Sports

Dabo Swinney Is Feeling It

When you walk the walk, you get to talk the talk … just ask “Animal Mother” from the 1987 movie Full Metal Jacket. Anyway, Clemson University head football coach Dabo Swinney‘s team has been “walking the walk” this year.  To wit: The Tigers (14-0, 8-0 ACC) will play No. 2 Alabama…

When you walk the walk, you get to talk the talk … just ask “Animal Mother” from the 1987 movie Full Metal Jacket.

Anyway, Clemson University head football coach Dabo Swinney‘s team has been “walking the walk” this year.  To wit: The Tigers (14-0, 8-0 ACC) will play No. 2 Alabama for the national championship on Monday night in Glendale, Arizona.

The Crimson Tide (13-1, 7-1 SEC) opened the game as seven-point favorites … making No. 1 Clemson an underdog for the second time in as many games (the Tigers defeated Oklahoma 37-17 in the national semi-finals despite the Sooners being four-point favorites).

Swinney isn’t concerned … in fact he boasted of his team’s ability to master the moment in each of its prior games.

“Our guys have answered every challenge, and to be the only undefeated team left in the country is special, so really proud of our team, and just their will to win and how they’ve competed consistently, and more importantly how they’ve prepared consistently all year long,” Swinney said.  “The Orange Bowl was obviously a great performance. We played very well from a four-quarter standpoint as far as the things you’ve got to do to give yourself a chance to win.  The toughness, the physicality, our ability to run the ball, we dominated the game in the trenches, they were rushing for 300 something yards a game, and we held them to 67, and we rushed for 312.  So that’s really all you need to know.”

Can the Tigers be similarly successful against Alabama?

“We are who we are, they are who they are,” he said.  “Let’s go play the game.”

The good news for Clemson?  Swinney said the team’s star defensive lineman Shaq Lawson appeared to have recovered from a knee injury sustained on the second play of the national semi-final game against Oklahoma.

If he’s 100 percent, Clemson will stand a much better chance of shutting down Alabama’s Heisman Trophy winning running back Derrick Henry.

Pic: Travis Bell Photography

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104 comments

Rocky Verdad January 5, 2016 at 4:43 pm

He’s gonna be feelin’ some real Alabama tide here shortly.

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shifty henry January 5, 2016 at 4:59 pm

A girl from England was visiting the US for the first time, and was taken to the Alabama/Clemson football game. She knew nothing about American football. Clemson had the ball to start the game. On the first play the line folded and the Clemson quarterback was smothered by Alabama players. Looking at the sight on the field the girl screamed, “Oh, my God. That poor man – it’s horrible what they just did to him!” Her date leaned over and put his arm around her. “Don’t worry about him, it’s ok. He’s probably unconscious by now!”

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Rocky Verdad January 5, 2016 at 5:01 pm

Glad to see your posts on the Hot Lawyer thread – I was afraid we’d lost you.

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Lost Another One To Ditech January 5, 2016 at 5:30 pm

Lost a lot of good commenters recently. Probably tired of reading Pogo’s brain dead comments.

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Rocky Verdad January 5, 2016 at 7:52 pm

People should just ignore him.

Rocky Verdunce January 5, 2016 at 8:33 pm

LMAO!!! You don’t. Pussy.

Rocky Verdad January 5, 2016 at 9:09 pm

Ooops. West Columbia City Council meeting must be over. Guess we’ll read about it in the morning.

Rocky Verdunce January 5, 2016 at 9:12 pm

Go spend some time with your children,dead beat dad. Time sure does go fast.

Rocky Verdunce January 5, 2016 at 8:32 pm

You people ran Grand Tango off-even went after his job and family. All because you couldn’t compete in the arena of ideas.

I am here to stay.

shifty henry January 5, 2016 at 4:53 pm

Does Dabo own only one suit?

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Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 5:39 pm

Good job Shifty. You found Dabo’s only weakness.

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Mike at the Beach January 5, 2016 at 6:14 pm

What, the frat boy behavior, hypocrisy, and general level of annoyingness don’t count? ;-)

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Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 6:21 pm

You only hear that from the fans of the teams Clemson defeats. Name anyone in the media or in sports who agrees. Maybe the Freedom From Religion Foundation… Who cares what they think.

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Mike at the Beach January 5, 2016 at 6:24 pm

Now, now…that’s not true. My only real inside guy in the CU world deals with the athletic department there on a regular basis (but directly with Swinney only occasionally). He’s a Klempsun alum and orange and purple guy to the core. He’s where I’m getting all of that (he loves the results, though, obviously). My only second-hand evidence came from the whole traffic stop nonsense.

Tazmaniac January 5, 2016 at 6:38 pm

Traffic stop???? It is against the Law to pull over a winning football coach, or is that only in Texas?

Mike at the Beach January 5, 2016 at 7:19 pm

That was the point – it shouldn’t be.

Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 7:28 pm

He got a ticket and paid the fine. What is against the law. The cop didn’t break any laws either, nor was he charged. If that cop had done the same thing to you. he might have lost his job.
But either way, what is Dabo at fault for. Dabo did not fire him.

Mike at the Beach January 5, 2016 at 7:31 pm

Duuuuuuuude. Did I in any way say or infer that he broke the law?! Geez! I think I just said he annoyed me, but I’ll have to fact check myself on that…

And with that, I am out. Namaste!

Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 7:42 pm

Duuud, you said “That was the point – it shouldn’t be.(against the law).
I assumed this discussion was about Swinney’s character, not law enforcement policy.

shifty henry January 5, 2016 at 7:44 pm

Gee, 37 comments and all I asked was does Dabo have another suit.!!

Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 7:52 pm

I’m waiting for the hater comments when Clemson wins the NC.
Your will be something like this.
“Clemson is the worst 15 -0 team ever.”
Since its never happened before you would be right.

Mike at the Beach January 5, 2016 at 8:02 pm

I will endeavor to avoid that mistake in the future! Go taters and to all tater-lovers worldwide, a good night!!! Roll Tide! Go Cocks! Go Packers! Go whoever you like!

;-)

Rocky Verdunce January 5, 2016 at 8:41 pm

Thumper is pissed off because NFL guru Mel Kiper told Clemson fans that Ohio State would kick Clemson’s ass.

Ohio State destroyed Notre Dame EVEN without the best player in the country ejected. Clemson beat Notre Dame by 2 and got screwed.

Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 6:56 pm

You are nuts. No one ever lies. (You anonymously or your contact). Let’s keep the debate based on evidence available to both of us. I know people who know Dabo also, but would not use that in our debate because you can’t evaluate their truthfulness. I have analyzed the cop video carefully. The cop was in his car (engine running) with a body mic on him. Dobo does not react in any way when the cop says ” Get in your car”. Dabo’s face or eyes don’t even react as if he didn’t even here it. Dabo’s brother is off camera and was prabably who the cop was talking to.
Dabo doesn’t hire or fire cops and the cop obviously didn’t treat Dabo the way others are treated by posting the video.
As for his “annoyingness”, do you know a human not annoyed when he gets a traffic ticket and is late to an appointment? That is called being human. Dobo’s brother was mouthy, but that is his problem. It is not clear how aware Dabo was of it. What you hear on the video doesn’t always relate to what you see because the conversation is off screen and the distance between the mic and what is seen is not clear. You don’t like “klempsun”, so you see what you want to see. It makes you feel better to put down what you are jealous of. As if Spurrier was not annoying when he criticized his quarterbacks after losses. Otherwise Spurrier was a goo guy, but we all have faults.

Yep January 5, 2016 at 7:00 pm

“You are nuts.”

Yes, he is. He always builds some type of credibility before making his assertions…usually in an uncheckable manner. It’s name dropping or other claims to insider knowledge to try to strengthen his argument, but rarely logic.

Paraphrasing:

“I was preparing for a terrorism presentation”

or “I know a guy in CU”

Or “I talk with Muslims”

etc. et al ad nauseum

Mike at the Beach January 5, 2016 at 7:18 pm

Ohhh, you sound a little stalkerish. I like it. Also sounds like I’m in your head a little. Weird…

Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 7:24 pm

Again you don’t answer. You just deflect and sneer. Yep must be right, because nothing in your answer addresses what he says about you.

Mike at the Beach January 5, 2016 at 7:30 pm

No, I’m pretty sure that I’m doing what’s called incremental disengagement, because this conversation is about a football coach (and makes people nutty). If continued, strained conversation here would move the ball on world peace or even get me laid I’d continue to ramp it up. I guess context in comments strikes you as odd; that’s your prerogative. Henceforth I guess I’ll start going straight to the opinion without any context, and then the jabberotti on this board will chime in with the usual “how the f@#k would you know” silliness.” I’ll stick with throwing some context in. Lighten up Frances!

Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 7:39 pm

I gotcha buddy. Disengagement is a way of surrendering with dignity intact. I’ll drop it.

Mike at the Beach January 5, 2016 at 7:41 pm

Oh, okay…you’re a “last word” guy. No problem. Oops…

Rocky Verdunce January 5, 2016 at 8:38 pm

You lost your dignity a long time ago by defending liar Haley and Obama’s failed economy.

Mike at the Beach January 5, 2016 at 7:18 pm

Whoa dude…stow that exposed nerve! I don’t have enough concern about your boy Daboo to argue with you! Relax! I don’t that fired up about USC either – I just graduated from there, I don’t play for them…

Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 7:21 pm

You have brought up the traffic stop on several occasions, but you never discuss it. Yep has you pegged.

Mike at the Beach January 5, 2016 at 7:25 pm

Seriously dude…are you and Swinney dating?! Very weird. EVERYONE saw the traffic stop video; do we really need to rehash it all? I should know by now not to comment on CU- USC threads. People go postal…I wish I could get that fired up over any sports team, but I just can’t.

Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 7:35 pm

Has Tango stole your login. There is no logic to your replies. Only silly insults.Your refusal to reply logically is evidence of how weak you argument is. You say everyone has seen the video. That’s not true. They may have heard about it from you.

Mike at the Beach January 5, 2016 at 7:35 pm

A tango reference? Sweet. Only one of us is arguing, though…

;-)

Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 8:02 pm

Arguments are a good thing. It leads to understanding. Our trading insults doesn’t. You’re not nuts.

Rocky Verdunce January 5, 2016 at 8:37 pm

You have become INSANE in your desire to be liked by the liberals on Fits.

I miss the ole Thumper.

Yep January 5, 2016 at 8:34 pm

“There is no logic to your replies. Only silly insults.”

That’s his MO. They are usually repetitive though:

“Lighten up Frances” is his fav, but “Cupcake” is up there too.

I’m surprised he hasn’t established his “credibility” on all things “law” via references to his teaching Constitutional law to his law enforcement background.

Someone else once mentioned that he was condescending by nature here not too long ago, which appears demonstrably true.

He probably represents a good profile for average LE or government worker in position of authority; he’s a little smarter on the IQ scale than average LE(which isn’t saying much)- but exemplifies the “know it all” attitude most LE have towards others not in the “club”, meaning most others in general society(and here).

I watched him once claim he could fight off 100 people assaulting him in his home in the comment section here, I think he really believes it.

Sadly, these are mostly the type of people that run the nation, which also explains the state of the nation.

shifty henry January 5, 2016 at 7:42 pm

Yeeoww, BT, who lit that firecracker under ya’..?

you sure you watched it? January 6, 2016 at 11:38 am

dabo was told 3 times to get back in the car and he never did, he tried to walk away, and at the end his brother threatens the cop telling him he is “gonna get it”

shifty henry January 5, 2016 at 6:59 pm

Actually, and I could be wrong, but I believe that is the suit worn by Forrest Gump…..

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Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 7:01 pm

And Forrest Gump was successful at everything he did.

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carolina January 5, 2016 at 9:48 pm

You may be right Shifty, but I’ll not be convinced until Dabo quotes Gump … “football is like a box of chocolates” …

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shifty henry January 5, 2016 at 10:10 pm

you’re cracking me up!

Tazmaniac January 5, 2016 at 5:50 pm

Probably the only off-the-rack suit to be found that can even remotely go with that tie, excluding the Al & Jesse AME wardrobe line of course.

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Mom January 5, 2016 at 6:18 pm

Well, I have to say I would worry a little about a football coach who dressed a little too trendy. Just sayin…

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Mike at the Beach January 5, 2016 at 6:22 pm

I dunno…it can be considered “old school” to be conservatively dapper (e.g., Tom Landry, Bear Bryant, etc.) I ‘m afraid those days are gone, though…

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Mom January 6, 2016 at 9:46 am

Those days are in fact gone. Men don’t even were suits to church anymore. You’re lucky to see men wear a coat and tie to a funeral.

Mike at the Beach January 6, 2016 at 10:08 am

True indeed.

Squishy123 January 5, 2016 at 6:42 pm

Does it come in neon red, green, purple or blue? How about all white so I can look like that Pee Diddle guy.

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shifty henry January 5, 2016 at 6:58 pm

Actually, and I may be wrong, but I believe that is the suit worn by Forrest Gump…..

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Squishy123 January 5, 2016 at 6:03 pm

A football discussion and you want to talk fashion. Have you met 9″?

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shifty henry January 5, 2016 at 6:34 pm

no ..

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Squishy123 January 5, 2016 at 6:41 pm

He’ll likely be here shortly to introduce himself to you.

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Well Heeled January 5, 2016 at 6:54 pm

Well, we know he doesn’t have a tailor.

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Limbaughsaphatkhunt January 5, 2016 at 7:02 pm

As long as it has orange, purple and white somewhere…that’s all he needs.

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carolina January 5, 2016 at 9:41 pm

I dunno Shifty, but I’ve always wondered the same thing about your topper!

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Rocky Verdunce January 5, 2016 at 9:45 pm

Funny thing about shifty is I recall (I could be wrong) Boz using this avatar on The Sun News Opinion Blog-Boz is also some kind of cartoonist and creates such shit.

Hey,the more the merrier!Love the shifty humor.

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shifty henry January 5, 2016 at 10:49 pm

Two psychiatrists are discussing their day. The first one says to the second, “Would you believe I had a patient today who claimed he heard music every time he put on his hat?” The colleague asked, “Really? What did you do?” The first one replied, “I took it from him and removed the band.”

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shifty henry January 6, 2016 at 10:53 pm

To promote harmony and good will among the citizens, the big wigs of a western town had invited Chief Running Bull, head of the local reservation, to a huge town dinner. At breakfast the next morning the Chief was relating to his wife an incident that occurred after the dinner.

The mayor offered a silk top hat to any man who could stand up and truthfully say that during his married life he had never kissed any woman but his own wife. Not one man stood up!

“But”, asks the Chief’s wife, “why didn’t you stand up?”

“Well,” the Chief replied, “I was going to, but I thought how stupid I would look in a silk top hat.”

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Nölff January 5, 2016 at 4:59 pm

Clemson By God Tigers have been proving ESPN wrong every time.
They don’t know what to make of any college football team outside of the SEC.

It’s not luck or a fluke. Those boys really are that good.

Hate on…

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idcydm January 5, 2016 at 5:14 pm

ESPN should change it’s name to ESECPN.

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Limbaughsaphatkhunt January 5, 2016 at 7:01 pm

You wonder if they are scratching their heads and second guessing themselves in Bristol, Conn. for going all in with the SEC.
These past few bowl games for the SEC were clear mismatches (the national title game aside) and the conspiracy theory is that the ncaa illuminatti made sure the SEC was not going to have a repeat of last year’s bowl disappointments.

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idcydm January 5, 2016 at 9:41 pm

I’m not big on conspiracies but money, big money, and college football go hand in hand. And don’t even get me started on the NCAA.

One more thing, concussions can be solved real cheap…put them back in leather helmets.

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Victorious Secret January 5, 2016 at 9:43 pm

Don’t forget you can substitute “college football” with “politics,” or “the media,” and your statement would be equally correct.

idcydm January 5, 2016 at 9:46 pm

No doubt.

Tazmaniac January 5, 2016 at 9:43 pm

There goes the concussions but here comes PETA!

idcydm January 5, 2016 at 9:46 pm

Why would people eating tasty animals care?

Rocky Verdunce January 5, 2016 at 9:48 pm

We need to put you and idcydm in Obamaville/gun control mental health facilities as you both appear to be nice people but deranged in your opinions on all subjects.

God you guys are babies January 6, 2016 at 7:46 am

wow, an ACC fan talking about something “fixed” How’s that offside call in the ACC championship game? Or the photo shopped picture trying to show only three players on one side of the ball when there was always 4, or the misinterpretation of the rule that they tried to claim they all had to stand with in 15 yards of either sided of the ball when it staes they have to have 11 between the sidelines not hashes. It was so funny watching tater nation, include 3 different idiots on here, working overtime to find and make up any rule that could have been claimed by the ref to have been violated when no rule was ever broken and no flag should have been thrown to try to act like the ACC isn’t fixed. That’s where the conspiracy really was. The rest you speak of was just the SEC being better than who they played in the games and everyone else crying about it. Yes Clemsux was better than Oklahoma and they proved it, and if I not mistaken were seeded better by the ESPN poll, coaches poll, and the playoff committee, but they still cry the get no respect. They were voted #1 for 6 weeks and seeded #1 after that so someone apparently game them a chance, or respect, and Clemson still cried like babies. If Bama beats them what ESPN conspiracy is your dumbass going to claim? “ESPN fixed it by making Clemson play Bama when they knew the outcome, it should have been handed to Clemson” Shut up and enjoy your time. it may or may not be there again, but if you keep crying like bitches you will miss it.

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idcydm January 6, 2016 at 8:15 am

Gees Beav. Golly Wally.

mamatiger92 January 6, 2016 at 8:16 am

speaking of “crying like bitches”.

God you guys are babies January 6, 2016 at 9:54 am

yep, there you are!

Trophy Hunter January 6, 2016 at 8:26 am

All this whining about the SEC and the SEC part doesn’t even matter. Alabama is in a league above most SEC teams. Perhaps Alabama has something that warrants high expectations? Maybe a lot of national championship trophies? Maybe the fact that they just obliterated MSU to get here?

Wipe away your tears, Clemson, or they’ll be used as lube.

idcydm January 6, 2016 at 8:33 am

I still think Northwestern has the best cheer. That’s alright, that’s OK, you’ll all work for us one day.

Roll Tide January 6, 2016 at 8:49 am

Whatever helps you swallow the loss I guess.

idcydm January 6, 2016 at 8:59 am

Yes, I hope that Clemson wins but it’s not like they are my favorite team. The point is…I will enjoy watching but it’s just a damn football game.

But then with a user name like yours, if you get beat don’t do anything stupid, suicide is forever.

Nölff January 6, 2016 at 11:08 am Reply
jimlewisowb January 5, 2016 at 5:03 pm

Roll Tide, Roll

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CNSYD January 6, 2016 at 6:39 am

around the bowl and down the hole.

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Nick Saban's Dick January 5, 2016 at 5:28 pm

Oh he’ll be feeling it soon enough, don’t worry.

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Squishy123 January 5, 2016 at 6:02 pm

Has Spurrier put his Columbia house up for sale yet? I have to give it to him, I figured he’d pull a Holtz and be on a plane headed for Florida the same day he resigned.

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Mom January 5, 2016 at 6:19 pm

Word is he never sold his Florida house.

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Rocky Verdad January 5, 2016 at 9:17 pm

Ssshhhh!!!! If he finds out where it is Flip will probably pester him.

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Pogo No Job-o January 6, 2016 at 8:51 am

Don’t worry, I’m sure Spurrier lives very, very far away from the trailer parks.

Nick Saban's Dick January 5, 2016 at 7:04 pm

Why does Spurrier matter? I think you’re talking about an entirely different cock here.

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Limbaughsaphatkhunt January 5, 2016 at 7:04 pm

No, he’s still working on drafting a second apology letter to SCAR fans for the dumpster fire he left behind.

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idcydm January 5, 2016 at 5:31 pm

Go Tigers.

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Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 5:51 pm

Clemson vs. Alabama.
Good vs. Evil
BT and Saban have a long history of spiritually battling each other (he has won so far). Before Saban first entered football, he knew he had to hide his true identity, so he changed his name. It was in a cynical jab at me that Saban substituted BT”s last initial with my fist in his name. But, finally I have found the man to defeat him. DABO!

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Tazmaniac January 5, 2016 at 5:57 pm

Won’t pick a side in this one and I have a lot of respect for both programs. Should be a great game to watch. That TCU game was sure exciting to watch the other night.

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Slartibartfast January 5, 2016 at 7:13 pm

“And I asked this fella that was a sittin’ beside of me, “Friend, what is it that they’re a-hollerin’ for?”

Well, he whopped me on the back and he says, “Buddy, have a drink!”

“Well,” I says, “I believe I will have another big orange.” And I got it and set back down.”
– Andy Griffith: ‘What It Was Was Football’

Best of luck to all my friends at Moo U. Make us all proud!

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shifty henry January 5, 2016 at 7:39 pm

good one …..

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erneba January 5, 2016 at 8:14 pm

Clemson made a believer of me with their performance against Oklahoma.
They should be competitive with Alabama and the game is a one touchdown difference either way ,You pick’em.

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shifty henry January 5, 2016 at 10:09 pm

Yep, gonna’ be a real knuckle-buster!

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Guest January 5, 2016 at 10:41 pm

I just finished my ‘research’ on how you can tell if a contributor on FitsNews is actually ‘FitsNews’.

When you delete a Disqus account it only shows ‘This comment was deleted’ IF the comment was a reply to a NON FitsNews contributor.

I am happy to report Rocky Verdad,tomstickler and stumpknocker are apparently NOT staff? Thumper,Boz and several others, not so good news? :)

Reply
Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 11:03 pm

Yeah, except there is no staff. It’s just me, Will. I spend a lot of time just replying to my other disqus accounts and as in this case my guest comment.

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Guest January 5, 2016 at 11:12 pm

Caught ya! :)))))

Bible Thumper January 5, 2016 at 11:16 pm

Actually, I caught myself. I think. You are me, right? I need to get help. I’m confusing myself.

CNSYD January 6, 2016 at 8:47 am

I wish Dabo would feel me! He’s a hottie!

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What a dork January 6, 2016 at 1:25 pm

I love the pic of Dabo. He looks like he is proud he finally made a doodoo in the potty.

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Squishy123 January 6, 2016 at 4:11 pm

Versus the picture of Spurrier who months after quitting looks liike he is still severely constipated?

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Ass of U not me January 7, 2016 at 8:14 am

Who mentioned Spurrier, or even USC for that matter? You got a thing for him or something? Did you just assume I am a USC fan?

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Squishy123 January 7, 2016 at 7:16 pm

Sorry, you must then be an Ohio State fan… because they’re everywhere.

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