Changing of the Guard ... in Knoxville

This past Saturday I sat in Williams Bryce Stadium in Columbia and watched Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks play Phil Fulmer's Volunteers. I told my two sons, Stuart and Samuel, that this was the last time that they would see Fulmer coach UT in Columbia.

We have a saying in Columbia... we hate orange ... meaning UT, Florida, and Clempson. Well, it's interesting that two of the orange nemeses have lost their coaches this season.

It is interesting to me that Tennessee fired (or Fulmer resigned) their coach after losing to South Carolina. I was at the stadium in 1992 when Tennessee lost to South Carolina and the next week they fired Johnny Majors. Hmmm... what does that say about the Gamecocks? Maybe it says when you lose to South Carolina, it's time for a new coach. Oh well... I am still committed and faithful to the team.

Okay, let's talk about Clempson .... I mean Clemson. If the Bible is correct and you reap what you sow, then Clempson needs to pray for a crop failure. They have an inflated view of who they are and they are expecting a top tier coach to come their way. Why would someone want to go to a university that treats their coaches like Clemson does.

Think about it ... they fired Ken Hatfield after going 10-2, 9-2-1, 5-6 and 8-3. That was wrong. Some folks in the Upstate said that they University did not like the fact that he was Assemblies of God. I doubt it. They just wanted Danny Ford back.

This year Tommy Bowden said good-by to Tater Town. In his nine season, he went to 8 bowl games. The only year that he did not go was when they declined the bid because of the brawl with South Carolina. My son Samuel and I were there sitting in the section where the Clemson player's helmet was thrown. That was a game that we will never forget.

Okay, having said that, Tommy has done quite well ... 8 bowl games, but they made his life miserable. They, once again, are wanting Danny Ford. Well, Tater Heads, Danny Ford ain't coming back. You remember him better than it was. The last chapter of his coaching career has been written. He was a tremendous coach in his day, but you cannot go backwards in life. You must move foward.

I think IPTAY needs to drive a tractor to Knoxville and invite Phil Fulmer to come to Tiger Town. That's a perfect fit. It would also keep the Spurrier and Fulmer fued going. If Fulmer won't come, then keep driving down I-40 and talk to Bobby Johnson at Vandy. Bring the South Carolina boy back home, but please be nice to him.

Do I feel bad for Fulmer and Bowden? A little, but not really. Tommy (if I am correct) will walk away with around 4 million and Fulmer (if I am correct) will walk away with about 6 million. It's hard to feel bad for folks when they are compensated at that level.

Now, what's going on in Columbia? I would like to say that all is well. It's okay. Next year (wait to next year ... have you ever heard that saying) will be better. We are 6-3 and have not play Arkansas, Florida or Clemson. Next year will be better because Spurrier has finally found a quarterback in Stephen Garcia. He is young and is developing. His irresponsible behavior off the field cost him practice time this year. If he would have been a little more disciplined then he would have had an opportunity to learn Spurrier's system before the first game. But, his choices not only affected him, but it costs the team this year. He is the third quarterback this season, but he is the best one for the position. He is the quarterback of the future. Garcia will improve with time. We have a great defense already and next year we will add a good running back in Kenny Miles and Garcia will have a year under his belt. We have a lot to look foward to.

In the end, like always .... it's great to be a GAMECOCK!

-- Marty

martybaker@stevenscreek.net