Mike Shula the player

[roll2tide]

Got home early from work today and whats on but the '85 Iron Bowl with the Van Tiffen kick. As I was watching that final drive again there were 2 pass plays (1 to Jelks early and the last 1 to Bell) that were just about 2 of the most perfect passes ever thrown and won the game for us just as much than the kick itself. We had no timeouts and both passes were dropped over and under defenders and hit both receivers in such perfect stride that they both got out of bounds even though there were very near AU defenders. He was a hero for us that today and for the first time in a long while i remembered how fondly I had always held him as a Bama hero of my youth in my memories. It honestly felt good to accept him back into my thoughts as a revered player and not as another coach that just didn't work out.

Just thought I'd share.

 

[Cowtown Bama]

He also threw a great block on the reverse by Albert Bell. Give Greg Richardson a lot of credit too. If he didn't drag the defenders out of bounds with him there would have been no time for a kick.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Mike Shula has always been one of my favorite Bama QBs. The comeback that he lead against UGA between the hedges with less than a minute to play was a thing of beauty. He seemed to get the most out of himself at QB with focus and execution. He was not the fastest or tallest and his arm was not as strong as some other QBs but he got the job done. He was definitely a leader on and off the field. The fact that he was selected 1st team all SEC two of the three seasons he started was quite an accomplishment.

 

[NCTIDEFAN]

I always thought highly of him as a player. He was a winner, even though he did not have the talent some other QBs have had. I guess that is one reason it was so sad for me when he didn't make it as a coach.

Now, I just prefer to remember those better days.

RTR

 

[exiledNms]

I still remember him carrying out one of the greatest fake handoffs I've ever seen on the goal line against the vols. Short yardage, and he fakes a dive play handoff into the line. Turns & watches the "runner" get smashed by seemingly every vol on the field. Then jogs around the end for the TD.

And, of course, I remember the L.A. Bell pass that defeated GA and definitely the 85 Iron Bowl. Good times. That Iron Bowl is prolly the loudest I've ever heard any stadium anywhere. Incredible atmosphere. Of course, winning made it all the nicer...DT_ura1:

 

[bamabryan]

Mike Shula lead two of my all-time favorite Alabama wins, the 25-23 win against All-Barn and the 20-16 win over Georgia. Both wins were in the '85 season and both games were won in the final seconds.

Say what you want about Mike Shula the coach, but you have to admire Mike Shula the University of Alabama QB. He was not the most talented QB, but he got the most out of his ability. He was a very smart, gutsy QB. I've always admired what he did at Alabama as a QB.

 

[Bama1970]

Say what you want about Mike Shula the coach, but you have to admire Mike Shula the University of Alabama QB. He was not the most talented QB, but he got the most out of his ability. He was a very smart, gutsy QB. I've always admired what he did at Alabama as a QB.

Your right about MS as a QB. He may have not been the greatest we ever had, but he was a dang good one. I know he catches it on here and elsewhere for his coaching job at Bama, but everyone isn't cut out to be a HC. But he was/is one of my favorite Bama QB's. Without him, there would have been no "Kick" !

 

[TIDE-HSV]

It's odd, but you'd've asked me when he was a UA if he would turn out to be an outstanding HC, I would've answered "You're damned right!"

 

[Crimson Hawk]

Mike Shula has EARNED the right to be remembered fondly for all the great things he has done for the University. Not just his playing days either. He came "home" when asked, and helped Bama weather some very bad times, with class, and dignity. I can honestly say I have been shocked at how short the memory of some of the "so called fans" are.

 

[Crimson Hawk]

It's odd, but you'd've asked me when he was a UA if he would turn out to be an outstanding HC, I would've answered "You're damned right!"

......and he may yet be so. The Bama job was just too much, too soon, but may have helped prepare him for that role later in life. At any rate, my point was, when called upon, he did not refuse to come home.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I'm forced to repeat that he was paid very well to come back (first time since graduation), and I think we are still paying big time for his mistakes, so don't count me on his bandwagon...

 

[alextupelo]

I'm forced to repeat that he was paid very well to come back (first time since graduation), and I think we are still paying big time for his mistakes, so don't count me on his bandwagon...

why hadn't he come back between graduation and his hiring? that just seems odd to me?

 

[Bama1970]

......and he may yet be so. The Bama job was just too much, too soon, but may have helped prepare him for that role later in life. At any rate, my point was, when called upon, he did not refuse to come home.

I don't think he'll ever take one that was in worse shape, thats for sure. He came in at one of the worse times in the history of UA football. That was alot of pressure for a first time HC. I for one was very happy when he was hired and I truly hoped he would be sucessful for 2 reasons. 1, he was young and if sucessful, he could have been the 20+ year coach that i think we needed for stability for our program, and 2. He was a Bama man, who like CPB, loved Alabama, and knew what this program meant to the players and fans. I guess he just wasn't ready and didn't at the time truly understand what it meant or how to be a Head Coach.

 

[Tideski]

I must admit that I have an internal struggle trying to decide how to think about Shula. I think I could think better thoughts about him if it wasn't for his dad. At first I thougt Daddy Shula was protecting his son. However, with Don's recent quotes-- I think he is crazy. Anyway--right now I guess I still have a bad taste in my mouth. I am grateful that he tried--see how torn I am.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

why hadn't he come back between graduation and his hiring? that just seems odd to me?

Seemed odd to me also...

 

[1BamaNita]

Most football activities (the type Mike would have been likely to return to attend) take place in the fall and winter. His career has put him working during that same time period. Did no one consider this might have been a factor?

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Most of our FB luminaries have returned many times and retained contact with their school. If one cares enough to make the effort, it's not impossible...

 

[Crimson Hawk]

I'm forced to repeat that he was paid very well to come back (first time since graduation), and I think we are still paying big time for his mistakes, so don't count me on his bandwagon...

I'm honestly not trying to recruit anyone to the "bandwagon"........be your own council (no pun intended) I agree he was paid very well, but I also seem to remember there were not too many takers, at the time.

At any rate, it's water under the bridge........just wish people would try to remember that he did some good things for the University.

 

[Tideski]

Most of our FB luminaries have returned many times and retained contact with their school. If one cares enough to make the effort, it's not impossible...

I agree huntsville-- How many games has Shaun Alexander come back for during an off week. You have a Great point.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I'm honestly not trying to recruit anyone to the "bandwagon"........be your own council (no pun intended) I agree he was paid very well, but I also seem to remember there were not too many takers, at the time.

At any rate, it's water under the bridge........just wish people would try to remember that he did some good things for the University.

I guess I'll settle for being my own "counsel," since there's just one of me. Don't fool yourself. There were many applicants, including the present HC at LSU...