGAG fans so we can have mullets in the crowd as well !
DUCK NOTRE FAME………
By DKM
July 17, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
I was at the game and a couple of fish were thrown as a joke and a total of about three bottles were thrown on the field by the students late in the game after some questionable officiating. Dan Devine took his players to the center of the field until security removed the students who had thrown them and had his players wear their helmets on the sidelines for the rest of the game. Joe Montana was a great quarterback, but obviously he has had too many concussions to relate a bunch of hogwash like this story. As has been stated the series continued without further incidents. It is silly to bring something up from so long ago and every campus stadium has experienced this sort of behavior. Just ask the USC Trojans if they like to play in South Bend with the batteries and coins raining down from the stands. Enough said, the Yellowjackets will show the Irish just like USC that their big slow midwestern defense cannot play with a pro- style attack. Tech 31 Irish 24.
By Chris
July 17, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this
I’m surprised no one has gone back even further to mention how this started. In 1967, ND made their first trip to Atlanta in a long time (maybe first ever?). Prior to the game (I think) a lone Tech student walked onto the field and slapped Ara Parseghian in the face with a dead fish in what was presumed to be a political/religious statement about Ara being the first Protestant coach at the Catholic school. I was at the game but didn’t see the incident.
My overwhelming impression of the game was that ND was the dirtiest team I had ever seen. There were punches thrown after tackles and I particularly remember a ND player grabbing Kim King’s foot and twisting as hard as he could. ND kicked the crap out of GT that day which was not unusual in the Bud Carson era and had no need to pull some of the stunts they did. It was a long time ago and lots of things have changed, but I’ve been an ND hater ever since.
Don’t let Terrence Moore upset you. Lots of sportswriters these days will say anything just to get your attention and to be controversial. If you think he’s bad, you should read the Boston Globe occasionally. The days of writers like Grantland Rice and Furman Bisher are long gone.
By Jim
July 17, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
The reason ND ran up the score in 1977 was that when Tech beat ND in 1976 at Tech, the Tech fans threw frozen fish and bottles at the ND players. I was at the 1977 game (69-14) and I do not recall a fight at that game. I do know that the ND players and coaches were very upset by the Ga Tech fans. I am surprised that Tech fans think that being beaten badly in a football game justifies throwing fish, bottles and batteries at players and coaches. I have seen Tech Football web sites where the fans are recalling how much fun it was to throw fish and batteries at ND players in these 2 games and how they are looking forward to doing it again. Very classy group of fans.
By ND Fan
July 17, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this
Let’s go Irish! (Clap-clap-clapclapclap!)
By Blake
July 17, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
Facts?…AJC?….HAHAHAHAHA Moore?…Journalist?….Even funnier
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
The whole point of playing football is to score touchdowns and keep the other team from scoring touchdowns. When one team can score a lot of touchdowns and the other team can’t, why is the winning team criticized for “running up the score.” Perhaps the Tech people should be more upset with their own football team and program than blame ND or any other team. It’s either that or don’t play the sport if you want the other team to stop trying so you won’t look so bad.
By T Bake
July 17, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this
“I’m gonna hit Brady Quinn with a 22LB Spanish Mackeral !….and I will invite some UGAG fans so we can have mullets in the crowd as well !”
ROFLMAO!! Congrats Terence, you’ve accomplished your goal of ‘stirring the pot’ once again. One reader suggested you cover Western Ky at UGAY that day. That’d be fine although I think you’d most likely feel more welcomed at the Morehouse / Fort Valley matchup at 6pm. Think about it would ya?
By JR
July 17, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
I was at the game. My recollection is that N.D. threw a late touchdown pass leading by two touchdowns. All game small fish and potatoes had been whizzing out of the stands. After the late touchdown pass a large fish, several feet long (God knows how they smuggled it in) came cartwheeling down out of the stands and hit a N.D. player. The player ran up and threw the fish back into the stands. That’s when the bottles and everything else started coming down.
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with the fact that Terence is not lilly white as in the white and gold of GT in stating he should cover the Morehouse-Fort Valley State game.
Based on this blog’s posts, we obviously have many Tech people who consider an African American sports writer who isn’t an avid GT supporter to be as they have numerously posted, a “Token.”
I am sure they do not consider the African Americans that play on the GT football team and contribute to Tech victories “Tokens,” or do they? What a bunch of racist hypocrits.
By Cynthia Mckinney's hair dresser
July 17, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
Hey PITBULL, don’t you have to supersize someones value meal, or is it slow at the Burger King today?
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a Token for his GT ND article.
I doubt those same GT people feel Tech’s African American players that contribute to their wins are Tokens, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes also include some racism.
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a Token for his GT ND article.
I doubt those same GT people feel Tech’s African American players that contribute to their wins are Tokens, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes also include some racism.
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a Token for his GT ND article.
I doubt those same GT people feel Tech’s African American players that contribute to their wins are Tokens, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes also include something uglier.
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a Token for his GT ND article.
I doubt those same GT people feel Tech’s African American players that contribute to their wins are Tokens, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes also include some racism.
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a Token for his GT ND article.
I doubt those same GT people feel Tech’s African American players that contribute to their wins are Tokens, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes also include some racism.
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a for his GT ND article.
I doubt those same GT people regard Tech’s nonwhite players that contribute to their wins as they do Terence, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes cross the line.
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a Token for his GT ND article.
I doubt those same GT people feel Tech’s African American players that contribute to their wins are Tokens, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes also include some racism.
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a Token for his GT ND article.
I doubt those same GT people feel Tech’s African American players that contribute to their wins are Tokens, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes also include some racism.
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a Token for his GT ND article.
I doubt those same GT people feel Tech’s African American players that contribute to their wins are Tokens, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes also include some racism.
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a Token for his GT ND article. I doubt those same GT people feel Tech’s African American players that contribute to their wins are Tokens, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes also include some racism.
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a Token for his GT ND article. I doubt those same GT people feel Tech’s African American players that contribute to their wins are Tokens, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes also include some racism.
By wes
July 17, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
Hey Irish,
Welcome to the SOUTH, now BEND over!!!!
By wes
July 17, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
Hey Irish,
Welcome to the SOUTH, now BEND over!!!!
By wes
July 17, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
Hey Irish:
Welcome to the SOUTH, now BEND over!!!!
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a Token for his GT ND article. I doubt those same GT people feel Tech’s African American players that contribute to their wins are Tokens, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes also include some racism.
By nd_detroit
July 17, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
It’s good for Catholics to be reminded what bigots southerners are. We sometimes forget.
By nd_detroit
July 17, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
It’s good for Catholics to be reminded what bigots southerners are. We sometimes forget.
By pitbull
July 17, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
T Bake obviously has a problem with Terence’s color to state that he might best cover the Morehouse Fort Valley State game rather than the white (lily white?) and gold of GT. Other GT people apparently feel the same in labeling Terrence a Token for his GT ND article.
I doubt those same GT people feel Tech’s African American players that contribute to their wins are Tokens, or do they? Apparently many Tech fans’ elitist attitudes also include some racism.
By Patrick
July 17, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this
It’s not just that objects were thrown but, that the objects have derogatory meaning. Anyone who condones throwing fish and potatoes, it would seem, would expect reciprocity with overalls and false teeth.
The fact that anyone would actually argue that a late touchdown or a beat down the year before justifies this may have serious psychological problems.
By Ralph
July 17, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
Does the AJC have a sports editor? If so, he did not do his job by allowing Terrence’s op-ed to be printed. The game was 28 years ago. The teams played in 1980 at the same venue. The teams also played in 1997 and in 1998.
Terrence is just trying to stir it up, but what I don’t understand is why he is being allowed to do so.
Are there any checks and balances at the AJC?
Someone did not do his job and that is a shame.
By Mark
July 17, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
Kevin - you fool. If ND had been running dive plays at the end of the game rather than kicking a field goal, why do you think that would have upset anyone? The upsetting part was calling first downs and continuing to run dive plays. TECH HAD NO FIRST DOWNS!
And I was mistaken about how close it had gotten, the score was 48-35 —- but ND wanted another 7 points because Tech had outscored Devine 28-10 in the second half and his national ranking was in jeopardy.
For all of you asking - Terry didn’t need to be there to write a factual story for the AJC. Journalism has not been part of this part in years. And I still can’t get over not talking to a single Tech guy for the article - except an AD that has been here less than 3 months. BRILLIANT.
By Kevin
July 17, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
Mark- the final score was 37-21 and the game was not close at the end so how could you say the “score was 48-35”????. Before you reply please look it up. And then you criticize the write about writing a “factual story”. The fish were thrown at the team bus on the way to the stadium, the fish and bottles were thrown during the game… it was all premeditated and had nothing to do with running up the score. Again, just a bunch of stupid people who would be just as stupid if they were rooting for ND and acting like that against GT.There is no place for that kind of action in any sports regardless of the teams involved. Period.
By Doug
July 17, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this
Ha ha. Mark = pwn3d
By AtlantaNative62
July 17, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this
Why does the AJC keep you on staff? This “report” is a joke. Gee, I wonder if anything has changed about the world since the “ugly” game was played? Have you even been to a college football game in the last five years? The security at football games is worse than at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport but we’re supposed to believe that we should fear that large numbers of people will sneak fish and/or bottles in to the stadium. That is imply not possible since 9/11. While I realize that the Liberal folks at the AJC don’t think the world has changed because of that incident, I must assure you is has on college campuses during football games. Intimating (look it up Terrance) that a school’s fans will behave in a particular fashion based on ONE incident (inaccurately reported) is like saying that black people should expect to be sprayed with fire hoses if they come to the south. Yes, it happened. Fortunately, it hasn’t happened in a long, long time and it never will again. Believe it or not, the “ugliness” that happened at the football game also hasn’t happened in a very long time.
Terrance, simply put, you suck.
By Glenn
July 17, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this
Irresponsible journalism at its best. One-sided propaganda with huge missing holes. Tons of unsubstantiated claims (sidelines) and complete ommission of the 1980 game, acting like this is the first match-up since the incident. Maybe Terry should go work for The Enquirer. Heck…high school newspaper reporters do more digging than that!
By gatech87
July 17, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
For the Irish fan who said Devine ran the score up in 1977 because GT has thrown fish and bottles at the ND team during the 1976 game that Tech won. You’re WRONG.
I was at the game and I saw nothing come out of the stands.
For the Irish fan who said all Southerners are bigots. Please….
By ga_tech_92
July 17, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
Now I remember why I haven’t looked on a sports blog in weeks. They always get hijacked by people who try to start racism in the name making the other team look bad. Talk about football people. Also, as was stated by many people….the fish were thrown not simply because the score was run up……..and also that ND fans regularly throw things on their field. Get a grip…anything to bash GT I guess.
By Jim
July 17, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this
Tech is notorious for throwing bottles at the opposition. 1965 - bottles thrown at Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide. 1986 - bottles thrown at Ethan Horton of UNC, after tearing his ACL. 1992 in Athens - bottles thrown at various UGA officials. 2002 - bottles thrown at the Maryland marching band - these acts are what constitutes that rich Tech tradition.
By WEOWNTHESOUTH
July 17, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this
ND SCHOOLED THE BIGGEST LEGEND IN THE HISTROY OF THE SOUTH! SCHOOOOLED HIM
By ga_tech_92
July 17, 2006 07:25 PM | Link to this
UGA has thrown bottles at GT every time they play in Athens. ND throws pennies and batteries every time they play GT. GT threw some things, supposedly, once. Not a valid comparison really.
By gatech87
July 17, 2006 07:32 PM | Link to this
Sorry Jim, you’re dead wrong. I was at the 1986 UNC game as a student. No bottle was thrown.I was at the 1992 UGAy game with my father-in-law (a UGAy grad). No bottles were thrown.
Don’t know about Bear Bryant in 1965. Wasn’t there. Maryland 2002 was true.
You must be a dawg fan. The worst fans of all time. You could add up those three GT incidents, over 40 years, and it would pale in comparisson to one game at the Jacksonville “world’s largest cocktail party”.
We aren’t even in UGAy league. That no one can deny. Not even a dawg…
By ga_tech_92
July 17, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this
UGA has thrown bottles at GT every time they play in Athens. ND throws pennies and batteries every time they play GT. GT threw some things, supposedly, once, but that was only to illustrate to ND how inappropriate it is to throw things. After that revenge lesson was given, the Tech Faithful have never done such a thing again. Blogs are full of facts. Believe everything you read.
By Pete
July 17, 2006 08:34 PM | Link to this
So the fishthrowing was just a spontaneous (not premeditated) reaction to a late time out and the perception of the irish running up the score?
What was the intended use of the raw fish before GT fans lost their composure?
Does GT still sell raw fish at their concession stands?
Devine and Rodgers caused this behavior? That’s about the lamest thing I’ve ever heard.
By gatech87suxdix
July 17, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this
So you are trying to defend GayTech based on what another school does? GayTech fans like to spout off about how “classy” they are, but when the truth is dredged up they cry like blonde haired little girls.
I hope ND reams GayTech!
By gatech87suxdix
July 17, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this
So you are trying to defend GayTech based on what another school does? GayTech fans like to spout off about how “classy” they are, but when the truth is dredged up they cry like blonde haired little girls.
I hope ND reams GayTech!
By Robert
July 17, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this
Hmmmm. Gee everyone, I wonder if good old Moore will write a piece about the Tech/ND game in the early 1980s. Remember the one with ND ranked #1 coming into Tech and Tech without a win? The one where Tech tied ND 3 to 3 and ND left without their #1 ranking? I was there - in fact I was in the band. I loved half time when we went onto the field behind the giant ND players all scratching their heads wondering what was up with these scrawny engineers.
Come on Moore, give equal time. Explain how Tech players and fans were very gracious at that game while the ND fans and players were rude to us!!!!
By Notre Dan
July 17, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this
Is anyone really concerned that the Jacket fans will re-enact their anti-catholic sentiments from 1978? Of course not. It was an ugly event then but probably a tad overblown. Surprise surprise Mr. Moore has another agenda. What Ol’ Terrance is really trying to do is subtly remind us that in 1978 there was anti-catholicism and racism in Atlanta. But while we’re really not concerned about anti-catholicism anymore, racism is still around. The b***h is that he’s got a point.
By John
July 17, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this
The reason Notre Dame ran up the score in 1977 was because after the 1976 game a few Tech players commented to the media that it seemed the Notre Dame players had given up during the game. I believe the 1976 game was the game in which Tech never attempted a pass. Also, Lucious Sanford was absolutley marvelous. I was at the 1978 game in the south stands with my UGA girlfriend. The incident really is overblown. All the Notre Dame players came onto the field briefly and then things settled down, particularly as the Tech players went over towards the Tech studet section and quieted things down. I do remember, however, at one point an enraged Tech student ran onto the field and attempted to take on the Notre Dame huddle. The kid was probably all of 120 pounds. As a Tech fan, I thought there but the grace of God go I. The AJC should censor this site. Shame on those who show ignorance and hatred in a forum for discussing sports.
By Robert
July 17, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
Shock! Stupid UGA fans posting on a blog that they know NOTHING about!!! I bet not one of them was at the game. To make it even worse, these are the idiot UGAG fans that probably throw things at Auburn fans, Tech fans, UFL fans, etc.
I know UGAG fans and even they admit that most of them have no class but don’t care as long as they win. At least they are honest unlike the idiots posting here.
By hiveredtech
July 17, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this
Terry is just upset about our DESTRUCTION of his patty-caking Irish in the Gator Bowl the last time we played. Wes Durham: “Joe Burns to Joey Hamiltonnnnnnn…Touchdown!…that is what you call a trick play!!!!!”
By David
July 17, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
Terence must be worried about Tech, given his attempt to rally the ND’ers by digging up stuff that was 30 years ago.
Besides, Jimmy Carter was president. I’m pretty sure it was his fault.
But definitely not Terence’s best work. He didn’t even manage to weave in a reference to Lester Hayes reference nor to the Big Red Machine.
By Joe
July 18, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this
Terence has sucker punched us. Hardly any of us would have read his article without the outrageous headline. Now he can show his editors the number of responses and claim everyone is reading his garbage. Slap me once your a fool - slap me twice I’m a fool.