AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > July > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USACC Coastal burning questions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here are my five burning questions about the ACC Coastal as we get ready for the 2007 season. Your thoughts, please.
1. Georgia Tech lost Calvin Johnson, one of the best receivers you are ever going to see. But is it possible that the Yellow Jackets’ offense is actually going to be BETTER in 2007?
Call me crazy (and I’m sure some of you will call me worse) but I really think Tech is going to be more productive and much less predictable on offense.
It starts up front where eight of the Top 10 offensive linemen are back. Tashard Choice, the ACC’s leading rusher (105.2 ypg) is back and is going to have a huge year. What quarterback Taylor Bennett did in the Gator Bowl game (326 yards passing) was not a fluke. This guy can manage a game, read coverages and throw it to the right guy.
Would he be a better quarterback if No. 21 (Calvin Johnson) was still at Tech? You bet he would. But the receivers coming back, including James Johnson, are pretty good.
Georgia Tech fans are going to like John Bond, the new offensive coordinator. Here is a guy who fielded three Top 25 offenses in four years at Northern Illinois. He knows how to use good running backs (go back and check the stats of Michael Turner and Garrett Wolfe). I think it all adds up to a pretty special unit that could get Georgia Tech back to Jacksonville and the ACC championship game.
2. What will be the mental and emotional state of the Virginia Tech football program?
Coach Frank Beamer cancelled the last week of spring practice after the horrible shootings on campus back in April. I’ve spoken to him several times since then and he is convinced that his football team will serve as the rallying point for the campus as students return this summer. I think he will be right.
This is a very good Virginia Tech team. The defense is really scary. The Hokies led the nation in total defense last season (216.5 ypg) and gave up only 11 points a game. Remember the names of Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi. They may be the best pair of linebackers in the country.
The problem comes at quarterback, a job that is still open going into preseason practice. Sean Glennon really couldn’t throw the ball well enough to keep defenses honest late in the season and Georgia really exposed his weaknesses in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Ike Whittaker is much more athletic and may find a way to get on the field.
A lot of people are going to pick Virginia Tech in this division and logically, it’s a sound choice. But the Hokies are going to have to beat Georgia Tech on a Thursday night (Nov. 1) at Bobby Dodd Stadium to go to Jacksonville.
3. Will Miami be the Miami of old under new coach Randy Shannon?
Eventually, but probably not this season. Shannon, Miami’s long time defensive coordinator, spent the spring making sure that everybody in Coral Gables understood that things were going to be done “Coach Shannon’s Way.”
I don’t see any real problems on the defense. Calais Campbell may be the best DE in the country and that group will be very stingy when it comes to giving up points. The issues are still on offense where Patrick Nix has been brought in to put some juice into this outfit. Kyle Wright, who threw eight touchdowns and seven interceptions last season, has got to grow up as a quarterback or step aside for Kirby Freeman.
There remain a bunch of question marks on the offensive line. The tight end (Greg Olsen) was the leading receiver last season and he’s gone to the NFL. Where is the next Michael Irvin? Miami needs more guys on offense who can make plays.
4. Will North Carolina significantly improve as Butch Davis takes over as head coach?
Depends on your definition of “improve.” If it means that North Carolina will win more than three games, then improvement might be tough in 2007. But there is no question that it is simply a matter of time before Davis brings enough good players to Chapel Hill to make the Tar Heels a Top 25 program once more.
In the short term, there are a couple of bright spots. The defense may actually be pretty decent. Three of four starters up front return and some talented true freshmen may find their way into the mix.
But my goodness, the problems on offense are downright scary. There is no proven quarterback, which means that true freshman Mike Paulus, one of Davis’s prized recruits, may get a shot at the job. UNC’s best returning running back, Barrington Edwards, was suspended indefinitely last March for violating team rules. And it doesn’t help North Carolina to have three of its first five games on the road.
5. Will Duke snap its 20-game losing streak? And if it doesn’t, is Ted Roof done?
There is no question that Duke is a more athletic and talented team now than when Roof first took over. But the numbers do not lie.
Duke is 5-34 overall and 3-25 in the ACC with Roof as its head coach. He knows that some wins have to come soon.
All 11 starters return on an offense that simply was not very good. The Blue Devils averaged only 14.9 points per game and had to score 44 in the final game against North Carolina to get to that number.
Roof moved several offensive players over to defense in the spring trying to get more athleticism on that unit. Only five starters return after giving up 33.8 points per game.
Duke was in position to win some big games last season, losing to Wake Forest, the ACC champ, 14-13, when the Deacons blocked a 28-yard field goal attempt on the game’s final play. The Blue Devils lost to Miami by five (20-15) and to North Carolina by one (45-44).
The non-conference schedule is Connecticut, Northwestern, Navy, and Notre Dame. All four teams are better than Duke.
Roof needs to get that 20-game losing streak off his back. He can’t let it go to 32 and hope to survive.
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Comments
By Jason M
July 12, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
GT having a more productive offense without Calvin is a tough argument to make, but I see your point. But, there is no doubt that GT will have a better offense without Reggie Ball. Tashard Choice is a talent and I believe this GT team will win a lot of games based on his rushing ability and this outstanding defense.
By gt2007
July 12, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Tony, you’re right, Taylor Bennett can manage a game, read coverages and throw it to the right guy. He just can’t win.
By Bob
July 12, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
Let me be first to call you crazy. Yes Tech’s offense is going to be more productive; but minus Reggie Ball.
By Robert
July 12, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
“It starts up front where eight of the Top 10 offensive linemen are back.” This is the number one reason why any college team gets better from one year to the next. So called “experts” spend too much time focusing on skill position players. Tech will be consistently better this year because the offensive line will not require a running/scrambling quarterback (Reggie) over a pro-style quarterback (Taylor).
By jackets fan
July 12, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Tony,
I’m in agreement on the GT offense being better. Bennett is an accurate passer and is taller, so the middle of the field is no longer off limits to their passing game. Plus Bond likes to use the TE’s and RB’s in his passing scheme. After watching GT over the last 4 years, I had begun to think GT was using a 6 man offensive line.
By wha?
July 12, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
What do you mean the Taylor can’t win? Care to explain? He has started 2 games, is 1-1, and the one loss can not be pinned on him. Frankly I think we’ll get a good taste of what we should have had for the last two years at the QB position.
By GTA
July 12, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
Why do you think he can’t win gt2007? In the two games he’s started, the Jackets won the game against UConn pretty easily. That wasn’t a pushover UConn team either. WVU was a MUCH Better offensive team than we expected and Taylor didn’t let us down, the defense did. But you can’t really blame them, that was the first time all year the offense put up points on a good team (except VT).
By Mike
July 12, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
I have been saying Tech will be better without Calvin for the last 6 months. They will be less predictable and more well rounded. With Coach Bond the defenses will not be able to rely on previous film to predict what Tech will do either. I lot will hinge on staying healthy and a little getting a lucky bounce or two.
By Realmc
July 12, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Tony I agree that this offense can be better. The new OC has great credentials. Sad to say, but Nix’s play calling was as inconsistant as Reggie’s play. I’m excited.
By Boring
July 12, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Who cares? Tech is still going to be considered the 2nd (or even 3rd) best college football team in Georgia.
Who knows…maybe they’ll give the “mighty” Wake Forest another run this year in the “A.lmost C.ompetitive C.onference.”
…yawn…
By joe
July 12, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Mark it down. Tech will beat some people they shouldn’t and then lose to some they should beat..they do it every year…
By johnny
July 12, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
While I do agree that Tech’s O-line is very solid, Bennett couldn’t have been luckier in his supposed coming out party against WVU. I mean seriously, was I the only one that saw those prayers he was throwing up. Without CJ’s ability to jump over everyone/anyone in the world, a lot of those ducks would’ve been picked. Just being realistic Techies…
By gt2007
July 12, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
I’m just saying that we’ve had a bunch of QBs that can play teams close, but we need someone who can win. After 28 first half points in the Gator, the GT O managed 7 in the second half (in the opening minutes) where even an extra field goal would have been huge. We can bank on Choice, but Bennett is getting a lot of praise for a win against UConn.
By Bookie
July 12, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Oh, yeah! And the earth would be better off without the sun.
By old gold engineer
July 12, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Here are two more questions I have regarding Georgia Tech. Will Coach Gailey and company be able to develop a quarterback capable of completing around 60% or more of his passes and executing the offense consistently well? Neither A.J. Suggs nor Reggie Ball seemed to be able to perform these feats. Secondly, will Coach Gailey grasp that having a small lead in college football does not provide enough security to play extra conservatively on offense? I suspect that may be a leftover from the NFL experience, but I also believe GT’s defense could close out games better if the offense were helping with more scoring and longer possessions. Both of these questions could be condensed into the following: Will the new QB and OC result in the team winning the 10+ games it seems capable of or will we experience more of what we’ve seen for the last five years?
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 12, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Call it what it is folks, a very weak division. Simple as that. The folks in the Big East are laughing at VT and “The U”!
By T-Town Dawg
July 12, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
If Bennett is so darn good, why couldn’t he beat out Reggie the last 2 years. Was Gailey purposely trying to lose games? Doesn’t seem like a wise decision for a head coach.
Plus, as long as Gailey coaches the Bees, they don’t have a chance. They should fire him and go hire Chuck Amato.
By TS
July 12, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
New phrase for TECH fans: HEY BAY-BAY!!! Watch out for this kid. Not quite as big as Calvin, but still has great size, hands, speed, and he’s pretty dang good!!
GO JACKETS!!
By GT Observer
July 12, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Reggie Ball won 29 games in 4 years at GT and many of those were primarily due to his scrambling ability. He took the pressure off of the RB so defenses could not focus on the RB and therefore the RB was more successful. GT went downhill when Chan had him scramble less and throw more. He was only an average passer. Taylor is not a quick or good runner like Reggie, and defenses will be able to concentrate on stuffing the run and covering the recievers. No matter how good the O line is, I see 7 wins at the most for GT against the usual suspects, and a trip to the Charlotte Carquest Bowl at best.
By scooter11
July 12, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Not sure Bennett was tested against puny rush by WVU. Had plenty of time to throw. ND, Clemson, VT, Dawgs and others might be a better test. Probably have better success handing off.
By gdawginkalamazoo
July 12, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
But the Hokies are going to have to beat Georgia Tech on a Thursday night (Nov. 1) at Bobby Dodd Stadium
Tony, you make that sound like it is something that is hard to do.
By GT Keith
July 12, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
To johnny.
Sure Bennet threw some jump balls up for Calvin, and he completed practically every single one of them. When you have Calvin’s size you don’t need to pin point all your throws you just need to get it in his area and over the defenders. This is not a prayer but vicinity pass with height. Too high and Cavlin can’t get it, too low and the defenders might get it or knock it down. The fact that they were completed has alot to do with Johnson for sure, but Bennet got it there way better then Ball could consistantly do. Bennet also through several timing accurate passes and one improvised pass that really stands out. Rolling to his left looking, looking he saw James Johnson suddenly break free in the side of the endzone and zipped a pass 20 yards off his back leg before the defense could recover. That was as awesome a throw as I have seen at Tech since Joe Hamilton. Taylor has talent and brains. Ball only brought athleticism, with limited talent and no ability to think past the first option. Translation is offense will be better.
By Zo
July 12, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
I think there’s no question the offense is improved, but only because of the loss of Reggie Ball, not CJ. Johnson could draw double and maybe triple teams on offense; I don’t think there’s another WR on the team capable of that yet. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to a productive offense from OC Bond.
By reebok
July 12, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
I have to disagree w/ GT Observer on one point…Reggie was nowhere near an average passer. He was simply terrible. Remember that a more balanced offense will keep the defense fresher…we lost so many games last year because the defense was simply gassed and couldn’t hold a 4th-quarter lead. Tech will be VERY good this year, but will probably still find a way to lose to UGA.
By R.A.
July 12, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
I will call you crazy cause that’s the dumbest things ever. The offense will be better but thats because of the lost of Reggie Ball not Calvin Johnson. Everybody knows that. It wasn’t fair to Calvin for GA Tech not to put a better QB in the backfield.
By johnny
July 12, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Good points Keith, but I won’t hold my breath. I need a full season of improvement before I believe in any QB as the savior of a struggling Offense. I still don’t think Stafford is as competent a decision maker as needed to make a run at the SEC Champ. Even after his final three games. I guess I am just a half empty kind of guy…
By Andrew
July 12, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
I actually think that the Coastal division this year will be a toss-up between VPI, GT, and Miami, yes Miami. Frank Beamer is a good coach with a lot of talent, and I think they will find a way to make the quarterback position just good enough to win. GT has the advantage of returning a lot of starters (I think it’s something around 16-18 from last year on O & D) and Bennett should be able to manage games better than Ball. Shannon is coming in at Miami with already a good grasp on the program and will in tighten the reins around the players which should make an immediate impact and with Miami’s talent, they will still be in the mix for the Coastal. Virginia and UNC will definitely be improved over last year, but not enough to win the division. They will however, have a factor in who wins the division. UVA has both GT and VPI at home, and especially considering GT hasn’t won in Charlottesville since ‘90, I could see GT stumbling there and it may cost them. UNC has Miami at home on Oct. 6, which should be far enough into the season to have Davis’s strategy starting to sink in at UNC and could give Miami problems. Duke will once again be at the bottom, probably 0-5 against the rest of the division. I think GT will beat Miami in the Orange Bowl, and the division will ultimately come down to VPI @ GT on Nov 1.
By The Ring Leader
July 12, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
T-Town Dawg is on some kind of crack we don’t sell here in America….
I wouldn’t hire Chuck Amato if my dead grandmother begged me to. N.C. State was absolutely MIRED in penalties last season, and with all the talent they had, they went a sad, sad 3-9. Never one were they as good as advertised under Amato. Not even with Phillip Rivers. Amato deserved to be fired and should never be re-hired as a head coach anywhere. Who could stand those bright red shoes and his helium drenched voice that made my hair stand on end?
Taylor Bennett very well could have beaten out Reggie Ball and been Tech’s starter last year. Oddly enough, Chan Gailey suffers from this disease that we call loyalty. He, and maybe foolishly so, handed Reggie Ball the reigns from Day 1. When Ball screwed up, he didn’t turn his back on him and go back on his word. No, that’s what you would find at a lot of other programs. Guys giving their word and going back on it. Chan Gailey is a classy guy with great integrity. I’m not saying he’s the best coach in the country, but at least his players know they can trust him, even when things get tough.
Taylor Bennett will be phenomenal this season. The Gator Bowl showed just what he can do. Sure, he may have thrown up a few bombs to CJ, but so did Reggie, and yet often Reggie never found his target. Taylor is taller, he’s smarter, and he can spread the ball all over the field, removing the predictability factor that characterized this offense during the Ball Era. Taylor will do a great job under his new OC. Take him, Tashard Choice, and our strong skill players and O-line, Tech is going to open some eyes in Gailey’s 6th season on The Flats. Great article Tony…
By MM
July 12, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
You were not the only one watching Bennett toss up jump balls…Taylor is a mediocre QB. He’ll be fine against the average defenses in the ACC, but he will not be able to score on VT, Miami, or Wake. ND’s defense is as overrated as Taylor is by GT fans.
By John
July 12, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Lets also not forget that the other recievers tech got to play man defense every down because Calvin Johnson was so good. People won’t approach the defensive game around stopping Johnson which will force tech to spread the ball around to recievers who, in my opinion, are a long way from proving that they can be go to guys in non CJ pass coverage situations.
It also makes me very nervous that Bennet can’t scramble as well as Ball, Ball was horrible but he could run. Ball ran for his life against the best three defences GT played last year (last series of the GA game anyone)and a less mobile QB would have lead to more sacks. The Oline is pretty proven at run blocking but I haven’t ever been really sold on them as a pass blocking unit, esp vs better pass rushing teams.
By dale
July 12, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
You got it right MM. WVU didn’t know what to do with him because there was nothing on tape to study. But after the first half and a couple WVU adjustments there wasn’t any more scoring going on.
By TB
July 12, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
No, GT’s offense will not be better without Calvin, it’s better without Reggie Ball and Patrick Nix.
By readyforsomefootball
July 12, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
Who isn’t taller and smarter than Reggie Ball? If Bennett was really better than Reggie, Chan deserves to be fired. Why would anyone be loyal to Ball, he wasn’t even loyal enough to pass his classes and help his team win.
By Jason M
July 12, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Some of you UGA fans need to worry a little less about Techs offense and a little more about that defense of yours.
By treyinathens
July 12, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Usually a backup qb looks great the first time he plays (and don’t even bring up the uconn game…he basically handed off).
Once WVU’s coaches had a little bit of a look at him, they shut Bennett down. And if WVU can shut you down with that pathetic defense, you must not be the real deal.
Bennett struggles, Tech wins 6 or 7, goes to Portland or somewhere that has never had a bowl game before, and continues to run in quicksand under their Chantastic coach.
By a tech guy
July 12, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
i apperciate the comments tony, but weren’t you the one who said we weren’t in top 40. We in the tech nation are holding you to your orginal prediction. So, if your wrong, which you will be you have to eat some crow just the rest of the people at this paper.
By GTFanSinceBirth
July 12, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
I’m just glad I don’t have to see Reggie throw a ball 10-yards over a wide-open guy’s head. Even Calvin at 6-4 couldn’t pull those in. Get ‘em Bennett!
By TOGC
July 12, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
I think that Tech really dont need Calvin Johnson to win dont get me wrong the man is good but with the freshmen D.J Donley and Josh Nesbitt teamed together with Tashard Choice Tech will have a team.
By GT2Nash
July 12, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
To “The Ring Leader” and other Chan loyalists: G.W. Bush’s loyalty to such incompetent individuals as Mike Brown has brought about excellent results, too, eh? A good leader should never forsake the mission for the sake of an incompetent individual. Chan’s mission is to win football games within the confines of NCAA rules while graduating his student-athletes. If Chan does not produce acceptable results (AND HE HAS NOT), he should be dismissed. Personally, I would have been ELATED if he had left along with that incompetent Nix. Also, I have yet to develop the enthusiasm and confidence that many have for Tenuta’s blitz-happy defense, which failed miserably against Clemson, UGA and West VA last season.
By jabster
July 12, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
Reggie’s problem was not his height. It was between his ears. He had the nerves of Jell-O. Compare him with Goose or JoeHam—
JoeHam was short, but he could scramble without panicking and taking a loss or throwing the ball away for an INT (or a game-losing turnover on downs).
Goose was big and slow, but he was poised. Nothing was going to rattle him, with the possible exception of the 2001 GT-UGA game when the entire locker room’s mind was on where O’Leary was going (or not).
Bottom line: Reggie was crazy, as in messed in the head. Saying that GT will be better without him is not.
Conclusion: —Road to Jax will go through BDS@HGF on 11/1. VT will be ready, period. —Will the Charlottesville jinx be broken? UVA could be the spoiler for Tech. —Candy Canes and Carowhina will not be ready for prime time this year and maybe not the next. —Duke will still be Puke.
By jabster
July 12, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
GT2Nash—Tenuta’s D held UGA to 8 offensive points and 255 total yards!
By Joe
July 12, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
treyinathens…”backup qb looks great the first time”. I know Matt Stafford thinks his backup looks great. http://www.secfanatics.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=27358
By austindog
July 12, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
I was reading and respectfully not posting but jabster, I can’t believe you think the yellow jackets were distracted about OLeary staying or going and that’s why “Goose” lost to Georgia. That is the most far fetched imaginary excuse for a loss I’ve ever heard. Most reasons/excuses for losses can be debated, but that’s just a plain old lie you made up.
“Goose.” Ugh.
By gtgirl25
July 12, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
I am not as optimistic as some of you…I have been a GT fan for 20+ years and have been disappointed more times than I can count. However this year does feel different, so I am excited about the possiblitities. Also I do not see why they are saying that UGAg is going to be so great. I’ll believe it when I see it…regarding GT and UGAg. Go Jackets!
By austindog
July 12, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
jabster In regard to your statement “2001 GT-UGA game when the entire locker room’s mind was on where O’Leary was going (or not).”
Georgia played GT on 11/24. Bob Davie was fired from ND on 12/2.
By gtgirl25
July 12, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
I am not as optimistic as some of you…I have been a GT fan for 20+ years and have been disappointed more times than I can count. However this year does feel different, so I am excited about the possiblitities. Also I do not see why they are saying that UGAg is going to be so great. I’ll believe it when I see it…regarding GT and UGAg. Go Jackets!
By Ramble ON!
July 12, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Patrick Nix will keep Miami down as long as he’s there.
I’m sure he was the reason behind Reggie Ball paradox. Good riddance to both!!!
John Bond is the man like Tony says. The defense could not stop the offense during the spring game at all. It will become very clear with both teams half way through the year.
By Ramble ON!
July 12, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
gtgirl25 UGAg is always great this time of the year.
By jackets fan
July 12, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
All Taylor Bennett has to do to be an improvement over Reggie Ball is to complete half his passes. Ball couldn’t even do that, despite the abilities of Calvin Johnson. I mean the guy caught balls with the last .25 inch of his fingertips for God’s sake. As a QB if you can’t complete 50% of your passes with that kind of talent and effort on the field (and James Johnson was not some slouch out there), then you suck. It was never about the arm, it was about what Reggie was able to see (with his 5’9” frame) and what was going on between his ears (which at times seem to be nothing). Bennett has more touch on his throws, has 5 inches more heigth and has displayed the ability to check down and go thru his progressions instead of panicking like Ball.
The point is that it won’t take much from Bennett to be an improvement over Reggie Ball. And it’s not like GT is lacking for talent at the skill positions just because Calvin is in Detroit. They still have Choice and James Johnson. Add to them the guy who was getting raves all spring, Demaryius Thomas at WR, plus a committment to use all eligible receivers and throw over the middle, and you’ve got the potential to be much more consistent and balanced on offense this season.
I’m excited like never before. And if Bennett isn’t living up to his play in the Gator Bowl, they always have the option of seeing what Josh Nesbitt can do. So either way, I feel good about the fall.
By The Ring Leader
July 12, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
GT2NASH…
Please note I did say “suffers”. I think Chan is totally respectable for being loyal to his players, but not always successful. I agree that his job is to win games and do what’s best for the team.
I don’t know if I’d call myself a Chan loyalist. I just respect the guy and I believe that Taylor Bennett will usher in a new, better chapter in the Gailey era. Reggie Ball is one of the greatest mysteries in Tech history. Hopefully we can just all forget it and move on.
As for the Tenuta comment: you’re insane. There are teams everywhere looking for a D-coordinator like Jon Tenuta. His guys got beat up front against Clemson. Unfortunately, that could not be blamed on coaching. That was just getting out-muscled. We shut down UGA statistically, they just made a nice play at the end. Tenuta is one of the nation’s best. If you disagree, e-mail any OC on our 2007 schedule and ask them which defense they expect to give them the most headaches.
By Athensquaildawg
July 12, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
Tony, Is that the same (GT) James Johnson that got BLOWNUP twice in the UGA game?! Last time he was seen he was lying in pieces on the UGA sidelines just prior to Reggie completing that pass to Paul Oliver. James Johnson-Personal Stats 6’2” 210 Reach= 12” when running a sideline route vs. UGA
By gdawginkalamazoo
July 12, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
jabster, LMAO! Nothing was going to rattle him, with the possible exception of the 2001 GT-UGA game when the entire locker room’s mind was on where O’Leary was going (or not).
What, was O’Leary going to pee somewhere in the locker room? Maybe on Goose’s leg. Is that why he was rattled? Look out Goose coach is going somewhere! or not.
By jabster
July 12, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
AustinDog—the O’Leary-ND job was in the works before Davie got the ax. The fact that O’Leary was at the top of ND’s short list was the worst kept secret in college ball at the time. As a member of the Bulldog Community, don’t you remember fanning the flames of discontent back in ‘01 that O’Leary was as good as gone?
Did you actually see that game? Nobody on Tech’s team had their heart in it, and the entire Jacket Nation was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Tech’s play was so uncharacteristically bad against a decent but not great UGA team that everyone knew that something was awry.
By atlslimg
July 12, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
Tony, my friend, send me some of that ur smoking. Let’s see…. lose the best player in this years pro draft and your offense gets better? Better hope the other teams are much worse. Bet you, Tech misses the championship game and goes to a much lesser bowl. Choice is the best back in the ACC, but without someone to throw the ball up to, very predictable offense. Could be wrong, but that would be a second. LOL
By GINGER
July 12, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
YOU ARE ONLY SPEAKING YOUR OPINION AND I HOPE GT DOES A GOOD JOB WITH TAYLOR.YES WE NEEDED HIM WHEN CJ WAS THERE, BUT HE IS GONE ON TO DO BETTER THINGS AND WAS DOG GONE GOOD WHILE THERE, I DO NOT CARE WHAT YOU SAY, NOW THAT HE IS GONE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU
By austindog
July 12, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Jabster, yes I remember that game, it would have been 4 in a row for GT, and Godsey threw a fatal int for a TD in the 4th. I stand by the fact that the OLeary distraction factor completely made up (by you).
But the only reason Georgia lost the 3 in a row before that game was because they were distracted by hurricane Katrina.
By jabster
July 12, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
AustinDog—the O’Leary-ND job was in the works before Davie got the ax. The fact that O’Leary was at the top of ND’s short list was the worst kept secret in college ball at the time. As a member of the Bulldog Community, don’t you remember fanning the flames of discontent back in ‘01 that O’Leary was as good as gone?
Did you actually see that game? Nobody on Tech’s team had their heart in it, and the entire Jacket Nation was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Tech’s play was so uncharacteristically bad against a decent but not great UGA team that everyone knew that something was awry.
By Fred B.
July 12, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
If Chan Gailey indeed held Bennett back because of his loyalties to Ball then shame on him. GT2NASH was right the primary mission is to when games and if that was not the case he should have been looking for another job!!! IMO i think Tech definitely has a chance to win 10 games this year with what they have coming back and barring any major injuries because it gives the other receivers an even bigger opportunity to make a name for themselves. This is football not basketball…although i thought he was that special talent that you only got to see maybe once in a generation (Calvin Johnson) one player does not make a great team.
By jabster
July 12, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
AustinDog—I think you just don’t like Goosey because he recovered Chambers’ blocked punt behind the line of scrimmage and Brad got to take a mulligan for the win in ‘98.
And we ALL KNOW that the reason why UGA lost in ‘99 was because JASPER FUMBLED!!! ;-)
By jabster
July 12, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
AustinDog—I think you just don’t like Goosey because he recovered Chambers’ blocked FG behind the line of scrimmage and Brad got to take a mulligan for the win in ‘98.
And we ALL KNOW that the reason why UGA lost in ‘99 was because JASPER FUMBLED!!! ;-)
By austindog
July 12, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
Yup, Sanks funbled and Tony Taylor picked up a live ball.
By GT2Nash
July 12, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
Football is an aggressive sport, and Chan simply must be an aggressive coach (e.g. ND’s win over GT last season was due to the aggressiveness of Weis, and Chan’s misguided nature to attempt to hold onto a small lead versus continuing to play YOUR game.) But despite my better judgment, given Chan’s record so far, I am SUPER excited about the upcoming season and hope the JacketNation turns out in full force and SUPER LOUD to every game and rally behind OUR team!!!
By CLEMSON FAN
July 12, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
I simply don’t believe a school with significant Tickle Pile problems can develop a good football program. Tech will be mediocre AGAIN!!! In Tickle Piles they will excel!!!
By Easy Win
July 12, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this
Hey “GT2Nash”….pick me up off of the floor. Never laughed this hard.
-“SUPER LOUD” at Slobby Codd Stadium? (now crying from laughter). Y’all going to install tornado alarms or something? It will be loud when UGA plays there…simply due to the Georgia fans taking over, but that’s about it.
I’ll give you this much…you’ve got a whale of a sense of humor!
Now….go chase those purple flying elephants that you always see.
P.S. We’re pumped that you’re so “SUPER excited” about your season. In a conference that boasts WAKE FOREST as champs, I’d be ecstatic too!!! (Patsy football league)
By buzztheirazz
July 12, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this
I’m sure Wake Forest could beat Vandy at home!
By Easy Win
July 12, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
Little buzz boy (buzztheirazz…something gay like that),
Vandy wasn’t the conference champ. WAKE FOREST WAS!!! You foreigners seem to always miss the point.
By buzztheirazz
July 12, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Wake Forest could beat Vandy AT HOME?!
I actually saw a car with 30 doggy stickers on it the other day. As well as floormats, gloves, stuffed animals, etc. Your fans would buy a c@#^ring if it had a G on it. I’ll take 30,000 classy fans over 100,000 mouthbreathers.
btw-bobby dodd is the oldest on campus stadium in the country. It is incredibly intimate. The vantage point from the upper east is probably the closest upper deck in all of college football. GT has a great history and we’ll have a great future.
By buzztheirazz
July 12, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
The point is moot that Wake is the Conf. champ b/c GT was still arguably the best team in the ACC last year. If Vandy can beat UGA at home—then Wake can pull off an upset win too. How many Wake games did you actually see last year? They had a good team. One of there only losses(to clemson) was on a fumble returned 60 yards by a DL.
UGA wasn’t really that much better than GT either. Both teams had great D’s. UGA had a 4 point win capped by a fluke fumble return for a TD.
I’ll give you that the SEC is usually a better conference top to bottom but the ACC is really not that far behind. It varies year to year with the new recruits and attrition due to graduation and players leaving for the NFL. The ACC had the most players taken in the first round of the draft a couple years back.
By JustMe
July 12, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
This year’s offensive will be better than last year’s. But, it isn’t because we are without Calvin. It is because we should have a QB that is tall enough to see the field and to throw more accurately.
This year’s offense plus Calvin would be crazy good. The defenses would still be focusing on Calvin, allowing others to shine.
By MJ
July 12, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
Fine, doubt us, do what you want. We will talk in 4 months when the Canes are in Jacksonville. Nix is a good coordinator…the GT offense was so inconsistant b/c Reggie Ball was plain aweful. In case you forgot, Gailey was calling the plays 3 years before Nix did and Reggie Ball was as bad then as he was last year. I like the doubters, it makes us hungry! Before we get the the ACC slate, our statement to the nation will be the whooping of Oklahoma on their home field. The Canes are back!
By Not disappointed
July 12, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
Have a great Year Jackets!!!
By Easy Win
July 12, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
dearest buzztheirazz,
“30,000 classy fans?”- Where do I start? First of all, I NEVER remember seeing “30,000” yech fans ANYWHERE. And…”classy fans?” LOL!!!!! Ok, y’all may be known over at the trade school for a pride march or two…but NOTHING classy has come out of yech since I can remember.
Only two things you’ve said are ‘on the money.’ 1. Slobby Codd is an “intimate stadium.” (more suitable for a Victoria Secret party than a football game) 2. The other thing you said about tech being ‘history’ (or something like that…who can read your drivel anyway?).
Have another lackluster season buddy. May God bless your 6-6 campaign and your “3M Post-It Notes South Dakota Nobody Cares Bowl” bid!
By surfrider
July 12, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
This offense will be hugely better particularly due to the scheme and the balance. Redshirting Bennett helped. We lost three or four games last year by 3 or less points I believe and were ranked 90 plus in offense. The scheme and coaching have improved so the passing should get better. Now the other key question is will the defense remain stout knowing we have an offense that may be able to put points up on the board. I hope it’s not like the 90’s and really the 2000’s where one side of the ball has to carry the team and yet we were on the verge of top 10 material. We get both sides playing to the potential and it may remind people of Bobby Ross days.
By The ACC is OURZ
July 12, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
I think the coastal champ will depend on how GT, VPI, and the Miami play against the other division. All three play tough interdivion schedules. GT has a good BC team, and Atlantic champ hopefuls Clemson and MD. VPI shares BC and CU, but also add FSU. Miami has an easier load as FSU and BC are their only threats. So, I really think one of the most crucial games in the Coastal will be GT at the orange bowl. Lots of Tech fans think the Coastal will be decided on Nov.1, but I say it will manafest on Oct. 13. Miami loses to FSU and GT. VPI loses to FSU, CU and Miami, but beats GT. GT loses to VT and also slips against MD. GT wins the head-to-head with Miami and gets a second shot at MD in the Championship game. The ACC is OURZ!! While I’m predicting early, I might as well announce that GT will run through their non-conf schedule.
By Kacey
July 12, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
Tony Tony Tony…..stop trying to prognosticate. You’re not good at it. Stick with what we know to be fact and what will make folks a lot of money: 1) Tech cannot and will not beat Georgia, and 2) Georgia cannot and will not beat Florida. Load up on the money lines and make your reservations to the beach for Christmas my friends. Easier money has never been had.
By Larry Munson meets grim reaper
July 13, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this
I count at least 10 mutt fans already ‘concerned’ enough to come over to a GT article! Penis envy at it’s finest!
By GoldenArm
July 13, 2007 6:41 AM | Link to this
Tony, are we sure Taylor Bennett is an excellent QB after 1 good game in which Calvin made several acrobatic catches in catching 189 of Taylor’s 320 total passing yards? To discuss Tech football more join us at: http://www.bbuzzoff.com
By GT FAN
July 13, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this
Our offence will be better this year without question because Chan has finally banned the team from Tickle Pile participation. We(alumni and students)just need to keep our hands off these players. Don’t even think about Tickle Piles involving players!!!
By texstinger
July 13, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
I thought ugagers did not care about GT?
Why all the posts?
Waiting on more arrest reports from the Sheriff in Assthens? You know the guy who said he would not let his family go to a game there.
But the ugagfaggers are having, as usual, another GREAT recruiting year. Like always. And like always come September it will be more moaning about not having any players.
By WFC
July 13, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Good blog until the idiots started talking about their boring “ticle piles.” I guess that they speak from personal experience.
GT should be better this year but I think it will depend on two things:
A lot of people seem to have forgotten GT’s secret weapon: All-American punter Durant, a big plus in the field position game..
By Joe
July 13, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
I don’t get the tickle pile innuendo. Send me proof. I think it’s a cover made up to take away from the documented pics of the starting UGA’y’ QB ignoring a hot chick in favor of spooning his backup.
By Spike
July 13, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Tony.. The belief that the Tech offense will be better remains to be seen.. Even if they are, that is not saying much because they did not have a whole lot to brag about last year. And they still have Chan calling the plays don’t they?
By jabster
July 13, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
A tickle pile is something that trolls like to do.
By buzztheirazz
July 13, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Easy Win- GT has a great history and we’ll have a great future. 2. The other thing you said about tech being ‘history’ (or something like that…who can read your drivel anyway?).
Your reading comprehension is pathetic. I said we have a great history. Not that we are going to be history.
By Wrecker1
July 13, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
gdawginkalamazoo, your comment on O’Leary peeing in the locker room was hilarious!! I mean that was a clasic. I must admit though I was at that game and TECH didn’t play with any fire or enthusiasm. As a matter of fact they played FSU the next week and looked about the same way. I don’t know if it was some distraction associated with O’Leary or what but I coached a kid on that team in high school and from talking to him after that season, that team seemed to fragment in the latter stages of the season. I’m not going to say what his take on it was but the TECH team in November was not the TECH team in September.
By GTSam
July 13, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
Great article, Tony and I agree with you. Tech’s offense will be better. Thanks for the positive spin from someone who’s clearly a diehard Bulldog fan. But Tech guy is right. We aren’t forgeting your slap at the Jackets by the ridiculous statement that we don’t belong in the top 40. We’re going to hold you to that one and will look forward to you eating a big slice of crow pie at the end of the season.
By kristie
July 14, 2007 5:21 AM | Link to this
I came in a lot of people’s faces, but none like the BS that is being posted here! Wake is going to own the atlantic and you can bet your muff diving life on that. If not, you can just bite a big chunk!
By NavyEM1(from va & sc)
July 15, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
I too think Nov. 1st will be the telling day (if GT is otherwise undefeated). The Hokies toughest test will be FSU, simply because of the “curse”, but the game is in Blacksburg against an FSU that is not what it once was. Miami is an afterthought(for me the fan, of course); the game is in Blacksburg and VT has won 8 of 12 against the U, with teams not as strong as this one against better Miami teams. The remaining thorn is GT, although playing at Clemson is relatively new territory.
By fredrusso
July 17, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
We will be in Athens this Saturday can someone tell us if there is a football drill and what time.
By fredrusso
July 17, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
We will be in Athens this Saturday can someone tell us if there is a football drill and what time.
By fredrusso
July 17, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
We will be in Athens this Saturday can someone tell us if there is a football drill and what time.
By fredrusso
July 17, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
We will be in Athens this Saturday can someone tell us if there is a football drill and what time.
By archheel
July 21, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
Barnhardt gleefully lists UNC offensive problems, yet that comes right after he notes how important GT’s returning OL is to offensive success. UNC has 12 OL Lettermen returning around which to build an offense….not to pooh-pooh the TB position, but if the OL is opening holes, it makes any TB look very good! The converse isn’t always true.