AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > October > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFrom the start, this would be different
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Furman Bisher
Jacksonville — All these many years I have been watching Georgia-Florida football games, but never before have I come away feeling the need of a psychiatrist. It was the way it began, the way it reeled on into the twilight, one key play after another, until the point was reached when you felt secure that the 2-for-17 Bulldog depression was at an end.
Only twice in the past 17 games had the Bulldogs been able to win from the Gators in this Skirmish on the St. Johns. Then it was evident early that this would be no mere skirmish, this was all-out war. The dead giveaway came early, after Georgia scored the first touchdown, just minutes into the game. Florida had moved into Georgia territory, Tim Tebow conducting, when Asher Allen picked up a fumble and returned to Florida’s 39-yard line, and what was about to take place was like unwrapping a Christmas present.
The star of the evening shifted into gear with a modest 6-yard gain. It was the introduction of Knowshon Moreno, the redshirt freshman from New Jersey. Moreno right, Moreno left, Moreno up the middle and Moreno receiving. On a persistent drive to the 1-yard line, he reached out arm’s length, the ball like a trophy, for Georgia’s first touchdown. Then a surge of Bulldogs came from the sideline, the whole squad swarming Moreno and celebrating, no matter that yellow penalty flags filled the air. It cost the Bulldogs 22.5 yards, and gave the Gators such delicious field position that they scored an answering touchdown, and the duel was on.
It turns out, the usually mild-mannered Mark Richt had ordered the touchdown celebration, and as the game wore on, it was obvious, from that soldier-grim countenance on his face and the uncharacteristic gambles he ordered, that he had not come to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium to lose again. It was a case of Matthew Stafford doing his best Tim Tebow act, matching the celebrated Gator quarterback in every way. It was a kind of desperation, turning the ground game over to Moreno. For after injury to Thomas Brown and Kregg Lumpkin, he was the last running back left standing. He ran up a bank of 188 yards, scored three touchdowns and answered the call in every Bulldog emergency. When it was over, the final count of 42-30 blinking on the scoreboard, Richt found it fitting to give his star of the evening a big hug in the milling delirium on the field.
The Bulldogs stared trouble in the eye throughout the day-night hours, but never failed to have an answer. It was a give-and-take that had this crowd of 84,481 seething between agony and ecstasy. This was a Georgia team that had been blasted by Tennessee, lost a chess game to South Carolina and barely survived another Vanderbilt upset. On this evening by the river, the Bulldogs had the answers.
When Florida pulled within four points in the third quarter, and appeared to have regained its composure, the game turned into a tug of war. Then early in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs emerged from a stretch of somnambulance with a jolting score. Stafford hit Mikey Henderson 53 yards away on the goal line and the score became 35-24. No lead was safe, though.
Tebow fired back, crashed in from 3 yards out, in a typical Tebow plunge. Now came the Bulldogs again, this time with what was probably the key play of the game, a 22-yard pass from Stafford to reliable Sean Bailey on third-and-12. On the Florida 48, the drive was revived and Georgia stretched its lead to what became the final score. And while the seating sections of Red reeled in happiness, the other half of the stadium reflected the blue hue of the Gators.
What Richt had done was carry through on a pledge, “that I was going to create enthusiasm whether they liked it not.” He had ordered the celebration after the first score and set the tone for the evening. “I wanted to make sure we left this game with our hearts on the field.”
The question is, how far will this go toward reviving the season that has had its sinking spells? Georgia hasn’t hit the field with such a show of defiance and made it last. This must be the signal that sets off the rush that gets the Bulldogs back in the race, surely not another false start.
Permalink | Comments (124) | Post your comment | Categories: Furman Bisher
Comments
By DawgGrad311
October 27, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
After reading Terrible Moores blog, I just want to say thank you for a well-written peice.
By TWK
October 27, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
Kentucky looks beatible now and Auburn does too, so this season is looking more promising. As long as they play with the same enthusiasm and drive. Although, at seems that LSU will be playing in the SEC Championship. They would be a really tough challenge.
By DVS1
October 27, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
Furman, thank you for writing about the same things that I saw in this game. Terence was not watching.
By Phil May
October 27, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
Wake up old man. Asher allen did not intercept that ball, it was a fumble.And on that first drive, Moreno didn’t recieve anything. Nine straight runs made it 7-0.Other than that, nice article.
By DawgGrad
October 27, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this
Well written? Bisher, this one may go down in the annals of greatness in the next generation of Dawg Nation books on my shelves! Great job and Go Dawgs!!!
By JohninJax
October 27, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Mr. Bisher! Your article was good and well written and it looks like you actually watch the game unlike your co-worker Terrance Moore.
By Lindy Copelan
October 28, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
GLORY, GLORY to the Georgia Bulldogs…From Hahira to Sky Valley…From Savannah to Rome…From Augusta to Attapulgus and all Dawgs in between GLORY, GLORY TO OL’ GEORGIA..DEAR OL’ U.G.A…
Order has now been restored to nature !
By Jeff
October 28, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this
How refreshing is this read after reading Moore’s garbage. Furman, please never retire. Your words put flesh to sports.
Who is going to write like this when you’re gone????
By Vision
October 28, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
It was…. MAGIC
I will sleep well for the next 12 months knowing Mark Richt’s wild and crazy Dawgs stole Christmas from the Gator Nation.
The look on Meyer’s face after the celebration was…. priceless. He looked as out of sorts as Terence Moore.
By BullDawg Rick
October 28, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
How Bout them Dawgs!!!
Great to see CMR get his Boyz fired up!!! O-line was outstanding… D-line pressured TT all game… Reveivers caught the ball… Outside one throw, Stafford was on fire… Then there was Knowshon… Then there was the W..
By Jim
October 28, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this
Pretty good description of the game. By the way, Terence Moore is an IDIOT!!!
By Dan Chester
October 28, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
Thank you for an excellent and well written article! (Totally unlike the senseless rethoric of Terrence Moore).You are right—-this game was different. I have been following Georgia football closely since 1980, and this was one of the top three games in that period if not the best.
By leewan
October 28, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t have a problem with Moore’s column if it was just a blog, but it was pure flame bait to get people to notice him.
By craig
October 28, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this
Another example of why Richt needs to be done @ UGA…lose to usc,ut and beat gators…never more than an sec championship with the tallahassee reject as our coach.
By murphydawgman
October 28, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this
Bish Could you please explain to that dumass Moore guy why the celebration was needed. It is very evident that his pompass xxx doesn’t understand sports. As a matter of fact why does your boss waste ink to print his garbage. You sir are a scholar and a Champand i think they ought to double your space and fire his arse
By johnny
October 28, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this
Georgia pulled out a gritty, physical win against a Florida team that played a little banged up, but still played tough. The Gators stayed close all night, refusing to go away or succumb to Bulldog momentum until the final minutes of the game.
CMR scored an emotional coup with his team early, getting them fired up with a semi-orchestrated excessive celebration after the first score. The decision, leave no doubt in your mind, set the tone for this ball game. Georgia didn’t come to play meek against a team that had their number repeatedly in the past. They came to play. The got fired up. They threw down the gauntlet.
And then Florida answered. And quickly.
The war was on. And the emotion never let up.
Neither did Moreno. Pulling 188yds and 3 TDs for the team.
This team’s gutsy early celebration was nothing akin to the short-lived field stomping at Vandy. It was about stomping out any lingering doubts they had in themselves. And it worked.
The game went on in a momentum shifting tempest for the next 50 minutes with no lead secure until the final minutes.
The Bulldogs pulled off a win against a team that crushed Tennessee 59-20 and hung 42 on them in the process.
It doesn’t entirely erase the recent droughts suffered in J’ville, but it sure does help quench a mighty thirst in Athens.
The two underrated keys to this game:
-Setting the tone early with the celebration. Wonderful way to get the psychological upper hand with his players.
-And let us never forget, having the off week on Georgia’s side for a change sure didn’t hurt either.
See you next week, Georgia. Congrats on a well-deserved win.
By ssidawg
October 28, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this
The Bulldawg Nation is celebrating tonight!! Ding Dong the Witch is dead!! Brogen’s on SSI was rocking!!!
By ssidawg
October 28, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this
The Bulldawg Nation is celebrating tonight!! Ding Dong the Witch is dead!! Brogen’s on SSI was rocking!!!
By Guy Martin
October 28, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this
To Phil May, Read the Furman Bisher article again and you’ll see Mr. Bisher did say Asher Allen picked up a fumble,not an interception.Also,Furman Bisher may be an old man to you,but he’s a very smart and alert older man.Furman Bisher is the best!!! Guy Martin
By reddawg
October 28, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this
Furman, I have enjoyed reading you for more years than either of us would care to talk about. Uou hit the nail on the head. Now if Mr Richt can leave Stafford/Moreno or Moreno/Stafford alone; they might lead him into the same glory that Herschel led Dooley.
We can only wait and hope.
By chris
October 28, 2007 2:25 AM | Link to this
Terrance Moore, you are usually my boy and I have your back but today you are just plain crazy. I can see you are just trying to get people riled up but what you said was just plain crazy.
By TampaJeff
October 28, 2007 3:56 AM | Link to this
Can we schedule the off week every year to the week before Florida? It seems so obvious what am I missing? The announcers said the team with the off week was 14-2(?) over the last sixteen years guess who that was? No wonder Florida wins all the time.
By Capt. Caveman
October 28, 2007 5:08 AM | Link to this
It is funny to read The Racist Blog by Terence Moore. I get a laugh from the bombardment of backlash he garners. Then I can pull up Bisher’s column and read some real journalism. And he’s honest - sometimes complimenting and sometimes critical - but always “keepin it real”. Terence should take notes.
By chb
October 28, 2007 6:02 AM | Link to this
A thoughtful and insightful column unlike the utter garbage written by Terrance (I want to be controversial because no one will fire me) Moore.
By WFC
October 28, 2007 6:12 AM | Link to this
Congrats from a GT fanatic to the Bulldog nation for a great victory over the Gators. Richt’s celebration ploy was brilliant and Moreno played wonderfully. Bisher is the best sportswriter in the South I might add.
By Dawgmama
October 28, 2007 6:38 AM | Link to this
I am so sorry that I wasted my time reading TMoore’s column first. This column was written by someone who watched the same game that I did. This is more like something that someone who lives in GEORGIA would write. Congrats to the silver britches - you deserve it!!! Now - let the excuses begin from south of the border…
By CoastDog
October 28, 2007 7:26 AM | Link to this
Terrance Moore must be AJC’s token idiot on staff.
By dawgman
October 28, 2007 7:30 AM | Link to this
Georgia fans….the way to get rid of Terrance is to avoid the temptation of responding to ANYTHING he writes. The good, the bad, the ugly just get ignored. Terrance did the same thing to readers that Richt did to his players. And it worked twice. More Bishers and less Moores is within our power to achieve. NO MORE BLOGS to Terrance. Period.
By old school atlantan
October 28, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
What a well written article…did Terence watch the same game?
By Michael Scharff
October 28, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, you , Sir, are a true gentleman. You are also one of the finest writers of the past fifty years. I appreciate your passion. Thank you for a wonderful article! OH - AND AJC - PLEASE FIRE TERENCE MOORE. HE IS A DISGRACE TO YOUR NORMALLY WONDERFUL PAPER.
By aristoggle
October 28, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher -
Growing up in Athens - in the shadow of Sanford Stadium - there were two things I looked forward to in “the Atlanta paper.” Lewis Grizzard and you in print.
I couldn’t wait to see what you’d written this morning. And, you didn’t disappoint me. (Not to pile on Mr. Moore, but what he wrote last night is pure drivel. Little green men? Come on.)
Thank you …
Woof!
By kgod999
October 28, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this
Im a African American, but even i have to admit, WHEN ARE YALL GONNA FIRE TERESA MOORE?
By heeldawg
October 28, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, you have captured the essence of the game in a beautifully-written manner that we don’t see enough of nowadays. I’ve been a fan of your work since the ‘70’s. Keep showing the other stiffs at the AJC what sportswriting can be when one truly has talent. It’s not all about bombast and controversy. Sometimes, rather than trying to be the news, a writer should just tell it. You have done so in poetic fashion.
By BigDawgFan
October 28, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this
Thanks for a great column. Too bad you have to share space with terrance moore - Shame on the paper for cutting off the comments of his article. He is a joke !
By BigDawgFan
October 28, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this
Thanks for a great column. Too bad you have to share space with terrence moore - Shame on the paper for cutting off the comments of his article. He is a joke !
By Richt Fan
October 28, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
Mr Bisher:
I miss the days that you wrote daily columns for the Atlanta paper. Most of the good writers for this paper have retired or moved to better papers. Even though you love the Yellow Jackets best, you have always been fair with a witty insight that others on today’s AJC sports staff can only seek to emulate. However, they haven’t come close to your style and their attepts at profoundness reveal sarcasm and false piety (i.e. T Moore’s column today). Selah.
By Doug
October 28, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
Well written unlike Terrance Moore’s usual garbage. Can’t you guys send him back to Morehouse or Spellman or where ever he came from!
By BigDawgFan
October 28, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
Thank you for showing real journalism. It is not the norm for others writing for the paper. terrence moore shows once again what a total jerk he is, and what little he knows about anything ! Shame on the paper for cutting off the comments to his garbage !!!
By JimC
October 28, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
Had to look up somnambulance in the dictionary. Great word “A form of hysteria in which purposeful behavior is forgotten.” Some of that going on in TM’s column and response to TM’s column. You seemed to get what Coach was trying to do. Dawgs may have been “fools” but they are not crazy (doing same thing and expecting different results). Coach saw that what he was doing was not working, so he changed. Here’s hoping change sticks with just a little more control.
By Hucj
October 28, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
Great job, Furman….you are a treasure….like Munson and Magil, and that is high cotton. Terrence Moore is living proof that affirmative action is a bad idea.
By Vegas Loves the Refs
October 28, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
This was one of the Greatest Bullldog Games ever, even though the refs did all they could to stop it
Moreno, Stafford, and The Defense all played with conviction, heart, determination, and GA Bulldog pride. They became Men last night. I was so proud to see all the hard work that these guys have invested finally pay off. Mark R. is a great coach and mentor of men. He’ll be around for a long time. His wife is a pretty darn good team mom. These kids have finally put talent with heart and they showed the world that the REAL TALENT COMES FROM GEORGIA
Now I have one complaint about the whole game, and that’s the referees were not on the side of the Dogs. 1.3rd Qt just before Coutu attempted a field goal, the refs convienently didn’t hear the time out.
2.Before the half they called an illegal block on what should’ve been Moreno’s second TD.
3.The Refs called illegal allignment on the dogs offense after a shift that would’ve given us a TD, but there were 4 inth backfield and seven on the line(they were calling the game for Vegas).
4.The worst of all was M.Stafford taking a knee when Florida was clearly Offsides the refs never blew the whistle, so a Florida player got a free shot at Stafford. Instead the refs called a personal foul on Florida when the player jumped over the top to tackle Stafford. How could it have been a personal foul when the refs never blew the whistle? They allowed the play to go on and the Florida player had no choice but to tackle the QB. The refs were not in the game they missed 2 penalties in one play. If they were calling the PF then they should’ve clled the offsides. How can it be a PF if the offsides didn’t happen.
Watch the game tape Mark Richt should address this!
By BaldDawg Pete
October 28, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
Furman, you are a national treasure and Mark Richt is the ultimate in class (even withstanding the excessive celebration order - brilliant!). The ‘Dawgs have dumped the Gators. I could’ve died in my sleep last night and my life would have been complete. Now, let’s launch our own 17-year run on the Swamp Ladies. Go ‘Dawgs!
By mowreck
October 28, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
All the team running on the field and celebrating, knowing a penalty was gonna be called was one of the most exciting things I’ve seen in a football game, my daughter who went to UT even called me to acknowledge that and EVEN ME, a die-hard GT fan appreciated it. Nice game Dawgs and congrats … Terrence doesn’t know what he is talking about.
By Keith S.
October 28, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
Furman,
Thanks for capturing the flavor and the color of the game, and thanks for the perspective you always offer. “The way (the game) reeled on into the twilight….” captured the mood perfectly for anyone who has ever attended one of the late afternoon starts in Jacksonville. You are the Larry Munson of sports writers.
By scott
October 28, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
someone need to tell moore what this game florida V georgia mean to a lot of pepoles .his blog made him sound like the fool he really is when will the ajc fire this idoit for trying to bust the bubble of georgia favorite football program it look as if this idiot mooore dislike every sport team in the state of georgia fire the fool moore . i like to thank you for this nice written blog it was great
By Tom Porter
October 28, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
Well written article that I come to expect from Fisher.
By Tom
October 28, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
Some of you don”t get it .Mr moore was using reverse psychology to make Ga. grow up,AND IT WORKED,Thank you Mr. Moore,I got the point.
By Bud Wiser
October 28, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
The only sadness other than Urban Meyer’s face and T. Moore’s pitiable space, was that Larry Munson wasn’t there to call the game. Perhaps it is just as well though, because it may have given him numerous heart attacks. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!
By fred
October 28, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
As a GT grad and highly supportive Alum of my school I must say that the passion with which I saw UGA whip Fla. is unique in this area to the Dawgs.
Yep——that’s what I said.
UGA, you won this game and deserved to.
By Barry Tennihan
October 28, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
Furman Bisher, one of the nation’s best columnists period! The sports fans of the area are lucky to have him. Mr. Bisher knows sports and gets it across better than anyone I know.
UGA has to be proud but now is not the time to let up! We can still get in an excellent bowl and even could sneak in the SEC Championship Game.
T Moore just tries to incite (as opposed to giving insight) the readers. I bet he is laughing reading all of us that he upsets. Ignore him and maybe he will go away.
Thanks again Mr. Bisher and of course Mark Richt!
By shaggy
October 28, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
Great article. Maybe you can give Terrence Moore a lesson Monday morning on how it’s done.
By Old dog
October 28, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Furman, Thanks for the positive article. Say what you want about the celebration after the first touchdown, it lit a fire under the Bulldog nation. The Bulldogs played with a determination I have not seen any many years. I applaud Coach Richt for letting the players be kids. The celebration after the Vandy game was blown out of proportion. The players were just celebrating with Coutu and happened to end up on the middle of the field. I believe the celebration in the Fla. game was the kind of emotion you see every college team show. You just are not use to seeing it from the Bulldogs. As for Terrence Moore. He is a racist and a disgrace to journalism and the Atlanta Constitution. I long for the days of Lewis Grizzard and Jessie Outlar. Someone who could write something positive about the institutions of our state. Not only Georgia but Georgia Tech. Terrence Moore does nothing but write racial bigotry and I am ashamed of the AJC for publishing his garbage. GO DOGS
By dawgbreath
October 28, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
CMR’s “little” plan for the game shows his genius. The man IS a Bulldog. And that kiss to “water girl” after the game! My, my , my! What a man. What a coach. What a game. Long live Dawgdom!
By dawgbreath
October 28, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
CMR’s “little” plan for the game shows his genius. The man IS a Bulldog. And that kiss to “water girl” after the game! My, my , my! What a man. What a coach. What a game. Long live Dawgdom!
By EasyG
October 28, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
He did write fumble Mr. May.
By Terrence Moore wears jeanshorts
October 28, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
Great article Mr. Bisher. If you could explain how to write to Terrence Moore, you would get a collective thank you from the entire Bulldawg Nation, I’m sure.
To think, a PROFESSIONAL JOURNALIST has to stoop to baiting people into reading his absolute dribble, rather than depending on his talent to maintain an audience…disgusting.
By TW
October 28, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
Thanks Furman.
Somebody please tell Terrence Moore that Knowshon Moreno is black.
By chris byard
October 28, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
hey phil, you’re an idiot. learn facts, and pay attention. till then, shut up.
By Gus
October 28, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
If UGA would hire a real offensive coordinator and not a pretender and bring back Van Gorter as defensive coordinator, we might actually become a dominant SEC team. Unfortunately, I suspect victories like tonight’s will be fleeting and never strung together enough to get us a National Championship, let alone any more SEC ones.
By Pago Pago
October 28, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
So who is this t. moore you’re talking about?
By Mr. Moore's Daddy
October 28, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Ignore Terrence Moore and he will go away. Reacting to what he writes is what he wants, I know, I worked at a newspaper before. The editor would say “If you aren’t getting hate mail, you aren’t doing your job.” Ignore stupid, pompus, Tech fan Terrence Moore. He writes like a 5th grader anyway. It hurts to read his garbage. No creativity at all. He needs to get a job at a community newspaper in rural Alabama.
By HumbleDawg
October 28, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
A brilliant bit of prose Mr. Bisher. Thanks for bringing a smile to this HumbleDawg’s face as you captured the essence of yesterday’s amazing game. I rank it is one of the best football games I’ve ever seen. Truly brilliant of Mark Richt to ignite his players emotions and a gamble as well as it could have gotten out of hand very easily. I’m proud of the Dawgs and hope they can continue this throughout the rest of the season. With Kentucky,Auburn, and a dangerous Troy team left on the schedule, we’re not ouf of the woods yet.
By Ed
October 28, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Richt’s method of firing up the team reflects the reality of modern college football. Today’s player feeds off of attitude, energy and celebration. The days of Joe Flat Top playing Steve Crew Cut are long over. We owned Florida during that era, but the game has changed. It’s about time Richt injected a little 1990s FSU into the Dawgs.
By A Leavitt
October 28, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Furman:
Wonderful description of a classic game between the Dogs and the Gators. It was exactly like the battles we had with UF in the mid 70s. Win or lose that is the way this rivalry needs to be played. It is also no surprise that Coach Dooley had a hand in this victory with his talk with the team earlier in the week.
By samjam
October 28, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
Thank you, I will. No longer read TM’s articles, that is. They are not worth anyone’s time as they provide no special insight and are written from a regularly substandard template.
I quit. And it feels good.
By Ron Roberts
October 28, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
This is the kind of column that shows the differences between columnists with class and columnists with blinders.
Well done, Furman. Terrence, get a clue, dude. People are flat-out sick and tired of mouthpieces like yours, who don’t H E S I T A T E to criticize somebody if you feel they show a lack of class, unless of course, if they’re of a non-caucasian tone. Then, they’re overlooked.
Terrence Moore, you criticized this Georgia Bulldogs team for having no identity, for lacking in spark, for coming up short; so they came with identity, energy and they superceded expectations, and won.
So you, of course, criticize ‘em for being what they are - kids playing a game, having fun. Oh, by the way, they won.
Terrence, did you criticize T.O. when he show-boated on the Dallas Cowboys’ star at midfield? Did you ever criticize Deion Sanders for any of his classless circus acts? Did you ever consider that Barry Bonds is a scum-bag with little-to-no-class, either?
Furman, thanks for remembering its a game, played by kids, with millions of fans watching, in a heated, historic (and to this point) one-sided rivalry.
God forbid they show some emotion.
I wonder if Sylvester Croom were the coach of our BUlldogs and he’d orchestrated the same display… what would Terrence have thought, then.
The AJC wants to close commentary on Terrence’s column; they should go one step further and just remove it from the site.
By Gary
October 28, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
Very nice job Furman, I agree with your slant on the game over Terence as well but I’m constantly appalled by the racial overtones on the blogs over players and sportswriters. Much of the criticism is so over-the-top it makes for worthless reading. I just appreciate great writing and you always bring it, whether I agree with you or not. Terrence is also a good writer. But I think the move made by Richt to encourage the celebration after the first td was a bold one and as it turns out, a great one. Yes, he ran the risk of firing up Florida, and as it turned out, firing up the officials. But I watched the best Georgia offensive game I have seen since the Hershel days. And the defense played inspired football as well. This was a fun game to watch and I wasn’t the least bit embarassed by the celebration. A couple of players went overboard with the taunting hence the extra flag but that celebration set the tone for the game. You bloggers that have been on CR about how he hasn’t fired up the players got what you wanted. I don’t think it was hypocritical at all, we’re talking a one-time only celebration to fire up the team, not bad sportsmanship taunting. Maybe it’s a fine line but there is a difference. I liked it! Thanks Coach for a well planned and thanks team for a well-executed and inspired performance. You dawgs rocked!
By Nanny
October 28, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
With any luck, TM and the 2 TV announcers would have been put on one of the boats on the St. John River and taken out and sunk. If I had heard one more time about Tebow’s ailing shoulder I would have puked up my dog biscuits. I wanted so badly to comment on Moore’s blag but it had been closed…WONDER WHY!!!!!! Furman you are a true journalistic jewel. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading. As for Mr. Moore (did I say Mr?), crawl back into the hole you obviously came out of.
By DirtyDawg
October 28, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Count me among those that couldn’t disagree with Moore more. And talk about hypocritical, one day TM talks like a Black Panther and the next an Uncle Tom…apparently he must have wanted the Georgia players to ‘Uncle Tom It’ yesterday. Terrance, if you don’t ‘get it’ then you’re in the wrong business and don’t understand a damn thing about enthusiasm and the role momentum has to play in a contest of wills. The only way CMR and Georgia could have come across as ‘fools’ in this is if the whole thing had simply served to light a fire under Myer and Florida and they had proceeded to kick out butts for the rest of the afternoon. Clearly they seemed to do exactly that - try to get fired up as a result of Georgia’s early touchdown ‘celebration’, and even though they came right back at us, we showed that we’d had enough of having our noses rubbed in it and were gonna spit in their eye and hit ‘em right back in the mouth.
As for the rest of the penalties…the ‘two’ face-mask calls were total BS, even the CBSers admitted as much, the ‘not enough on the line of scrimmage should cost some official his paycheck, or job, in that it could only have been motivated by a desire to aid the gators, and as for the ‘MassMan’s’ gator-chomp, it’s exactly what the most obnoxiously arrogant fans in the world deserve. We’ve certainly had it thrown in our faces often enough.
Once again, CMR took a calculated risk calling for the early celebration and opening himself and the team up to critics like Terrance Moore, but clearly it paid off. That’s the sign of a leader, knowing when you have to take some risks in order to succeed and doing it, versus being timid in order to ‘keep up appearances’.
By Thanks
October 28, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Now that is how a local sports reporter should write about a college team of young men. Not call them fools like your dim counterpart. I have noticed there are no more comments being taken on Mr. Moore’s article. I guess the AJC got the point. Maybe they will have the guts to fire Terrance, but they probably do not want to face the legal expenses from the Race Discrimination lawsuit which will surely follow.
By DAWG47
October 28, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Just to get the record staight in this “storied rivarly” that everyone thinks Florida dominates; the record for the past 40 years is Georgia 20 victories, Florida 20 victories, and the past 4 years it is two victories to each school. Statistics can be made to make any point one wants, but reality says this is a pretty even rivalry over tyhe past 40 years.
By Sweettea
October 28, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
To the Tech fans who made such comoplimentary comments about our absolutely fantastic game - this Georgia Dog thanks you kindly. YOU have real class.
By Spooning Cox's
October 28, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
I had respect for Richt until yesterday. Your team once again proves they have no class.
By boots
October 28, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
I’m very happy that the Dawgs won; however, the mental mistakes and the taunting and exuberance was very disappointing and doesn’t bode well as they move through the rest of the season. It all came across as an undisciplined display of an immature team and coaching staff.
By underdawg
October 28, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
Even though you are basically pro-Tech, I still think you are one of the best, Mr. Bisher….especially after the BS article from that moron T. Moore…..
By steve
October 28, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
And the difference between Bisher and moore is that Furman is a journalist and Moore could find fault if a cure for cancer were found.He is nothing but an agitator and is probably in some way related to Al Sharpton…
By jim
October 28, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
after reading that pitiful terence moore column thanks for writing like the professional that you are. Why is homeboy terrence allowed to write anyway, hes the reason we cancelled our script to the ajc 5 years ago. GO DAWGS and bumble nerds your time is coming but your use to it this time of year anyway.
By Dawg85
October 28, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Great article Mr. Bisher and what a great win for the Dawgs — having to play the Florida and the officials is tough.
For the few whiners, including Terrance Moore, about the opening TD celebration — GET OVER IT. There should have only been one call for excessive celebration — typical of how the officials called the game and if that were to happen to the Dawgs, I for one, would take great delight in the other team kicking off from the eight.
They can over celebrate every TD from now on of it means that.
Football is more than X’s and O’s and talent. Motivation is critical and CMR had these puppies ready to play. Way to go Coach!!!!
By joey
October 28, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
Good artical, classic game, awesome coaching! Thanks “DAWGS”!
By hotrod
October 28, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
thank you sir.
By PiedmontPark
October 28, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Since no one has said this yet,
GLORY, GLORY TO OLE GEORGIA!!!!!!
By Dawg Fud
October 28, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Spooning Cox’s
Throwing a headset at the end of the game is classy? Great sportmanship.
You are bum. Get lost. Did your mom help you think of that screen name? You are so witty.
GO DAWGS! Sic ‘em!
By Chris
October 28, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Thanks Furman for still be a legit journalist. Terrance Moore is a complete idiot who has to create controversy to keep readers. Why the AJC keeps him is beyond me. CMR did a fantastic job getting the team ready for battle. Maybe Terrance can cover the Yellow Jackets from now on and let Furman continue to give us real journalism.
By ken fuller
October 28, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
WHAT A GAME!THE SIGHT OF UGA STANDING TOE TO TOE, SLUGGING IT OUT WITH THE GATORS,WITH THE CONFIDENCE OF A TEAM WHO EXPECTED TO WIN, WILL SURELY GO FAR TO CONVINCE NOT ONLY THE SPORTS WORLD,BUT ALSO THE DOUBTERS AMONG US ,THAT THE DAWGS HAVE ARIVED!!! TELL THE BCS TO GET READY TO MAIL THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TO ATHENS NEXT YEAR!GO DAWGS!!!
By jaxbeachdawg
October 28, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
This was a win for the ages!
I am originally from the Atlanta area and have been living here for the past 14 years. During this time I have had to endure these painful losses! I have bit my teeth and grinned and bore all of the obnoxious Gator fans!
Welll!!!! Last night I am with my Gator Girlfriend at a popular sportsbar in Jax Beach and she became so incinsed at the Georgia fans yelling and celebrating that she just up and left me right there! She told me that she was leaving and going home! I was stunned! Literally stunned! Here I had endured all of these losses and her gators finally lost and she couldn’t handle it!
God Bless Bisher, God Bless Richt and God Bless us all Bulldawg nation!
By 1eyedJack
October 28, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Hey Furman
Amble down the hall and tell Terrance that Al Sharpton or Jessie Jackson or Charlie Weiss just called with a job offer for him. That might get rid of that CHUMP!! Go DAWGS!! Classic by the ST. JOHNS!!
By AL
October 28, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
I passed up the chance to go down to Jax this year for the game. I just couldn’t fork over the Seattle to Jax plane ticket to watch another “beat-down”. I have seen about a dozen live and have yet to leave there happy. This game yesterday was different. The ploy by Richt was brilliant. The fact that Meyer couldn’t creat the same enthusiasm in his players showed. His half hearted attempt was hilarious. It was obvious UGA stole their MOJO from the get-go. Thanks coach I really didn’t think you had it in you. As for other column writers at AJC. Bigotry and race-baiting has been their M.O. since the beginning. I remember a column about Dale Murphy that was insulting and bigoted. If you can’t creat something of substance you write something about race or lack of class etc. and the AJC thinks that’s journalism.
By Furman do me a favor...
October 28, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
…please find Terrance and b1tch slap him. Great article. And I wonder the same - was this a one time thing, or will they show this kind of determination and emotion the rest of the season.
By d-man
October 28, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Folks, you have to remember that Terence Moore’s job is to SELL PAPERS by creating controversy where there is none. Since anyone with more than a third grade education can plainly see that he can’t hold a candle to Bisher’s writing skills, he has to do something desperate to draw attention to himself. Hence, the pitiful article he produced. I suppose it would have been better in his eyes for the Dawgs to show up like they did against Tenn and show no emotion or fire. Better to lose the game than risk being “out of control”, right Terrance? Anyway, great wind for the Dawgs.
By LaGrange Dawg
October 28, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, I wonder how OLD Phil May is ? You were correct and May was WRONG. You said in your article that Asher Allen picked up a fumble,and that is what he did. Wonder what the very old eyes of Phil May saw in your nice article. Obviously you ,Mr. Bisher are MUCH.MUCH YOUNGER than the ” old man ” Phil May. Go Dawgs !!!!!!
By mdl
October 28, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
How the hell can you even mention anything about a football game being a war? When Kellen Winslow Jr said he was a soldier you media guys tore him apart for saying that,and the same so-called war against Iraqi insurgents is still going on today. You guys make me sick with your double standards and sometimes flat out bigotry.
By Nick Demetros
October 28, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Here’s to having a bi the next 16 years before this game! The defense was on fire! Hunkerdown! UGA78’
By T
October 28, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
The celebration was classless. Its OK to do it in Jacksonville, but not OK in Nashville? No class ! None at all. Hypocritical !
Glad the Dawgs won.. but lets do it with class.
By Griz
October 28, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
All writing is biased. Can’t be helped, it’s just part of human nature.
It’s just that good writers, even in an opinion piece, are able to temper their bias and bad writers are not.
I don’t think that good writers such as Grantland Rice, Dan Jenkins and Furman Bisher have much to worry about from the likes of Terrence Moore.
Thanks Mr. Bisher! Keep on entertaining us!
By Paul W
October 28, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, thank you for a well-written, observant, MATURE article about yesterday’s victory. As I left the stadium, the conversation around me turned to “What will Terrence Moore find to complain about now?” WE didn’t know he would be so shallow and transparent.
Coach Richt had this team mentally and emotionally prepared to play. Terrence Moore is biased and most notably, insignificant.
By Dave
October 28, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the column now please tell Terrance to go back to Florida where he belongs -
By William Hamilton
October 28, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
Someone actually reads moore?
By barneyb
October 28, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
Very well written, except it was a fumble, not an interception; but what the heck, no matter. Ince column, and it captured the essence of the game, thank you. Terrance Moore did a despicable job in his column, proving he can’t be pleased no matter what CMR and the Dawgs do. Hope this is a new beginning for UGA. Sorry we won at Tebow’s injured expense, but we wanted it worse-and it showed. Urban Meyer; what a tool. He was outfoxed. Maybe CMR really does have it in him to get the job done. Well done, Dawgs- be proud! GO DAWGS!
By Dawg Fud
October 28, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
Some on this blog claiming the end zone celebration was classless while others say it was great that the team played with emotion. I think there is a fine line between two, and honestly do not think we crossed that line. We have been such a stoic team lately, it was good to see us get out there and show some excitement.
Some would rather lose with class than win with emotion. The Dawgs left it all on the field.
Candidly, I would rather see our players get a penalty for celebration than watch my head coach throw his headset in disgust.
I could have done without the “booty dance” that earned an additional penalty. He looked like the guy on the Dr. Pepper commercial.
This is why college football is so great…EMOTION.
Georgia sent the message that we are here, we are going to be in your face all night and although you may be better than us you are going to have to match our intensity to beat us.
People call Georgia classless for the celebration. Our head coach did not throw a temper tantrum nor did our linebacker flagrantly rush through the line and hit a guy on one knee. If there was any question, the Florida defender could have simply run through and put his hands on Stafford.
You want to talk about class, talk about that…
GO DAWGS!
By Ramguy
October 28, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
I know this is off topic but due to unavoidable circumstances, I missed the game. I heard it was going to be re-broadcast. Does anyone know what Dawg time and Dawg channel it will be on? I hope not css. I don’t have that one.
By Happy SSI Lady
October 28, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
I don’t know why I waited until 60 years of age to attend my first UGA/FLA game, especially with it played an hour’s drive from my home. Just seeing the colorful stands and the smiles on the UGA fans was an experience I’ll never forget. We were sitting in the UGA alumni section, and the entire crowd stood for almost the entire game. Enthusiasm, both on the field and in the stands, was something I’ll never forget!! I loved it all!!!
By LOWCOUNTRYDAWG
October 28, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Thank you for your article- I cannot say the same for your co-worker- Mr. Moore. I would be posting this on his board but too many angry fans beat me to it-his article is closed for comments. I suspect that Mr Moore has never accepted Mark Richt as Georgia’s coach- and if so, I’ll tell why I think so. When Georgia was choosing a coach to replace Donnan-there was a black asistant caoch in Green Bay that was under consideration. When Georgia chose Mark Richt- Terrence Moore wrote an editorial in AJC that stated his dissapointment in the choice. He stated that Georgia had missed a huge opportunity to give more acceptance to black head coaches in the SEC. Clearly,that is still an issue with him.
By JC
October 28, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Great job Mr. Bisher.*Whats Mr Moore’s problem? * He only writes about hate, race ,firing someone,are calling a team Fools! Mr. Bisher you need to tell him what the (BIBLE) says about calling people Fools. The only thing I know to do is pray for him. Go Richt and the Dogs.
By Brent
October 28, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
I don’t believe that the Great Lewis Grizzard could have said it anymore poetically. Go Dawgs, and the East better get ready UGA saw a glimpse of Sugar last night. The War has been declared, and Richt is our mighty General.
By Dawgy
October 28, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Thanks for a classy column from a classy man. Too bad your paper is soiled by no-talent hacks like Moore and Schultz.
By eddiem
October 28, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
First,let me say “Go Dawgs’. Next, I say to Mr. Moore:please watch the game before you try to write about it. And for all you sick as a dawg gator fans, quit whining.You are starting to remind me of your coach! And calling Ga’s players and coaching staff classless, What a joke! There’s not a bigger bunch of classless players and fans than Florida has. Been that way since Spurrier arrived. But those days of arrogance are slowly drifting away. What a breath of fresh air it is!
By wes
October 28, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Furman, using words like “somnambulance” only confuses them.
Take Care.
By Kevin
October 28, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
As someome who has been a longtime critic of Richt’s lack of emotion on the sidelines, I loved the move after the 1st TD. It showed we were there to play to win, instead of playing not to lose. Great job Coach. And why does Terrence Moore care anyway, there’s not a racial angle he can try to exploit or inflame?
By Big Dawgs
October 28, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
johnny Amen brother- great post.
Furman your article is a great piece and keep up the great work. I have been reading your aticles for over 45 years and have enjoyed your insights into the sporting world. So I thank you.
Go Dawgs
By hairgut
October 28, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
I made the mistake of reading Moore’s column. Never, never, again, I swear to God. What an absolute pile of fecal matter. Does he write drunk, or high all the time? Does he have a 12 year old daughter covering his work when he is passed out? How can somebody this p* poor have a job with an Atlanta newspaper? Thank you, Mr. Bisher, for writing an actual sports column worth reading.
By Mark Kelly
October 28, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
Furman, I’ve been reading your copy all of my life and my respect for your work has never wavered. Regardless of the sport, venue and deadline, your work is unquestionbly priceless.
In many ways, respect for games has ddecline but with your copy a touch of class remains that many of your contempories do not share. I know your work will one day walk away from the pages of the AJC, and when that day comes I will no longer read the sports section.
Congrats on your long and distinquished career.
By porksword
October 28, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the nice work Mr. Bisher. I recommend we just boycott Moore’s blog. I used to think that he at least had credibility, now I think he panders for controversy.
So why don’t we all just ignore him?
By gadawg
October 28, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
Hey craig you are in the same catagory as Moore two notches below an idiot. Now get your sorry a— back to Florida where you belong stupid.
By naplesdawg
October 28, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
well said
By Chris
October 28, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher if Mr. Moore is trying to be a race activist he should resign from the sports department and write for someone else.
By Rhodesia
October 28, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
Reading, the Florida papers, it looks like Teri Moore is the only person to have a problem with the Dawgs celebration.
But see, she really doesn’t. Not really, it’s all false bravado and holier than thou bull. Her way is to stir up crud and bask in the responses. She gets off on it.
The only way to defeat Teri Moore, and it’s been mentioned here before is to ignore her. Pay her no attention and she doesn’t get what she wants.
By boots
October 28, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
A class column from a class gentleman, sports writer. Well done, Mr. Bisher. I am proud to have you writing for my hometown newspaper.
It is a pleasure to see the Bulldogs tied for first in the division and Florida struggling to stay out of the cellar.
Mr. Bisher, please go over to Terrace Moore’s cubical and tape a copy of your article to his computer monitor. When he is done parking my car in the morning, he can read what you have written and aspire to be half the writer you are… someday.
By sUGAr
October 28, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Thank you for a wonderful article. I know/hope that the Bulldog players and coaches put it up on the wall.
CMR told the guys to have fun so they did. Even if they had lost, I’m glad they were able to do this.
And yes, there is an obvious bias in the media about when certain “stars” do things, they are not criticized but let others do the same, and they are jumped on.
By sUGAr
October 28, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
CSS TV MONDAY: GEORGIA - 12:00 PM ET & 9:00 PM ET
By Xenophon
October 28, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
I know my fellow Dawgs dont’ want to hear this, but the best thing would be for both GA and the Vols to finish the rest of the season undefeated. The Vols then get the dubious honor of being pounded by LSU in the championship game and GA goes on to defeat Kansas in the Cotton Bowl. LSU goes on to win the BCS championship game, GA ends up no. 5 and TENN wins its bowl to end up no. 10. What’s wrong with that?
By lawdawg73
October 28, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU FURMAN BISHER …THE LAST OF THE GREAT SPORTS JOURNALISTS! THANKS FOR HELPING US FANS BUILD OUR ANTICIPATION AND EXCITEMENT FOR THE GAME TO COME AND FOR YOUR HELPING US RELIVE THE EXCITEMENT AND THE HEARTACHE IN VICTORY AND IN DEFEAT.WITHOUT YOU WE HAVE NOTHING OF VALUE WITHIN THE SPORTS SECTION OF THE AJC. TERRENCE MOORE IS AN INSULT TO YOUR LEGACY AND THE LEGACY OF THE AJC.PLEASE KEEP ON WRITING !
By Lee
October 28, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
I’ve been watching college ball for about 35 years, most of which I’ve pulled for the Dawgs, and I must say that I did not like the bench clearing celebration. What most of the Dawg fans don’t realize is that almost got real ugly, real quick.
It was all Meyer and his assistant coaches could do to keep the Fla bench from emptying out on the field.
My old high school coach would tell us when things got hot and heavy, “If you’ve got something to say, say it with your shoulder pads.”
Sage advice. Maybe the Bulldogs should heed it.
By Mayor of Douglas Ga
October 28, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
Liferdawgfan: The bi-weekly paper in Douglas,Ga don’t want or need the services of one T. Moore. We only want the Best!
By stendec
October 28, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
Kudos Mr Bisher. As a sportswriter of 30 plus years before my eyesight dimmed, I commend thee. I had grown so tired of listless and unmotivated efforts from Richt teams. Superior talent but only workmanlike unemotional performances. Emotion is a determining factor in college football. That is why, in an given season, a No. 1 USC can lose to an unranked Cal, Stanford or UCLA club (all state rivals) or a higher ranked Georgia team can lose to Tech or…but you get my drift. I was excited when the Buldogs stormed the field en masse after the first touchdown. I finally glimpsed that soul fire in Richt that I had almost come to doubt that he possessed. It was the right thing to do at the right time. It certainly knocked the Gators out of their game. I did not know if the action would backfire or not but I knew it was something that had to be done. I have been critical of Richt in the past but he was right on this time. Let others say what they will. The close win over Vandy left Dawg fans in a somber mood. It almost felt like a loss. Well done, Mr Bisher. Well done, Dawgs. Well done, Richt. If the action was beyond the comprehension of other so-called sportswriters, then so be it. How I would love to see a highlight illustration of this historic battle by master artist Jack Davis. Remember his fantastic 1980 Sugar Bowl illustration? Oh well, enough rambling. Just wanted to say hello. Keep up solid work.