AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > October > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJackets not pretty, but win anyway
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Furman Bisher
Well, this was not one you’d press like a rose in your book of memories. It was sort of like a baseball game that starts out like a pitcher’s battle, then ends up a sluggers’ match. You get the idea when I point out that Georgia Tech and Clemson were tied 3-3 at one time, then in the end that Georgia Tech scratched and scrambled around and beat their guests from upper South Carolina, 10-9.
And that the Yellow Jackets were never safe until the final second had ticked off the clock at Bobby Dodd Stadium, and the 55,000 or so could traipse out of the place exhausted, but uninjured.
It was a sloppy piece of work, just to be bluntly honest. It took them over 40 minutes to play the first quarter, pockmarked as it was by one penalty after another. Then, later on, Clemson would appear to take the lead when Charlie Whitehurst connected with Thomas Hunter in the end zone on a 22-yard touchdown pass. But, alas, the Tigers were detected to have 12 men on the field. In case you’re new to American football, that’s one too many.
Georgia Tech also scored an apparent field goal, off the toe of Travis Bell’s boot, but alas and double alas, the poor blokes had allowed time to run out.
In fact, a guy dressed in a T-shirt and blue jeans, and a modest topper, was tied with both teams at halftime. The unidentified chap, slight of build, kicked a field goal from the 25-yard line, won a contest sponsored by Ford Motor Company, thereupon collecting a prize of $1,000. So all three of them were tied at 3-all. But the prize-winning booter retired to his seat in the stands. The Tigers and Jackets still had 30 minutes to play.
It turned out a bit better than the first 30 minutes. Clemson, for the most part, rolled up yard after yard and was winning the statistical battle breezily. But it was like playing the dime slot machine in a casino. The Tigers managed to come unglued one way or another. For instance, they had played seven games and not lost a fumble. Here they lost three.
What really turned it all around for the Yellow Jackets was when Chan Gailey finally turned the offense over to P.J. Daniels in the second half. Daniels is the Jackets’ surest offensive weapon, but for some reason or another, he had touched the ball only six times in the first half, and for only 25 yards.
He was trusted with the ball 15 times in the second half, picked up enough yards to top off his day with an even 100, and peaked out crashing into the end zone from two yards out with 8:35 left in the game. But the Tigers still weren’t done. They kicked another field goal, and as the clock wound down to nine seconds, Ben Arndt errantly punted out of bounds and the set up the Tigers with one final “Hail Mary” fling. They missed, but the Jackets weren’t safe until the ball came to rest in friendly hands.
Now, say this: Reggie Ball can sometimes soothe the most devoted Tech devotee, and he can sometimes drive said devotee to utter despair. It’s like playing Russian roulette. This was one of his Russian roulette days, pull the trigger and hope for the best. His game was erratic, and he was like a magician extricating himself from trouble. He was responsible for 169 offensive yards, but that wasn’t one of his better days.
He couldn’t wipe the smile off Gailey’s face, though. The coach gave credit where credit was due -– to the defense. There were times when Tech was in more trouble with the ball is in own its hands, but whenever they found themselves in a bind on this autumn day, the defense got them out of it, and Gailey gave his defensive side two thumbs up.
It wasn’t pretty, and the score was a rare one in football, “but that’s college football and that’s fun.” And that was the coach’s epitaph.
Permalink | Comments (39) | Categories: Furman Bisher, Tech / ACC
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By Peter Lindstrom
October 29, 2005 10:29 PM | Link to this
Ha, ha, ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,,,,,,,,,
H O W A B O U T T H E M D O G S !!
Ha, ha, ha, ha ,ha , ha, ha, ha, ha,,,,,
I hope you read this one Stan Nolte.
Peter
By Andrew
October 29, 2005 11:52 PM | Link to this
Yes ! GO Jackets !!!
By Peter Lindstrom
October 30, 2005 12:16 AM | Link to this
Stan.
You got to go in on schultz article and see my blog on his column reg UGA
Good to see you at the game
Peter Lindstrom
By Rico
October 30, 2005 01:15 AM | Link to this
To think that we are one dropped pass from being ranked in the top 15 or 20 is crazy! Our defense has to be better than we all thought, because they make up for our terrible special teams and undisciplined play. Coach Gailey…I am pulling for you, but I’m afraid that 3 out of 4 is what you need to stay.
Good luck guys!
By Jim
October 30, 2005 01:44 AM | Link to this
Since I graduated from Tech and my brother graduated from South Carolina we both agree that the correct teams from Georgia and South Carolina won on Saturday. Finally!
By Kudzu
October 30, 2005 07:32 AM | Link to this
I came in from out of town Sat and had to watch the game on my VCR Sat night…it was a good choice. Dang, I was wondering if the defense could figure out how NOT to jump off sides. At least I was able to FF through the junk.
The defense was stoked though. Except for a brief time before the half when Clemson was rushing the football, they were as solid as I’ve ever seen them, nice job coach T. Nice adjustments at the half, cause Tech figured out how to stop them.
Nice job offense. Another TD looked in the books, cept for Ball’s goofy fumble on a nice run near the endzone. Great TD though near the end of the game.
Great punting. Good play calling Coach G. Need to work on the kick-off teams.
It was a great day to be watching on tape and being able to keep up with the Dogs/Gators score :).
By JacketEnvy
October 30, 2005 07:40 AM | Link to this
Great win! I am not ready to give up on Chan. I think he can bring the talent to win, he is well connected, he knows how to run a program, he’s only missing one crucial element. He needs to hire an O.C., and I understand why he hasn’t yet, but the time has come to take that next step. Let Chan focus more on running the program, getting those recruits like C.J., J.J., DJ Jones, D. Richards (who we miss dearly this season), J. Lewis, K. Hall, G. Guyton, and many others. I believe Tech has better talent now than it ever had with O’Liar. We are only one play away from having the same record as UGA and losing to a much better opponent. I am optimistic about the future of this team, lets keep rolling and stop calling for Chan’s head, he only needs to hire an OC and keep the DC well paid and happy.
I would like to see a bit more of a spread offense, Tech will always struggle to find big offensive lineman that can knock you off the ball. Spread them out and let us run, that proved to be the best offensive system we ever had at Tech (Fridge), and it fits the talent level and depth that we have. If you want me to apply just send me an email ; )
Archi
By john
October 30, 2005 07:59 AM | Link to this
Gailey has the offensive inmagination of a baked potato…..
JAH 62
By Chris
October 30, 2005 08:16 AM | Link to this
Hey Furman! Get your facts right. Clemson had 10 man onthe field during their touchdown…not 12!!! In my book if a team can score a TD on you with one less man then so be it. Go Tigers!!! Everybody that watched that game relaizes Clemson should have won by atleast 17!!
By GTNE80
October 30, 2005 08:40 AM | Link to this
Once again an accurate portrayal Mr. Bisher. I remain a dedicated devotee that grew up reading the Atlanta papers with you and Mr. Outlar providing the coverage of our hometown heroes.
To Mr. “Chris”, shoulda-woulda-coulda just flat-out didn’t. Same thing could be said about Tech’s game against NCState a couple of weeks back. You’ve got to get the job done on the scoreboard. Just ask the Athens doggies about their game in Jacksonville yesterday. Now, fasten up your overhauls, get back on your tractor and IPTAY your sorry butt back up I-85.
One big reason that the defense plays so much better than the offense is that we have a defensive coordinator that knows his job and does it well. Gailey needs to give up a bit of his arrogance and hire an OC and turn over the game day responsibilities to him also. Maybe we can get better at end of the game clock management if Gailey doesn’t have his head buried in the play chart (or wherever he has his head stuck).
By old Tech fan
October 30, 2005 09:24 AM | Link to this
I guess we “Shocked” them (unlike the other peach state team)! Liked your bluntly honest report, FB.
But, do we have a special teams coach? And, is some coach at Tech actually trying to teach our guys how to “beat” the snap count? AND, you can boys be quite!…5-2!
By wes
October 30, 2005 09:28 AM | Link to this
hell of a win by the defense. KEEP FEEDING THE BALL TO PJ!!! I wouldn’t mind it if he carried it 40+ times a game.
One thing that is killing GT football: THEY NEED TO BRING BACK A SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR! Ever since our guy left, we haven’t had a special teams coach…unacceptable. Who else is tired of starting at their own 15 yard line every time?
By GTMBA
October 30, 2005 09:46 AM | Link to this
Anyone else tired of hearing about our poor fan support and game experience at Bobby Dodd? Yesterday the crowd was rocking and the level of noise when the GT was on defense was great. The team really feeds off it and fans we need to do it every game. Go Jackets!
By Chris
October 30, 2005 10:38 AM | Link to this
Great win by the Jackets!!! By the way Bisher, Clemson was called for having 10 men on the field not 12… There seems to be one statistical discrepancy in your articles every week. Do you ever actually watch the games or read the reports?
By GTYjackets
October 30, 2005 10:46 AM | Link to this
I realized after i posted there was already another Chris on the baord so I changed my name… Once again go Jackets!!!!
By chrisisan azzhole@fvckface.com
October 30, 2005 11:39 AM | Link to this
To the Chris that was is a Clemson fan. Please quit smoking pot before the games and you will realize your team sucks and has sucked for a while. But they do indeed have the ugliest school colors in the world. Guess they were smoking pot when they founded that pitiful little school.
By Chris
October 30, 2005 02:36 PM | Link to this
Who is this “Chris” imposter? I think he needs to go back to the Clemson blog in whatever redneck South Carolina paper he reads.
GT took 5 points off the board with penalties. We fumbled a ball in your redzone after a 1st down. And Clemson got away with fumbling a punt that GT recovered because the zebra’s head was up his rear end.
Clemson was lucky the game was as close as it was.
By Tech Alum
October 30, 2005 03:53 PM | Link to this
Great game (defensively). Reggie still cannot PASS the ball, and Gailey still is producing stale offense. Chan is not winning the games people (he never has). Tenuta is winning the game. Don’t be blinded by Chan’s “Aw-Shucks” demeanor. He’s horrible; I was at the game and, just as previous games, I was disappointed by his play calling. I don’t know whether to blame him or just his incapable quarterback. If Chan is going to stay, he better find a better quarterback than Reggie, b/c Reggie is a horrible quarterback (great athlete though).
By mtraininjax
October 30, 2005 03:57 PM | Link to this
Wow, 10 whole points, when was the last time Tech scored more than 30 points, not this season, try last year in the bowl game with the high school from upstate New York.
Again, the Defense bailed out the offense. I like Nix as a person, but as a coach, Gailey has to see that the OC is not getting what the DC (Tenuta) gets out of his players. One day it will cost the OC and possible his boss, their jobs.
By Tucker Techie
October 31, 2005 12:35 AM | Link to this
Will y’all now quit whining about Coach Chan? He is the best coach in all of the ACC and I wouldn’t trade him for Pete C. Go Jackets!
I mean we entirely overwhelmed Auburn by the Lake with our 55K stong showing.
By SRF
October 31, 2005 08:57 AM | Link to this
This is twice now that we had a lead in the 4th quarter and we could not control the ball enough to either run some clock, tack on some insurance or at least win the field position battle. Yes we somehow survived, but geez that was ugly. Can we find somebody, anybody to tackle on kickoffs - I vote that we kick out of bounds every time - the penalty at the 35 will be an improvement over our current results.
By Chuck
October 31, 2005 11:17 AM | Link to this
As a Tech alum in Southern California and a long time USC ticket holder I am very familiar with the agony and the extacy of my two teams.I am glad I had TIVO’d the next two events after the Clemson game as I had learned my lesson last year when It ran out with 5 minutes to go. If I had not my last second would have been the last pass in the air…sort of like The Lady and the Tiger… . It was a win …Chan is no Pete but he wins…if he could only recruit like Pete…but then nobody does.
By Isenberg
October 31, 2005 11:42 AM | Link to this
How bout them dawgs?!
Seriously, though, what was the deal with giving Clemson one more play when all Arndt had to do was kick it somewhere in bounds?
By jackets fan
October 31, 2005 12:21 PM | Link to this
Not that it matters much, but the penalty that negated Clemson’s TD was an illegal formation, not having enough men on the line, due to them having only 10 men on the field. There is no such thing as a penalty for having too few players on the field. I was at the game and I don’t remember what the referee verbally said, but it doesn’t matter because he screwed up a call against Tech. The call was ineligible receiver on #8 Bilbo because #88 lined up on the line covering Bilbo up. That call should be have been an illegal formation, too many men on the line. Ineligible receiver is the call when a lineman with a number in the 50’s-70’s is down field or touches a pass, without reporting as eligible. Not surprised though, they screwed up at least two other calls. One was fair catch interference on a play where the punt returner never signaled fair catch. Tech hit him and he muffed the punt. Tech recovered. That should have been their ball. They also called a backwards pass incomplete when it should have been ruled a fumble.
Kenny Scott was awesome. Every big play that they needed, #2 made it. Just imagine how awesome this defense would be at full strength with Reuben Houston and Daryl Richard. Scary.
By wcoastjere
October 31, 2005 12:54 PM | Link to this
jackets take over as #1 team in state with bulldog demise and uncertainty?
By wes
October 31, 2005 02:34 PM | Link to this
At least no one was killed after the game. Can you believe those Georgia fans who did that? Good Lord.
By Don W.
October 31, 2005 04:30 PM | Link to this
The Jackets probably don’t know what it means for an alum such as myself when it beats a Clemson football team. For alums living in the Orange Paw territory of North Carolina, we thank you for making the rest of this year most enjoyable up this way.
By Ala. Jim
October 31, 2005 04:57 PM | Link to this
jacket fan. The penalty was for not having 7 men on the line of scrimage.
By Steve Russell
October 31, 2005 07:28 PM | Link to this
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The address is USAFlagFootball@hotmail.com or by calling 314-814-0051
By RBI
November 1, 2005 07:13 AM | Link to this
You’re wrong, jackets fan. There IS such a penalty. The penalty was this: there were 4 men in the backfield. Nothing wrong with that. But you have to have 7 men on the line of scrimmage, and that’s what the penalty was for. The ultimate thing that caused it was only having 10 men on the field.
If one of those 4 in the backfield had been on the line, no call would have been made. The referee stated this pretty clearly when he made the call. You are right though on a number of blown calls by the ref that went against Tech in the first 3 series of the game.
By wes
November 1, 2005 08:59 AM | Link to this
From what I saw…1 huge play nullified by penalty happenned to Clemson…2 huge plays nullified by penalty happenned to Tech i.e. the backwards pass and the fumble on the punt.
By Island Dawg
November 1, 2005 01:47 PM | Link to this
Wes, there’s no evidence Georgia fans did that in Jax. Also there’s no way in hell they were UGA alums or students. They were all under 22 and Jacksonville residents. Alltel’s not in the worst part of JAX, but it’s most certainly not in Ponte Vedra or anything. Wait until the facts come out before pinning this on UGA. Also a school has no way to regulate what sort of rubes and thugs are their sidewalk fans.
By Island Dawg
November 1, 2005 02:03 PM | Link to this
Wes, just found an article on jacksonville.com about the punks who did that in Jax, and I assure you none of the five’s shadows have ever darkened the door at a UGA classroom or most likely ever been to Athens at all. They were just punks looking to party and fight, and that’s precisely what they did. Way to jump the gun, jacka**
By wes
November 1, 2005 02:06 PM | Link to this
I said GEORGIA FANS you jerk. Obviously not everyone who is a Georgia fan went to Georgia…or were u mistaken?
By Island Dawg
November 1, 2005 02:37 PM | Link to this
Wes, there is nothing to even suggest they’re fans of Georgia. Also I’m quite aware we have many sidewalk fans. You got pictures of them with UGA caps on or something? If so let’s see them. The article I read said they were just straight-up punks looking to party and fight. No mention of their fandom or whether they even went to the game. Like I said before, quit jumping the gun here.
By Greg
November 1, 2005 02:39 PM | Link to this
Good appraisal Mr. Bisher, as always. And gentlemen, let’s leave the arguing about the murder in Florida alone. I’m a Tech alum and fan, so you all can probably guess my feelings about UGA, but there’s now way I would be so crass as to pin that unfortunate event on UGA or their fans. It would be one thing if it was a Florida fan sacrificed in front of a seething mob of UGA supporters, but that is patently not the case. I just hope that justice is served on those punks.
By Tech_Fan_In_The_Flats
November 2, 2005 10:25 AM | Link to this
great article Furman, but the Clemson penalty that took back the touchdown was not for 12 men on the field, but for 10 men. They did not have enough men on the line of scrimmage because a player, a tight end , forgot to go out onto the field.
By Tech_Fan_In_The_Flats
November 2, 2005 10:32 AM | Link to this
I read an article in a Clemson paper that Coach Tommy Bowden said that Whitehurst couldn’t hear when near the Tech student section in the North endzone. Bowden said it led to a dleay of game or two as well as having difficulty calling audibles. At one point during the game, Whitehurst looking to the sidelines and pointed to his ears and threw his hands up in the air shaking his head. Good job Tech fans!
By GT Guy
November 2, 2005 05:30 PM | Link to this
I said it a couple of weeks ago and I’ll say it again. Reggie Ball has no business playing quarterback in a major college program. He is terrible at that position. His constant mistakes, poor decision making and inconsistentcies is alarming. 3years of Reggie ball is more than enough. Chan is short changing the team, alumni and fan base by keeping this kid in the game. Reggie may be a great guy but he is not a QB! Great Job Defense!