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DEL.ICIO.USGeorgia Tech can win the ACC Coastal
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Five things we learned over the weekend:
1. Georgia Tech can win the ACC Coastal: As our Mark Bradley wrote on Sunday, there were a lot of things, tangible and intangible, that went into the Yellow Jackets’ 19-16 win at Boston College. But more than anything, the victory was a testament to the ability of Paul Johnson and the Georgia Tech coaching staff to get their guys in a mindset to keep playing and keep pushing for the entire 60 minutes of the game. People forget how long a college football game really is and a lot of times the biggest challenge is to forget mistakes and just keep playing hard and believing that good things are going to eventually happen. Georgia Tech did that and did what well-coached teams do: They made their own breaks when the game was on the line.
So let’s look at the landscape of the ACC Coastal: Virginia Tech struggled for the second consecutive week before finally putting away Furman 24-7. Miami is better on defense but does not have many playmakers on offense. North Carolina struggled with McNeese State. Virginia got its doors blown off by Southern Cal and led Division I-AA Richmond by only 3-0 midway through the fourth quarter before winning 16-0. Duke is going to be better but still doesn’t have the athletes it needs to win more than just a few games.
If Tech can win at Virginia Tech this week, the Jackets will be 2-0 in the ACC with both wins coming on the road. Put another way, Tech will have four of its final six conference games at home. That’s huge.
2. Georgia needs to find a pass rush: When you’re No. 2 in the nation and thinking SEC championship, it is necessary to nitpick and find whatever weaknesses you still have and address them before the conference season starts.
Georgia was impressive in the 56-17 win over Central Michigan but after the game it was clear that the Bulldogs still need somebody to step up and assume the David Pollock—Quentin Moses—Charles Johnson—Marcus Howard role as the overwhelming pass rusher off the edge.
The Bulldogs had only one quarterback sack (that coming from linebacker Rennie Curran) against Central Michigan but there may be a couple of opportunities coming up. South Carolina’s offensive line continues to be a mess with poor protection and a lot of false starts. Arizona State gave up 55 sacks a year ago. If Georgia can pressure the quarterback the Bulldogs will win both games.
3. Florida needs to find a running back not named Tebow: Florida has more guys who can run fast and make plays than any team in the country. The Gators had enough to beat Miami 26-3 Saturday night because the Hurricanes don’t have any playmakers other than QB Robert Marve.
But sooner or later Florida is going to have to run the ball between the tackles in order to hold on to the lead against a quality SEC opponent. Florida needs a big, durable back in the Erict Rhett mold who can pound on defenses and wear them down. Emmanuel Moody, the transfer from Southern Cal, was supposed to fill that role but he has somehow found his way into Urban Meyer’s doghouse.
Florida appears to have improved on defense so this, in MHO, is the Gators’ most glaring weakness as they head to Tennessee on Sept. 20 after being off this week.
4. East Carolina is not a Cinderella: I thought East Carolina’s best hope of beating West Virginia on Saturday was to control the football on offense, kind of hang close and find a way to steal the game in the fourth quarter. East Carolina had a better idea. The Pirates simply lined up and kicked the Mountaineers’ butt from the opening whistle to the final horn.
This is a good football team with a great quarterback (Patrick Pinkney) and a very good defense that has now beaten the defending champions in both the ACC (Virginia Tech) and Big East.
East Carolina, now ranked No. 14, is capable of winning every game it plays this season. And if the Pirates go 13-0 and win the Conference USA championship, they will have beaten four BCS teams (Virginia Tech, West Virginia, N.C. State, Virginia) in their non-conference schedule. None of the other leading potential BCS party crashers (Fresno State, Utah, BYU) can make that claim.
5. Ole Miss is going to beat some people: The Rebels got a very tough pass interference call (Coach Houston Nutt would probably use another word) that put the best place-kicker in college football (Wake Forest’s Sam Swank) in position to kick a 41-yard field goal to beat the Rebels 30-28. It was a heartbreaking loss for Ole Miss, but when I talked to Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe on Sunday, he predicted that good things are ahead for the Rebels.
“I know that there are some great teams on that side of the SEC, but I’m telling you that Ole Miss is going to beat some people before this season is over,” Grobe said. “That was a really good football team we beat and we were fortunate to win.”
Ole Miss found out this weekend that QB Jevan Snead is the real deal. He led the Rebels down the field and had apparently won the game with a five-yard touchdown pass with 1:05 left.
“I was proud of the way Jevan played. He has become the leader on this team,” Nutt told me on Sunday. Ole Miss gets Samford and Vanderbilt at home in the next two games before going to Florida on Sept. 27.
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Comments
By #2 stinks
September 8, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this
Season starts this week!
By saint nick
September 8, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Ole Miss got screwed, the refs made an idiotic pass int. call!!! you cannot throw that flag for touching the receiver with you shoulder!!!!!! Ole Miss will win 7 this year.
By Mr. Magoo
September 8, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Do not forget that the only reason Ole Miss scored the go ahead touchdown was because the SEC REFS call pass int. on Wake on a ball that was clearly UNCATCHABLE!!!!
By RAMBLE ON!!!
September 8, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Paul Johnson is da man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VT is going down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By m
September 8, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
The reason Tech won the game is simple…coaching. Something Tech has not had for 6 long years. Thank God and Greyhound that Gailey is gone forever. Also, did you notice that Wake beat ole miss AGAIN??? I guess that shows how weak the sec really is?!?!?!?!
By T-Bone
September 8, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Go Jackets!!! Let’s kick some Hokie butt.
By Old GT Nut
September 8, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Wow. Thanks Tony. Thanks for that riveting assessment of the STONE-COLD OBVIOUS. Thanks for saying (AFTER THE OBVIOUS HAS BECOME OBVIOUS) what I have been telling fellow GT fans…FOR WEEKS.
All one had to do(which ESPN, CNNSI, AJC, Tony, etc. didnt bother to do) was just look at the team strengths & weaknesses throughout the ACC and see that GT had an excellent shot of winning the ACC-Coastal. ESPN, CNNSI, AJC, etc. have been dishing the Clemson-VT Kool-Aid since July. Disgusting.
I documneted on this board the solid reasons why the Coastal would come down to GT, UNC, and Miami. Now, after seeing UNC and Miami’s recent performances, it should be clear, the winner of the GT-Miami game on Nov 20th will probably decide the Coastal champ. Remember, I also said the Gator Bowl is a LOCK, with the ACC Title game as a distinct possibility.
Weeks ago, I said GT would go to BC and win close. And, I also stated UNEQUIVOCALLY that GT would go to Blacksburg and put a BEATDOWN on VT. Does anyone still doubt the GT is gonna crush VT??
To start with, there were really only 4 games that were THE key games: BC, Clemson, FSU, and Miami. 1 down, 3 to go. GT can beat Clemson. An improved FSU will be a tougher task. GT needs to win one of the two: Clemson or FSU. It will mean more if GT beats FSU, cause Miami also plays FSU. That would leave GT vs. Miami for Coastal title. I have also stated that the ACC title would come down to re-match between GT & Clemson or FSU. It certainly looks like its gonna be FSU.
Again, Thanks Tony, for the useless information, a hallmark of the AJC.
By ga_tech_92
September 8, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Go Jackets!
By RIP
September 8, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Robert Marve is not a playmaker. He is a media darling because of his story.
By lynninsavannah
September 8, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Can Brandon Southerland play defense We neeed someone or we arent going to stay no 2 very long
By lynninsavannah
September 8, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Can Brandon Southerland play defense We neeed someone or we arent going to stay no 2 very long
By lynninsavannah
September 8, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Can Brandon Southerland play defense We neeed someone or we arent going to stay no 2 very long
By lynninsavannah
September 8, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Can Brandon Southerland play defense We neeed someone or we arent going to stay no 2 very long
By Joshua Barlowe
September 8, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
The Ole Miss call was a make-good call for the one they gave to the Rebels in the previous drive that allowed them to score.
That one (given to Ole Miss) was much worse. Rewind and watch it again, Tony.
By must win
September 8, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Tech has to win this week in Blacksburg. If we can beat VT we have to be the favorites in the Coastal. We have everybody else in the division at home except UNC.
By WW
September 8, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Tony, Didn’t you cover the UF-UM game ? Is anybody gonna write about Gators trying to throw for TDs at end and then kicking FG, rather than just running out clock ? Judging by Coach Shannon’s terse and brief midfield meeting, he was less than pleased with Urban Meyer, who may be a smart young coach, but is obviously a jack*ss.
By Wreckmaniac
September 8, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Not to get too far off point, but did anyone see the homecooking that Notre Dame received this weekend ? San Diego State led 13-7 going into the 4th qtr and scored another TD which was reversed due a fumble. This was a bad call. The SDS ballcarrier had already crossed the goal. ND went on to win, of course.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
September 8, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Tony if I am not mistaken, CWM was on record as saying that the defense was playing pretty vanilla defense the first two games. UGA coaches know that if they play basic Cover 2 with a basic blitz packages they should win the first two games. Why show elaborate schemes prior to the meat of the schedule?
As “Mr. College Football” you should know this much.
GOOO DAWGS!!!
By cltgtfan
September 8, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Don’t get the cart in front of the horse. Yes, GT fought through to get a tough win, but BC gave us a lot in the process too. Better teams won’t do that. The offense was ugly for much of the game, but certainly showed that it only takes a handfull of plays to produce good results.
The kiss of death for this young team would be to start believing it had arrived somehow after 1 win over a rebuilding ACC program.
At stoic BC is one thing, at Blacksburg with a rocking stadium is quite another. What we have seen so far certainly gives hope, but it will take a lot more than 1 ACC win to get me to believe this will not be another 6-8 win season as the team transitions to the new coaching system.
Go Jackets keep proving yourselves!
By diamond Dawg
September 8, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
m,
Ole Miss has NEVER been to an SEC championship game. Wake is a powerhouse that contends for championships in the ACC. Stick to doing what you do best and bash your own team. You’re a poor excuse for a fan and I’m glad you’re on the other side.
By NY Jacket
September 8, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Tony,
I agree. Coach Johnson has done an incredible job with his young team. The new system is still not clicking at 100%. But, his team believes in it. And, more importantly they believe in themselves and that they “will win”.
The Tech team at BC was the best coached Tech team I have seen since 1990. It is the best conditioned team I have ever seen and I have been following Tech football for 51 years. And, I played for Dodd during some of those years. In the fourth quarter on a hot humid day the Tech team still had the “bounce” in their step just like the 1st quarter and BC was a step slow. And, that included the Tech defense even though they had been on the field much too long.
As this team learns how to really run Coach J’s offense, they will really put some numbers on the board.
As for the defense. John Tenuta who? The defense I saw against BC was much better than any JT put on the field. It was balanced yet still aggressive. There were blitzs but the D backs weren’t left out to dry on obvious passing situations.
As for the passing game, Tech can throw it.
I would hate to be a defensive coordinater getting ready to play this team.
By marcopolo
September 8, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
BC had the biggest/fastest defensive line in world…don’t forget how hot it was (very high humidity with cramping)…I’m encouraged but its still early…Go Gamecocks!
By murfdawg
September 8, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
WW, Thanks for noticing Urban Whiner’s act of class. But don’t be too hard on him, he is following in the footsteps of Florida’s greatest coach and savior…C** Spurrier. This is what Gaytors think class is. It will catch up to him one day, just like it has caught up to Spurrier.
By Gator Nation
September 8, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Weekend Thoughts
1) Florida did not look like a top 5 team this past weekend. Offense looked confused at times and the offensive line was generally getting whipped. Defense did well but Miami offense is second class.
2) Vandy and Ole Miss looking better than mediocre means more land mines for all SEC teams. I will be totally shocked if any of us (SEC Schools) go undefeated in conference play this season.
3) If Ohio State plays like they did this weekend then USC is almost a shoe-in for the title game.
4) East Carolina better enjoy skip holtz while they can.
By Miles
September 8, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
While Florida may need to find someone other than Tebow to run the ball, Ole Miss needs to learn how to tackle…they’re arguably the worst tackling team in college football..until they learn this fundamental aspect of football, they won’t be winning any games soon…
By Old Gold & Black Truth
September 8, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Thanks for setting the record straight, Mr. Magoo and Joshua Barlowe!!! Yes, my Deacs nearly got the big screw job on that HORRIBLE pass int. call on Ole Miss’ last go-ahead drive. That ball was not only uncatchable, it also got tipped at the line of scrimmage. As it turned out, Wake had to win the game twice… and we did it in style.
Tony, you do good work, but for the (rightful) call against Ole Miss to be the first thing you reference is pretty awful. It appears Mr. College Football takes too many fishing trips with the the good ol’ boy SEC coaches to give a balanced account of what happened.
By BOB
September 8, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Hey GT NUT…
You goof ball. Quit embarrasing the Institution. We have a good thing going right now. We don’t need a UGA soundalike getting on here talking so negative about the AJC. When we start winning regularly like the boo-dawgs, the AJC will give us our do!
By Ramblin Wrecker
September 8, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
The best word I have to describe the new attitude with GT is…RESOLVE. Gailey’s teams would have quit after 3 turnovers and the defense having trouble getting off the field in the first half (despite holding BC from the endzone). Paul Johnson’s team is going to fight from the first whistle til the gun goes off. You don’t win games with the lack of grasp they have for the offense, without some serious guts. This team isn’t about stats or looking pretty. They’re about winning and doing all it takes to get there. I think even the defense is still learning, but they gutted it out too. I was frustrated in the first half at how long BC could keep picking up first downs. But the defense found a way to bend but not break and then turned up the heat in the second half.
I’m proud of these guys. I’m not going to get ahead of myself and start expecting a division title, but I’m encouraged and am excited about the rest of this season, and really excited about the next few years.
By BOB
September 8, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Hey GT NUT…
You goof ball. Quit embarrasing the Institution. We have a good thing going right now. We don’t need a UGA soundalike getting on here talking so negative about the AJC. When we start winning regularly like the boo-dawgs, the AJC will give us our do!
By PTC DAWG
September 8, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Thoughts…yes, GT COULD win the ACC Coastal. Are any of the teams in the ACC Coastal even ranked? Wouldn’t bother me to see that happen, it would look on UGA’s resume, a win over the ACC division champs, that is.
UF didn’t look good to me, time will tell, but they sure seem one dimensional.
Ole Miss/Wake….who cares?
UGA’s D will be just fine.
By athensdawg
September 8, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
To all the tech folks….right now, you have the best team in the acc. it is so much fun watching someone play good ole triple option football rather than this spread junk.
of course, someone who is about 70 is saying they grew up watching the single wing and the spread reminds them of that…it’s all relative.
i grew up watching uga, alabama, auburn, texas, oklahoma, etc just pound people in the face until they quit. to me, that is football….and it’s good to see that it’s making a comeback. i hope CPJ has success with it and then it will be “the new fad” running the ball, discipline, etc. things that college football needs…less showtime and more substance.
I am very afraid of what will happen when we play tech this year….they could ruin our season….as beat up as we will be after going through our bataan death march road trip in oct/november.
i am sure that will draw some ire from my fellow dogs, but so what? it’s the truth…..they are going to be ready for us, but will we be ready for them?
By jabster
September 8, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Gator Nation:
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT buy a used coach from East Carolina! Don’t do it!
Agreed that the SEC will beat each other up as usual and the teams in ATL first Saturday in Dec. will have at least one loss. Then the winner will get screwed by the BCS in favor of an undefeated team from a lighter conference (Big Ten/Pac 10).
Agreed with the earlier poster that if Tech wins in Blacksburg then the ACCC will come down to GT-Miami the week before COFH. Miami gave Florida a good game for 3 quarters. I’m more worried about the U than VT, Half @$$ U, or Clempsun.
Lastly, don’t count out Wake (vs. F$U or Auburn With A Lake) in the ACCA. They could run the table on their side as well. That Ole Miss game took a lot of grit.
Nevertheless, Tech needs to TCB this week before worrying about all that. As O’Leary said, we have 10 seasons left. One at a time.
GO JACKETS!
By David Pollock
September 8, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
LOL nice typo Tony.
At least I hope that was a typo…
By Micah
September 8, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
It’s interesting that so many media members write that Florida needs a running back to step up. I don’t think it matters because Urban Meyer doesn’t want a traditional running back. Since Chris Leak graduated and any signs of a conventional offense went with him, Meyer has complained about not having a good running back…despite all the Top 10 RBs he had on the roster. Mon Williams was recruited by everyone on the earth, but never plays for Meyers. Markus Manson was a great HS RB, but Meyers moved him into the secondary. He’s other super-talented recruits leave after a year. Emmanuel Moody STARTED AT SOUTHERN CAL ahead of all but one of the guys currently on their roster, but he suddenly isn’t good enough for Meyer.
Basically, Meyer is lying when he says he doesn’t have a good between the tackles guy. He’s in love with Tebow as a power running back and his scat backs (Harvin, Rainey and Jackson) to get to the outside. He’s setting himself up for failure by perpetuating this falsehood about no RBs being good enough to be an every down back.
By Spike
September 8, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Tech win the Coastal? We will see, but that isn’t much to brag about.
By SC Rules!!!
September 8, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Ole Miss was screwed that was a terrible call, WF is a new “fave” of the media/refs.
Clem, I’m glad to see y’all bounced back y’all have too much talent to NOT win!
‘Bama, don’t fret but now you know you’re not good enough to believe the hype; yet.
Shrub; bean sprout or no: HERE COMES THE PAIN!!!!!! #’s 10 & 58 are gonna knock your a*******es out!!!!!! Fight On!!!
By Huh?
September 8, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Who the heck is the sports editor that writes the caption “Tech narrowly holds on to win ACC opener” on the Tech page? Could you be any more slanted? Do you actually have a type of journalism degree? Tech came back and took that game from BC; they didn’t have to hold on to it. It was BC that couldn’t keep the lead and yet we are privaleged to be told that Tech was “narrowly holding on”? Do you really wonder why we Tech fans are so sick of the sports section of the AJC. Do I have to remind you that Tech was picked by everyone to LOSE that game? Sports Editor, whoever you are, you seriously disgust me!
Instead of posting this on your column, Tony, I’d love to sent it in person to whoever it is. I don’t suppose you can give me his/her name and email, could you?
By Elvis
September 8, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
tech will win their divison. This new staff will make sure the techies continue to pull an upset or two every year, the difference is that they will win all the ones they are supposed to.
The Dawgs need a pass rusher in the worst way. If the O-line of CMU can keep them at bay, that spells trouble in the big games. I thought the db’s looked a little slow and soft also. Strong against the run though.
fla will be fine. The miami D may be, not the best, but the fastest fla will see all year.
ECU is this years south fla. They are good but will lose a couple.
Ole Mrs is a solid 7 win team. Although, I would love it if UGA could play them this year instead of LSU or bama.
Hey Tony, dont you wish you could tell some of these boobs “BITE ME”! If you can’t stand TB…dont read it!!
By diamond Dawg
September 8, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Tech winning the Coastal is like being the hottest girl at Tech. Not much to brag about.
I think this is FSU’s year.
Tony, Tony, Tony, you fail to talk about the fact that the CMU QB was quick and did a great job of avoiding the rush. Not a lot of blitz packages thrown at them. We held a team that typically scores in the 30’s to 17, so I commend Coach Martinez on a successful game plan. We’ll find out this week if we’ve got problems on the line.
By FLA DAWG
September 8, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Congratulations to GT. If they’d had the same coach as last year they’d have lost. The Jackets have always played hard but often found a way to lose. This time they found the way to win.
I was disappointed in The Dawg’s pass rush until I guessed they were hiding their rush defense plays for more formidable teams. Let’s give C. Michigan credit though. Their line blocked man on man tough and gave their very good QB time to pass.
UF Fans are worried - and they should be. They’ll get better but by how much?
East Carolina proved they are for real - I agree Tony, they smash-mouthed WVa from start to finish. Congratualtions Pirates!
Ole Miss is everyone’s favorite if you’re a seasoned SEC Fan. I’d like to see them win a bunch of games this season but with UF, ALA, Auburn, LSU on their schedule, it will be tough. If they couldn’t beat Wake Forest then how will they beat these four monsters? Good Luck Ole Miss - I hope you beat ‘em all.
By gt win the division
September 8, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
its between gt and middle tennessee state
By fla. not looking like a top 5 team
September 8, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
agree with you somewhat, gator man, but they are a top five team because their depth can wear anyone in the country down except maybe georgia…ga/fla game will determine the sec’s representative in the nc game….on the original note though nobody needs to look like a top 5 team to beat the acc
By SlickWillie
September 8, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
diamonddog, sounds as though David Bowie put an X on your o ring.
By buzzer
September 8, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
To: Old GT Nut,
You can make your point without being a royal a-hole. Tony is a great writer and is very knowledgable about college football. Bob said it best: your rant sounded like something an obnoxious UGA fan would say.
So far, so good for Tech. If the Jackets can scratch out another one on the road this Saturday they very well could be 6-0 heading into Clemson. But remember, they play the games for a reason: there are no guarantees. Tech has to go out and execute every week and they have to take care of the ball. This offense can be very exciting, especially once everyone becomes more comfortable with it. BUT, it can also be very prone to turnovers. They must take care of the ball, especially against the better teams.
By Mikey in the SAV
September 8, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Thanks Lowcountry..
We did not want to put too much D on the film for SOS to study. We will see what happens Saturday.
Go Dawgs !
By GT
September 8, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Joshua Barlowe is right but for the same reason the SEC is a louder place to play on Saturday it is the same with bad calls. I loved how bad Nutt wanted the win. Totally two different styles of coaching out there and I am not saying one is better than the other. Jim Grobe pulls off the low key stuff because he is smarter that his opponent, Gailey tried it and it didn’t work because he was not as smart. Nutt has the better athletes and his job is to make them play like they are capable, Grobe job is to keep “David” calm while he is loading up his slingshot. As for Tech the concentration is superb. This style football keeps the players involved or they will get their bells rung every play. On defense the lineman are not drawing fire for the linebackers but actually making plays themselves which keeps their heads in the game too.
By Claugherty sucks
September 8, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Is it legal for a player covering a punt to push a player from the receiving team into the receiver signalling fair catch? Or is that interference?
By GatorGuy
September 8, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
I am amazed at the glasses that everyone has! Meyer has a team that about to start SEC play with a kicker that has never attempted a FG in college and a FG unit that has not made an attempt yet either this year. So he kicks a field goal and it classless? If Richt had done the same thing, it would have been good coaching.
Richt b*** about ESPN now showing a highlight? If Meyer had done that, oh boy!
Randy Shannon is miffed b/c some kicked a FG against him late? Please, grow a pair!
By OldGold
September 8, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
“UGA will win, Tech won’t” -You (last week) ??????????? What happened? Coach Paul Johnson and GT’s defense is what happened.. GO JACKETS and THWG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Spike
September 8, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Gator Guy.. Your premise is all wrong. Richt would never kick a late field goal like that. He never has before. But otherwise you are right. The “U” needs to suck it up. Remember when Schnellenberger did it to the Gators a few years back? The U dishes it out but can’t take it.
By Elvis
September 8, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Hey gator guy…
Who is calling the fg attempt classless? I thought it was smart. UGA attempted a 50+ fg for that exact reason against GSU. It gives the kicker, coach and team confidence for later in the year.
I think Richts’ comments about the highlight were tongue in cheek, at least I hope so.
Listen people, the run was exciting (I came up out of my seat yelling), but he did not score on it…it was in a blowout…it was against CMU. I, like most, cant do that but it is not a “Heisman Defining Moment”. The interception return by a D-Lineman had a WAY bigger impact on the game.
While I am at it…UGA fans have GOT to STOP whining about rankings. It is just awful to hear that in week 2. Give me a break already.
Go Dawgs
By GA Hokie
September 8, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
This year is a “rebuilding” year for a Hokie team that lost basically everyone besides Sean Glennon (can take him too if you would like..)
GT and VT should be a good game— but don’t expect to come and just dominate us in Blacksburg, because that just doesn’t happen.
If I were GT I wouldn’t be scared of VT this year, and as a VT fan I am def not scared of GT.
By DICK ESKEW
September 8, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
I AM DICK ESKEW!! I am Paul Johnson’s offensive genious behind the scenes. we will win out!!
By Mark
September 8, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Tony,
Not sure if you watched the whole Ole Miss-Wake game, but Ole Miss got an equally questionable pass interference call on their drive to take the lead in the last two minutes. It was a call that certainly shouldn’t have been made, and it happened on a third and 15. They don’t get that call, then they likely don’t get the TD to take the lead. It looks like it evened out in the end.
By murfdawg
September 8, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Tony, Will Penn Wagers and his crew be officiating in columbia this week? They usually get the CBS games. I’m more worried about them than I am about “the best defense in the SEC”.
By ugablows
September 8, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
“m, Stick to doing what you do best and bash your own team. You’re a poor excuse for a fan and I’m glad you’re on the other side.”
For the first time ever i can agree with a dawg on here- dead-on sir. m, your an embarrasment to everyone in white and gold. though your prolly just a posing ugay fan trying to make us look like idiots…and ticklepile guy too, go F yourself’s or each other
By GT01
September 8, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Gator Guy - I can understand kicking a FG to give your kicker real game practice. But please explain the multiple attempts of Tebow throwing the ball (into the endzone) when he could have ran out the clock and still kicked a FG. Meyer is classless and that’s why UGA danced on him.
Maybe I’m a little bitter because I had Miami +23.
By ArkyTech
September 8, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Geez. Ole Miss was helped by an even worse interference call on 3rd and long on their last TD drive.
By theedge
September 8, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
The number of games GT wins will depend on how many games the defense can keep them in until this offense starts clicking. Right now the O line is not doing very well. The quick penetration into the backfield does not allow Nesbitt the time to go through his reads. I am still waiting for the perfectly executed option play I haven’t seen it and coach hasn’t either unless it was in practice.
By Brian
September 8, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
m, drop the “thank God and Greyhound” line. It’s old and stupid.
By Mike the Tiger
September 8, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Meyer is, indeed, classless, and that is why the equally classless Richt sent his team on the field to dance and make fools of themselves. Richt has made his dogs the poster children of bad sportsmanship, and now he whines because he doesn’t receive top national coverage.
By VT = GT-lite
September 8, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Don’t expect to dominate VT cause that just doesn’t happen?? What a short memory GA Hokie has. Just a few years ago we went to VT and were leading 21-0 after 10 minutes. Did you conveniently erase that from your memory?
By John
September 8, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
I like the Greyhound line - I hadn’t heard it before. How true - glad the bus took his sorry a#& out of Atlanta!!!!!
By FLA DAWG
September 8, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
There is no doubt a bias exists against SEC Teams by ESPN and others. The Dawgs will obviously have to beat So. Carolina convincingly and then go out to Tempe and absolutely dismantle Arizona State.
When that happens (hopefully) their ranking cannot be disputed - even by USC Fans.
By BADDAWG
September 8, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
GT wins coastal division of the ACC? Who cares who wins the coastal division of the ACC? The ACC is rapidly becoming irrelvant in the college football world….looks like it could be GT and Wake in jacksonville in the “championship” game with a half filled stadium at best(what a joke). Winning the coastal in the ACC…..kinda like being choosen as the “prettiest hog in the pen!!!!!!!
By the "U" all the way
September 8, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Spike…Schnellenberger only ran the score up on UF only because they did it first, next time fully research the history of the UF-UM rivalry before you make insane statements
By jabster
September 8, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Spike:
Richt would never run up the score? What was the score of the Tech-UGA game in 2002? I thought the Bulldog Nation knew that one by heart.
Frankly, I don’t care about running up the score as long as everyone plays. It’s good experience for everyone, which leads us to…
Elvis:
Agreed on kicking the FG. That experience may prove invaluable later in the season (although I hope it’s a choke-job the Saturday after Thanksgiving).
GO JACKETS!
By drdawg
September 8, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Trust me, the idiotic ranting and raving from a few Georgia “faithful” on these AJC blogs do not represent the feelings of the majority of the dawg nation.
By secman
September 8, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
m, your comment that wake beat ole miss again and that the acc is somehow better than the sec is weak. ole miss is on the bottom of the sec and actually could have and should have won the game. apparently you missed the alabama/clemson game last week. no acc team could compete in the sec.
By Gator Nation
September 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
GatorGuy,
I agree with you about the late field goal against Miami. If we need a late field goal against Tennessee or anyone else, wouldn’t we want our brand new kicker to have had some real game experience?
Anyone who complains about 2nd teamers getting real game experience is a fool. Those guys practice all week just like first teamers. And when first teamers go down, they need to be ready to go.
By Old GT Nut
September 8, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
To fellow GT “believers”:
I’ll try and tone down the rhetoric…just a little.
I am fed up with all the “pundits” and fair-weather GT fans talking “glass half-empty” when it comes to GT.
ESPN-ACC blog rarely even mentions GT. CNNSI has GT going 1-7 in ACC play, and at THE very bottom of the ACC. And Mr. College Football has been glass half-empty on GT from the start, like the rest of the AJC staff.
Also, I am no VT-hater, but lets be serious, VT will be LUCKY to even score against GT on Satutrday.
Folks, the Gator Bowl(or Peach/CFA Bowl) IS A LOCK. ACC title game bid & Orange Bowl can not be ruled out. Doesnt that get you fired up??
After next Saturday, all you fence-sitting GT fans are come on this board and start posting with some real attitude, and you should.
This is gonna a season to remember. GT & CPJ will be THE STORY of the year in college football and CPJ will be crowned Coach of the Yar.
By jabster
September 8, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Somewhat off-topic but this is interesting in the current SEC vs. ACC discussion:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=frightful/080905
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=formidable/080905
Doesn’t address SEC vs. ACC in head-to-head (which we already know is a major problem for the ACC, this year and last), but it does say who is scheduling other BCS teams…and who isn’t.
By GT01
September 8, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Gator Guy - I can understand kicking a FG to give your kicker real game practice. But please explain the multiple attempts of Tebow throwing the ball (into the endzone) when he could have ran out the clock and still kicked a FG. Meyer is classless and that’s why UGA danced on him.
Maybe I’m a little bitter because I had Miami +23.
By TJ
September 8, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
ok, well, i must eat my words, G.T. came through with a Win against a terrible B.C. …. In order for you guys to win the Coastal, You still have to make it throuh Clemson, V.T., and FSU!!! If you guys win those 3, then I will say, that the UGA - G.T. game will probably be a close one, meaning UGA will only beat you by 14!!
By GT01
September 8, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Gator Guy - I can understand kicking a FG to give your kicker real game practice. But please explain the multiple attempts of Tebow throwing the ball (into the endzone) when he could have ran out the clock and still kicked a FG. Meyer is classless and that’s why UGA danced on him.
Maybe I’m a little bitter because I had Miami +23.
By NY Jacket
September 8, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
I’m sure that D. Rad. will swap Gardner-Web or Jax. State for a SEC team. Any volunteers?
By sayitaintso
September 8, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
DiamondDawg: “Ole Miss has NEVER been to an SEC Championship game”? Ole Miss has won 6 SEC Championships. BTW, if you are a MsState Dawg, that is 5 more than the Bullies have won.
By olemisscowboy
September 8, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Mr. Magoo, Josuha, Black & Gold…WRONG. The ball was quite catchable for us and the call in WF’s end zone was valid. The PI call on Marshay Green was NOT truly pass interfence; at most, it was incidental contact, which is entirely legal.
And what hardly anyone else seems to bring up is that the last play prior to the winning field goal SHOULD’VE been ruled as intentional grounding by Skinner, but WASN’T!
It was a great game, an instant classic, and frankly neither team deserved to lose. But as usual by SEC officials, our Rebs got the shaft.
By TheBlogger
September 8, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Since Wake beat Ole Miss, will the ajc have a headline in the sports section that says, “SEC should stick to basketball”???????
Wait a minute, they don’t play basketball well at all. Never mind.
By GatorGuy
September 8, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Spike - I was not comparing the FG and the highlight. Just pointing out that people tend to see things through red/black or orange/blue or garnet/gold glasses. The same exact act done by their coach is justified but by the other team, it is classless.
Elvis- Randy Shannon was miffed and pretty much every UM fan (all 350 of them) and the rest of the Gator Haters are calling it classless.
GT01 - The gator Offense was not playing very well all game long. Tebow and the rest of the offence needed reps. *Meyer is classless and that’s why UGA danced on him. *- That’s a new angle I have not heard on this one!
Another thought is that Miami’s last possession before the Gator field goal went like this: Marve pass, Marve sacked trying to pass, Marve sacked trying to pass, punt. Does not seem like they gave up trying to score on us.
By Hamp McWhorter
September 8, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Let’s see…up 20 with less than 2 minutes left, you leave your starters in and throw it twice, and the reason you kicked the field goal was to give your kicker some practice? There are only 2 explanations - either Meyer is a classless egomaniac who wants to run up the score, or Meyer is a classless egomaniac who wants to cover the spread. Personally, I think it is both. Anyone who thinks different about the spread being involved is quite naive.
By Atlanta Gator
September 8, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Tony & my AJC blogger friends——Please remember it’s only the second week of a fifteen-week Division I football season. Why is this relevant, you ask? Here’s why:
Apart from the hometown boosterism of the AJC, it is way, way, way too soon to predict signs of a newly revived and seriously competitive football program on North Avenue. After Tech beats any three of Clemson, Florida State, Miami and Virginia in the same season, then we can talk about a revival. Beating BC by a field goal is merely indicative of an intermittent heartbeat, not a new found lease on life. Johnson has some serious rebuilding to do; do not underestimate the multi-year task for which he has volunteered.
Really? Get back to me after UGA has played two SEC opponents (not a so-so Division II program and a mid-major MAC school). UGA is notorious for playing to the level of their competition. Let’s see how the Bulldogs’ defensive stats look after they’ve played USC, UT, AU and ‘Bama. I suspect they’ll find their pass rush for those games, and lose the lackadaisical third-string attitude.
Yup, probably so, but that’s not exactly newly revealed wisdom, either, is it? The first question is this: Was the ‘Cane defense really that motivated and playing beyond their current potential and level of experience against the evil Gators, or do the Gators really need some serious fine-tuning of their so-called offensive “machine?” We’ll have a much better idea after Florida plays Tennessee, Ole Miss and Arkansas. Second question: Has the Gator defense really improved that much, or does the Hurricane offense really stink? We’ll know more about the ‘Canes in a few weeks, too.
Having beaten two perennial top-25 teams in the last 2 weeks, I suspect East Carolina IS for real, but time will tell. South Florida was “for real” last season, too, but they could not sustain their top-10 ranking and undefeated winning streak in the face of newfound success and inexperience. We’ll see if the Pirates can handle the limelight any better than the Bulls did.
The season is still very young, but I hope the Rebels do earn a serious upset or two this year. It’s good for Ole Miss, and good for the conference——the SEC has become the no-patsy conference (just ask the Evil Genius). I just hope the Rebs don’t pick the Gators for their “statement” game.
Bonus Observation: Is it too early to write off the 2008 ACC season? I hope it is, but early season out-of-conference upsets by Alabama over Clemson and East Carolina over Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest’s come-from-behind victory over Mississippi State do not bode well for the ACC. It may take a coaching change in Tallahassee and another top-5 recruiting class in Coral Gables to restore the ACC to national competitiveness. Clemson, VT and Wake are not like to restore the ACC’s BCS dreams without the revitalization of the ‘Canes and ‘Noles.
Good luck to all of your squads this weekend. May the best teams win. (They usually do.) : )
By PTC DAWG
September 8, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
How about this Gator, we’ll get back to you after the game in Jax….
Meyer needs all the practice he can get. Unless FU gets better, they’ll be lucky to not lose 4 games again, just like in 07.
By Atlanta Gator
September 8, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Gator Guy, Gator Nation, et al——Regarding the poor sportsmanship allegations of several of the AJC Gator haters, here are several thoughts … .
First, one does not control a game on defense; one controls a game by moving the ball down the field. Old saw: a “prevent” defense only prevents victory.
Two, last time I checked, 23-3 is a margin of only three scores … not quite absolutely out of reach in the final 3 minutes of a game. I’ve seen a 21-point turnaround in three minutes, so no apologies needed. Four scores? Game over.
By GT76
September 8, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
I really don’t have a problem with any team continuing to play 100% when they have a big lead. I don’t think Meyer was “running up the score”. There is a fine line between that and teaching your team to be soft. You can rarely afford to play soft and be a contender down the road. They are all “kids” and if you don’t expect 100%, full bore all the time, they will let up when they least can afford it.
By Atlanta Gator
September 8, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
PTC DAWG——Works for me, my canine friend. I’m not going to think any less or any more of your alma mater based on who wins in Jacksonville. : P
By mario
September 8, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Sorry, Georgia Tech has proven anything yet. You still have to beat Wake Forest,Virginia Tech and Miami until then GT hasnt shown anything
By the dude
September 8, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
The Hokies aren’t out of it yet. They did the same thing last year (started slow, had to get Taylor into the game to salvage the season). Ga Tech appears the better team right now. But Va Tech is still a well coached team (at least defensively). And will play MUCH better than they are right now. They know as much as anyone the Coastal is up for grabs (hence the redshirt removal for Taylor, a 5 start stud).
By GT01
September 8, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
I have to disagree with the comment about teaching the kids to play the game out 100%. Could they have not done that by running the ball? Don’t you think the better lesson would be learning to burn clock for when they hit the meat of their SEC schedule and probobly will need to do that to win a game or two? You guys can come up with excuses for that a* of a coach, but there is no excuse for letting your 1st string QB zip passes into the endzone with around a minute to play. I wish Thug U would have taken his knees out.
By Erik
September 8, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Old GT Nut :
You’ve beaten a IAA team and a rebuilding BC and you’re saying the Gator Bowl is a LOCK? Man, you guys have a long, long way to go.
Could GT get there and even win the ACC? Sure they could. I’ve been impressed so far. But GT could also go 5-7.
I admire the confidence. I’m a UGA fan and I HOPE we go far, but I’d be hesitant to call anything a LOCK.
By MICK
September 8, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
The better team lost in Winston Salem… The “bad call” that allowed Ole Miss to score was legal… The TV guys even said that… Wasn’t a tipped ball… Wake is lucky.
By GOTECH610
September 8, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Ha Hokie fan, a five star stud, with a 1/2 star cast. It takes more than one guy.
VT better come up with something more than a running QB. Don’t forget Tech has practiced with a QB probably just as good, if not better than Taylor, all Spring and Summer. They know how to stop it. Plus, he only 112 yards against Furman, cut that into a 1/3 against Tech’s defense.
Plus without Ore, you Hokies are suffering. The only RB you have IS Taylor…
A couple of names for Taylor: Johnson, Walker, and Work-Daniels… He will know them really well on Saturday.
Keep up the improvements Tech, just hold on to the ball and we should be 6-0 going into Clemson! Great work Defense, you guys outplayed “the best D-line in the ACC and 7th in the country”; Shows where we stand!!!!
THWG! and THWVT! GOOOO TECH!!!!!
By Anonyous Dawg
September 8, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
GT01, “I wish Thug U would have taken his knees out?” WTF??? Sounds like there are a few “thugs” at the old North Avenue Trade School, too. Nice to see you’ve learned some new social graces and acquired an improved sense of sportsmanship from your new ACC stable mate, UM.
By GA Hokie
September 8, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
nownow VT = GT-lite lets not get p** and start making things up…
Yes you did come to our house 2 years ago and WIN, you did not dominate— you were not up 21 nothing in the first 10 minutes. Yes you were up 21 nothing with 4 minutes left in the first, but if I (and the espn.com stats) recall correctly you did not win that game by more than 2 touchdowns— so no you did not dominate us.
Funny though, I do remember coming to Atl last year and wearing GT jerseys and putting a 24 pt beating on the Jackets.
Like I said— it will be a good game, but you will not dominate us (even if you can manage to win the game).
Either way, have fun being delusional— win an ACC championship (not hard to do, we’ve won 1/2 of them since we’ve been in the league) and we’ll talk
By Colonel Rebel
September 8, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Old Gold and Black Douche, are you trying to tell me that tackling a guy in the end zone is worse than not even touching a receiver? You are out of your mind, I guess that you and Barlow missed the Personal Foul penalty when the guy from Wake hit Jevan in the face intentionally on the same play too uh?!?!? Ole Miss got screwed, but we are still better than we were with the Ragin Cajun. We will go to a bowl this year, and showed we were the better team Saturday, just too many turnovers.
* WAKE AND THE ACC SUCK!*
By GT01
September 8, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
I have to disagree with the comment about teaching the kids to play the game out 100%. Could they have not done that by running the ball? Don’t you think the better lesson would be learning to burn clock for when they hit the meat of their SEC schedule and probobly will need to do that to win a game or two? You guys can come up with excuses for that a* of a coach, but there is no excuse for letting your 1st string QB zip passes into the endzone with around a minute to play. I wish Thug U would have taken his knees out.
By GT01
September 8, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
I have to disagree with the comment about teaching the kids to play the game out 100%. Could they have not done that by running the ball? Don’t you think the better lesson would be learning to burn clock for when they hit the meat of their SEC schedule and probobly will need to do that to win a game or two? You guys can come up with excuses for that a* of a coach, but there is no excuse for letting your 1st string QB zip passes into the endzone with around a minute to play. I wish Thug U would have taken his knees out.
By Anonymous Dawg
September 8, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Signs that the apocalypse is upon us:
Vanderbilt is atop the SEC East standings.
Ole Miss fans are talking smack on the AJC football blogs.
The Titanic just pulled into New York harbor.
By Bob
September 8, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
So much for all that speed and all those “weapons” that Florida supposedly has. I swear if I hear one more word about that out of the media my damn head will explode. Tebow accounted for 90% of their offensive production against Miami. Absolutely laughable. Look for the Tim Tebow show coming to a town near you. Rainey, Harvin, James, and company are not SEC football players. They aren’t even ACC football players based on this past weekend. These guys will not win you championships. You can count on it. Florida is nothing but a product of media hype until proven otherwise.
By P Dawg
September 8, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
I’ll have to say it is kind of cute listening to these gt fans that think they’re going to go all the way this year. To all of you gt fans that respect everyone else, this is not meant for you—the rest of you can get ready for at least 4 beatdowns this year after mid-season and that tired old offensive system is relearned how to defend after great coaches go to the archives to watch old Oklahoma wishbone BS schemes and smash it down your throats! Get ready for huge letdowns and broken hearts later in the year.
By The Truth
September 8, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Hey Private Rebel,
not even touching a receiver?
$1000 says your lb grabbed Adams on the neck on the play in question, on the 19 yard line, while the ball was in the air. That is pass interference. Care to wager? Post your email and we’ll settle this. Get your bank account routing numbers ready.
By The Truth
September 8, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
oh, and private,
You’re now 0-2 against WF all-time. Sucks…for YOU! C’mon, squirt a few more tears for us.
By George
September 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
If you’re going to bring up the questionable PI penalty against Miss, you need to mention the same questionable call against Wake that extended Ole Miss’s go ahead TD drive.
By Old Gold
September 8, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Olemisscowboy and Mick:
Your coach and QB are good. Your eyesight is not.
If it wasn’t tipped, why did the ball land 8 yards from its intended receiver (see remark above about your QB).
P.S. Colonel Rebel, way to go classin’ up the dialogue!
By Atlanta Gator
September 8, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
For the record, the Gators had possession of the ball from 7:33 to 4:03 left in the 4th quarter, and again from 1:56 to 0:48. The Gators’ final three plays were a 9-yard pass by Tebow, an incomplete pass, a 4-yard loss by Moore, followed by a 29-yard field goal. Good grief, people, it wasn’t like they chucked it to the end zone on 4th down with 48 seconds left.
I admire Coach Shannon for the new sense of discipline, dignity and integrity that he has brought to the Hurricane football program, all of which have been sadly lacking since the Schnellenberger days. As a former ‘Cane player from the Glory Years, Shannon doesn’t like to lose, least of all to the Gators, but he needs to save his anger and indignation for his players’ on-the-field brawls and off-the-field shootings. Kicking a three-pointer at the end of a 20-point game is not “running up the score,” for Pete’s sake.
By Alabama Jack
September 8, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
the only thing wrong with UGA is their dumba$$ fans.
By dda0002
September 8, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
I’m an OM fan who went to Winston-Salem this weekend. I haven’t had a chance to watch the replay yet other than about 5 minutes yesterday at the hotel.
Listening to Grobe in the post game show, he said the ball wasn’t tipped and that the pass int wouldn’t have been called if their db had turned towards the qb at any point while the ball was in route instead of facing the qb the whole time. The same could be said for the pass int against us.
We lost the game by gifting Wake a few easy opportunities that they converted. First, the muffed punt during the first q that led directly to Wake’s first td 2 plays later. Second, the roughing the kicker doesn’t show up as a turnover on the stat sheet, but certainly should. Later, Bolden muffs a kickoff that (I think) led to a 3 and out and a short field for Wake. Wake helped us with a muffed punt as well, but without our ST mistakes, Wake is playing from behind for alot of the game.
OM needs to get its OL and running game sorted and quickly. We have been completely unable to run the ball up the middle so far. The OL was supposed to be a strength this year with being top 10 in the country in returning # of starts, but they look soft and unimpressive.
Snead is the real deal, but without help from the interior running game, we will soon be facing nickel packages almost every play. Fortunately, we get a breather this week with Samford before a tricky Vandy game at home and Florida in the swamp.
6 wins would be great. SC is looking more and more winnable through 2 weeks and Vandy, while they push us every game, should be a win at home. Add La-Monroe and Samford and that’s 5 wins. Arkansas on the road will be a trap game, even with as bad as they are and we would need one more win out of Alabama (won once ever in Tuscaloosa), Auburn (going to kill us), State (probably should win, but the silver walrus seems to come up big in big games), and LSU (where we always play well in Baton Rouge).
With alot of luck, we could win 8-9, but I see 5-6 being more likely with a possibility of as little as 3-4.
By 6 things we learned
September 8, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
The sixth thing we learned: Alabama, after scoring only ONE offensive touchdown against TULANE is not that good…Clemson is just that BAD. Someone please tell me why they are ranked so high?????
By War Eagle
September 8, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Hey Tony, you didt mention Bama had only 173 yards total offense doubled by Tulane, also Bama 23 min compared to 37 Tulane possession time? If Bama had maul them as predicted, it would have been your cover story and Tech would be on waiting list..Dont forget USC, Ohio State, ND and Bama vs Western Kentucky another tough game for the Red Elephants. Auburn is still in the SEC and plays Miss State…
By The Truth
September 8, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
dda - Grobe did not say the ball wasn’t tipped, only that the staff argued that it was tipped, and when that argument failed, they then argued (correctly) that the ball was uncatchable.
On that 3 & out following the muffed kickoff - IMHO, Nutt out-thought himself; who do you want throwing the ball from own 18, your qb or a wr who has already thrown a bad, wobbly interception?
Good luck the rest of the way.
By Dude
September 8, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I guess if Georgia does really well this year they could be rewarded like last year. Instead of playing Hawaii this season we can play East Carolina.
By Old GT Nut
September 8, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
GA Hokie:
Not a VT-hater here, but hey, its over. VT’s done for 2008. VT cant lose starting RB, all 5 starting WRs, and almost entire 2007 defense and expect be the same team. Sorry.
2006: GT vs. VT: 38-13 at end of 3rd Qtr before GT pulled the 1st string starters. Try the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=262730259
In 2008, VT & GT are not the same teams from 2007. VT is much weaker in almost every aspect. GT is much stronger in almost every aspect. 2007, GT RB Choice did not play in that game due to injuries. GT was stuck with no run game, relied on pass offense that was awful and pass defense that was even worse. Thats not gonna be the case on Saturday. In fact, VT may not even score til 4th Qtr, when GT starters are sitting.
Glennon and Taylor are both gonna be wearing GT uni’s again this year alright. Here are the numbers: 93, 95, 91, 99: GT’s front 4.
By jabster
September 8, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Would all you folks who are saying we haven’t beaten Wake yet please check our sked? If we play Wake this year, it will be in TAMPA. Without Chan.
GO JACKETS!
By Pete Rose
September 8, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
All I have to say is when you are up by 20 with 2 minutes left you don’t throw the ball multiple times and kick a field goal on forth down and 40 secs in the game.
The only time the clock stops with the new rules is in the last two minutes of the 4th quarter with an out of bounds or incomplete pass. Why would you pass? Run the ball!
If I were a betting man I would say that Urban or some high ranking alum had money on that game. 3 to push or 6 to cover…. cost me 100K
By olemisscowboy
September 8, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Old Gold, my vision is 20/20 or better. I would ask you however to take off your black-rimmed, gold-tinted glasses.
Grobe himself mentioned that had your players turned their heads, the pass interference call wouldn’t have happened.
Our DB, Green, had his head turned towards the ball the entire time, trying to play it. At worst there was incidental contact, which last I recall reading is legal in the rulebook.
Still no one is addressing the no-call on the intentional grounding by Skinner one play before the FG. He was NOT out of the pocket when he threw that ball out of bounds.
By ckj
September 8, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Urban Meyer has a DAWGhouse??
By The Truth
September 8, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Our DB, Green, had his head turned towards the ball the entire time, trying to play it. At worst there was incidental contact, which last I recall reading is legal in the rulebook.
$1000 says I can prove otherwise - i.e., phots of Green staring at Adams with his hands on him. Care to bet?
By ga hokie
September 8, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Old GT Nut—
Did I ever say that we were going to win this year? I realize this is an extreme down year after graduating 7 1st and 2nd round draft picks, and then on top of that losing our #1 wide receiver and #1 RB to injuries/knuckle headedness.
I am not an ignorant fans by any means. If you follow anything I usually say on these blogs, I am quick to call someone out on being a HOMER, and I am usually pretty fair.
With that said, before GT can claim that you will come to Blacksburg, and dominate VT, look at the facts. VT has one of the best home records in the nation, is consistently rated THE toughest place to play in the nation. While our team might not be as dominate this year as we have been in the past, don’t think you are going to come work us.
Yes we lost to ECU, but so did WVU, a strong team. GT has to prove something before they can start talking smack to the defending ACC champions— sorry thats just how it goes.
I don’t think anyone should FEAR the Hokies this year— but if you ever overlook that talent pool, you are stupid and are going to wind up losing the game. I myself am both a VT and GSU alumni, so I love the GT rivalry, especially now with Paul Johnson coaching GT.
GT fans come to this blog and kill UGA fans all the time for appointing themselves national champs (go dawgs!) before they have proven something… don’t call the kettle black.
By Leebo
September 8, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
The Ramblin’ Yeck beats JAX State and a rebuilding BC team and all of a sudden you’re screaming “Beatdown in Blacksburg”. You ever been to a game in Blacksburg? Arguably the best home field advantage in the South. Beat somebody with substance, Techies, before you start crowing yourselves division champs. Oh, by the way, we’ll make it EIGHT in a row this year.
By bamafan
September 8, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
To War Eagle, Bama’s offense played terrible against the green wave saturday night!! Bama had 2 lineman that did not play and it showed! I was excepting a blowout and got a p** poor effort from the offense. The defense played ok and the special teams won the game for Bama. Bama had better get the offense line going or its going to be a long season!! ROLL TIDE BUDDY!!
By GTJohn
September 8, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
Look, I love the jackets - had season tickets for 26 years, but this team will NOT win the ACC Coastal. That win was terrible and they looked really pathetic but that is to be expected with a new coach, new schema, new players. Tech needs a FG kicker if they expect to win. Not scoring in the Red Zone is not an option.
One more year and they will be a contender.
By SC Rules!!!
September 8, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
FLADAWG,
I for one have never complained about UGA being #1 as the season began, even think they should still be there. They have won and until they lose they should be #1. Besides we only need to be #1 once, Jan ‘09!!! See y’all in Miami!! Fight On!!
Urban sprawl,
What’s up with EMOO??? Why isn’t he gettin’ the love you showered on him so he’d jump ship and come swim in the cess pool I mean swamp! Funny how he could start in front of 7 other HS All American TB’s at Southern Cal but finds himself pickin’ splinters at your place. Let me guess lizard fanZ: y’all are gonna tell me just how much tougher it is in the SEC. Well save your time as I wouldn’t want to hear your sisters crying about how y’all jumped off ‘em to run and type away at little ‘ole me! Lizerd fan, watch Saturday with a sharp eye as that will be y’all if you’re lucky to be in Miami!!! Fight On!!
By SC Rules!!!
September 8, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
bamafan & war eagle,
‘Bama will be fine once they settle down and get the O-line to get it together. The D will need to keep things close ‘till the youngsters get their feet wet. #8 is gonna be a serious Hoss for y’all!
war eagle,
the O looked much better last weekend especially the passing game. I still think though that the “spread-O” is gonna come back to bite y’all. Reason being at some point your D is gonna fall over dead from playin’ 45 min’s a game with little to no rest.
Take care my friends and here’s lookin’ forward to my next business trip the great state of Alabama!!!! Fight On!!
By mark
September 8, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Tech and Georgia have beat no one yet keep that in mind..
By #2 stinks
September 8, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
dogs telling others to play a real team…how funny is that?
By son_sir
September 8, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
Mark, I’ll have to say that Tech did beat someone. Yes, BC is rebuilding, but I’d venture to say they would put a beatdown on Cent. Michigan. Their DL can play with anybody……..
I will agree it’s too early to start predicting championship’s of any sort for either. If Tech can pull one out in Blacksburg, they are well on their way for the following weeks. If UGA beats USC, it’s expected, and then it’s time to jump into the fire pit that is your schedule… As for Richt complaining that Moreno’s leap wasn’t on ESPN…it was a great athletic play that will make great PC wallpapers for Dawg fans for years to come. It was not, however, a signature moment (i.e. Herschel plowing over Bill Bates to win the game or Lindsey Scott’s catch and run). This was in a 56-17 game. Who knows ? Maybe he’ll have one of those. This wasn’t it though. Not to diminish it, but it didn’t matter in the final outcome. Besides, Michael Johnson got much more hangtime than that, tipping an INT for GT Saturday. I didn’t see that on ESPN’s highlights either.
By gtforever
September 8, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
I will be the first to jump up and down if GT wins the coastal, but come on guys…… This teams offense has a LONG way to go…… Maybe next year.
BC exposed the offense several times with great penetration that all but snuffed out the option, so lets not get to excited about barely beating a very average BC team. If CPJ can recruit then we will see in the next couple of years.
It should be a very exciting time on the FLATS….
Go Jackets…… THWG!
By son_sir
September 8, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
gtforever…In general, I agree with you. BC did stuff the middle and disrupt the option, then BOOM, Dwyer takes a pitch on a speed option, a good block on the corner…..add 6. Some people can’t get over the mindset that this is always a ‘tween the tackles’ offense. They will in time. Having a scrambling athletic QB doesn’t hurt either. I’m optimistic even while the learning curve is still in full force. I agree with most….the ACC is real weak. I don’t know if any of the rest are much better than BC. We’ll see.
By Mark
September 8, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Who has the longest winning streak in D-1?
By spike
September 8, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Jabster.. Do you know antything about football? Richt did not run the score up on your sorry a$$ tean. He had subs in, ran the ball and Tech simply could not stop UGA that night. What is he supposed to do? Put the cheerleaders in so you don’t get your little feelings hurt? Face it, your team really sucked that night even by Tech standards.
By War Eagle
September 8, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
bamafan, maybe just a let down game for Bama, but was really surprised their offense didnt ramble with that guy Ingram(horse). SEC rules, Auburn is still sloppy on offense. We are a young team, starting more soph. than Srs..We got our hands full next three weeks, Miss State, LSU and Tenn, hope to win two of them….Bama-UGA game will feature two unbeaten teams with Bama getting all the press from ESPN, UGA should win,never know in SEC???
By shane #1
September 8, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
1- Can Tech win Their division? Hell yes! Tech could win the ACC. The way that conference is shaping up this year I give nine teams a shot. I am not ruling out any team, except Duke, Va, and NC St! 2- UGA does need a better pass rush and They will find it, They just need the next rush end to step up. I just hope They find it soon. I notice Chandler is being held in to block more. Is that due to Southerland being out and the young O line? Maybe CWM will have to blitz more to help the new guys on D. I did notice that CMU’s QB didn’t run much for a guy that had over a thousand yds rushing last year. Could Coach Willie have told His D linemen to stay home and shut plug the gaps? Maybe the reason He didn’t run was that there was nowhere to go! Whatever CWM’s plan was, it worked. 3- The Gators will run Tebow into the ground before the WLOCP, unless They make some changes. I don’t understand why Meyer doesn’t get those RBs some reps before He hits the SEC. Think running against the U is tough? Try LSU! 4- I honestly thought WVa had a shot at the title game this year and that Pat White had a shot at the Heisman.Did Dick Rod make that big a difference? Hell, this Team beat OU in a bowl! 5- I am not suprised that Ole Miss made a good showing. They have some good guys and Their QB looks like He knows what he is doing. Give Grobe Their athletes and He will win the ACC! Give Him Tommy Bowden’s and He would probably finish the season undefeated. Why Grobe doesn’t get more credit for what he does with the players He has is beyond Me.
By War Eagle
September 8, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
shane#1 Auburn came in your backyard and got Tyler Knight TE. I think he is a non-qualifer, but potential? He is 6-5 250, nice size, but CAN HE PLAY?. Hope all is well with you, UGA looks good, Auburn very young, but will win some games..I like bamafan and secrules, but bama is bama, I hope UGA knocks them from unbeaten.. Their offense is weak except for that true freshman(Ingram)…Good luck against cocks
By Go Jackets #1
September 8, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
ga hokie, You just had to get that “go dawgs” in your blog now didn’t you? You don’t know who you are a fan of. You are a hokie fan, a bulldog fan, and an eagles fan. Just out of curiosity, who were you pulling for when your beloved hokies/dawgs were playing your beloved dawgs/hokies in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl? Go blog somewhere else you “hokie”…I mean “dawg”! Here’s a prediction for you…..Georgia Tech - 27; Virginia Tech - 17
By jabster
September 8, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
Spike wrote:
Jabster.. Do you know antything about football? Richt did not run the score up on your sorry a$$ tean. He had subs in, ran the ball and Tech simply could not stop UGA that night. What is he supposed to do? Put the cheerleaders in so you don’t get your little feelings hurt? Face it, your team really sucked that night even by Tech standards.
Did you even read my entire post? Try this link if you need help: http://www.rif.org/
As I said above, I don’t think any team should apologize for running up the score, as long as everyone plays except the waterboy, but it is what it is and if you say Richt’s never done it, well, I’d like fries with that whopper.
By shane #1
September 9, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this
War Eagle, I don’t know much about the young man, I think He is being looked at for an O lineman. I would say that He is probably a project and that a year or two in the JC ranks would be good for Him. He could gain weight and get his academics in order. If He puts in the work that a stint in the JC ranks requires, or as a red shirt, He should make a good man for Ya’ll. One of Our guys played a heck of a game Saturday for the ‘Noles, Richardson, Their back up QB. He ran for two tds and threw for one. One run was for 52 yds. I think Jimbo is leaning toward a 2 QB system. I hope You are well and I am looking forward to seeing You in a few months. AU’s offense hasn’t looked that impressive to me, but I expect big things once the guys get the hang the new system. With Your D I still think You guys have a shot at winning the West. I am sure Saban will have His Minions ready for Their trip to Athens, He seems to be like Spurrier in one way, He can get His guys ready for one big game. I don’t know if He has the horses to win consistantly, yet.
By Denver Dawg
September 9, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this
I beat you to it, Mr. College Football, in comments a week ago. The ACC is so bad this year, I think a mediocre Tech has a darn good chance of winning not just their division, but the ACC.
Right on with the Dawgs needing a pass rush. They have NONE.
As for East Carolina, what a ridiculous fluke, in my opinion. Yes, they are good, but nothing great. VT is far from top-notch this year. AND, did you forget that before blowing out Cholahoma, WVU couldn’t score against lowly Pitt at then end of last season? If East Carolina makes it to a BCS Game, after the rest of the season of patsy’s, THEY WILL GET BLOWN OUT. I hope it’s not Georgia that has to do the blowing out…please not another Hawaii disaster.
By john
September 9, 2008 5:46 AM | Link to this
I am a Florida fan and I am glad that the Gators added the 3 points to the score against Miami late in the 4th quarter Saturday night. I hope and pray that can tack on some late points against the Bulldogs. Those late points will again make winners out of the people that bet money on the Gators and have to give up big point spreads. By the way I saw in the USA Friday that Florida was a 2 ½ point favorite over Georgia for their November 1st game Go Gators
By Ga Hokie
September 9, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Go Jackets #1—
Believe it or not, in Virginia they “grow us” smart enough to realize that different teams, play in different divisions. This gives me the ability to have more than one team that I cheer for. Now if VT, UGA and GSU all played in the same division, yes I would be an idiot to say I like all three.
However buddy, this is not the case. Just because YOU like an ACC team, that has UGA as a rival, does not mean that I cannot.
When VT was playing UGA, I went for VT. It was a great game, and if it wasn’t for VT’s inconsistant QB play, and some stellar heads up plays from the GA defense, I would have been able to hold my head high after that game. However it was a heartbreaker— thanks for bringing that one up again :)
By RB
September 9, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
MIC:
Considering that a)neither team, the coaches nor the officials were mistake free (which is the case in every game) prior to the calls in question and b) we’ll never know what would have happened if the calls had been reversed, the entire discussion is a waste of time.
The one thing I do know is that the PI call on Ole Miss was a judgment call made by an SEC official who has probably officiated games at The SWAMP, Between the Hedges, Baton Rouge etc. I doubt that he was intimidated into choking a call right in front of him by the 32,000 at BB&T Field.
At the end of the day, it was a hard fought, well played, exciting football game…..I am glad we won and wish Ole Miss all the best.
By Lady Pirate
September 9, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
Mr. Barnhart, thank you for showing some love for my pirates. I keep telling people not to leave ANY ECU football game early. “ALWAYS BELIEVE”, and thanks for the coverage….more to come, I hope.
By Lady Pirate
September 9, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
Hey TB! Thanks for showing ECU some love. We need it . As one who has been to her share of games over the years, you just never know how the games will end, but we always know that the halftime show will be god and the tailgating entertaining. Mr. College Football , where ECU is involved, remember ,” ALWAYS BELIEVE”. There seems to be a lot of angry comments. Can’t you just be glad you are healthy enough to within stand the cardiac arrest you will surely have if you don’t lighten up. Don’t be mean and show your intolerance, just have fun. GO PIRATES!!!
By Wayne
September 12, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
I hope you start your own website and make a big pile of money. Please let us know the address.
And just for some of us old Georgia boys, throw in a guest blog from Furman every now and then.
By smartphoneuser
September 12, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
You can watch SEC Football LIVE video on your mobile phone (Windows Mobile or Symbian). Skyfire is a free internet browser for phones and it streams videos exactly the same way it is on the PC desktop. Skyfire is available at www.skyfire.com/sign-up and at the sign-up page, enter the code “SECfootball”.