It’s Time to Stay Focued (That Means You Too SOS)

Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

Somewhere, right now, Ron Morris is smiling.

Listen, I’m not in the camp that believes he’s out to destroy Steve Spurrier or USC. He’s a columnist. He writes editorialized and opinionated pieces. Why? So people will read them. In all honesty, it’s not a lot different than what we do here at Garnet and Cocky. But, no one is calling for our head, I guess Carolina fans like our spin.

Brace yourselves; you may not like this one. That’s fine, I don’t care. This needs to be said. We love the HBC more than anyone north of Gainesville. He has (and still is) doing wonders for our football program. But damn it, Steve; enough with the distractions. This season, you’ve questioned our fanbase after many of us chose to call it a day at the ECU game. We didn’t write a word about it, even though it was a noon kickoff in the 90+ degree heat and the student section concessions sold out of water in the first quarter.

So, we stayed. Against UAB, we weathered the “heat” of a 7:30pm kickoff and somehow managed to survive. Then, last week we did the same. I (along with many others) kept my seat until the final seconds ticked away versus Missouri. What was my reward in that one? I got the opportunity to watch our third string defense roll over and let the Tigers make it look respectable. Call me crazy, but I would have enjoyed that more from the parking lot. I understand you want to get young guys reps. But, if you tell me to stay until the finish…it’s up to you to make every second of it worth my time.

Then came this week’s Ron Morris adventure. This isn’t the first time we’ve had an issue with the guy. Boy! You took it to another level this time didn’t you? You threatened to “take it to the beach”. In the middle of the most hyped season in my lifetime, you threatened to walk away because you were upset with another grown man. That doesn’t sit right with me. Why would you say that to your fanbase? Why would you dare let your team hear those words escape your lips? You shouldn’t have.

Now, gametime in Lexington, KY has come and gone. The team played an uninspired first half and never really looked to be prepared for a far inferior opponent. Is that a result of all this Ron Morris drama? Maybe.

Around the game of football, we often talk about the need for a team to stay focused…to keep their eye on the prize, you know the clichés. Why should we expect anything less from our coaching staff? We shouldn’t. It’s time for Steve Spurrier to worry about the things he can control.

He doesn’t control when fans choose to walk out of the gate. Everyone in attendance sacrificed and came of their own free will. They can leave the same way. That’s not your problem.

Stop getting mad when fans question you. That IS part of the job when you’re the head coach of a football team at any level. If you think our fans give you heat, you should try dealing with Pee Wee parents. Besides, I’m certain your compensation package takes the sting away.

Finally, stop worrying about Ron Morris. If you have that big of a problem with him, handle it in the offseason. Heck, we can sell tickets and have a charity boxing match if it will make you feel better.

We have bigger things to worry about right now.