Mr. College Football

By Chris

November 28, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Tenuta needs to be the coach. Don’t let history repeat itself (Ross leaving and not hiring O’Leary, instead going for the “sexy” hire with an “enthusiastic” Bill Lewis). Tenuta will keep the coaching staff intact, as well as the recruits. Whatever you do, pay Giff Smith whatever it takes to keep him.

By Mikey

November 28, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

The fan bases better be careful- sometimes you get what you wish for and it ain’t all that….

By j

November 28, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

If Tech goes after WM from AU then Jon Tenuta is gone for sure.

If Tech was smart they would be on a plane to the Nav. Acad. to offer PJ a job today before the Corn-hoes grab him.

By Eric

November 28, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Is Auburn still in the league?

By scooter11

November 28, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

The Donnan era in Athens began with a loss to S. Miss. That sucked, but Bower did that to many others. Used to pull for them. Not anymore. Bower deserves better. S. Miss does not.

Tenuta is overrated. Big ‘D’? Big deal. Built against the ACC and Samford, Army, etc. When facing the few real teams (BC, VaTech), the yardage flows. Heck, even that little ole team from Athens put up 31 points and 430+ yards.

By Yes

November 28, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

The ACC generates more revenue than any other conference and has the best academics. Best basketball, and best spring sports. And 2 of the past 5 years, the best football. It’s football day will come again. That’s why the league expanded, it won’t happen overnight but It’ll get there. The SEC is a one trick pony.

By scooter11

November 28, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Yes: All opinion; no facts. Moron.

By Roswell Ed

November 28, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Yes,

What color is the sky in your world?

By ACC girl

November 28, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

I agree with Yes and I’m pretty fired up about this year’s lacrosse & women’s soccer season! ACC RULES!

By TDone

November 28, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

What about Jeff Bower as the Head Coach at Georgia Tech? I have always liked the way he did business at USM and since he is a Roswell native, I think he would fit in just nicely with the resources he would have at Tech.

By RxDawg

November 28, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

I dont see Tenuta being head coach at Tech. I think the best pick on that list would be Rick Newhowsal(sp?) He got jiped in that whole “gambling” thing at Washington in my opinion. He was an excellent coach would help their program the most. Paul Johnson is an outstanding coach also, but the Huskers are going to grab him. He runs the style of offense that they want and he wins with it. Terry Bowden would be….interesting. Oh and Yes, nice trolling. I’m sure you’ll get some bites.

By robodog

November 28, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure I understand the talk about Tech’s new coach having style, personality, etc. When Richt came in, he wasn’t flashy. Sure, he’s comfortable talking about his team and about the game, but his success has had very little to do with any cult of personality. And the Dawgs have had our share of ugly wins as well.

I think the difference b/w us and Gailey’s teams is that we’ve not only won consistently and dominated in-state recruiting, but we have been playing games that matter at the end of every season. Playing not just for pride but for potential championships. I’m not sure how much that has had to do with Gailey’s style. I would think Tech needs to hire someone who can win above any personality test.

Come to think of it, Tech was playing for quite a lot last year - a conference championship - and fans still didn’t seem that excited. Ditto for the VA Tech game this year. I don’t get it - is beating UGA all the Tech fan base cares about? Seems what they really want is for Georgia to be just as mediocre.

By Ed

November 28, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

The SEC is definitely a one trick pony, and who won the last two NCAA Basketball Championships?

By Jay

November 28, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CONFERENCES

The Champion from the Eight Conferences get a automate bid to the playoff, than we will have a section Sunday to pick eight at large teams. It would be a sixteen-team playoff to fight to be the true NCAA National Champion. The teams not playing the play can still play to the bowl games.

ACC Big East Florida State West Virginia Boston College Louisville Clemson Rutgers NC State South Florida Maryland Pittsburgh Wake Forest Connecticut Virginia Tech Buffalo Miami, Fla. Syracuse Georgia Tech Central Florida North Carolina Memphis Virginia Marshall Duke East Caroline Tulane Troy So Mississippi Temple

Big Ten Big XII Penn State Colorado Ohio State Iowa State Wisconsin Nebraska Northwestern Missouri Iowa Kansas Michigan Kansas State Michigan State Texas Minnesota Texas Tech Purdue Texas A&M Indiana Baylor Illinois Oklahoma Notre Dame Oklahoma State Navy Tulsa Army SMU

Pac-10 SEC USC Georgia UCLA Florida Oregon Tennessee Oregon State Kentucky California South Carolina Stanford Vanderbilt Arizona UAB Arizona State Miss State Washington Arkansas Washington State Auburn Fresno State Alabama Boise State LSU BYU Louisiana Tech Hawaii Mississippi

MAC Mountain West Akron TCU Miami, Ohio Colorado State Bowling Green Utah Ohio New Mexico Houston San Diego State Kent State Air Force Northern Illinois Wyoming Toledo UNLV Western Michigan San Jose State Eastern Michigan Utah State Central Michigan Idaho Ball State New Mexico St Cincinnati Nevada Rice UTEP

By techster

November 28, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

In reference to hiring and firing coaches. Why do they give head coaches huge salaries, and longevity. Why not pay them like everyone else. Give them first year contract. that bases their futures on wons,loses,grad. rates. income generated, tickets sold. And the perennial kiss ace for the god almighty alumni. The athletic dept. should oversee the hiring of assistant coaches in the event the head coach leaves and forces starting over from scratch. The NCAA could install a guideline program that all schools must follow. And if the mighty big program cant graduate players, or give them jobs if they dont have any skills after football. then they should be accountable to pay the athletes for the time they spent making the colleges fortunes.

By Joshua Barlowe

November 28, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

A “proven head coach” won’t want Tenuta. He’ll only stick around if they get a young offensive coach such as Hatcher.

And yes - Southern Miss is stupid. There is stupid in the water down there.

By Munsons Call

November 28, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Last I checked the SEC holds the last 2 basketball titles and the last football title. Not to mention the conference is always well represented in Omaha for the CWS, is strong in golf, tennis, womens basketball, gymnastics, and track & field.

By robodog

November 28, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

YES - The ACC does have a lot going for it, especially in academics, but I’m sorry to remind you that the SEC is no “one trick pony.” That’s quite an oversight. It’s highly competitive in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, gymnastics, etc. Take a look at whose been competing for (and winning) these national championships the last few years.

Sounds like you’ve got a little SEC chip on your shoulder …

By m

November 28, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

We already had the used car salesman in Chan Gailey. But you are right about Tenuta. We must hire someone better than him…or hire him. I think hiring June Junes and keeping Tenuta is one of the interesting situations. We would have the most exciting offense paired with the most exciting defense. And Jones would score enough points so that Tenuta could play with reckless abandon the entire game, instead of knowing that Gailey was never going to score any points. And if you think Jones wouldn’t come, just look at how Hawaii is getting screwed in the BCS this year. He may realize that he has gone as far as he can go with Hawaii. Food for thought.

By goose

November 28, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Tony - Arkansas will be fine you wait and see. Also this about more than Mustain transfering, much more.

By atlantanole0731

November 28, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Tony,

How do you feel about giving an extension and possible raise to an aging coach for going 7-5 (on top of a 7-6 season last year) and losing to your two biggest rivals (one of them for four consecutive years) and 2 division opponents?

That’s what happens when coaches stay too long and become bigger than the program or even the university.

GET RID OF BOBBY BOWDEN NOW!!!!!

By SECisFootball

November 28, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

If Nutt thought the expectations at Ark were too much, wait until he gets a heavy dose of Ole Miss fans. This is the school that fired Cutcliffe and he had a winning record. They fired a coach after 3 years because of struggles but didnt pay attention to the fact that Miss State struggled for 3 years as well and in year 4 are on their way to a bowl game. Ole Miss fans still think they are a football school but have not been a factor in the SEC, for the most part, in over 30 years.

By AUtiger

November 28, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

I like Houston Nutt and he did a great job at Arkansas and he deserved better treatment. I just wish he would have gone out of the SEC west becuase Auburn has to play Ole Miss every year and they will be a much improved team with him at there which makes our schedule even tougher.

By I want what Yes smokes

November 28, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Yes, I encourage you to check your facts before spouting something like “the SEC is a one-trick pony (regarding football)” this from wikipedia. Especially read last sentence-

The list of SEC National Champions begins in the Southeastern Conference’s first full academic year of competition in 1933 and totals 160 NCAA-sanctioned team national championships[1] (as of March 17th, 2007). In the 2006-2007 academic year, SEC members won a total of eight national championships including football (Florida), men’s basketball (Florida), women’s basketball (Tennessee), men’s swimming and diving (Auburn), women’s swimming and diving (Auburn), gymnastics (Georgia), men’s tennis (Georgia) and bowling (Vanderbilt). The SEC has averaged almost seven national championships per year since 1990.[2]

By Gordon

November 28, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Ed,

I’m not agreeing with what YES said, but Florida is one team. In this decade 3 ACC teams (Duke, Maryland, and North Carolina) have won national championships. A fourth (Georgia Tech) played for one. Back when Florida State was good in football and won 2 national championships and finished in the top 4 for 15 straight years, did you think the ACC was better in football? Neither did I.

By Out of Town

November 28, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Jon Tenuta = Ron Jirsa

By ActuaryDawg

November 28, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

If Tech wants to keep Tenuta, the biggest key is increasing his stature (or at least avoiding a threat to his current stature). They must bring a coach with strong background in offense who is willing to give Tenuta free reign over the defense. If Tech brings in a coach that is likely to meddle in the defensive side of the team, Tenuta is gone for greener pastures. If Tenuta is not treated as the head coach of the defense, he’s gone.

The number one item that should be on the top of the new head coach’s resume is the ability to develop a quarterback. Gailey’s tenure gave an excellent demonstration of good defense, offensive line, and running game can only acheive mediocrity without a good quarterback. Despite the revisionist history, Ball was a very good Freshman quarterback. The problem was that when he was a Senior, he was still a very good Freshman quarterback. That was Gailey’s major failing.

By Mirna from smyrna

November 28, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

YES… What 2 of the last 5 years in football?

JAY… Your thoughts are well taken but it will never happen and please tell me you stayed up all night thinking that on up.

All that is needed is the plus 1 model. You would still have as close to a NC as possible with some years one or 2 teams who think they got hosed which is not all bad.

By Ramblin Wrecker

November 28, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Here’s a crazy idea:

Why not Mike Leach to Georgia Tech? Imagine pairing Leach’s offensive scheme with Jon Tenuta’s defensive scheme. Sounds cool to me.

By azcat225

November 28, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Tony, thanks for the update on Jeff Bower. The man was nothing but class and deserved far better than what he apparently got from the yahoos in Hattiesburg. The sad part of the situation is they won’t even come close with their new hire and will sink into mediocrity, the very place Bower kept them out of for all those years. I wish nothing but the best for Coach Bower in whatever the future holds for him.

By StingerSplash

November 28, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Remember several years back when there was talk of Bower being the next UGa coach? And now he’s not even good enough anymore for Southern Miss? I hope he winds up with a better job. As for Tech, the answer is simple: Paul Johnson. Scrape up the dough to go get Johnson.

By shane

November 28, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

1-tech’s new coach will have to win ballgames,period.i predict sellouts at bds,untill the guy loses a few games,then business as usual.BTW mark richt is no vegas showman,the man in person is somewhat shy.most of the press seems to think him reserved,but always polite.he will take time to answer their questions and he doesn’t brush them off,reporters like that.uga loves him-first because he wins,second because he is an honest,honorable man.evidently that is not enough for tech. 2-if a new young hc is brought in tenuta is gone.all asst coaches want to be head coaches.tenuta will be at the school that gives him the best chance to be the boss.if an offer is made to him he’s outta’ there. 3-at the rate fsu and miami are recruiting talent chances are a fla school will be in the next acccg,moving now might be a mistakes,though fans of either school will drive to carolina for a championship.i cannot believe tech fans did not sell out that stadium last year! 4-arkansas is in trouble,and i don’t blame nutt for leaving,that’s what you get for listening to a fan base.just go to any stadium on saturday and look around,orange wigs,painted chests,loud mouth drunks,or read some of these posts!do you really want these people making decisions for your program?90% of fans don’t know jack about football and have never played,much less coached in a game.pop warner and riding the bench in high school don’t count! 5-poor southern miss,they want to be lsu on a bargain basement budget.that ain’t gonna’ happen!

By GradyGrad96

November 28, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

I’m sort of hoping Willie Martinez gets offered a job somewhere as a head coach. Then if Tech runs off Tenuta, we would have a nice spot open for him or Muschamp if they so desired.

Can you imagine what Tenuta might do with the talent UGA has coming back and the talent they can recruit. That might be interesting.

By yellowblood

November 28, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

We will never hire Tenuta. He has steadfastly refused to embrace our Tickle Pile tradition.

By Titothebear

November 28, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Who cares about Georgia Tech…they are a laughingstock. Look everybody, another Humanitarian Bowl game against a WAC team…whoopee! LOL…pathetic!

By BuzzFactor

November 28, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

There’s always one Jerk that can’t follow an intelligent conversation. Or 2 in this case. Anyway,I agree on what Tech needs in the new coach, and don’t think Tenuta is quite ready. Johnson is good, Jones is good. But really we need to move fairly quick in this wide open Coach-go-round of a year. The ACC CG will be okay, like another said, when FSU gets back to where they are headed. VT and BC should have a sellout, so I see it staying in JAX or atleast worked into a rotation. I like the rotation idea better.

By shane

November 28, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

gradygrad96,yes i can imagine what tenuta would do with our d,we would be getting burned on big plays just like tech!coach willie has done a damn good job fitting the new talent into the holes left last year,look at the points allowed per game,and the way our des and dts have been playing.when you control the line of scrimmage you don’t have to blitz!also consider the fact that we lost our team leader and best safety,plus our shut-down cb.did you realy want to leave those young cbs one on one with the wrs?tenuta is a one trick pony,when the blitz works tech shuts people down,when it doesn’t tech gets creamed!i’ll take coach willie any day.one more thing,it’s recruiting season,and cwr is our south fla connection.

By shane

November 28, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

i made an error on that last post,i meant cwm is our south fla connection,of course.

By BJohnDawg

November 28, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Who cares who the coach will be?

Go Dawgs!And to Hell with Ga Tech!

By brent

November 28, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Shane is absolutely right. The only reason to blitz 80% of the time is if you aren’t good enough to get pressure any other way. Coach Martinez has done a great job teaching sound, fundamental defense & has done very good job of mixing in timely blitzes. I’ll take him any day.

By Rocko

November 28, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Chris Hatcher told the Macon touchdown club yesterday he wants to remain at Georgia Southern. Probably not a bad move. He’ll get a shot at the big time soon enough. Let him win us a title or two first.

By 680thefan

November 28, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

You should do your column before the Rude Awakening instead of copying what they had to say

By realyellowblood

November 28, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Yes, you are correct in your ACC-SEC comparison. To add to your comments is the media bias. When you compare the preseason AP poll to the current AP poll, the SEC has declined 6 positions while the ACC has risen 25 positions. Clemson and VA were not even in the preseason AP poll. Arkansas and Wake, who were, fell out.

By chip howard

November 28, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Once upon a time GT’s coach retired (Bobby Dodd). Tech decided to hire their reclusive, genious, d-coordinator, the famed Bud Carson. Remember him? Didn’t think so. And Tech’s program has known little success since then, save for Ross and O’Leary.

If Rad wants a PR savy guy, then coach “T” isn’t the man.

By Chuck

November 28, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

What about Rodney Garner, UGA’s assistant and defensive line coach? I know, I know you’re going to say he’s never been an coordinator but Ed Orgeron was not and he was afforded an opportunity to tear up the program in Oxford. Coach Garner is an excellent recruiter so finding good players won’t be a problem. I wish someone will give him a chance.

By BallFan

November 28, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

As an outsider (no ties to GT or UGA), I don’t think any coach will get the GT fans to be as avid as the UGA fans. The GT fans seems to have more than football in their lives whereas it is the number one thing for UGA fans. After all, they still worship a semi-illiterate running back that played more than 20 years ago.

By Keith

November 28, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

BJohnDog and Titothebear,

First of all - Titothebear? What kind of name is that?

Secondly - Obviously you both care, or else you wouldn’t have read this column. Oh wait, you’re Georgia grads… I mean, fareweather fans who didn’t even go to college, so you didn’t read this column. Nevermind.

By The Truth

November 28, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

I was reading the above posts and it seems the SEC fans have such an inflated opinion of themselves. They are a good conference but only as even as every other BCS conference. Facts are facts. The results from this season to this point are as follows for the SEC. You be the judge on if it spells dominance or not….I think not…good but not great.

SEC vs other BCS conferences: SEC vs Big East 1-2 SEC vs Pac 10 0-1 SEC vs ACC 4-3 SEC vs Big 12 2-1

do the math….that is 7-7 record

SEC vs non-SEC BCS opponents that were ranked in top 25 anytime during the season

SEC vs ranked 4-5

SEC vs SUN, Conf USA, WAC, and MAC

24-1 ;the lone loss was Alabama against LA-Monroe

The only thing the SEC can say it dominated was the non BCS conferences. They are just as normal as every other conference. Get a grip people. Anybody can win on any day. The media is out of control in the way polls come out. Look at UGA…they did great in the final stretch of the season, but are not deserving of a #4 ranking which would be close to a Nat Title game. They couldn’t even win their division to even play a conference championship game. The thumping by Tenn and the loss to 6-6 SC will keep UGA away from a title shot. They will get a well deserved BCS bowl though.

By ArkyTech

November 28, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Trust me, Arkansas about a lot more than a QB transferring. He also ran off the national coordinator of the year and best receiver he ever signed last year. This year’s team only had 2 wins vs. teams winning records (not in the Sun Belt) - LSU and Miss St. Only 2 winning SEC seasons since 1998. Has never developed a QB. And it doesn’t help with the coach’s wife sends out emails demeaning players, coaches, and wishing she could have gotten in a recent assault of a player’s mother!

By Hal

November 28, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

If Tenuta is made the head coach I’ll bet he hires a first rate offnsive coordiantor to complement his defense. I don’t know how many times I have seen him cringe at the bumbling of the Tech offense when they show him up in the booth during games. I think he deserves a shot at the job. I have not been impressed with our present OC at all.

By Tville Dawg

November 28, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

BallFan-

At least Herschel knew how to count to 4.

By lshapiro

November 28, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

The fact that he has not already been offered the job is offensive. The job should be his for the taking. The fact that his defenses have ranked as high as they have consistently is amazing. The type of student athlete that can be recruited at Tech due to the higher standards than many of his peers shows Jon Tenuta still coaches his players, something few do. Hopefully, Tech does the right thing and not what is the comfortable thing.

By GT Fan Jeff

November 28, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Shane…

UGA was lucky to beat Vandy this year, and the Alabama game could have gone either way. UGA’s outstanding offense won the Florida and Troy games, while Martinez’ defense was giving up 64 points and over 800 yards of offense. As a reminder, Tennessee also put up 35 points and 400+ yards of offense on Willie’s “D”. My point? You are giving Martinez way too much credit, and not giving Tenuta enough. Do you really believe Tenuta would use the same defensive strategy if he had UGA’s defensive talent? I think not.

By Titothebear

November 28, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Keith,

Yeah I do care what Mr. Barnhart writes because it’s usually about the GOOD football teams, not a perennial loser like Georgia Tech, who likes to talk a big game but NEVER delivers, make that 0-7 vs. UGA now! Actually, the whole ACC is like that…I mean, what a pathetic football conference! Put Boston College in the SEC and they would be lucky to win 6-7 games. VaTech is your other CG contender and we all saw how they fared against a top SEC team (48-7 loss to LSU ring a bell?). You better pray FSU and Miami get their sh!t together real soon or your pathetic little conference may go belly-up! Out of the 6 BCS conferences, the ACC probably ranks #6, maybe a tie at #5 with the Big East…shoot, half your teams are made up of Big East retreads anyway, so you fit right in! Remember, this is what the ACC stands for: Always Crappy Conference

By Neil Boortz's (two headed) love child

November 28, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

The situation at Arkansas just screams “lack of institutional control”. If boosters are promising 18 year old high school kids and their coaches that they will “make changes” to make those kids happy,then the NCAA sheriff can’t be far behind.Mitch Mustain and his crowd from Springdale High can go pi$$ up a tree in the backwoods for all we care in the SEC. Can you imagine a recruit that has never taken a snap in college telling Bear Bryant,Bobby Dodd or for that matter Steve Spurrier that if he didn’t get more PT,he was pacing his bags ?This situation at Arky just shows what happens when boosters and jock sniffing old coots run the program. Good luck houston Nutt,I truly hope you succeed at Ole Missy…

By Tville Dawg

November 28, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Interesting feature today on Belue’s Top 5 freshmen-these obviously were from the Belue era (which is even after my era). All very good players. The question is asked if Moreno belongs in the all-time best freshmen.

Earlier in the year, I was one of those who favored Brown the senior over the freshman Moreno. Brown has certainly demonstrated his value to the team, as late as last Saturday. I have not, however, since the days of Herschel, seen a back that has made more impact to a season than Moreno. Heck, without him, we very well could have two or three more games in the loss column.

Much is made over Brown’s leadership, which again is very good. I did note that Moreno’s infectious enthusiasm is equally important as team leadership. In fact, I saw Brown make a cutback in the Auburn game on one of his runs that looked just like Moreno. He makes everyone around him want to play harder.

Thanks Knowshon for choosing Athens. Thanks DAWGS for a great season. It’ll be a long spring and summer.

By Burdell

November 28, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

If Tech doesn’t do everything possible to keep Tenuta (including offering him the head position), we might as well have kept Gailey. Tenuta IS a great coach. The blitz package he’s devised is his MO and risking the big play down field is just part a part of it. The problem is its a scheme that can tire out a D unit if they are ALWAYS ON THE FIELD. When we finally have an offense that can eat some of the clock, you won’t see the defense giving up as many big plays.

The problem is whether Tech needs another great defensive mind as coach or an offensive one - which then poses the question, how much has Patrick Nix actually been calling the plays and how long does he need to prove himself.

Take Fisher or Hatcher. Let Tenuta decide.

By T Bowden's love child

November 28, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Bowden is going to be offered a one year contract with inticements retire.

I suggest Tech jump on this and hire Bobby Bowden so they can add him to their “coaching legends”

By Randle Reece

November 28, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Tony, Houston Nutt didn’t get fed up, he got fired. Have you ever heard of a coach being given a buyout when he was leaving for another job? Nutt had weeks to line up another position. You should be on top of the story.

Why can’t any of you do more research into a story than just calling the coach and asking for his spin? Nutt wasn’t fired because he refused to run a spread offense, good lord almighty.

Simple chain of events:

Nutt made many promises after Matt Jones graduated and blamed the passing offense’s lack of sophistication on Jones’s so-called uncoachability. In 2005, Arkansas became the first major football program in modern history to average more yards per rush than per pass attempt. Losing at home to Vanderbilt was topped only by giving up 70 to USC.

Nutt finished his second straight losing season in 2005 and was headed for a disastrous recruiting class. The administration forced him to hire Gus Malzahn, who salvaged the recruiting class.

Nutt quietly set about undermining Malzahn and his former Springdale players. By the end of the 2006 season, Nutt had reclaimed complete control over his program, for better or worse, having undone all the changes he was forced to make to keep his job. Statistically, the pass offense in 2006 was worse than in ‘05. Had the kickers at Vandy and Bama not been so bad (missing what should have been game-winners), Nutt likely would have been fired a year ago.

Nutt orchestrated a campaign to run off Mitch Mustain, the most heralded quarterback ever produced in state. You ask him why, but recent FOI requests by Mustain himself tied Nutt directly to hate e-mails and hazing by players selected by Nutt.

Nutt chose “his” recruit, Casey Dick, to lead the team, and Dick was the chief problem in the Razorbacks’ 0-3 finish to 2006 and 0-3 start to the SEC schedule in 2007. Nutt had no one else on the roster who was talented enough to challenge for the starting job. One QB signee was so stunningly untalented, he was moved to WR in the first week of August.

Nutt was directly responsible for the Hogs not signing Kodi Burns, Lee Ziemba and Broderick Green, in-state stars who signed with Auburn and USC last February. Over a two-year period, Arkansas lost almost all of the state’s top recruits, including those who left the program. The top in-state recruit for the 2008 signing class already had dropped Arkansas from his list. Nutt piled up ill will with several of the state’s top high school coaches.

Nutt had already gone on double secret probation back in 2005, over his chronic problems finding a competent QB. Nutt never allowed anyone to put in a new offense, instead continuing to call the plays (from a set suggested by his coordinator). His passing game continued to have no reads (intended to reduce mistakes) and no sophistication. McFadden and Jones will be gone, and Nutt did not build a recruiting pipeline for any kind of transition in offensive philosophy.

The run package (its core borrowed from the Broncos) was exceptionally good with backs like McFadden and Jones, but even they were shut down at times this season—by the likes of Chattanooga and Florida International.

It was easy to see where the Hogs were headed under Nutt. I know you guys don’t have time to do lots of legwork on a program like Arkansas. Outside media coverage has been this way forever. Under Broyles, the SID job was a step below janitor. How are you supposed to know?

When Nutt was hired, he was supposed to be the guy to fix the QB problems. He was supposed to balance the offense. Nutt had 10 years and never established a complete offensive identity. He went through 10 coordinators (five offense, five defense). Nutt had his shot. Time to try something else.

By War Eagle

November 28, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Tony is correct, Tech should be real careful in selecting a HC. Sine coach Dodd Era they have hired a little bit of everything, very similar to Bama and Coach Bryant.I believe Tech`s fan base would be happy for a consistent winner as in UGA and Auburn. These two school are competing for big recruits. GET A SUCCESSFUL AND WELL KNOWN COACH, PAY HIM THE BIG MONEY WITH A CONFIDENT CONTRACT.Its very good recruiting grounds, but could compete with SEC, so things could start looking up for the Tech fans and supporters>>Good Luck>>

By Bill

November 28, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Tony, man, do some real research on Houston Nutt before writing this trash. How would you like it if your boss, behind your back and without you knowing, hired another writer to do your job and after the fact told you you would be sharing this with him…just one incident…and of course if you leave then to the world you chose to leave and he is innocent….you are 8 - 0 as a starter, and benched and never play again - ok, one or two downs…come on Tony, you get paid enough to do some research dude..get your facts, do the time and work…

By HogInMemphis

November 28, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Tony:

I came across your blog article that is in part discussing Nutt and Arkansas. You’ve basically whiffed with this. I know it’s impossible for someone like you to know all about a given situation since you’re not in the state or otherwise tied into the program. However, a little research would show your opinion is not an informed one.

First of all, Nutt was not a winner at Arkansas. In 10 years, his SEC record, counting 2 SEC championship games, was 42-40. The LSU game got him over .500 for his 10 yr career. Technically, that is a winning record but hardly support for calling him a winner.

If you take away all the wins over the Mississippi schools, his SEC record was terrible, including a losing record vs. KY and 2-1 record, by skin of his teeth, vs. Vandy. Unless Nutt can figure out a way to play his own team and get a “W”, he just lost the ability to get an easy win over Ole Miss by taking the job there. Even Tuberville couldn’t win in Oxford, going 12-20 in SEC in his 4 seasons there. You think Nutt will do better than Tuberville? I do not.

Finally, if you knew anything about how Nutt, his friends and staff treated Gus Malzahn, Mitch Mustain and Damian Williams, you’d not have a very high opinion of Nutt.

I am a 45 yr old Arkansas native, U of A grad and I am very happy Nutt is both gone from Arkansas and is at Ole Miss now. Ole Miss just got more fun to beat.

By Wes King

November 28, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Tenuta is a Tech man now…..we would be making another mistake looking for a out side high profile coach.

By allenlaw

November 28, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Stay away from Neuheisel. I was in Seattle when he was there and it went just like in Colorado. Big show, big talk, big quick turnaround, followed by steady downhill ride, no discipline, and a program left in a hole.

Good offensive guy, bad head coach.

By CHAN GAILEY

November 28, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

WHAT ABOUT JOHN BOND FOR THE HEAD JOB?? HE IS A MUCH BETTER COACH AND PERSON THEN TENUTA!!!!

By Look out below

November 28, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

The Houston Nutt situation looks like a preview of what we can look forward to in the future of college football with the 365 day season (seemingly) upon us. Nutt did a great job at Arky-(remember his team won the West last year) But a group of spoiled “I’m bigger than the program” types that had had their butt kissed through high school (and the coach that did the kissing) wanted the place for themselves and wrecked the program.It almost reads like something you see in Pop Warner football-parents calling out coaches and the athletic director,”emailgate” “phonegate” etc… Nutt is probably glad he got out of there with his sanity intact.I wonder what will happen if Mr. Mustain is not handed the starting job at USC (and by his play last year,he is no lock for the job)…Will momma have a “come to Jesus” meeting with Pete Carroll’s boss ? Basically,it comes down to who will be running the program at Arkansas (and every other big time football school)- Will it be the coach that is interested in winning the most games or the “stud” recruit that (if he’s as good as advertised) may give you 2-3 years before going pro ?

By Arkansas Fan

November 28, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

You shouldn’t write about situations that you haven’t at least studied up on. Your right, Arkansas won the SEC west last year, not because of Nutt. Mcfadden is hopefully about to win the heisman, certainly not because of Nutt. We just beat the number one team in the nation. So with a great coach what makes you think we can’t be like Florida??? Did Florida beat LSU this year? Arkansas has just as much a chance for title contention as any. Wake up. We are not happy with a 41-40 SEC record over 10 yrs. Besides, most of those wins came over Sun Belt teams and Mississippi schools. We are 1-1 vs Vandy and have a losing record vs Kentucky. Not acceptable.

By Floyd the Barber

November 28, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

I hope whoever becomes the coach at Tech will implement a HairCut policy. Tech has more players with the “baby dreads” than any other team. To all the people out there that sport this hair style: “YOU LOOK STUPID”. I wish an opposing team would grab one of these guys by the hair and sling them out of the stadium! By listening to all of my fellow Tech alums, you would think that we have the smartest players in the NCAA. But by looking at this group I would find it hard to believe that they are setting the the Engineering classes! GET A DAMN HAIRCUT!!

By Smokehouse

November 28, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

If you think Leach runs the kind of offense Arkansas fans want, you’re pretty ignorant on the subject. We want a balanced offense, Leach is the air version of Nutt. That would be the most horrible hire imaginable.

By hop

November 28, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

tony, i am afraid this is the problem with the ajc writers to very little research in topics you report and more back clapping with the coaches.

maybe, that is why your subscribers are droping dailey with the ajc.

By Rocko

November 28, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

According to Nebraska media(?) there is little to no interest in Paul Johnson and either Pelini or Gill will be the coach. Most likely Pelini. Now, Radakovich, go get Paul Johnson. Now, dude, and contend for the ACC next season.

By Ben

November 28, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the information on topics.I was excited by this article. Thank you again.

College online for good ideas.

By Michael Ramey

November 28, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

it’s so clear you have no idea what all is going on in Arkansas football.

By russell sorrells

November 28, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Radakovich is right about one thing: the Tech fan base is a major problem. Too many refuse to wear gold, get off their fat butts to cheer, show up for all the games, sell their tickets to Ga fans, or financially support the team. The AD’s have not helped either with their policy of not giving contributing alumni priority in seating hoping to bring in “new” fans.

By B

November 28, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

TOP Five: *1. Paul Johnson 2.Jeff Bower 3.June Jones 4. Jimbo Fisher 5. Hatcher *

By trout

November 28, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

ESPN is reporting that GT is interested in (3) coaches. Rick Neuheisel (Baltimore Ravens OC), Will Muschamp and one unidentified coach (probably Hatcher). The link is below:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3131855

By Jacket Lover

November 28, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Best names on the list are Rick Neuhasiel and June Jones. Rick got shafted and Hawaii is dragging its feet to resign Jones. Both are great minds but Rick may be the better recruiter. Bring on Neuhasiel and with our GREAT D and watch the fun every Saturday. I’m pumped thinking about it!

By elijah

November 28, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

I am not sold on Tenuta at head coach just yet, but I am afraid of losing him all together. He is better than people think. If he had all those 4 and 5 star recruits like Georgia does he would have the top defense in the nation year end year out. It might be good for him to be head coach, call the plays on defense, and hire a really good offensive coordinator. Don’t let go of giff smith whatever you do.

By Colonel Rebel

November 28, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Dear Arkansas fans,

Welcome to the world that Ole Miss has lived in since we fired David Cutcliffe. He was a terrible HC, hence the reason that he has not even had an interview for a HC position since we let him go. However, the media, in particluar Tony Barnhart, love the guy and refuse to admit that he was a terrible HC. The results do not lie. Eli won us 10 games, not Cutcliffe. He had the best player in the recent history of our program and got one good year out of 4 and no recruits as a result. By the way, have we had a QB since? NO.

Regardless, we at Ole Miss are happy to have Nutt, it is good for us and maybe for your program. We have never hired a proven HC in our history so this is an obvious upgrade. Plus, he is going to live to kick the “you know what” out of you guys as long as he is our coach. I love it. Good luck with Mike “I don’t coach defense” Leach.
And thank you for officially taking over the SEC cellar from us. We sure didn’t want it.

By Marietta Dawg

November 28, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Tony,

Any thoughts/inside info on the situation at FSU? I’m a lifelong FSU fan and they are going through some tough times, in comparison to the late 80’s and early 90’s. I think that Bowden won’t stop coaching until Paterno stops coaching. Is there any way that he’ll be asked to resign? Do you think that they’ll try to keep Jimbo at any cost and groom him as the next head coach?

By GWH

November 28, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

PLEASE hire Tenuta as your Head Coach. The most overated DC in the country!!!!

By DJ Jacket

November 28, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

“Sell the SIZZLE, not the steak”? I recall a head coach who had very little “sizzle”. When he walked into a meeting room, very few noticed him. He may have had all the charisma of a crumpled suit. But Bobby Ross did win a National Championship.

By old gold engineer

November 28, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

I’m still lobbying for Tenuta. We only gave up more than 30 points one time this season. That was in the last game when we gave up 31. Not bad considering how ineffective the Tech offense was after halftime. Defense is not the problem. Chris, in the very first post, hit the nail on the head. And DJ Jacket, you are absolutely correct. If GT’s head coach has the team consistently competing for championships, there will not be a problem selling tickets and generating enthusiasm about the program.

By KingBee

November 28, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

2 words - Charley Strong

By Strategy Pro

November 28, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

The best way to retain talent is through great leadership. Hire Paul Johnson and Tenuta stays.

By trailertrashugafan

November 28, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

i soled my trayler to payy four rikkt to coackh uga. go dawgs. tech sux.

By cricht

November 28, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

I think if Tech gets any coach with a pule he will take us behind the woodshed like the late 90’s. God I hope they hire a looser like Gailey again.

By escaladedealer

November 28, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

All Tech needs to do is buy their players escalades like we do at UGA.

By Rev. Al Sharpton's younger brother

November 28, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Floyd,

If your intent was to sound like a racist old fart suffering from alzheimers…CONGRATULATIONS!

We all saw your stupid post obsessing about dreadlocks yesterday and ignored it. Now stop bothering everyone and go back into the den and turn on Wheel of Fortune.

By Elvis

November 28, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Anyone who thinks June Jones would be a good pick for Tech is not really paying attention. Hell, if we’re going to pick from former Falcon Coaches, let’s hire Leeman Bennett. June Jones can run his wacky passing game in Hawaii because they don’t play anybody worth a damn. Any of you notice Hawaii is undefeated and nowhere within shouting distance of the NC game?

Next thing you know, you idiots will be talking about bringing my boy Glanville back to Atlanta!

By VannahWhite

November 28, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

Here’s a wheel of fortune for ya…

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

By VannahWhite

November 28, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

The answer is…

UGA lies and cheats.

One last comment: Why does the AJC writer feel the need to copy sorry Atlanta AM talk radio shows? Their comments are way off and uninformed but the AJV takes it as substance and truth. I don’t get it. It’s part of why the Atlanta sports scene is terrible.

By pcpup

November 28, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

How about an SEC/ACC championship double header? Or would that really make the ACC game pale in comparison?

By Average Joe

November 28, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

If BC were in the SEC, they would raise conference graduation rates by about 1000%.

And still win more than 7 games.

Where are all the SEC homers when Alabama loses to La. Monroe? Or to FSU? Or Auburn loses to S. Florida? Or to the 7th best Pac-10 team in Cal? Or to Wisconsin in last year’s bowl game, or Penn State in last year’s bowl game?

Or do we ignore the facts we don’t like and concentrate on the ones we do?

By Joe Knows

November 28, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

The SEC likes to claim they are the best but their record against other BCS conferences this year is .500. Last weekend they finished .500 against the ACC (Clemson over USC, Wake over Vandy, UGA over Tech, UF over FSU). Where is this God given dominance? Maybe average.

By Larry Langford

November 28, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

I’ll help you fix the whole ACC Championship game. Here’s what we’ll do. We’ll build a new dome in Birmingham and move the SEC Championship back where it belongs. I know the Athens crowd won’t like it much, but everybody else in the SEC would rather avoid 285 traffic. Y’all can stay out at Ross Bridge and play golf the morning of the game.

By Bluezilla17

November 29, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

Next season, Georgia will play Alabama, Tennessee, Vandy, LSU, Florida, Kentucky, and Auburn consecutively. Tell me that you think any team in the ACC other except MAYBE VT would win five of those games.

The SEC is better (football) not only because of the football itself, but the environments. Clemson and Virginia Tech are great environments. Tech? Duke? UNC? Wake Forest? Seems like there is a better environment at high school games in West Texas. Don’t even get me started on the ACC “Championship” Game last year.

By tech2003

November 29, 2007 2:41 AM | Link to this

1. Charlie Strong*
2. um…African-American coach in the city of Atlanta…duh! Should have already been a head coach by now.
3. Jimbo Fisher
4. Steve Sarkisian - doubt we could swing him from USC, but would be nice.
5. June Jones - not sure about him driving in Atlanta though.
6. Will Muschamp - the Georgia ties scare me…Bill Lewis reminder.

By WFC

November 29, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this

I’d take my chances with Paul Johnson as head coach with Tenuta running the defense. GT lead the nation in sacks and tackles for loss. I’ll take that. Tenuta’s defense needs two things to be successful:

1. A ball control offense.
2. Two “lock down” cornerbacks. We have one in Morgan Burnett who will be an all-american. We need one more. Not impossibil.

GT will never have the depth that some other teams have. We have to find a way to overcome that built-in deficiency.

I would have loved to have seen how a wishbone style offense with Nesbitt, Cox, Choice and Dwyer might have worked this year. A built-in advantage would have been the fact that other teams would not have seen it. Chan’s scheme might have worked with Troy Aikman at QB. Not so good with what we had.

By racinoto

November 29, 2007 7:40 AM | Link to this

To Bad Rad, AD GT: The best available winning coach with HC experience at the D1 level, the ability to develop QB (Troy Aikman, who is available and would consider the GT job is Richard Gerald “Rick” Neuheisel, Jr. (born February 7, 1961. Rick is presently the OC/QB coach of the Baltimore Ravens serving under the tyrannical Brian Billick and former HC of the Rose Bowl winning Washington Huskies. If you can take care of So. Cal, you can give the mutts a run for their money. Go Jackest hire our own “RICK”!

By racinoto

November 29, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this

To Bad Rad, AD GT: The best available winning coach with HC experience at the D1 level, the ability to develop QB (Troy Aikman, who is available and would consider the GT job is Richard Gerald “Rick” Neuheisel, Jr. (born February 7, 1961. Rick is presently the OC/QB coach of the Baltimore Ravens serving under the tyrannical Brian Billick and former HC of the Rose Bowl winning Washington Huskies. If you can take care of So. Cal, you can give the mutts a run for their money. Go Jackest hire our own “RICK”!

If you don’t like Rick, then go after Norm Chow! I don’t know if he would come, but he’s an offensive genius/QB coach who would make a great team with John Tenuda.

By GOGTGO

November 29, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

GIVE ME CHARLIE STRONG FROM FLORIDA!!!

By BDK

November 29, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

Why do we continue to get a UGAg grad as the college football expert in the AJC. A former Red and Black writer suggesting coaches for Tech. Why don’t we ask Osama who he thinks should be the next president!! Give us some impartiality, not a thinnly veiled Dawg homer writing about college football.

By ACC FAN

November 29, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

If Tech does not hire Jon Tenuta as head coach, look East, about 120 miles. T. Bowdin will not stay at Clemson forever. The Clemson program is so well funded that they can buy out any coach at anytime. Tenuta would be a real asset to Clemson. Tenuta played at UVA. He understands the ACC. Tech’s loss could be a Tech competitior’s gain.

By GT45

November 29, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

Give Tenuta the shot. His defenses are consistently in the top 25. I agree that occasionally the big play is given up, but it is usually because of personell and not design. And the only reason those plays stand out is because our offenses have been so terrible. If we can score more points, it won’t matter. As for the 31 UGAG scored, that hasn’t been the case the last few years. Regardless, we need to retain him.

By FootballisAWreck

November 29, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this

Tony, I have heard from my sources that if Miles leaves LSU, then Tenuta would be considered for that job and that he is interested. He has apparently put out feelers on the Arkansas job, too. We may not have a choice in keeping him. However, I think you will see Tech make a run at Tuberville along with the Razorbacks. It would be a good commute for Coach T, he has done well at Auburn and could bring some of his recruits and staff. Go Jackets!

By tom kat

November 29, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

If Tenuta is not hired as HC at Tech, he is gone.

By 3volpaul

November 29, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Man, many Vol fans are jealous of Tech. To get to discuss your next head coach must be a trip. We still have big Phil, Vol’s answer to Ray Goff reincarnated! Man, that “what me worry” look concerned about OT causing him to miss Golden Corral’s last call. Yeah I know we’re at the Dome Saturday, but Lord how we got there. Might be a big pile of orange covered glasses outside the Dome about 7:30. Go Vols!

By Andy

November 29, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

FYI Tech fan. I’m a UW grad, season tix holder and I never liked Rick Neuheisel “Slick Rick” GOOD luck when you get him. Maybe the NFL knocked him out. But he’s an ex UCLA and they are going to be looking for a coach soon.

By gulfcoastjacket

November 29, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

GT has blinked. What are you waiting on? Ole Miss did the same thing when they hired Orgeron and look what it got them. They didn’t make the same mistake twice. What about Jeff Bower?

By shane

November 29, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

gtfanjeff,i meant no disrespect to coach t.i simply prefer cwm,and i get tired of some of the hate directed his way by some uga fans.uga played some high powered os this year and gave up some points,but very few of these points were in the second half.to me that shows a coach made some good adjustments.you can see by reading my bogs that i seldom attack coaches or second guess their decisions,because,and you heard it here first,i don’t know enough!you and i have a difference of opinion,but wouldn’t it be a dull world if everyone agreed on everything?

By v

November 29, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Currently, defensive football players come to GT to play for John Tenuta! There has been very little reason for a good offensive player to come here, other than education!! Get someone who knows recruiting in the SouthEast and has an explosive offense like Friedgen!! The Dream team would be to keep the existing defensive staff and special teams and let the new offensive coordinator pick his own staff!! Head coach = Tenuta Offensive Coord = Hatcher (Ga So.) Def.Coord = Giff Smith‏ Spec.Teams = Kelly

By #1TECHFAN

November 29, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

“Steve Spurrier spotted on Duke’s campus.”

It would be kinda cool to spot him on GT’s sideline. He can definately recruit and loves to beat UGAg.

By trout

November 29, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Spurrier spotted on Duke’s campus….Please…he’s there to return the keys to the field house that he stole when he bolted for Florida. Paul Johnson may end up at Duke. If he can win at Navy, he can win at Duke provided they committ more resources than Coach K’s pep talks.

If Tenuta was going to be the hire, it would have been announced immediately. D Rad is taking too long and appears his mind is on someone else w/ the intent to keep Tenuta on board. He is throwing him a bone by letting him coach the bowl game. But if Tenuta is smart, he’d make some calls and be on Butch Davis’ team at UNC where he came from. Now THAT would be scary.

By designhawg

December 1, 2007 5:36 AM | Link to this

Mr. Barnhart,

Maybe you missed the last 10 years of the up-and-down roller coaster that was Houston Dale Nutt. To have the audacity to boil his resignation down to Mitch Mustain leaving for USC makes me question if you are really deserving of the ‘Mr. College Football’ moniker.