Loran Smith
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Loran Smith is an active newspaper columnist, co-host of the popular Bulldog’s Tailgate Show, and he has authored more than 15 books.
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Articles by Loran Smith
Auburn win over Georgia football highlights peaks, valleys of a long season Original
Loran Smith Special to the Athens Banner-Herald Oct. 23, 2026, 12:20 p.m. ET It is never any fun to lick your wounds when you lose an important game, especially after faltering when you feel you should have wound up in the winner’s circle. Georgia partisans must do as Kirby Smart has done: Pay tribute to Auburn for succeeding when the whole world counted them out and look on the bright side—there are a lot of games left to play, and Georgia can still achieve its objectives.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - Loran Smith: Fall color
As one gets older, trips down memory lane become more treasured, and now that fall is upon is, those moments when I can sit by an indolent fire with a good book and a glass of wine are more appreciated than ever. October has been in a sprint since September ebbed away amid the most bothersome and prolonged heat that I can remember, and now I wish we could slow October down with little more than a week left in my favorite month.
Loran Smith: Auburn Downturn
It is never any fun to lick your wounds when you lose an important game, especially after faltering when you feel you should have wound up in the winner’s circle. Georgia partisans must do as Kirby Smart has done: Pay tribute to Auburn for succeeding when the whole world counted them out and look on the bright side—there are a lot of games left to play, and Georgia can still achieve its objectives. You can hark back to 1976 for a similar scenario that has illuminating insight.
Tom Johnson
Thomas Wyatt Johnson was a UGA classmate at the Henry Grady College of Journalism in the late ’50s. I was living an extraordinarily good life, writing sports for the Red and Black, serving as a stringer for the Atlanta Journal, and imbibing with the classical and colorful character, Dan Magill. To tell the truth, I didn’t see how life could be any better. This being the pre-family time in my life, I would have been happy if time and circumstances never changed.
Tom Johnson
Thomas Wyatt Johnson was a UGA classmate at the Henry Grady College of Journalism in the late ’50s. I was living an extraordinarily good life, writing sports for the Red and Black, serving as a stringer for the Atlanta Journal, and imbibing with the classical and colorful character, Dan Magill. To tell the truth, I didn’t see how life could be any better. This being the pre-family time in my life, I would have been happy if time and circumstances never changed.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - Loran Smith: Politicians
Most of us poke fun at politicians, but sometimes we let it go too far, and I am always reminded of a comment made by the late Jim Minter, editor of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In a small circle of friends at a dinner party, the topic was about no-good politicos. The conversation eventually gained traction, and the bulk of the attendees were castigating politicians when he asked, “Do you know a politician?” Most everybody nodded their head affirmatively and he asked.
SMITH: Tom Johnson
Thomas Wyatt Johnson was a UGA classmate at the Henry Grady College of Journalism in the late fifties. I was living an extraordinarily good life, writing sports for the Red and Black, serving as a stringer for the Atlanta Journal, and imbibing with the classical and colorful character, Dan Magill. To tell the truth, I didn’t see how life could be any better. This being the pre-family time in my life, I would have been happy if time and circumstances never changed.
Fred Barber
When someone leaves this old world, it’s always uplifting to realize his was a life well lived, and I can think of no one who had a more fulfilling life than Fred Barber. Fred was an accomplished, multifaceted person who found a way to excel and enjoy the benefits of his profession while still finding time to support his beloved community, state, and university. And he did so with an underscoring of faith, hope, and charity. Fred was a good neighbor. He would help get your ox out of the ditch.
Fred Barber
When someone leaves this old world, it’s always uplifting to realize his was a life well lived, and I can think of no one who had a more fulfilling life than Fred Barber. Fred was an accomplished, multifaceted person who found a way to excel and enjoy the benefits of his profession while still finding time to support his beloved community, state, and university. And he did so with an underscoring of faith, hope, and charity. Fred was a good neighbor. He would help get your ox out of the ditch.
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When someone leaves this old world, it is always uplifting to realize his was a life well lived, and I can think of no one who had a more fulfilling
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - Loran Smith: Tom Johnson
Thomas Wyatt Johnson was a UGA classmate at the Henry Grady College of Journalism in the late fifties. I was living an extraordinarily good life, writing sports for the Red and Black, serving as a stringer for the Atlanta Journal, and imbibing with the classical and colorful character, Dan Magill. To tell the truth, I didn’t see how life could be any better. This being the pre-family time in my life, I would have been happy if time and circumstances never changed.
SMITH: Politicians
Most of us poke fun at politicians, but sometimes we let it go too far, and I am always reminded of a comment made by the late Jim Minter, editor of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In a small circle of friends at a dinner party, the topic was about no-good politicos. The conversation eventually gained traction, and the bulk of the attendees were castigating politicians when he asked, “Do you know a politician?” Most everybody nodded their head affirmatively and he asked.
Ray Lamb
When the final service took place last week for longtime Tigers’ football coach Ray Lamb, it was held in the Commerce stadium that bears his name. Friends statewide, mostly fellow high school coaches, attended, along with local citizens and two college head football coaches: Clay Hendrix of Furman and Tre Lamb of Tulsa, a grandson of the deceased and among Ray’s eulogizers.
Ray Lamb
When the final service took place last week for longtime Tigers’ football coach Ray Lamb, it was held in the Commerce stadium that bears his name. Friends statewide, mostly fellow high school coaches, attended, along with local citizens and two college head football coaches: Clay Hendrix of Furman and Tre Lamb of Tulsa, a grandson of the deceased and among Ray’s eulogizers.
Remembering Ray Lamb
By LORAN SMITH COMMERCE - When the final service took place last week for Ray Lamb, the longtime Tigers' football coach, it was held in the stadium, which bears his name. Friends from all over the state, mostly fellow high-school coaches, were there, along with local citizens and two college head football coaches-Clay Hendrix of Furman and Tre Lamb of Tulsa, the grandson of the deceased and one of the eulogizers.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - Loran Smith: Amy Gibson
The west end of the lunch counter at ADD Drug in the Five Points section of Athens was occupied all last week, but not with anxious diners, which is usually the case. Instead, there were flowers, cards of sympathy, and a somber atmosphere, which was brought about by the death of the queen of the food operation, Amy Gibson. Amy was a hard worker, a pretty brunette with a touch of gray that gave her a classic look.
SMITH: Amy Gibson
The west end of the lunch counter at ADD Drug in the Five Points section of Athens was occupied all last week, but not with anxious diners, which is usually the case. Instead, there were flowers, cards of sympathy, and a somber atmosphere, which was brought about by the death of the queen of the food operation, Amy Gibson. Amy was a hard worker, a pretty brunette with a touch of gray that gave her a classic look.
Nice Guys Should Finish First
Downtime Sports Desk Dale Murphy, one of the most beloved and appreciated athletes to play for the Atlanta Braves, makes his home in Alpine, Utah, which is around 36 miles south of Salt Lake City, but people see him often enough around the capital city of Georgia that they might conclude that ole No. 3 is still anchored in the place he called home for more than a decade. He owned a restaurant, aptly named Murph’s, at the former Cobb Galleria Centre from 2017 until its closure last year.
Whaddaya Got Loran?
Remembering past rivalries and the importance of proper sportsmanship as the Bulldog Nation welcomes the Oklahoma Sooners on Dooley Field in Sanford Stadium One of the great traditions of college football is the friendships that result from the game of college football although some enthusiasts take it too far. Some like to rub it in, and some go to the extremes.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - Loran Smith: George Harwood
Opinion Retired teacher George Harwood pursues history, travel, photography and lifelong learning, from hummingbirds on his porch to visits across Africa and ancient sites. George Harwood is a retired schoolteacher who knows much about many things. That’s because he reads a lot, has an interest in history, and thinks nothing of heading off to far-off places.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - Loran Smith: George Harwood
Opinion Retired teacher George Harwood’s curiosity spans travel, history, wildlife, photography and hummingbirds as he and his wife plan another trip to Africa. George Harwood is a retired schoolteacher who knows much about many things. That’s because he reads a lot, has an interest in history, and thinks nothing of heading off to far-off places.
Oklahoma musings
In September 1965, when NBC sent Jim Simpson and Bud Wilkinson to Athens to broadcast the GeorgiaAlabama game, it was the first time network television had ever telecast a game from UGA’s historic campus. They arrived on Thursday, and the late Dan Magill was the dedicated host, which meant that I, as his eager assistant, was allowed to tag along. Both Simpson and Wilkinson were generous with their time – and I was all ears.
Georgia football welcomes Oklahoma team with storied coaching history
In September 1965 when NBC sent Jim Simpson and Bud Wilkinson to Athens to broadcast the Georgia-Alabama game, it was the first time network television had ever telecast game from the historic campus. They arrived on Thursday, and the late Dan Magill was the dedicated host, which meant that I, as his eager assistant, was allowed to tag along. Both Simpson and Wilkinson were generous with their time—and I was all ears.
Georgia football welcomes Oklahoma team with storied coaching history Original
Loran Smith Special to the Athens Banner-Herald Sept. 23, 2026, 10:01 a.m. ET In September 1965 when NBC sent Jim Simpson and Bud Wilkinson to Athens to broadcast the Georgia-Alabama game, it was the first time network television had ever telecast game from the historic campus. They arrived on Thursday, and the late Dan Magill was the dedicated host, which meant that I, as his eager assistant, was allowed to tag along. Both Simpson and Wilkinson were generous with their time—and I was all ears.
Loran Smith: On Arkansas
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – It still is a little strange when I come here to think of Arkansas being a member of the Southwest Conference, which they were for 76 years. The Razorbacks’ best years in football were when they played in the old SWC, where they were a member from l914 to 1991. It was Frank Broyles who orchestrated the move to the SEC. The Razorbacks won 13 football titles in the old SWC, with Broyles winning seven of those championships.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - Loran Smith: September Weather II
Opinion Loran Smith reflects on September heat, the limits of long-range forecasts and his anticipation for October’s cooler weather. While I am not addicted to The Old Farmer’s Almanac unlike so many others, I am often intrigued with what I learn when I do take a dip into its contents. With the oppressive heat of the recent weeks, I searched for what the forecast allows for the next fortnight, hoping that the thermometer will be trending downward. Not likely, unfortunately.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - Loran Smith: September Weather II
Opinion Loran Smith reflects on September heat, the mixed accuracy of almanac forecasts and his anticipation for October’s cooler weather, football and Chattahoochee trout fishing. While I am not addicted to The Old Farmer’s Almanac unlike so many others, I am often intrigued with what I learn when I do take a dip into its contents. With the oppressive heat of the recent weeks, I searched for what the forecast allows for the next fortnight, hoping that the thermometer will be trending downward.
SMITH: September Weather II
While I am not addicted to The Old Farmer’s Almanac unlike so many others, I am often intrigued with what I learn when I do take a dip into its contents. With the oppressive heat of the recent weeks, I searched for what the forecast allows for the next fortnight, hoping that the thermometer will be trending downward. Not likely, unfortunately. We all know that October usually is when we can expect the temperatures to give us relief from late summer’s debilitating heat and humidity.
Western Kentucky
Western Kentucky Through the years, with a few stops made in foreign towns and communities, I learned that the respect for an American education was over the top with most everybody, especially the Europeans. With the passing of time, I learned that it was not only the major universities that brought foreign influence to the campuses, but also the smaller schools—including Western Kentucky.
SMITH: Bobby Poss, II
For years in the Athens-Clarke community, the name Poss conjured up images of beer, barbecue, and Brunswick stew—and the colorful proprietor who not only oversaw the production of “Poss Famous Foods,” but who also might be seen dishing out hash at a catered event. He was hands on when it came to good food and good service. With his downhome style, he often provided entertainment with his engaging personality and his colorful story telling. His father began the company, but it was the son, Robert E.
September weather
By LORAN SMITH While I am not addicted to The Old Farmer's Almanac unlike so many others, I am often intrigued with what I learn when I do take a dip into its contents. With the oppressive heat of the recent weeks, I searched for what the forecast allows for the next fortnight, hoping that the thermometer will be trending downward.
Kirby at 50
Kirby at 50 At 50 years old, Kirby Smart has experienced enough success, won countless games and championships, has made enough money, and has been quoted as much as Winston Churchill — enough so that he could ride off into the sunset. That way, he’d have three decades or more to fish, hunt, play the world’s elite golf courses, and strike off every item on his bucket list if he wanted to. But that’s not what h… Subscribe to continue reading Read the full story Stay connected to your local news.
Kirby at 50
Kirby at 50 At 50 years old, Kirby Smart has experienced enough success, won countless games and championships, has made enough money, and has been quoted as much as Winston Churchill — enough so that he could ride off into the sunset. That way, he’d have three decades or more to fish, hunt, play the world’s elite golf courses, and strike off every item on his bucket list if he wanted to. But that’s not what h… Subscribe to continue reading Read the full story Stay connected to your local news.
Whadda Ya Got, Loron: On Bobby Poss
For years in the Athens-Clarke community, the name Poss conjured up images of beer, barbecue, and Brunswick Stew—and the colorful proprietor who not only oversaw the production of “Poss Famous Foods,” but who also might be seen dishing out hash at a catered event. He was hands on when it came to good food and good service. With his downhome style, he often provided entertainment with his engaging personality and his colorful story telling. His father began the company, but it was the son, Robert E.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - Loran Smith: Bobby Poss, II
For years in the Athens-Clarke community, the name Poss conjured up images of beer, barbecue, and Brunswick stew—and the colorful proprietor who not only oversaw the production of “Poss Famous Foods,” but who also might be seen dishing out hash at a catered event. He was hands on when it came to good food and good service. With his downhome style, he often provided entertainment with his engaging personality and his colorful story telling. His father began the company, but it was the son, Robert E.
Loran Smith: Kirby at 50
In his 50th year, Kirby Smart has accomplished enough success —winning countless games and championships —made enough money, and been quoted as much as Winston Churchill—enough that he could ride off into the sunset. That way he’d have three decades and more to fish, hunt, play the world’s elite golf courses, and strike off every item on his bucket list if he wanted to. But that’s not what he wants.
SMITH: Georgia radio honors voices that give back
BY LORAN SMITH SANDY SPRINGS – The friends of Georgia Radio Hall of Fame gathered here for its annual awards banquet last weekend. The event drew old friends and honorees, new faces, and a litany of supporters who appreciate local radio.
Smith: Remembering '59
Loran Smith/File Photo It has become customary in recent years for the leading football schools to open the season against a team perceived to have little or no chance of winning — the so-called “cupcake” games. However, you may recall that on Sept. 1, 2007, Appalachian State upset Michigan at Ann Arbor, 34-32.
Remembering
‘59 It has become customary in recent years for the leading football schools to open the season with a team perceived to have little or no chance of winning these so-called cupcake games. However, you may recall that Appalachian State in the opening game Sept 1, 2007, upset Michigan at Ann Arbor, 34-32. Not only did the Mountaineers cash a $400,000 check, but they also pulled off, perhaps, the great… Subscribe to continue reading Read the full story Stay connected to your local news.
Loran Smith: On Bobby Poss
For years in the Athens-Clarke community, the name Poss conjured up images of beer, barbecue, and Brunswick stew—and the colorful proprietor who not only oversaw the production of “Poss Famous Foods,” but who also might be seen dishing out hash at a catered event. He was hands-on when it came to good food and good service. With his down-home style, he often provided entertainment with his engaging personality and his colorful storytelling. His father began the company, but it was the son, Robert E.
Kirby Smart at 50
By LORAN SMITH In his 50 th year, Kirby Smart has accomplished enough success, winning countless games and championships, has made enough money, and has been quoted as much as Winston Churchill-enough that he could ride off into the sunset. That way he'd have three decades and more to fish, hunt, play the world's elite golf courses, and strike off every item on his bucket list if he wanted to.
College football season openers provide lasting memories | Loran Smith Original
Loran Smith Special to the Athens Banner-Herald Sept. 1, 2026, 7:02 a.m. ET It has become customary in recent years for the leading football schools to open the season with a team perceived to have little or no chance of winning these so-called cupcake games. However, you may recall that Appalachian State in the opening game Sept. 1, 2007, upset Michigan at Ann Arbor, 34-32.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - Loran Smith: Friends of Georgia Radio
SANDY SPRINGS – The friends of Georgia Radio Hall of Fame gathered here for its annual awards banquet last weekend. The event drew old friends and honorees, new faces, and a litany of supporters who appreciate local radio.
Loren Smith: Remembering ’59
It has become customary in recent years for the leading football schools to open the season with a team perceived to have little or no chance of winning these so-called cupcake games. However, you may recall that Appalachian State in the opening game Sept 1, 2007, upset Michigan at Ann Arbor, 34-32. Not only did the Mountaineers cash a $400,000 check, but they also pulled off, perhaps, the greatest upset in college football history. Certainly, one of the greatest of all time.
SMITH: Labor Day goings on
For the first two weeks of September in Athens, Georgia, we can expect a transition to early fall weather, with an average daytime high of 84 degrees and nighttime lows dropping to a comfortable 60 to 65 degrees—all of which will be accompanied by sunshine, high humidity, and a chance of passing afternoon thunderstorms.
Smith: Labor Day goings on
For the first two weeks of September in Athens, Georgia, we can expect a transition to early fall weather, with an average daytime high of 84 degrees and nighttime lows dropping to a comfortable 60 to 65 degrees — all of which will be accompanied by sunshine, high humidity, and a chance of passing afternoon thunderstorms. Athens is a place many Georgians will be on Labor Day — that pre-fall holiday… Subscribe to continue reading Read the full story Stay connected to your local news.
Labor Day goings on
For the first two weeks of September in Athens, Georgia, we can expect a transition to early fall weather, with an average daytime high of 84 degrees and nighttime lows dropping to a comfortable 60 to 65 degrees — all of which will be accompanied by sunshine, high humidity, and a chance of passing afternoon thunderstorms. Athens is a place many Georgians will be on Labor Day — that pre-fall holiday… Subscribe to continue reading Read the full story Stay connected to your local news.
CONTRIBUTOR'S VIEW - Loran Smith: Labor Day Goings On
For the first two weeks of September in Athens, Georgia, we can expect a transition to early fall weather, with an average daytime high of 84 degrees and nighttime lows dropping to a comfortable 60 to 65 degrees—all of which will be accompanied by sunshine, high humidity, and a chance of passing afternoon thunderstorms.
SMITH: Billboards
There is a stretch of Interstate 10 west from Jacksonville to the intersection with Interstate 75, a road I have seldom traveled until recently. Returning to Athens after a stay in Ponte Vedra Beach, I needed to make a stop in Albany. I felt serene and refreshed on the first leg of the journey on I-10 where there were no billboards, no roadside trash—just assorted pine and oak trees and clean, clean roadsides.
Smith: Satchel Paige
Earlier this month, a friend forwarded an internet recap of the day the Atlanta Braves signed Satchel Paige to a contract that enabled him to receive a Major League pension. At the time, Paige needed 158 days to qualify for his pension. He contacted 29 Major League teams, but nobody responded because he was 62 years old. Paige was something of a remarkable anomaly when he helped the Cleveland Indian… Subscribe to continue reading Read the full story Stay connected to your local news.
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