Emory Bellard

[Todd4State]

I hate to hear that he is not doing well. He is one of my favorite MSU football coaches simply because he coached the 1980 team- one of my favorites of all time.

He had some really big wins for us- obviously Alabama in 1980, he beat Ole Miss in 80 and 82, Auburn in 80, UT in 79, UF in 81, Miami of Florida in 80 and 81, pretty much owned LSU.

Our 1980 season had about as many miracle finishes as the 99 season. We had to have goal line stands to beat Auburn and Miami, and to beat Alabama by recovering a fumble was incredible. When he beat Ole Miss in 1980, it was the highest ever attended Egg Bowl in Jackson. State was down very briefly in that game, but John Bond led State back for the win.

Bellard is why I like the wishbone, and everytime I use the offense on PS3, I think about him.

 

[bbqbully]

He was always one of my favorite MSU coaches in any sport. I always loved his interviews and his highlight show with Jack. Loved to hear him describe the game in his Texas twang.

God Bless you Emory. Our prayers are with you.

 

[KingoftheDawgs]

I was at a conference for work a few years ago and met his grandson, Trip (Emory Bellard III). Super nice guy and when he found out I was an MSU grad, he mailed me a football autographed by his grandfather. I hate to hear he is in poor health.

 

[FlabLoser]

It was nice that he was on campus for the Anthony Johnson upset special. I stood in the Junction and watched him give a pregame interview on Steve Ellis's show. They talked about the 1980 Bama game.

Bellard said he thought a lot of Bear Bryant when Bryant walked to our locker room after the game to congratulate Bellard and our team. He said Bryant addressed the team and said some motivational things. Bellard also said the importance of that win struck him when he existed the locker room at what must have been an 30 minutes to 1 hour after the game ended. There were still lots of people in the stands. He said State people simply didn't want to leave. And then he realized what the win meant.

 

[BigMotherTucker]

the man was still sharp as a tack.