Who you for, UGA fans? The Evil Genius or Nick UnFairley?
"Good luck, Stevie boy. We're all counting on you." (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
Three years ago yours truly paid a midweek visit to Columbia, S.C., for Steve Spurrier’s weekly briefing. Toward the end, I mentioned that a brand new AJC.com poll had just reconfirmed that the Ol’ Ball Coach was — ahead of even Urban Meyer, who was coming off a BCS title — the man Georgia fans most loved to hate.
“Glad they haven’t forgotten me,” said Spurrier, who seemed pleased.
Postscript: Four days later, Spurrier and South Carolina came to Sanford Stadium and beat Georgia 16-12.
The Bulldogs have nothing to do with this year’s SEC championship game, which will be staged Saturday at the Georgia Dome. (Fun fact: Seven different SEC schools have qualified for the title game since last Georgia did in 2005.) But Spurrier will be here, and he might actually be the sentimental favorite. Because here are your choices:
• In one corner, the Evil Genius and his Gamecock minions, who are new to this championship thing.
• In the other, RoboCoach Gene Chizik and Nick UnFairley and, lest we forget, Cam Newton.
Loading ...Auburn fans love their team. Almost nobody else does. Let’s state for the record that Newton is the nation’s best player and Fairley its best defender, but we also must concede that the Tigers lead the world in irrational exuberance.
This isn’t to say South Carolina has been without sin. Tight end Weslye Sanders was kicked off the team without playing a down this season, and several Gamecocks apparently got the William Shatner rate at Columbia’s Whitney Hotel over the summer. And that “2001″ introduction at Williams-Brice Stadium was pretty tired back in … well, 2001.
But Auburn, as we know, has become the new standard in raised eyebrows, what with Fairley’s repeated slams of Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray (see YouTube video below) to the series of revelations/allegations that led to Newton being declared ineligible by Auburn. (He was re-instated, after a timeout of one day, by the NCAA.)
Viewed alongside strutting Auburn, the Gamecocks seem rather gentlemanly. So now I’m asking a question I never thought I’d ask: Georgia fans, are you rooting for Spurrier?
Or, put another way, is there really a cold front bearing down on Hades?
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935 comments Add your comment
Jan Kemp
December 3rd, 2010
12:49 pm
Can’t we all just get along?
JB
December 3rd, 2010
12:49 pm
AU losing 4 senior lineman this year. Good time next year to introduce the new AU QB to Jarvis Jones on a blitz every play and see if they can block. You’ll know him soon. I know LSU and Arkansas can’t wait.
Bear Bryant
December 3rd, 2010
12:50 pm
Damned worms …… get out of here!
Geneo Cheese Stick
December 3rd, 2010
12:52 pm
I’m planning on planting a big wet one on Cam after we win.
Camenstein
December 3rd, 2010
12:52 pm
@ARDawg
You are missing the point, my loyalty as a fan has no impact. I can think, say and do whatever I want on this board and no one in a position of responsibility at any school, the NCAA or the SEC will care.
Fan loyalty is not a slippery slope or dangerous, especially for fans at our level (unless someone attempts to threaten me and my family for it for whatever reason, but that would not impact the program)
As a fan, all I can do is hope that everything is above board and continue to pull for my alma mater until it is proven that something egregious involving the University did happen. If it turns out that something did and they get punished do I find someone else to cheer for or do I suck it up and cheer on the rebuilding process?
Average fans like us have zero real influence on what actually happens at any program.
payscale
December 3rd, 2010
12:57 pm
@Your Breath
Auburn University
Starting Salary
$44,800
Mid Career Salary
$87,400
University of Georgia (UGA)
Starting Salary
$42,100
Mid Career Salary
$78,400
These are facts, and they look pretty close to me. Auburn and UGA have no business comparing academics, and do you really want to invite Tech fans into that conversation?
The one Bama fan WITH all his teeth
December 3rd, 2010
12:58 pm
Congratulations, gentlemen! You have all trolled successfully! Fame and fortune are now yours! Please collect your prizes at the door.
ARdawg
December 3rd, 2010
12:58 pm
Camenstein
I am not missing the point however I am afraid you are. Not that it matters but, did you attend AU? You are obviously a fan of AU so think for just a minute. If the allegations are true, the immediate impact on the University and the Football program will be very severe. Do you trust Cam, Cecil, Chizak and Bobby Lowder’s word? It is only at the risk of the future of your university.
It was a yes or no question btw
tvwatcher
December 3rd, 2010
1:03 pm
In 2004 AU got the shaft big time, and had the support of the entire SEC, including me.
The difference this year is that we now know that they are a bunch of cheaters. Any win this season is tainted-you are completely undeserving.
Dawg H8R
December 3rd, 2010
1:03 pm
GO GAMECOCKS!!!!!!!!
Flowery Branch Dawgs
December 3rd, 2010
1:03 pm
USC and Spurrier are 10x classier than Auburn!!!! Every Dawg I know is pulling for the ‘Cocks!!!
You go ‘Cocks!!! Beat the heck out of Auburn!!!!
War Eagle/Aubie-won-ka-nobie/AU Fan/Auburn Redhead
December 3rd, 2010
1:05 pm
Any of you want to be my friend on facespace? Please I only have 2 friend.
Camenstein
December 3rd, 2010
1:06 pm
@AR
What does it matter what I think?
If I support them and hope its going to be ok, or if I rail against them in the face of allegations and uncertainty?
It is not going to influence the outcome of the situation or the potential punishment.
You act like a fan choosing which side of the fence to be on makes a difference.
It doesnt, like I said, we have no influence.
BP85
December 3rd, 2010
1:11 pm
I definitely hope the Game-Cocks beat the ‘Almost-Legal-War-Eagles’. Auburn has got dirt on their hands and been running a dirty program for years. It’s finally paying some short term dividends that will swiftly fade once the truth is discovered and proven. And then the sanctions. Heaven forbid there’s a title and Heisman to be stripped.
Go Cocks! You are the only legal team that’s competing in Atlanta this weekend.
ARdawg
December 3rd, 2010
1:12 pm
Camenstein
No one has asked you to rail against your team. Look around at the WDE fans on these blogs. The blind loyalty is quite evident. They do not give one fat rats azz if the AU football program or the university goes down as a result of possible cheating.
I know you guys. I am almost one of you but I am a Georgia Bulldog fan. If that situation were reversed, I’d be scared as Shat about my program right now. What you “think” largely is projected in your actions and yes, what you as an AU fan “thinks” very much does matter.
TBD
December 3rd, 2010
1:12 pm
Still hate Spurrier, but you gotta pull for the Cocks! Been a Dawg fan for 30+ years and just can’t stand the fact that Auburn has a shot at the National Championship. GO COCKS !
Dawn P
December 3rd, 2010
1:13 pm
“The Evil Genius and his Gamecock minions…” Quite possibly the best line in the AJC…ever.
And as a Clemson Tiger, I think I’m going to have to pull for those a-hole Auburn Tigers. Now, we just need a rifle to take out that war freakin’ eagle…
bulldog bubba
December 3rd, 2010
1:13 pm
Hope the old Ball Coach beats Scam Newton and his “NCAA lOVIN’” Tigers.Its all about how the money.
Billyboy
December 3rd, 2010
1:16 pm
Farley is a fart, and the evil genius is bad breath. They are both hot air and smell bad. If I had to choose I rather put my face in front of someone’s face rather than the other end.
makesnosense
December 3rd, 2010
1:19 pm
I’d rather see Auburn win. The SEC would definitley be in the NC game under this scenario.
Richt = overrated
Spurier = overrated (10 years ago..in a galaxy far, far away a championship was won…LMAO.)
Hannah
December 3rd, 2010
1:20 pm
Scam Newton will win, unfortunately.
War Eagle/Aubie-won-ka-nobie/AU Fan/Auburn Redhead
December 3rd, 2010
1:21 pm
me cant wait to see my man crush scam blow kisses to the crowd tomorrow. me have my box of tissues ready. war Scam eagle
MRuc
December 3rd, 2010
1:22 pm
I’d pay 180K to see Fairly clean Mark’s clock….or any other UGA poor loser
AU Alum
December 3rd, 2010
1:22 pm
Whatever happened to journalism? A biased article with the title including immature name calling? Grow up Bradley!
Get Over It
December 3rd, 2010
1:22 pm
As an Auburn alum, I personally don’t care who UGA pulls for. I was at the Auburn-Georgia game. Yes, Nick Fairley made a late hit and was pentalized. Georgia would have had to punt if not for the penalty. UGA went on and scored. I would also like to mention a few of the classless things I witnessed. First, UGA players dancing on our logo, the band playing your fight song during a presentation by Auburn of alums who have served in the Gulf War, the UGA players laying on top of Fairley punching him, the UGA bench being cleared during the fight or the UGA coaches telling a player walking off the field to lie down “hurt” so UGA could get a time-out. I don’t think all that was shown on t.v. I have been going to Auburn games for 20 years never seen anything like it.
For four years you guys beat us…didn’t happen this year…Get Over It.
John
December 3rd, 2010
1:26 pm
Seems a sad-damned day indeed when a Dawg fan being asked to choose between anybody and the ‘Ol Ball Coach is a non-rhetorical question. You have to ask?
I guess in this case, yeah. You do.
Well here’s one vote for Carolina all the way. My enemy’s enemy is my friend. And my enemy is a pack of inveterate football cheats and animal husbandry majors wallowing in their latest bout of Faustian-induced euphoria.
Go Carolina.
Why?
December 3rd, 2010
1:27 pm
All the jealousy of Allbarners of UGA? All of this is a Auburn issue not UGA.
MRuc
December 3rd, 2010
1:27 pm
Hey Mark was that you with Evans when he got busted…..?
BRUCE BROWN
December 3rd, 2010
1:27 pm
I’m a Gator and I’m a big Spurrier supporter but I want to see the SEC win the National Title so I will hope to see that other orange n blue team win it all. Too bad that Cam did the things he did at Florida we maybe in the race with him, right now we suck but we still can beat the Dawgs
S GA AU FAN
December 3rd, 2010
1:29 pm
Ok thUGA fans go back to work your trailer lot rent was due two days ago.
Dawn P
December 3rd, 2010
1:29 pm
“The Evil Genius and his Gamecock minions…” Quite possibly the best line in the AJC…ever.
As a Clemson Tiger, I’m going to have to go with those other Tigers. You know, the ones that cheat. Now to find a rifle for that war freakin’ eagle…
Love
December 3rd, 2010
1:32 pm
trailer park jokes coming from AUers. Very comical.
Martini
December 3rd, 2010
1:33 pm
Cam “plagerism on my stolen laptop” Newton sux.
Cecil “Pimp Daddy” Newton sux.
Gene Cheswick sux.
I bet a nickle.
Nick “I’d be in prison if it weren’t for this” Fairley sux.
Booby Lowder sux.
Alabama dog racing sux.
Trooper Taylor sux.
Aubie sux. (the eagle is cool though)
I-20 west sux.
I bet a dime.
Jeff Schultz sux.
Pat Dye sux (and is a traitor).
Jordan Hare sux.
Tim Tucker sux.
Cynthia Tucker sux.
Nurse Ratched sux.
Coach Fish Fry sux.
Georgia Tech sux.
Dr. Martini
2008 Pre-Season #1
December 3rd, 2010
1:34 pm
I guess I’ll go with South Carolina since they’ve never been to one of these. I won’t cry either way. I think conference loyalty is overrated, though. If Auburn goes to the National Champ. game I will root for the opponent, even though I like Georgia. I couldn’t bring myself to root for Florida in the championship a few years ago against Ohio State but can’t stand Ohio State either. I watched about 10 min. of that game.
Camenstein
December 3rd, 2010
1:34 pm
@AR
I will say I appreciate the fact that someone does care.
So out of my respect for your respect of my opinion I will say this:
The first time I heard about this situation it was devastating, your heart sinks, you think the worst.
You hope to all that is holy that this staff, one that is so new, would have the good sense to not go out on a limb and break rules for just one player.
You think about how the fans of every other school are going to come at you with their guns blazing, throwing their entire arsenal at you.
So i tried to take as pragmatic as an approach as an AU fan could, I waited for facts, findings and official announcements. Thus far it has turned out ok in that regard. I think that any Auburn fan has always felt the potential for significant punishment in the back of their mind whether they admit it or not (mainly because of a rogue booster), but there hasnt been a reason to dwell on it yet.
Was my loyalty worth it, so far yes, this is has been a pretty amazing season and you do your best to enjoy it and enjoy watching the best college football player I personally have ever seen. At the same time you have the understanding that other fans out there will do their best to make sure that you dont enjoy any of it.
I completely care about the program and do not share the win at all costs opinion that some people might have. Its just that in my biased opinion, I havent seen anything solid that makes me believe incontrovertibly, that the staff did anything to put the university at risk. And as a supporter, I have to believe that until something official comes out. If I was to not give them the benefit of the doubt and throw them under the bus and it turned out that they were innocent, what kind of a fan would I be.
You can say I have my head in the sand and to that I will say, what do you expect me to do? Im not one of the people that says that everything is rainbows and puppies, but I cant control what has happened or what will happen, so I will enjoy it until something really bad comes down, like Auburn paid. At which point I will lose my appetite for everything AU and become a Ga State fan, go panthers.
marcus
December 3rd, 2010
1:36 pm
why don’t you get off the auburn horse? you’ve rode it long enough. the opinions i’ve read in the past, reaffirm what i’ve always felt. you are an out and out racist. you ride any and every black athlete you can, that’s just a fundamental part of your nature. why don’t you talk about the fact that there are less black students at the university of georgia than there are at any sec school? why don’t you ever look into the practices of the braves and their front office in their inability to sign or bring in black (non-hispanic) players. you rode woodson out of dodge and even though it may be attributed to his ineptness as a game day coach, hewitt is in your sights. i love this guy! he keeps black people on their toes. he makes us realize that “hidden racism” is not really hidden, when the deliverer is as open as you are. my man! my ace! slime like you will have a place in my “birth of a nation” hall of fame.
MRuc
December 3rd, 2010
1:36 pm
John
AU is “wallowing” (nice word) in victory while you sufficate in defeat. The east stinks as bad as Bradley’s article.
DC
December 3rd, 2010
1:36 pm
Why?, then why is Nick Fairley being brought up?…
marcus
December 3rd, 2010
1:37 pm
Enter your comments here
Blutto
December 3rd, 2010
1:37 pm
My God, which school sucks more Auburn, South Carolina or GT…I’m gonna have to think on this for a while.
marcus
December 3rd, 2010
1:39 pm
f georgia and you…
i hope auburn beats the crap out of south carolina
Joe Morrison
December 3rd, 2010
1:40 pm
Man in Black here……I’ll be looking down from mup above, smoking a cigarette, pacing heaven’s sideline and rooting some Black Magic on those Gamecocks!
Roger Pat
December 3rd, 2010
1:40 pm
No question- will be pulling for SoCa. UGA fans used to hate Spurrier, but I think most would say they appreciate his humor much more now that he is at harmless South Carolina, and you gotta respect his ability to get to the SEC championship without paying any players. AU has a “pro” QB who jumps around like a showboating fool before and after every game, and has the dirtiest defensive player in the history of the SEC. Did anyone see him press down his elbow on McElroys throat as he got up from tacking him?
megan
December 3rd, 2010
1:41 pm
Despite the fact that I always have and always will hate him, I still respect Steve Spurrier and believe he is good for the SEC! Auburn and Cam Newton I have lost all respect for. Go Gamecocks and put an end to this debacle that is happening on the plains! And for all of you thinking I’m an Auburn hater, I was extremely vociferous in your favor when you got shut out of the NC in 2004. This time around, Cam Newton,his father, and the NCAA have embarrassed not only the SEC but all of college football!
DC
December 3rd, 2010
1:41 pm
Whats the temperature like in Memphis right now?
JdawgT
December 3rd, 2010
1:50 pm
GO S.Carolina !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KIDD HUFF
December 3rd, 2010
1:52 pm
2 beautiful words…
TOUCHDOWN AUBURN
Gator Man
December 3rd, 2010
1:52 pm
I have been reading the blogs and was curious as to why there are so many Auburn people on during the middle of the day. Then it suddenly dawned on me that I got a notice last week that my trash would no longer be picked up on Fridays because the company I use will no longer be open on Friday. Duh!!!!! since you have the day off why not go up to your local library and borrow a computer and blog!!!
Time to go now I do have a Board of Director’s meeting to attend!
Go USC!!!!!
Bull Doggy Dog
December 3rd, 2010
1:53 pm
I am undecided, I want Auburn to win, so a SEC team could be in the BCS Championship again, but part of me don’t want Auburn to win because they are our mortal enemies. I didn’t like FLA’s Spurier, but I am ok with SC’s Spurrier. Also, I like what Spurrier has done with the Gamecocks, and he has built that program from the ground up, so part of me would like to see SC upset Auburn. P.S Nick Farley is a Dirty Low Down Fat Piece of Garbage.
Cobb Dawg
December 3rd, 2010
1:53 pm
They’re filming a new show in Alabama in the style of Mayberry, RFD. It’s called Auburn, PFP. Guess who’s playing Andy and Opie.