Live from the SEC title game, now a place for Gamecocks
If I knew words to the South Carolina fight song, I'd sing it now. (Photo by M. Bradley)
Not that I have anything against Auburn fans — like I always say, Auburn fans are the best in the world! — but I begin today’s live proceedings with a special shout-out to the folks in garnet and black.
South Carolina, you are here.
I didn’t think your team could make it. Lee Corso didn’t think your team could make it. I’m sure there were times — probably in 2007 and 2008 when he was losing to Vandy — when Steve Spurrier didn’t think his team could make it. But here I sit in Ye Olde Dome, and there it is down below: “Carolina” painted in one end zone. (If you don’t believe, photographic evidence is supplied above.)
Auburn has been here before — three times, winning once. Arkansas has made it twice. Mississippi State has even graced this game, but until today the SEC East has always been represented by Florida, Tennessee or Georgia. (Most often the former, as I’m guessing you’re aware.) South Carolina taking its division isn’t quite like the Mets winning the World Series in 1969, but it’s not far off.
Fun with numbers: In its football, which dates to 1892, South Carolina has won 10 games in a season once — in 1984 under Joe Morrison, when it won at Notre Dame and Clemson but lost at Navy. It has won nine games twice — in 2001 under Lou Holtz and this season. It has won as many bowl games as a program (four) as Jim Donnan won in five seasons as Georgia’s coach. (And Donnan got fired, not long after Quincy Carter threw five interceptions and the Bulldogs lost at, ahem, South Carolina.)
The Gamecocks have won only one league championship — the ACC in 1969 — and they’re on their third league. Even this year they cut it close, nearly squandering a strong start by losing to Kentucky, which is difficult to do in any season, and then to Arkansas at home.
But they made it. The Evil Genius and his minions went to Gainesville and whomped the Urban Crier, and the other USC now finds itself in the A-T-L. And the nicest part about that is that long-suffering Gamecock fans suffer no longer.
It was one of life’s great mysteries, right up there with the riddle of Stonehenge and the popularity of Jay Leno: Why did Gamecock fans keep coming back? Their team was the unchallenged master of the cosmic flop, and yet Williams-Brice Stadium was always full. Any neutral who suggested a given year might actually be different for the garnet and black was met with a sneering dismissal from every SEC outpost save Columbia: “Have you never heard of the Chicken Curse?”
Turns out it took an Evil Genius to override the Chicken Curse. Turns out Spurrier knew what he was doing, even if it did take him a while to do it. Turns out South Carolina is playing today to win the conference that prides itself as the nation’s finest.
The Gamecocks aren’t supposed to win this game — I think they’ll prevail, not that I’m ever right about anything — but I’m guessing they don’t much care about perception. They weren’t supposed to get here at all.
And with that, the floor is again open for questions, comments and nominations for Gene Chizik as quipster of the year. I’ll be here all day, and I’d be obliged if you’d join me. And just so my Auburn pals don’t think I’m ignoring them … here’s a photo of the other end zone. War Eagle!
"War Eagle, fly down the field, ever to conquer, never to yield." (Photo by M. Bradley)
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983 comments Add your comment
NCAA
December 4th, 2010
8:01 pm
Take the money and run
Ramguy
December 4th, 2010
8:02 pm
OK Auburn head to AZ and don’t let the SEC down….try to overcome your troll fans.
tha' Pride of College Park
December 4th, 2010
8:02 pm
Did all you dawg fans enjoy seeing me play tonight?
Mark Bradley the Bulldog Homer
December 4th, 2010
8:02 pm
J Johmson, you are not too bitter are you? LOL! 49 – 31! and SEC Champs! Deal with it!
gordonguy1969
December 4th, 2010
8:02 pm
Alright, I don’t want to read anymore of anyone’s comments about the “stupid decisions CMR” made. Let me get this straight – you’ve just pulled within 7 points of a highly explosive offense. Your team has some confidence getting ready to go into the locker room. So what does “the ole’ ball coach” decide to do? Squib kick, great field position with 20 or so seconds left for said explosive offense to move it down the field. And they do. Spurrier lost this game on the last play of the first half. As you Richt haters love to point out – he was outcoached. Too bad Bobo wasn’t calling the plays so you could have him to blame (although I’m sure some of you will find a way).
Law Dog
December 4th, 2010
8:03 pm
It appears Mississippi State should have paid Newton what he wanted.
Jeff
December 4th, 2010
8:03 pm
JJhonson, you have no idea who I root for. You also have no credibility to call Auburn fans classless. You are arrogant and classless. I’m a Tennessee fan.
NCAA
December 4th, 2010
8:04 pm
Cam= bust in the NFL. Just like J. Russell
DodgerDAWG
December 4th, 2010
8:04 pm
Hard to type from a 41 yr old SEC fan (born and Bred JunkYard DAWG)….but GO DUCKS
tha' Pride of College Park
December 4th, 2010
8:04 pm
Did all you dawg fans enjoy the game tonight?
Smoke
December 4th, 2010
8:04 pm
Why do UGA fans want Cam/Auburn to be guilty?
Cammy Cam Juice
December 4th, 2010
8:04 pm
I will be at your local stores first thing tomorow morning for $1.95 per bottle.
DodgerDAWG
December 4th, 2010
8:05 pm
Cannot support Slive and his corruption anymore…Always UGA but no more SEC
Smoke
December 4th, 2010
8:05 pm
Way to pull for the SEC there DodgerDawg…stay classy.
DodgerDAWG
December 4th, 2010
8:05 pm
Smoke…Easy answer…(IMO) cause HE IS
War Cam Eagle!
December 4th, 2010
8:06 pm
Hey Bradley and Thuga Nation,
Go ahead an pull for Oregon! We don’t care! And Nick Fairley sends his regards and hopes y’all have fun at the Liberty Bowl.
Smoke
December 4th, 2010
8:06 pm
DodgerDawg…awesome…we’ve all been waiting on the facts to come out…since you already know, please share your info.
War Cam Eagle!
December 4th, 2010
8:07 pm
DodgerDawg, bless your little heart! Why don’t you get out the Herschel Walker tapes?
JJhonson
December 4th, 2010
8:08 pm
Go away Jeff. I never said anything directed at you or who you root for.
Take your manipulation some where else.
I have witnessed Auburns lack of class and humility for about 30 years now.
When you lose gracefully you earn respect… When you win gracefully you earn respect.
There is a reason Auburn get’s no respect from the entire SEC.
Smoke
December 4th, 2010
8:09 pm
JJHonson…so who do you root for?
Jeff
December 4th, 2010
8:10 pm
I’ve observed different for 30 years. I’m pointing you out because of your arrogance. You have no respect on this site. I’m calling you out for your comments. So, who do you root for?
dawggirl
December 4th, 2010
8:10 pm
The immaturity on this blog is really disgusting, not to mention the rampant homophobia.
War Cam Eagle!
December 4th, 2010
8:12 pm
Hey JJohnos, if you are a Thuga fan, you should know all about lack of class! Is Saint Richt going to have the Thugs stomp on the logo at the lowly Liberty Bowl? You better wear those red panties.
A Former Auburn Fan
December 4th, 2010
8:12 pm
Newton’s post game celebrations just go to show what a no class person he is. Don’t tell he just a happy and jovial guy. When you see someone rubbing his opponents nose in a loss you know it.
Auburn you used to have a ton of class. Now you have sunk to pay for play. Just as water seeks its own level, you too will be on the bottom again. Here’s hoping from this old AU fan, its sooner than later.
DodgerDAWG
December 4th, 2010
8:12 pm
War Cam Eagle…last time you had such a decisive champ was when……1957….easy to bring up the past but I will welcome you to the future…2012, ‘tween the HEDGES without $cam, UNfairly and 23 Seniors..Enjoy it before the only DEATH PENALTY since SMU
Jeff
December 4th, 2010
8:12 pm
Don’t you find JJHonson’s self-centered arrogance funny? I do!
War Cam Eagle!
December 4th, 2010
8:13 pm
Its been 3 weeks since the Auburn beat down of the Thugs in Auburn and they are still whining.
FSU fan
December 4th, 2010
8:14 pm
JJ go look in the mirror. But God still loves you.
Bippity Boppitty Boo Boo
December 4th, 2010
8:14 pm
Loved how Chizik and Auburn scored on the hail mary before the half. Thats the big difference in CMR and UGA. Richt would have sat on the ball and ran out the clock.
TybeeDawg
December 4th, 2010
8:14 pm
All I gotta say is:
Goooo Ducks! Sic ‘Em! Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack.
Coach M. Richt
December 4th, 2010
8:14 pm
Auburn can kiss my white a$$
JJhonson
December 4th, 2010
8:15 pm
Keep trying to pick a fight… not gonna happen.
Auburn’s lack of class over the years is well documented and you have never seen me on this site before… and i really don’t care what you think.
dawg fan
December 4th, 2010
8:15 pm
Enter your comments here
DodgerDAWG
December 4th, 2010
8:18 pm
anyone know why “war”(sic)eagles eat mice and snakes? CAUSE THEY CANNOT CATCH DUCKS
Jeff
December 4th, 2010
8:18 pm
JJ, I’m not picking a fight. I’m pointing out that I, as a Tennessee fan, respect Auburn and it’s fans. I’m pulling for Auburn in the NC. I don’t care what you think. Who care’s that this is you first time on this site? What are you doing here? As far as I’m concerned, you only showing yourself for what you are.
Coach M. Richt
December 4th, 2010
8:18 pm
Sorry I lost my composure UGA fans but Auburn fans can make a preacher cuss
dawg fan
December 4th, 2010
8:18 pm
Sorry about that.
Congrat to Auburn. All UGA fans are not crying and placing blame. Hope Auburn and SEC wins National Championship. Got to always pull for SEC. SC also had a good year and will be back next year. Hope we do the same.
dogfish
December 4th, 2010
8:18 pm
Congrats to Auburn. Very good team on the way up.
I’m glad someone is going to benefit from all the talented football players from Georgia.
Jim Pierce
December 4th, 2010
8:19 pm
Jeff: Thanks for showing class bro…
Cecil Newton
December 4th, 2010
8:19 pm
You damn right Coach M. Richt
War Eagle
December 4th, 2010
8:19 pm
Hey Bulldog Fans,
If Fairley and Newton were on the Georgia team and the situation was the same, how would you feel?
Jim Pierce
December 4th, 2010
8:20 pm
Thanks Dogfish.. appreciated that.
Clean House
December 4th, 2010
8:22 pm
Mark Richt and Boo Boo are idiots because they let Cam Newton get away. Fire these clowns immediately after the toilet bowl game!
Aubie's Denial
December 4th, 2010
8:22 pm
War Eagle, I’m a UGA fan, and I’ll be glad to answer your question . . . I’d be embarassed. I’d rather not play than cheat to win, like we did when Harrick’s actions in basketball came out. But maybe I’m wrong, maybe we’re all wrong, maybe crime does pay!
JSS
December 4th, 2010
8:23 pm
Being a immature fool makes you cuss! And a note to all of you anti-Auburn or Cam Newton type folks; please do not cheer for the Ducks,,, They don’t want your kind anywhere near their program…
DodgerDAWG
December 4th, 2010
8:23 pm
FYI UGA Fans…seems I have stirred the steing of ALLBARN hatred and there are FAKES posting under my name…read it and make you decision on if I POSTED….GO DAWGS
mcg dawg
December 4th, 2010
8:24 pm
HATS OFF TO THE WAR EAGLES….ASTONISHING WIN!!!
DodgerDAWG
December 4th, 2010
8:25 pm
War Eagle, very simply..they would not be on our team….refer to the dismissals UGA has done over the past few years…Traffic tickets get 1-2 games, plausible but uncharged assualts + removal from team…NOW GO AWAY
FalconUGAFan
December 4th, 2010
8:26 pm
Auburn..congrats on your season..Good luck in the BCS…
Aubie's Denial
December 4th, 2010
8:26 pm
“I did not have financial relations with that quarterback, Mr. Newton. Nor with his father, the good Rev. Newton. Now, I’m going back to the Barn, and back to work for the AwBarn people.”
BTW–Crime pays!!!!!