re: Haters Said UT Didn't Have A Chance In Hell.......

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The hate would've been even greater of Pig would've held on the ball at the end of our game.

But, yeah, the hate is still pretty strong.

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No doubt. Poor Pig, I felt so bad for him.

You know that's the only game I've ever witnessed fans give an ovation to players despite losing. I don't recall any game where fans stayed and just kept applauding and soaking it all up. There were even fans who waited outside Neyland to give the players another round of applause as they made their way back to the dorms. That game was heartbreaking but it was also wonderful. Years from now, I think it will be cited as the turning point that setup our return.

I know it sounds odd but I honestly don't think South Carolina ever had a chance due to what happened in the UGA game - some kind of magic was worked that night during that game and after it. The fans and players knew it too. The South Carolina was in lot of ways an extension of over time - a second chance at that heartbreaking play. And the team got enough from whatever mojo was unleashed from it that the next team up was pretty much destined to lose. I guess the best way I can describe it is that it was like that game unleashed the football version of a basketball shooter being 'in the zone' and unable to miss no matter what kind of shot they throw up or how unlikely it should be to make it except in our case it effected the entire team.

As to the hate being strong... I gotta be honest. I've always loved UT-UGA games. I love the stunts UGA always pulls pregrame, the taunts, the arrogance and all the things the Dawgs do to make me mad. I don't know what it is about the matchup that makes it special but they're always high energy and simply a lot of fun to watch and an absolute blast to participate in on gameday.