Respect for one's opponent isn't always easy to come by these days -- in any sport. That certainly includes college athletics.
So many fans have gotten caught up with trash talking and the competitive spirit that college athletics now breeds, that it can get downright ugly at times -- either at the tailgate or at the water cooler the following Monday.
But dig deep enough, and you'll find -- for the most part -- that fans of Southeastern and Atlantic Coast Conference teams do actually hold a place of respect for at least one opponent in their conference, even if it's grudgingly.
For instance, Steve Spurrier is probably the singularly most-hated coach in SEC history for his brashness, swagger and -- let's face it -- domination of the league throughout the 90s. But even though Bulldogs, Vols, Tigers and even Seminoles all hate him, most of them admit a grudging respect for the "Ole Ball Coach." After all, he backed up most of his outrageous statements, and, when he didn't, he admitted his failure.
So, even though I asked about most-hated rivals a few weeks ago, this week it's all about the love -- sorta'. This week, I asked our College Face-Off Fans which rivals they respected most from their own conferences.
The answers were, as always, surprising and revealing. And while you might expect a Gamecock to hate a Bulldog, or a Wolf to eat a Hokie (I think it's some sort of turkey), you will be caught off guard by some of the respect shown below... for the most part. After all, this is still southern college athletics, and you can't get too cozy with your enemy!
Read what our fans had to say and then have your say. Simply scroll down to the bottom and add a comment to the story, or shoot us an email at: [email protected]. Oh, and thanks for the comments from last week's issue: "The perfect moment."
-- BRIAN WILEY, 33, Gainesville (University of Georgia): I have a lot of respect for both Bobby Johnson of Vanderbilt and Sylvester Croom of Mississippi State. Coach Johnson appears to run a very clean program, and his players appear to act very well. There have been several games that Vanderbilt should have won, but some very questionable calls were made towards the end of games. He is fiery but is very respectful in his actions. Coach Croom appears to run a clean program as well. I have a relative that lives in Starkville and thinks a lot of him. He is a very well-liked individual in that state. He appears to hold his players to a high standard.
--JEFF HART, 44, Gainesville (Alabama): Well, having been in Georgia now for 26 years (and as a grad of UGA) I have come to respect how things are done at Butts-Mehr. I have covered UGA as a sports writer for nearly 20 years at various times and the way they treat media and handle situations is top notch. I think Damon Evans is doing an excellent job and tries to make every sport competitive. No place is perfect but I think UGA does the best job overall with its sports department and it should be emulated by the other schools.
-- SCOTT BECK, 36, Suwanee (Auburn University): I respect what Georgia has been able to do with itself in the last 10 years or so
Wednesday
June 25th, 2025
11:50AM
