Sports Columnists

By CB

September 10, 2005 11:11 PM | Link to this

Terence, you also forgot to mention the unbelievable POOR play calling by Chan Gailey in the 4th quarter. Does Chan realize it is OK to run the ball when you have a 13 point lead late in the 4th quarter.

By SONICMAN2

September 10, 2005 11:23 PM | Link to this

Thats a pretty fair assesment Mr. Moore of the game. I was there and I was wondering the same thing about the lack of people in the seats. I believe the attendence was in the upper 40,000’s or they said at the game. SAD!

But the team is definately showing much progress over last year so far. And over the 1st 2 gains much of the progress of the opponent has been our own misdoing(penalties, missed coverages, etc)…so nothing that we have to be scared of..YET!

All in all its good to be ranked and haveing an offense that seems to be hitting its stride for the most part. Oh..I LOVED the little play with Bilbo throwing it back to Ball for a big gain! Wheres has all this trickery been??? I sure hope that kind of play calling continues to help throw the defense off guard instead of the same ole “vanilla” offense.

Bring on the true test in Va Tech!

By Matthew

September 11, 2005 12:32 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry to interupt y’all’s blog, but I have to point out something…

Hey, Terence Moore, Super-Hypocrite, I noticed something during today’s Dawg game.

A total lack of boos aimed at DJ Shockley for his poor game.

You owe him, us Dawg fans, and everyone who reads this paper an apology for your reprehensable article last week.

By Jim

September 11, 2005 12:32 AM | Link to this

At least we know that we can win with less than 5 turnovers from the opponents. The defensive backs still scare me. However, they came through at the end but it would be a lot more fun to see them make some real tackles for a change.

By Gary

September 11, 2005 01:10 AM | Link to this

Tough win for the Jackets. But a win is a win.

Regarding the large gaps in the stands…most of the space was supposed to be filled with UNC fans in the visitor sections, but UNC fans don’t travel. That is a definite strength of the SEC…they travel. Never any gaps in Samford stadium in the home or visitor sections.

Back to GT…I am kind of glad it was a tough win against an inferior (supposedly) team since it will show the players and coaches that they need to play every team, every down, to win.

By tony cole

September 11, 2005 02:45 AM | Link to this

MATTHEW:

hey buddy - wrong post. this column is about Tech, not about DJ’s boo-rate.

By mtraininjax

September 11, 2005 04:52 AM | Link to this

Terence,

Tell Matthew to go cry somewhere else, what a loser! Posting garbage on the Tech blog about who? UGAG? Get a life!

Terence - I am sure that the AC felt great in the press box, but if you were on the East Side, IN THE SUN, you would know that it was hotter than Georgia asphalt! Besides, we had all seen Tech slide before, why should we trust that Gailey would actually win the games he should? Heck, his play calling in the 4th qtr almost lost the game.

As for the rest of the game, Tech’s D only really had a few bad plays, Wilkerson’s roughing the passer, which was a touch foul, Hall’s missed tackle both led to UNC TDs. The D looked vulnerable at times, but the season is early and the fact that they bent, but did not break was a valuable asset.

As far as the ACC goes, Va Tech looked really good against, Duke? Wow, I was impressed, NOT! If NC State could keep them on the ropes, Tech can do far worse. Miami looked vulnerable as well as the doggies in Athens, who were supposed to blowout the Evil Visor, but for some reason, Mr. Shockley does not walk on water, Hmmmmm……

Good win Tech, Terence, make sure you get out of the press box and move to the east stands for a 3:30 game next time. The only reason it was at 3:30 was for TV!

By JR

September 11, 2005 05:20 AM | Link to this

You forgot to mention the terrible officiating. The were several calls that went against Tech that helped UNC make this game closer than it should have been. First: At the end of the first half when were driving on there half of the field, Reggie threw the ball to Bilbo who had a defender riding his back. It was clearly pass interference and would have resulted in a 1st down. We had to punt. Second: The roughing the passer call that led to the UNC’s second touchdown was terrible. Third: When a Jacket defender pushed their QB out of bounds resulting in a 15 yard personal foul. Give me a break. An UNC defender did the same thing to Ball earlier in the game and there was no call. Fourth: The 3rd TD should have never counted. The wide receiver never had possession of the ball in bounds.

Heck, they had to use instant replay to overturn the interception early in the game. It was this type of officiating that made this game much closer than it should have been.

By RS

September 11, 2005 06:09 AM | Link to this

CB…Stay off Chan. We could not run the ball. They were putting 8 and 9 guys in the box. They made Reggie beat them. He did.

As to our fans (or lack of). The attendance was pathetic. This is why our Athens rivals have the right to criticize our fan base. Until we fill our average size stadium every week, no one should say a word to the 95K that fills Stamford. PERIOD!

By cdc

September 11, 2005 06:49 AM | Link to this

Tech attendance usually averages around 45,000. The empty O’Leary seats, are there for games that draw opponent’s fans. Games with NC, NC State, Wake & Duke will not fill those seats. Miami, Virginia Tech, Clemson, UGA will. Please stop your criticism of the expanded/upgraded Bobby Dodd Stadium - a topic you have been complaining about since inception.

By ttt

September 11, 2005 08:24 AM | Link to this

To all those who say the empty seats are for the visitors - you are wrong. Those are Tech seats. All of UNC’s allotments (from Ga Tech) were sold out two weeks ago. Maybe the Tech athletic dept. should give more tickets to the visitors so they can fill up the stadium.

By doc

September 11, 2005 08:27 AM | Link to this

for those not at the game the fans there were into the game and making a buzz. the student section great and the mascot entertaing. it was a great amosphere for football and competitive acc football at that. it is a shame that there was not more insightful info about the game, i had to be there to understand what the writer was talking about and what depth there was is limited.

as far as fan criticism or lack thereof, the writer needs to possibly go back and be a fan at a tech ballgame. the experience for the fan is not conducive to coming back as this was the first time in about 20 years though i “grew up” on the sidelines in the dodd era from 1955 to 1965 rarely missing a game. i agree with whoever it was that mentioned the punishing sun, i was in the nw part of the stadium and looked across and wondered how they could take it in the east stands and was pleased to be out of the sun for the second half. parking is non existant, not knowing which lot is legit and the walk lengthy. the ability for tech to process folks at will call was dreadful and anti-fan. finally, the traffic away was horrendous. the writer seems to be far removed from the action and probably shouldnt criticize what he hasnt experienced from his press box seat. many more fans would cause a meltdown due to the nature of the beast.

for the writer to keep to the game would be helpful to the avg fan not at the game. the officials did make it close and what the officials missed in their effort to keep it close tech defenders tried to help give back what the offense took. the line of scrimmage seemed to be strong on the nc side especially protecting a freshman qb. surprisingly, the nc defense showed pretty good coverage as ball had to throw it away a lot seeing no one open. both defenses got burned but nc’s seemed to be because of great tech plays whereas tech’s were due to poor tackling and loose coverage for the second week in a row. as far as the play calling though imaginative we in the stands were wondering if pj was hurt or whether he had graduated at halftime. after his excellent first half why wasnt he carrying the load more when tech was up 27-14? i thought tech lengthened the game to help out the tar heels by not running more. now was that because nc was winning the game in the pits? if so what does that implicate to the future if your line cant dominate a team like unc?

any other observations that the writer might have missed?

By Ralph

September 11, 2005 09:18 AM | Link to this

Now let me separate the sensational from the significant.

1. I flew in from Virginia for the game. So don’t say Tech fans don’t support our team.

2. Tech has a national alumni and fan base, not a regional one like the Muttlanders. For those who say more people should have been in the stands, we had our average yesterday. But when Tech goes on the road, our fans are always there. Ask Auburn.

3. The officiating stunk yesterday.

4. The play calling in the 4th quarter was questionable, but if it had worked, we would not be having this conversation.

5. Finally, Terrence Moore is the biggest Bulldung Nation Athletic Supporter there is. He is always looking for some to gig Tech about.

To me, UNC was a hump game we had to get over. I felt a bit of a hangover from Auburn.

The Bottom Line: We are 2-0.

Go Jackets!!!

By Ga Dawg

September 11, 2005 09:19 AM | Link to this

Hey Moore;

Where’s your racist comments about UGA now and their QB situation? Could it be your overly zealous racist approach to reporting got the better of you?

By mem

September 11, 2005 09:27 AM | Link to this

Matthew, I’m with you. Coming from this Tech fan, feel free to call out Moore on that issue last week. Some of the absolute crap that he spews goes beyond UGA and GT boundaries. Ridiculous.

But Moore is fair and accurate in this article, except for the cheap shots at the fan attendance. This is one thing that I’ve never understood… why do people around here, writers included, feel the need to criticize fan attendance? The team on the field is who we all root and cheer for, not Joe Blow in section 221. I don’t care if there are 2 people or 200,000 people in the stands… I just care that Tech gets the win on the field. Yes, fan attendance does drive the finances, but as long as there isn’t a danger of the program going under from lack of attendance, then let the fans do as they choose. Yes, fans can and do energize a team, but the Tech fans that are there are energized, so that’s not an issue. Plus, you can be as energized as that pink bunny, but if you don’t have the talent to do something with it then it’s all for naught. As doc said, put the focus on the field. And yes, I was at the game yesterday.

As for the game, yep, there is a lot of work left to be done. I’d like to think all of the passing yards were because Tenuta focused on stopping the run and dared two first time starters to throw, but that’s probably being a little naive. Playcalling with a lead is again suspect, at the very least, but playcalling overall is still good enough to get the win.

Nice win Jackets. Way to suck it up and come through when it counts!

By Tom

September 11, 2005 09:27 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Terence, I knew you wouldn’t have the balls to write about UGA this week after your bonehead article last week. Do us a favor and stay with Tech the rest of the season.

The reason for the empty seats at Historic Grant Field — nobody cares about the Bees or the ACC.

Go Dawgs !!

By bw

September 11, 2005 09:32 AM | Link to this

I am a Tech graduate and probably learned to say “to heck with GA” before I could say “momma and daddy”. I unfortunately can’t make it to games as I once did living in the Midwest. Still keep my season tickets and buy every game on Directv that I can see.
I was very excited about Reggies play so far this season. I am very disappointed by the play calling in the late 4th quarter. Chan ran three series for a total of 3 minutes. The last series once we started running and throwing lasted for 3.1 minutes. He single handedly almost gave NC the opportunity to win the game. We too were wondering if PJ was hurt. About attendance, I have sat in the heat on the east stands many years and it is brutal, but those seats that go to the high priced tickets that constantly get the sun on the east stands should be moved to the west stands if you want the TV audience to see anyone in them. It is terrible to see those yellow seats almost empty the entire game while the high rollers sit and stand in the AC upstairs in the associated club house. With the incredible fan base and alumnae base that we have in Atlanta, it is a shame we can’t seem to put more people in the stands. Go Jackets…..

By Rob

September 11, 2005 09:49 AM | Link to this

A win but a disappointing performance. Our secondary still cannot tackle and we still had to settle for field goals after having first and goal. I agree that Gailey’s play calling at the end almost cost us the game. What in the world was he thinking?

By Mr C.

September 11, 2005 10:11 AM | Link to this

I think the article was a fair assessment of the game. I flew in from Texas to watch the game too. It was hot out there but it was hot in Athens too as well as other college football stadium.

The empty seats on the East side were pathetic. Guys, this is the first home game of the season and we couldn’t fill the stadium. It was pathetic.

If season ticket holders can’t make it to the game, give the ticket to someone else or sell it online. The administration could consider moving the students to that section.

By old Tech fan (in NC)

September 11, 2005 11:04 AM | Link to this

Another good win…but the heels around here think they almost won! As a (past)QB, Bilbo is a great receiver; fun to see him play so well-now we have two good & tall WR’s that demand coverage. Keep up the tackling practice (need it)! But, please, remember we play Conn next week….not Va Tech next!!! ps: SC should have beaten the dogs. 2nd ps: why a block-in-the-back call on (seemingly) every kickoff?

By Nick

September 11, 2005 12:34 PM | Link to this

Terrence, North Carolina is a much improved ball club over the 04’ edition and so is Tech. The only reason that the game was close in the fourth quarter was GT’s three straight sets of questionable play calling, that totaly ignored the running game. That should have been the main focus of your article. As far as the failure to sellout, blame it on the outstanding slate of games on TV. This is probably keeping a significant slice on non Tech alumni and possible Tech fans who might have wanted to attend the game.

By RS

September 11, 2005 01:56 PM | Link to this

Mr. C…..AMEN! I cannot believe that our fans actually defend the lack of attendance. Our attendance in an embarrassment. Any one who goes to the games and does not admit that is lying to themselves. Hot, smot!!!! Who cares how hot it is or if the damn sun is on your side. OUR ATTENDANCE IS ABSOLUTELY PATHETIC! Just ask the players. Trust me; they would rather play away in a packed stadium (SEC or anywhere else) than in a 3/4 full home game. Hell….UCONN, our opponent this week sells out all their games (40K plus seat). It is so hard to be a Tech fan. I attended Tech, I played at Tech, and I still cannot understand why we cannot fill up our stadium. I get so tired of, “that’s just the Tech way” or “our fans are spread out all over the country”. Bull%$#&! We just don’t care as much as the other schools! If our fans cared, they would fly into town to see the games.

Tech fans….get of your butts and go to the games. Otherwise, keep accepting 7-5 records and shut up!

By Matthew

September 11, 2005 02:37 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Mem…

If there is one thing that us Dawgs and Bugs can agree on is on the supreme ignorance of Terence Moore, Super-Hypocrite.

Also, once again, good game. I hope y’all win ‘em all until that last game, that way, y’all boost our BCS hopes.

And RS, you’re right. I love it when Bugs try to defelct the fact that they have a lacksadaisical fanbase. Yeah, you’re “spread across the country.” Guess what, I’ve actually been all across this country, North, East, South, and West.

Guess what? Your supposed spread out fan base? Not there. Maybe they’re just as uncaring as your fanbase here in Atlanta, but I did not see one, not one hat or jersey in all of the places I’ve been. We’re talking PacNorWest, we’re talking SoCal, we’re talking Northeast. Not a single one.

So stop using that excuse. Look, y’all on these boards… you’re good fans. A little delusional at times, but good fans. Stop trying to excuse the uncaring nature of others. It makes you, the good fans, sound pathetic and weak.

Just a little free advice, with no malice attatched… this time.

By doc

September 11, 2005 02:56 PM | Link to this

maybe the tech athletic dept could step up and begin to make it an event for fans. i tell you it is rediculous the way it is marketed. to get my ticket i had to endure talking to someone who didnt know the stadium well or where the will call booth would be. i searched for 20 minutes finding gate 8 to find will call was at least 100 yards away around a corner that you couldnt see from gate 8 and not well marked with NO signage. once there the lines were haphazzard and into the streets with the people working there overwhelmed at the numbers.

parking is a joke to non existant. are the lots legit or run by homeless that are making a buck so you can have your car towed? does the athletic dept work with marta to get people bussed to the stadium from stations? where do the tech folk encourage tailgating as they dont advertise anywhere to go to do it.

if you are a grad you might want to look at your operation to see if it is fan friendly to any degree. i have lived here all my life, back when tech was the only game in town and that is the way the program continues to run itself. for years i watched the falcon owners whine about no fans, how bad the falcons fans were, how non supportive the fans were, etc. now the new regime has become fan friendly and created an atmosphere based on being winners in many ways. i think that is where you are stuck now. as the casual fan who spent 115 bucks for the event and having to work so hard at doing it i might consider watching the game on tv which is all tech appears to be interested in pleasing.

there is a discerning public that tech has to appeal, the consumer has to be competed for. it is a lot different at uga where the competition for the buck is not as great. i enjoyed the experience but my blood runs thick with gt lore as my grandfather played on tech’s first national champs under heisman and i was stirred by the intro on the big screen,he played in the game that tech won 220-0 over cumberland and i got to sit 6 rows up in the letterman stands on the 46 yd line over the old cinder track and talk to the guys that played for heisman, froggy morrison was one of them. i assure you i will go back but it is not a fan friendly experience. i am not sure the casual fan would opt for it. i think tech is complacent to the fan, still thinking it is the only game in town or that it cant compete for the fan and wont change.

i really think the product on the field is what should be talked about and it is demeaning to their effort to lead off with that as a description of how the game went. this is not the fan of yester year that i remember that sat coldly and watched in the old days as everyone there was into the atmosphere and they had no bearing on why tech might get beat by unc. it wasnt like the unc fans drowned out tech fans. i am still bewildered how the comment got there to begin with. i guess he thought that the line about the gaps was a cute lead in and should figure a way to use it. i hope that those listening to the broadcast got more info than provided here as to the flavor of the game. its good to have a pro like van note doing the games. maybe for the time being we should listen rather than read.

By WirelessBuzz

September 11, 2005 03:02 PM | Link to this

Matthew you are just not looking on your travels. I was in SF this past summer. Saw what I think was one of the player’s father wearing his Tech hat and son’s team jacket at Fisherman’s Wharf. Also went into TWO cap retailers - both had at least one Tech hat…no UGA hats. Routinely on my travels around the country I see no more if not as much UGA gear as Tech gear. So open your eyes next time. And here is a clue…I have lived outside this state. No one outside GA is falling over themselves with interest in UGA sports other than the normal attention a major conference and ranked team would get. This notion that y’all have that UGA is one of “America’s Team” is simply a fallacy as far as I can tell.

By RC

September 11, 2005 03:33 PM | Link to this

There are clearly two issues that are “hot topics”.

1. The guys on the field and who has the better team. Well..that issue will be settled in Novemeber.

2.

By RS

September 11, 2005 03:49 PM | Link to this

There are two issues that seem to be “hot topics”.

1. Who has the better team? That will be settled in late November. Should be a great game.

2. Who has the better fans? That is settled every week! For now, UGA is kicking our butts.

What’s important is that we continue to support our school and team. No matter how many fans show up. My section will be there every week. No matter if it’s hot, raining, on the road, or we have lost three in a row.

And DOC, you are right. Our Athletic Department CAN do more. Our marketing department and ability to stay in “the know� about parking is a joke. We tailgate every week at the same place and never have any trouble getting in or out. I WANT TO HAVE TROUBLE GETTING IN. I wish that I had to arrive on Thursday night to get a good spot.

CALL THE TICKET OFFICE TODAY AND ORDER TICKETS!!! I DARE YOU!

By Sam

September 11, 2005 04:12 PM | Link to this

Terence Moore, I truly feel sorry for you and your negative, chip on the shoulder perspective on everything you write about. Please stick to pro sports or head back to South Bend and report on your beloved Irish.

As usual, your comments are out of left field again. I was at the Tech game and while a bit hot, I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and enthusiasm of the crowd as well as an exciting game. I yelled so much that I can hardly speak today.

As a Tech fan and alumnus, I know that Tech is one of the very few Division 1-A schools that still demands both academic and athletic excellence and your critical piece will not diminish the pride I have in a great school that consistently proves that you can still have athletic success without selling your academic soul for the sake of winning games at any cost. Go Jackets!

By doc

September 11, 2005 04:17 PM | Link to this

thanks rs for the dare but i doubt you will tell me where to go to tailgate and join you.

when i lived in the country a few years ago someone told me he had had a great morning before work shooting ducks. i made the mistake of off handidly asking him where he had been. i dont hunt but he would have given me his wife before that info by his look. never found out either.

By GT

September 11, 2005 06:24 PM | Link to this

Why do you take Moore seriously. He is Spurrier in a black man’s body only not as smart. I was there Saturday, got the sunburn to prove it. I thought Carolina had a pretty good ball team. They will upset someone this year I’m just glad it’s not us. What bothered me was seeing some of that sideline confusion in the 4th quarter similar to the Georgia game last year. Ball couldn’t get a play off in time after a timeout, relaxed play calling, that kind of thing. If Tech gets one level up in wins you will start seeing the hanger oners that fill other stadiums around the country. You go to Georgia and there are a lot of nice people you grew up with pulling for the dawgs. You know they went to Georgia, they married people that went to Georgia and as much as I hate to say it they are a lot like the people that went to Tech just a lot more of them, because their student body is larger and they aren’t as good in math. Then there is the hanger oner that you know has never seen the inside of a college classroom more less Georgia’s. He is there because Georgia is a winner and somehow he thinks he has part of that by just showing up. Let Georgia fall off a little and Tech pick it up a little and you will start to see him over at our place. Those bear spots will be filled with newly bought gold and white. To be honest with you I like that nice core of people we have now. I wish there was a way of winning and keeping it a secret.

By Choo Choo Charlie

September 11, 2005 06:40 PM | Link to this

A comment on the Tech fans (or lack of them) at the NC ball game.

Some truths: Tech’s treatment of fans, student, alumni, or otherwise, has ALWAYS been crappy. Traffic out of the stadium (walking and driving) has ALWAYS been gridlocked. Parking has ALWAYS been sparse and fans ALWAYS had to walk a good bit to get to their seats. And, the East Stands have ALWAYS been hot’n hades. That’s why, as soon as you’ve donated enough, you marhed your skinny Cherokee Country Club butt over to the West Stands!

No, it’s not the above that keeps the stands empty at Tech. What keeps the stands empty is the Tech alumni in the Atlanta area who always have something-better-to-do on Saturday afternoons. And the stands then fill up with a new kind of “fan,” the guy who was raised on a diet of Pro Sports and Sports talk shows who thinks it’s smart to yell imprecations at the players and the coaches, and to boo the Tech team when they are not playing up to what Mr Big Time Sports thinks they ought to.

I have supported Tech Athletics with my wallet and my almost perfect attendance from 1959 through 1992, two years of which I flew up from Miami to attend every Tech home game. I sat through the “bad years” When little Billy Curry liked to finish football at the flats. But then I attended a game during which I heard Tech “fans” (and they were alumni) boo their team, their players and their coach. I said, finally, “That’s it, I’ll watch ‘em on TV — if I have time.”

By mem

September 11, 2005 06:51 PM | Link to this

Bottom line on fans is this: the ones that were there Saturday will be there every Saturday, and they are very loud and supportive. There will be another faction that shows up to some, but not all games. And there will be some empty seats. Why that is is anybody’s guess… folks each have their own reasons. You know how to fill those seats? Put a product on the field that garner’s national, not regional, attention. The casual fans will come to the games when they make a run for a conference or national title. Until then, it is what it is, and I really don’t care. There are more than enough hardcore fans that show up and support the team. The team and play on the field is what matters, and all of the “our fans are better than yours” is just sports talk fan fodder.

And RS, if the players would rather play in a packed house somewhere else, I’m sure they would have (assuming scholarships were available). It’s no secret that Dodd doesn’t sell out, and I’m sure they knew that before they chose to come here. Of course every player wants to play in front of 100,000, I’m no idiot, but that obviously isn’t a determining factor for the ones that choose to play here. They are supported and cheered by the hardcore fanbase nonetheless.

Anybody got any UConn talk for a change? Anybody worried about their offensive output so far this season? Worried about another possible letdown or looking ahead?

By choo choo charlie

September 11, 2005 07:19 PM | Link to this

Yeah, let’s talk about UConn. Seems like everybody’s got tha game in the bag, we’re goin’ up to Blacksburg already. What do you say about a team that racks up 97-to-zip their first two games? You say this: (1) They can score and (2) They can play defense. and, (3) The UConn coach isn’t worried about whether or not to call a running play, ahead 6 points with 3 minutes left to play. Now, rest assured, they ain’t played USC or Texas, but then neither has Tech. Hey, I’ve sat and watched Tech LOSE to Furman, for gosh sakes! And I’ve seen Tech beat Alabama and go zip for the rest of the year, losing along the way to the likes of Memphis and Duke! OK OK that was little Billy Curry coaching, but you get the picture. Today’s football talent has trickled down to the “little” schools, too. Tech needs to take UConn very, very, seriously. The Huskies (Big East) would LOVE to embarrass Tech and the ACC.

By T-Town Dawg

September 11, 2005 11:27 PM | Link to this

What, no racist or Notre Dame column? I am shocked.

Terrance, even with DJ’s below average game, guess how many times he was booed? None! I guess thats shocking to you since according to you the Klan in Athens is wearing #14 jerseys instead of sheets.

By TechRules

September 12, 2005 02:31 PM | Link to this

Parking is not a problem if you know where. For example, the parking deck for BellSouth on West Peachtree at 4th has plenty of space and is only a few blocks from the stadium.

If that’s too far for you, then you’d hate parking for F$U. Unless you’re one of the privileged in Tallahassee, you pretty much have to park at the Civic Center and take the shuttle bus. I’ve also had to park pretty far away in Athens and at Clemson.

That said, GT could do better. A good start would be an easy to find map of the lots on ramblingwreck.com, (both GT and private), both on campus and off, especially across the interstate from Grant Field. It would also help if the map were published in the AJC on gamedays.

By Ken

September 13, 2005 07:31 AM | Link to this

Terrence is a racist. He knows it. Everyone knows it. Heck, it has become his job. He’s getting a bunch of y’all in a tizzy, isn’t he…?

As for the real issue…

The power running will come as the line gets stronger and learns to play together. They’re young and inexperienced. If I remember correctly we have three sophomores, one freshman and a single senior. I think they look a little ahead of schedule.

By BirminghamBuzz

September 13, 2005 03:40 PM | Link to this

The fan support in the stands is an important and perfectly legitimate topic for Terrence to address. The role played by attendance and by a rambunctious contingent is what leads to such phrases as “home-field advantage” and “twelfth man” - two phrases that are NEVER used to refer to the grandstands around Grant Field.

I have to say in advance that I am one of the loudest, proudest Tech fans that I know. I was Drum Major for the band, and won the “Most Spirited Band Member” award two times. If you have ever sat near the band, you know that they are the rowdiest fans in the stadium - and it’s not just because they are all holding noise-makers. Nothing ever made me happier than striking up the greatest fight song ever written.

Starting when I was a student, and still today, I have always been disappointed with the average level of both attendance and fan participation at Bobby Dodd Stadium. We have so much to be proud of! We Tech faithful love to boast of the academic prowess of our Institute - and certainly with some merit - but how impressive is it that with the intense intellectual atmosphere on North Avenue, we are able to assemble an athletic program that is consistently competitive on so many levels? Do you know how difficult it is to assemble students that are willing to endure the rigor of Tech’s course load while also putting forth the super-human effort it takes to be competitive on a Division I-A level? Most of the aspiring pro-hopefuls out there would much rather choose a school where they are freer to focus on their athletic development. And yet, somehow our Athletic Association has succeeded in establishing a rich tradition of success! Somehow, they’ve consistently found the select few who want to be challenged both on the field and off, and they’ve enabled them to meet or exceed the standards held before them, to weave a white and gold banner which reigns in its triumphant gleam. They have accomplished this by focusing on the fact that athletics are really about the development of a total person - a fact that seems to be clearly understood by the current football coaching staff, probably better than under the O’Leary program. Just look at the character demonstrated by Damarius Bilbo, Calvin Johnson, and Chris Reis, as evidence of this.

(Here is where fans of other schools may try to claim that GT student athletes are given free rides in class. I had classes with students on the football team, the baseball team and the volleyball team; and trust me: they were doing the work and doing it well. Are there exceptions? Probably. But for the most part, Tech is proud of its integrity in this regard, as demonstrated by its historically clean record with the NCAA.)

So, back to the fans…

First, Tech has one honest disadvantage in terms of trying to create a sizeable and noisy crowd. Similar to the whole academic recruiting challenge, a large portion of the students who are interested in a Tech education are uninterested in athletics. I remember times when I had Thursday evening classes during one of the ESPN games, and I was the only person in the class who seemed halfway annoyed. The Library and many of the campus’s labs and studios are still full during ballgames. Face it: many Tech students are basically unaware of what happens on the Flats. And, if the students are like this, it means that the alumni are of a similar make-up. So, there goes a large piece of what would normally be an important part of our school’s fan base.

This places a greater responsibility on the shoulders of the loyal Tech fan to carry the burden of being a strong supporter. But, it takes only a cursory glance at the West stands to see that the majority of our alumni show up to the games and watch them as if they were lounging in their living room. (The Band used to look over there and chant, “Go, alumni, beat that traffic!”) I can’t believe that some people wrote in their posts above that the fans that do show up are doing their job, cheering loudly. What stadium are these people dreaming about? It’s not Bobby Dodd. The only time our alumni make moderate noise in an attempt to help out the team is when we’re trying to rally for a third-down stop. Come on, folks: the defense could certainly benefit from some noise on more than just third down. But, when I try to make some noise on any down other than third, the alumni sitting around me stare at me as if I am ruining their relaxing afternoon on the back porch. People don’t seem to grasp that the crowd has a job - and that is to help pump up our guys while distracting the other guys. If you’re not willing to fill your role, then get a better view of the game on ABC. The drinks are cheaper in your fridge.

The people who try to say that crowd noise is directly related to our winning percentage are just making excuses. Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa has been completely sold out and filled with rowdy roll-tiders despite their floundering of the last several years. “But we don’t have the tradition that Alabama has…” Alright, then what about Clemson? We have several more national championships than they, and their program has been under-performing in the win column the past several years - but no one is removing the “Welcome to Death Valley” sign from the Memorial Stadium upper deck. The Clemson faithful are still doing their job. And then there are the sun and parking excuses. Did anyone have an easy job parking at Auburn? I didn’t think so. And this was not just because of last season’s Tiger success. It’s always like that on the Plains. The fact that we are in an urban area does not mean parking is any more difficult at our games than at other major schools. There just can’t be a parking space for every seat in a stadium. And, about the sun: how many tens of thousands of people endure the beating sun at Sanford Stadium with considerably more alcohol in their blood? It didn’t create giant blotches of empty seats there over the past couple of weeks. Come on, people; let’s stop making excuses for not playing our part in the game.

We Tech people are simply too arrogant. We are so busy bragging in so many other settings about our supposed superiority that we miss out on the appropriate way to express our great pride - by being the rowdiest of fans. We are so caught up in our know-it-all attitude that we’ll act like we know better than our well-assembled coaching staff, but when someone mentions in an article that we aren’t doing our job as fans, we start throwing out excuses.

I remember going to Notre Dame, and witnessing the entire stadium actually doing the cheers that the cheerleaders were leading. Not just the student section, but the whole stadium. That’s powerful. Auburn isn’t much different. Those fans are excited to do some of their silly chants. But we pretty much sit on our duffs and pretend like we’re the coach. We’ve got two great fight songs, but the most we can get out of the majority of our contingent is an occassional wave of the pom-pom and a half-hearted “To hell with Georgia” at the appropriate time. It shouldn’t be like that when you’ve got the best fight song in the land!

Maybe we need more than a great fight song. Maybe we need a gimmick like that incessant FSU chant. How cool would it be if the entire stadium would buzz together like Yellow Jackets? Tell me that wouldn’t pump up our guys and get under the other team’s skin. It might not be loud, but it would be powerfully uniting. But, alas, we’re too busy sipping our cocktails.

Is anything I’ve said going to help fill the stands? Not directly. But, if our stands were more fun to fill - more supportive, and more together in pride - then maybe it would be an infectious pride, bringing more people in. As it is, though, the Library up the hill is still full during games.

By calhounyellowjacket

September 13, 2005 04:40 PM | Link to this

I would like to do my part to help out with attendance this season. I used to have season tickets, but now have to work om Saturday afternoons to help supplement my high school teaching job. However, if any Tech Fans with tickets can’t go on important Thurs. night games, me and my wife can go and be loud and proud thos games. Please contact me at greshamr@calhounschools.org I’ll make you proud!

By Roger

September 13, 2005 04:45 PM | Link to this

Would love to help the attendance problem. I have to work Saturday afternoons to supplement my high school teaching job, but if some tech fans have some Thurs.nite tickets to spare, me and the wife would fill two seats and come loud and proud. Please call Roger at 706-629-4908.

By WC

September 13, 2005 05:05 PM | Link to this

I think the attendance issue relates to many things. 1. Most alumni chose Tech for academics, athletics are a fun and exciting sideline; not the reason for the school to exist.

1. Most alumni have a hard time getting excited about the current schedule. The majority of alumni became Tech fams while playing Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama and Notre Dame every year. The new ACC line-up will help, but it is hard to travel to many away games in the ACC and that will hamper the excitement and rivalry buildup. In addition, I have been a season ticket holder for 25 years and have seen way too many UConn, Furman & Citadel games.

2. We are a much smaller school than the SEC schools you are comparing our stadium to. We have a much smaller alumni base, and yes the alumni are much more spread out than many schools. A product of students who choose a school for academica and attract employers from around the country. I live near Auburn, and the alumni here talk about friends who live in the Carolinas as if there were on the far side of the moon. My friends are in New York, New England, Michigan, Oregon, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, etc.

3. Atlanta offers many diversions and many of our families want to do other things. Even now that my 12 year old is enjoying coming to the games now, he still brings a book to read during commercials & halftime (we had to explain to Auburn fans what it was).

4. As to the empty seats in the East stands, I sat in the sun in those seats for many years. I moved to the West stands when Tech decided that in addition to the $200+/seat season ticket price that I should pay $300/seat to bake in the sun. Even if I won the lottery tomorrow I don’t believe that I would think that to be a good deal.

As I said, I have been a season ticket holder for many years and I have missed many games. I love Tech athletics, but I have a wife, a family, friends and A LIFE. I am more proud of Tech for being one of the Top Ten Public Universities in the nation and for having a clean NCAA record than I am for any victory or title we have won. I also don’t think anyone from any school should criticize the attendence at a football game until they also attend their school’s soccer, volleyball, tennis, basbetball, swimming, baseball, softball, basketball and other intercollegiate sporting events. These student-athletes work just as hard as football players and their fans usually don’t have the excuse of saying “I watched the game on TV”.

By RC

September 13, 2005 08:42 PM | Link to this

Wow…Finally some passion regarding our fans. “BirminghamBuzz” has some great points. After reading all the comments, I think some of you are right regarding the administrations role. They need to do a better jog with game day information and game day presenation.

Hey MEM…If you think all of our players can choose their school, then you have not been around our program. We create great football players,we do not recruit great football players. There are a few exceptions(Calvin Johnson, Keith Brooking, etc..). But, for the most part we have to recruit players that can develop into good players by their 3rd or 4th year. We do not “reload”, we build.

WE NEED TO BUILD A HOOME FIELD ADVANTAGE. Maybe we should take a page out of Mr. Blank’s book and create a fan friendly atmosphere around Bobby Dodd.

WHATEVER IT TAKES!!!!!!!

GO JACKETS!!!!