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AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2005 > September > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSpurrier back Between the Hedges
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For nearly 40 years, UGA and Steve Spurrier have had a special relationship.
We hate him.
And he hates us.
Of course, the old Ball Coach, as he likes to be called — along with such other nicknames as Prince of Darkness and Evil Genius — has never been too popular with any of the other schools that played Florida during his years there. Known for taking his shots, cheap and otherwise, at opponents on and off the field — just ask Bobby Bowden and Phil Fulmer — Spurrier seems always to have reserved a special brand of disdain for the Bulldogs of Georgia.
Remember Spurrier’s belitting of Ray Goff (always noting how Goff’s superlative recruiting never could produce a victory over Spurrier)? And while Steve Superior always has been known for running up the score on an opponent when he gets a chance, he seemed to take a special delight in doing it on the Dogs.
The ultimate was 1995, when construction on the former Gator Bowl brought the annual Georgia-Florida game to Sanford Stadium. I’ve heard two versions of the story. One is that a Florida assistant coach pointed out to Spurrier that no opponent ever had scored 50 points Between the Hedges. The other version — the one that rings more true — is that Spurrier walked out on the field at Sanford and asked what was the most points ever scored there.
Either way, the result was that he made a determined effort to pile it on and break the record. Ahead by 28 points with less than two minutes to go, Spurrier still went for another score to finish off the Dogs 52-17. (I didn’t see that touchdown. I’d already left the game because I refused to watch Spurrier make the victory trek across our field.)
Again, we’re not the only team he ever did that to. But I think with UGA maybe it’s a bit more personal for Spurrier, because it was the 1966 Dogs who spoiled his Heisman season on their way to the SEC championship. Spurrier probably still sees big Bill Stanfill bearing down on him for a sack in his nightmares.
So, anyway, now Spurrier comes back to Sanford Stadium. Only this time he’s not with his beloved Gators but rather the Gamecocks of South Carolina. Despite Spurrier’s obvious genius for the game, he appears outmanned this time and the Dogs are favored to win.
But as fans have been reminding Coach Richt, just beating Spurrier isn’t what we all really crave. Yes, coach, a one-point victory is as good as a rout. But we want Spurrier humbled at Sanford Stadium. Every opportunity to score should be taken. Run up the score? Hell, yes.
After all, it’s what Steve would do.
OPENING GAME POSTSCRIPT: Sanford Stadium is a first-class facility, one of the most beautiful in the country. And the improvements made in recent years have made it even better, for the most part.The new scoreboard and video screen look great and I’m sure they’ll soon figure out how to get the opening Munson video montage timed correctly! But there’s one area in which the gameday experience has always been lacking at UGA, and that’s in the stadium concessions. As long as I’ve gone to games, I’ve heard folks griping about the watered-down Cokes and the mob scenes at the too-few concession stands.
Well, it’s only gotten worse. I can only speak for the North side lower level, but in expanding the number of restrooms (alleviating the other chronic complaint fans had at the stadium), they took out the oldest concession stands. Sure, they’ve added more carts offering specialty items, but for your basic Coke and hot dog, there are now fewer options.
And, I’m sorry, but 30 minutes in line — and this is starting midway through the second quater, not at halftime — is entirely too long. I heard someone else complain their wait was even longer.
And then to be ripped off and forced to pay $5 each for what the sales people claimed were “jumbo” dogs but obviously were the regular-sized $3 dogs added insult to injury. Plus, they said they didn’t have change, so you either had to overpay or revise your order to make the price come out even.
This is ridiculous and not worthy of Sanford Stadium or the University of Georgia. The Athletic Association needs to step in and bring the concessions operation in line with the rest of a great program.
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By Alex
September 7, 2005 10:07 AM | Link to this
Bill —
As mch as I would like to see us hang 50 on the Antichrist…oops, I mean Spurrier, Coach Richt doesn’t have the necessary mean streak to rub it in like that. He’s a good and humble guy at heart, which is why many folks like myself can get behind him. Simply put, Richt has too much class to put Spurrier in his place. But don’t think for a second that Fulmer won’t.
GO DAWGS!!!
By John Bender
September 7, 2005 10:14 AM | Link to this
As a UF grad all I can say is “Go Cocks!”.
…I can’t believe they actually say that.
By GT
September 7, 2005 11:09 AM | Link to this
Richt played at Miami and coached at FSU. He may hate Spurrier as much as the rest of the world. I think his class will not let the score be run up and I hope his class is received for what it is. Donate a hundred thousand and they will feed you by hand, anything you want. I often wonder what really does go on in those boxes.
By Bill King
September 7, 2005 11:38 AM | Link to this
Yeah, while my son and I were chomping on $20 worth (that’s four) of skinny little regular hotdogs, my brother, who was the guest of a work associate up in the skyboxes, was getting ready for a prime-rib dinner served up in the third quarter! That was in addition, of course, to the dessert buffet, the snacks and the open bar. Despite all that, I wouldn’t trade my lower-level seats that I’ve had for 30 years for the view from the box. And my brother said he missed the noise of the crowd and being able to hear the band.
By jere
September 7, 2005 12:10 PM | Link to this
georgia will take steve superior down but richt will not run up the score…expect a little letdown after noise st…..31-13
By marshall
September 7, 2005 12:40 PM | Link to this
Georgia should run the score up AS MUCH AS THE SCORE BOARD WILL HOLD.When Spurrier get’s those COCKS ready, he will be merciless. GO TECH!!!!!
By Michael Scharff
September 7, 2005 12:52 PM | Link to this
I hope that our students and fans conduct themselves with class. With all day to “tank up,” I am very worried that some folks may take it upon themselves to hurl foreign objects from the stands at either the Gamecocks or directly at Spurrier. It’s one thing to “Boo” the opponent or, better yet, give them a loud chorus of “Dawg Food” - I’ll be doing the latter myself. But, I hope that all our fans and students follow Coach Richt’s advice that is shown on the video board prior to each game.
By Spanky
September 7, 2005 03:19 PM | Link to this
Go tech? You nerds will be getting your line of b*** soon enough! “Wham!…Thank you sir, may I have another!Wham!…Thank you sir, may I have another!” Savor the ranking sport, cause it won’t last! Now go back to your own blog,and stay there!
By Tony Wag
September 7, 2005 03:21 PM | Link to this
To Micheal Scharff: When has the GA faithful ever thrown anything onto the field or at someone. We are not those type of people. We might give the opponent a piece of our mind (especially Spurrier) but we would never stoop so low as to throw something at him. Take that nonsense elsewhere. I don’t think Richt will run up the score at all. But I think it will be nice to have a good cushioned lead and then send in all of our backups. That would be enough of a slap in the face to Spurrier. Especially if Joe T tosses a TD. Call a TO and send your entire starting unit on the field. When they are halfway on the field, make them turn around and send an entire different unit on the field. It will be a fitting exit for the starters and would draw a huge applause from the stadium.
By Jackets fan
September 7, 2005 03:41 PM | Link to this
There’s only one thing I hate worse than UGA, people who cry about having the score ran up on them. If you don’t like it, then by all means get your defense to stop them. If they can’t stop them, then they should go home. We’re not talking about an NFL team vs. a high school team. We’re talking about two SEC teams, and UGA was at home (which was a rarity in the “cocktail party” era). I honestly don’t know what you guys hate worse, Spurrier talking trash about UGA, or the fact that he was right. Sorry but no blow out for you pups. USC has a defense, as evidenced by all the close outcomes between the dawgs and cocks. And now they have an offense to match.
By Spanky
September 7, 2005 04:22 PM | Link to this
Jackets Fan, don’t you dorks have a game this week? The last time SC came to Athens, they got whipped 30-7! Did you actually WATCH the SC-UCF game? …I didn’t think so! We don’t give a rat’s a*s what you think! I guess your Star Wars action figures got sick of listening to your crap!
By daslicksta
September 7, 2005 04:48 PM | Link to this
While I have as much hatred in my heart for Stevie boy as any DAWG fan should have, the question remains: should Coach Richt lower hisself to Spurrier’s level and run the score up on SC? Why not, if the shoe was on the other foot, I am sure he would if he could, so let the BIG DAWG eat. Crow tastes the same in Athens as it does in Washington Redskins-land.. WOOF WOOF, sic’em
By Bill
September 7, 2005 05:41 PM | Link to this
I think the Yellow Jacket faithful that have been telling the Dawgs to beware of USC should worry about their own game this week…that big win over Auburn will be forgotten real quick if Chan’s guys do their usual flop job after beating a ranked team! In the meantime, I hope Saturday’s game in Athens takes some of the after-taste out of my mouth from Spurrier’s last trip to Sanford…
By Old Gator
September 7, 2005 06:15 PM | Link to this
Well as my name indicates, I am and old Gator, class of ‘61. Here is my take on it. Back in 1942 UGA beat UF 75-0, so Spurrier was justified in putting up 50+ points, heck he should have put up more. We suffered a couple decades when Dooly had our number beating us when he shouldn’t have; “can you say Lensey Scott”. You guys put a lot of hurt on us during that time, so Spurrier was the second coming while it lasted.
Well now that I said that I want to add this, I am glad Carolina has Spurrier and not us, I doubt that he will do much there except be a spoiler. After watching their first game, I am glad we have Urban Meyer. Hey, you guys wouldn’t like us if Billy Graham was our coach, and we will never like you either.
Go Cocks, beat UGA & UT
By joe
September 7, 2005 09:15 PM | Link to this
I was at the 95 game. It started OK for us I seem to remember Fla. fumbling the kick off. We were unable to do anything with it and were sujected to the taunts of all the Florida faithful. I will be happy with a win. It is an SEC game and wins in those games are never guaranteed. If we get a chance to let the younger players play then great.
By Old Gator
September 7, 2005 09:48 PM | Link to this
Joe, you got that right, no SEC game is a sure thing. UF lost to Miss State last year and Old Miss the prior year, plus it seems like Vandy always gives us a fight. Although you guys had your Ray Goff, we had our Ron Zook. Hopefully we (Gators) will have more consistency, as you seem to be having.
By hilliard
September 7, 2005 11:19 PM | Link to this
First, a disclaimer - I am a Georgia Tech alumnus, class of 1984, the early Bill Curry years, dismal years for Tech’s football team. How can Dawg fans be critical of Spurrier for a 52-17 pounding between the hedges? Didn’t you whip hapless Boise State 48-13 less than a week ago? Not to mention the 51-7 crushing of the Jackets 3 years ago. I suppose you can dish it out, but you can’t take it!
By Matthew
September 7, 2005 11:57 PM | Link to this
Hey Bug, we tried to stop scoring on y’all, but you had layed down and given up before the end of the first half. Like a hot knife through butter, y’all offered no resistance. When you’re running up the middle trying to kill the clock to not run up the score, then you break off a 20 yard run, you can’t help it.
By brad
September 8, 2005 01:54 AM | Link to this
To Bill King: does it really matter how many concession stands there are at Sanford Stadium. In all the games I attended as a student in Athens, I don’t recall once going to a concession stand. You’re supposed to eat and drink before the game (that’s what tailgating is all about). Grab a watered down Coke from a roving vendor to soothe your raspy voice and pay attention to the game. That’s what you came for, after all - not for overpriced hotdogs. The only Hot Dawgs that are important are those wearing Red and Black on the playing field…
By BULL OF THE WOODS
September 8, 2005 03:07 AM | Link to this
WOW! SUCH LOUD BARKING FROM THE FLATFACED, BOWLEGGED OCCUPANTS OF THE JUNKYARD.
REMARKABLE! DON’T YOU HAVE TO ACTUALLY WIN TO RUN UP THE SCORE?
AMAZING! USC STILL PLANS TO PARTICIPATE.
SHAZAM! YOUR DADDY’S BACK!!! WEAR CLEAN DRAWERS ‘CAUSE HE MISSES SPANKING YOUR RED *SSES.
PS- HEY SPANKY,TOO MUCH CAFFEINE? JOIN THE OTHER REDNECKS IN THE B*** LINE! BAM! THANK YOU STEVE MAY I HAVE ANOTHER. BAM! WHO’S YOUR DADDY? BAM! GO GAMECOCKS!!! BAM!
JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO GO BACK IN THE WATER.
By Spanky
September 8, 2005 09:07 AM | Link to this
Bull, at least we know how to turn the “Caps Lock” off!
By Rob Hicks
September 8, 2005 10:39 AM | Link to this
Heck, even my Techie brother wants us to run beat the snot out of Spur.
By oldtimer
September 8, 2005 10:47 AM | Link to this
It may well be closer than the 17 point line indicates. Points to consider:
In short, I believe the game will be as close as has been typical for the last 5 years. Spurrier and SC have to win with smoke and mirrors if Georgia plays error free ball (which Richt teams typically do). For the most part, the SC starting lineup is as good as UGA’s, but the difference is in the 2nd and 3rd team players. And that is a drastic difference. Because the two teams play each other early in the season , and injuries are at a minimum, the game is typically close.
Matchups: UGA OL vs. SC DL (UGA wins big) UGA WR vs. SC DB (SC wins) UGA backs vs. SC LB (close, but UGA wins)
SC OL vs. UGA DL (UGA wins big) SC WR vs. UGA DB (SC wins) SC backs vs. UGA LB (UGA wins)
Special teams (UGA wins big)
By Dawg Fan
September 8, 2005 11:39 AM | Link to this
I watched South Carolina play and unless their lines of scrimmage perform a good deal better than they did against UCF it won’t be close. After the initial shock of Spurrier’s offense the UCF defense held up pretty well. In fact, in the second half they dominated. South Carolina has more athletes than Boise and they show up ready for us every year, but unless we lay an egg it’ll be something like 31-10. I’d also like to go on record as saying that Spurrier will never accomplish more than eight or nine wins and mid-level bowls at South Carolina.
By Shock 'em Shockley
September 8, 2005 01:01 PM | Link to this
Steve Orr- From Redskin to Foreskin. It just doesn’t get any better does it Steve-O?
By George Rogers
September 9, 2005 12:50 AM | Link to this
The reason the mutts continue to whine about their a**-whipping in 1995 is that, in their minds, the previous year was 1980, not 1994. Get over it!
Tony Wag: So you were the guy who tried to hit Spurrier with tobacco juice in ‘95…
Spanks the Monkey (Spanky): Where have you been all my life? I missed you! The Star Wars line was actually kind of funny!!! You’re right about us getting whipped the last time we played in Athens, but all that did was break a 3-3 series tie dating back to ‘89 when the two teams play in Athens. It’s not as good a record as the pumpkins have in Athens since then, but we have a chance to even things up Saturday.
Shock’em Shockley: I have to admit, that’s a pretty good one…
By Florida C**
September 9, 2005 09:47 AM | Link to this
Georgia should score as many points as possible this year and if that means running up the score, so be it. Just remember, this is probably the least talented Gamecock team you will face for a long time. So payback will be sweet. Maybe you sould roll over and give up so future whippings won’t be so bad. Nah, do your best, your time is almost up.
By Spanky
September 9, 2005 12:53 PM | Link to this
Georgie, Georgie, has no since, Spurrier’s back,cocks on the fense. “Beware of the dawgs”,Munson will say, Your day of reckoning, is Saturday! ..try that one monkey! our this… Roses are red , violets are blue. Carolina’s done for, just like Lou! See you in Athens, Gymsocks!
By GT
September 9, 2005 01:03 PM | Link to this
Georgia’s recruiting gets better every year. The only college stocking up like UGA is Southern Cal. If you can’t handle this team (and you can’t) big brother is coming next year and he’s twice as big. It’s just a matter of time and Georgia will win another national championship. I wonder if Stevie Wonder didn’t go a little looney tunes after losing in the pros. Richt is recruiting the players he wants in Georgia a state three times as big as South Carolina. South Carolina has to share in-state recruits with Clemson. The player that can’t get any playing time with Georgia may go to SC, but if Richt realy wants him he is going to Ga. Spurrier is 60 years old and frankly some of these kids he is recruiting don’t even know he coached at Florida more less get excited about South Carolina. They know Georgia.
By oldtimer
September 9, 2005 02:00 PM | Link to this
Some may say that Spurrier’s return should be titled, “Return of the Sith.” I hope they are correct. Put your thinking caps on and remember, the Sith ruled for more that 20 years!
Spurrier may be an Evil Genius, but he’s our Evil Genius.
If you can’t beat ‘em, hire ‘em.
Go Gamecocks!
By GT
September 9, 2005 02:58 PM | Link to this
An 80 year old Spurrier throwing his visor and twisting his face would be more than I could take.
By oldtimer
September 9, 2005 03:12 PM | Link to this
GT, that’s the whole point. You can’t take it. BTW, I want SC to return to playing GT.
By Spanky
September 9, 2005 03:27 PM | Link to this
Oldtimer, the “sith” is a fictional character! Are you now gonna tell me that SC will win if the force is with them?…You know, there’s medication for this!
By Big Jimmy
September 9, 2005 04:43 PM | Link to this
It will be nice to see the ol ball in between the hedges GETTIN HIS A$$ WHIPPED BY THE DAWGS!
By GT
September 9, 2005 04:51 PM | Link to this
We’ve let Spurrier in the state one too many times already. What kind of crowd you got coming? Yall still wear all that black garb like you are assassins or something sitting in 90 degree weather sweating your a* off. They’re going to have you way up in the third level so you can get a good view of everything and be close to that sun. All that alcohol you guzzeled is going to pour out of you like the Mississippi River and the bathrooms are at least one level down and through the heart of the Bulldog nation. I’ve heard a lot of those people up there just pee in their pants rather than take that walk. The loudspeakers work real well there especially when Georgia scores which will be a lot and as that buzz you had going turns into a hangover making that speaker rattle your teeth it hurts so bad. And as you are leaving with your limp black pompoms it will take you the same 30 minutes to get down it took you to get up, but it will feel like 2 hours. And don’t worry those Bulldog fans won’t rub in in too bad, they’re already thinking about the next game and your yesterday’s news. Have fun.
By George Rogers
September 9, 2005 05:06 PM | Link to this
Hey GT, with your fascination with urination, I bet you’re a bet wetter. Hope you don’t p** those pretty red pants of yours on Saturday when Spurrier lays another one on y’all.
Spanks the Monkey: You’re a Star Wars fan AND a poet? I want to propose to you right now!!
By BLR
September 9, 2005 10:38 PM | Link to this
UGA should win big, but lets not jump on Stevie yet. Last week they played 23 freshmen and soph’s. They are expected to play 3 more this weekend. I did watch the game and was impressed.We better take SC seriously and here’s why.
By daslicksta
September 9, 2005 10:57 PM | Link to this
I still say that cute little visor hides the circumcison scar… GO DAWGS!
By Dawgbone
September 10, 2005 09:29 AM | Link to this
I was there in ‘95 and it was one of only two games I left before it was over. (The other was Alabama)
Admit it or not, that wound runs deep. Cocky Steve is due to be humbled and this is the perfect venue. I hope he wears a white visor so we can see the grass stains when he tosses it!
It almost looks like he’s going to cry when he does that. What goes around comes around. Today is judgement day for Stevie….Dawgs win BIG!
Dawgbone
By GT
September 10, 2005 10:56 AM | Link to this
Wake up Saturday morning all excited because it’s “hate Spurrier day” in Georgia. It’s a southern thing that only a son of the south would understand. All my yankee friends think I’m crazy and they are probably right, but in this world of political correctness it feels so good to hate, especially Spurrier. To be able to show pure raw hate in the open and not be locked up for it, hell Spurrier should be charging me money for the pleasure of hating him. We have a holliday for Martin Luther King, Columbus, and St.Patrick so we all can come together as a nation and love each other. Christmas, Thankgiving and Easter are along the same logic. Sept.10 is Spurrier day and we all come together to hate one man. Ain’t it great?
By wes
September 10, 2005 11:45 AM | Link to this
Hey, Tech, really hope u dont implode against UNC, but have no reason to believe otherwise. Dawgs will be just fine vs. USC, and the thought of spoiling another season in ATL this November is comforting as well. GO YOU HAIRY DAWGS!!!!!
By GT
September 10, 2005 12:24 PM | Link to this
So much for love
By david
September 11, 2005 01:35 AM | Link to this
Big win DAWG fans, the difference between 3rd & 4th in the SEC East.
By Florida C**
September 11, 2005 08:13 AM | Link to this
Could’a, shoud’a, but didn’t. OH Well. This weeks venom and comments by the “ignorant” against a coach instead of a team just show why you can’t spell “redneck” without proceeding it with GEORGIA. Thank god I wasn’t born in GA. GO COCKS!!!
By Steve
September 11, 2005 10:48 AM | Link to this
Hey Dawg fans, your arrogance almost cost you again last night. DJ a Heisman candidate? WHAT A JOKE!!!! About the only high note for you guys was the run game…And the replays from 1980…
By Dawgbone
September 11, 2005 10:57 PM | Link to this
David…thats a good one. Oh, when was the last time UGA finished 3rd or 4th under Richt?
FL c**k..you lost even with your new super coach…deal with it.
Steve…what do they say about “almost”. What’s your point? Spurriers’ great scheme got him one late 4th quarter TD. Little does Stevie know he has gone to the grave yard for all great coaches who want to end their career. Oh well, he’ll still have his membership at Augusta National.