Wow snote, you are well versed in the ways of the wolf.
You are correct, Mike OCain, our former Coach, along with Assistant Joe Pate recruited PR to State. Amato, as soon as he was told he had the job, hopped on a plane and went to see Rivers. Pate, was also the only assistant retained. Alabama, with Pate's help, has produced some really good talent.
Correct again, Chuck does wear the Oakley shades, and Nike doesn't take too kindly too it. The year before last we were 9-0 going into the Georgia Tech game @ home. Chuck had worn the white shades during this stretch. It is said that Nike pressured him into pulling the shades for one of there models. We lost our next three games. Chuck then basically says screw it and started wearing the Oakley's again. We one the rest of our games...including FSU and dominating Notre Dame in the Gator. The good mojo wore off this season though, as he did loose with the shades.
As far as McClendon goes...he's a beast...when he's healthy. He's had more injury's over the last two years than I can even count. Broke finger, seperated shoulder, hamstring...the list goes on. I think there was 1 or 2 games that he was 100% last year, near the beginning of the season. We've got two studs coming in this year that may help him not have to bare the full load.
Yes, many of the Pack do pull for the Panthers, but just as many have other pro interests as well... following past Wolfpacker... Tory Holt and Korin Robinson come to mind.
And as far as poor Herb goes, I don't know that he will ever fully be congratulated until he can pull off the big wins. In the world of the Wolf, a bar has been set. We have a rich proud tradition in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. But a decade of cellar dwelling and a half decade of mediocrity have begin to wear on us all. I like Herb. I've met him, and I think he's a great guy. I still have my doubts about him being able to get us over the hump, but hey, he achieved much more this year than I and many others thought he would. But if we do lose in the first round, no matter how worthy the opponent, I think the heat will be right back on old Herb.
Great talking with you Bayou Boys. Looking forward to Friday.