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DEL.ICIO.USBall never more wanted
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
After he lost track of downs in Sanford Stadium last November, more than a few Georgia Tech fans wished they could lose sight of Reggie Ball. He’d let them down, they believed, to the dispiriting extent that it was time to try somebody else, anybody else. Indeed, a prominent member of Tech’s athletics department was convinced the upcoming bowl would be Ball’s last collegiate start.
Ten months later, those same people want Reggie Ball to get well this minute. Ten months later, the prevailing belief around Tech is that the Jackets will be hopeless without him. Which only goes to show that fans are exceedingly fickle, which we pretty much knew all along.
“You read some things and you hear some things,” said Ron Gartrell, who coached Ball at Stephenson High. “And one thing Reggie learned when he played quarterback here was that when you win, everything’s great. When you lose, two people are going to get the blame — the quarterback and the coach. And most of the finger-pointing [around Tech] has been at him.”
This isn’t to suggest Ball was faultless. He threw more interceptions than touchdowns his first two seasons. He threw an uncommon number of passes off his back foot. He seemed to regress both fundamentally and tactically the more he played, and that conspicuous blunder against Georgia — to be fair, at least one of Tech’s coaches likewise didn’t know what down it was — seemed something like a last straw. But that’s the thing about sports: They put a guy in position to be roundly condemned, but they also offer the chance at overnight redemption.
Since that fourth down between the hedges, Ball has been terrific. He was MVP of the Champs Sports Bowl. He beat Auburn at Auburn. He threw no interceptions against North Carolina. He reminded everybody just why Chan Gailey had installed Ball as his No. 1 quarterback as a true freshman, benching the incumbent A.J. Suggs to make room. Ball is a great talent. When that talent is harnessed, he’s a very good quarterback.
“He’s showed people this year,” Gartrell said. “He’s very intelligent, and his competitive spirit is so high. My biggest fear was that [public criticism] might deter that. When you get criticized, you can go one of two ways — you can back up, or you can move forward.”
Ball and Tech have moved forward and upward. The Jackets are ranked No. 15 nationally, and with him at peak capacity they would stand a chance of beating No. 4 Virginia Tech in Blacksburg on Saturday. But Ball contracted viral meningitis and spent the weekend in Emory Hospital, and Taylor Bennett’s halting performance against Connecticut was enough to inspire words you thought you’d never hear around The Flats: “We’ve got to get Reggie back!”
It’s not yet clear if Ball will be able to play Saturday, and it’s less clear if he should even try. If you’re sick enough to be hospitalized for more than one night in this era of insurance scrutiny, you’re by definition fairly sick. Gartrell spoke to Ball by phone Sunday, and he offered this status report: “If it’s up to Reggie, he’ll play. But I don’t know if it’s up to Reggie. My personal opinion is that I don’t think he should [play].”
That would be the safer course, and from a purely selfish standpoint it might be the shrewder course. Reggie Ball has started 27 games for Tech, but the one game he missed has sent his popularity soaring to an all-time high. Even in a brute-force endeavor like college football, the old saw cuts deep: Absence really does make the heart grow fonder.
Permalink | Comments (36) | Categories: Mark Bradley, Tech / ACC
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By chris
September 19, 2005 10:05 PM | Link to this
i don’t think all the fingerpointing from last year’s georgia loss was directed at Ball. i think it had more to do with coaching than with Reggie. i’ll admit that we doubted his decision making at times, but we all know what he’s capable of. he’s everything chan gailey has made him. he’s matured and so has chan. Reggie has been popular since he committed to Tech and there’s no one i’d rather have under center. i don’t think its fair to imply that tech fans are of the fairweather sort. up until the late 1970’s you couldn’t go without seeing Tech propaganda on cars throughout the state. now that georgia is the “powerhouse” team in the state every pickup truck has a bulldogs bumper sticker. if anything its the ones in athens every saturday sitting under the 1980 national championship banner (the 1 championship they’ve won in their “prestigious” tenure). remember they wanted Quincy Carter’s head for never beating Tech…just a thought. but Reggie will get better and we’ll be there every saturday to cheer on our yellow jackets. and tech will beat georgia in november.
By pic
September 19, 2005 10:29 PM | Link to this
Bradley-I was also struck by the irony. People were screamig for his head last year, and now…after only 3 games in 05, no one gives us a chance w/o him. Well he’s earned it. He has really looked good so far! Good for you, Reggie! Eat your soup, my fleet footed friend. I would hate for you to sit out for the 2nd road upset of the season!
By wes
September 19, 2005 10:31 PM | Link to this
I don’t like the tone of Reggie’s old coach. Stop saying stuff like that! Give him some time. It’s only Tuesday! He must be a ugag fan or something…he did send Mr. Lumpkin on his merry way to the cow pasture in the sky.
By George
September 19, 2005 11:00 PM | Link to this
Nix lost count last year Mark. Nix told Reggie to throw it away. Get it straight please.
By doc
September 19, 2005 11:00 PM | Link to this
please dont make it out to be fickle fans mark. that started with the coach who publicly called ball out by saying that after two seasons ball was going to have to win the job. the coach basically laid it at his feet for all to see; you either get focused son or you sit. much to ball’s credit he handled it extremely well though it was not all his fault with injuries, depth and lack of a running game as factors too. he handled this better than most professionals.
as far as chan, i like the man but i have heard too many times comments like this past weekend where he criticized a player and had to say after further review the player did things better than first thought, specifically, when he reviewed bennett’s impact on the latest game. chan better get his players backs a little better than that, afterall the kid probably didnt sleep because he was taking care of his roommate that night, ball.
the coach needs to step up and take the heat sometimes, the old fashion way, like the bear or dodd and save the admonition to behind the scenes. dont play it as the fickle fan on this one as it started at the top. if he does play this weekend it will be a super human effort and really one that he should not have to consider at this point in his young life for the coach or fans.
By David
September 20, 2005 05:50 AM | Link to this
Mark- its either you or Shultz that are always up to undermining our team, I would say you are the fickled ones.Typical sports journalism, one day you praise our program “usually after a upset” and the next you ridicule it.This year is going to be a special year at Tech especially if Reggie does well and you will be bragiing saying I told you so.Just report the games and keep your opinions to yourself. GO BEES…
By Troy
September 20, 2005 08:49 AM | Link to this
Mark you don’t know what GT fans thought after the game last year (or ever). Any ire was directed at the QB coach, not Ball. And we were actually pretty happy given that everyone was predicting a huge blowout, and we almost beat UGA. They pay you for this stuff?
By Greg
September 20, 2005 09:09 AM | Link to this
Hey david, In case you did not notice, Bradly is not a GT beat reporter! He is paid for his opinions. Get over it.
By scott
September 20, 2005 10:31 AM | Link to this
G.T. is 3 and 0, but they are lucky to be so. The defense has been superb. Reggie and the O have shown an incredible lack of poise when it matters. Ball has not used his feet when having the opportunity, and while he is making a concious effort not to force interceptions, he is throwing too many balls away when he has an open reciever in front of him. He has had happy feet in the pocket late in the game. Lest we forget, this has been the pattern of Ball—that he looses his composure when it matters on the field—to say anything else is to suffer from short term memory loss. Ball is very talented, but he still has to mature as a field general. I am, and have always been a Tech fan—but I have watched the first 2 games of the season with my hands over my eyes because Tech’s offense has suffered from a total lack of composure in the 2nd halves—The root; however, is not ball—it is the Chan—part of the slow development of Ball has been because of—shall we say—less than acequate coaching competence. GT should have hired Mack, but they would not because of his Ga ties—but that is another story
By scott
September 20, 2005 10:38 AM | Link to this
by the way as an addition to my first comment, i must say that Tech fans are almost as fickle as Braves fans—it is a shame to see so many empty seats at a home game—it is embarressing to see so many opposing colors in the stands. Step up and support the team jacket fans. Much love to the jackets, but the fan support needs to be better
By mike
September 20, 2005 11:02 AM | Link to this
Reggie has already shown me enough that…whatever happens on the football field… I am glad he is a Yellow Jacket. This guy has class and a true spirit. I have seen him stop to sign an autograph for a kid on a night when he did not play well, and other guys might have been immersed in self-pity. I wish him well, but don’t think he needs my best wishes. I am confidant he will turn out to be a success in whatever he winds up doing.
Now, the coaches…they worry me sometimes. LOL
By Jeff
September 20, 2005 11:27 AM | Link to this
Will people shut up about the fan support. Such a tired subject, just like talking about the fan support for the braves. Tech has as many loyal supporters as it always has. UGA graduates 3 times as many people each year and appeals to people who didn’t go to college (not a shot at UGA, just a fact, just like most people who didn’t go to college in Alabama pull for U of Alabama). We have loyal fans who have gone to games from the Bobby Dodd years through the Bill Lewis years and till now. If you want that stupid upper deck that Braine built field up with yellow shirts, it will never happen, no matter how good the tech team is. That was just a dumb decision. But the fans who do go, are great and loyal tech fans and most went there, as opposed to other schools. If the stadium was the same size it was a few years ago, both home games would have been sellouts.
By Jeff
September 20, 2005 11:29 AM | Link to this
Before the spelling police get me, replace field with filled. I’m sure there are other as well.
By John
September 20, 2005 12:58 PM | Link to this
How does wanting Ball over Bennett mean that fans are fickle? Reggie was to blame for a lot of mistakes in the past, but that doesn’t mean that anybody would want Bennett starting over him. Wanting Ball back doesn’t show that the fans are fickle, it just shows how much worse Bennett is than Ball right now.
By Stan
September 20, 2005 01:07 PM | Link to this
Right on Scott….Chan Gailey and his staff have not coached Reggie up one bit…..Ralph Friedgen would have that kid in the Heisman race……Get well Reggie !
By Jackets fan
September 20, 2005 02:23 PM | Link to this
People make a lot of statements about how good or bad players are, but in reality these are opinions that are rarely based on facts. The truth is, Ball is no worse as a Junior than Joe Hamilton was at the same point. They both were erratic with the ball throwing lots of interceptions as Fresh and Sophmores. But Hamilton settled down and Ball appears to have done so as well. I can’t speak for others, but I didn’t give up on Ball after the UGA game. And its not because I fear Taylor Bennett. It takes a poised, experienced QB to win in college football. There are exceptions, but not many. Just look at the best programs and you’ll always find Jr or Sr QB’s running the show. Just ask Auburn and Oklahoma how important an experienced QB is. Bennett will be fine once he gets more snaps under his belt. But I’d just assume that he gets them all in spring practice next year. GT will need some big plays in order to beat VaTech. Bennett may not “lose” the game for GT, but I don’t think he’s ready to “win” it. Reggie Ball is.
By Jackets fan
September 20, 2005 02:26 PM | Link to this
that should have read “I would just as soon see Bennett get more snaps in practice next spring.”
By Mike
September 20, 2005 02:28 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley is just stirring the pot. You can’t get a journalism degree from Tech, so guess who he pulls for. Lets talk about fikleness, Marky. You are quick to try to downgrade Tech after a loss or problem, but quick to show how you knew things were going good after they are successful. As for the headline “Tech doesn’t miss Ball” that should be referring to Calvin Johnson’s hands. Of course we miss Reggie. For every Tech fan that speaks ill of Reggie, I’ll show you 10 who point out that Joe Hamilton struggled for 2 years. As far as coaching goes, Gailey has done an excellent job with average players. Gailey is a developer, Richt is a recruiter. As Gailey continues to win with average talent, the recruits will continue to roll in, just as it happened with O’Leary. Hey Mark, remember what happened with Jimmy Donnan? He couldn’t compete with Tech when O’Leary caught up in recruiting. I think you are about to witness history repeating itself!!!!!!!
By Harper
September 20, 2005 02:53 PM | Link to this
Totally agree about the GOL/Donnan analogy Mike! Here’s to hoping RBall gets healthy and recruiting picks up.
By Adam
September 20, 2005 03:30 PM | Link to this
I want to know what butt mark bradley has been kissing to get a job at the journal. Mark you are clearly not a Tech fan, so I see how it is hard for you to report on something you know nothing about. I have been a Tech fan since I was born. Many of my family, friends, and close neighbors have went to Tech. Tech has had some real up and down years. We pulled for them then and now. If you want to talk about a tremendously terrible fan base. Go to a uga game that they are losing at half time and watch the uga fans file out of the stadium. I have seen it first hand. Reggie Ball is a great quarter back that still needs some maturity. Georgia Tech still plays conservative anytime we have a lead, no matter who’s coaching. The only coach that did not play conservative football at GT was the great, Bobby Dodd. Tech fans lets keep sticking together like we always have through the rumors. Get well Reggie!
p.s. Mark I’m sure you would be a great worker at a burger king in athens!!
By 3rd generation
September 20, 2005 04:00 PM | Link to this
I would just like to state that my grandfather played for Tech under Heisman, my father went to Tech, I went there, and my son is currently enrolled as a Junior. I have been watching the Jackets play all my life. I’ve seen some good years and a whole lot of bad too…….but I’ve never been ashamed to say I’m a Yellow Jacket. As for Ball, sure he’s made some mistakes & so has Chan, but hey, who hasn’t? To say that Tech fans are fickle is just plain dumb. Tech fans want to win, just like everyone else. I don’t know of anybody (yellow jackets, that is) who doesn’t want Reggie to recover and play well…but I’ve got news for you, if he’s not ready to play Saturday, then so be it. I’ld rather see him not get hurt than win a football game. How’s that for fickle?
By Donald King
September 20, 2005 04:35 PM | Link to this
Jackets Fan is the only one on this blog that makes any sense. Good job Jackets Fan for your perspective. Mark Bradley is stirring the pot…. and digging deep for any pretense to do so…that’s his job….When we’re 3-0 everybody should just be happy…Chan and staff are doing fine…win or lose this week…I’m writing from CA…UCLA’s Karl Dorrell just won his biggest game (his team is 3-0) and some fans still want him out… When your team is on a roll…just enjoy it! Go Jackets!!!!
By Donald King
September 20, 2005 04:41 PM | Link to this
Add note…3rd generation and Adam are on point as well….
By old Tech fan
September 20, 2005 08:42 PM | Link to this
Get well soon RBall…but I will settle for a possible L in lieu of you taking an above average chance of getting hurt and missing future games (just my opine). TB was smart enough to get the ball to CJ and hand off sufficiently to get the W last week…two in a row??? re play calling risk/conserv…a good coach utilizes plays based on his knowledge/evaluation of existing talent. AND I have not seen Coach G quick kick like late Coach D did (and I could never understand the quick kick).(Adam…did you ever see Tech quick kick?)
By doc
September 20, 2005 11:19 PM | Link to this
hey third gen what year did your grandpa play or heisman? mine played there 1916-1918 when they were the golden tornadoes and played on the team that beat cumberland. boy, did i hear some great stories sitting in the stands off the cinder track right behind the tech bench in the late 50’s and early 60’s.
By Jim
September 21, 2005 01:33 AM | Link to this
I just hope that Reggie is going to be OK. I had a high school friend who died of his illness. All this talk of him playing is premature. He needs to get well first. Regarding GT’s chances against Va Tech, I’m not particularly confident. During the 3 game winning streak Tech has been able to get ahead and then make the other team pass almost all the time. Then that crazed, all out defensive plan has led to a lot of interceptions. I hope that we can keep it up. Go Jackets!
By dsq
September 21, 2005 11:30 AM | Link to this
Chan is doing OK, but he needs to dump the Auburn grad that can’t count to 4. I’m afraid that with Reggie out the play calling will fall back to what it’s been the last 2 years, with no consistency or forethought.
By Tech Fan
September 21, 2005 01:13 PM | Link to this
Hey Mark, the concern over Ball’s decision making last year was warranted. The fifth down (what is it with Tech and fifth downs anyway?) against GA may or may not have been the coaches fault, but running unpursued out of the back of the end zone against VTech last year was all Reggie. I was one of those Tech fans that thought that, along with a number of ill-advised passes gave good reason to question whether Reggie was the answer. All that being said, Reggie has been nothing but solid in his games this year. I hope he keeps it up. I wish him nothing but the best. But calling out consistently bad decision making last year doesn’t make us fickle, it makes us perceptive.
By TheWreckRolls
September 21, 2005 01:28 PM | Link to this
Everybody should keep in mind that there is more to a win than a quarterback. The defense is putting up some major stops and leads the nation in forced turnovers (3 per game) and the offensive line is looking sharp. A team like VT with holes in the O-line and an inexperienced quarterback (I don’t care who his brother is) might find it hard to make their offense work. Tech rolls…
By 3rd generation
September 21, 2005 04:13 PM | Link to this
doc,
My Grandfather played in 1908. Unfortunately, he died when my father was 16, so I didn’t get to hear the stories. I tried to find his picture at the library (haven’t made it to the archives yet), but was only able to locate one of his track team pictures. That cinder track made it at least into the 70’s, as I well remember wiping out on it during one Saturday monring PT class! GO YOU YELLOW BRITCHES!
By chuck
September 21, 2005 09:07 PM | Link to this
Reggie is better ,but scares me to death at times. He aint no Joe. By theway can you get Chan to throw away the vanderbuilt uniforms he wears at home. Dodds white tops and gold pants are the way to go.Mustard and blue dont cut it
By doc
September 21, 2005 11:32 PM | Link to this
thanks for checking back 3rd gen. they probably knew each other as alumni were really close in those days. it also is a badge of honor to have survived heisman who made bear byant look like a soft stuffed teddy.
By Wes
September 22, 2005 08:12 AM | Link to this
Hey Chris … since you want to belittle UGA fans for celebrating that 1980 Championship, just remember there’s only one name on that 1980 Championship - unlike the “shared” championship that GT claims from 1990. UGA alums don’t have a problem giving GT credit for that championship though, and it just illustrates the petty jealousy that Tech fans have for UGA when you take shots at us for celebrating our most recent national championship. Go Dawgs!
By Nicholas Irwin
September 22, 2005 11:52 AM | Link to this
You people are absolutely nuts. First of all, the notion that Tech fans didn’t want Reggie Ball’s head after his numerous idiotic field decisions last year is unbelievably ridiculous. Maybe you specifically were a little more patient, but there were plenty of Tech fans who wanted him out. I know several personally, and one particularly unknowledgable one who doesn’t want him to play this weekend because he still thinks he sucks. The point is, people wanted him out. There’s no point in trying to convince people otherwise.
Secondly, this notion that sports columinists are trying to undermine the local teams is retarded and idiotic. This summer when UGA’s criminal problems were front and center, all the deluded UGA fans came on here and were talking about how the AJC was trying to “undermine” them, whatever the hell that means.
Now you guys come on here in response to a column that is attempting to PRAISE your quarterback and are talkiing about Bradley trying to undermine your program??? Give me a damn break!!! The notion that there is any wholesale effort on the part of columnists to undermine ANY team, especially local teams, is totally insane.
Also, any Tech fan who thinks that Reggie Ball was not under fire last year has their finger on the pulse of the program less than I do, and I’m a Tennessee fan, so as you could imagine, I couldn’t care less.
By 3rd generation
September 22, 2005 06:32 PM | Link to this
Personally, I think it is patently obvious that the press in general doesn’t respect Georgia Tech Football. The shared last national title testifies to the fact. Further, I don’t really give a damn what the press thinks.
By Karl
September 27, 2005 02:52 PM | Link to this
Looking back, Gartrell was right. I wonder why Gailey didn’t recognize that! BC87