From Athens- Friday Thoughts

An often heard comment from young men choosing Alabama as their choice to play football is they understand and say openly, wanting to win a championship.

Most of these young men also understand that entering the University of Alabama under their coaches and coaching system, much is required. Young men that have played for Alabama and moved on are often asked about their experience in Tuscaloosa.

There is no denying what the conversations sound like. You attend Alabama you will work as never before. That type of training and effort comes from the entire coaching staff. No 100 pound weaklings on Saban's staff.

yd1 when I read what you had to say in the opening of the BPS . . . . Everyone expected to contribute the same amount of sweat in the bucket, that means everyone.

Georgia for too many years has been a good place to play football. What was missing was the same amount of sweat and tears that were and are employed by Nick Saban and his staff. Jeremy Pruitt again at Alabama, coaching under Saban, good reason for that . . . . Nick Saban knows Jeremy Pruitt understands . . . . totally.

That same process is taking place in Athens now. Going to be some feelings bruised, but BMOC means nothing to Kirby Smart. Meant nothing to Jeremy Pruitt. Pruitt definitely bruised some feelings in Athens, should have happened years ago. Media likes to say that Pruitt caused problems on the coaching staff. Guess what he also bruised Greg McGarity's feelings. Fact.

What is the outcome? We have a head coach that wants more than winning the Eastside of the SEC. While Francis has/had a problem with the coaching change, another ex Georgia football player, Mike Cavan said he has "never" seen Athens and Georgia football more excited than it is now. Cavan has been around a long time, seen much, did not run his mouth and he too was a quarterback of standing.

Folks, believe we have finally turned the page. How long will it take to change the way things are done in Athens? Change started the day that Kirby Smart was hired, continued prior to being late for the meeting in Macon. Kirby said his office in the new building is situated where he can see more than walls.

Good to be excited again . . . . Been much too long.

Go Dawgs

I have no doubt our former coach would have not been late to that meeting.

averagedawg, already we can see changes. Of course there will be changes we won't see or hear about.

One thing for sure . . . . Patience can be a virtue, or . . . . it can be ones downfall.

Enjoy listening to the young men describing their time with the coaches. Interesting how many of these young guys that have actually had more one on one time with Kirby Smart than they had with our previous head coach. Not being ugly, just repeating what they are saying.

Seems also that the interest level of several improved greatly after Smart came to Athens.

Plain and simple . . . . Kirby Smart is a "football coach". If that were not true, Nick Saban would not have allowed Kirby Smart to spend nine years in Tuscaloosa. Saban does not waste time, appears that is true when describing Smart.

Go Dawgs

Loved the ER story, BUC..

I'm a bit of a military historian, so I was well aware of Rickenbacker and his story. 26 confirmed kills after the USA entered the war in '17. A great total considering he wasn't allowed to fly in combat until 18, and only had a few short months as a
combat pilot...most of which we has down with a ear infection. I think he had 19-20
confirmed kills during only the last month and a half of the war once he got back up in the air in the famed SPAD XIII airplane. Truly an American hero.

Keith Marshall first attempt in the 40 . . . . . 4.29. WOW. Top time for a running back at this point.

EDIT: Few minutes later . . . . 4.31 second time.

KM another example of wasted talent under the previous regime. Could have been used more than the backfield. So glad we have had a change in culture can't wait to see the finished product. CKS understands you have to build a solid foundation before you start adding the flashy trim.