Everybody has been picking on Lane Kiffin the past few days, so I figured it was time to show the kid some support.
Yes, he's saying some stupid and inaccurate things, like accusing Urban Meyer of cheating. While we all know Meyer is no saint when it comes to use of his cell phone, the outrage directed at Kiffin from Florida fans is rather amusing.
It wasn't so long ago that some guy named Steve Spurrier was stirring it up — and he happened to be coach of the Gators.
Spurrier, on Tennessee's frequent appearances in the Citrus Bowl in the mid 1990s: "You can't spell Citrus without U-T."
On Peyton Manning returning for his senior season at Tennessee: "I know why Peyton came back for his senior year: he wanted to be a three-time Citrus Bowl MVP."
In 1994, after the Florida State Foot Locker scandal: "You know what FSU stands for, don't you? Free Shoes University."
Florida fans weren't complaining then, so what's the beef? Considering Kiffin has to bring his team to Gainesville on Sept. 19, they'll have a chance to settle it on the field in a rivalry that was badly in need of a spark.
If Kiffin wants to run his mouth, let him. Just let the Tennessee coach learn the NCAA rule book first. He'll eventually figure it out.
In the meantime, back to the hating. Here's Lame Kiffin.com.
The difference is that when Spurrier tweaked his rivals, he did it because he thought he was being funny, not because he was trying to take shots across others' bows. He also didn't accuse anyone of anything unless he knew it was wrong.
And the biggest difference is that he started running his mouth after he actually won something. In his first year, his only public witticism about another team was in regards to Auburn, a team he beat 48-7 that year.
If Kiffin wants to pop off about other schools after he's beaten them, that's fine. The problem is his career record as a head coach is 5-15. He hasn't earned that right yet.
Posted by: Year2 | February 10, 2009 at 06:11 AM
Lane Kiffin came in and made a big impact on the team. I think it will backfire but good for them for having something to look forward to I guess.
Telling everyone you are going to beat Florida in the swamp and calling out Urban Meyer for cheating probably wasn't a good idea though.
Here is the rest of what Lane has done so far at UT.
http://www.gotoguy.com/2009/02/10/lanes-lame-blame-game/
Posted by: brandon | February 10, 2009 at 07:19 AM
The above comparison of events is beyond stupid. This Kiffen boy accused Meyer of something that was inaccurate.
Spurrier never did that. FSU was guilty of getting free shoes in The Footlocker Scandal. Meyer was guilty of nothing in recruiting the kid this Kiffen boy was referring to.
Are you able to tell that...oh so slight... difference? I guess not.
The day Tennessee announced this Kiffen person as their new head coach, he said he looked forward to singing Rocky top all night after beating Florida at Florida Field this Sept. No one at Florida said a word. Message boards chuckled and I'm sure it will come up in Sept. But it was no big deal.
But wrongly accuse a head coach of cheating?
Whoever wrote the above article equating Spurrier's jabs vs Kitten's cheating allegation is an idiot. Almost as idiotic as this Tennessee coach.
Posted by: Jack | February 10, 2009 at 07:22 AM
You talk smack after you have achieved something, not beforehand. That's the difference between Kiffin and Spurrier. It was ok when Spurrier did it because could back it up.
When Florida rolls them by 70 this year, Kiffin is going to look like a moron.
Book it.
austiger (the LSU variety)
Posted by: afodsijnap | February 10, 2009 at 04:42 PM