It's Saturday in Athens

It's Saturday in Athens

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Hobnail Boot: 10 years later.... Where were you???

 10 years ago, Britney Spears held a giant snake, Harry Potter became a major motion picture, the world was shaken by terror, Barry Bonds (with a little assistance) popped 73 homeruns, Enron hired some sketchy accountants, and Aaron Murray was entering the 5th grade.

10 years ago TODAY, The Dawgs stood 1st and Goal from the 6 yard line of Neyland Stadium, down by 4, only 10 seconds left on the clock. 

And then a term which will forever stand amongst the greatest in Bulldog lore was born. Nobody to this day knows exactly what a "Hobnail Boot" is. But the term is one of the most widely used when old and young Dawg faithful reminisce about their favorite memories. 


For a long time, I have thought a good coffee table book would be the personal accounts of Dawg fans describing where they were when Verron Haynes was on the receiving end of a perfectly floated David Greene pass, giving a young Mark Richt his first signature win as an SEC coach. Where were you? What were you doing? Who were you with? How did you celebrate? What were you drinking on? Did you think, even for a second, of naming your first born "Hobnail"......??

Once upon a time, I considered this a "good beer"
My account: I was 18 years old. I had just recently graduated high school, and instead of going straight to college, I decided to "work for a year" (which ended up being 9 before I actually went back to school....) but was between dead end jobs on that October day. So I had nothing to do but watch the Dawgs on this day from my Dad's house in Lawrenceville, Georgia. I remember feeling so much promise in the first half, and then my feelings being absolutely crushed as Tennessee miraculously put up points to take the lead late. I had consumed about 5 bud lights, which for an 18 year old is a pretty hefty buzz, and was cussing and moaning as the Dawgs had a mile of field in front of them in order to score. But all of a sudden Randy McMichael (the forgotten one in this amazing drive) gave us back to back great catches, setting up a feeling that this might actually happen! I had Larry Munson on the radio, which gave a slight delay, but was obviously worth it. I stood in the middle of the living room, all alone, as that David Greene pass seemed to catch wings and glide straight into the hands of Verron. I jumped so high, that the ceiling fan may have given me a slight haircut. I ran out into the front yard and turned a victory lap, followed by a celebratory Camel Light which I had stolen from my older brother's carton which he stashed under his bed. I then called my best friend, who was off at college in Carrollton (West Georgia), to revel in the moment. I would give anything to re-live those few moments in all of its glory.

So your turn: Please give us your account in the comments below! It's always fun to put your words into your fingers, and re-live a day/play which you will undoubtedly have playing on the "Best of Larry Munson Calls" CD during your funeral.... don't deny it. And pass this blog on to your other Dawg fans, and let's generate some amazing reading material for all!

GO DAWGS!!!

2 comments:

  1. I don't get the opportunity to go to many games being the father of 2 and living in Birmingham, but I had the pleasure of being in Neyland for this classic! I went with my brother-in-law, a UT grad, and enjoyed every minute of it. Honestly, I never had the feeling we were going to lose. Even after Stephens scored and they took the lead, I just had a feeling we would find a way to pull it out.

    And the rest is history.

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  2. I was in my apartment in Atlanta. As we started that drive I was on my knees with my head on the floor praying that we would find a way. I couldn't watch. I would lift my head and watch the replay. I was listening to Munson on the radio. Nothing like hearing him call a game. When Haynes caught that ball I jumped up and screamed. I could hear several others do the same around my apartment complex. LOL My husband (boyfriend at the time) was just rolling his eyes at me the entire time. He still doesn't understand. I do believe that I cried a little with that win. LOL I have several family members who are Vols so losing to them is not a good thing.

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