Mark Bradley

By Jasper S

February 2, 2009 8:57 AM | Link to this

UGA won in 2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007 and lost in 2008 - an 86% winning percentage. Seems like recruiting does have an influence on the outcome of the games. What is your point again?

By Jasper S

February 2, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

UGA won in 2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007 and lost in 2008 - an 86% winning percentage. Seems like recruiting does have an influence on the outcome of the games. What is your point again?

By Jasper S

February 2, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this

…and no, i did not fumble going into the endzone in 1999

By Dawgeatvol

February 2, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this

I think its humorous how one year (one year and a three point loss) seems to have erased UGA’s domination in the state in Bradley’s eyes. Sorry UGA let you down on your predictions this year, Mark.

By 82DAWG

February 2, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this

Recruiting does matter. Its like saying that the NFL draft doesn’t matter. The more 4 & 5 star recruits you sign, the better your odds. Agreed many of these guys never fulfill their potential and some 2 & 3 star guys go on to be All-Americans. But the odds are most 4 & 5 star guys will succeed and only a handful of 2 & 3 star guys will. Its all a numbers game. Of course coaching is essential as well.

By HighNTight

February 2, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

Jasper S,

Bradley’s point was that Georgia BLOWS Tech away in recruiting rankings every year (according to those beloved recruiting sites) … but, on the field - where it matters - this is not evident. His message was intended to make the point (and a good one) that we fans have become way too obsessed and way too committed to rivals & scout.com

By HighNTight

February 2, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this

…further…yeah, i know…Georgia has won 8 of the last 9. BUT, again, the article is what we’re taking about here. Tech, despite the fact that they never recruit in the top 10, let alone in the top 30…still manage to hang close with Georgia. I know a win is a win and the rest doesn’t matter. But should Georgia, by theory of having 4 and 5 star guys …. crush Tech every year? Yes. That is ofcourse if you’re a believer in rivals & scout.com

By Go Hawks

February 2, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this

lol Tech wins one game out of 8 by 3 points and all of the sudden that somehow makes the recruiting rankings false?

I don’t get your logic.

By Tech Man

February 2, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this

Mark, I enjoyed reading Bradley’s Buzz today. Regarding Recruiting Rankings, it looks good to sign a lot of four and five star recruits - according to Rivals.com and Scout.com, but what is more important is how the players from the overall recruiting class actually perform over the next few years.

That is why I think the College Football News Recruiting Rerankings are more relevant than the initial Team Rankings - i.e. when the recruits sign their letters of intent. These Rerankings are done four years after the signings. Please take a look at the CFN Recruiting Rerankings for Scout.com for 2003 and 2004. This will shed light on how Georgia Tech has been able to complete so well with UGA and other schools with top “Recruiting Rankings”.

For 2003 GT moves up from #34 to #10 and UGA drops from #11 to #15 [http://cfn.scout.com/2/615853.html]

And for 2004 GT moves up from #35 to #15 and UGA drops from #6 to #17 [http://cfn.scout.com/2/726003.html]

This leads me to believe that Georgia Tech frequently has much higher ranked classes than initially thought, and UGA does not actually have as many top ten classes as first thought.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this

If you’d outrecruited your in-state rival by such a large margin every year save one since 2002 — and if recruiting is the key measure of a program — shouldn’t you have built up a talent base that would have rendered you impregnable?

That’s my point, pretty much. That’s my logic, however twisted it seems.

By Sautee Dawg

February 2, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this

Mark

Come on Mark, 1, 3 point win in 8 years makes Tech dominate? Did you get one of those rings to wear too? 7 wins out of 8 games by UGA, seems the difference in recruiting has shown some good results for UGA. How can you say it Hasn’t? Maybe AJC picked the wrong guy to report to Athens on Wednesday. Don’t understand your math on this one.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Tech Man. Good links.

I’ve taken the liberty of highlighting them. Here’s the 2003 re-ranking, and here’s the 2004 re-ranking. Me, I really like stuff like this.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 10:11 AM | Link to this

I don’t believe I used the word “dominate.” I believe I said Tech won 45-42. Which it did. With a bunch of lesser recruits, if you believe the rankings.

By RAMBLE ON!!!

February 2, 2009 10:13 AM | Link to this

Yes Mark some of it is coaching, but UGAg football players are very stupid also.

Paul Johnson would beat UGAg 10 out of 10 times with a 30th ranked class. He’s already 1 for 1.

By Denver dog

February 2, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

Mark,

You must have been hanging with Michael Phelps recently. However,elements that you can’t recruit, are emotion, perserverence, and preparation. If you think that your logic is twisted, it is. If you think that UGA by winning 7 our 8 is not dominant, you are twisted.

Having said that, GT was much better prepared for the UGA game than was UGA. They played with emotion, played good fundamental football, and limited mistakes.

To answer the 2nd part of your question, recruiting isn’t the sole meausre of the program. If it were, we would all bow down to Touchdown Jesus in South Bend Indiana year after year.

By leland

February 2, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

Dear Mr. MB—you ax why none of those boys went to UGA. As I’ve said many, many times, you have to have a coach who knows how to teach the rules e.g., double dribble, where the sidelines are, etc. Also, he must be able to teach how to celebrate and how to pound your chest. That’s all it is. Your pal, Leland

By MarseillesMutt

February 2, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this

You are right Mark; recruiting means very little right now, especially at Tech.

CPJ can recruit less than 5 or 4 star caliber athletes into his program and still achieve far more than modest success. Meanwhile, UGA has to have this type of athlete; especially in their offensive scheme.

Couple that with the fact that on many occasions, in fact more often than not,they are actually far better suited to the Tech scheme rather than that of UGA. Tech can concentrate on 5 stars on defense and ‘B back” and do far more than merely ‘compete’. Aggresive pass blocking is so much more fun-and easier by far! Seems rather obvious, really.

Enjoy your column up here in the ‘frozen tundra’ and totally hate that I follow the recruiting process so closely. I clearly need a life!

By chemdawg

February 2, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this

Mark, yes, that makes perfect sense. And UGA has been about as impregnable as you can be vs. Tech. The problem with your logic comes in sample size. For UGA, consistently finishing in the top 10 in rivals recruiting has resulted in…. consistently finishing in the top 10 in AP rankings. How has tech fared overall (in a much weaker conference albeit)? I know it’s cliche to say but 45-42 is a fluke. Not only is it a very narrow victory but it’s also 1 out of 7 in the past 7 years. If your sole intent is to beat your in-state rival and you play like your hair is on fire you may just make it close enough to steal a game or two a decade. UGA has many rivals and bigger aspirations, but Tech is content with winning against UGA every now and then.

By yellowblood

February 2, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

The AP just released the Tickle Pile rankings and for the 73rd year in a row Tech leads the list. We may not beat you reds on the field very often but we certainly have a great deal more fun. THWG!!!

By Tech Man

February 2, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Mark. Recruiting can be fun for fans to follow and can build excitement about your team. But, they should certainly keep things in perspective.

It is virtually impossible for the people at Rivals and Scout to see all of the high school players in the country. So, it is predictable that they are going to be inaccurate in their assessment of a lot of high school players. Some will be ranked too high and some will be ranked too low or even unranked. Making their task even more difficult is trying to foresee how these kids will respond when in college.

So, I hope the fans that are recruiting fanatics will take a deep breath. Cheer for your team and be excited about new recruits. But do not put more emphasis on an initial Recruiting Ranking than is deserved. Because, four years from now, the Reranking may not be nearly as high as initially thought.

But, above all, wish all of these kids well and do not blast them anonymously on blogs.

By JB

February 2, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this

Ramble on……..How did Eddie lee Ivery stay in Tech? Have you met him. I have. He worked for me. Plenty more like him on the TECH plantation. Lot’s of smart black and white players at both schools. When you cast a wide net, you look like a fool.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

Hey, Leland. Long time no hear.

By Steve Superior

February 2, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this

Please don’t engage in any attempts at a “logical discussion” with Georgia football fans. Tell ‘em they’re number one, always have been, always will be, never lost a game if not for injury, weather or officals and NEVER print graduation rates, wrap sheets or the top 25 after September.

By Fletch

February 2, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this

Chemdawg, hit the nail on the head buddy…Amen!

By bbdawg

February 2, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this

Jasper S, YOu are right. YOu did not fumble in 1999. I was sitting in the end zone right in front of you. Without that missed call, Mark, what would the record be?

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this

Well, bbdawg, the record might well be worse. Because Jim Donnan probably wouldn’t have gotten fired the next season and Richt would be coaching somewhere else.

By yellowblood

February 2, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this

I just cannot carry on this charade any longer. It is time for me to come out of the closet. As many of you may have suspected, I am not really a Tech fan and I know that Tech doesn’t have Tickle Piles. I am really a gay Dawg fan! There are a lot more of us (gay Dawg fans) than you might think. I thought that by making fun of Tech I could get in good graces with my Dawg friends. But it is simply not working, and I cannot continue living this lie. Please forgive me!

By RAMBLE ON!!!

February 2, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this

Now don’t go messin with Eddie lee, JB.

If he was as you described, why would you hire him?

By JB

February 2, 2009 10:46 AM | Link to this

yellowblood: Put your cloth’s back on and go do someone’s hair and get off this sport blog, Thanks, Paul Johnson.

PS: anyone seen my blue GT warm up suite. It’s cold.I know ya’ll think I look good in it on game day.

By dawgfacedboy

February 2, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this

Ranking recruiting classes don’t take into account injuries, playcalling, penalities,transfers, dropouts, etc. All it really is is a basis for measurement and perceived success because of it. High school athletes are ranked nationally in every sport. There is no way to tell if the SS you draft #1 overall out of high school and gave 6 mill to will actually pan out into a Major League player. He is ranked according to his skill level compared to others at his position and age. It’s possible that the athlete has peaked, in which case your screwed!!

If you ask me, and it pains me to say this, but Urban Meyer recruits brilliantly. He wants the fastest players at every position, having confidence that he and his coaching staff can coach them up and make them better. Speed never slumps. You add that with the talent he has in his coaching staff and his aggressive coaching style and you have a dangerous team.

By Joe Ham

February 2, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this

I didn’t fumble either…right?

By leland

February 2, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this

Dear Mr. MB—I thought you were in Santa Fe. I’ll try to do better, but good ideas ain’t easy. Your pal, Leland

By dawgfacedboy

February 2, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

Ranking recruiting classes don’t take into account injuries, playcalling, penalities,transfers, dropouts, etc. All it really is is a basis for measurement and perceived success because of it. High school athletes are ranked nationally in every sport. There is no way to tell if the SS you draft #1 overall out of high school and gave 6 mill to will actually pan out into a Major League player. He is ranked according to his skill level compared to others at his position and age. It’s possible that the athlete has peaked, in which case your screwed!!

If you ask me, and it pains me to say this, but Urban Meyer recruits brilliantly. He wants the fastest players at every position, having confidence that he and his coaching staff can coach them up and make them better. Speed never slumps. You add that with the talent he has in his coaching staff and his aggressive coaching style and you have a dangerous team.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this

Not trying to say that Urban Meyer isn’t a fine coach — he clearly is — but pretty much everybody wants speed.

I remember sitting in on Billy Knight’s first pre-draft briefing. He mentioned several times that the Hawks wanted “athletic” players who could run fast and jump high. And finally, being my usual wise-acre self, I said, “You know, that’s odd. Most teams want slow fat guys.”

To his credit, Billy had the grace to laugh.

By dawgfacedboy

February 2, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

Ranking recruiting classes don’t take into account injuries, playcalling, penalities,transfers, dropouts, etc. All it really is is a basis for measurement and perceived success because of it. High school athletes are ranked nationally in every sport. There is no way to tell if the SS you draft #1 overall out of high school and gave 6 mill to will actually pan out into a Major League player. He is ranked according to his skill level compared to others at his position and age. It’s possible that the athlete has peaked, in which case your screwed!!

If you ask me, and it pains me to say this, but Urban Meyer recruits brilliantly. He wants the fastest players at every position, having confidence that he and his coaching staff can coach them up and make them better. Speed never slumps. You add that with the talent he has in his coaching staff and his aggressive coaching style and you have a dangerous team.

By Truth or Consequences

February 2, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

How I “visualize” yellowblood:

An overweight, over-the-hill, nicotine-stained, borderline-alcoholic homophobe with an inferiority complex and an unhealthy obsession with male bonding.

By dawgfacedboy

February 2, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this

Ranking recruiting classes don’t take into account injuries, playcalling, penalities,transfers, dropouts, etc. All it really is is a basis for measurement and perceived success because of it. High school athletes are ranked nationally in every sport. There is no way to tell if the SS you draft #1 overall out of high school and gave 6 mill to will actually pan out into a Major League player. He is ranked according to his skill level compared to others at his position and age. It’s possible that the athlete has peaked, in which case your screwed!!

If you ask me, and it pains me to say this, but Urban Meyer recruits brilliantly. He wants the fastest players at every position, having confidence that he and his coaching staff can coach them up and make them better. Speed never slumps. You add that with the talent he has in his coaching staff and his aggressive coaching style and you have a dangerous team.

By CKDawg65

February 2, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this

I know this article was geared toward head-to-head metchups in the two, but if you look at the Final AP rankings over that same period for the two teams (more apples to apples IMO)…UGA has been 3,7,7,10,23,2,13. GT has been NR,NR,NR,NR,NR,NR,22. Sound vaguely familiar to what the Recruiting Rankings say?

By excuses?

February 2, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this

I am so tired of hearing all this talk about “excuses”. Whenever UGA loses and the fans talk about the reasons they lost, GT fans start all this crap about “excuses”. These are REASONS we lost… We don’t give GT fans hell when they give reasons such as fumbles for why they lost games. Of course there is a reason that a team loses. Shut up already with the “excuses” talk. I guess if we said that we lost because the other team scored 45 and we only scored 42 then that would be an “excuse” also. And also, if injuries weren’t important (since it seems GT fans think we are CRAZY for acting like they affected our season) then how come there are injury reports in football every week and the spread on games changes due to new injury information.

By GBob

February 2, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this

This list of the 2004 re-rankings is a joke :

Hits: LB Odell Thurman, TE Leonard Pope, CB Paul Oliver, LB Jarvis Jackson, C Nick Jones, CB Thomas Flowers, T Ken Shackleford and PR Mikey Henderson Misses: RB Kregg Lumpkin, WR Sean Bailey, OL Zeb McKinzey, OL Trey Chandler, DE Richard Cook and TE Coleman Watson

Kregg Lumpkin and Sean Bailey had good, if not great, careers at UGA. Bailey’s senior year was darn good, and Lumpkin was solid when not hurt. To call Mikey Henderson a hit and Sean Bailey a miss is just ridiculous. Henderson performed decently, and seemed to maximize his abilities, but Bailey was much better than him.

By HSE

February 2, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this

So far as Tech beating UGA one time in the last 8 years goes, surely, Bradley, you know the old saying, “A blind hog finds an acorn sooner or later if it roots around long enough.”

Concerning this one win, however, I will say that I agree “coaching” may have had something to do with it. Particularly, from the defensive standpoint, if you are a UGA fan. I would also be inclined to say that Tech’s new-found head coaching Guru may have had something to do with it to, except for the fact that LSU’s defensive co-ordinators blew that theory all to Hell.

By Dorsey Hill

February 2, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this

Tech has beaten Georgia 8 times in 30 years. I would suggest that this disparity has little to do with coaching and has much to do with the level of talent each school can attract. I mean, Goff was 5-2 vs. Tech right?

The idea, however, that Tech should never, ever, win in the series because of that talent disparity is laughable. 1 out of every 4.5 seasons seems consistent with what one would expect.

Mathematically Tech was due to win one after seven straight losses. I think Spurrier lost to UGA in his eighth season with UF right? Was Donnan just a better coach or did his team just have a good day?

Despite the obvious stupidity of your premise, I am certain that after another long winning streak by UGA that when Tech does win another some columnist will try to use that once in a blue moon win to stir controversy in the off-season and to drive traffic to his blog.

So I ask you, if Paul Johnson is really that great of a coach why is he just getting his first real job now? Also, why don’t you let the Tech fans that you are entertaining with this “better coaching” BS in on how long he’ll be around if he really turns out to be a great coach? If UGA traded coaches with Tech would UGA then never, ever lose to Tech? I think even the “lowly Mark Richt” could win one every now and then don’t you? Would you waste our time with a column containing the same exact premise in reverse?

By Mister T

February 2, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

chemdawg and fletch, or was it fetch? You guys keep thinking that way. Your program was absolutely out coached. The article that Mark posted in his Buzz the week after the big game said it al. This guy hit the nail on the head with his take on the final game of the regular season:

http://www.daltondailycitizen.com/sports/localstory335221710.html

CPJ was absolutely outcoached in the Chi-Fil-A Bowl. I was a little concerned during preperation for the bowl when he made the comment that “Bowl’s ar a reward…” I imagine he will remember that lesson in the future. There is not much reward in getting your jock pulled up over your ears. I doubt it will happen again. I don’t pretend to think that Tech will never lose again, but they won’t be unprepared again.

That said, Tech will continue to compete with the puppies. Tech will win some and lose some, but not be dominated again.

By Golden Dawg 84

February 2, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

Hey Mark,

Please give us your take on the potential Bobby Knight era at Georgia. Seems like an outsized personality for our dinky program and I would be shocked if he liked being less important than women’s gymnastics. That said, it would be extremely entertaining which is something UGA basketball almost never is.

Re recruiting, CWM is the answer to your question. Recruiting is important; coaching even more so.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

I’m not trying to say recruiting doesn’t count for something. It obviously counts for a lot. A team that signs only bad players is never going to be a good team. But a team that signs big-time prospects isn’t necessarily going to be a big-time team, either. How good has Tennessee been lately? Or Florida State? Or Miami?

By CKDawg65

February 2, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

I know this article was geared toward head-to-head metchups in the two, but if you look at the Final AP rankings over that same period for the two teams (more apples to apples IMO)…UGA has been 3,7,7,10,23,2,13. GT has been NR,NR,NR,NR,NR,NR,22. Sound vaguely familiar to what the Recruiting Rankings say?

By PTC DAWG

February 2, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

GT lies and cheats.

By brewdawg

February 2, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this

CKDawg65

One of the better points I’ve seen.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

Golden Dawg, I’ve just written a little something about Bobby Knight for tomorrow’s paper. I am, shall we say, unenthused about the prospects.

Thanks for asking.

By Carolina Jacket

February 2, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

Mark, I am Tech all the way, but to suggest that recruitment of the best hs talent pay off with generally having better teams (there are always exceptions) is wrong. Every year I determine a five year recruitment ranking (that would include those players eligible for that particular year) off all the NCAA schools. I will assure you that the top ten schools (recruitment) will finish with a higher average ranking (AP, etc.) and better bowl than the schools which have signed lesser rated players. Obviously, injuries, transfers, lack of development, coaching all play a role in this, but, generally speaking, the teams with the best players beat the others more than they lose to them (one reason we love Wake Forest — for being such a great exception to the rule).

Finally. Look at the Tech players who led to our great win over UGA this year. Guess what. Most of them were from the very recruitment class which was actually ranked higher than was Georgia.

Apologies for the length of this blog.

By 59-39-5

February 2, 2009 11:25 AM | Link to this

This is an intriguing article, and I’ll agree that coaching has everything to do with it. BVG had great defenses in his stint at UGA while he was still working with Donan recruits. Meanwhile, Willie Martinez has had great talent come to his door and very little to show for it. Certainly recruiting is important, but as we’ve seen from Willie’s performance (or lackthereof), coaching is every bit as important as getting good recruits. It’s pretty unsettling to know that Johnson can win games with a bunch of third-rate athletes. Of course, we’ll see how his career pans out in time. Remember, Charlie Weis was good for a while….

By BOB

February 2, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

What in God’s name is a Tickle Pile?

By Huh?

February 2, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this

Stop the presses!!!! Mark says recruiting rankings do not guarantee victories on Saturdays. Thanks for that Captain Obvious. Stay tuned tomorrow for Mark’s insightful column on the color of the sky. You won’t want to miss it.

By Andrew

February 2, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this

What is a Tickle Pile? I’m a Tech grad and I don’t know although I have to admit I’ve heard of them. When I was in school some students went to them but the majority did not.

By griffdawg1

February 2, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

there is alot to be said for the program that gets the best out of what they have to work with and with that said , the dawgs have played some very ininspired ball in each of our last 7-8 seasons. It’s not always the number of stars rivals sticks next to your name coming out of high school, it has alot to do with whats between the ears , desire and heart. maybe tech does a better job of seeking out those two and three star players.

By DirtyDawg

February 2, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

About this not letting college coaches go during the season - and the mouth of NCAA BB ‘Babee-whatshisname’ said the same thing about the Felton firing the other day (funny he didn’t mention the Alabama one) - Mark’s right. If you know the guy needs to go, then do it. Look what happened last year, they knew Coach Felton wasn’t getting the job done and assumed they could wait til it was over…and guess what, they ended up winning the SEC Tourney and the rest is history - another year lost..

Don’t wait…pay him the money he has coming…say nice things about him…and move on. Shoot, I’ll take the million and a half and find another line of work if I have to.

By Alan

February 2, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

Mark, I guess I’m your first Braves fan this morning. I have a question: If signing Will Ohman is such a priority, why hasn’t it happened? When he signs elsewhere — which I believe will be the case — we’re likely to read that the Braves made a “competitive offer” months ago (November as I recall) and Ohman didn’t respond to it. His non-response means actually says something, doesn’t it? Like, the offer isn’t good enough. Sweeten it, please. By not sweetening it, the Braves are essentially saying, “We want you, but on our terms. Take it or leave it.” Which is what they said to another former Brave, a guy named Smoltz.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this

No apologies necessary, Carolina Jacket. And you’re right about Dwyer and Nesbitt and Roddy Jones and Morgan Burnett and Derrick Morgan being a part of that 2007 class. But, according to Scout.com, Georgia actually had more 4- and 5-star recruits that year, too. And Tennessee, South Carolina, Auburn and Michigan were ranked in the Top 10 by Scout.

By Alan

February 2, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this

Mark, I guess I’m your first Braves fan this morning. I have a question: If signing Will Ohman is such a priority, why hasn’t it happened? When he signs elsewhere — which I believe will be the case — we’re likely to read that the Braves made a “competitive offer” months ago (November as I recall) and Ohman didn’t respond to it. His non-response actually says something, doesn’t it? Like, the offer isn’t good enough. Sweeten it, please. By not sweetening it, the Braves are essentially saying, “We want you, but on our terms. Take it or leave it.” Which is what they said to another former Brave, a guy named Smoltz.

By Reality

February 2, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this

Bottom line is the uga has a top 10 recuiting class every year, but rarely has a top 10 team at the end of the season.

Ranking recuits is fun for the off season. It is a measure of how the players performed in high school. College ball is entirely different.

If I were a high school player, the thing that would be important (if I wanted a career in sports) is to look how that college/coach improves its players. Do the pre-season rankings match up to the on-the-field results?

In the case of uga, the team results on the field rarely match up to the pre-season rankings. In other words, the experts look at the players/talent and predict that they should be able to win a certain number of games. However, uga regularly wins less than predicted. This means that the players/talent is wasted and/or not developed properly.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

Alan, I’m guessing that a left-handed reliever in demand (as Will Ohman is) will want to explore his options. The Braves might indeed have to bump up their offer to keep him. But there might not be much money left after the $83 million they gave Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami.

By REGGIE BALL

February 2, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this

Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and then.

Using your train of thought, USC should never lose to anyone because they are always, either #1 or #2.

By brewdawg

February 2, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

Reality

Great point. UGA has only been in the final Coaches Poll top 10 six of the last 7 years. Very rare indeed.

By RealWorld

February 2, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this

Does Paul Johnson really want to compare top 10/25 wins with Mark Richt? That would be way too big a blow to the great PJ’s overblown ego. He’s not as big a “johnson” as he or his cult followers think and will prove that in 09.

By Gman

February 2, 2009 11:56 AM | Link to this

Reality: Check CKDawg65 at 11:17 for a dose of, well you get it.

By Gman

February 2, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

Reality: Check CKDawg65 at 11:17 for a dose of, well you get it.

By Bob

February 2, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this

This is a stupid column that is insulting to both programs.

Georgia has had a remarkable run under Mark Richt. To suggest that recruiting does not matter because of ONE game is an absolutely laughable premise. What about all those SEC Champoinships, BCS bowls, and top 10 rankings Mark? Do you think those just grow on trees buddy?

To suggest that UGA should blow Tech off the field every year because of a recruiting advantage is equally laughable. Win or lose, Tech always plays Georgia with alot of heart, energy, and passion. They have also fielded some very impressive defenses over the past several years and last year had a very good offense. THAT is why Georgia does not blow them off the field Mark, not to mention the fact that it is a rivalry game. You must be new to this college football thing. Good grief.

I think Mark was just trying to incite the Tech and UGA partisans to get the mouses clicking on AJC.com. That’s all the AJC is interested in anymore. Its sad.

By yellowblood

February 2, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this

I just cannot carry on this charade any longer. It is time for me to come out of the closet. As many of you may have suspected, I am not really a Tech fan and I know that Tech doesn’t have Tickle Piles. I am really a gay Dawg fan! There are a lot more of us (gay Dawg fans) than you might think. I thought that by making fun of Tech I could get in good graces with my Dawg friends. But it is simply not working, and I cannot continue living this lie. Please forgive me! And also forgive my significant other Andrew as did the same thing that I did.

By Shane

February 2, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

CKdawg65 response was the best. Tech has had one ranked season in the last 8 while UGA has been consistently a top ten team.

Pretty much blows MB’s theory all to pieces. Recruiting does matter and UGA getting top ten classes while tech struggles to break the top 40 is the reason why Tech will always be a middle tier program. Enough talent to occasionally shock one of the big boys but mostly a series of 8-4 seasons and trips to Boise and San Francisco. One season with a “gimmick” offense isnt going to change that.

By Bill Green

February 2, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

There are two stories about how Tickle Piles started at Tech. One goes back 90 years and involves some kind of secret campus society. The other says they started in the sixties as an outgrowth of a movement that began in California. That movement started in sororities and grew eastward first appearing in Tech’s fraternities during the late sixties. Tickle Piles start when girls tickle each other to the point of exhaustion and histeria falling in groups to the floor or ground. The Tech men found this particularly stimulating and began the practice. Trouble started when the Tech fraternities began to allow participants to disrobe during the tickling. I understand that school administration has now outlawed this practice although rumors have it that it persists at some level.

By PTC DAWG

February 2, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

2ndly, everyone knew GT was bound to win vs UGA sooner or later. Anyone who thinks otherwise, well, they are an idiot. Congrats to GT, now go make another ring.

By gpb

February 2, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Well at least this year, maybe the rankings don’t represent the talent regarding the triple option? I can’t find the methods used to assess stars but some of it is a function of the data on the players. Someone mentioned at work that committing to a 1A school gives a player another star.

Perhaps the scouts can’t see all the players? Here are three Tech examples (but Georgia has to have some too): Chris Reis - 1 star, NFL player. Mike Cox - 2 stars, NFL player. Kenny Scott - 4 stars, vanished.

Player development and working in the system are really the big keys. In the past few years, Tech’s defensive development has been excellent. Offensively, Tech never could get a system to work. Now with a new scheme, maybe things will change and the underrated talent will step up.

As for coaching, the expectations are going to be too high for CPJ this next season. We had a great season in a conference that was lousy and managed to pull out a win in a good game against Georgia. While I agree that the expectations are much different on the coaching side now than with Gailey, maybe we should wait a little before we starting building the CPJ statue.

Besides, the post player rankings are more interesting as well. Not so much because of the associated changes in the two schools as I think it is a more reflective measure of the players and their skills.

MLB note: I want Ohman back. Hopefully they find the money.

By GT66

February 2, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this

Mark a very good article. The reranking studies clearly are a better way to judge a recruiting class. Many Georgia fans misunderstood your point. Steve Spurrier, when he was at Florida used to mock the rankings because Ray Goffs classes were always ranked ahead of his classes, yet Florida won virtually all the time. I asked you last week in a blog that you had could you please publish Paul Hewitt’s APR (Academic Progress Rate) as I have been unable to find it. Thanks.

By RA

February 2, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this

Okay, here’s the thing as far as the Hawks are concerned. They are still the fourth seed in an eastern conference where five games under five hundred will probably get you into the playoffs. Aside from getting a true center, they don’t really have any gaping holes to fill because I honestly believe that their bench is more solid than Mike Woodson lets it be. What they need is focus. When I think of how many games they’ve left on the free throw line this year, it infuriates me because instead of scrapping with the pistons, heat, and sixers for the last home playoff spot, Atlanta should be fighting Orlando tooth nail hook and claw for the southeast division! What this team needs to do is lock in their focus and play like they’ve got a pair EVERY night.

By GT76

February 2, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this

A few brief observations:

Given all the NCAA’s rules I’m surprised they allow schools to discuss/promise what number a kid can have. I would hope Paul Johnson would not engage in that kind of thing. It’s a team game.

I played college sports and I know first hand how unpredictable kids can be from the time they arrive as a freshman to the time they are juniors or seniors. In my view only about 40-50% of the “4-5 stars” live up to that billing. Conversely there are plenty who blossom in their sophomore year and it’s the coach who can see that in a kid who will beat the odds every time. Tech has historically done that. It’s the culture and history of the school.

Lastly, we really have to see how things play out between UGA and GT the next 4-5 years. I expect it to be a 3-3 split over that time, but I would be totally shocked if UGA wins 4 of the next 5. Just don’t see that at all.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this

Bulldog fans seem awfully defensive today. Maybe if their team had offered such a spirited defense on Nov. 29 …

Nah. I won’t even say it.

By GT76

February 2, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this

A few brief observations:

Given all the NCAA’s rules I’m surprised they allow schools to discuss/promise what number a kid can have. I would hope Paul Johnson would not engage in that kind of thing. It’s a team game.

I played college sports and I know first hand how unpredictable kids can be from the time they arrive as a freshman to the time they are juniors or seniors. In my view only about 40-50% of the “4-5 stars” live up to that billing. Conversely there are plenty who blossom in their sophomore year and it’s the coach who can see that in a kid who will beat the odds every time. Tech has historically done that. It’s the culture and history of the school.

Lastly, we really have to see how things play out between UGA and GT the next 4-5 years. I expect it to be a 3-3 split over that time, but I would be totally shocked if UGA wins 4 of the next 5. Just don’t see that at all.

By Liebs

February 2, 2009 12:35 PM | Link to this

I don’t think this is a question of whether UGA gets better recruits than GT, it does. I think however, that the class rankings of scouts and rivals deserve some questioning. For one thing, The simple fact that there is a disagreement in ranking by more than 20 places should make one ponder. Also, I really can’t trust a websites’ ranks when said website requires a paid membership or subscription to access all information. You simply can’t prove that their team and individual rankings aren’t affected by the number of subscribers that team has. Sure, rank GT 48th in recruiting class, they don’t give you much money anyway. That sort of thing. I think ESPN’s rankings are likely to be the most accurate measurement. As for the rest of it, you can’t tell how good a player will be by how many stars a private enterprise attaches to his name.

By I. A. Dada

February 2, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

Marky Mark, the locusts come from the ground every 7 years too.

How many years has UGA managed a Top 25 ranking? Top 15? Top 10? Same question for GTI.

Now, take the final recruiting ranking for each and match them with the final poll rankings for the two in-state rivals. I’d say that the recruiting rankings might run a bit on the high side but there is little denying the fact that the better than number is, the higher is one’s final poll ranking.

By PTC DAWG

February 2, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

GT76, if they go 3-3 over the next 4-5 years, I’ll be shocked. I thought you GT fellows were good at math.

That might be a great thing for both programs, because it probably means they are playing in the MNC game versus one another, at least once. :)

By Minnesota Jacket

February 2, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this

I just want to comment on something with Georgia recruits, yes you get GREAT 4-5 star recruits but I would love to see the SAT scores, GPA differences, and all those lovely statistics along with this. As Yale’s coach tells his recruiters “Its great that you talked to ESPN’S top 150 players but NONE of them can make it academically here so don’t waste our time or their time” The same goes with the difference between Georgia and Georgia Tech. Players that come to Tech can’t go to a major that ranks last in the nation (the lowest at Tech I have seen is 58th in the nation which is the program most are in I will say). I mean we could probably get some great recruits BUT USUALLY great recruits equals MISERABLE GRADES. Go Jackets!

By Ted Striker

February 2, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

I always enjoy reading “Bradley’s Buzzed” tidbits. If only he didn’t eat all the pretzels and beer nuts down at the bar.

College Recruit Rankings: Sometimes it’s LESS about the top notch guys who don’t work out than it is MORE about the unheralded guys who shock folks. Which leads me to this. Sometimes things aren’t even clear 3-4-5 years later.

Would the Steelers be champs today without Willie Parker and James Harrison on their roster? (Neither was drafted by any of the 32 NFL teams) Who was Pitt’s leading scorer last night? (Jeff Reed, offered a collegiate scholarship by zero zilch nada colleges coming out of high school).

About DeCourcy’s article on Felton. DeCourcy admitted UGA was within its rights to fire Felton and made an argument that Felton hadn’t gotten the job done. (I agreed with him on those points).

However he lost me with his rants about the dismissal being ‘repulsive.’ According to him, it was ‘obvious’ UGA only did it because they were ‘scared’ of Felton winning in March.

More likely UGA believed Felton just wasn’t going to consistently win anytime soon — and were acutely aware how fractured the fan base had grown. A fan base who won’t support the program because of the coach will get you fired as quickly as anything else.

By Bill in ATL

February 2, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this

Mark, Any team can beat any other team within reason. The full measure of talent is shown in the long term.

When is the last time Tech finished in the top 10? How many times ranked in the last 8-10 years?

How many games has UGA won in the 8 seasons with Richt and how many top 25 and top 10 finishes?

Look at the composite recruiting rankings over the last decade and look also at the composite AP final rankings. You will see a LOT of similarity in the lists.

Finally, Techman if the “re-rankings” of the 2003 and 2004 classes show Tech’s classes were really better than UGA’s then why did UGA’s lesser talent continue the streak of 7 in a row, win another SECC and 2 more BCS bowl games and continue to finish ahead of Tech every single season (including 2008)?

By repulsive firing

February 2, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Dennis Felton deserved to be fired as much as Bama’s coach. Its strange that the writer barely mentions Bama’s Gottfried being fired midseason but calls Felton’s firing repulsive.

I suspect and wonder if there just may be a tinge of racial politics at play. I’ld like to know if the writer is one of those northeasterners who views any firing of a black coach in the deep south as being questionable.

Would he be the same type of writer who lambastes a deep south school like Auburn for not hiring Turner Gill but completely ignores the northern schools with openings such as Syracuse that also didn’t hire or even interview Gill? Just curious.

By Mister T

February 2, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

I would not say that recruiting doesn’t matter. It does. But ne propbably would have been recieved a little more crdibility if he had included the information in his last blog entry to begin with rather than make the comparison just between Tech and uga:

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this

No apologies necessary, Carolina Jacket. And you’re right about Dwyer and Nesbitt and Roddy Jones and Morgan Burnett and Derrick Morgan being a part of that 2007 class. But, according to Scout.com, Georgia actually had more 4- and 5-star recruits that year, too. And Tennessee, South Carolina, Auburn and Michigan were ranked in the Top 10 by Scout.

Coaching obviously matters. Three of the Four schools that had top ten recruiting classes and lack luster results have all had coahing changes since the 2007 recruiting class.

I predict that as CPJ continues to do more with less that he will eventually earn the opportunity to to do more with more. If Tech continues to improve, and even the most rabid dawg fan will have to admit that the Jackets have improved and quicker than anticipated, CPJ will begin to have the type of recruiting classes that will even look competitive before they strap on the chin strap.

Hope you dawgies continue to live in deniel.

THWG!

By lance

February 2, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this

Stats are for GEEKS! Just win Baby! Go Dawgs!

By PTC DAWG

February 2, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this

Where is deniel? Another GT Scholar sounds off.

By shut up

February 2, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

at a way to handel those Tigers from LSU

By Lew

February 2, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

Mike Decourcy of The Sporting News said Xavier was a better job than Georgia….. Yes, the X in Ohio, not New Orleans…. in the (fill in the blank) league. DeCourcy doesn’t remember Georgia won the SEC tournament last year. TSN should stick to baseball.

By GT76

February 2, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

PTCDawg, I really should just ignore your comment but just to clarify. Tech is 1-1 the last two games so if they go 2-2 the next 4 then they are 3-3. Tech is 1-0 the last year so if they go 2-3 the next 5 then they are 3-3. Get it now? I expect it to go something like that, but certainly not 1-3 or 0-4 the next 4, or 1-4 the next 5.

By getnathan

February 2, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this

Phils are trying to block the Braves. They’re scared of the Braves. That’s a good sign that they want to sign Ohman

By Scott

February 2, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this

to get a true test of the difference in the two school’s recruiting classes, you would need to look no further than UGA’s success during these years compared to GT’s. Also, let’s remember we are comparing two teams that play in different conferences. We saw what LSU did to Tech, what if Tech had to play teams like that week in and week out? I think you would see the difference then.

By GT76

February 2, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this

PTCDawg, I really should just ignore your comment but just to clarify. Tech is 1-1 the last two games so if they go 2-2 the next 4 then they are 3-3. Tech is 1-0 the last year so if they go 2-3 the next 5 then they are 3-3. Get it now? I expect it to go something like that, but certainly not 1-3 or 0-4 the next 4, or 1-4 the next 5.

By BR

February 2, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this

Georgia has beaten Tech seven out of the last eight years. They beat a very average GA team this year by only three points. Does anyone really have to ask why the recruits sign with UGA every year and not Tech??? I think the facts speak for themselves. If they’d sign with Tech just for their one important game of the year and only rivalry, they might want to think again. Winning one year out of eight isn’t so wonderful.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

I’ll agree with Mike DeCourcy on one point: Xavier is a better job than Georgia. Xavier has made the NCAA every year save one since 2000. Xavier reached the Elite Eight in 2004 and again last season. When was the last time Georgia made the Elite Eight?

Answer: 1983.

Oh, and Lew: I believe Xavier beat Georgia in the 2008 NCAA tournament.

By yellowblood

February 2, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

I just cannot carry on this charade any longer. It is time for me to come out of the closet. As many of you may have suspected, I am not really a Tech fan and I know that Tech doesn’t have Tickle Piles. I am really a gay Dawg fan! There are a lot more of us (gay Dawg fans) than you might think. I thought that by making fun of Tech I could get in good graces with my Dawg friends. But it is simply not working, and I cannot continue living this lie. Please forgive me!

And also forgive my significant other Andrew as he did the same thing that I did. He also posted as Bill Green above. I will try to control him, but he is so wrapped up in his envy of Tech I do not know if I can.

By PTC DAWG

February 2, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this

GT76, I get it. I was just messing with you. But you did say, you expect them to be 3-3 over the next 4-5 years. You made no mention of the last 2 years, what about the last 8? LOL

Good luck… I think you guys made a upgrade at Coach..

By Truth or Consequences

February 2, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this

Hope you dawgies continue to live in deniel.(sic)

At least us Dawgies know how to spell “denial”, or at least we can afford a spellchecker.

By brewdawg

February 2, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley is known for getting all giddy after a team wins a game in a series it usually gets dominated in. I believe he wrote something about the tide being changed in the UGA-Florida game after the Dawgs won last year. That didn’t really pan out this year did it?

Mark

I chuckled in spite of myself at your 12:26. I know it was a jab at us UGA fans, but it’s actually a good point!

By Sid

February 2, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

Hey Bradley:

If recruiting rankings aren’t important,why even mention it? To sell papers/internet ads I guess.

By Cameron

February 2, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley:

Recruiting rankings do not tell who is going to win one single game. Recruiting rankings by in large tell you how your program is going to be over a period of time. For example, if you are repeatedly in the top ten of recruiting, over say a five year or ten year period, your school will usually be at the top, or near the top of your conference and around the top ten. USC has out recruited Oregon State the past decade, does that mean the recruiting rankings are wrong because Oregon State beat them. Should Stanford’s rankings be better than USC’s because they beat them last year. Last time I checked, GT did win last year. But, they lost seven of the last eight. I do believe that Paul Johnson himself will tell you UGA is a more talented team. Why do you think he runs a gimmicky offense to compensate the talent he has been dealt at all of the schools he has been? Remember, recruiting rankings are based upon potential related to athletic talent. They do not tell someone’s work ethic, leadership, moxie, competitiveness, smarts, etc. Why do you think Matt Ryan was a three-star recruit?

By Ted Striker

February 2, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this

@12:38 Minnesota Jacket — Here are some ‘lovely statistics’ from UGA.

36-24-36.

I live in Athens and I check religiously.

By BR

February 2, 2009 1:20 PM | Link to this

Georgia should CRUSH Tech every year? First of all, it won’t happen because Mark Richt would have the third string in as soon as GA was up by 2 or 3 touchdowns. Secondly, to hear Tech fans talk, they SHOULD have beaten GA this year. Heck, to hear them talk they should have been playing in the national championship!

By BR

February 2, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this

Georgia should CRUSH Tech every year? First of all, it won’t happen because Mark Richt would have the third string in as soon as GA was up by 2 or 3 touchdowns. Secondly, to hear Tech fans talk, they SHOULD have beaten GA this year. Heck, to hear them talk they should have been playing in the national championship!

And, of course Bradley took a jab at UGA. Didn’t all the media jump on the nerd bandwagon this year??? (Didn’t hear much from them after they got taken to the woodshed by LSU though!)

By BR

February 2, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

Georgia should CRUSH Tech every year? First of all, it won’t happen because Mark Richt would have the third string in as soon as GA was up by 2 or 3 touchdowns. Secondly, to hear Tech fans talk, they SHOULD have beaten GA this year. Heck, to hear them talk they should have been playing in the national championship!

And, of course Bradley took a jab at UGA. Didn’t all the media jump on the nerd bandwagon this year??? (Didn’t hear much from them after they got taken to the woodshed by LSU though!)

UGA fans defensive? Hmmm, wonder why? Maybe because you continue to talk about how great Tech is (see end of year rankings and barely beating an average UGA team), then wonder why we’re defensive, moron.

By jacketbacker

February 2, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

today’s scout.com ratings has ugag at #11, tech at #26……that is not a significant difference….as long as CPJ continues to recuit top 30 type classes he will coach them up……i don’t ever remember tech having higher rated recuiting classes than ugag….o’leary beat donnan 3 straight years and did not have talent to match the mutts….in fact, the last of those 3 (2000) georgia had 3 1st round draft picks on their dline alone……you fleabag idiots who thing you’re going to run off another 7 in a row are dreaming…it’s not going to happen!!…the streak of 8 still stands and it belongs to the JACKETS!!…deal with it retards!!

45-42!!!!!

THWG

By BR

February 2, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

Georgia should CRUSH Tech every year? First of all, it won’t happen because Mark Richt would have the third string in as soon as GA was up by 2 or 3 touchdowns. Secondly, to hear Tech fans talk, they SHOULD have beaten GA this year. Heck, to hear them talk they should have been playing in the national championship!

And, of course Bradley took a jab at UGA. Didn’t all the media jump on the nerd bandwagon this year??? (Didn’t hear much from them after they got taken to the woodshed by LSU though!)

UGA fans defensive? Hmmm, wonder why? Maybe because you continue to talk about how great Tech is (see end of year rankings and barely beating an average UGA team), then wonder why we’re defensive, moron.

By hatfieldgeoff

February 2, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this

Mark, I believe you are the best columnist in Atlanta, but this one doesn’t make much sense. Stanford beat USC in 2007 how does that happen. Appalachain St. beat Michigan how does that happen. Georgia has won 8 of 9 that is your recruiting advantage showing up. As for some of the scores being close, well the difference between winning and losing is the biggest chasm between the two teams. The number of points in the differential after that doesn’t really matter much. And having a great recruiting class every year does not mean you meet all of your needs every year. Signing two great quarterbacks and two great running back is fantastic but if you need defensive linemen your defense is going to be weak. Georgia’s weak defense was its problem this year and Tech was able to take advantage of that is the second half. End of story.

By DirtyDawg

February 2, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this

I ain’t in no damn denial…you won the game…could it, and/or should it, have gone the other way? You damn right…will it happen again in the next seven, or so, years, maybe. But what I do know is that a team that finished about third in the SEC West wiped the Dome floor with Tech’s offense…made their defense look less than mediocre…and Tech cost me big time in the Bowl Pool (with confidence numbers - you see I bought into the hype that the AJC and the Tech program assigned to a three point, once in coon’s age, victory, and it cost me.)

We’ll keep recruiting quality young men with athletic talent, coach ‘em up and win more than our share of games. I like everything about Mark Richt and I’d rather be us than you (and you know who I mean) By the way, if you should happen to win again in Athens, don’t be pickin’ no privets unless you want those twigs where the sun don’t shine.

By Joshgekko

February 2, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

In my opinion they are able to stay on the same field purely because of rivalry. Georgia had a much more talented team even this year, but the passionate emotional rivalry that is the uga v. tech game changes everything.

By Big BCH 99

February 2, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

One thing that many people are forgetting is that even though Tech only beat UGA this yr, it’s not like they’ve gotten blown out every other yr. W/ the exception of the 51-7, almost all of the rest have been tight games that the outcome wasn’t decided until the 4th quarter. I know of a couple of times in which Tech led for a lot of the game only to lose by a handful at the end.

Rivalry games are almost always competitive, that’s one in which U can somewhat throw talent out the door, it’s gonna come down to who executes better & who makes or doesn’t make a critical mistake.

It’s too early to call next yrs game, b/c it probably will be a good one, like it normally is. U might be ab le to get a decent read on it near the end of next season when U see how both teams are doing on the field, & w/ injuries, etc.

Go Jackets!

By hatfieldgeoff

February 2, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

Hey Minnesota Jacket,

Hope you and your morals enjoy Boise every year! Oh, by the way if Paul Johnson wanted to coach at a great academic school he would have stayed at Navy. He came to Tech thinking he could get better football players, not Rhode Scholars. Tech gets the best players they can get and they have crib courses and academic counselors to try to keep the players eligible as long as possible, just like all the other NCAA schools. Minnesota Jacket, that moral high-ground you are taking is really an ivory tower.

By Ivan

February 2, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this

Is Will Ohman a type A or B free agent? Will the Braves get a pick if they lose him thru free agency?

By Cincy Redlegs

February 2, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

If recruiting rankings don’t matter, why recruit at all?

By Average?

February 2, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this

I love how all of a sudden this was a very average uga team. Yes, yes, I know you had injuries, but come on. You kids are a joke.

By PTC DAWG

February 2, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this

I would say that 2008 UGA football was below or about average by Mark Richt Standards….He’s had much better teams…they never gelled and it showed on the field.

By brewdawg

February 2, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this

This wasn’t an “average” UGA team. We finished in the top 10. In what planet is that average? Tech deserves credit for beating us. They were the better team that day. End of story.

By True Gold

February 2, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

The big question now is…Can UGA win without the help of Chan Gailey & Reggie Ball ??

Heres why I smile: November 29, 2008.*

First, UGA ranked pre-season #1(LOL). it was UGA Senior Day. Dooley’s Bronze statue unveiled(a fitting acknowledgment that UGA can not win a NC without the illiterate players and insitutionalized academic fraud and corruption endorsed and supported all the way up to AND INCLUDING past AND present UGA President, and demanded by UGA fans; on the day Larry Munson was honored for retirement; on the day Stafford had a career passing day, and Moreno had a big yardage day; in Athens, at The Cesspool; with GT playing almost all freshmen & sophmores, with a tottaly new coaching staff and offensive & defensive routines………………………….. ALL THAT………..AND IT WASNT ENOUGH, MUTTS.

Against extremely long odds, GT came to Athens and WE…..KICKED…..YOUR…..AZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!

By gdawginkalamazoo

February 2, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this

Mark, would football players be more pumped up if playing in the Super Bowl or if playing the Detroit Lions? That’s what Georgia is up against as far as motivation goes. We are playing a Lions game and the Techmites are playing a Super Bowl. Of course next year will be a difficult game because we have to play at Bobby Dodd field at Grant stadium and listen to 24,000 Tech fans cheer on the bees with their faces stuffed full of free pizza and sodas. Then again it the coaches job to get the kids in that Super Bowl frame of mind. Besides who wants to lose to the Lions.

They want to Felton be terminated and still work? And he would then be motivated to do what? Does DeCourcey also happen to cover Olympic swimming? Has he been hanging out with sffffft ………. exhale Mike Phelps?

By brewdawg

February 2, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this

Never let it be said that UGA fans are more arrogant, obnoxious, etc. than Tech fans. If it is said, please refer to True Gold’s post. LOL. Congrats on the win though, and I say that with the utmost sincerity. Tech played a hell of a game.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

Thanks, HatfieldGoff. And I’m aware I don’t always make sense. Like me picking Georgia to win the BCS title. Or the 2008 Braves to win their division. What was I thinking?

By GTFANDUH

February 2, 2009 2:18 PM | Link to this

UGA fans need to realize that if they are getting equal talent to USC, texas, ohio st, and oklahoma that only a national championships should matter not betting a rival that averages 7 wins a season “but not anymore of course” and if you cant win with a quarterback thats going 1 in the draft, maybe the best freshmen wideout and a top 10 running back along with all these so called “four and five” star recruits then UGA will never win a NATL championship period

By Right On Time

February 2, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this

Mark:

What do the recruiting rankings of UGA vs. florida look like. It seems like they are always higher ranked and the games play out the same almost every year…

UGA gets better quality and quantity, the problem is accurate placement of that quality. That and heart, they seem to lose heart a couple times every year. Do the matt drills beat it out of em’?

Minnesota Jacket: Are we talking athletics? Why don’t you and rambles on and on go do each others hair…

By Mister T

February 2, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

PTC Dawg is going to be the spelling police. Hell, I am just glad to see you could read. You had no other comeback than my typo? That is just weak.

FYI, I saw the typo after I hit post. At least I didn’t make the single change and repost it 3, 4, or 5 times.

THWg!

By joel

February 2, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

How highly ranked in recruiting is USC every year? And then Oregon State and Stanford? USC should blow them out every year, right Bradley? But I guess even a blind squirrel (Tech) finds a nut sometimes.

By GTwonhahahahaha

February 2, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

keep living in the past uga 45-42 we won we better our players stay because their not thugs that just care about goin to tha league and earnin dough so will keep winnin
Paul Johnson 1 Mark Richt 0 Thats all i care about from all this instate talk

By Kyle

February 2, 2009 2:52 PM | Link to this

For one, I agree with whoever talked about the consistent recruiting leading to consistent results, UGA has had the 6th most wins in the nation, and probably around the 6th best overall recruiting. Sure, we didn’t win, Tech played great and my boy Dwyer couldn’t be tackled. However, Tech will not equal Georgia in recruiting or overall success under Paul Johnson. I’m sorry, but the option was sworn off in the 90s for a reason. It is effective in bursts, but offensive players with pro aspirations do not want to go play in an option offense. With that said, I know that I would rather have a 5 star than a 3 star even knowing that 3 stars outplay 5 stars all the time.

By PTC DAWG

February 2, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this

I never make a tipo.

By Ben

February 2, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this

Scout has GT 26th, Rivals has GT 49th… How could 2 established ranking sources have such a discrepancy? I doubt Kiper ranks Moreno #15 and McShay ranks him #38.

By Truth or Consequences

February 2, 2009 3:17 PM | Link to this

Mister T says he didn’t want to “bother” us by changing his self-caught “single typo”. Hell, I count 4 in this one sentence fragment, alone. * “But ne propbably would have been recieved a little more crdibility if he had included…”* No, I’m not the language/spelling Police. If I was, you would be executed.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

Just a thought, Ben: Maybe people can look at the same guy and disagree as to his potential.

By Scoreboard

February 2, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this

The nightmare of the Chan Gailey era is over. The only numbers that matter right now are:

1) 45-42

and

2) Paul Johnson - 1 Mark Richt - 0

By Nick

February 2, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

Mark, I don’t believe the recruiting rankings mean jack squat to Paul Johnson. I also believe the AJC has quoted him on that fact.

It’s been demonstrated that it’s not about the talent level. It’s about the ability to make the most out of what you’ve got.

GT did that. Georgia did not. GT won.

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this

You’re right, Nick. They don’t. Here’s what Paul Johnson said last Signing Day.

By Tyger

February 2, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

Felton firing is Repulsive

The man won the SEC Championship for God’s sake, the least he could do was finish out the year.

I clearly remember a PG that was a “Georgia State Player of the Year” signing with UGA. Cant remember his name, but seems like he kept getting DUIs and was dismissed.

Dennis Felton is a disciplinarian and fine coach. On the heels of an outlaw program run by Jim Harrick, he was the right man for the job. Basketball players are on track to graduate for the 1st time in school history. (who really cares right?)

Clearly, most D-1 Coaches are conflicted; they have to win now, and graduate athletes too. Felton had more work, he had to restore UGA credibility on the hardwood and in the classroom.

He did both, but in the process, lost some very good ball players that he was relying to contribute. But thats the test, you draw the line and those that can hang, do; while the others fall off, but you dont compromise the program.

Felton didnt compromise and he didnt win many games this year, but UGA hoops wouldve been better in the long run for it.

Moreover, dont blame the coaches for big names not showing, blame the campus and local security; they lock a disproportionately high number of athletes up for a campus that size.

Its kinda hypocritical to have a row of bars across the street from campus and then lock the poor kids up as they try and make it home.

And you wonder why the kids go elsewhere? Who needs that?

By GT66

February 2, 2009 4:54 PM | Link to this

Mark I have tried the NCAA website and cannot find Paul Hewitt’s APRs. Can you please help.

By Wally B.

February 2, 2009 5:09 PM | Link to this

GT scored 45 points on a team that was supposed to be #1. Add Bama’s points and UF’s. I can’t count that high. The fact is, Richt has done less with more talent than just about any team I know of. When you recruit players who have problems meeting UGA’s minimal admission standards, they are certainly going to disappear after two seasons. Turn Richt’s players over to a coach who has some academic and behavior standards, and a third of them would vanish. It is amusing how the firing of Coach Felton has backfired on the puppet master. He has a huge problem with this fan-base flirtation with Knight. Adams is terrified of Knight and will never hire him. Knight knows this, and he just rattling Adams’cage. Adams will hire some shrinking violet like Evans.

By BCA

February 2, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this

As for your recruiting comments, upsets happen. Ole Miss beats Florida. USC loses to Oregon State (08)/Stanford (07)/UCLA (06). Name any team—they’ve lost a game in the last 8 years to someone woefully behind them every year in recruiting rankings. Nice job stirring the pot, though.

As for the “repulsive” firing, the columnist used that term and then did next-to-nothing to defend his use of the term. It made me think of a line from the old movie Princess Bride, “I do not think that word means what you think it means.”

By Mark Bradley

February 2, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

GT66: According to the last APR, released in May 2008, Georgia’s Tech’s rating in men’s basketball was 931.

To see it yourself, go to the NCAA site, and under the alphabetical listings go to “G” and look for the Georgia Institute of Technology. You’ll get a PDF file with the information.

Hope that helps.

By lee purdy

February 2, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this

why can goergia tech football only sign 12 people in 2010?

By LifelongDawg

February 2, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this

I promised I wouldn’t read your stuff again…and I haven’t. A friend told me about the dreck you put in this piece in regard to UGA recruiting. C’mon, Mark, let it go. The Dawgs let you down this season, but to question their recruiting edge? Ludicrous, meritless, pointless…

By Brian Jones tech fan

February 2, 2009 6:46 PM | Link to this

Ok lets put it to rest with paul johnson at GT he is 1-0 agianst CMR. The last 7 years are in the past with a differnet coach at the helm. If we had gaily we would have won 6 games this year. I bet if you tell CPJ his class isnt wowing anyone we would give you that smerck and say who gives a $…t what they think these are my players and I will win. Lets face it CPJ outcoached and the players outplayed UGA this year. once CPJ gets his line established he will win with whatever star players he gets and every year tech beats them the uga fans will want the d coordinator fired because they think this hs offense is just simple as following the pitch they have no idea it is about out numbering a defense to one side and picking up blocks. I will say the 409 this year is small compared to what they will get in years to come. Oh yeah tell slick willy if you take away the dive yu will always be outnumbered on the pitch or option so good luck when we start throwing the ball so UGA quit talking about the past and realize its going to be a rivalry agian and by the way yall dont pull for lsu so quit talking about it cause we beat yall

By GT66

February 2, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this

Thanks Mark for the reference for the APRs.

By DawgsFan83

February 2, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this

I just want to add in that while recruiting plays a big part, nothing else matters outside of how well the guys are prepared for the game. You cant recruit heart, just talent…and regardless of how much talent either team has, the one with the most heart will more than likely fight the hardest and win!

By Dawgonit

February 2, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this

The question is- How did Mark Bradley get a job? Tech’s three point victory, it’s only victory over UGA in 8 years, has rendered the recruiting rankings meaningless. And I guess by your logic, OL Miss should be national champs.

By GTpak

February 2, 2009 9:02 PM | Link to this

I got in the habit of saving some past papers that came out the day after signing day.

Let’s see, in 2005, Tennessee had the best recruiting class in the SEC. ok.

Out of the Super Southern 100, Georgia signed 12, Tech signed 1.

Georgia signees were: Roderick Battle, CJ Byrd, Jamar Chaney, Joe Cox, Darius Dewberry, Bryan Evans, M. Massaquoi, Corey Moon, Jeff Owens, Brandon Sesay, Ian Smith, Marcus Washington..

I only recognize about 3 of these names, what happened to the others Scout.com and Rivals.com?

Tech meanwhile only had Anthony Barnes!

Hey Scout.com and Rivals.com, what about Michael Johnson and Vance Walker?

Experts? Ha! Ranking? Ha! 5 stars vs 3 and 2 stars? Ha!

These guys just like to make money off all the idiots that subscribe to their services.

Yea, I’ll take 45 to 42 any day of the week, and let our coaches “coach up” our players, while the dawgs “coach down” their players.

See you on the field next year losers!!!!!!

45- 42!!!! THWG!!!!

By cna

February 2, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

The real question is why Florida absolutely dominates Georgia when they have similar recruiting and facilities.

By True Gold

February 2, 2009 10:33 PM | Link to this

brewdawg: Dont confuse FACTS…with arrogance. If you want to see arrogance, just go take a look at Vince’s bronze statue. Never let it be said that Truth, integrity, ethics, nor education ever stood in the way of the football…or basketball programs, at UGA.

By Jim Doanan as in Doans Pills

February 2, 2009 11:00 PM | Link to this

Recruiting is a crock when it comes to UGA. UGA cant put teams like South Carolina and Vandy away. CMR is now getting blown out in the big games now. CMR,BOO BOO and BUFFOON Willie can not make adjustments during games. Paul Johnson out coached CMR with a bunch of nobody’s. Vandys Steve Martin has out-coached CMR. The evil genius with pathetic players at South Carolina has even made it tough for UGA. UGA is just overrated in its recruiting and football program period.

By MiKeCaLl JoHnNyS0n

February 3, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this

y0 MaRc,

We’S bEe GeTtUn DeM ReCroOtz. JuSt CuZ U BeE HaTiN On Us d0nT bEe MeAnIn We’S n0t GeTtIn DeM Y0uNg HomIeS 2 CoMmIt. ThEy’S AlL WaNt’S 2 BeE a To0dEnT AfFlEeT At g0rGiE TeK LiKe Me’Z. So ChEk Yo SeLf!!!

By Dawg_in_Dville

February 3, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this

Love the spin Mark,

You talk about UGA out recruiting Tech and mention the O-N-E loss in 8 years as though it proves something. What exactly does one loss in 8 years prove? To anyone without an agenda, it proves one team is in fact out recruiting the other and you can’t possibly win them all. A 23 game series lead says it all. What you failed to state was that UGA had 18 season ending injuries, dozens of other injuries to key players. You managed to leave that little tidbit out. You can have the best recruiting class year in and year out Mark, but what good do they do a team standing on the sideliness padless? Get real.

UGA had to fire Felton midseason because Bama did the same thing. Two SEC teams about 2 hours apart competing for a coach. UGA knew Felton would be gone at season’s end, so why delay the inevitable and allow Bama the 3 month head start?

By nathan

February 3, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this

USC has beaten Oregon St the last um-teen times they’ve played but lost to them in a fluke last year. USC has beaten Stanford the same amount, but lost to them in a fluke the year before. Does that mean that the recruiting rankings b/w USC, Oregon St and Stanford are BS? Uhmmm, no. But that is your logic with GT and UGA. Ridiculous.

Just trying to stir the pot…that’s all you’re doing…I hope.

By Sam

February 3, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this

Last time I checked the NBA had playoffs, so why worry about some “power ranking”. Where were the AZ Cardinals in the power rankings before almost wining the Super Bowl.

Funny how pro sports writers mimic the college scene with rankings while belittling them in college!

By NorthAveWreck

February 3, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this

THE WINNING CATCH IN THE SUPER BOWL WAS MADE BY A FORMER 3 STAR RECRUIT. (HOLMES)

By RealityYech

February 3, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this

Why is any sane person surprised? This is Yech we’re talking about. They can’t even win their own divison is the worst BCS conference in the nation. The best sesaon they’ve had in nearly two decades and they can’t get crap for recruits off of it. The explaination is simple. Saint Johnson is an a$$ and his gimmicky offense won’t hold water much longer. Yech has the worst fans in all of college sports. Their facilities are worse than most high schools. They recruit violent offenders and make excuses for them and play them anyway. Just like 90% of their student base, 100% of their athletes want nothing and care nothing for engineering, which makes their athletics a complete fraud. They have a guy/girl ratio of 7-1. The school trains terrorists and they practice with their bombs on campus. The list just goes on and on.

By stupup74

February 3, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this

SIGN OHMAN, PERIOD!!!!!

By Otto

February 3, 2009 1:52 PM | Link to this

Well, bbdawg, the record might well be worse. Because Jim Donnan probably wouldn’t have gotten fired the next season and Richt would be coaching somewhere else

Donnan was gone either way due not winning an SEC title or over the Gators. The AJC and GT makes all the hype of the GT game but is an after thought to UGA fans. SEC titles, UF, and Auburn all rank higher than GT.

By Fred

February 3, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

Always entertaining to see you list 6 topics and UGA FOOTBALL receives 99% of the replies. Holy smokes - get a life you 24/7/365 Sanford Stadium addicts!

By Jasper S is not a smart man

February 3, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

Seems Jasper is a dumbarse. Figures for a bulldog. Chalk up your list of losses to coaching, not recruite. God, what an idiot.

By Otto

February 3, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this

Brian James,

Most fans of SEC teams pull for other SEC teams in out of conference games. The strength of the SEC is why the Conf gets the nod for the BCS title games when rankings are close.

CPJ won one game Gailey came close a few times. Things will get back to normal enjoy your once in a decade win. UGA has greaters thing to worry about than GT but GT fires coaches over the UGA game.

BTW Rogers was the last coach to win his first UGA game. How many more times did he win it? Thank you for winning in a year UGA wasn’t in the Title or BCS game hunt it will keep the players motivated.

By Fred

February 3, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this

Always entertaining to see you list 6 topics and UGA FOOTBALL receives 99% of the replies. Holy smokes - get a life you 24/7/365 Sanford Stadium addicts!

By CantStopLaffing!!

February 3, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this

Its official, Tech recruiting is now as hilarious as their braindead idiot fans that pollute these blogs with all their dribble.

Johnson must have had mental lapse. He thought he was actually coaching a National, PROVEN, serious contender the way he’s bullying these children around. He’s such a scumbag. Perfect for the moronic Tech fan base. If you can even call that an actual “base.”

How many STUDENT athletes has Johnson now last to the SEC?

By Richard

February 3, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this

Please stop writing articles about recruiting rankings. They are absurd speculation that shouldn’t get any face time. For instance, Michael Johnson was ranked #7 at his position nationally coming out of high school. Not bad, except his position at that time as tight end.

By Typical Tech Fan

February 3, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this

Recruiting is irrelevant and so are sports. Tech is an ENGINEERING school, not a sports powerhouse. We only recruit student-athletes who make straight A’s and score perfectly on the SAT. Unlike those dumb UGA athletes, ALL our athletes take the toughest calculus courses and major in the most difficult engineering programs. All our athletes graduate with not only a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree, and in just three years mind you! Tech has the toughest curiculum in the entire history of higher learning. Our student-athletes are model citizens. They NEVER go underage drinking, use drugs, cheat on tests, have their grades illegally adjusted upward, rape women, or spit on opposing players. They ALL graduate summa cum laude, and ALL are valedictorians. EVERY ONE, after enjoying a hall of fame career in professional sports, goes out and outearns EVERY ONE of those dumb football factory UGay athletes. Just remember this during the next seven straight years when we lose to Ugay. This is true with no embellishments. Our coeds are beautiful too!!

By MikeCalL J0hNyS0n

February 3, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this

y0 TiPikKaL TeK FaN, YoU’z BeE AbSoUlOoTlEe WrIgHt! I GoTz MaH DeEgReEz iN n0 TyMe At AlL!! AlL DoSe PuRtY A-rAb GuRlIeS d0 AlL mAh HoMeWoRkZ aNd DuE MaH TeStZ 4 Me!!! I’z GrAdoODaTe WiT HoNoRz!!

By Mark Bradley

February 3, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this

I don’t think recruiting rankings are meaningless. I’m just not sure how much they mean.

If that makes any sense.

And I often wonder how much rankings are influenced by reputation: If Southern Cal is recruiting a guy, that makes him worth 5 stars, right?

By Voice of Reason

February 3, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this

I think Bradley just hit the nail on the head (finally). Recruiting rankings have A LOT to do with who is recruiting the players and not always the other way around. If a player were a 3-star recruit and suddenly USC and Ohio State started recruiting him or offered scholarship, I believe that is automatic grounds to raise him another star. I would much rather know his height/weight/speed/strength number than how many stars rivals and scout give the guy. All else can be coached/taught

By Otto

February 3, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this

Mark, you’ve said things that made much less sense.

The thing that really matter is the win loss record at the end of the season and UGA has owned that over GT.

By PHIL

February 3, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this

Sorry it took so long to post, I couildn’t stop laughing at the 3-3 over the next 4-5 years!!! ROFLMAO. You must have been the engineer that designed that bridge at the botanical gardens! If instant replay were in effect a few years back, Tech wouldn’t have won the previous two games they won. The Sanks non fumble and the Hamilton fumble that he was ruled down would both be overturned by replay. How they are suddenly on the same level is hilarious. One lucky day and a celebratory ring later and they have “arrived.” They have so arrived that they got waxed by the SEC’s 6th best team and only beat those third grade all stars they played during the regular season 10-7. Yep a new Bobby Dodd at the helm.

And as far as the recruiting, Georgia always has a top 10 recruiting class and always finishes in the top 10. Tech never has one and doesn’t finish in the top 10. So what exactly is your point about how recruiting 4 and 5 star athletes doesn’t matter?

By JD

February 4, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this

The saddest thing about the Super Bowl ending is that it leaves us with:

1 — The Pro Bowl 2 — Months of NFL mock drafts 3 — And worst of all, national signing day. Unproven high school kids call a press conference to announce where they are going. Some even put four or five hats of various schools on the table to create a sense of drama.

Thank God the Great American raced is coming soon….

By Larry

February 4, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this

Mark, Injuries played a big part in that 3 point win this year, You sound like a Tech fan rather than a Journalist.

By BLAZER

February 4, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this

OWN—KINDA LIKE FLORIDA!!!!!

By UGA Sux

February 4, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this

It does not matter where UGA’s recruiting class is ranked. They will continue to be abused by UF and GT has begun a streak of their own.

GO Jackets!!

By BIG T

February 5, 2009 7:15 PM | Link to this

the only thing that sux worst than uga football are the fans

By Superbug

February 6, 2009 2:51 AM | Link to this

hatfieldgeoff is an obvious moron.

Otto, Wrong!! The only thing that matters is………45-42!

By DAWES

February 7, 2009 9:45 PM | Link to this

denver fan dream on tech wont win in 3 or 4 years and mark bradley georgia bulldogs are still the best

By DAWES

February 7, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this

denver fan dream on tech wont win in 3 or 4 years and mark bradley georgia bulldogs are still the best

By aarh

February 8, 2009 1:43 AM | Link to this

UGA also usually plays a lot tougher schedule than USC, Ohio St., Texas & Oklahoma. I wish people would realize that & stop hating! Richt’s come pretty close in 2 seasons already, w/ ‘07 being one of those. Dont get me wrong…those are great teams. Don’t doubt UGA’s results from the talent they have recruited…just bc other teams have won titles. I actually think Mark makes some sense, but this is directed at another statement that I read on here.

By Big MIKE

February 8, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley, You, and Tech chew on this:03’ UGA 34-17, 04’ UGA 19-13, 05’ UGA 14-7, 06’ UGA 15-12, 07’31-17. maybe it’s just me, but looks like those 4&5 star recruits paid off.Of those five years, Tech is ranked in the top twenty only 2 years at the time the game was played, went to 2 Humanitarian Bowls, 1 Champs Sports Bowl, 1 Emerald Bowl, and 1 Gator Bowl. UGA went to 2 Sugar, 1 Outback, 1 Capital One, and 1 Chick-fil-A bowl, and finished in the top ten 3 times. Like I said,”maybe it’s just me”, but, me thinks not.Seems like rivals is getting it right, and you, you alone are not.

By joe

February 8, 2009 2:46 PM | Link to this

You have to win more than one for it to be “a new streak”. You know, like 7 in a row is a streak. But that’s cool, you have the second coming of Vince Lombardi as your coach, ALL the best players are going to start coming to Tech, Georgia is going to keep “coaching down” their talent (yup, another year of coaching them down into the top ten. Remember where that is Tech? Didn’t think so) and Tech is going to win every game every year. But we Georgia fans are the delusional ones, right? And everyone wants to talk about how we were talking about winning a championship last year. But you know who was talking about it also? MARK BRADLEY, ESPN, USA TODAY, etc. It’s not like at Tech, where they win more than the 4 games they were supposed to win this year, get a game handed to them by Georgia (yes, it was handed to you. Georgia was beating that yellow behind at the half, and should have finished you off easily) and all of a sudden you’re the big dude on the block, huh? Well, all I can say is it is going to be an absolute blast watching you dorks return to earth next season and show your TRUE Tech colors next year. Y’all are all about it when you are good (not very often, obviously) and then when things start going wrong, it’s going to be blast Paul Johnson time, quoting your academic standings, free pizza and sodas and empty GT chat rooms. CAN’T WAIT!!!