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Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > October > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTech’s best offense is its defense
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This will sound strange, especially after a game in which a receiver caught passes for 230 yards and a back rushed for 159, but here it is: For all the discussion of Paul Johnson and his stylized offense, that unit isn’t even Georgia Tech’s best. The defense is better.
Who said so? Why, the head coach himself. Asked why he didn’t take the ball after winning the coin toss Saturday, Johnson said: “We’re pretty good on defense. The strength of our team is the defensive front.”
Asked if an offensive man can delight in watching such defenders at work, Johnson laughed and said: “If it’s mine, I do. I don’t know that I’d take much pleasure going against one like that.”
With nine minutes left in the game, Duke had run 34 plays and had amassed, if that’s the word, 45 yards. That’s an average of 1.3 yards per snap, which means you could have granted the Devils seven downs and it still would’ve been eighth-and-1. The offense prepped by David Cutcliffe, the man who tutored every Manning except Archie, mustered four first downs in 51 minutes.
And even that miserly yield, you should know, didn’t satisfy the ravenous Jackets. “We’ll have to work on that,” linebacker Sedric Griffin said. “We want no first downs.”
Duke would finish with 132 yards, the third-lowest output by any ACC opponent against Tech. (It would also finish with nine whole first downs, sending Griffin into a state of deep depression.) On a day when Johnson’s option-based spread was slow to score — it was still 3-0 with 11 minutes gone in the third quarter — the defense made scoring almost superfluous.
Tech is 4-1 because Johnson has brought a new system and a new energy, yes, but it’s also 4-1 because a bunch of proud Chan Gailey holdovers are playing better than they ever played under Jon Tenuta.
“It’s a good feeling, going three-and-out,” said defensive coordinator Dave Wommack, and Duke went three-and-out six times on its first eight possessions. “Our [defensive] kids were saying on the sideline that they were hungry to get back out there.”
Said Vance Walker, a defensive tackle: “Third down was our area of weakness. We knew we had to build on that.”
Before Saturday, Tech opponents had converted 44 percent of their third downs. Duke was 2-for-12.
Asked what went wrong, Cutcliffe told reporters: “We just couldn’t block them. We didn’t have an answer for those ends.”
Tech’s ends are Derrick Morgan, a terrific sophomore, and Michael Johnson, the towering senior who last week told Sporting News Today, “Don’t be surprised if we end up 11-1.” Asked Saturday if he truly believed as much, Johnson said, “Yes, sir. It’s like I said: The only team that can beat Georgia Tech is Georgia Tech.”
Not many opponents can or will handle this defense, the foundation of which is that mighty front four. But with the new offense drawing most of the attention, does the D-line need, like, a snappy nickname?
“Last year we — Michael, Darryl [Richard] and I — were the Three Amigos,” Walker said. “With Derrick, I heard somebody say we should be the Quadruplets.”
Said Morgan: “We call ourselves a family — we take care of each other.”
Said Richard: “It’s got to be The Perfect Storm — led by Hurricane Mike.”
Actually, the great minds in Tech’s sports information department are toying with the idea of having fans vote on a nickname via RamblinWreck.com. But if you consult Hurricane Mike, nothing so trivial is needed.
“We’re just the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets,” Michael Johnson said. “We win together.”
Permalink | Comments (105) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech/ACC
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By Wow
October 4, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
“Don’t be surprised if we end up 11-1.” Asked Saturday if he truly believed as much, Johnson said, “Yes, sir. It’s like I said: The only team that can beat Georgia Tech is Georgia Tech.”
That’s some mighty big talk out of a program that hasn’t won more than 10 games in 18 years. I guess there’s a first time for everything but geez, these guys sure are getting the big head. I’ve seen the rest of Georgia Tech’s schedule. Its not exactly Duke and Mississippi State on the horizon. Pride precedes the fall…
By OldGold
October 4, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Upstanding, quality players. Go big D! Keep up the good work guys!
By OldGold
October 4, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
“WOW,” It’s more confidence in your program, and the idea to just keep doing what you’re doing and protecting the ball and you will win. MJ is a quiet killer and a nice guy.. I don’t think its cocky, I think it’s having a positive attitude. What are you supposed to say as a team captain if asked… ? “We may win another game or two.” I can see the Chan what’s his name era fading away and the new mantra is to win, and every game is important.
By Nikes
October 4, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Nice article, Mark! I do not know what the rest of the season holds-there are bound to be some ups and downs, but I love hearing those quotes from our SA’s.
Tech has a bright future under CPJ, and the foundation of Tech’s future success will be the kids who bought into the transition under CPJ. Michael Johnson is a true leader and a fine young man. You could write several stories about his athletic ability and achievement; you could write endlessly about what a good young man and what a class act Michael Johnson is. I am proud that this young man is a Tech man!
By Not Disappointed
October 4, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
I’m glad to see the Jackets win! One at a time Tech. One at a time. “Go Ramblin Wreck!”
By AlabamaRamblinwreck
October 4, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Without confidence, you cannot be a very good or great team. Michael is a very humble young man, buy he believes in his teammates and his coaches, so he is showing confidence. That is about 50% of getting there. Of course, the rest is talent, execution and game planning. But with CPJ, I think 11-1 is possible also, but GT will need to continue to improve and also have some good fortune. Any team that goes undefeated or loses only 1 must be very good and have good fortune.
Go Jackets!!
By Jackets/puppys
October 4, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
“What’s wrong, Wow?” You still suffering from a blackout???
By Tech Fans=JOKE
October 4, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
I can only imagine the outrage out of the Tech crybabies if a UGA player were stupid enough to predict an 11-1 season for the Dawgs. He would surely be an arrogant unsportsmanlike thug with no respect for anyone. But if a Tech guy says it he’s just an all around swell guy that is proud of his team.
Hilarious. Absolutely freaking hilarious.
By Carolina Jacket
October 4, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
The D really kept us in the game the first half. I was beginning to get a bit worried as long as it was still a one score ball game, but the offense came to life the second half and there was the ball game. Actually, we should have had more pts. the first half, but we didn’t. The beauty of this offense is that it can plug away and plug away, and then Wham! Big, big plays.
By Tech Dominance
October 4, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Pride precedes the fall…
Kind of like with UGA before they got embarrased last week huh?
By Wreck7
October 4, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
He said not to be surprised… meaning it’s a possibility… which it is. Johnson was not predicting that we WILL go 11-1, just that he nor the team would be shocked if we did.
By Huh?
October 4, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Kind of like with UGA before they got embarrased last week huh?
No actually its absolutely nothing like that. This is a Georgia Tech blog. Its not an Alabama blog. Georgia Tech didn’t beat Georgia last week, Alabama did. Georgia Tech hasn’t beaten Georgia in nearly 8 years. So I guess that answers you question huh?
By CMLJACKETS
October 4, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
This is a very talented team. I dont think anyone outside of Atlanta, including those folks in Athens, realize that. There are playmakers on offense and defense. These last two wins have come with a 6’ 190 lb (really?)true freshman at the helm. Imagine what happens once Josh Nesbitt gets a feel for this offense. The defense only gets better every game. There are 4 or 5 guys on that defense who will play on sundays. But, I love the fact that no one really notices…SHHH!
By crackbaby
October 4, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Darryl Richard is playing great football, too. Maybe the most improved player on that defense. D.R. is the total package. Already has his EE degree (at one point he had a 4.0 GPA).
Damn good Jacket, Darryl. You make us proud.
By CMLJACKETS
October 4, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Oh and the best RB in the state doesnt play for UGA.
By KC
October 4, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
“Tech hasn’t beat UGA in 8 years.” Exactly what, if anything, has that to do with this column or this season? Just curious. I tell you what…when your beloved ‘Dawgs win THREE MORE National Championships we can bring the past up and compare notes. How about that?
Or…hey…here’s one for you. It’s been 18 whole years since Tech won it’s most recent National Championship. How many years has it been since won your ONLY one?
Just, you know, curious.
UGA people should not come onto this blog and presume to understand what is ever in the hearts and minds of Tech fans. You’ll just find yourselves frustrated at your inability to understand the many multi-sylabic words.
What’s the good word?
By gt81
October 4, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Looks and sounds like UGA’s WallMart fans are starting to get nervous. I watched the game with several friends which was comprised of EX Tech players and a couple of Ex UGA players. The UGA guys are not feeling real good about the Nov. matchup right now. They feel that their O is weak and that Bobo is a bozo. The remarks on our blogs from the UGA non Alum are just going to get worse and worse as this season plays out. This is just starting to get fun.
Good job CPJ and all the boys! Keep our tradition (even if it is only the ACC) alive!!!
By No Joke
October 4, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Hey Joke, don’t look for any predictions from dog players any time soon. After the incredible Bama whuppin’, they are just glad to have some time off, away from football. It has also been plesantly quiet around dognation for a nice spell. Thanks Bama. This year set a new record for preseason dognation hype. This just in - personal foul against Georgia.
By No Joke
October 4, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Hey Joke, don’t look for any predictions from dog players any time soon. After the incredible Bama whuppin’, they are just glad to have some time off, away from football. It has also been plesantly quiet around dognation for a nice spell. Thanks Bama. This year set a new record for preseason dognation hype. This just in - personal foul against Georgia.
By Dr. Tech Fan
October 4, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Actually, dear Tech Fans=JOKE, a Georgia player was quoted today as saying they can still go 11 - 1. Check you facts before you speak, Mr. JOKE. By the way, Georgia IS a bunch of thugs—check their arrest records this year! Something to really woof about. Go Jackets!
By Jack
October 4, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
As a GA fan, I have NO problem acknowledging Tech has got a helluva coach. I believe he will win a NC at Tech before Richt does.
By CW
October 4, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Johnson did not predict that Tech would not lose anymore games.
He made the point that “only Georgia Tech can beat Georgia Tech.” For those of you who don’t understand (doggies), he means that if this team plays up to their potential and doesn’t shoot themselves in the foot (penalties, turnovers) that Tech will be competitive and capable of winning all their remaining games.
Good for Michael Johnson for providing senior leadership.
By John
October 4, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
As a GA fan AND and UGA grad (may 02), I also believe that tech has a great coach. I was at Southern my freshman year when he was there and what a coach. UGA better not take them lightly this November…
By Jeff
October 4, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
We are back! We may not win out the rest of our games, but we will be a force to be reckoned with. I am not thumping my chest, but I am proud to see enthusiasm and good football back at Grant Field. Go Jackets!
By KC
October 4, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
To all the UGA fans posting sound reasonable opinion: Thanks! I may needle people who walk into this forum and start throwing jabs but I would never jump onto an UGA blog unless I had something constructive to add.
Mark Richt is a helluva coach. Paul Johnson is a helluva coach. Of course I want to whup’ ya every year…but it is honor to our great state when both programs do well.
I see a LOT of great UGA-Tech games in the upcoming years. I can’t wait.
Go Tech!
By JR
October 4, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Tech Fans=JOKE The UGA team is composed of mostly arrogant unsportsmanlike thugs so I doubt they can say anything that will change peoples opinion about them!
By sparky
October 4, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
Hey KC The Good Word is: To Hell With Georgia Good job today Jackets Mighty proud of yall
By Buzzfan1936
October 4, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
John, You are a classy UGA fan which is typical of most UGA grads I know. I believe that most of the trash talking and silly boasting dawg fans posting on the Tech blogs come from those who not only never went to Georgia but probably never finished high school! I hope both teams wiN all the rest of their games and meet in a classic game with national attention. The Jackets need a win soon to keep the rivalry healthy.
GO JACKETS!!
By jabster
October 4, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
What did I tell you about this game—if it was close at Budweiser we’d pull away in the 4th? And conditioning would come into play? Duke played very well until the “low fuel” light came on…
Speaking of Bud, I owe a cold refreshing BEvERage to anyone who took Tech vs. me taking Duke and the points…happy to do it.
Give ‘em Hell Tech!
By sparky
October 4, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Hey KC The Good Word: To Hell with Georgia Great job Jackets Mighty proud of you
By Wow x 2
October 4, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me? Tech beats Duke 27-0 and all the hype…what a joke. Duke had beaten James Mad, Virg and Navy. When your pumped about beating Duke 27-0, that’s pathetic.
By JP
October 4, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Wow…you know all to well that pride does indeed precede the FALL. Let me see…all we kept hearing was how UGAY was already National Champs. Not so fast hillbilly, you have to play the games first. It’s always funny how these UGAY fans make comments like that when they do the exact same thing all the time in tremendous excess. What whiners…take your butt whipping like a man.
By sparky
October 4, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
“Wow” Go back to your puppy dog blog. we are proud of our Jackets THWG
By michaelgee
October 4, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Never underestimate Paul Johnson, he possesses a brilliant football mind.
Earlier this Spring the doubters said that the Georgia Southern Triple Option had no chance of working in the 1-A college football division, those doubters have mostly been silenced by now.
Wait and see what GT has in a couple of years when CPJ has players that he selected in place. Hooooheeeeeeee!
In the spring game CPJ was ridiculed for the sloppy ball handling and such, my oh my how things have matured. The Tech players are grasping what is in CPJ’s plan.
The CPJ Triple Option is absolutely the Perfect Option.
Hey GT, you need to secure Coach Paul Johnson for a long winning run!
If UGA beats Tech this season I would be surprised. GT will be even better as the weeks pass.
By TheAntiMe
October 4, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
I’ve never understood why it’s so impossible for some folks to be able to root for both the Jackets and the Dawgs to kick college football tail.
If you are an alumnus of either of the schools then, go ahead and enjoy your haterade, whatever. But for anyone else, it really does not require you to hate one school if you love the other one.
By TechCrybaby
October 4, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Tech is not yet a “Golden Tornado,” as they were styled in 1917, 1920, 1921, 1928, and 1952. But our boys are getting there. Forget “Perfect Storm,” or any other grandiose nickname, for awhile. But just don’t, don’t, let the guys forget to PLAY HARD, the way they did today against Duke.
By ugablows
October 4, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
the only way a defense can stop this offense if it is being executed properly (and i believe that by the end of the season it will be to a T) is with smart and diciplined play…does that sound like ugay?
By sparky
October 4, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Hey The AntiMe THWG
By Cosmo
October 4, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
Hey TheAntiMe, You must be kidding or you have never had to deal with the ignoramus UGA fans who are so bored with their own program that they gotta be in our space at the AJC. And yes, we are proud of devouring the dookies. Remember what coach CPJ said at the beginning of the season: “Well, we plan on winning the first one, the last one and the ones in the middle…”
By Quit Barking
October 4, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
I think Bama just scored again while you mutts were posting. Looks like you punks should get back to your usual blackouts involving drinking too much everclear in your trailers.
By TheAntiMe
October 4, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Cosmo, I don’t turn on the TV at gametime to root for the fans. I watch the games to root for the team. I guess that’s just me.
I do understand that it can be fun to hate. Let’s see, I hate FSU, the Blue Devils, the Tarheels, and especially the Gators.
Not so much because of their ignorant fans (except for the Gators fans who all look like a bunch of retards clapping when they do their Gator chomp thing).
I don’t give those ignorant folks out there the satisfaction of getting to me in any way.
If you let them make you mad then you’re just letting them win by letting them accomplish what they are trying to do, which is to tick other folks off.
As a great man once said, “Peace, Love, and Soul”.
By gtforever
October 4, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
A lot of football left to play. I love the way these guys are coming together. You can tell already that they play to win every time! It’s a beautiful thing to watch. We may not win the rest, but the time is coming when we will be confident in saying, we have a VERY good chance to win them all!
Go Jackets
By austen
October 4, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
the Geek shall inherit the earth, go jackets! Thank u again team, coaches and fans, this is just the beginning!
By Mark Bradley
October 4, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Good-looking team, these Jackets. I had them going 7-5. I think maybe I undervalued them. They could win nine, maybe 10.
Of course, Michael Johnson says they can win 11. Wouldn’t that be something?
By sbee
October 4, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
I wish my fellow alums would just chill out for a bit. A clean sheet (soccer term) is nice, but Duke is still Duke, (and Miss. St. is still Miss St. for that matter)
We have a huge game in S.C. in two weeks that should go a long a way defining our season. Let’s all just have a little perspective.
That said, great job at not allowing an inferior opponent even sniff an opportunity. Best D in a good while.
By MidnightRambler
October 4, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Good article, Mark. I am ecstatic over Tech’s performance so far, but we have a long way to go this season and several tough games left. It is wise to maintain perspective and reserve final judgement until the season is over. I believe CPJ will keep the team on an even keel. On the other hand, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Michael Johnson’s youthful exuberance and confidence. Several Tech players predicted the 1990 team would be undefeated…and they were.
I agree that it is difficult to root for the Bulldogs because some of their fans are obnoxious, e.g., see above, but, [a] as stated above, many of them never went to UGA, and [b] responding in a similar vein only fuels the fire. Both schools represent the state of.Georgia. I would like to feel some pride in both institutions. Hatred is not good for the soul or for one’s “bodily juices.”
By Itty bitty bees
October 4, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Has anybody seen Roswell Ed? How ‘bout them Auburn Tigers… LOL!
By Tech beats Duke
October 4, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
27-0! ……. and a receiver had 9 catches for 230 yards?!?!
Just like I’ve posted in the past — Paul Johnson is to college football what Mike Kyzeski (a.k.a. Coach K b/c I spelled his name wrong) is to college basketball - a caoching genius! He will find a teams’ weakness, and exploit it! He even slyly predicted this past week what he would do when he was quoted saying, “I have a good idea of what they [Duke] are going to do.” See D. “Be-Be” Thomas’ stats from the game.
Obviously it won’t be hard for Ga.Tech fans to deal with, but Paul Johnsonn knows how to win games people — get used to it!!
By flabuzz
October 4, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Not only is WOW a jerk, he’s either ignorant or can not count. GT won 10 games in 1998, 10 years ago.
By HOUDAWG
October 4, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Very impressive ………
From a life-long Dawg fan, I’m saying, you guys have a solid, solid team. I think GT is now a front-runner in the ACC at this point. I do feel, at this point, that the Jackets will get to the ACC Championship game …… best of luck !
By Let's Be Real
October 4, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley, Please do not use the term DOMINANT for a 2nd rate defense. A team should at least be ranked to be considered as a good defense. Top 10 teams can have DOMINANT defenses. This team is neither. It means absolutely zilch to shutout a basketball powerhouse in football. Seriously. All of a sudden the Great Techies think they can win the NC. Bwahahahahaaaa!!! The only team that can beat Georgia Yech is Georgia Yech, except when they play GEORGIA!
By You got to be kidding me
October 4, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
It was just Duke… wait until Gardner-Webb rolls into town! Tech has improved but i’m not convinced that they are there yet…
By wjj
October 4, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Hey Wow: What is wrong with GT being confident they can go 11-1? Every year UGag thinks they are going to win the National Championship and I don’t hear anything about them getting a big head! They have never won anything significant to warrant such high expectations.
By alan
October 4, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
To WOW:
To all haters like you, I’ve just three things to say: GFY, THWUGAY, and bite me!!!
To Wow x 2: See above X infinity
To HOUDAWG: That’s more like it.
By wjj
October 4, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
WOW x 2: Who the heck has UGag beat worth a darn? Bama is the only quality team they’ve played to date….and you know what happened there. HA..HA…HA!
By alan
October 4, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
To Let’s Be Real: What’s REAL sad is your sorry life when you spend your Saturday nights reading a blog about a team and school you hate and feeling better because you showed everybody your a$$ with your a*******inine comments. Do us all a favor and end your sorry life tonight!
By Buzzfan1936
October 4, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
Thanks, HOUDAWG. You are one of many classy Dawg fans. As for Tech getting to the ACC Championship Game, it is a long shot. The Jackets have to win all their games AND VT has to lose 2. I hope the Dawgs bounce back and win the rest of its games - EXCEPT AGAINST TECH!
By blackprix
October 4, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
GT players have been given confidence with this coaching and new staff.
That’s what you want to do, instill confidence and bring out their abilities - in 1/3 of a season this coach has brought all that back.
There is no reason why our players shouldn’t think or believe they can be 11-1!
By joker
October 4, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
I have long said that the best anagram for Mark Bradley is “remark badly”.
I may have to back off now. Nice column.
By Houston
October 4, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
I am a Dawg fan, but I am impressed. Your Coach is no Mark Richt, but he is pretty good. I still think you Tech fans are too optimistic, however. Beating Duke and Miss State is a far cry from beating UGA.
By GT GRAD
October 4, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Hey Joke:
You are a freak’n JOKE. He did not “predict” an 11-1 season as you incorrectly stated, but don’t be surprised if GT pulls it out! I would love to see it happen!
Also……most of the GT fans I know and see on these blogs are not cry-babies as you so eloquently stated. Most are sick and tired of the consistent and completely ignorant attacks by UGA fans on these blogs. The negativity is almost always initiated by UGA fans. Grow up and keep your stupid, immature comments to the UGA blogs. Thanks!
I stated after the VT game that we will be VERY difficult to beat if we reduce turnovers and pass the ball 12-15 times each game. This approach keeps the opponents defense from selling out to stop the run. This game and the Mississippi State game shows the potential of the new GT offense. Oue D is stout. The GREAT news is that the team is only going to get better on both sides of the ball!!
The future of GT football is bright!
By Seriously?
October 5, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
“but it is honor to our great state when both programs do well.”
Wait, you mean the same government that has faced severe water shortages, huge state tax shortfall, and the recent gas shortage is a great state? Let’s not even talk about things like education, employment, or crime.
But I digress…any shutout victory is impressive. Watching the game I would be nervous about this offense. It really only opened up once they started passing but against quality defensive backs it would be nice to have more than just one or two passing real passing options. For those of you gt and uga fans talking up a storm to November the biggest difference between the teams is special teams. Georgia looks impressive, Georgia Tech not so much. Typically that rivalry game is somewhat close and it takes a big play (fumble, crazy TD catch, fumble again ) to decide the game. As of right now, georgia wins on special teams. While the game was over, uga still looked impressive against Alabama at least on that front. GT’s kickoff return and kickoff coverage hasn’t looked good against, well, anyone and the rest of the kicking game needs serious work. In order to get ACC coach of the year (or any coaching award) Johnson needs to fix that department and soon.
By kauai dawg
October 5, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
I am a huge Georgia fan and will have to admit the Jackets are playing some great football. Coach Johnson has put the buzz back in the bees. I think a 8-9 win season is very possible looking at their schedule. I think our game will go down to the wire and if we don’t get better on defense it will be a shoot out. Go Dawgs!
By Dawgnation
October 5, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
Not bad, but it’s still Duke. Let’s see what happens when you play a real team. Celebrate your win over the deaf and blind. Your vaunted front 4 would get run over by an SEC team.
By nadlicker
October 5, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this
Dawg,
Hoooooeeeee you right man. Last time Tech had to play UGA Knowshon put up 45 total yards on 17 carries. And he didn’t even jump nobody!!!
When Tech gets around to playing an SEC team like Miss St they don’t stand a chance.
By Band Wagoneer
October 5, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this
Dawg Nation: Our vaunted four smacked an SEC team for 38 pts last time I checked. That argument is getting old.
But we have to run a sanity check. At Clemson will be very very tough regardless. Maryland ruined it for everyone by sneaking up and beating them in Death Valley. They won’t let that happen again this year and unfortunately, we have to go there. I don’t like this game and feel uneasy about it. We lost our last road game so its not going to be a cake walk. I’m just saying….. confidence is great and needed but I don’t want the band wagon fans to jump all over Paul Johnson if we lose at Clemson. This is still a steep learning curve for this team. Even if we do manage to beat Clemson, we still have to play in Chapel Hill and Butch Davis’ bunch are also improving week to week. So after 1000 characters of rambling…my point is this: The toughest is yet to come so keep the expectations in check. One game at a time.
By mowreck
October 5, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this
I was just wondering what the score would have been without the turnovers and such. hummmmmm. GO Jackets!!
By mowreck
October 5, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this
I totally agree with “Band Wagoneer” … ONE GAME AT A TIME … that means coming down out of the clouds and getting ready for next week and DON’T get caught looking at Clemson the NEXT week.
By bearcasey
October 5, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
I’m just proud of the way GT plays the game. Let’s just wait and see how the games play out. I am happy about the increasing anxiiety of UGA fans. Kentucky put up a much better fight against the Tide than the Dawgs did. Makes you wonder.
By Born2Buzz
October 5, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
I heard something else on the way to the game that echo’d MJ’s take on the team. Asked what the difference was in this team, Jon Dywer said they all hang out together, they work on and off the field together, both the offense, defense and special teams. In other words, they are a TEAM. Why wouldn’t one of their Sr. captains believe they can win every game if they play their best. That is what a good team should always think. I wouldn’t expect anything less from any UGA player either.
Our D IS the best unit on this team because we have seniors on the D line. And I liked the fact that we ran a new D line unit in every so often to give those guys a breather. By the end of the game they were still fresh and Duke was whipped.
After the Gardner Webb midseason tune up our real schedule begins. (and don’t be worried about a let up, CPJ doesn’t lose focus for a second - Chan isn’t around anymore). We play real D1 teams the rest of the way. Going 5-1 in those games would be pretty amazing. Bradley, I also predicted 7-5 but thought 8-4 would be a real possibility. I now think 9-3 or 10-2 could be within reach, if Nesbitt gets back and remains healthy.
By Whyucry?
October 5, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Dawgnation- we sure as sh@t saw what happened when your team played somebody huh?. STFU already about your mighty conf. Is the SEC the best conf.? Yes. Are they beatable? Yes. Stop with the excuses and show it on the field. Alabama does. Bulldog fans are all talk at this point. Beat somebody your damn selves and then we’ll talk. Wait, let me guess here comes the “we beat you 7 in a row” crap. Losers!!
Does it make you feel like a manly man to be talkin sh@t on a Tech blog on a sat. night? Big tough guy aren’t ya hidin’ behind the screen. What’s wrong, couldn’t get your camaro to start to make it to the “Cut and Shoot” bar to meet your toothless friends? Only way you could get laid is if you fell out of a chickens a$$.
By DAWGNATION
October 5, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Easy GT… . Keep this up and we may black you out like we did Alabama… .
By AlabamaJack
October 5, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
If I were a dawg - having to face Phat Phil, a KY team that gave Alabama all they wanted, an undefeated Vandy team, Auburn, a hard a* bunch of Gators, and a resurgent Tech, I think I would spend some time with the dictionary looking up:
humility
By RAMBLE ON!!!
October 5, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
the best conference in the nation, couldn’t have Vanderbilt in first place LOL.
Maybe the dawgs can have another BLACKOUT for the Vandy game, you remember what happened last time they came to town.
I remember a Ken Swilling predicting GT would go undefeated, and guess what happened?
He knew what kind of team mates and coaches he was playing with.
By Cuz
October 5, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Congradts, GT. Anytime you shut down an offense, and I don’t care who it is, like you did, you deserve accolades. I am another Dawg who thought a Chan hangover would keep Johnson from producing this year. Consider me in the wrong column. It looks like he has come in and motivated the Jackets to win. Here is to your team playing in the ACCC this year.
By GT GRAD
October 5, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Let’s ponder a few Facts:
The SEC is 28-5 out of conference.
The ACC is 28-10 out of conference.
The SEC losses were to Louisianna-Monroe, a pitiful UCLA, Wake Forest, GT & Texas. Only 2 teams ranked in the Top 25. 60% of the losses to unranked teams. Overall strength of schedule for the out of conference games is simply pitiful.
The ACC losses were to USC, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, a very hot and lucky East Carolina, South Florida, Connecticut, a 5-0 Northwestern, Navy & Middle Tennessee. 7 teams ranked in the Top 25. Only 30% of the ACC losses were to unranked teams. The overall strength of schedule for the out of conference games is very respectable (best of all of the BCS college football conferences).
Conclusion: THE ACC IS NOT AS WEAK AS MOST SEC FANS WOULD LIKE TO THINK!!
By vidalia's Bubba
October 5, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Mike-What about calling the defense, The Magnificient Eleven?
By ProudTechFan
October 5, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Once again last I checked this was a Tech Blog, god forbid someone besides the Dawgs get any recognition in the state when it comes to college football. I realize it was just Duke, but last I checked Duke was in our half of the division and any game against a coastal opponent is big. 11-1 well I dont know about that, it sure would be nice as a Tech fan, just as nice as NC the dawgs scream every year. But no one has a problem with that. But as soon as a Tech fan gets excited about their football program it becomes an issue with dawg fans. The same dawg fans who claim they dont care about what happens at Tech until the last game of the season. I think some of the dawg nation is getting a little worried.
As a Tech fan I am not only excited that we won yesterday, but I am more excited to see that we are way ahead of where most, including myself, predicted we would be. Sports illustrated predicted we would only win 1 game in the ACC. Well we know better now. To see CPJ coaching during games and getting after his players even after something positive just happened is a pleasure, he is never satisfied and that is exactly what Tech fans want and exactly what dawg fans are terrified of. Great game yesterday guys, lets get ready for Gardner-Webb yes, not Clemson, but Gardner-Webb, and show we prepare for everyone we play…
GO JACKETS!!!
By **NATIVE SON**
October 5, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
HEYYY!!! Tech fan joke!! Down here!! The young man said, ” don’t be surprised IF they went 11 &1. Pay attention. Peace From The Native
By huh? is an imbecile
October 5, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Huh?…… you post “This is not an Alabama blog, not a Georgia blog…” Yet here you are, the most moronic blowhard this side of Joe Biden typing away as if those little keystrokes could wipe out your hangover from the Great American Blackout. Too rich.
Ahhh…..what’s even funnier is that the irony is lost on you.
Clean up on aisle 7. Get to work little dawgie.
By **NATIVE SON**
October 5, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
HEYYY!!! Tech fan joke!! Down here!! The young man said, ” don’t be surprised IF they went 11 &1. Pay attention. Peace From The Native
By Tech Fan
October 5, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Hey WOW, BTW Tech won 10 games back in 98 when we won the conference. 18 years since a 10 win season huh? Do your research smart guy!!
By Jacket in Wyo
October 5, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Who cares about 11-1 all I care about right now is 5-1 and I’m sure General Johnson and the swarm are thinking the same!
By Randy Marshall
October 5, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Nick Name for the front four, STINGERS.
By idiots
October 5, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
To the idiot who said we have a “2nd rate defense”, pick up a magazine or do some research. Our defensive line has been written about many times as being the best in the country. This is not a second rate defense, in fact by my count, I see at least 5 guys on that D that will be playing on Sundays. Once UGA goes and shuts out a conference oppoonent get back to me. Duke had 20 carries for 35 yards. Ponder that for a second in your pea sized brain.
By DawgFan
October 5, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Tech Nerds!! Have you ever heard of a Mulligan!! Guess not morens!! We’re going unbeaten!! So what ya gotta say bout that!!
By Sjohnso
October 5, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
WOW, maybe you read something about Michael Johnson’s statement that I didn’t. You called it big talk. I will quote you his statement. ” you can see the improving in practice, but where you really see it the most is in the games. We could be 4-0 right now and we know it. Don’t be surprised if we end up 11-1 with just one loss in January. It is very possible”. You took an innocent statement and made it into a cocky, bragging, mountain. Get a life.
By Huh?
October 5, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Wow did the exact same thing that Tech fans would have done if a Georgia player had said something like that, except that he didn’t p!ss his pants and cry like a girl. That’s the only difference.
Tech fans are the biggest freakin’ hypocrites I have ever seen. You are a joke.
By Georgia Tech=JOKE
October 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
I guess only Tech crybabies are impressed with a “big win” over Duke. The new rankings are out. You STILL have not cracked the Top 25. Hilarious.
By OldGold
October 5, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Still unranked!? That’s okay Poll people… We’ll just have to put up 100 points on poor Gardner Webb. GO TECH!
By jabster
October 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
They let you take a mulligan in football?
Alabama Jack—As someone always liked to post on that other blog, “Is Auburn still in the league?” Methinks Auburn will be the easiest game on UGA’s remaining sked. Including Tech.
Although you could make an argument for Tennessee, having a long night with one of those stout MAC teams last night…
Big hat tip, though, to UGA if they run their remaining SEC gauntlet, particularly LSU, Vandy, UK (!), and the Gators.
By CPJ 4 PRES
October 5, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
11-1 could mean screw the orange bowl because with all the upsets BCS TITLE GAME if if if were 11-1 its too early to talk about that we will if we win in death valley and athens… which is a good chance
wow i actually havent thought of tech and chance for a title in a LONG TIME GO TECH CPJ
By Gator Bait
October 5, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
The puppies received great news today …
They did not lose yesterday.
By Mark Bradley
October 5, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
“Rambling Wreckers”?
“The Perfect Swarm”?
“The Gold Rush”?
I’m still working on that nickname thing, without much success.
By Mark Bradley
October 5, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
“Flatteners of The Flats”?
I know, I know … I’m reaching.
By fortebuna
October 5, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
To my good friend Oldfoggy who named Gailey dumbo, PJ has instilled pride, competitive desire, never say quit like they did on dumbo. The mark that dumbo left on Tech will linger for a while but I hope soon forgotten. Give credit to dumbo many of the players are dumbos recruits but PJ has them playing which is something dumbo could not nor would not do.
As usual TO HELL WITH UGag.
By Buzzfan1936
October 5, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
kauai dawg, You are a classy dawg fan, unlike some others who are so miserable with their lives that they have to come to a Tech blog and sound like idiots. [It may be just one poor soul who is using aliases.] Good luck with the rest of your games. I think it will be another close game in Athens. It is our turn to win one of those, although I expect Tech will be the underdog.
I’m disappointed Tech isn’t ranked, but that is OK. It will fire up the team to prove itself to the nation in the tough games coming up.
By heeldawg
October 5, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Okay, I came on this blog to compliment the Jackets, and I am going to ignore some of the more biased anti-Dawg posts and do what I came here to do.
Great win for a much-improved Jackets team. The offense is light years ahead of where I thought it would be at this point, and the defense is as good as ever (and better in many respects now that Tenuta’s not calling a blitz on every play). I also predicted a 7-5 season, but I’d revise that now. There is no team on the schedule that Tech cannot beat, and that includes my Dawgs, who need to grow into their talent level a bit (and overcome the numerous injuries they’ve had) as the season progresses. I also wouldn’t be that surprised to see Tech at 11-1, although I think 9-3 is more realistic (Clemson, FSU, Georgia and UNC seem to be the most formidable obstacles at this point; split those and you get a 9-3 regular season).
Anyway, no venom or negativism here, despite the numerous “THWG” and other more expletive-laden posts above. I’m giving credit where credit is due. Paul Johnson’s Yellow Jackets are definitely the best-prepared Tech team I’ve seen since O’Leary left town.
By Chuch Allison
October 5, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley, you are the master of the obvious. If you were there, you should have noticed that the offense didn’t show up until the second half, while the defense shined the whole game.
By jabster
October 5, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Good post, heeldawg.
Miami isn’t looking as daunting as they did for a while. FSU is gelling—good thing we have them at home. Clemson should be beatable and “Death” Valley hasn’t been a lot of trouble for us.
UNC looked good last night against UConn and will be a tough game in Chapel Hill. They are improving as the season progresses, although with more fits and starts than Tech.
We could go 11-1, but 9-3 is much more likely with an ACC loss against one of the aforementioned teams and probably another one to UGA.
By alan
October 5, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
To Georgia Tech=JOKE:
The joke is on you - you UGAY fans of all people should know by now the rankings are meaningless, especially early in the season. We don’t need no stinking rankings - the only numbers that matter are 4 wins and 1 loss (that sounds amazingly similar to the puppies’ record), amd that one loss was only by three points, on the road, against a perennially powerful national program (compared to your one blowout/blackout loss at home, to a program that is recovering from a near-death NCAA probation).
To heeldawg: Your buddy Georgia Tech=JOKE, and those like him, are the reason there is anti-DAWG venom on this Georgia Tech blog. Unless you’re coming onto this blog to say something positive and respectful about the team and the school, stay the hell off our blog. Kudos to you for being complimentary and courteous.
By Mark Bradley
October 5, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
I was there, and I did notice. In fact, here’s what I wrote:
“Duke would finish with 132 yards, the third-lowest output by any ACC opponent against Tech. (It would also finish with nine whole first downs, sending Griffin into a state of deep depression.) On a day when Johnson’s option-based spread was slow to score — it was still 3-0 with 11 minutes gone in the third quarter — the defense made scoring almost superfluous.”
By MidnightRambler
October 5, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
heeldawg, Thank you for your respectful comments and thoughtful analysis. We at Tech are overjoyed with CPJ right now and are hopeful for a successful season. It is still early, however, and we have several tough games ahead. It should be another good, close game in Athens. You still have the edge on us in overall talent and depth, but I think we have a good shot this year. Tech needs to win one of these games soon to keep the rivalry meaningful and exciting.
I do not subscribe to all the hateful trash that occupies some of these blogs. Both schools represent the state of Georgia, and I would hope the fans would also with dignity and class. A fierce rivalry, healthy discussions of each team and school’s merits and flaws are fine and can be done without mindless taunts and ridicule. THWG and THWGT are in both school songs and should be sung with some sense of humor and not taken too seriously.
I hope you bounce back and win the rest of your games - EXCEPT - THE JACKETS NEED A WIN IN THIS SERIES MORE THAN YOU DO!
GO JACKETS!!
By JacketGirl
October 6, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Hey Dawgfan: “By DawgFan
October 5, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Tech Nerds!! Have you ever heard of a Mulligan!! Guess not morens!! We’re going unbeaten!! So what ya gotta say bout that!!”
I will be very impressed if you go unbeaten!!! To go unbeaten you have to go back in time and beat Bama! I know this may be difficult for you to grasp, but you LOST. That means someone beat you!
Also, next time you want to call someone a moron….please spell it correctly.
Thank you! THWG
By JacketGirl
October 6, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Hey Dawgfan: “By DawgFan
October 5, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Tech Nerds!! Have you ever heard of a Mulligan!! Guess not morens!! We’re going unbeaten!! So what ya gotta say bout that!!”
I will be very impressed if you go unbeaten!!! To go unbeaten you have to go back in time and beat Bama! I know this may be difficult for you to grasp, but you LOST. That means someone beat you!
Also, next time you want to call someone a moron….please spell it correctly.
Thank you! THWG