Crimson Red Sports

Interesting story about change and adapting to it.



When legendary University of Alabama football coach Bear Bryant surveyed the college football landscape in 1971, he saw things changing. Having produced NFL passers like Kenny Stabler and Joe Namath, Bryant realized that teams that could run the ball and play defense won championships.


http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=299437

That's why he was the best.

As great as the Bear was he was under a lot of pressure in 1971. There was talk he was pass his prime and maybe it was time for a change. Back then you either went to the game or listened on the radio. I can still remember John Forney and Doug Layton trying to explain we were running the wishbone. Nobody had any idea that was going to be our offense. We beat USCw in that first game and had a great run through the 70's.

I was at my grandparents house in Hattiesburg, Ms. the night that game was played. I couldn't get it on the radio and didn't find out the score until the next morning. When I heard it, I was ecstatic. I knew something special was happening out of that game. Coach Bryant actually had in depth discussions with Texas coach Darryl Royal about the wishbone and learned it all from him.

I was young but old enough to know my football. I listened to games on a transitor radio. I would find a quiet place so I could concentrate on the game. Bear had told Forney and Layton about the wishbone but they were sworn to keep it a secret until the game started. I had no idea who Terry Davis was before that game. The next day me and my brother were in the back yard practicing our option pitches. I could not wait to see the replay on The Bear Bryant Show Sunday afternoon.

For 1 e-cred what does "A great pair says the Bear" mean?

Coke and Golden Flake.

 #+  That was too easy.

Everybody always speculated that there was Jack in the Coke.

At least one time there was. in John Forney's book "Above The Noise Of The Crowd" he tells about Doug Layton putting whiskey in the coke without Bear knowing about it. Bear opened the show by opening the bag of chips and taking a big drink like he always did. Layton said his eyes watered up but he never let it brother the show. If you have never read Forney's book it is great.

  #+

I hate to admit, I never have. That's freakin' hilarious. I'll have to see if I can get it on CD. It would be great to listen to while traveling.

Forney's book is great. He, Doug Layton and Jerry Duncan were the "voice of the Tide" in my younger days. They partied their azz off on road trips. Our favorite booster Logan Young was with them most of the time. Any older Bama fan needs to read (or listen) to that book. If you can not find it I will mail it to you as long as you return it.

Let me see if I can find it on CD first. As much traveling as I'll be doing from now til the end of the year, there won't be that much time to read. If I can't, I'll take you up on that. Thanks.