Bill Curry learning some things hard way at Georgia State
Bill Curry's team already has lost as many games this year (1-5) as it did last season (6-5).
Five straight losses, but not one person has thrown a brick through Bill Curry’s window. There’s a reason for that.
“I don’t think they know where my window is,” he said, smiling.
Obscurity has its advantages. But it’s Season 2 at Georgia State, and reality has hit Curry over the head like a sledgehammer. He turns 69 years old Friday. Football has consumed his post-crawling life, and when he first took on this project he figured there was little left to learn. But there he was Tuesday, using words like “blindsided” and “stunned” when answering questions about his fledgling program’s season. A five-game losing streak wasn’t on the blueprint.
“It’s been a quantum leap in learning for this old guy,” Curry said. “But we’re living in America. We’ve got to win.”
In the shadows of the SEC, ACC and almost everything else, Georgia State has followed a 6-5 first season with a 1-5 start this year. Saturday’s game against South Alabama is homecoming. The fact attendance at home games also has dropped off might be a bigger concern than the product itself, but Curry can’t fix everything. This team poses enough problems.
After an impressive first season, he anticipated the Panthers were ready to step up in competition and face more experienced teams. He was wrong. It mostly has shown in key moments of games, particularly in the fourth quarter. That State has been outscored 57-7 in the final quarter isn’t mere coincidence.
If you’re a proud and competitive individual like Curry, you don’t take this reality well. Maybe a torch-carrying mob hasn’t shown up at his front door or thrown a rock through his window (as one Alabama knucklehead did after only one loss, not five, in 1988). But this has kind of been a shot to his ego. He prides himself on reading people and situations and certainly knowing football.
“I would’ve prepared the guys entirely differently,” he said. “I just believe if I could have anticipated some of these things, I could’ve headed it off. Practicing situations: ‘It’s the fourth quarter. We’re being manhandled. What are you going to do about it?’ It never crossed my mind.”
Curry is taking one for the team. Great coaches do things like this. Fact is, no matter what Curry did, most of these growing pains were inevitable. The Panthers are so early in the building process and they’re working with athletes who are in this program for a reason. Maybe a more established team thought they were too small, or too slow, or not smart enough. Maybe there was a question about toughness, resolve or leadership.
That’s not meant to be a knock at the players. Every team has them. The difference at major programs is they’re mixed among the elite. There are others to lead them. There are others to say, “Hey, this is what we did four years ago.” There are alumni to say, “This is what we did back in ’62.”
Curry has more stories than anybody. He has stories spanning Bobby Dodd to Vince Lombardi. But without a program resume to draw from, run-through-a-wall speeches about potential have their limitations in Year 2.
It was a good start. Georgia State opened the season with a 41-7 win over Clark Atlanta. But then came a pounding in the Georgia Dome by Old Dominion 40-17. The Panthers played the Monarchs last season, and they’re only in their third season themselves. Two weeks later, State was leveled by Houston 56-0, but Curry lamented: “We were really stunned before we ever get to Houston. We were stunned by Old Dominion. Our confidence was shaken. We’re still fighting out of that.”
The old coach added, “We will learn how to win again.”
He says he’s not going anywhere. His five-year commitment to the start-up program runs through next season, and he said nothing that has happened changes that.
“I’ll be 70 next year, but I don’t feel old. I feel good,” he said. “I still get up at five and go to work. I’m not going to tell you that it hasn’t been surprisingly difficult, but it’s been so worth doing.”
A win would make him feel better. Somebody may find his office one day.
By Jeff Schultz
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211 comments Add your comment
Paddy
October 19th, 2011
6:46 am
There is no coverage of Ga Southern in the AJC because the AJC does not deliver papers to that area of the state. Have not for years!
dawgma
October 19th, 2011
6:58 am
What as Curry thinking? Just shows that football coach blood is even stronger (and dumber) that Charlie Sheen’s drug ridden tiger blood.
Only that explains why Curry agrees to take on the huge task of building a football program at a day school university with no campus, facilities, or sports heritage. C R A Z Y!
dawgpoo
October 19th, 2011
7:22 am
Stay with it Coach Curry! You are still the right MAN for Ga State.Hope you are still coaching when my Son gets in 2017!
Go Panthers!!
October 19th, 2011
7:32 am
Seems likely that Curry’s purpose is to build the foundation for Georgia State’s program and, hopefully, eventual move to FBS.
Sure. the results on the field aren’t wonderful this year and attendance is down.
But will this season matter in 5 years if the program is winning, seating 20K+ and playing in an FBS conference?
You almost have to consider this season a lost cause and start thinking about 2012 when we enter CAA play.
WaitASec
October 19th, 2011
7:34 am
Paddy- AJC doesn’t deliver to Athens either, how much UGA coverage is there?
FootballManiac
October 19th, 2011
7:36 am
Curry is a good coach! His record at schools may not indicate it as such but I’m sure behind the scenes he is doing great things for Georgia Southern!
Tom
October 19th, 2011
7:40 am
Happy early birthday wishes to Coach Curry (Friday, Oct 21)……many happy returns!
Really?
October 19th, 2011
7:46 am
Obviously the remedial reading classes at Georgia Southern had little impact on its graduates. The title of the article does not say GSU, it’s Georgia State. A refresher course at one of the on-line night schools seems needed for these folks. And, BTW, Georgia Southern became a University AFTER Georgia State. That’s why the Georgia State logo says ‘The Real GSU’.
randy ray
October 19th, 2011
8:04 am
nobody gives a damn about college football at this level,are you listening kennesaw state,i would rather go see my local high school team than georgia state
The GSU with 6 Rings
October 19th, 2011
8:08 am
@Really? You obviously know nothing about Georgia Southern. Your program is failing at swimming in the kiddy pool, you decide to make ignoramus comments about a school you know nothing about. We may have become a Unviersity after Ga State did, but we became a real football team before you were even thought of. First off… please win something before you start talking about “wait until we move to the BCS level… btw your only win is against Clark Atlanta. I don’t post about Southern on the AJC very often, but I will when liptards like Really? start spouting garbage.
GSUFan
October 19th, 2011
8:23 am
Remember, for all your Georgia State football needs, call
1-800-GSU-WINS
Itsmeagain
October 19th, 2011
8:35 am
@the real gsu has 6 students;
Nobody said any of that. Did you actually read what he wrote? He didn’t even say anything about football. Why are you so upset? Is your university not good enough for you to let it stand for yourself without spouting off ridiculous stuff that nobody has said? It doesn’t matter what our record is this year, I would never sink as low as this guy.
Birddawg
October 19th, 2011
8:37 am
I don’t think Curry is a very good coach.Gsu could have done better.
Don
October 19th, 2011
8:43 am
“Curry is taking one for the team. Great coaches do things like this.”
Curry played for a couple of great coaches (Dodd & Lombardi) but his career win-loss record clearly shows that he isn’t one, no matter how many sportswriters want to pretend otherwise.
Whiskey Breath
October 19th, 2011
8:47 am
There was no brick thrown in Curry’s office in TTown. Curry fabricated the story. Think I am wrong?
Please show me one human being that can callaborate the story.
pride
October 19th, 2011
8:57 am
Enter your comments here
Americus Jacket
October 19th, 2011
8:58 am
He’ll have many horrible seasons, have 1 good one, and then leave the program. (Oh, that’s what he did at Tech.)
DC
October 19th, 2011
9:00 am
well heck Schultz…if you are going to report on Ga State..why not do a piece on West GA? or Valdosta state? or GA Southern? or Gordon College? or…
pride
October 19th, 2011
9:05 am
itsmeagain….
Excellent point…. I agree we are popular…have you noticed the billboard on 75 North after the 120 loop.
It reads “GA Southern is ranked as a popular University”. That is hilarious to me…. Southern has a great football team and they are popular. I’m laughing about it right now. That’s kind of like Eddie Murphy and the Chinese Food Restaurant…”What a Bargain!”
FalconsFlyHigh
October 19th, 2011
9:05 am
Nothing like some D2 football coverage from Schultz to start my day off!
GSU
October 19th, 2011
9:07 am
@Pride-
Georgia Southern was recently named one of the top 5 Most Popular Universities in the nation by the US News and World Report.
I’ll take their word for it.
The GSU with 6 Rings
October 19th, 2011
9:09 am
@Pride… I bet its not as hard as I am laughing at your ONLY win against ATLANTA CLARK! ONLY WIN! HAIL SOUTHERN!
DC
October 19th, 2011
9:12 am
They were going to go with GA Southern, a popular place to get an STD..but they thought that wouldn’t go well with people…but truth hurts..and it also comes back again and again and again….
Black Coffee & Bourbon
October 19th, 2011
9:12 am
If Georgia State is having a rough time this year, it’ll only get worse when they join the CAA. The Colonial is arguably the best FCS conference in the nation. In fact, it’s better ball than the Sun Belt, an FBS conference. I wish Coach Curry luck, but it’s a tough road.
Also, comparing Ga. State to GSU is crazy talk. Southern has multiple national championships, a great on campus facility and fans who pack the seats. State has a lot of work to do to be on Southern’s level.
The GSU with 6 Rings
October 19th, 2011
9:13 am
Also… speaking of popularity… Ga State has TERRIBLE attendance in ATLANTA. Talk about popularity.
pride
October 19th, 2011
9:13 am
Ga State became GSU in 1969.
Georgia Southern became GSU in 1990.
Southern has 20,000 students where State has 31,533
Coach’s Resume
Bill Curry
Head football coach at Georgia State University (2008- 2011)
Head football coach at the Georgia Tech (1980–1986)
Head football coach at the University of Alabama (1987–1989)
Head football coach at the University of Kentucky (1990–1996)
Assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers (1977-1979)
Played football at Georgia Tech (1962–1964)
Played 10 seasons in the NFL with four different teams:
Green Bay Packers (1965–1966),
Baltimore Colts (1967–1972),
Houston Oilers (1973)
Los Angeles Rams (1974)
Championships:
1 SEC Championship (1989)
Awards
Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award (1989)
Amos Alonzo Stagg Award (2007)
ACC Coach of the Year (1985)
2x SEC Coach of the Year (1987, 1989)
Football analyst for ESPN
Director of the Leadership Baylor program at Baylor School
Place of Birth: Georgia
Joey
October 19th, 2011
9:14 am
A blog on Georgia State doesn’t quite get it done, eh Jeff?
I’ve got it!
How about something new like, “Grantham is stupid and needs to be suspended?” Oh wait . . .
I just hope he read that crap, and the next time you and your cohort (MB) try to get a quote from him, he just laughs at the two of you.
Now, back to Georgia State . . .
DC
October 19th, 2011
9:16 am
GA Southern fills their stadium b/c all the 19 yr old girls have to put their babies in the seats next to them…
The GSU with 6 Rings
October 19th, 2011
9:19 am
@Pride… I’m getting a kick out of this… hahahahaha… I’m sure Redskins fans did the same thing when they got Steve Spurrier… and when Seahawks fans got Pete Carroll. And Southern was founded in 1906 bwt…
The GSU with 6 Rings
October 19th, 2011
9:20 am
btw*
Why are you angry?
October 19th, 2011
9:21 am
Hey “The GSU with 6 Rings”
When you get done changing my oil could you replace my wind shield wipers too.
For all the Southern trolls show some class and act like you been there.
State fans could care less about Southerns success, but for some reason your jealous of ours and voice it on the GSU blogs. Your undefeated and have a great opportunity to win another Championship this year….why are you guys so angry?
No you've done it
October 19th, 2011
9:29 am
Funny… GaState through the first punch at Southern. Win something before you start yout “where ismy pizza”. I went to Southern and make over 6 figures and I graduated from Southern.
cobboldschool
October 19th, 2011
9:30 am
Hey, what happened to the QB from Brookwood. With all the QB issues can that guy not play, he was a very good high school QB. I think his name is Ben McClain
No you've done it
October 19th, 2011
9:30 am
droids auto correct sucks
The GSU with 6 Rings
October 19th, 2011
9:34 am
Not mad at all.. I just like to see delusional fans go crazy. I love it! Ghetto State don’t even deserve to carry our jock-straps. HAIL SOUTHERN!
GSU
October 19th, 2011
9:34 am
Georgia Southern had 2 national championships in their first 5 years in 1-AA football.
Georgia State MIGHT have 2 winning seasons in their first 5 years of FCS football.
Mike
October 19th, 2011
9:43 am
Bill Curry is a class act and a great man. Any school should feel priviledged to have him. State will be OK. It takes time. I wish Curry all the best.
#7 on the Horizon
October 19th, 2011
9:43 am
Georgia Southern fans are some of the best in FCS. We don’t hate the people from App. State, Wofford, Deleware ,or Ga. State, we just hate any team (not people) that we play or could have to play at any point in the future. We are just an angry bunch with a lot of passion. I heard someone make the comment last weekend that Georgia Southern fans are like the LSU fans, just on a smaller scale. SEC fans can tell you about those fans. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, but I can say that we love our football team in Statesboro, and for good reason……..6 national titles and #1 in the country.
Ybor City
October 19th, 2011
9:44 am
~ Chris Hatcher ~ is the answer!
GSU is in Atlanta
October 19th, 2011
9:45 am
Call it ghetto all you want, but if you want to laugh make sure you note that GSU is one of the 4 research universities in GA and Southern is just a regional university (and always will be).
The GSU with 6 Rings
October 19th, 2011
9:49 am
“I’m gonna say it one more time. We are Georgia Southern. Our colors are blue and white. We call ourselves the Bald Eagles. We call our offense the Georgia Power Company…and that’s a terrific name for an offense. Our snap count is “rate, hike”. We practice on the banks of Beautiful Eagle Creek and that’s in Statesboro, Georgia–the gnat capital of America. Our weekends begin on Thursday. The co-eds outnumber the men 3 to 2. They’re all good looking and they’re all rich. And folks, you just can’t beat that… And you just can’t beat Georgia Southern. And you ain’t seen nothin yet.” -Erk Russell
nelson ash
October 19th, 2011
9:51 am
Curry is a JOKE! He is the only clown in town that would take the job.
Panther Town
October 19th, 2011
9:57 am
I doubt that Georgia State “through” the first punch on its own blog. Champions don’t troll blogs of brand new football programs. Georgia Southern has won 6 championships, but you’d never know it from how its fans act.
By the way, how many other sports teams is Georgia Southern competing with for fans in Statesboro? Georgia State is in Atlanta. Maybe you football fans in Statesboro have heard of Georgia and Georgia Tech, which also happen to play football on Saturdays. It’s an uphill battle for GSU, but Georgia Southern is looking and acting VERY attention-starved. Brag about your success elsewhere, and stop looking so desperate.
GSU
October 19th, 2011
9:59 am
Uh, Georgia Southern is a research University also…nice try though.
WesDawg
October 19th, 2011
10:01 am
Jeff, Please punch Mark Bradley in the face. That is all.
Nope
October 19th, 2011
10:03 am
“how many other sports teams is Georgia Southern competing with for fans in Statesboro?” Yikes… sounds like an excuse to me… Lets assume an average of 15,000 go to your games…. Metro Atlanta has a population of 5,268,860 per 2010 figures. Thats ALL you can pull? Please.
Panther Town
October 19th, 2011
10:12 am
Yikes, sounds like market economics to me. And not everyone is a football fan, or even an adult.
DC
October 19th, 2011
10:15 am
drinking and STDs..thats what GA SOUTHERN does! nummmm numm num num
RoguePanther
October 19th, 2011
10:18 am
You can’t teach old dogs new tricks. The coaches are old, the student atheletes are always new.
Enough said, I support the football program though.
I will be there at the dorm to support my struggling team.
Do the best, Panthers.
GSU
October 19th, 2011
10:22 am
Losing at football and avoiding the homeless, that’s what Georgia State does.