Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > September > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGeorgia Tech wills way to victory
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chestnut Hill, Mass. — Paul Johnson the offensive schemer was in a foul mood. His signature option-based spread had managed only 235 yards and had functioned, Johnson said, almost laughing at the question, at “not a very high level.”
Paul Johnson the head coach was, however, ecstatic. Georgia Tech came to the home of the reigning ACC Atlantic Division champion and was leaving with a precious victory. This was a game the young and transitional Jackets weren’t supposed to win, and they won it almost in spite of themselves. How good might they be when they figure things out?
“I’m not real excited about the 235 yards,” Johnson said. “The thing I’m excited about is that 19 [points] is more than 16.”
Tech didn’t move the ball much and didn’t kick it any better, but such was its resolve — and such was its mighty front four — that the game was still afoot with 11 minutes left. Whereupon Vance Walker beat his blocker for a safety and a sack and Josh Nesbitt scrambled for a vital first down and Jonathan Dwyer was left uncovered on a pitch and went the distance. Slam, whoosh, whoosh.
From six points behind to three points ahead in five snaps. From frustration to bliss in 118 seconds. From a season of modest expectations to an autumn suddenly alive with promise … that’s how quickly it turned for Tech, and that, conveniently enough, is what Johnson coaches.
“The neat thing about our offense,” Johnson said, “is that it doesn’t take but one [big play].”
Take away Dwyer’s 43-yard touchdown and Tech netted 192 yards, which is pitiful. But that’s the thing: You can’t take away those 43. On the contrary, that’s the way the OBS works. An opponent can stop it all day, and then it misses one assignment and the scoreboard changes and maybe the game, too.
“It looked bleak at times,” said Brian Bohannon, who coaches quarterbacks and B-backs. “But we kept fighting.”
Three times in the third quarter Tech took possession off turnovers inside the Boston College 35. The Jackets, alas, banked only three points A lesser team might have shrugged its shoulders and written off the day. Instead Tech dug in deeper.
“If the offense isn’t getting it done,” Walker said, “you have to keep giving them opportunities.”
Walker’s safety begat the scramble that begat the game-winning option play, and now Tech is 1-0 in the ACC headed to Blacksburg and this nascent season has taken on a different look. If the Jackets can win at BC while the offense is still finding its feet, what damage might this team do a month from now? In a conference without a colossus, might the new-look Tech break upward the way Wake Forest did in 2006?
Said Dwyer: “The coach was saying to us all week, ‘You can’t get respect — you have to take it.’ “
And now? “Who knows what other people will say, but I think we took our respect,” Dwyer said. “We might have changed some people’s mindsets. I think we’re a very talented team, and we can make a lot of things happen and shock the world.”
On this winning day, believing seemed utterly appropriate. But Paul Johnson the pragmatist wasn’t willing to go into shock-the-world mode just yet. “We’ve got to get a lot better [offensively],” he said. “We can’t survive if we get whipped that badly up front.”
For Tech folks, that’s the best news of all. This coach will see to it that his team gets better, and what we learned Saturday is that there’s enough talent and grit already in the cupboard for coaching to matter. What promised to be an intriguing season just turned tantalizing.
Permalink | Comments (142) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech/ACC
Comments
By ColumbusJAcket
September 6, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Glad to be the first to congratulate the Jackets and their coaches!! Well done gentlemen, enjoy this win today.
By TDone
September 6, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
It’s not just winning, it’s learning how to win.
Go Jackets!!!
By KillerBee
September 6, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
An ugly win beats a pretty loss on any given Saturday!
By TTech
September 6, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Let me be the second to offer congratulations. Last year we would have lost this game. The mind set is different this year. We now believe that we can win. I watched every minute of the game (well almost, I had to take a leak once) and didn’t bother to eat lunch because I didn’t want to miss a second. We never gave up and never panicked. This is a “big play” offense and we know we can score on each and every play. Look out ACC, GT is on the hunt.
By Pdiddy
September 6, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
A very hard earned, hard nosed football game. Georgia Tech with every odd against them grinded it out, and does anybody realize that we sucked up the last 4 1/3 minutes of the game, great ball control in the 4th,………….oh and by the way, NESBITT IS A STUD!!!!!!!!!
By ChrisP
September 6, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
All of the points this season (60) have been scored by Sophmores and Freshman. The future is looking bright down on the Flats!
By William R. Smith
September 6, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
controlling fumbles and finding a field goal kicker will make the difference….those mistakes will kill close games like they almost did today….guarded optimism….
By KC
September 6, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
A very rewarding victory. Congratulations Jackets! I haven’t seen a Tech team with that much grit in a long time. There is definitely a long way to go before coach Johnson’s offense is fully alive and instinctive but it’s going to be a heck of a ride watching it happen. If our defense stays healthy Tech can easily be a factor in the ACC this season. A win in Blacksburg and we might even crack the Top 25.
Go Jackets!
By reebok
September 6, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
We have a coach!!!!!
By GT Ninety
September 6, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
I agree w/ William R. Smith but a win is a win and these kids proved heart and grit. They will take their lumps on the chin but have proven to get back up.
Do folks know that we won’t face many offensive lines as good as BC from here on out?? (except Gawga), so the option faced a very tough test today.
GOOD WIN JACKETS!!! BIG WIN JACKETS!!
By sljackson
September 6, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
GOD BLESS PAUL JOHNSON!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Joe Bling
September 6, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
The offense seems to be all the discussion, but what about the defense? The D was stout pretty much all day, but especially in the second half. Great effort all around, from the line to the secondary. They came out playing hard in the second half and netted two turnovers on BC’s first two possessions. Great performance guys. Your effort allowed Tech to sneak out a win even as the offense performed poorly.
By stinGTime
September 6, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
BC did clog the middle but Tech found the outside a couple of times at just the correct moment. As CPJ said, it only takes one (big play)!
Good coach and a good team!
Football as it was intended!
By M39Buzz
September 6, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Congrats to the CPJ and The Yellow Jacket Team on a tough, ugly, on-the-road win, today! I believe our conditioning showed in the high humidity and heat. CPJ knows how the teach, motivate and coach these young men to be winners!!
Also, Congrats to CPJ on being the first Tech Head Coach to get a win in his very first ACC game!
GO JACKETS and God Bless!!
By smitty
September 6, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
after witnessing the dismal execution on offense, my first thought was, bring back chan…..JUST KIDDING!…………( btw, has anyone seen the KC chiefs offense?…haha)
positives…….nesbitt and dwyer are studs……nesbitt was incredible………a real playmaker………the defense bent but kept holding BC to FG’s while the offense stumbled and bumbled and then the D came through with some big plays and stops…….i’m not sure if BC is all that good……their QB crane doesn’t last the season as starter in my opinion……….i was struck by how big the holes were for the BC backs up the middle against GT’s vaunted D line though it got better as the game wore on………….and GT’s O line, for the team supposed to rush for 300 plus yards underperformed to say the least……….it seemed there were 2 or 3 red shirts in GT’s backfield before the ‘perfect option’ even got started on many plays…….did anyone else see the coaches run out on the field and yank greg smith off the field after he missed another block?……he might just be demoted……..maybe BC’s D line is really good…..not sure why Tech couldn’t run up the middle at all……give em time to work out the kinks……..all the more reason to give the game ball to nesbitt and the D (were they on the field for the entire first half?).nesbitt’s scrambling, playmaking, and PASSING saved GT all day……go jackets!!
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
True confession: I didn’t think Tech would win today. But I’m now preparing myself to be surprised the rest of the season. The ACC is wide open, and if the Jackets improve the way I believe they will, they could do some major damage.
FYI: It’s now raining very hard here in Boston — Hanna has hit — so even the noon kickoff smiled on the Jackets. Imagine trying to run the option with a wet ball.
By anderw
September 6, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Congrats Tech. I agree that this was a game we always loose in the past. Our defense played a great game. It is great to think that we will only get better.
By Jim
September 6, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
The downfield blocking on Dwyer was great. I just refuse to get too excited, the offense does need more consistancy and hopefully that will come with a couple more games.
By GT Athletic Supporter
September 6, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Great, gutsy win by the Yellow Britches! The defense played great and the offense didn’t give up. Coach Johnson’s “hand” can already be seen in this team. He has instilled grit and the will to win. This team never gave up. Way to go Jackets! We are mighty proud of you!
By joe
September 6, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
this is our year… i great defensive line with tons of speed and athleticium all over the field, and on offense a power football team that has very talented young players that wont back down to anyone o and dont let me forget a coach that expects perfection on every block, run, throw, and step for that matter sounds like a team that can do a lot of damage in a soft ACC ORANGE BOWL IN PJ’s FIRST YEAR!?!?! i might just happen
By Buzz Belle
September 6, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
This is the beginning and what a beginning it is!! This offense is so much fun to watch - always a surprise. Two games and I haven’t been able to call a play yet - unlike the previous years when we all knew what Gaily was calling. I’m still nervous and there are some kinks - but geeze - CPJ is a hero in my book!! GO JACKETS & THWG!!
By bh
September 6, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
LOL That win is a steal. I don’t think Tech is at that level people will respect yet.
By EasyCharlie
September 6, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Reminded me a littleof the Dodd years. Tech would play the most gawdawful game for 3 1/2 quarters and then by damn, find a way to win at the end! A W is a W.
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
If I’m not mistaken, Demaryius Thomas also had a nice downfield block on Nesbitt’s scramble.
By 2 Big Techs
September 6, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
There is NO DOUBT in my mind that Chan would’ve found a way to ‘screw the pooch’ this afternoon had he still been at the helm.
DESPITE all the turnovers, DESPITE, being out-weighed something ridiculous across both line fronts, WE WON THIS GAME TODAY!
That, my friends, is coaching! Guess what? We have one now, and we’d best damn be sure we can keep him.
3 weeks ago, the spread at Va. Tech probably would’ve been 13 points. Before today, it might’ve been 9. This week, I EXPECT it to be less than 5 and I’ll be riding my Jackets all the way to the bank.
The best coaching job, make no doubt, is being done RIGHT HERE IN ATLANTA and we are the happy recipients!
Keep it going (kids)!! (You’re truly not old enough to be called men yet but MY GOD did you make a statement today! :) )
Let’s go get a ‘W’ in Blacksburg and see who overtakes East Carolina as the nation’s media darling! :)
By ncjacket
September 6, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
This was an attitude win. Didn’t play well, too many turnovers, sloppy special teams, etc., but Johnson knew what he was doing and you could see the team believes in him and what he tells them to do. We still aren’t running the offense well and the OL has loads of work to do. Don’t know how many we’ll win this year but turning around that attitude is the most important thing for any team. When you expect to win you find ways to do it.
By Mike
September 6, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
Thdere’s somethin’ happenein’ on the Flats !!!!
This is a game that in previous years, would have been lost.
By 3000GT
September 6, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
hey mark - thank you for the positive GT publicity, but what in the world is “slam, whoosh whoosh”?????
By TechCrybaby
September 6, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Tech has terrific speed. Keep perfecting Paul Johnson’s system, and they’ll have the steady, eat-up the clock offense that Coach admires, plus the lightning strike.
By MatchPoint
September 6, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Nesbitt was hot and looks to get hotter.
By Not Disappointed
September 6, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
I’m so proud of the guys for not quitting!!! Good win Jackets!
By michaelgee
September 6, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
See what the Georgia Southern fans in Statesboro have been watching since Erk and PJ came here in the 80’s!
CPJ is GT’s MVP, he is an offensive jurregnaut. Just wait till mid season when everybody gets in tune with what PJ has in mind.
Prepare for years of fun at the Flats!
Maybe ajc SHOULD start covering Georgia Southern football vs pretending real football isn’t played here. Chris (GT’s other Georgia Southern coaching candidate) Hatcher’s 2nd generation Hatch Attack is underway now.
It looks like ajc should include the Power House Georgia Southern in State sports.
Pretending Georgia Southern don’t exist is just wrong.
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
“Slam, whoosh, whoosh,” was my attempt — apparently an unsuccessful one — to render the impact of those three game-changing plays (the safety, the scramble, the option for the touchdown) in comic-book form.
If you didn’t care for my little effort, feel free to say, “Eek!”
By gold blooded
September 6, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
I was about to say, it has been too long.. but it has only been a couple of hours! What I saw today speaks volumes about what the right coach can do. In a very short time Coach Johnson has changed this team into a team that believes in itself. The more we win the more believers there will be. Way to go boys, lets take this show on the road again next week to VT. Win or loose, I wouldn’t miss it. Great job today team, its fun to be us again. THWG
By 1Jacket7
September 6, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
GREAT WIN JACKETS.
Keep up the great work. You grew up a little bit today, that is an AWESOME thing. The great thing about playing BC early, is that our guys learn what it means to be physical. I thought that was what we lacked last year when they came to town. Hitting BC is like running into a tree. Our guys now know that they need to be more physical to win the battle in the trenches. OL needs to step up their physical play especially. It’s Great to be a Yellow Jacket. Oh, for you guys that continue to temper your enthusiasm. GET EXCITED now. We need true fans not band wagon, we only wave our GT flag when we win championship types.
GO JACKETS!!!
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Tech Crybaby mentioned speed. Pete Thamel of The New York Times — good guy, fine writer — gave me a ride back to my hotel in South Boston, and I said to him, “If you named the 10 fastest players on the field today, eight of them would have been Tech guys.”
By gtpanic33
September 6, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
From Boston……
Mark - as one of your toughtest critics in the past, I want to congratulate you on one of your finer articles to date. Your paragraph that described the turning point was a thing of beauty. I’m not saying that because I’m a Tech fan, but as a reader. That is great literature. Keep up the good work.
Tech fans - Big win. There is a new excitement surrounding the program and it feels good. Enjoy the ride.
HT
By webbl
September 6, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Today Tech started to growup and its just one step in right direction. There will be blocks in the road but we are moving in the right way. Good job to all
By NOVAJacket
September 6, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Blair is a fine kicker, but we need to solve the snap & hold issues on every kick, even ther ones he made.
By LongBeachJacket
September 6, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Nice take, Mark.
It was a quality win for the Jackets and Coach Johnson.
Overcame miscues, did not lose composure.
Stayed in the game. Played to win it late. Got it done.
Nice job Jackets!
Lots to work on and improve and the next contest at VT will be no easy contest by any means.
The Jackets have a chance to be in it up there late with a chance to win IF they build on this one, work hard this week to correct the miscues, and get mentally ready for a more hostile road reception than the one they just passed through.
Go Jackets!!!!
By 1Jacket7
September 6, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Smitty, I did see the time when the coaches snatched Greg Smith off the field. He is really struggling. For a guy with his ability he doesn’t use it. I really think he has or had a bad attitude about the coaching change and it shows in his lack luster performances of late. D. Thomas appears to be embracing the change and we all have noticed the great contributions he has made over the last two games. Really he has been the MVP. Making catches when the ball is thrown to him and making people miss. His blocking has been exceptional. Way to Go Bey Bey.
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks, GTPanic. I’m not sure what (if any) literary content is included above, but I appreciate the kind words.
By FL Jacket
September 6, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
I also believe this was a game that Chan would have lost. I’m thrilled that the team pulled out a win today. I must admit though, I was worried about the offense after that first half. Now lets focus on the upcoming Thanksgiving “turkey” dinner. Go Jackets!
By Jasper Dawg
September 6, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Congrats Jackets on a gutsy win- The Paul Johnson era has hinted if anything it might win a handful more of those close games than Gailey did.
By TomJoad
September 6, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
MARK BRADLEY, I noticed the block by Demaryius Thomas. We replayed it three times. It sort of epitomizes the ‘effort’ and ‘grit’ that have been absent in recent years. Now maybe this year we won’t be going to the dust bowl.
By The Legacy Reborn
September 6, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
I have been a die hard fan since i was 6 years old in 1990 when the Jackets took National. Over the past 6 frustrating years I always felt that we were waisting the talent we had. Can you imagine a GT team from 2006 coached by PJ? this is what GT football should be about, this is what our history demands of us. For so long we were a commanding college football team, and until now I think that the nation has forgotten THE 4 TIME NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!! The mutts keep trying, but have only achieved 2. I hope they enjoyed the last 7 years, because this is a different team, and with only 2 games under our belt you can feel it from the inside out. The state of GA was led into the college football scene by Tech, and it is time to live up to the greatness of white and gold nation. Congatuations CPJ and the team of warriors that believed for the first time in a long drought that they can win, and will win, and only take a loss after trying to win with all their determination and strength. I am VERY excited about the rest of this year and the years to come. Once PJ starts his recruiting we will see what he can really put together. GO JACKETS AND THWG!!!!!!
By Theedge
September 6, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
I just hope the offense more specifically the O line can get it together so the defense doesn’t have to carry so much of the load. The defense looks like it can keep them in games til the offense gets rolling. That O line needs to get alot better.
Nesbitt looks like he is settling in. I would like to see his comp % come up to 65-75% from the reggie ball range he is currently at.
By dawgcather
September 6, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Good article, Mark.
One siginificant “game changer” was CPJ’s “icing” of the BC kicker at the end of the first half that produced a missed FG. That 3 points was huge for Tech’s confidence at the half - not to mention the exact difference in the final score!
GO JACKETS!
A big win makes next week a big game!
By dawgcatcher
September 6, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Good article, Mark.
One siginificant “game changer” was CPJ’s “icing” of the BC kicker at the end of the first half that produced a missed FG. That 3 points was huge for Tech’s confidence at the half - not to mention the exact difference in the final score!
GO JACKETS!
A big win makes next week a big game!
By dawgcatcher
September 6, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Good article, Mark.
One siginificant “game changer” was CPJ’s “icing” of the BC kicker at the end of the first half that produced a missed FG. That 3 points was huge for Tech’s confidence at the half - not to mention the exact difference in the final score!
GO JACKETS!
A big win makes next week a big game!
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
To The Legacy Reborn: That’s a loaded question about Paul Johnson coaching the 2006 Jackets. On the one hand, that was a very talented team that collapsed at the end. On the other, the most talented of the 2006 Jackets — Calvin Johnson — might not have signed with a school running this offense.
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
To dawgcatcher: You know, I actually thought Johnson had done BC a favor by calling the timeout. If you recall, the clock was running and BC was out of timeouts and had to run its kicking team on the field, and my first-blush response — I even said as much in the press box — was that I wouldn’t have given a harried opponent the chance to settle itself.
Then Sid Vicious (as the BC kicker is known) blew the kick, and I quickly proclaimed Paul Johnson the genius of all geniuses.
By snapshot
September 6, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Great win but lots of work to do.
By snapshot
September 6, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Great win but lots of work to do.
By Terry
September 6, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Great job Jackets!! That was fun. Now reload and do it again!!!
By The Legacy Reborn
September 6, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Mark you are right about that being a loaded question, I was simply referring to the struggle with Gailey football. The feel is different now. I know it has only been 2 games, but i found myself stressing today like I did last year, and this team played football and came away with the win. Do you recall last years lost to Maryland? All we had to do was get into field goal range, but for some reason that was not possible. The 2006 team had it in the bag, but with lack of true coaching leadership, it’s no wonder to me why they fell apart when it counted most. I simply feel that we can start trusting our coach and team to do what needs to be done. And if we don’t have a great season, or get to a good bowl game, or beat Georgia, or meet any other goal you can think of for a college football team, I feel that with CPJ we can at least know we were beat by a better team than just hand it to the other for just showing up. I am very excited about the future of Tech. maybe we will be the ones to reaffirm the ACC? Who knows, but time will tell and I am more excited about this than I have been in years! Thanks for writing a good article and showing support to a team that is on the rebound. I look forward to future ones.
By Brian D.
September 6, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Excited about the W. CPJ has not opened the playbook past page 2 at this time. I feel as the seaon progresses, the timing of the triple option will improve. As a Georgia Southern Alumni I can tell you that we are proud down here in South Georgia and you have added thousands of new fans to your base with CPJ as your coach.
By Vero Beach Jacket
September 6, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Why Johnson is a good coach.
Attempting to draw defense offsides on two 4th down situations (Pro syle).
Extending cadence late in the game to draw down clock. That take coaching. Johnson is a game coach.
Josh Nesbitt is the 2nd coming of Woodrow Dantzler. I agree G. Smith should ride the bench. I feel the same way about Earls.
A shout out to the D backs. All of them. Cooper the pass interference was a phantom call.
I think Glennon will have a different experience this time.
Yo man… GO JACKETS.
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Regarding the offense, or the lack thereof, I should report that Johnson had high praise for the Boston College defensive tackles. It’ll be a while before Tech sees a better interior line than that.
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this: Boston College misses Matt Ryan something awful. Bad for the Eagles but, if you’re a Falcon fan, good news for you. Without Matty Ice, this is just another program again.
By StingerSplash
September 6, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley,
First, you’re staying in Southie? Hmm. Second, Bebe Thomas had 2 great blocks on Nesbitt’s crucial scramble, getting two different defenders on the play. That’s the thing about this offense — the wideouts must be blockers first. As Erk Russell used to holler during windsprints at the end of practice at Georgia Southern, as they went position by position, “Wide blockers! Get ready!” And just because you block one guy doesn’t mean you can’t get up and knock somebody else to the ground, either. Look at the linemen and others downfield as Nesbitt’s scramble was ending. If you want an even better picture, call up Adrian Peterson’s “The Run” on youtube to see linemen 35 yards downfield still getting blocks.
By Budd
September 6, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Navy (and Paul Johnson) fan here…..I am so proud of the GTech squad. The boys did a great job of hanging in there and won a big game on the road today. When I was watching the game today, I could tell the offense is still light-years away from the precision PJ is looking for - but, they were able to get some huge plays when it counted. Mr. Nesbitt has a real change to be SPECIAL at QB! Keep winning!
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
Staying in Southie, keeping an eye out for Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson.
So many movies have been shot in Boston lately that the aforementioned Pete Thamel of The Times, who actually lives in South Boston, says people are always pointing out local bars and saying, “That’s where they shot that scene from ‘The Departed,’ or ‘Good Will Hunting,’ or ‘Gone Baby Gone.’ “
The local custom now, Pete said, is to point to a bar and say, “See that place? They haven’t shot any movies there.”
By BartBuzz
September 6, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
I’m still replaying in my mind how Coach PJ controlled the end of the game! Nesbitt never handed off and ran out the clock. Tech had plenty of reasons to get down on themselves but they hung in there and never gave up. Today was a proud day to be a Yellow Jacket! Rest up for VT and let’s make it 3 in a row.
Go Jackets!!!
Oh yeah….THWG
By Old GT Nut
September 6, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
The unsung hero of this game is DC Dave Wommack. Not only a good GT rush defense, but how about that pass defense, and most importantly, the red-zone defense. Outstanding.
Because the GT defensive pass coverage was so good, BC QB Crane struggled and hesitated trying to find an open receiver. The time spent trying to find an open receiver gave GT front 4 time to get pressure on him and force mistakes, like the 2-pt safety. In 2007 BC racked-up 400+yds passing vs. GT. Today, only 142 yds passing. Offense is a work inprogress, but that D. Fantastic!!
By 1Jacket7
September 6, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
Great finish in the TECH GAME and can’t get a highlight on ESPN. GO FIGURE!! Mark, the one thing I noticed on ESPN all day is how out of sorts the commentators are getting on how Teams should perform week in and out. You would think that Herbstreit, James, Flutie, May, etc. never played in a game or on a team that wasn’t flawless every week. As a player I can recall many of occassions that for one reason or another you just didn’t have it that week. But, the mark of a true champion was your ability to correct the problem and win the game. Don’t you think that these people are putting to much pressure on these kids to be perfect. UGA doesn’t beat a team bad enough so they lose there #1 position? That is crazy. Don’t get me wrong I am a THWG guy. But, it even happened to us in 1990. TECH must win big over Nebraska to be National Champions. Crazy and the AP still got it wrong. Colorado lost a game tied a game and won one on 5 downs. But that was ok with the AP. I really think to many people think to highly of themselves, Mark May, Lee Corso, Chris Fowler to name a few. Why can’t the kids just play the game and win. This is why playoffs are necessary. Bias -prejudice is ruining Amateur sports. Care to respond?
By OldGold
September 7, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
What a difference a year makes in the mindset of a team and the Jacket nation.. THWG!
By Bamm
September 7, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
It’s one or two damn games, against questionable (this early) talent. Let’s not get too excited. As a Tech fan, I’ve grown used to behavior. I don’t expect us to beat sic UGA this year but PLEEZ soon.!!!
By Mark Bradley
September 7, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this
I think TV has too many hours to fill and too few ideas with which to fill them. That’s my take. Those guys have to say something.
By SANDMAN
September 7, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait till CPJ calls a punt on third down.Nobody in the west stands will need to go to church the next day ‘cause the resurrection of Saint Dodd would at long last negate the need for any further salvation.
By You got to be kidding me
September 7, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
Congratulations Tech… Impressive win! Now lets see what you can do come November… we will be waiting!
By Michael
September 7, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
I am a GT grad, ‘95 EE. I went to GSU in 1989 when they were the first team to go 15-0. CPJ I think was gone to Hawaii then, but his offense remained. I was joyous during those two championship years that included the “Hugo Bowl” a Thursday night ESPN matchup in sideways rain with portable lights. Lost my voice in that game, what a blast. I was kind of soaked too (about 30 seconds after finding my seat where I stood all day).
I was joyous when CPJ brought GSU back to prominence in late 90s. They had floundered some during the Tim Stowers era.
I was uber ecstatic when Tech hired CPJ. I just knew it would be that DC from Auburn or some other head coach pretender. Look at what that r-tard from UGA did to GSU two years ago, took a winning team to a 1-10 record. Thanks VanGorder and good riddance to coaching rubbish.
Now, I have one point to make, this great defense of ours, all the players were recruited under Gailey regime. We still maintain the same recruiting coordinator, the former GSU defensive all-american, Giff Smith, but will we continue to recruit good defensive players? I hope so. We won’t know how good Wommack is until he coaches his own type of players. Maybe talent is overwhelming coaching right now, but what about in two or three years?
It does look like recruiting is pretty good so far for next years class and might improve dramatically if Tech can manage a great first half of the season. If Tech makes ACC championship game, recruiting should pick up a lingering stud or two.
What is everyone’s thoughts?
By Jim Harberson
September 7, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
I too am excited about GT even though I am out here in California. But just remember that the BC QB Crane did a great impression of a statue for much of the game. VT will be better but GO JACKETS!
By blackprix
September 7, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
Progression is the name of the game.
This team and this program NEEDS to continue to get better each and every week … even in defeat if necessary.
Only then will we be back in the Top 25, beating that other team in the state and vying for an ACC Championship.
I see good things for this program but there’s a very long way to go.
By kennyh
September 7, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this
will somebody please recognise that scott blair has not had a decent snap and hold yet> i feel for this young man
By Wreckmaniac
September 7, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this
The point that slaps us in the face is, as stated by others, last years Tech team would have found a way to lose this one. Once that team got hit in the mouth 2-3 times and got behind they were ready to get on the bus. Defense kept us in the game and the offense finally found a way to stop the turnovers. Nesbitt avoided mental errors. I am very proud of the determination I saw today.
By GT Rocks
September 7, 2008 2:15 AM | Link to this
Jim Haber - - - VT will be better??? They have a team filled with mostly freshman. I feel we should be favorites. It will be interesting to see how we fare in an ACC game where we are the favorite. I don’t think I need to remind you, in the past, we have faltered many times in this position. We must win at VT!!!
By buzzkey
September 7, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this
Georgia Tech had one helluva, helluva, helluva, helluva game on saturday. The defense was awesome, Wommack and his boys looking strong. Boston College’s defense from what I can see has the best defense that the Yellow Jackets will face this season, Ecertbody should be just a little bit easier.(i hope lol) The offense scared the crap out of me, Dropping balls and running the ball with 3rd down and 11 to go. However I know Thats Johnson’s game, and before long CPJ will have this little 4 cylinder puppy running on a 8 cylinder Hemi monster. Nice job to the whole team. Chris
By jarrodmon
September 7, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this
Wow, Tech fans MUST be excited. Unless I missed one,iIt was almost 70 comments before someone bashed UGA.
Congratulations Buzz Brains, having two strong schools in the state would be a beautiful thing to see.
By bee-bob
September 7, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this
Hey, let’s not forget that it was Johnson who called the time out that kept BC’s field goal off the scoreboard. This was a win that was due to superior coaching (anyone think that maybe Chan was taking notes?)
By GTFlowery Branch
September 7, 2008 2:38 AM | Link to this
Long night for me, just got back to check the commentary. Great game to win with such poor execution. Great enthusiasm for the season. Kudos to Herbstreit for picking this upset since Wednesday (he stood by it during Game Day today as well)…and where was Tenuta’s impact on Notre Dame’s defense today? They looked like the team we destroyed last openerm which I was fortunate enough to attend.
By wes king
September 7, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this
It was a forced win…..we beat a better team. BC simply did not want the win as bad as us…..nor never could give us the proper respect. It wasn’t luck…..we just fault harder. That is EVERY person on the team in the program fault and worked harder than the BC program.
What a Difference a coach makes, no?
Hope we bring this true grit to every game.
By Kevrock
September 7, 2008 5:26 AM | Link to this
I played at Georgia Southern 84-88 and I knew Tech got it right hiring CPJ. Erk hired him as off. coordinator in ‘85 and I think Erk knew what he was doing. CPJ never played football. Actually he was a basketball coach from North Carolina so it was a gamnble for Erk. Coach Sewak was my DB coach and Giff was my roommate. These guys are family and Tech will be successful with these guys. I am proud of them.Tech fans be patient because you will eventually be ACC champs. BC actually defended the Flex(Ham) bone well. Most teams will not play it that well. Wait and See. Good Luck Tech from one of Erk’s Eagles.
By Born2Buzz
September 7, 2008 5:29 AM | Link to this
Here’s one point I remembered from the game…sometime in the 2nd half we tried to run to the outside and the receiver missed his block and the back only got a yard. As that receiver started back to the huddle, a coach (not sure if it was CPJ or an Asst) came onto the field and grabbed him and pulled him off for a lecture. As someone pointed out above, this is a coach that demands perfection. And he always seems to know what he wants his team to do.
Fellas, we got ourselves a football coach.
By Mark Bradley
September 7, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
Sitting in the airport, reading the Boston papers. The theme of today is: New BC quarterback Chris Crane is no Matt Ryan.
What ever happened to Ryan, anyway? Did he get drafted by anybody?
By bearcasey
September 7, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
Great, gritty win on the road! Morgan Burnett will be an All-American by his senior year.
By son_sir
September 7, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
I also played at Georgia Southern..What’s up KevRock this is the Rock here. Did any of those Nesbitt scrambles remind you of T.Ham back in the day ? When you have an athlete like that at QB, it adds a new dimension when your option is struggling.
Having seen this thing work in more ways than one, it’s fun watching the surprises that are produced in non-conventional ways.
In the second half, I was wanting to gets a glimpse of Jaybo to see what he could do with the offense. I’m glad now, CPJ didn’t give me my wish. This game should be a great confidence builder for Nesbitt.
……Did anyone else see Vance Walker absolutely body slam the BC player ? Yeah…Knowshon’s leap was spectacular, but that was just as spectacular.
By Joe
September 7, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
Hey Mark, I here most of the ladies up there have mustaches. Could you verify that for us?
By Joe
September 7, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
There were 3 spectacular blocks thrown on Nesbitt’s big scramble - D. Thomas made one of them.
Vance Walker is THE MAN !
By Redvette
September 7, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
This was a really good win precisely because of its being a bit ugly. For long stretches, neither the O nor D performed the way they were expected to perform, yet the attitude, the will to win, never left them and was never in doubt. We will lose some games this year but if we can maintain that attitude, we will do ok. I am very happy with what I saw yesterday!
By son_sir
September 7, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
One more thought… HUGE “thumbs up” to the defense top to bottom. Especially considering that two starting LB’s were out. I’ll take that over a constant blitz and pray package anyday ! The whole ‘D played lights out, looked very well conditioned, and it was some of the best open field tackling I’ve seen at GT in a while.
By George P. Burdell
September 7, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Mark:
Great article and we appreciate it. We came up for the game and I have to say I wasn’t real optimistic we would get it done.
Your article asking if Tech would miss Tenuta was answered today in my opinion. Our D was getting pushed around in the first half. After the break they came out looking like a different team. That has to be coaching and making the right adjustments. I don’t think we would have made those last year and it was the key to our victory today.
Hopefully we can keep the momentum rolling and have a better year than many ( all) expected. To me, it has been great to see the team getting better but anything we accomplish this season is just icing on the cake. Our best years are ahead and it is great to see so much enthusiasm from the fans.
By Simon
September 7, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
The football team is good, but I like GT Baseball better.
By Tech Fan in UGA Country
September 7, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
What impressed me most was the adjustments the defense made. The first half there were holes everywhere for BC’s version of the option. In the second half, we shut them down. Some will say that it was the difference in running backs when the first one got hurt, but it wasn’t until halftime that the difference was made.
By GT
September 7, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
This team has resolve, haven’t seen this kind of concentration with Tech in a long time. Instead of all the tricky stuff on defense they just maned up especially the front four, and the corners looked very good. The offense didn’t look good but they take a lot of time out there that rest the defense plus they stick their nose in there and kind of set the stage for the entire team. Everyone was saying it was not a pretty game, I found it to be a fun game to watch and I think BC will win some games this year too. Tough football in a soft league has got to pay dividends.
By Rsmble On
September 7, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
ZZZZzzzz until 11-29.
By mikefino777
September 7, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
I’ve seen a lot of Paul Johnson’s teams over the years and you can count on 2 things,,grit and style. The style was there only in flashes (Dwyer’s td on a beautifully executed option play),but by damn yesterday I saw some grit.And the style is comming. Believe it.And when it all comes together we’re gonna upset an apple cart or two,,maybe even a red and black one.
By GT Athletic Supporter
September 7, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Mark, thanks for a fine piece on GT and the game. And a special thanks for the follow-up comments. Believe those lend a personal touch to your coverage. I appreciate your insights and interest in our program.
By mansup
September 7, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
We must remember that BC is only one win, BUT, grit is the apropriate description. I have not seen heart in a GT team like yesterday for more than twenty years. It goes back well before the O’Leary days even. Unfortunately, yesterday showed the kind of heart that we GT fans have seen way too often in our in-state rivals.
This is a new day, though. and now we fans need to demonstrate just how much heart we have, as well. Go Jackets!
By Max McGonigle
September 7, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
GO RAMBLIN WRECK!!!!!
Our next 3 games, at Virginia Tech vs Mississippi State vs Duke
I think we can beat VT and definitely beat Mississippi State and Duke.
WE should at least be 4 - 1 after 5 games, and for a team who was not even supposed to win 5 games, Tech is proving people wrong and this offense has people confused.
If tech beats VT we will most likely be in the ACC title game and if they beat VT we should go 6 - 0 because the schedule is
at Virginia Tech vs Mississippi State vs Duke vs Gardener Webb
Three straight home games against ok opponents, tech fans get out to bobby dodd and support this tech team, they need it and it will be great to watch the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Soar.
By CarolinaJacket
September 7, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Some of you have been very critical of the O line, and they did struggle at times, but they were up against some real monsters, perhaps the best that they will see all year. They will work hard and get better and, therefore, the running game will get better. They gutted it out like champs.
I feared that when we got the late hit on their qb that we had given away another game (like the old days). We didn’t, and lo and behold, held on and won. Go Jackets.
By GoJackets
September 7, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Tech’s O line was whipped the whole game by BC’s defensive front. I am just glad that Tech can steal a victory even after making all the mistakes that they made. And this will probably be the best defensive front Tech sees all year.
By Jacketman
September 7, 2008 9:15 AM |