AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > August > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTech QB, play-caller have a lot to prove
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Georgia Tech began practice Thursday with questions about the quarterback and the guy calling plays. They have several games on the schedule that lead you to conclude: “Could go this way. Could go that way. They’ll win seven.”
Yes. This is where we came in.
“Going 7-5, 7-6 for three straight years is not a good feeling,” Reggie Ball, the quarterback, said. “It’s like being right on the edge of being good, but being right on the edge of being real bad. Being in the city of Atlanta, that’s not too good to be right on that edge. A lot of guys are just fed up.”
Most football teams go into a season with questions. Then they play games and answer them.
One problem during the Chan Gailey regime is the questions never quite get answered. Tech wins a game it’s not supposed to win. Then it loses a game it’s not supposed to lose.
Ball looks great. Then he implodes.
Wow. Whoa.
Some of this must have hit home with Gailey. So he did the right thing, took a step back and handed play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Patrick Nix. Gailey considered making the move last year but talked himself out of it.
“I thought I was still at the top of it fairly well,” he said.
The season taught him otherwise. “I was becoming close-minded about things in meetings. I didn’t like it.”
Tech has questions. But if we finally get answers this season, they likely will come from two sources: Ball and Nix.
Three years ago, Ball surprisingly was handed the starting quarterback job as a true freshman. From the outset, it was clear that desire and passion wouldn’t be a problem. Control — that’s another issue.
He has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns each season. He threw for a personal high of 2,165 yards last year, but his completion percentage continued to drop: from 51.7 percent as a freshman to 49.7, to 48.
Statistics can be misleading. Receivers drop passes, protection breaks down, coaches suddenly call plays with blinders on. But it all has left Ball on that perceived “edge” that he so disdains. Criticism also has left him with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. His pairing with Nix seems appropriate.
“I played quarterback at Auburn — I’ve been booed off the field,” Nix said.
“It’s vital to have a quarterback coach who played and had both success and a couple of downfalls,” Ball said. “Because he knows exactly what to expect and what you’re going through. I mean, he played at Auburn, and Auburn ain’t too bad.”
Ball says he has matured and learned a lot, mostly how to take a verbal shot. He didn’t hesitate when asked what advice he would give a freshman.
“I would tell them that there’s a lot that comes along with [college football],” he said. “An 18-year-old doesn’t know how to be criticized day in and day out. You’ve got to have thick skin at this position. If you don’t, you’ll crumble.”
Ball doesn’t crumble. Self-immolate, maybe. What Nix does with his quarterback’s fire, he’s not saying. Nor have he or Ball revealed much in the way of what changes will be made.
“At the end of the year, I think we’ll be able to look back and see there were changes,” said Nix, who called plays in the two-minute offense the past two seasons. “But that’s not necessarily a change in philosophy. Maybe I’ll feel a little more comfortable with a player or a situation than what [Gailey] was at the time. That’s a lot different from just saying, ‘He’s going to throw it more’ or ‘We’re going to use the shotgun more.’ “
Things have calmed down somewhat. There’s no more uncertainty about NCAA sanctions. It’s been weeks since anybody has used a flame-thrower over Gailey’s contract extension. Dan Radakovich, the new athletics director, hasn’t had to put out as many brush fires as Dave Braine did in his final days.
Whether answers come out of that calm is another matter.
“A lot of people are fed up with seven wins every year, and we’re ticked off, too,” Ball said.
Yes. This is where we came in.
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By LongBeach Jacket
August 3, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this
This team is capable. Very capable. Road wins at Auburn & Miami last year proved it. Consistency every week will be the key. It has to be there. The schedule is tough. To have a really, really great run, they will need to catch a break here or there. That’s the case with every team in college football —- except maybe Southern Cal the past few years (totally dominant) — but even they caught a break last year at Notre Dame. Win or lose, I’m behind this team - let’s get ready to go!
By War Eagle
August 3, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this
Long Beach, last year has nothing to do with this year. I think Tech is headed in the right direction, a win over ND can change a program around. This will give confidence to coaching staff, players and fans. If they don`t succeed against ND they will still be ok. GT is doing a great job of recruiting this year, while up against home Rival UGA, who is recruiting like crazy…In-state recruiting is the future for Tech…Good luck and I am glad our series is out!!
By JustMe
August 3, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this
War Eagle,
I am glad that you are so optimistic about Tech. However, last year the win over Auburn did not turn Tech around.
For some reason, Tech is a very “mental” team. It plays big against big opponents and plays down to weak ones. It isn’t JUST that there is inconsistancy, there is a real trend here…. and that is why I call them “mental.” Inconsistancy means playing up and down at random and it really has not been random at all.
First Tech must shake this “mental” thing.
Second, Tech has to get less conservative on offense. The play calling is very obvious and predictable and it makes our opponents defensive coordinators job very easy. This is particularly true if Tech gets any kind of lead whatsoever. The Tech offense MUST play wide open for the entire game whatever the score.
Third, the Tech defense must continue to shine. There cannot be a let down at all.
Forth, our special teams must improve. Last season we held our breathe for every special teams play. I don’t know why this is so hard for Tech to perfect.
If these four things can happen, then yes, Tech can really make a run.
By wes
August 3, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this
Everyone hop on the Gailey bandwagon before the Notre Dame game. This season’s gonna be a great one!
Don’t think I can wait 27 more days!!!!
Its too hot to play golf or fish all day. What in the heck am I supposed to do now?
By MARK
August 3, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
Well It would be great to have a great Tech Team , Atlanta needs it but Ball want be able to throw the Ball to the right Ball receiver..Kinda catchy huh..
By War Eagle
August 3, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this
Just Me, somtimes young players make the inconsistency you referred too. These players will grow into the system and become better players. Coach Chan had a committment to Reggie Ball from day one and he gas been so-so QB. If Reggie shows improvement , the team will follow, but he fails coaching should set in and make ajustments. Tech has a little above ACC talent and it wiil take a good attitude among players and coaches to MOVE-ON…good luck
By LongBeachJacket
August 3, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this
War Eagle - Your well wishes are appreciated. Last year does carry some predictive value for this year’s possibility. The core of the team, including most key position players & both lines return…with a year’s more experience. Inexperience in the secondary is a concern, but the athleticism is there. Defensive front seven should keep pressure off back four. Again, it’s going to come down to consistency every week. Enough talent is there for a very good year. 1990 Tech team had very good, but not overwhelming talent. So did the 1998 team. Several future pros, but lots of supporting cast. I’m content to take it one game at a time, starting on Sept. 2.
By Surfrider
August 3, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this
Reggie, if not mistaken Ralph Friedgen never played college QB but was on offensive guard. To the point, The Utah game could be what has Tech’s number. Any oppenent will study that worth their salt and see that Tech can’t stop a precise passing scheme and if Tech is being routed can’t come back due to it’s own inadequacies which are tied to the Coach, Scheme and yes the QB. Hope is eternal but Reggie did say something that is profound…For four years this team could have gone say 9-3 or it could have gone 3-9. My guess is this year or next year the breakout or breakdown will occur.
By Surfrider
August 3, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this
Reggie, if not mistaken Ralph Friedgen never played college QB but was on offensive guard. To the point, The Utah game could be what has Tech’s number. Any oppenent will study that worth their salt and see that Tech can’t stop a precise passing scheme and if Tech is being routed can’t come back due to it’s own inadequacies which are tied to the Coach, Scheme and yes the QB. Hope is eternal but Reggie did say something that is profound…For four years this team could have gone say 9-3 or it could have gone 3-9. My guess is this year or next year the breakout or breakdown will occur.
By aman
August 4, 2006 02:13 AM | Link to this
I think Tech would have a nice season, James johnson the other reciever could be the key as most of the teams are going to double team Calvin..so having a good second reciever is going to be very imprtant..and yeah reggie has to be more consistent…I think they’ll win against ND …but make and break game would be against VT (at Blacksburg)..if tech can somehow steal that game we are lookinf at a possible 10-2 or 11-1 season.
By northwestDawg
August 4, 2006 06:25 AM | Link to this
I’m really pulling for the Bugs to beat ND. I mean I’m REALY hoping that happens. Va.Tech? Can’t stand FB nor his team. Remember all to well how he likes to play a cup cake and just run the score up to be all. Just like SOS did when he was a Reptile. We have to play each other anyway so I would like to see us(Dawgs) be playing Thr ‘Bugs” with both teams ranked in the top 10 or 5. Put the “Classic” back in the game the way it use to be. Smart move or desperate, doesn’t matter, it was a good move for the team for Chan to give up the play calling to Nix. He’ll be able to take his eyes away from the clip board and see the big picture. That’ll be a big help for him and the team. See you in November. Thanks for allowing a Dawg to post on youir blog. You’ve never seen me on here before. Good Hunting in ‘06.
By DawgBite
August 4, 2006 06:44 AM | Link to this
Reggie is still Reggie and will remain Reggie. A 4th year starter that has actually shown decreases in production every year ain’t it nerds. The gangsta mentality is part of his psyche. Get in Reggie’s head and Tech is dead. 7-5/6-6. Thats your level mites. Reggie Ball couldn’t run the scout team at UGA.
By GT75
August 4, 2006 07:14 AM | Link to this
It’s a sad state of affairs when we haven’t been able to recruit a QB that can beat out Reggie Ball. Says alot about our programs overall health.
By Jim O
August 4, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this
GT75, how right you are - they seem to be heading in the right recruiting direction now, but what happened the last three years? uga has a traffic jam at qb; our started and backup were basically not recruited by any other schools; and except for Reggie’s sophomore year (when everybody knew he had the qb job) - the job was there for the taking.
But that is water under the bridge. Our future this year is in the defensive secondary. If they cannot stop the passing game, then we will be playing catch-up from the first series and that is a recipe for disaster. The ND game will be a good test on how well the season goes. If we either win or keep the scoring low, we have a great shot to win at least eight games. If we get blown out, then it may be a long season for the fans and the team.
By Jim O
August 4, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this
“starteR” and backup - not starteD, apologies!
By pitbull
August 4, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this
I am so glad that Chan is freed up to work with the entire team, rather than just the offense. That means the defense and special teams should decline to resemble the past years’ offenses and a 7 win season will seem like the good old days.
By GT Fan
August 4, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
Reggie is clearly the key for this year. If he continues his decline, we will be lucky to win six games. If he can improve even a little bit, then eight or nine wins is possible. (By the way, what happened to the QB from Daytona Beach Ron Zook was recruiting for Florida?) As for Nix, if we do not see Calvin Johnson getting a minimum of 10 touches a game (screens, reverses, etc.), then we will know that Chan is still calling the plays.
By mark
August 4, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
This is an exciting time for tech. Gailey has a young staff in place and a settled contract. Those two things seem to be helping the team in recruiting. Now with several big games on the schedule at HOME this year the pieces are in place for Gailey to turn the corner, lets hope he does and Braine’s contract decision looks great after all!
By techaholic
August 4, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
Talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words.
Chan has shown his propensity for winning a big game and losing to someone that is not expected and quite frankly, should have never happened.
You can’t beat Auburn and then lose to Duke. You can beat Miami and then lose to Utah … and both these losses were not close! Tech looked bad, unprepared, not focused and without a true leader - HC!
Everyone and the brother knows that it’s been GT’s offense that has been lacking and without improvement or direction. The QB position has been a bone of contention since Chan arrived on the Flats.
What gets me about Chan - he had his own best interests at the forefront and the offense 2nd! We have suffered because of that and he is to blame time and again. You pay a coach a million bucks a year and you (the fans) expect someone with ability to be running the show.
How is it coaches are hired at other schools and it doesn’t take them 4+ seasons to understand what they are suppose to be doing and how to do it - and by the way that is expected when you hire for that kind of money.
Chan has had way too many excuses for his inadequacies, all the while Tech has not improved, the QB position is suspect and no one is accountable! I wish I had a job paying that kind of money and be able to keep it without being accountable for my lack of ability!
The offense has been the achilles heel and it was run by Chan. I’m not convinced that handing over the offense to Nix is the answer and I don’t see Chan keeping his nose out of the decision making. I don’t see either coach Gailey or Nix as a motivator, leader or developer of talent.
If this season doesn’t garner a better record that the last 4 - like 8-9 wins, then somebody in the GTAA needs to stand up and start making waves about the future of this program under Chan Gailey!
By wreckless
August 4, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
The reason Tech is such a mental team is teh academics. YOu can’t go there and just concentrate on football. The Jackets can get up for big games, but they can’t stay up mentally inbetween for the games they should win. Week in and week out, they don’t have the talent of UGA or Miami or Auburn, but they can get up and play at that level. But with the academics, they can’t stay there. It just proves what a great coach Bobby Ross and George O’Leary was, to win at that school with that academic pressure.
By Play that funky music whiteboy
August 4, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this
Tech Fans - I posted this on the other blog and got one taker - Justme to respond. From the posts I read here, you all seem to be pretty informed fans, let’s talk about the ND vs. GT game.
You’re going to have two starting QB’s that are Seniors who have played since they were freshman. Nothing they haven’t seen yet. Brady Quinn has better tools and better coaching - got to give the nod to #10; don’t think anyone will disagree with that.
Receiving - Calvin Johnson is a stud, no doubt. However, if you take Jeff Samardzija and Rhema McKnight together, you close this one in on a “push”. Even
Running back - Darius Walker has been solidly consistent and has gotten better every year. Advantage Irish
O-Line, everyone but the right tackle returning - question mark there, but everywhere else is solid. No one touched Brady Quinn last year except AJ Hawk - is Tech’s defense OSU good??? I don’t know.
Now, here is where it does get interesting -do any of you think a completely unproven secondary with only one returning starter can hope to even slow down that offensive juggernaut of Weis?? Your d-line and linebackers have to be head and shoulders above the ND O-line, I think yes they are better (Joe Anoai is really good), but they aren’t that much better.
How does GT win this game? First, being a native Georgian I know this can happen - you start praying for one of those early September’s where at night it’s still 85-90 degrees. The boys from South Bend aren’t used to that at all, trust me.
Second - Reggie Ball has to play out of his mind, and use his mobility to run for some yardage. No mistakes. The article indicates that Nix is contemplating “adjustments”, could this be one of them?
Calvin, just be Calvin.
And the biggest point, Tenuta has to come up with a scheme that will confuse a 4 time SuperBowl winner (three times as O coordinator) and a four year starting Quarterback who is the Heisman front-runner this year - odds are high Jackets, but stranger things have happened.
I still stand by my earlier prediction that ND will win by three touchdowns.
By jackets fan
August 4, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this
I’m encouraged by the changes that have been made, particularly the new emphasis on special teams. Tech was atrocious last season at special teams. UGA made use of special teams to beat Tech last season. That game was a lock down defensive battle, but UGA kept inching a little closer every time Tech punted until eventually Flowers was able to break a big one into Tech territory that led to their second score. I watched a replay of the game last week on ESPN U (I was at the game in person) and saw some things I didn’t notice before. And the last thing I saw was the interception play. For a whole year I’ve thought Reggie Ball had let us down again. Upon a closer review, I think Bilbo is the one to blame. It was a comeback route and Ball threw the ball right on target. Now I don’t want to take credit from Jennings for making a great play on the ball, but Bilbo displayed poor technique. On a comeback the receiver is supposed to attack the ball. Bilbo just stood still, not to mention the fact that he he turned the wrong direction. He should have turned inside and shielded Jennings off the ball, instead he turned outside and had his shoulders still tilted to the sidelines. That’s not Reggie’s fault. I think with James Johnson, Tech has a guy who is used to being a receiver, and these types of technique mistakes shouldn’t be a factor anymore. Bilbo was just raw at the position. But the changes Gailey has made have paid off so far, new special teams coach, new recruiting coordinator and giving up play calling duties. Overall, I think that makes the program stronger to have Gailey more freed up. It still has to be proved on the field, but I’m pleased so far.
By pitbull
August 4, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
I just love all of the Tech folks high aspirations and excitement each year as football season approaches-before the season and the grumbling begins.
Then comes disappointment, disillusionment, anger, finger pointing, and outright hatred for players, coaches, and other schools. If only those other teams would just let Tech win! Oh well, another year, and the same old Tech fan behavior cycle.
By SDW
August 4, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this
Dawg Fans, it’s easy to tout your team going 10-2 this season when you play power houses like UAB, Kentucky, Vandy, WKU and Colorado? All of which are at home, what a joke.
I’v said it beofre tech goes 10-2 this season with both GA teams ranked in the top 15 at the end of the season.
Ball has to improve this year certainly Nix will improve the offense and the defense, despite a young secondary, will be have another great year as our D-Coordinator is the best in the NCAA. Our issues in the secondary will be minimal, as Tanuta always finds away to coach around these issues.
By Play that funky music whiteboy
August 4, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
SDW - just don’t trip up against the Irish while looking ahead to Samford and Troy St. -how can you make fun of anyone’s schedule?
By DawgBite
August 4, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
It’ll only take one game for the euforia to vanish this year. By mid season the mite fans will be wearing the bags their free hotdog comes in over their heads.
By ga_tech_92
August 4, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
Guys,
ND and UGA and MIAMI and many other teams we play will all be highly ranked in both the polls……….and in their recruiting classes. When Tech beats any of these teams, it’s a HUGE upset. When Tech looses to any of these teams………….duh that’s what was suppose to happen. SO, let’s give our guys lots of credit, they constantly step up beyond what the “experts” predict.
Now, I think that Tech has a lot to offer in terms of history, records, location, and obviously education……finally some better recruits are starting to be shown the light. We are getting a better class coming in 2007 than we’ve had in a long time. It’s a slow process, but we just need to keep supporting the guys and letting it grow. Rome wasn’t built overnight. We must keep rebuilding the great Ramblin’ Wreck to the days of old! Way to go and keep up the great work!!! UGA…..keep underestimating us…..we’ll get you soon enough…..we have our day from time to time against the power teams. I’ll give the Dawgs props for great recruiting and record against us……but….honestly….I’d take our share of a NC over the head-to-head record we’ve had against UGA any time. I’m sure the bulldog nation would rather loose to us regularly and win a share of an NC if they had the choice too. Don’t let them get ya down……..we are moving up guys!!!
GO JACKETS!!!!!!
By SDW
August 4, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
For PTFMWB,
So we have two games this season that are supposed to be gimmies? At least our entire schedule isin’t a gimmie, of the 12 games we will play this season there are 7 teams that are top 25 teams.
By GTGreg
August 4, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
I’m sick of all of the self-depricating so-called Tech fans whining and crying about our awful QB and awful HC. You people need to get a grip. You jaw about accountability and responsibility for your actions, and you show up on an internet blog and post counterproductive smack talk about OUR OWN TEAM!!!! Try coming to a game or two (to see OUR team play, not ND or Miami or UGAg) and cheering for Tech no matter what the outcome. I think that the pieces are in place for a tremendous season, and it’s mind-numbing that there are eeyores among us that would sacrifice this entire season only for the sake of being right. Thanks northwestDAWG for being one of the most lucid posters on this blog. The rest of you should remember that only a short while ago Tech was 1-10 and badly needed fan support. It worked out well last time, will you step up and be real fans again?
By ga_tech_92
August 4, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
GTGreg - I hope that wasn’t directed at me. BTW I’m a Greg from GT also =P
By GTGreg
August 4, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this
No no… not you gt92… I’m mad because several UGA fans that post on the AJC frequently cite the fact that some Tech fans are more critical of our program than are dawg fans. While they are a vocal lunatic fringe, their comments just confirm the ‘gaggers observations. The incessant naysayers know who they are. BTW, I used to post as just Greg, but that other “greg” showed up and the simple, real-name handle fell out of favor with me. Good to hear from you though. Go Jackets!
By techaholic
August 4, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this
GTGreg:
I was around for 35 seasons and saw the good, bad and ugly. I stuck around and waited for the great coaches Ross and GOL and believed Tech NOW knew the difference.
UNTIL, they went back to hiring mediocrity in Gailey! I’ve seen enough bad, ugly and mediocre Tech football to last me till the end of my life. I earned my time to whine until hell freezes over or Gailey is canned.
By Play that funky music whiteboy
August 4, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
Uh Sorry SDW - you only have 5 games against teams in the top 25 (Miami, Clemson, Georgia, VA Tech, and Notre Dame). Where are you getting 7…???
By LongBeachJacket
August 4, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this
GT Greg has got the right sense of things. I hope Reggie Ball has a great year and silences all the critics (99.99999% of whom never played QB at the college level). Also, hope for a great season and credit to Coach Gailey when good things happen. GO JACKETS!!!!!