AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > September > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCollege picks: Dictionary works against Jackets
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
As you know, we’re all about research here at Weekend Predictions. (Hey, I heard that.)
So on Thursday, after hours of film study and rock-paper-scissors with my dogs (they stink at it — they always do “rock”), I decided to reach for the dictionary. Had to look up meningitis.
A serious, sometimes fatal illness in which a viral or bacterial infection inflames the meninges, causing symptoms such as severe headaches, vomiting, stiff neck and high fever.
This caused me great concern, in part because I didn’t even realize I had meninges and wondered if ignoring them for so long had caused them to rebel and make my hair fall out. So now I had to look up meninges.
The three membranes that surround and protect the brain and the spinal cord, called the dura mater, the arachnoid mater and the pia mater.
It was at this point when I realized why the dictionary, despite selling billions and billions of copies, has never been made into a movie.
I liked it better when athletes just sprained ankles. Reggie Ball had the “good� kind of meningitis last week, which I think is sort of like saying, “Hey, stop complaining. It was only a bowling ball that fell on your head, not a Chevy.�
Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey says he hasn’t decided if Ball will play Saturday against Virginia Tech (which, as ACC opponents go, is more like the Chevy). He only says, “I don’t at all see him playing the whole game.�
This is my new rule of thumb: When I have to use the dictionary to look up an illness, you sit out a week. The last thing I need is meninges with an attitude.
The Hokies are favored by 11.
Now that I can understand.
It’s covered.
Daily Specials
Dawgs at Dogs: Thanks to another College Football Soul Closeout Sale with ESPN, kickoff in Starkville isn’t until 9:12 p.m. This is always dangerous for a road team. It gives visiting players more time to take a city tour and roam among the cow patties, after which they begin to look for sharp objects. Maybe the sights will scare Georgia into some offense. It’s not good when you make Louisiana Monroe look competitive. Ugas win but won’t cover 15.
Tennessee at LSU: Three weeks later, the Tigers finally get to play a home game. They’d probably be the sentimental favorites even if they weren’t playing Tennessee, but of course that makes it easier. The Vols have yet to produce a point after halftime, which is a statement on either Phil Fulmer’s halftime speeches, the play calling or both. LSU covers six.
Ty Bowl: Ty Willingham was fired from a program (Notre Dame) with good players and hired by one (Washington) with flotsam. But it’s not all bad: Seattle has better views and Willingham doesn’t have nearly as many knives in his back. Irish will win. But take Washington and 13¸ with a clear conscience.
Sacrificial Lambs at South Carolina: I admit it — I did a backstroke in the Spurrier Kool-Aid before the Alabama game. But if I’m the Troy defensive coordinator, I’m not real comfortable playing a Steve Spurrier team the week after it was embarrassed at home. I know, 19 is a bunch. But Spurrier humiliation goes a long way. Roosters cover.
Arkansas at Alabama: It’s Week 4, and Mike Shula has more job security than Houston Nutt. Yikes. Southern Cal scored four touchdowns on its first eight plays against the Piggies last week. Nutt can study the other four plays before the next meeting. There’s no such problems at Alabama, where Shula has the Tide back in the rankings. The fact he hasn’t cheated or been sued for sexual harassment, of course, just qualifies as gravy in Tuscaloosa. Tide goes to 4-0, covers 15.
Almost Perfect (sort of)
Last week: 6-1 straight up, 5-2 against the line.
Toteboard: 16-4 straight up, 11-9 against the line.
End of Summer Blowout: Winner of this week’s pick contest wins a copy of Dave Wannstedt’s autobiography, “That First Step Off The Ladder Of Success Is A Doozy.�
Permalink | Comments (50) | Categories: Jeff Schultz
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By TechFanInTheFlats
September 23, 2005 12:41 AM | Link to this
You underestimate Taylor Bennett, and you also are fooled into thinking Reggie is going to get less than 50% of the snaps. Reggie plays most of the game, and I think it is a close one. I am not saying it will be a Jackets win, I just say it is going to be close. I will be there in Blacksburg rooting on Reggie and Taylor. GO JACKETS!
By Dawg
September 23, 2005 01:53 AM | Link to this
Cover the spread? Nice hometown paper. Thanks for the support…Reggie Ball will dominate this game.
By Don Smith
September 23, 2005 05:18 AM | Link to this
The headline on Sunday will be “Ball outvicks Vick” and show what a fleet QB with 28 starts looks like next to one with 4 starts.
By Schultz sucks
September 23, 2005 06:32 AM | Link to this
Ball won’t outvick Vick, Tech will lose at Tech. UGA will cover the spread and some. Schultz will continue to be a bitter old fart.
By RED FOREMAN
September 23, 2005 06:35 AM | Link to this
SCHULTZ,YOU ARE A DUMBASS…
REMEMBER,THER IS LIFE OUTSIDE THE PERIMETER!!
By Dawgman
September 23, 2005 07:11 AM | Link to this
I think UGA gets it together this weekend with the offense and they score some points. I think if Ball can play the entire game then Tech has a chance. I think Taylor Bennett will be a good QB one day but don’t see him being able to roll into Blacksburg and upset VT on his first road game. I am a UGA fan but will give GT fans a bit of good news. You will only lose 2 games this year and one will be to either VT or Miami but of course you will lose to the Dogs! I guess you Tech fans can look on the bright side of losing to the Dogs this year and thats your already used to it. Good luck Saturday!!!
By Stonewall
September 23, 2005 08:25 AM | Link to this
Tech has good starting talent, but pretty soon, lack of depth will wear them down. That plus Reggie is subject “run off the track” at any time. VT by 18. Tech’s season starts downhill.
By Jackets fan
September 23, 2005 08:46 AM | Link to this
Look for a repeat of the Auburn game. VT has had it too easy these last two weeks with two 45-0 victories against Duke and Ohio. I think seeing a good defense will be a shock to the system. GT has a great run defense and VT is not a pass happy offense. Check the stats. Ball has more passing yards in two games than Marcus Vick has in three games. And two of Vick’s games were against inferior teams. So you’d think his passing yards would have increased in blowout games. If GT can score first and make VT press a bit, I think they can get some interceptions and make this game look like the Auburn one. I gave a formula for Tech to beat Auburn. TD to Johnson, 100 yards rushing for PJ, and a field goal from Travis Bell to win. The only way VT will cover the spread is if Taylor Bennett plays 60 minutes.
By DirkDawggler
September 23, 2005 08:55 AM | Link to this
Viral Meningitis? I thought Reggie was having his period.
By Dawg'n
September 23, 2005 08:55 AM | Link to this
Tech has a chance Saturday, and has a chance to win the ACC this year. I agree that they have a chance to win 9 games. The result will be that Gailey will leave the hotseat imposed by Braine last year to continue the great Ga Tech tradition as a head coaching stepping stone to greener pastures. Everytime Tech gets decent their head coach wisely uses the opportunity to say, “I can’t sustain this cesspool for long. Someone give me a REAL job.”
By Bama Rolls
September 23, 2005 09:21 AM | Link to this
Alabama is the best team in the SEC. East or West!!
By NCD
September 23, 2005 09:24 AM | Link to this
Hey, Jeff - are you better than 50/50 against your dogs at rock/paper/scissors?
By Cotton
September 23, 2005 10:20 AM | Link to this
I’ll give up my free hot dog and coke if Tech beats Va Tech in Blacksburg!
By BAMA FAN
September 23, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this
We also at BAMA have the highest payroll in the SEC East or West. Brodie Croyle is should retire #12 back to Namath. Too big of shoes to fill!
By Jeff
September 23, 2005 12:00 PM | Link to this
Great picks Jeff! My only disagreement is that 13 won’t be near enough for Washington.
By Robert
September 23, 2005 12:30 PM | Link to this
GA Tech has the defense. GA Tech has offensive weapons even without Ball. I just don’t see GA Tech losing to VA Tech by that much.
If GA Tech, the entire team, can maintain the workman like attitude to “get the job done” as they did at Auburn and if the offensive play calling doesn’t go suddenly conservative, I will pick GA Tech - regardless of the QB situation.
By Matt
September 23, 2005 12:53 PM | Link to this
Sometimes I wonder if writers even watch game or just look at media hype and start believing themselves. Marcus Vick would not even get talked about right now if it were not for Michael. Marcus has yet to have a great game much less a marquee win. Yet the media believes he is the player that his brother was in college. Tell me one thing Marcus has done except have Vick sewn on the back of his jersey. This weekend we will see that Marcus is not Michael. Vick will struggle like he did against N.C. State with the blitzing schemes that Ga. Tech will show him. Lets not forget at this time last year Vick was sitting in the stands not even allowed to practice. This only being his fifth start will be a learning experience, not Marcus’ coming out party. Ga. Tech will cover for sure, and has a great chance to win.
By matt
September 23, 2005 12:55 PM | Link to this
Above: game = games.
By mtraininjax
September 23, 2005 01:30 PM | Link to this
Jeff, Tech fans never knew that you could read, much less use a dictionary. Do you suppose you will find a sense of humor by next week?
By CiraldoKing
September 23, 2005 01:39 PM | Link to this
Dawggler and Dawg’n, you guys are starting to sound like people sound after a Chris Reis hit! No, GT may not win, but it should be close. Go Jackets!
By Jake
September 23, 2005 01:51 PM | Link to this
Dawgs win, Jackets lose, all is right with the world.
By Northwest Dawg
September 23, 2005 01:53 PM | Link to this
L.S.U.-Tenn. Monday! beats anything the Pros. will have on. So far this season they’ve been Bull Puppies. This week they grow up and become “DAWGS”. Ga. by 20
By Fred
September 23, 2005 03:50 PM | Link to this
Forget the dictioonary. Forget the meningitis. Georgia Tech wasn’t going to win this game even if Reggie Ball was healthy, had his biorythms at their peak, had the wind at his back, and was running down hill all day. All this illness does is give Chan another excuse. Seems all we’ve heard from Chan during his career at Tech is excuses and this is another in a long line.
By Fred
September 23, 2005 03:54 PM | Link to this
And another thing….before this bandwagon hits the skids. Even with a 3-0 start, Tech is looking at a 6-5 or 5-6 season, with the swing game being the home tilt with Clem(p)son. Sure losses: VT, NCState, Miami, UGA, UVA. Must wins: Duke, Wake. Swing game: Clem(p)son. Goodbye Chan!
By charles
September 23, 2005 06:37 PM | Link to this
Jake has right, Dawgs win, Tech loses! All is right with the world
By Cody
September 23, 2005 08:39 PM | Link to this
I hope DJ Shockley watches Marcus Vick this weekend because he’s going to get WRECKED too in November. By the way, while you’re at it with the dictionary, will you teach these idiots from Athens how to spell d-o-g. Go Ramblin’ Wreck!!
By MUTT H8R
September 23, 2005 08:56 PM | Link to this
Vahhh Tech barely squeaks by NC State, a team Georgia Tech seems to have no trouble with year in, year out, and blows out Duke and Ohio, and yet somehow they are world-beaters.
TECH beats Virginia Polytechnic and State University by at least 14.
TO HELL WITH GEORGIA WHITE SHIRTS, YELLA BRITCHES GIVE ‘EM HELL YOU SUMBITCHES!
By Kelvin Self-Centered
September 24, 2005 01:31 AM | Link to this
CBMINGLE@HOTMAIL.COM (post right above)is a major idiot. And probably a geek (Tech fan)
By geechee
September 24, 2005 06:21 AM | Link to this
“will you teach these idiots from Athens how to spell d-o-g. Go Ramblin’ Wreck!!”
Hey pocket protector boy, instead of calling people idiots and worrying whether it should be dog or dawg, maybe, you should spend your time learning to spell the word rambling.
By the way, you do understand that the meaning of the word rambling, is “to move about aimlessly” don’t you fool.
Damn! too bad, now that you’ve made yourself to be the true idiot in here, you are going to have to start using a new name aren’t you Cody?
By geechee
September 24, 2005 06:33 AM | Link to this
LMAO, Hey Cody boy, I’m a little slow, but now I see why Jeff titled this column: “Dictionary works against Jackets”.
By Hunter Wilcox
September 24, 2005 08:16 AM | Link to this
I think it’s so cute when Tech fans get to win a couple of games. Aren’t they cute, guys? They really think they might win a lot of games this year.
By MUTT H8R
September 24, 2005 09:24 AM | Link to this
msteinberg99@yahoo.com (Kevin Self-Centered) probably doesn’t get out of his trailer and away from his sister too much. Most likely he is some barking moron yahoo that doesn’t have two brain cells. His life will fall apart at the end of November after Georgia loses, because he bases his own personal success on how well a football team does in a town he hs barely ever been to.
Your average UGA fan basically.
By geechee
September 24, 2005 11:08 AM | Link to this
Well I guess there is something to say for keeping an open mind. You guys are so into this team that you have won me over. I now would love nothing better than to see Tech in the top five going into the last weekend of the season. Tech would be a source of true pride in the state of Georgia. Then….. we will step on their face with a hobnail boot and break their nose. We’ll crush their face.
By Kelvin Self-Centered
September 24, 2005 11:26 AM | Link to this
CBMINGLE@HOTMAIL.com likes men.
By The Phlegmmer
September 24, 2005 11:29 AM | Link to this
Kelvin Self-Centered probably drives a Montero and thinks he’s a real sports fan. But his favorite college is only a one-sport school (not football). He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
By Kelvin Self-Centered
September 24, 2005 11:33 AM | Link to this
Tech sux. And the 10% of the students who are girls look like Lassie. And CBMINGLE@HOTMAIL.com probably wears a pocket protector and carries a protractor.
DAWGS 51 NERDS 3
By geechee
September 24, 2005 11:37 AM | Link to this
” And the 10% of the students who are girls look like Lassie”
Pleaseeeeee……what have you got against Lassie?
By The Phlegmmer
September 24, 2005 12:42 PM | Link to this
Mr. Self-Centered only likes dog with three legs. Like Uga.
By geechee
September 24, 2005 12:53 PM | Link to this
” likes dog with three legs. Like Uga.”
I take it that was a typo and you meant to type “likes dog with three BACK legs. Like Uga”
Be careful if you go to pet Uga again. Between you and me, that middle back leg is not a leg.
By Kelvin Self-Centered
September 24, 2005 01:25 PM | Link to this
What the hell is geechee talking about? He also likes men, like CBMINGLE@HOTMAIL.com.
By MUTT H8R
September 24, 2005 02:02 PM | Link to this
MSTEINBERG99@YAHOO.COM aka Kelvin Self-Centered
I wish I was cool like Kelvin and could post email addresses too.
What a tool.
By Kelvin Self-Centered
September 24, 2005 03:05 PM | Link to this
Geeche and CBMINGLE@HOTMAIL.com sitting in a tree…
Tech sux. Go watch Revenge of the Nerds.
By geechee
September 24, 2005 03:42 PM | Link to this
Sorry a*****, no time for Tech or movies it’s Saturday. My Saturdays are reserved strictly for hedges, silver britches, and moving one game closer each week to reclaiming the SEC Championship.
By Kelvin Self-Centered
September 24, 2005 03:57 PM | Link to this
OOps. Didn’t mean to insult you my brother. I dealt you the harshest possible insult. Please forgive me.
CBMINGLE@HOTMAIL.com still likes men.
By The Phlegmmer
September 24, 2005 04:04 PM | Link to this
Hey Self-Centered, what’s with all the projecting?
I think you are a closet Tech fan. You’re probably such a nerd, you even went there in high school.
By Lloyd Charles
September 24, 2005 04:16 PM | Link to this
Virginia Tech is already up on my boys. I’m getting worried!!!
By SPX
September 25, 2005 01:31 AM | Link to this
VT must be slipping…only won by 44 this week.
By Unbiased spectator
September 25, 2005 08:58 AM | Link to this
I guess all the folks throwing Schultzy under the bus on the GaTech game…should shut up and roll the bus over on yourself.
I’ve lived all over the country and am an avid sports fan. There are exceptions of course…but for the majority I’ve never been around a bunch of more biased/whiny fans than GaTech. Great school BTW…too bad it sucked all the sports sense out of your head.
By Dejavu
September 25, 2005 11:46 AM | Link to this
51-7. How awesome is that? Same score the Dawgs threw on ‘em some years ago…..Anytime a Tech “fan” got a little too big for their nerdy britches, you could simply say, “51-7”. Don’t fret though, nerds: basketball season is right around the corner. Get your pocket protectors shined up and retape those glasses. 51-7. Ain’t life grand???
By Michael
September 25, 2005 11:47 AM | Link to this
Fifty one to seven
I guess Tech fans are used to that score now. Maybe they’ll stop complaining about Schultzy being biased and notice he predicted both games right including the spread. Too bad Tech doesn’t have a Logic department.