Howard, Williamson fired up about 20th season on UGA broadcasts
This will be the 20th season on Georgia’s radio broadcast team for both Scott Howard and Neil Williamson. In 1993, they joined the team as color analyst and pregame show co-host, respectively. Howard succeeded the legendary Larry Munson as play-by-play voice in 2008, and Williamson has maintained his spot alongside Loran Smith on the “Tailgate Show.” On the cusp of their 20th season, which opens Saturday against Buffalo in Sanford Stadium, Howard and Williamson chatted with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about past and present. (Answers were edited for length.)
AJC: What, to you, is the most memorable moment in the past two decades of UGA football?
Howard: “I get asked that a lot. The one that always jumps out to me is the Tennessee game in 2001, the ‘Hobnail Boot’ game as it became known [because of Munson’s famous call of Georgia’s game-winning play: ‘We just stepped on their face with a hobnail boot and broke their nose. We just crushed their face.’] It was just one helluva moment –- not only for the football program and its new head coach but for our radio guy, for Larry, because he had to me a second Belue-to-Scott call. It was like for a new generation. And to be able to witness that firsthand and be a part of that was an amazing moment.”
Williamson: “And it was so cathartic for the Bulldog Nation. I’m in full agreement – that game and winning the SEC championship in 2002. One of the funny stories from that Tennessee game is Larry and I are walking to the bus together after the game, and Larry looks at me and goes, ‘I think I said something stupid.’ I was, like, ‘No, you sounded great.’ He said, ‘Are you sure I didn’t say anything stupid?’”
AJC: What’s your forecast for the 2012 team?
Howard: “I’m terrible at predictions, and no one can predict injuries and suspensions and all of that kind of stuff. But given the guys we have right now, I have a lot of confidence in them and a lot of confidence from listening to the coaches talk about what they have seen in the practices to this point. There are a couple of road blocks on the schedule but not too many, which I think certainly plays in our favor. I think the outlook is very good. I think this is a top 10 team at least. I like the prospect of two freshmen running backs making a name for themselves and being here for a while. The defense, I think, is going to be outstanding, even with the suspensions we know about and maybe some pending ones we don’t know at this point. Concerns? I guess offensive line is probably the biggest one.”
Williamson: “Fourteen and O, baby! I’ll tell you what excites me is 29 [Jarvis Jones] coming off the edge. They always talk about [David] Pollack’s motor. Same type of motor with the quickness and size that [Jones] has, that’s what excites me.”
AJC: What do you think Larry Munson would be saying about this team right now?
Howard: “’We’ve got no linemen. We’ve got no backs. There’s no experience.’ That kind of thing, on and on and on.”
Williamson: “‘You know what’s going to happen if we get late in the game and have to worry about one of these pups, one of these youngsters, one of these kickers, having to come through? We have no chance.’ And he’d just stop. ‘We have no chance.’”
Howard: “He would be worrying about everything.”
Williamson: “And that was not an act, folks. That was at dinner, sitting around the fireplace, riding home in the car. … What a joy for the two of us, though. We both went to Georgia. To be doing this for your own school for 20 years, what a dream come true.”
LOTS MORE UGA FOOTBALL COVERAGE:
- Dome is goal for Lee brothers, Dallas (UGA) and Dillon (Alabama)
- Kenarious Gates welcomes responsibility of new position
- A trip to the pool, plus updates on kickers, tight ends and QBs
- Two positions for Washington; Samuel ‘1B’ at fullback?
- After ‘waiting my turn,’ Damian Swann is ready to produce
- Notebook: Georgia ‘wins’ scrimmage; Ken Malcome likely starter at tailback
- Atlanta submits bid for SEC-Big 12 ‘Championship’
- Video: Towers on Gurley, injuries and the return game
- Branden Smith still looking to ‘take it to the house’
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104 comments Add your comment
oldschooldog
August 27th, 2012
6:04 pm
@Tampa Gator, they are still married.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 27th, 2012
6:20 pm
Anything less than 12-0 is a failure with this team and schedule
Mobile Dawg
August 27th, 2012
6:41 pm
It’s a wierd coincidence that the fortunes of Bulldawg Nation started deteriorating with Munson’s retirement. Munson was one of a kind, I still listen to some of his calls routinely. Living out of state I haven’t become familiar with the new guys…..
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 27th, 2012
6:48 pm
Mobile
If it wasnt for Zeir being on their I couldnt listen; Zeir really knows what is going on I really wished Bobo would take his headset off and borrow mine so he could know what plays to call
Zeir usually pegs what needs to be called almost everytime
Rampdawg
August 27th, 2012
7:34 pm
Larry always started with ” Get the picture” GTs radio broadcast always starts with, “Well, how much are we gonna lose by today”
Browncoat
August 27th, 2012
7:44 pm
Williamson is the biggest joke in broadcasting. But I guess the audience doesn’t demand much……
Mobile Dawg
August 27th, 2012
9:01 pm
Flat, Larry was all I ever knew when it came to “broadcasting” games. Back in the day there was no HD, no delay, so we always listened to Larry and watched the games. It was excruciating in the old days, the bowls wouldn’t allow Larry to call the games. I very seldom listen to the TV broadcast these days either.
kral
August 27th, 2012
9:07 pm
shout out to you ducka..you ability to bait dawg fans …makes you a master baiter
441North
August 27th, 2012
9:35 pm
Scott Howard is a good guy, and he loves Georgia, but he’s not getting it done on play by play. He was Munson’s guy, and I respect that, but we need to get somebody who doesn’t scream his head off.
I’m thinking Ernie Johnson Jr. (UGA grad). He’s got the pipes, and the pedigree (Ernie Johnson’s son…..who worked with Munson…). Not much PBP experience, but I’m willing to give him a learning curve.
WE NEED A CHANGE IN THE BOOTH
Country Boy
August 27th, 2012
10:33 pm
I miss Larry
UGA89
August 27th, 2012
10:36 pm
Does anyone know which game UGA will have a tribute to Larry?
vince
August 28th, 2012
6:59 am
Listened once. That was enough
The Central Scrutinizer
August 28th, 2012
7:21 am
I’m sure they are both DGD’s, but I just can’t listen to ‘em anymore…following Larry is got to be one of the hardest things ever. Broadcast just doesn’t seem to have any spirit…someone earlier said it’s sad to have to watch AND listen to CBS, ESPN and especially that SEC network…I agree…I think maybe this year, I’ll just turn the sound down and try to imagine what Larry would be saying…Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!!!
bubba4dawgs
August 28th, 2012
9:31 am
The most distinctive voices for the DAWGS we will ever hear!! There are just some things you cannot duplicate! Some of the most joyful and memorable times of my life was listening to Larry call a Bulldog game!! Larry, you will never leave us!! RIP, You’ll always be a DMG!!
UGA Insider
August 28th, 2012
10:04 am
I used to hang out with Z-man back in the day. I think he does a great job currently as an announcer. I knew Muschamp, Kirby, Bobo etc. However my favorite personality back then was Garrison Hearst or G-money as we called him. “G” was hilarious and the life of the party. “G” was a hellavu RB as well.
LakeDawg
August 28th, 2012
10:33 am
I like Scott Howard, but he needs to dial it back a notch. Too much screaming. Also, RIP Larry.
Erk
August 28th, 2012
10:35 am
Scott Howard: “We should handle the first two home games fairly easily.”
Larry: “Have you seen Buffalo’s long snapper & Fla. Atlantic’s holder? We have NO CHANCE! Scott, what’s the matter with you?”
LOLOLOL
August 28th, 2012
10:36 am
“What do you think Larry Munson would be saying about this team right now?”
You guys suck.
Bobby
August 28th, 2012
10:43 am
Somebody needs to tell Howard to tell listeners where the runner is immediately and not 2 minutes later. Munson was a master and letting you know what was going on instead of Howard’s way of leaving you in suspense wondering what happened.
GaGrad65
August 28th, 2012
11:23 am
Ed Thelanius and Larry Munson were professionals.Their description of the game was captivating and powerful. Scott Howard is unexciting and often immaturish in his delivery. Wish we would conduct a national search and bring someone in to be the voice of the Dawgs.
Blackberry Cobbler
August 28th, 2012
11:36 am
Larry Munson was a treasure.
Deer hunting (sitting in my stand) listening to Larry and the game on radio with earplugs in. Or, washing my car or truck and then listening to the game on radio while doing the vacumning and the tires.
Blackberry Cobbler
August 28th, 2012
11:39 am
Or, doing yard work while listening to the game with earplugs or even better, having the radio outside and turned way up!!
jsmooth
August 28th, 2012
12:09 pm
@media daze:
Let me know when USc becomes relevant in ANYTHING other than baseball. UGA owns you guys and so does Clemson.
Tweeter and Woofer
August 28th, 2012
12:29 pm
Zeier is the weak link.
Pitbull
August 28th, 2012
12:31 pm
What would Munson say?
“My God, look at the size of those Buffalo football players. And they are fast as lightning. I hope we can just stay on the field with them. They must be the Buffalo Bills”.
Whataa ya got, Loren?
Munson's
August 28th, 2012
12:35 pm
Munson would say – “they have on heck of a punter and kicking game. Our guys are young and banged up with injuries. I am concerned about our backups and depth”
phil
August 28th, 2012
12:36 pm
howard is awful….period.
phil
August 28th, 2012
12:38 pm
Bobby
August 28th, 2012
10:43 am
Somebody needs to tell Howard to tell listeners where the runner is immediately and not 2 minutes later. Munson was a master and letting you know what was going on instead of Howard’s way of leaving you in suspense wondering what happened.
***********
exactly….like don sutton doing braves games….terrible.
Bob Saccomanno
August 28th, 2012
12:45 pm
Dawgnation misses you LM… A true legend,
GatorCockBarner-Hatin Dawg
August 28th, 2012
1:11 pm
(gravelly voice crackles on the AM dial)
“Get the picture…Georgia, red jerseys and silver britches and the stadium is rockin’ for this crucial tilt with ‘Carolina. Murray in the ‘I’ with Samuel and Malcome; he hands to Malcome,…five, ten, my god, look at him go, 20, 25 and did he get 25 or 26 and a half?”
“Loron, whatta got?”
(Twangy voice answers)
“Well, Larry, we were told that he was gonna be a good one. People can forget all about Isaiah Crowell…looks like we’re going to be alright.?
(gravel voice continues)
“Yep…Dawgs back up to the line. Murray takes and fakes to Malcome, and there a long pass to (deafening roar from the Georgia side and a penetrating sigh from the other side) to, to, Tavares King. My god what a catch and he’s in the end zone. TOUCHDOWN DAWGS!!!”
(fast forward to nearly the end of the game and gravel voice continues)
“And here we are, beating badly them in their own yard! Dawgs 31, South Carolina 3…who would have thought it?”
“Dawgs in the victory formation as Lemay and the rest of the second team take a knee! Spurrier visibly upset!”
P B Orr
August 28th, 2012
1:13 pm
“My GOD how are we gonna get by those Buffalo kids?!? And it won’t get any easier with Florida Atlantic – GOOD LORD those guys are gonna TEST US! And how will we get by Vanderbilt and Tech?!? My GOD what a SCHEDULE!!!”
NoSpin
August 28th, 2012
1:16 pm
Can’t stand listening to football on the radio. Maybe in the days before TV it would have been useful. Especially when you have someone as annoying as Larry Munson. Even the TV announcers are godawful most of the time. Yes, I can see that a pass was just thrown for an interception….I don’t need someone telling me what I just saw.
Sid
August 28th, 2012
1:20 pm
I remember so many falls back in the late 70’s … 80’s, sitting on the dock at Lake Burton listening to Larry call the game. Damn that was fun!
john
August 28th, 2012
1:20 pm
Too bad they are both a couple of condescending a-holes.
HockeyDawg
August 28th, 2012
1:44 pm
I’ve known Hondo since college, and every time I see him, he is always super nice to me, and makes sure to ask about my family. Just a great guy who certainly deserves all his success! Obviously, there’s no replacing a legend like Larry, but I think Scott does a great job and, truthfully, he’s much better than Larry was in his last few years. And I’ve met Loran a few times at the Tailgate Show, and you won’t find a classier southern gentleman! Love the braodcast crew, and can’t wait for the games! GO DAWGS!!!
Matt P
August 28th, 2012
1:52 pm
From the interview transcript, I couldn’t believe that was Howard giving answers. I spiced up one of his answers, for those that are familiar with his play-by-play.
Howard: “I’m terrible at predictions! Holy moly! No one can predict injuries and suspensions. But given the guys we have right now, I have a lot of confidence in them – AND A LOT OF CONFIDENCE, FROM LISTENING TO THE COACHES, THEY’RE TALKING ABOUT PRACTICES, THEY’RE TALKING TO THIS POINT! CONFIDENCE!!!! GEORGIA BULLDOGS! GOOD GOD ALMIGHTGHY, GET OFF THE PORCH, PULL UP YOUR BRITCHES, WE’VE GOT CONFIDENCE! There are a couple of road blocks on the schedule, but not too many, and who can think about road blocks now. This is a top 10 team, AT LEAST! Two freshmen running backs, making a name for themselves, being here for a while . . . to the defense – OUTSTANDING!
JakeVol
August 28th, 2012
1:52 pm
Do miss Larry,, even if he did step on our nose.
ha
August 28th, 2012
1:59 pm
Something incredibly stupid Im sure.
Buzz 2011
August 28th, 2012
2:13 pm
Who is Scott Howard?
silly carolina roosters
August 28th, 2012
3:07 pm
media daze: even if you do win UGA is still going to the dome and South Carolina isn’t…I know it and you know it. Enjoy watching it on TV…again
FinanceBuzz
August 28th, 2012
4:07 pm
Scott Howard could be an ok announcer if he didn’t screech so much. Zeier is actually pretty good. Of course they both are constantly saying “we” which is highly unprofessional for even homer college announcers. Williamson – that’s another story. He’s a complete clown. He sounds like someone handed an out-of-control and immature 16-year a headset and put him on the radio. One of your broadcast journalism freshmen who had never seen a football game before could do a better job than Williamson.
SEC Fan
August 28th, 2012
4:11 pm
Since the AJC trash writers like to start trash about other SEC schools recruits visiting Georgia here’s a nice little story you dog fans may have interest in. http://recruiting.blogs.gatorsports.com/13462/uga-commit-officially-visiting-uf-for-bowling-green/
SEC Fan
August 28th, 2012
4:16 pm
Also for those castrated dawgs who have such a sissy schedule.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1313193-georgia-football-why-an-undefeated-uga-could-end-secs-bcs-championship-streak
SEC Fan
August 28th, 2012
4:19 pm
This kind of trash…..http://thehill.com/blogs/twitter-room/other-news/245767-samuel-l-jackson-asks-why-rnc-spared-by-isaac
is invited to where??????? http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/caption-contest-samuel-l-jackson-visits-georgia-camp-173027996–ncaaf.html
yeah go dogs right to the slime pit.
Tech Grad = UGA Boss
August 28th, 2012
4:21 pm
Munson was dead 3 years before they buried him…….just like the UGA football program.
Remember When?
August 28th, 2012
4:24 pm
Hey UGA…..1980 called to remind you its been 32 years since you won anything big. LMAO.
Bitter Munson
August 28th, 2012
4:37 pm
Somebody send me a 50 inch flatscreen, Paul finebomb just announced on ESPN that MIZZO will beat GEORGIA
no kicker—-no “O”line—-no backs——at least we dont have to wake up each mourning and look at a face like finebomb that looks like
———————–donkey A$$
Columbus
August 28th, 2012
5:01 pm
It is going to be a great season guys. And to the fans who do not support Richt. I have been watching UGA football for 32 years and I have NEVER seen the football program in as strong shape as it right now. And by that I mean not referring to just one season, I am talking about the next 5 years. Richt has finally got UGA in the position to take the next step that UGA has not been in since Herschel Walker was on the team. Something else, UGA has not had a solid OL in 5 years, always bringing in freshman and having no depth. That has hurt. Having no backs since Moreno has also hurt a lot. Give Richt a break. He doesnt deserve all of your unfair and untrue criticisms. It took Saban 10 years to win a NC and he is the greatest coach in NCAA history! Also Tom Landry had a similar personality and won big and so did others. If Saban remained calm no matter the situation everyone would say look how nothing bothers him, how no matter what is going on he keeps an even keel and doesnt get bent out of shape and his players benefit from that and dont panic, etc. That quality has historically been praised! It too Bear Bryant 18 years to win the NC and most all other coaches it took 15 or more years. The ONLY exceptions have been guys taking over powerhouses such as at Oklahoma, LSU, etc. Schools that get recruits no matter what historically. UGA doesnt get all the 5 star recruits Alabama, LSU, USC, get. UGA gets good classes but not get nearly the number of 5 star athletes. Richt may be about to change all that. UGA has always been just a notch below the BIG BOYS. Richt has elevated the program to a level in the SEC that has not been seen in 30 years. Richt ALSO would have won a NC in 2007 had UGA gotten the chance to play for it. UGA was in the position Alabama was in last year, didnt win the SEC. Bama got the shot UGA didnt. LSU played Tenn that year in the SEC championship and beat them 21-14. UGA would have hung 30 on LSU. LSU went on to win it all. Sure the next year UGA was ranked #1 in preseason but any of you with a clue knew UGA was not close to a #1 ranking that year. Sure had some skill players returning, but had far too many holes otherwise and not winning a NC that year is not fair to Richt at all.
1983, 1984. 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
What are all those years? Those are the consecutive years UGA did not win squat, not even a division title, not even a trip to the SEC championship game. 2002 Richt led UGA to the SEC Championship finally!!! he took UGA to the SEC Championship game 3 more times. 2-2 in those games. Should have won the NC in 2007. He weathered this recent storm which was understandable due to the lack of QB, OL, running backs, freshmen playing etc. and learned and became stronger for it! He is a FIRST time head coach remember? Got to go through stuff to grow and learn….thats life.
I have NEVER seen UGA this strong. NEVER. It is going to be a GREAT 5 years. UGA might win it ALL this year if some guys step up big on offense and we dont have injuries. Thank you Mark Richt.
The Tide is Rolling and Nothing can stop it
August 28th, 2012
6:22 pm
Munson would say…
“Florida, LSU, Alabama have all won two recent titles. Even Tennessee and freaking Auburn have won titles since us and we just gave the 4th choice coordinator who gets lit up by every ranked team on our weak schedule and we can’t sign the two best players in our state.
Glad I’m up here…”
Return to Glory
August 28th, 2012
6:53 pm
I can hear Larry now… All those freshmen, boys against men, we have no chance, they are giants and we are small little old freshmen,,,lol