I am watching the press conference ...

[thomas]

and I am very impressed with Coach C ... congratulations to President Brodhead and Joe Allleva for their efforts.

[dcarp23]

The front page was a surprise. Good job by the athletic department getting behind this 100%.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Gosh, I love everything this man said. I am so excited to have him as our football coach!

[thomas]

He just said: "...if you can run, we are going to find you and recruit you" (or something like that). He also talked about his meeting with Coach K and joked that he was ready to commit to a basketball scholarship after his talk! Way cool. i like this guy already. Let's get behind him and the team.

[lgd]

He was really impressive... from the opening through the comments on recruiting. I haven't been this excited about duke football since, well, ever. Plus he's a Krzyzewski fan.

[Mike Corey]

Plus he's a Krzyzewski fan.

And Krzyzewski is a big fan of his. The two of them hit it off.

Cutcliffe's handling this presser with aplomb.

Very much looking forward to JimSumner's overview.

[365Duke]

I would vote for this man as president:D

This a home run! No doubt, we have the perfect fit!!!:D :D :D

[Mike Corey]

What they're sayin' about Coach Cutcliffe, courtesy GoDuke.com:

"Duke is serious about restoring excitement and a winning tradition to Duke football. David Cutcliffe’s selection as our head coach shows Duke is committed to helping our players achieve the excellence we seek, both on and off the field. Coach Cutcliffe is a proven motivator and experienced leader, and I am delighted to welcome him to Duke. I’m also grateful to a superb search committee that worked with Joe Alleva and me to achieve this great result."
Dr. Richard H. Brodhead, President, Duke University

"When I announced my decision to move in a different direction with our football program I clearly stated our criteria. We were looking for a leader who has head coaching experience, preferably at the Bowl Championship Subdivision (BCS) level; has directed a winning football program; has an outstanding offensive mind; has proven himself on the recruiting trail; will represent the University in an exemplary fashion, both on campus and in the Durham community, and understands that at Duke academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with excellence on the playing fields. We found that person in David Cutcliffe. Coach Cutcliffe is well-respected among his peers and his former players for his coaching knowledge and motivational skills. Coach Cutcliffe’s values are well-aligned with the institutional values of Duke University. We believe we have found the right man to lead our football program to the excellence that is synonymous with Duke."
Joe Alleva, Director of Athletics, Duke University

"David Cutcliffe’s hiring is a clear sign that Duke is serious and committed to its football program. He is an established coach at the highest level of collegiate competition and his track record speaks for itself. Coach Cutcliffe has traveled roads our program has not enjoyed in recent years, and that can only benefit the young men he will lead here at Duke. I am excited about this hire for our University, our Department of Athletics, and most importantly, for the current and future Blue Devil football players."
Mike Krzyzewski, Head Basketball Coach, Duke University

"David Cutcliffe is a great hire for Duke University. He is an oustanding football coach that understands all aspects of the game. He is an accomplished recruiter and great communicator. He’s also a tremendous worker and he and his family will always represent Duke University in a first class manner."
Phillip Fulmer, Head Football Coach, University of Tennessee

"I’m excited for Coach Cutcliffe. I think he deserves to be a head coach again. His influence on me has been well documented; he was a huge reason why I chose to attend the University of Tennessee. Speaking for Eli, Coach Cutcliffe being named the head coach at Ole Miss was a swaying factor in Eli’s decision to go to school there. He’s done such a great job at Tennessee and is a great match and a great fit for Duke."
Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts
University of Tennessee, SEC Player of the Year & First Team All-America, 1997
No. 1 Overall Selection, 1998 NFL Draft
NFL MVP, 2003 & 2004; MVP, Super Bowl XLI

"The greatest thing about Coach Cutcliffe is his ability to teach the game of football. He works so well with quarterbacks in particular, and teaches you how to lead your team from that position. He works hard, is dedicated and has a passion for winning. I know his teams will be well prepared for anything that happens in a game."
Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants
University of Mississippi, SEC Player of the Year & First Team All-America, 2003
No. 1 Overall Selection, 2004 NFL Draft

"I’m very excited for Coach Cutcliffe and I think that all the people associated with Duke should be excited. He’s an outstanding human being and a really good football coach."
Archie Manning
University of Mississippi; First Team All-America, 1969 & 1970
College Football Hall of Fame, Inducted in 1989

"Just knowing Coach Cutcliffe and his dedication to not only football but development for young men, it’s a great hire for Duke. I think it’s going to be a great marriage for him as well with the University."
Deuce McAllister, RB, New Orleans Saints
University of Mississippi; First Team All-SEC, 1999 & 2000
No. 23 Overall Selection, 2001 NFL Draft

"Coach Cutcliffe was great. He was pretty much the reason I went to the University of Tennessee because of his quarterback history with Andy Kelly, Heath Shuler, Peyton Manning, coaching myself and helping us to a national championship then going on with Eli Manning and Erik Ainge this year. He is an offensive genius and at quarterback and he knows what he’s talking about. He was a big reason for our success at Tennessee and when he went on to Ole Miss, he was very successful there in turning that program around. I think it’s great for Duke to have Coach Cutcliffe there."
Tee Martin
University of Tennessee; First Team All-SEC, 1999

"I think [Coach Cutcliffe] is the right person for the job. He’s a real first-class guy and he’ll do everything by the book. He’s going to get the most out of those guys because he is a motivator."
Derrick Burgess, DE, Oakland Raiders
University of Mississippi; First Team All-SEC, 2000

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for David Cutcliffe. He is truly one of the great offensive coaches in college football. He is outstanding in the development of quarterbacks and with the passing game in particular. I thought he did a really good job at Mississippi and knew it would only be a matter of time before he was his own boss again."
Todd Blackledge, College Football Analyst, ESPN

"David Cutcliffe is an offensive mastermind. He does an exceptional job with quarterbacks. Peyton Manning pays him the highest compliment when he tells all Tennessee quarterbacks, ‘Just do what he says. Period.’ This is a tremendous hire for Duke."
Mike Patrick, College Football Commentator, ESPN

"David Cutcliffe is a sensational choice to be the football coach at Duke. His first head coaching job at Ole Miss was filled with high points, and included the first championship for Ole Miss in a long, long time, an SEC West division co-championship with LSU, and a Cotton Bowl win over Oklahoma State. His ability to mold quarterbacks and offenses is well documented, but it’s his people and organizational skills that make him the tremendous man, and coach that he is today. If you spend any time at all in his presence it’s easy to see why he’s been so successful in his career and his personal life. His family is a full participant in his career, and he has been as successful as a father as he has as a coach. He captivates you with his demeanor and his integrity is not for sale. He will make Duke football matter again, and he will do it the right way; with honor, honesty, hard work, and the players will have fun making history. Duke football will not be a punch line much longer under the direction of David Cutcliffe. From this point forward it will be with much pride that players will be able to say, "I play football at DUKE for David Cutcliffe!"
Charles Davis, College Football Analyst, FOX Sports/NFL Network
Tennessee Football Letterman, 1983-86

"Anyone who is credited with mentoring both of the Mannings currently playing in the NFL has pretty solid credentials as a football coach. Archie, Peyton and Eli all speak of David Cutcliffe with a great degree of admiration ... I think David is a great choice for Duke."
Verne Lundquist, College Football Commentator, CBS

"Cutcliffe is one of the top offensive minds in football. This is the guy who molded the greatest quarterback on the planet: Peyton Manning. And he is a proven head coach, having developed Ole Miss into a strong program. No doubt: Duke met its objectives in tabbing Cutcliffe as head coach."
Tom Dienhart, The Sporting News

"When it comes to David Cutcliffe, the record speaks for itself: Five winning seasons in six years at Ole Miss; two No. 1 overall picks in the NFL Draft; a national reputation that is second to none when it comes to developing quarterbacks and great offenses. After a year out of coaching followed by two years at Tennessee, David Cutcliffe is smarter, hungrier, and more than ready to be a head coach again. Duke is getting David at the best possible time in his life and in his career. He will bring an excitement to Duke football that it has not seen since the days of Steve Spurrier."
Tony Barnhart, Atlanta Journal-Constitution/CBS

"If there could be a perfect fit at Duke, it’s David Cutcliffe. A meticulous, hard-working, no-frills, no-excuses coach. And one of the best Xs and Os tacticians in the game. He was a quarterback guru before it became fashionable to call a coach a quarterback guru."
Matt Hayes, The Sporting News

"Coach Cutcliffe proved himself as a head coach at Ole Miss. Based on the results since his departure from that school, one would have to say his dismissal was a mistake. He is coming into a challenging situation at Duke, but he’s got the ability to make that program competitive. My guess is that Duke will be much better in football under David Cutcliffe. Bottom line, this is a very good hire for Duke."
Wendell Barnhouse, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"David Cutcliffe is a great teacher, a developer of quarterbacks, an offensive innovator, a hardworking recruiter and a great person whose presence gives Duke a chance to compete in the ACC."
Joe Schad, National College Football Reporter, ESPN

[blazindw]

He just said: "...if you can run, we are going to find you and recruit you" (or something like that). He also talked about his meeting with Coach K and joked that he was ready to commit to a basketball scholarship after his talk! Way cool. i like this guy already. Let's get behind him and the team.

I was loving that comment. Speed is very important on the football field, and can really take you to the next level if you have a team that can run. I also like how he said that he was going to go after the same recruits that the "big boys" are going after. He says that he has a great advantage to walk in first and offer the Duke education and then mention "how much fun they will have playing football for us". I'm a fan of Coach C already!

[lgd]

No guarantees in life, but excited about his statement about creating a legacy and wanting to put down roots here... given his age, if he's here for another 5 or 7 years, then he's likely here for the durations

[Troublemaker]

Coach Cut was 44-29 at Ole Miss and 4-1 in bowl games, including a 10-3 Cotton Bowl winning campaign 5 seasons into his stint there. Ed Orgeron replaced him and was 10-25 there.

[sagegrouse]

No guarantees in life, but excited about his statement about creating a legacy and wanting to put down roots here... given his age, if he's here for another 5 or 7 years, then he's likely here for the durations

This is a very good point. The best example, IMHO, is George Welsh who built the UVa football program (not rebuilt). He was 48 when he started and, after it was clear what he had accomplished, he was probably too old (mid-to-late 50s) for a major football power to come after him.

sagegrouse

[3rd Dukie]

This is a very good point. The best example, IMHO, is George Welsh who built the UVa football program (not rebuilt). He was 48 when he started and, after it was clear what he had accomplished, he was probably too old (mid-to-late 50s) for a major football power to come after him.

sagegrouse

2 questions, if you would: How old is this fellow? Why did he leave his job at Mississippi? Fired or a better opportunity?

This sure sounds promising.

[ikiru36]

2 questions, if you would: How old is this fellow? Why did he leave his job at Mississippi? Fired or a better opportunity?

This sure sounds promising.

Others can likely speaking more fully to this than I but to quickly/briefly answer your questions:

Coach Cut is 53 years old. He was fired by Mississippi but this seems to be pretty universally regarded as a major blunder on their part. From an AP report, "Cutcliffe was 44-29 in six seasons at Mississippi, but in less than a year went from Cotton Bowl champion to the unemployment line.

The only coach in Ole Miss history to win at least seven games in each of his first five seasons, Cutcliffe guided the Rebels to four bowl berths, and clearly, his Eli Manning-led 2003 team was his best."

What followed was a single disappointing 4-7 season apparently involving both injuries to the squad, and some tough, close losses to top teams. After this one season, Mississippi's administration demanded he give them a long-term fix plan for the program and that he fire certain assistant coaches. He refused and was let go.

From everything I've seen (granted, I'm not someone with inside access) he seems to be absolutely adored by the Tennessee program and Tennessee fans, and many Mississippi fans regret his being fired as the program has not had a season since to match any of the seasons Cutcliffe presided over.

Please, if anyone hasn't, try to watch the video of his presser (available through here (http://www.wral.com/sports/story/2178248/)). To say the very least, he is an extremely promising hire and I am so excited to see what our program may be able to accomplish under his leadership!

Thank you Coach Roof!!!! Welcome Coach Cut!!!!!!! Go Duke!!!!!!!!!! Go Devils!!!!!!!!!!!!! GTHCGTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jimsumner]

Football is a zero-sum game. One team wins, another team loses.

Press conferences are not zero sum games. Nobody has to lose a press conference.

That said, I was impressed with Cutcliffe. He said all the right things but more importantly, he seemed to believe them. He seemed passionate, focused, and self-assured.

Duke has had two kinds of coaches. The ones who use the academics as an excuse and the ones who use the academics as an asset. The second kind tend to last longer. Cutcliffe came across as the second kind.

Someone, maybe on another board, said that DC couldn't recruit because he was a cold fish. I certainly didn't get that impression. He opened his portion of the press conference by introducing his wife as an indication that he could recruit. Yes, she's easy on the eyes. Got laughs. Good way to start.

Some key points.

There were lots and lots of people there. Maybe there is more interest in Duke football than we realize.

DC spent a lot of time walking around campus before his formal interview, met with K for an hour, and seems to feel that he has an early handle on what makes Duke tick.

Alleva declined to discuss contract details. But DC did say that "I came here to stay."

DC said he had been contacted by 75-100 potential assistant coaches and that the ability to recruit would be the most important consideration. "If you can't recruit, you can't compete."

He will coach Tennessee through their bowl game but reminded everyone that this was a dead period in recruiting and insists that Duke won't be short-changed in the interim. Will talk to recruits.

He has met with the current team and said nice things about them. Said he saw energy and enthusiasm for getting better. Complimented Roof and his staff for their hard work and dedication. Didn't have to do that. Nice touch.

Talked about balance between academics and athletics and said he would recruit on those lines. "The best and the brightest." Says that he has "more to sell than anyone else in the country."

Emphasized the importance of speed. More than once. "If you can run, we're going to find you and recruit you to Duke University. If you don't have feet, you can't play this game."

Current players will run. To the extent that there's a tradeoff between strength and speed, he left no doubt that he values speed more. Will run screens and other plays that will require mobility from linemen. "Everybody currently on this team will be able to run. We'll be strong enough but we're durn sure going to be able to run."

"No magic dust but we'll be on the fast track to get it done." No predictions, however.

Big on work ethic and reliability. Doesn't want people who want to move the piano stool, wants people who want to move the piano. Yes, he has a folksy side. Places a premium on "say what you mean, mean what you say, and back it up."

"It's all going to start with the kicking game to me. . . manage the kicking game first and foremost. That will win close football games. . . will spend an inordinate amount of time working on the kicking game. We will win with the kicking game." Hmm.

Offense? "We will be able to run the ball, maintain the ability to run the ball. But we're gonna throw the heck out of it. . . . We don't give yards back. We don't take sacks. Those are things that beat you and we don't do things that beat you. We're gonna get it out of our hands and throw it to the right people." Expect lots of no huddle. Not sure if he will call plays. Likes calling plays from press box.

Defense? "I like really good, calculated risk. When I err, I'm going to err on the side of being aggressive." Big fan of zone blitz.

"My job is to have a plan." Wanted to make sure Duke had a plan and was convinced that was the case. "Nobody compares to Duke. We're the best. I believe we have 100 percent the committment we need."

Three things assistant coaches can't miss when recruiting. Character, academics, and "I don't want a coach to bring a guy to me who can't run." Yes, he really likes guys who run.

Talked at some length about filling Wade, improving the atmosphere, getting more involvement from students. Will he be able to transmit an SEC atmosphere to Duke? Stay tuned.

"No teacher like experience." Says he's 100 times more prepared than he was when he started at Mississippi.

"I cannot wait to get started. My energy level probably is as high as it's ever been and it's going to go higher when I get over." Need to change everything, entire culture, weight room, equipment room, "surround yourself with great people and expect more from them than maybe what they expect from themselves."

It wasn't exactly a love-in. One jaded media type told me that Cutcliffe wasn't the statement hire that Duke needed to make. But he was in a distinct minority. I talked with two former Bill Murray players who said that DC reminded them of Murray and they meant it as a compliment. I talked with two committee members who said that DC just blew away the group with his interview. I talked with Duke's most visible fan and he was seriously upbeat.

I went into this disposed to like the guy and neither saw nor heard anything to change my mind. Color me optimistic.

[Jarhead]

Short answers:
1. 53, born 9/16/54

2. Loyalty to his staff, fired when he refused to fire his staff when the AD ordered a reorganization after his only poor season.

[Sir Stealth]

I was excited before the press conference, but the press conference got me REALLY excited. Cutcliffe seems like a great guy and the ideal coach for Duke right now. I think that I would take him over most coaches out there including those currently employed and, frankly, it's amazing that we were actually able to get him. He seems to buy into the uncompromising ideal that Duke can and should represent. Everyone should take the time to watch the press conference. The best part is I think Coach Roof actually did a solid job recruiting so Coach Cutcliffe may be able to step in and look like a genius. Even getting Duke to play on the blue turf in Boise would make him look like a miracle worker. The best part is that he appears to be a man of integrity who values the best parts about Duke.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Duke football tickets for the 2008 season are now on sale..... renewals and new orders. Those who purchase by February 28 receive a commemorative gift. Offering football tickets for sale in December is quite a change from the old Duke SOP!

Up until now, I've been the only one on my section in Wallace Wade who sings the words to the alma mater and the two fight songs. If you don't know the words, you can prepare for next season by going to goduke.com. The words to the fight songs and "Dear Ole Duke" can be found under Tradition in the menu across the top of the page.

Who knows? Maybe we'll actually have some football cheers, too!

One more thing..... the Carolina game will be a home game for Duke in 2008.

[RockyMtDevil]

As a former UT grad student, I got to see him up close and personal... He's a tough guy, an offensive guru and the glue to the UT football program. Look what happened to their offensive stats when he left.

A great, great hire. He is a solid guy and will be an excellent head coach. I love the story of his first meeting with UT's Eric Ainge. One of the great player/coach interplays I've heard in years...

[chi]

A great, great hire. He is a solid guy and will be an excellent head coach. I love the story of his first meeting with UT's Eric Ainge. One of the great player/coach interplays I've heard in years...

Did you mean this one?

"The first thing Coach Cut told me when I met him is he wanted to teach me to be a football player first, then teach me the game," Ainge said. "He demanded I do well on and off the field. He's the total coach. He takes everything into perspective."

[cbfx3]

Wow.. this guy sounds super organized. he already knows what he is going to do. His quotes about recruiting makes alot of sense.. "I am offering a gold mine when i walk through the door with a Duke education under my arm" Man when you think about it who wouldnt want to play for Duke if Duke is winning?

I remember when Franks had his first game something about he had to call Spurrier about what to do for pregame warmups.. I dont forsee that with Coach C

[grimbogey]

I've posted the full 50 minute press conference as as streaming audio file from the Roof Replacement Rumors blog.

The link is here.
(http://roofreplacementrumors.blogspot.com/2007/12/cutcliffe-press-conference-audio.html)
Thanks again to all who patronized the site. We had over 7,500 unique visitors from all across the country and from around the world, and I hope that it filled a niche in the coverage of this coaching search.

[RockyMtDevil]

Actually, when Cutcliffe returned to the UT staff as Offensive Coordinator, his first meeting was with Ainge, who came strolling into his office with his hat on sideways and pretty much acting like the cocky punk that most people said he was.

Cutcliffe took one look at him and said "turn your #$%@ hat around and sit your @#$ down."

Ainge tucked tail and turned into a pretty decent quarterback under him. I wouldn't mess with Coach C!! No wonder K seems to like him.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

I talked with Duke's most visible fan and he was seriously upbeat.


Thanks for the overview and analysis. Superb as usual, Jim.

I really enjoyed watching the presser on line, and was tremendously impressed by Coach Cut. (self redacted several positive comments about our record next year that I think I'll keep to myself for now!)

And it is nice to know that Herb is happy with the hire. Seriously :D

[4decadedukie]

Short answers:
1. 53, born 9/16/54

2. Loyalty to his staff, fired when he refused to fire his staff when the AD ordered a reorganization after his only poor season.

Re #2:

Cutcliffe's willingness to be fired at Old Miss, rather than to terminate Assistant Coaches who did not deserve dismissal, is (in my opinion) THE most impressive part of Coach C's excellent resume. Integrity counts substantially in every facet of life. I suspect Coach C will be challenged by several "character questions" (recruiting and admissions, thuggishness -- rampant in Division I revenue sports, and individual student/athlete performance -- especially including academics -- and comportment) and his long-term successes will be largely based on his strength-of-character.

I'm betting he'll do well with these challenges and with building a Duke Football program, in which we all can take pride.

Cutcliffe's selection is an excellent one, our willingness to pay $1.5M annually is long overdue, and I applaud the Trustees, senior Administrators, and even our AD for their actions -- including a tough choice to dismiss Coach Roof, despite his generally excellent performance (notwithstanding Ws and Ls).

[wilson]

I've posted the full 50 minute press conference as as streaming audio file from the Roof Replacement Rumors blog.

The link is here.
(http://roofreplacementrumors.blogspot.com/2007/12/cutcliffe-press-conference-audio.html)
Thanks again to all who patronized the site. We had over 7,500 unique visitors from all across the country and from around the world, and I hope that it filled a niche in the coverage of this coaching search.

Here's hoping that that site and its clientele eventually morph into dukefootballreport.com. ;)
And thanks...I visited the site every day for the last couple of weeks.

[Slant]

I saw the press conference and can only say, WOW!!!! I am so impressed with him. His record speaks for itself, but he will alos be a great ambassador for Duke football in the community and in recruiting.

This is the kind of inspiring man that you want to follow into battle.

"Do you believe in miracles?" (Al Michael once asked.) Yes, Al, I do - I think Duke football under Coach C will once again rise to a level last seen during the glory days of the Sonny Jurgensen era!

[3rd Dukie]

Thank you very much for your replies.

I like this fellow already, simply based on his loyalty to his staff. Gyrenes are sorts like that too, huh?

Thanks

[Papa John]

Whoever said Cutcliffe can't recruit simply doesn't know what he's talking about... He is known as a good recruiter, as well as an offensive guru, which are two main reasons why Charlie Weis brought him on board his staff at Notre Dame as soon as he was hired there... Cutcliffe left that situation for medical reasons, then returned to Tennessee when he regained his full health...

This is an outstanding hire by the Duke athletic admin... This is a guy who will make our program competitive, and do it the right way... My only concern is his health--he is older and has had heart problems... I agree, this is probably a last-stop type position for Cutcliffe, and a place where he will want to leave a legacy... This is tremendously exciting news!

[BamaBlueDevil]

Here's hoping that that site and its clientele eventually morph into dukefootballreport.com. ;)
And thanks...I visited the site every day for the last couple of weeks.

Now that is a great idea. Go Coach C!!! Go Devils!!!:

[BamaBlueDevil]

Now that is a great idea. Go Coach C!!! Go Devils!!!:

Here hoping for dukefootballreport.com!

[EagleDevil]

From the DBR story: "Cutcliffe also spoke of appealing to the students, saying he’d go door to door in the dorms if he had to to generate some enthusiasm."

Dude, if you want to generate enthusiasm, just win games.

This is not a judgment on Cutcliffe in general, but really...

[Mike Corey]

This is tremendously exciting news!

Wait until you get a load of the staff he's putting together.

[OldPhiKap]

I have not been this excited about Duke football in many a year.



RIP 'EM UP!
TEAR 'EM UP!
GIVE 'EM HELL, DUKE!!!!!


(Sorry for yelling, but I'm stoked!!!!!!!!!)

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

I have not been this excited about Duke football in many a year.



RIP 'EM UP!
TEAR 'EM UP!
GIVE 'EM HELL, DUKE!!!!!


(Sorry for yelling, but I'm stoked!!!!!!!!!)

I'm glad not the only one who knows some football cheers

[jimsumner]

There were three vignettes yesterday that I think might illustrate what makes the man tick.

1.Walking around Duke campus, looking for a sign, a penny, a nickel. Can't find anything because there's no trash on campus. Takes this as a sign that Duke is committed to excellence in all things. Details matter.

2.Met with some Duke players. Didn't have to tell them to sit up straight and put their feet on the floor because they already were. Good thing. Used this as a chance to compliment Roof and staff. Discipline matters.

3.Related conversation with seven-year-old-daughter. "Daddy, why do we have to sleep?" Used this as jumping off point for discussion of people who enjoy what they're doing so much they don't want to take time, off even to sleep. Apparently the man doesn't need much sleep. Now, as someone who gets seriously cranky when I don't get enough shut-eye, this sounds a little creepy to me but I think I get his point. Enthusiasm matters. Committment matters.

I also should mention that he claims to be in excellent health and he raised the question.

[Indoor66]

I'm glad not the only one who knows some football cheers

Rip 'em up was a standard cheer in the Indoor Stadium during the Bubas era.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

Rip 'em up was a standard cheer in the Indoor Stadium during the Bubas era.

Yes, it was! I know because I was there! The cheer itself originated for football. I attended my first Duke game in 1959 (Army) and heard it then. Don't know when it was first used.

Other football cheers which have fallen by the wayside seem to be...

Hit him again! Hit him again! Harder! Harder!
Fumble play! Fumble play! We want a fumble play!
First and ten! Do it again! First and ten do ti again!

There was also a sound the fans made to follow the kicker to the ball for kick off...... I think it was "Goooooooo (and as the ball is kicked) Duke!

Since you mentioned the Bubas era, where did you usually sit at the basketball games?

[jimsumner]

There was the short-lived "harass them, harass them. Make them relinquish the ball" cheer. During the smart-^$%^$%^$% years.

[Indoor66]

Yes, it was! I know because I was there! The cheer itself originated for football. I attended my first Duke game in 1959 (Army) and heard it then. Don't know when it was first used.

Other football cheers which have fallen by the wayside seem to be...

Hit him again! Hit him again! Harder! Harder!
Fumble play! Fumble play! We want a fumble play!
First and ten! Do it again! First and ten do ti again!

There was also a sound the fans made to follow the kicker to the ball for kick off...... I think it was "Goooooooo (and as the ball is kicked) Duke!

Since you mentioned the Bubas era, where did you usually sit at the basketball games?

I ushered - ending up holding the end of the rope at the end of the visiting team bench.

[OldPhiKap]

There was the short-lived "harass them, harass them. Make them relinquish the ball" cheer. During the smart-^$%^$%^$% years.


"We beg to differ."

[365Duke]

Its hard to cheer when there is enough room to drive the visitors between your group and the next cluster of people closest to you. :rolleyes:

I am looking forward to the day where I have to yell at the person next to me because I can't hear him. Instead of because the person next to me is 1 section over from me. Who was it that said winning isn't everything, but it fixes all things:D

Great idea by the way to put tickets on sale way early, get them sold while there is a fever pitch about football:D

[blazindw]

Here hoping for dukefootballreport.com!

Can we try to create a spinoff? Sort of like a TV series....

"From the producers of DBR, we bring you...DFR!"

Sounds like a winner to me :)

[crote]

One thing that struck me as a little odd in the press conference was Coach Cut saying he drove down here and checked himself into a motel. Isn't it pretty much SOP to fly in candidates and put them up in a hotel, especially a candidate of Cut's stature?

Not to nitpick, and obviously if we erred it didn't work against us, but still. A little odd.

[Indoor66]

One thing that struck me as a little odd in the press conference was Coach Cut saying he drove down here and checked himself into a motel. Isn't it pretty much SOP to fly in candidates and put them up in a hotel, especially a candidate of Cut's stature?

Not to nitpick, and obviously if we erred it didn't work against us, but still. A little odd.

From what he said at the press conference, that was his decision to maintain a lower profile. It seemed he did not want the publicity of a plane, etc.

[365Duke]

One thing that struck me as a little odd in the press conference was Coach Cut saying he drove down here and checked himself into a motel. Isn't it pretty much SOP to fly in candidates and put them up in a hotel, especially a candidate of Cut's stature?

Not to nitpick, and obviously if we erred it didn't work against us, but still. A little odd.

That was to keep it on the DL. Plus, he doesn't sleep, what else was he going to do:D

[365Duke]

Wait until you get a load of the staff he's putting together.

http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/dec/16/search-on-for-next-coordinator/

[captmojo]

I like the "Cut" of this man's jib. I believe this is an extremely good hire. I want to get tickets as soon as possible. I don't want to hear anyone in the stadium whistling Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. (unless of course, it would be for the comfort of losing opponents)

[pratt '04]

I just noticed this in Frank Dascenzo's column from today's Herald-Sun:


Say what you mean and mean what you say is one of Cutcliffe's favorites. He will throw the football at Duke. Two of his former pupils, Peyton and Eli Manning, will be in Durham next spring. Cutcliffe will have a quarterback camp. You think potential QBs will put Duke on their recruiting stops now?

How cool will it be to have Peyton and Eli at Duke for a camp? I think the endorsement of two of the NFL's most visible quarterbacks will really help on the recruiting trail.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

There was the short-lived "harass them, harass them. Make them relinquish the ball" cheer. During the smart-^$%^$%^$% years.

And from the intellectual smartasses in DUMB "harass them, harass them. Make them relinquish the oblong spheroid!"

And I uttered the fumble play cheer many times this past year. Sometimes, it even worked!

[Faustus]

If I remember correctly from 1971-75, the words went like this:

"Harrass them! harrass them! Compell them to relinquish the ball!

Maim them! Maim them! Strew the field with intestinal gore!"

Quite rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? But, as always, I could be wrong.

[wilko]

http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2007/dec/16/search-on-for-next-coordinator/

WOW! the potiential to GUT UT's staff with this hire did not dawn on me till I read this. I lived in Knox for a while, so I kinda like the Vols... (Even tho their colors are saftey orange and the whole state tries to cash in on the sacrifice of 3 lone volunteers...) No really, I kid, but I hold no ill will toward them at all. I've always been kind of envious of their football success.

I read on the board that UT wanted a coach that cold take them past 9-4 seasons... uhh, If Coach Cut gets at 9-4 consistently I cant imagine anyone on this board complaining about it. EVER!!!

Best wishes to UT and thanks for everything.

[formerdukeathlete]

I notice that we have just offered

a 4 star rated QB

http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=2789796

QB Sean Renfree from Scottsdale (AZ) Notre Dame Prep

made his way east to get an offer from Georgia Tech.

Stanford and a number of big programs have offered.

Now that Stanford has signed Andrew Luck - a 4 star rated qb, and now with Coach Cut, we might have a chance.

I liked what Coach had to say about throwing and avoiding sacks - he is not gonna let his team ride on the long ball pass play. He will expect production every play, every series.

Sean Renfree meets Stanford's admissions criteria - apparently is a good student.

As time goes on, I think in recruiting it will prove that admissions need not be lowered to attract better players - a big time coach will attract better players who are also better students.

[devildeac]

From what he said at the press conference, that was his decision to maintain a lower profile. It seemed he did not want the publicity of a plane, etc.

According to Barry Jacob's piece on WRAL on-line, he attended his 7 year old daughter's dance recital and then drove, catching a few hours sleep before the presser. My guess would be that if it was after 8-9 PM, it would be tough to catch a flight that late(any one know of any direct flights from Knoxville to RDU?) and then connect that late to RDU. Guess he also could have made the flight/s in the AM on Saturday. I'm just glad he arrived and presented himself so well.

[Jarhead]

Somewhere here it was reported that he drove, arriving in Durham about 2:30 AM.

[jjasper0729]

It wasn't for the press conference, it was for his interview with the search committee on Wednesday. Very good chance the small(er) airport in Knoxville wouldn't have a direct flight into RDU at that hour and it's really just a straight shot on I-40 to get here from there as long as you don't need sleep (which he said in the press conference that he doesn't think he does).

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Very good chance the small(er) airport in Knoxville wouldn't have a direct flight into RDU at that hour

You can't get here from there, at least not without going through Atlanta, Charlotte or somewhere else. And since Paul Johnson was already in Atlanta...