AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWill Tech beat LSU with the pass?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s the last day of 2008 and nobody asked me but….
1. Can John Chavis parachute in to coach the LSU defense tonight? If not, it’s going to be a long evening for the Tigers against Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Going into this season LSU knew its defense would be going through a transition with the loss of some great talent in the secondary (CB Chevis Jackson, S Craig Steltz) and linebacker Ali Highsmith. Head coach Les Miles took a gamble and lost that he could replace defensive coordinator Bo Pelini (Nebraska) by appointing co-coordinators in Bradley Dale Peveto and Doug Mallory. It looks like Chavis, the veteran DC from Tennessee, will be named to the post when the team gets back to Baton Rouge. Don’t be surprised if these LSU players come up with a pretty good effort tonight after hearing for weeks how they are going to be shredded by Paul Johnson’s option. But also don’t be surprised if Johnson pulls out a couple of passing plays that nobody has seen this year just at a couple of key moments in the game.
2. Yet another Big 12 defense got ripped last night: Oklahoma State couldn’t seem to tackle anybody in its 42-31 loss to Oregon in the Holiday Bowl. Oregon, using its third different quarterback of the season, rolled for 565 total yards (308 rushing, 258 passing). I’ll get more in detail on this as we get closer to the BCS championship game, but it’s hard to imagine that a BCS conference has ever had a tougher year on defense than the Big 12 in 2008. But here is a nugget to think about: As good as Oklahoma was on offense this season, the average rank of the last six defenses the Sooners faced in 2008 was 92.1 out of 119 Division I-A teams. Just remember that detail.
3. Repeat after me: There are NOT too many bowl games: Here is why there are so many bowl games. They may not matter to the guys watching in the sports bars, but they matter to the players and coaches who participate in them and to the communities that host them. When Louisiana Tech beat Northern Illinois 17-10 in the Independence Bowl, it was really a big deal. Head coach Derek Dooley, son of Vince and Barbara, was carried off the field by his players after winning the first bowl game in school history against a Division I-A team. It was the first time the Bulldogs had won eight games since 1999. Dooley, who is also the school’s athletics director, enjoyed the biggest moment of his young coaching career with his parents in attendance. That is why these bowl games are important.
4. Vanderbilt has a shot today against Boston College: But it is a slim shot. The Commodores are only playing a few minutes from their campus in the Music City Bowl so there should be a comfort level for Bobby Johnson’s team. But the only way Vanderbilt wins today is if the defense forces turnovers and the offense gives up none. Vanderbilt has to confuse Boston College quarterback Dominique Davis, a freshman, and make him give up the ball. Virginia Tech was able to do it in the ACC championship game. Vanderbilt also has to hope that QB Chris Nickson, who has had a bad shoulder, can catch lightning in a bottle if he gets back on the field. Vanderbilt will only get a handful of opportunities to make big plays against a very good Boston College defense. The Commodores have to make those plays or they can’t win. All I know is that Boston College has won eight straight bowl games and is second in the nation with turnovers gained with 36 (26 interceptions, 10 fumbles). Its 26 interceptions lead the nation.
5. Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy is your dark horse Heisman candidate for 2009: If Tim Tebow (Florida) and Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) both come back to college, the Heisman discussion for next season will begin with them and Colt McCoy of Texas, who we know is coming back. But check out Pittsburgh RB LeSean McCoy in today’s Sun Bowl game against Oregon State. The Beavers are going to be without their great running back. Jacquizz Rodgers, who suffered a shoulder injury before the last game with Oregon. That should open the door for McCoy, the nation’s No. 10 rusher at 116.92 yards per game. In his last two games in the regular season McCoy had 183 yards against West Virginia and 99 against Connecticut. Both defenses were set up to stop him. He is just a sophomore.
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Comments
By Spanky
December 31, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
That’s nice of you to applaud the efforts of Dooley, but hyping that win is like saying all the players on pee-wee soccer teams are MVPs and deserve trophies. Smaller communities are welcome to irrelevant bowls if they can make money off of them, but don’t try to sell me on 6-6 teams playing as being positivie for football.
By Don't forget about me!
December 31, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Vandy has no shot against BC, period.
Just another SEC team getting beat down by the ACC, like LSU.
Please take note Tony
By BCS Champs Again
December 31, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
With some well deserved rest and healing after plying 8 straight games because of Gustav….Jordan Jefferson getting all of the reps as the QB (LSUs 4th QB this year….) with the 1st team….The 2009 season starts today for the Tigers….Yes we will show up….and yes we will play like the Tigers…which does not bode well for the Jackets. Geaux Tigers!
By buck b
December 31, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
NIce to read one of your articles without you kissing up to nick….Thanks
By There he goes again...
December 31, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Mr. College Football spewing forth half truths - the Rogers kid at Oregon State (the “running back” brother, not to be confused with his receiver brother) did not play against Oregon, he got hurt the game before!
By bank walker
December 31, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Yet another big12 defense got punished tonight!
By bamabear
December 31, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Congrats to MD for their win last night…if not…the ACC would have lost its 3rd in a row….They can start a new streak tonight with tech losing
By RAMBLE ON!!!
December 31, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
GT 52 LSU 27
By buck
December 31, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Tony…LSUs D…??? what about Techs D…If I remember correctly the Dawgs dropped quite a few yards..points…on that pourus tech D…..How are they planning on stopping Chuck the Truck Scott??
By ugauga
December 31, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
LSU 38 Bugs 21
By MIles
December 31, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
LSU needs a QB, not a better defense…BIG 12 defenses certainly are poor…there are way too many bowl games, i.e., Lousiana Tech won despite playing poorly…in fact, the only bowl game played any more poorly than this game was the lowly Humanitarian Bowl where there were about 12 people in the stands…hopefully Vandy pulls off the win, but BC will probably beat them…the cab ride back to campus should only take about 8 minutes for the Dores…McCoy is pretty darn good, but he’ll have to go up against Tebow, Texas’ McCoy, Bradford, and Moreno for the Heisman…Happy New Year!
By hold em
December 31, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
OK State had a great defense in the first half, they held Oregon to 7 points, don’t know what happened after that
By saint nick
December 31, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Oklahoma State has lost, Texas Tech will lose to Ole Miss, Ou will lose to Florida, Missouri BARELY beat Northwestern, the only high point for the Big 12 will be Texas pummeling a weak Ohio State team. After Jan 8, I want to hear all these IDIOTS come back on T.V. and in the print and say THE BIG 12 IS OVERATED!!!!! But you won’t!!!!!ROLL TIDE!!!!!
By hold em
December 31, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Saint Nick, no SEC fan has any room to talk since the SEC was horrid this year, FL shouldn’t even be in the national championship they lost to Ole Miss an unranked team at home, the national championship should be OU vs USC
By Gen Neyland
December 31, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Chavis to LSU…The rich get richer.
Good luck to all SEC teams and Happy New Year, friends and foes alike…
By Cynic
December 31, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
hilod em:
Wah, wah, wah.
By G8R GRAD
December 31, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Happy New Year!
Felice Anno Nuevo!
Go Dawgs!
Geau Tigers!
Go ‘Dores!
Roll Tide!
Go Reb’s!
And … . GO GATORS!
By hold em
December 31, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Sorry I keep forgetting most SEC fans think they are the best even though they have no leg to stand on. Good Times
By JacketGuy
December 31, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
I think LSU will play tough and they will be out to prove to everyone that they are a good football team. I think they will play strong for a while and as a Tech fan…they worry me a little. However, I don’t see LSU being able to stop Dwyer, Jones and Nesbit all night long. I think the game will be tight until the third or fourth. My prediction is Georgia Tech 31, LSU 21 Go Jackets!!! THWG
By Bamafan
December 31, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Happy New Year General Neyland and Mr War Eagle and others!! ROLL TIDE AND GO VANDY AND TIGERS AND DAWGS!!
By Atlanta Gator
December 31, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Comments in response to Tony——
(1) I sure hope LSU’s defense gets it together tonight, because the Tigers’ run defense has started to smell like last week’s fish. Nothing against Tech, but I hate to see a great SEC team fall on its face like LSU has the second half of the 2008 season. Given the novelty of Tech’s triple-option offense, however, I expect the Yellowjackets to win.
(2) Hmm. Oklahoma State’s failure to hold Oregon under 40 points could have implications for the BCS title game, but may not. Florida has to play Oklahoma, not Oklahoma State, and we won’t really know how good the Sooner defense is until the morning of January 9th.
(3) Prediction: Once the major Division I conferences get it together and finally implement an 8-team playoff, fewer than two-thirds of the existing 34 bowls will survive more than five years. The remaining bowls will mean more to the teams that do not get playoff bids.
(4) I’m cheering for the Dores, but the wheels seem to have come off their offense in the second half of the season. I expect Boston College to win.
(5) Tebow is less likely to win another Heisman if the Gators win the BCS title game and he returns. His passing stats will only get better, but he will never again be the principal running back for the Gators. And that’s a good thing for him and the team.
If Oklahoma loses the BCS title game, and Texas beats Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl, Colt McCoy become the preseason 2009 favorite to win the Heisman. No Gator fan will be disappointed if Tebow can position the Gators for another SEC run in 2009; hopefully, Tim can live with that.
By timthebrave
December 31, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
I think Tech will need to throw the ball to win this game vs LSU. LSU has had a terrible pass defense but they aren’t too bad against the run. I think it is a close game and the team that doesn’t turn the ball over wins the game. Vanderbilt fans need to make it feel like home to have a chance. USC may be the best team but they didn’t play like it. OK and FL dominated most of the year and were playing the best football at the end of the year. I want a playoff to determine a true champion but if I had to pick 2 teams why not the champions of the 2 best conferences for that year. My predictions 1. LSU 28 GT 27. 2. FL 41 Ok 24. 3. VAN 20 BC 17 4. UGA 31 Mich ST 21. 5. Tex Tech 42 Miss 35. 6. Tex 38 Ohio St 17. 7. USC 21 PSU 17
By Bowl games=JOKE
December 31, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
This isn’t pop warner football Tony. College football players are not children. We don’t have to give out trophies to everybody for their effort, which is exactly what crap bowl games like the Independence Bowl amount to. Everybody isn’t a winner. This is big time college football played by a bunch of grown MEN. Moreover, most of them are recieving a free education for their services on the football field. Repeat after me Tony: THERE ARE TOO MANY BOWL GAMES.
By Huh?
December 31, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
As much as I would love to see GT lose tonight, I don’t think it will happen. LSU’s defense was alot like Georgia’s this year. They are incredibily lazy and undisciplined. That will get you killed against Georgia Tech. Bowl games are crazy though. Anything can happen. The Chicken Bowl tends to be especially crazy. I still think Miles is a very good coach too. He’ll have something up his sleave.
By m
December 31, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Things that SUCK….Mr. College footballs picks and opinions…the BCS…the bowl games….the sec…and most of all (drum roll) Chan Gailey. Happy New Year and Go TECH. And as always, Thank God and Greyhound that Chan Gailey is gone forever.
By reebok
December 31, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
After Boston College and Tech win over their SEC competition tonight, the ACC will be something like 8-3 against the SEC for 2008. The SEC has 2 great teams and a bunch of mediocrities.
By Eric1
December 31, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
My father, Dalton Pearson gave me many things. One of the things I’m most thankful for: he made me an Auburn Tiger, a War Eagle, a Plainsman. He left this earth Monday night, but his legacy will live on. Thank you, Daddy. I love you and I will miss you. Future football seasons will not be the same without you. War Eagle!
By athensdawg
December 31, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
kudos to derek dooley. maybe he will get to coach in the SEC one day.
tech will win it running away…both literally and figuratively.
florida’s d will shut down oklahoma to keep the NC in the family.
bama will have a laugher vs. utah.
UGA will lose to MSU.
MSU wants to win and sees this game as a positive. UGA is now thinking about playoffs (richt,) NFL (stafford and moreno) and “competing for a national championship” (the rest of the team.)
The defense will continue with its demonstration of Deion Sanders tackling techniques, and MSU will run all over them - in between penalties and the secondary falling for play action passes.
MSU will grab the lead and UGA will give up.
By Gen Neyland
December 31, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
timthebrave
U really think THE osu can hold Texas to 38..? and did I overlook your prediction on the Alabama—utah game..?
Atlanta Gator
Colt McCoy got my Heisman vote this year. Only problem is that it wasn’t counted and if it were counted, Al Franken took it…Comparing what McCoy meant to Texas in ‘08 and what Tebow meant to Florida in ‘07 is apples to apples, only McCoy’s apples were dipped in caramel (11-1). Taking nothing from Bradford here, but the receiving corps at Oklahoma made Bradford look all the better. They worked darn good together finding holes in zone coverages and beating man to man…Hey, but what do I know. My team is sitting at home…
bamafan
Backatcha…
By 007 Dawg
December 31, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Go Tigers! GT lies and cheats and everyone knows it!
By Munson
December 31, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
But m, you left one thing off your list. The thing that sucked most about this year:
YOUR ASININE COMMENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It will be a happy new year when you find that same Greyhound bus, leave, and STFU!
By Munson
December 31, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Sorry to hear about your Dad Eric1. Maybe he can pull some strings from above for your War Eagles and help get your team back on track.
In honor of your dad, please allow this UGA fan to say:
WAR DAMN EAGLE!
By 78 DAWG
December 31, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Athensdawg, you ain’t no dawg. yech is terrible, if they didn’t play in the acc they’d be 2-9 LSU 44 Yech 17
By dawgonit
December 31, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
I hope Tech’s quarterback is not wearing his “We beat Georgia and made it to the Peach Bowl” ring on his throwing hand.
By Steve Superior
December 31, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
I love the sound of puppy dogs crying in the bowl season :) Did anyone say, sour grapes :)
By Atlanta Gator
December 31, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Gen Neyland——I appreciate your thoughts, as always. As for sitting home, it’s often the best place from which to watch the game.
The Vols will be better next year, my friend, because they can’t get much worse.
By Will
December 31, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
After watching Okie State’s pathetic D last night. UF will beat another Big 12 defense even worse. I like the Turds 52-10.
I also like my dawgs 2moro. 35-17. Then it’s goodbye time for 2 UGA greats.
By Mac
December 31, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
I want a playoff. But, barring that, it’s nice to be able to turn on the TV at any hour between Christmas and New Year’s and see a live college football game.
By Elmo
December 31, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
I think Dad found out that Auburn “really” did interview Patrick Nix.
By TECHSUX
December 31, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
I see tech turning the ball over at least 4 times tonight and going back to their old ways. Every tech fan knows that this year is a fluke and it was fun while it lasted. Look for this one-year wonder coach to end up like Weis and Willingham now that other teams have figured out this gimmick option. The whole sports world laughs at the “tech” name and the reason why they are such a story this year is, no one expects them to ever win a game. Tech fans have the reputation as having the MOST obnoxious fans of all. You would think by now that tech fans would have learned how to lose, but they still become obnoxious losers. To HELL with tech! Go Tigers! LSU 48 GT 24
By Gen Neyland
December 31, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Gator
Did you know : The only team to hang 30 or more on the Vols in 2008 were the Gators of Florida (30 even)..? LSU will get a terrific DC in Chavis He’s been sought after for years from coast to coast…That includes border to border. He’s kinda dull on the recruiting trail but if a kid wants to play for one of the best, he’s it…5-7 can get worse. Let us pray…
Congrats to former Vol LB Jerod Mayo for earning and winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award for 2008, receiving 49 of 50 votes. He left UT after 3 years, with his degree. Copy that Stafford and Moreno..?
By Atlanta Gator
December 31, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Gen Neyland——I knew that Tennessee had a decent defense, but, no, I did not realize that they were performing that well. Frankly, I quit following UT closely after the Vols lost to Florida and Georgia (foolish of me, I know).
A quick look over the 2008 schedule supports your thesis, though. When the defense consistently hold the opposition to 30 or fewer points, you can’t blame the defense.
Damn shame the Vols couldn’t consistently muster 4 touchdowns per game on offense … they would have won 9 or more games, and called this a successful rebuilding season. That was not meant to be, however. IMHO, Coach Fulmer was out of ideas and out of gas after 17 seasons, and the 7 losses were a wake-up call that it was time for new blood.
By Timmy
December 31, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Ah yes, it’s been a month yet it’s good to know the 45-42 Tech win over UGa still stings the Mighty ‘Necks.
By shane#1
December 31, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
What Atlanta Gator said, again! I agree on Colt McCoy having a good shot at the Heisman, for three reasons, 1- Many writers and pundits think Texas belongs in the BCSNCG since they beat the Sooners head to head on a neutral field. I can’t say that they are wrong. 2- McCoy got a lot of Heisman votes this year. 3- He is good enough to have the Heisman, the leading rusher on his team AND a 77.6% completion rate. That is freaky! If he stays healthy and continues to play at such a high level, give him the damn trophy for Petes sake! Tony, when you need a break just cut back on your blog and let Atlanta Gator comment. Unless you get paid by the word.
By The Big Bug
December 31, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
78 Dawg,I guess by your logic GA would be 0-12 if they played in the ACC since the ACC is actually the #1 ranked conference & the SEC is third. That’s right. Third. Yet another delusional dog.
By Not Disappointed
December 31, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Go Jackets! Happy New Year All!
By Atlanta Gator
December 31, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
shane——Tony calls the tune. I just dance his jig. = )
By Atlanta Gator
December 31, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
VANDERBILT COMMODORES
Vanderbilt 16, Boston College 14.
Congratulations, gentlemen. Fifty-three years between bowl wins is a VERY long time.
Only Bobby Johnson and Vanderbilt could score 16 points and expect to win a bowl game. Well done.
The rest of your SEC sisters hope it’s not 53 years before your next bowl win!
By Kyle
December 31, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Currently LSU 35 Tech 3. This is the same Tech team who beat UGA and put up 45. What an embarrassment.
By Mikey
December 31, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I hear the nerds are ordering commemorative CFA bowl rings with the final score on them. Right now the jeweler is panicking because his engraving equipment only goes up to 99…
By TECHSUX
December 31, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
So far, so good! Go LSU!!!! So how do you like your new head coach now nerds?
By Mikey
December 31, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
All kidding aside, it looks like LSU has found their QB…
By GT85
December 31, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Well, you can say, I told you so. This Coach and his gimmick scheme option offense has been figured out. This is very embarrassing tonight. CPJ is a good coach, but not a great coach. That is why he was at GS and Navy. We need to keep looking so this will not happen again.
By Mikey
December 31, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
GT85, the better question is why turn to the pass when the run was so successful this year?
By Travis
December 31, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
I didnt forget about you “Dont Forget Me”
Nice Call Champ!
By YoungDawg
December 31, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
NO!!! Tech got blown out! Will Tech get a ring for this game too! LOL! Why PJ doesn’t install a shotgun package I just don’t get. That offense is supposed to have run n’ shoot elements but over there years it’s just become run & play action. Next year CMR had best have pics of those rings all over the place in the week leading up to the Tech game! GO DAWGS! Beat the Spartans!
By Supes
December 31, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
Waiting on the loser RAMBLE ON to explain “that one” :SMIRK:
LSU put on a clinic on how to defend the high school gimmicky offense.
Let’s hope UGA gets a “copy of the DVD” and learns something for 09.
Tech looked overmatched in ALL phases of the game.
BACK to REALITY for ALL Tech FANS
38 - 3 ENJOY your NICE Season, it’s NOT going to happen again ONCE people have your OFFENSE figured out.
By GoldenTechColorado
January 1, 2009 12:14 AM | Link to this
I wish I had a barrel of rum and sugar three hundred pounds, The college bell to mix it in and clapper to stir it round. Like every honest fellow, I take my whisky clear, I’m a rambling wreck from Golden Tech, a helluva engineer. A helluva, helluva, helluva, helluva, helluva engineer, A helluva, helluva, helluva, helluva, helluva engineer, Like every honest fellow, I take my whisky clear, I’m a rambling wreck from Golden Tech, a helluva engineer. And if I had a daughter, I’d dress her up in green, I’d send her up to Boulder to Coach the football team, But if I had a son, sir, I’ll tell you what he’d do, He’d yell “To hell with Boulder,” like his daddy used to do. He’d yell “To hell with Boulder,” like his daddy used to do. He’d yell “To hell with Boulder,” like his daddy used to do. But if I had a son, sir, I’ll tell you what he’d do, He’d yell “To hell with Boulder,” like his daddy used to do.
By Mikey
January 1, 2009 12:22 AM | Link to this
Dear Tech- you must at least score a TD to win a game. You are not Oregon State vs Pitt…
By bcs Champs again
January 1, 2009 12:38 AM | Link to this
Per my earlier post….
December 31, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
With some well deserved rest and healing after plying 8 straight games because of Gustav….Jordan Jefferson getting all of the reps as the QB (LSUs 4th QB this year….) with the 1st team….The 2009 season starts today for the Tigers….Yes we will show up….and yes we will play like the Tigers…which does not bode well for the Jackets. Geaux Tigers!
How you like us now Jackets…Ramble on….nice job on your prediction….guess you must have thought we were playing basketball…not….Tigers own Atlanta….!!
By Joe M
January 1, 2009 12:57 AM | Link to this
Um, NO!
Wonder if Tech will spend the money to put this score on a ring…LOL! NICE!
By wil walton
January 1, 2009 1:46 AM | Link to this
I am not subjective, but I AM subjective. Where are all of the ACC fans today sayting that the SEC is OVERRATED?
By wil walton
January 1, 2009 1:54 AM | Link to this
Sorry. Too many toasts tonight. I meant I am not subjective, but I am OBJECTIVE.
By DBCOOPER
January 1, 2009 5:20 AM | Link to this
Back to the second Tier for Tech. Your few days of thinking you had arrived are now over. An SEC Beatdown is what you got. In Atlanta! Way to show up and represent. You got served!
By Pi$$onaDawg
January 2, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this
Upset by the score but was happy to see that CJP spent time on the PASSING GAME. When the Spring comes around we will know Nesbit will have to work a lot more on the passing or Shaw and the new QBs will have to learn the running game with better passing reads. TECHMAN91 where are YOU? read Furman’s article if you didn’t understand my CALLING YOU OUT. I am sure that all the TECH FANS in the DOME were not holding GIT DIPLOMAS so should they stay home YOU PR**K?