Sports Columnists

By Wozzo the Wonder Dog

August 29, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

The Legend Lives … but the team still sucks.

By Sting'em

August 29, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this

Mark, great article. Wozzo, go choke on Alpo.

By chuck

August 29, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this

Thanx Mark, for making my day. Thanks for supporting the home team unlike many of your contemporaries on AJC.

By Grant aka Midnight

August 29, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this

Let’s Go TECH! Let’s Go TECH!

By gtne80

August 29, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this

Ga Tech, by way of contrast, has Chan Gailey at the helm Ga Tech, by way of contrast, folded their tents in two of their biggest games last year (VA Tech and their bowl game against a very mediocre Utah.) Ga Tech, by way of contrast, has Chan Gailey at the helm. Oops, did I mention that one before? Prediction? My alma mater goes down hard before a national TV audience showing everyone what a booby trap Dave Braine set upon his departure. Irish 35, Jackets 17

By Rick Haywood

August 29, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

Nothing like providing bulletin-board material to the opposition. Every Notre Dame player will no doubt receive an embossed copy of this article and you are now without doubt on the Charlie Weiss Christmas Card list.

By go irish

August 29, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

quit giving tech fans reason to maintain hope. while most tech fans have a grasp of the fact that their team will never amount to much under chan gailey, articles like this give them hope only to be shattered by another 7-5 season.

By desertdawg

August 29, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this

Cole needs a hug

By reality check

August 29, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

Dang, I hate it when I agree with Bradley. So I’ll say Notre Dame will probably win.

I would add that Notre Dame may not be able to stop Tech’s running game. It is still axiomatic that must be done to win, and Notre Dame is unusually undersized on the defensive line.

If the game stays close the edge goes to Tech in the fourth quarter because Tech players are used to the heat. The weather in South Bend has been 10 to 15 degrees cooler than here all month. Heat won’t make much difference for a while, but before the game is over it will.

By John Minnix

August 29, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

Mark,

You mention ND’s loss to Ohio State (who is incidentally ranked #1 in preseason polls), but leave out the 550 yards GT gave up when they were pounded by Utah in the WeSuck.com Bowl. That’s right…UTAH! I think a loss to Ohio State is a little more excusable than a 38-10 loss to a team from the Mountain West.

As for Ball, some GT fans may be scratching their heads over your apparent description of his “clutch” play in big games. I seem to remember that it was (another) bone headed blunder by Ball that cost Tech a potential victory against the Dawgs last year.

Prediction: Reggie Ball, 2 INTs. Brady Quinn, 3 TDs. The Irish roll 35-10.

By Shivas

August 29, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

This is what I have been saying all along. Lot of class there, Cole. But since you’re only 13 maybe you can get back to your Japanimation website. Bradley is actually pointing out facts. No, Whiteboy, ND did not beat a ranked team: preseason polls don’t count. Your D is soft. I would like to see a dominating offensive performance where we pound and pound the ball right between the tackles. Bring up the safeties and then we hit CJ or Dunlap deep. Do not forget Evans the Freshman. He will play a role in this game. Keep an eye on Cooper as well. That’s right Irish, take a cold hard look at the facts, and start to realize the fear that is starting to swell, and ask yourself if you could have beaten Miami and Auburn. Oh, and let me thank Bradley for pointing out that awesome Irish D against the Huskies last year. The wreck is a comin, and it’s a ramblin, so strap on that chin strap reeeaaalll tight, and get ready for some Yellowjacket football!

By Larry

August 29, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

Mark:

Wishful thinking on your part Mark ND has its leading receiver back who got hurt the second game Last year. Defense is much faster and improved. ND will win by two touchdowns.

By Larry

August 29, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this

What a juvenile prediction!

If Tech win Bradley can say he said so; if they lose no one’s surprised.

Not impressed!

By Tech

August 29, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Wow. So the ND defense is “much faster and improved”. Can you send me the game tape of the team your new defense played against. I’d love to see some proof of that. Or is just what Fat Weis is feeding the boosters from practice against his own offense in high grass? The truth is you dont know fast. You may be an Independent, but your still Big 10 speed. Slow.

By GTGreg

August 29, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

Good article Mark, that was as objective an analysis as possible with the rampant ND hype. gtne80 or whatever is no alum of Georgia Tech, and Cole, take a long walk off a short pier.

By DandyDan

August 29, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

I broke one of the wooden bleachers in the old South Endzone stands jumping up and down when Tech beat the #1 Irish 3-3 back in 1980. It was a win wasn’t it? And opened the gate for a national title run for the Dawgs the same day Linday ran, ran, ran.

Will this Yellow Jacket team pull out an upset VICTORY 26 years later? Let’s put it this way: I wouldn’t be surprised. but then again, I also wouldn’t be surprised if Tech followed up with a loss to Troy State a week later.

Sadly, I see another 7-5 season and a 6th straight loss to the Rednecks in Athens. Let’s just hope Tech doesn’t send its bodies to another Emerald Bowl and leave their hearts at home.

I’ve been a Tech fan since I saw the Jackets whip Pittsburg on TV in the 1957 Gator Bowl as a 6-year old. And I always will be, despite being among the distinct minority in this state.

But the last 4 seasons have been a roller-coaster. What’s that old saying? Something about the lowest of the lows always outweighing the highest of the highs. We’ve had a lot of that at Georgia Tech in recent years.

A win over Notre Dame would be great, but I would swap 10 wins over the Irish for one win against UGA. The Irish fans go home, but…..

By Paul Harvey

August 29, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this

hmm… I can’t really remember running between the tackles working against ND. Lendale White, who is a higher quality player than any GT player save one, was shut down in the ND-USC game. If anything happens, the Irish run defense will outperform their pass defense. Furthermore, the three teams that ND lost to last year could all have beaten Georgia Tech quite handily. Yes, even Michigan State. After all, didn’t a ‘slow’ Big Ten team beat Auburn in the Capital One bowl? Speed isn’t the be all and end all of football. It is skill. And that is what ND has. They have an impeccably trained QB, and underrated RB who rushed for 2,000 yards in his first two seasons, and a star safety who makes up for his mistakes in sheer speed and grit.

GT gets its upsets because teams look past them, same as any other lesser ranked team. They are a quality team, with good players on both sides of the ball. But they need to be an elite team to beat a Heisman Candidate with two star recievers and a 1000 yard rusher, a coach who has never lost at his opponent’s stadium, and a faster and fiercer defense with a serious chip in its shoulder. GT could be elite. More likely they’ll be 7-5

By Sam

August 29, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

I hope you are right! Go Jackets!

By Fish Dodger

August 29, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech Tech you will never learn, it’s Gailey ball, it’s Gailey ball. Utah put 550 on your D-fence last year. That was with veteran D-backs. You now have three new ones. MMMMM I’m no brain surgen but that don’t sound to good Lucy.

By suwanee

August 29, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

give me a break. what a tech homer column. as long as reggie ball plays like reggie ball, then tech will lose the big games.

yes, they beat auburn and miami, but they lost to uga, utah and a host of others.

they usually play down to their competition, and reggie ball has figured out so many ways to screw up a good performance by the rest of their team and coaching staff that it’s gotten ridiculous.

By Badger and Irish Fan

August 29, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

Paul — Let’s be honest, a big, slow Big Ten Team SPANKED Auburn in the Capital One Bowl…..GO BADGERS! Let’s just wait and see what happens on Saturday night — the Irish aren’t asking for the hype — it’s the media, as usual……….

By Cole

August 29, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this

Hey shivas, nice name. Were you abused as a kid? Bradley is spurious in his analysis of the two teams. He also neglects the fact that GT was destroyed in their bowl game by a ahem, powerful utah squad in the venerable Emerald bowl. I don’t even want to know how in the hell you know about a Japanimation website. By the way, cracker, I ‘ll stick to what I said earlier, ND rolls the yellowjackets and the rest of those no name players you referenced. Now go back to your job as a bagger and reflect on how you failed in life.

P.S. Don’t try and challenge me with insults. You will only go home crying and defeated.

By J

August 29, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

The best thing about this game is that one team is going to lose.

By Play that funky music whiteboy

August 29, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

Cole - no class, you sound more like an FSU fan than an ND fan. My apologies Jacket fans, you know I think we’ll win by 28 but that kind of smack is worthless and uncalled for.

Shivas, I don’t even have to post for you to acknowledge me - am I in your head now?

Good article Mark Bradley, support the home team - however from watching the reports from both home town media outlets, this is the first set of “bulletin board material” from either side.

ND is not looking past Tech - those wins against Miami and Auburn are being brought up to the players in South Bend over and over again. Why overlook a top rated defense and Calvin Johnson? That’s why ND is going to be bringing it Saturday night and that is bad news for Tech.

And to the poster regarding the “speed” of the ND defense - hey, that’s why Charlie is getting as many top players out of the State of Georgia as possible (Richardson, Toryan Smith, etc.) He knows where the speed is.

By GINGER

August 29, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this

GOD BLESS YOU ALL TECH

YOU WILL DO GOOD AND WE ARE PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU

MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WHAT IS FOR YOU IS FOR YOU

LOVE GINGER

By Donzell

August 29, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this

Dwyer,Nesbitt,and Claytor are going to announce thursday at espn zone in atlanta that they are going to tech. BY Rivals.com

By mtraininjax

August 29, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWNNNNNNNN….

Is it basketball season yet?

By Davey

August 29, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

ND you guys lost to Michigan St. Last time I checked Mich St pass d’s not the greatest(See the Northwestern game later in the year, I think it was like 49-14…….impressive). BUT somehow they were able to acheive the impossible and win the game against God’s team. This game will be close and it might be good for both of the teams to lose this first game. Mcknight is unprove since leg surgery. Brady has been spending too much time on sportcenter. ND is ready for a fall. This team reminds me of techs team in 2001. Preseason number 1 in New York Post. Alot hype……BIG TIME offense(sounds familiar) but nothing seem to go right. Luck plays a big role in football you can’t expect it to fall your way. Thats why tech, the team with nothing to lose, will beat ND, the team with everthing to lose.

24-20 Tech

By Davey

August 29, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Donzell is Nesbitt commiting on thurs? I hear he might be backing out of it. It looks like we have Claytor though. Why else would he be coming to the ND game unless he his a tech commit.

By Donzell

August 29, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

remember tech beat maimi in the orange bowl.with the acc title in stack they come up with the upset. beat aurburn twice to start the year off 03 and 05.I 03 aurbun team had thomas brown, williams and jason at QB.tech win 17-3 in atlanta remember.tech will show up.

By Rich

August 29, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

Everybody talks about Weiss’ offense versus Tenuta’s defense, but the critical match up is Nix versus Bill Lewis’ secondary. Lewis’ bunch are in trouble against a seasoned GT offense. Jason Campbell looked mediocre until his senior year, Reggie finally gets in a groove. Besides, Bill Lewis has already proven he cannot win in Atlanta…

By gatech87

August 29, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

ND is the most overrated team in a decade. Tech will win.

Thanks, Bradley, for stating the obvious…

By ricky-retardo

August 29, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

go jackets! beat irish to hell with georgia

By robdawg

August 29, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

Bradley, you are without a doubt, an idiot. I’ll give you credit. You are consistent. Tech’s problem is at QB. As long as RB is playing, the game is never over.

Even with CJ, the Jackets are still a bunch of losers. It’s just a shame they did not sign Reggie’s little brother!!

GO DAWGS and HOW BOUT THEM IRISH!!

By Frank

August 29, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

GT, might have a chance in this game if Reggie Ball wasn’t their quaterback. He is the biggest choke artist I have ever seen. He has had chances to beat Georgia the past two years and has handed them the game every time. Calvin Johnson can’t win this game for them either. I don’t care if he is good enough to get out of double coverage, because Reggie Ball is not good enough to get him the ball on a regular basis. The game will be closer than alot of people think because tech plays defense, but the bottom line is you can’t win more than 7 games a year with Reggie Ball at quaterback.

By Cotton

August 30, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

Though I’ll catch grief from some fellow Georgia fans, I totally agree with Bradley’s article. Notre Dame may come away with the win, but if anything it should be close. They can’t cover Calvin Johnson. If Ball can step up and make some good throws for a change, Tech should be able to light up that secondary. And Tech’s D (last year)was better than any team the Irish played, by far. It tears my guts out to say so, but Tech SHOULD win this game. Flat out, they’re better. Take the points and run. Forget the magazines and ESPN’s love affair. Notre Dame is the ultimate hype machine and always will be. Good luck Techsters, we’ll see you come November! Go Dawgs!

By Mark

August 30, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

Would love to see Tech win Saturday..its up to Ball.I don’t think he a good QB, but what do I know I am a fan. He has disapointed me a many of time.

By Edward

August 30, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this

Are you playing an April fool joke in August ?

By DuluthJacket

August 30, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the kiss of death Mark.

By Reality

August 30, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this

Hope Tech has their knee pads ready Saturday night because they will be sucking the ‘Big One’ for four quarters. Embarrassing themselves and their pitiful fan base. The Tech alumni should just stay at work serving those hot dogs at the Varsity. ‘Would you like rings with that hot dog, Massa ???’

By LickitySlit

August 30, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

Tech should hang with all the other ACC Loser this year but when it comes to playing out of their conference, Tech will get their asses handed to them every time. The ACC represents a lot of second-rate players that could not make it in a real football conference. Some advice…. Just go back to playing in your little sandbox with the other ACC losers and leave the real football to the better football conferences.

By David Duncan

August 30, 2006 01:25 AM | Link to this

If I ever smelled a blowout, this is it. The Irish will beat the Yellow Jackets 42-10.

By WOW DAWG

August 30, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this

“elongated Johnson” The irish won’t blow this one.

42 to 10 Irish

“elongated Johnson” Nice puff piece

By Bob ND Class of 77

August 30, 2006 01:58 AM | Link to this

Georgia Tech has a great team. Georgia Tech has always had great teams. It is an honor for Notre Dame to visit Georgia Tech. The game itself will not be decided by hype, or bold pronouncements or warnings. The game will be decided smash face football style, in the trenches, in the flats, bone to bone, muscle against muscle, speed against speed. It will be a good game. Keep under estimating Notre Dame, keep your spirits high Georgia Tech, keep thinking you will blow Notre Dame away, after all everyone rating ND up there must be high, huh? :)

By KLR

August 30, 2006 01:59 AM | Link to this

ND….overated as usual!!! They might very well hand it to Tech, but from a DAWG fan to the Nerds….I hope ya’ll roll!!!….and David Duncan, put your crack pipe up! I’d be stunned if they beat anyone by a 32 point margin before the Navy game. Now go pop some popcorn and watch your Rudie movie.

By KLR

August 30, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this

ND….over rated as usual!!! They might very well hand it to Tech, but from a DAWG fan to the Nerds….I hope ya’ll roll!!!….and David Duncan, put your crack pipe up! I’d be stunned if they beat anyone by a 32 point margin before the Navy game. Now go pop some popcorn and watch your Rudie movie.

By Irish Whiskey

August 30, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this

MARK - ARE YOU KIDDING ME? As A Notre Dame fan transplanted to Atlanta - I and my fellow Irish have respect for Tech for the institution that it is and what Tech stands for.

As for the football team - Tech will fight a great fight Saturday night - but does not have the depth to beat a national based football program like ND. Defense will play with heart, Offense will show signs of brilliance but will be inconsistent. Your QB play is just plain schizophrenic.

Under Gailey and crew - Tech is a legit top 30 program and a very dangerous team. But is just not deep enough to get over the 7-5 hump this year or next. As a matter of fact, Tech will also lose to the VA Tech Stompers, Clempson Cow Patties, Miami Thugs, and a mere average Georgia team that plays in an over hyped conference featuring the powerhouse teams from the state of Mississippi, Vanderbilt,and Kentucky. Some of these games will be close - some will not as this shows how hard it is to continually overachieve with the lack of depth on your roster. But fear not Tech fans, you will have a chance to avenge your earlier bowl loss against Fresno State in Boise late December!!!!!

Be patient Tech fans - Tech is a tough school to recruit for and Gailey and crew keeps your team overachieving with some amazing victories. His new found recruiting strategy in focussing local state and southern talent will pay you dividends down the road. Tech will be competitive but will have a hard time being Miami’s or FSU’s equal year in and year out because of the caliper of student it takes to be successful at Tech.

Remember, Beamer ball did not take off for several years and only because he lowered the standards of integrity of the thugs - I mean student athletes that he recruits. Your coaching staff is very good. Winning at schools like Tech, Duke, Notre Dame, and Vanderbilt is an incredible achievement. Not winning at schools like FSU or Miami is also an incredible achievement.

Notre Dame has a distinct advantage of being a national private school with a glorius football tradition. Either you like us or hate us….we do have an unfair advantage with the BCS and our own TV network which gives us a leg up on the national recruiting scene. Name another high end academic institution (sorry boys - not a local state college or state universtiy) that continually has winning seasons year in and year out. I can name only one other….GA Tech! I wish your school the best…but Saturday night will be typical for the Jackets. A good hard fight and worn down at the end with an unrealistic fan base calling for a coaching change.

By Donzell

August 30, 2006 02:28 AM | Link to this

Playboy Magazine picks georgia Tech over Notre Dame.

By KLR

August 30, 2006 02:37 AM | Link to this

Irish Whiskey,

You’ve obviously been into some of it tonight! Tech, isn’t a local State University?…with lower requirements for admission than UGA? The last time I passed the trade school I believe the sign said “a unit of the University System of Georgia”! Hmm…new one to me! I’ll trust you’re eminent Notre Dame intellect. By the way, just what does Tech stand for? Rolling a big fat one between halves? Furthermore, Do you recall the part in Bradley’s article about not beating a team in the final AP poll last year???? Does that mean nothing to you? Anyway, prepare for a nail biter.

By Donzell

August 30, 2006 02:40 AM | Link to this

LIKE NOTRE DAME HAS ANY DEPTH.TECH BEAT MAIMI AND MAIMI HAS DEPTH.THE LAST VICTORY AGAINST A TOP 5 TEAM WAS WIN LOU WAS THE COACH

By Goof

August 30, 2006 03:15 AM | Link to this

Come Sunday morning, Notre Dame will realize they were holding anal beads rather than rosary!

By KLR

August 30, 2006 03:22 AM | Link to this

Damn Dandy Dan! Isn’t it past your bedtime?

By Murph

August 30, 2006 05:49 AM | Link to this

Irish Whiskey, you are clearly a victim of the mass delusion that is Notre Dame football. Notre Dame, from a championship football perspective, simply is not relevant, and has not been since Holtz left. Moreover, if you exclude the Holtz era, they have not mattered since the late 1970’s. Charlie Weiss comes in and wins 10 games, has one close call against Southern Cal (a team which ultimately was beaten by a true championship team, tarnishing the luster of that “moral victory” a bit), and he is anointed by the Notre Dame faithful as the second coming of Knute Rockne. I’ll remind you that the inestimable Tyrone Willingham (last seen coaching a woeful 2-9 Washington team that nevertheless put over 400 yards up against the vaunted Irish defense) also won 10 games in his first season, then slid back into the vast sea of mediocrity that is the true recent history of Notre Dame football. So, for all of your disparaging remarks about “state schools” and their lowered academic standards (and your own academic credentials can be called into question simply by your use of the word “caliper” in reference to the quality of the average student at Tech), your references to Notre Dame’s “glorious” football tradition are rooted in things that happened three decades or more ago, a time when none of the players that will line it up Saturday were born.

BTW, do your homework. KLR is right—Tech is a “state school.” And Miami is private. And I would guarantee you that the Fighting Irish’s strength of schedule is not as high as the majority of the teams in the SEC. You criticize Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, yet you play the service academies every year? Put Notre Dame in the SEC, and they would lose 3 or 4 games a season, as there is a potential trap every week. Can you honestly say the Irish, with their see-ya-later defense, would survive weekly battles with Georgia, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, etc? Brady Quinn—or even Touchdown Jesus—couldn’t save them then. So, as a Dawg fan, I have to say…Go Jackets!

By Shivas

August 30, 2006 06:55 AM | Link to this

Nice to hear the Irish fans worried. Frank, please get over this RB bashing and negativity. He’s not the cause of 7-5, he is the best QB we got, and he is better than what these blogs state. Let’s see what happens with Nix calling plays, and stick by RB. Whiteboy, I knew you’d be along so for once I thought I would call you to the carpet before you had a chance to spin the Bradley argument. But really, Weiss is living off an NFL offensive coordinator reputation. He lost to every ranked team he played (pre-season ranking doesn’t count). What makes all you Irish fans so delusional about your soft D, and questionable running game? It’s getting over the hump year, and Irish Whiskey makes some very good points. We couuld rush for 250 against the Irish. Oh yeah Cole, does your mommy and daddy know your playing on these blog sites?

By gt81

August 30, 2006 06:57 AM | Link to this

Good article… Interesting how many emotions a simply article giving both sides a chance can bring out. Either team can win and even R. Ball could play acceptable.

I am curious why all the Clarke County Community College aka PUPS find it so important to write and include their beloved SEC and Dogs into something that has nothing to do with them.

There is football other than the SEC out there. There is interest in football in Atlanta other than UGA. The AJC has to cover something other than UGA.

To all the UGA people that want to consime the Tech blog. Before you bash Tech and Reggie so harshly, take a look at your starting QB. He could be third string at Tech. If not for his ties and his fathers begging he would not even be on the GA campus. I’ll take Reggie over Joe T any day.

By the way we can agree on one thing. We all hate ND more than each other. Yes we would root for the Dogs.

This weeekend is about the Jackets! Get it done and let the real Gold Shine!

By splitatom

August 30, 2006 07:03 AM | Link to this

Good, Inspirational article. However, you forgot to note that last year’s team (as a whole) basically “quit” on at least two occasions. Hopefully the coaching staff has worked with the team to keep this in check this year. The game remains close but at gut check time, GT prevails in a close one. It appears that the cynics are awake early this year.

By ACC Basketblog

August 30, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this

Slow down, Mr. Bradley….slow down. “We’re talking about you at the ACC Basketblog”: http://accbasketblog.blogspot.com/2006/08/daily-roundup-wednesday_30.html

By DawgBite

August 30, 2006 07:29 AM | Link to this

Tech will beat ND? LOLLOLLOLLOL!!!!

By gt81 To all the UGA people that want to consime the Tech blog. Before you bash Tech and Reggie so harshly, take a look at your starting QB. He could be third string at Tech. If not for his ties and his fathers begging he would not even be on the GA campus. I’ll take Reggie over Joe T any day.

gt81, you imbecile! Reggie couldn’t even run the scout team at UGA. The Dawgs have 5 QBs better than “the foot in the mouth Ball”. Reggie Ball my a&$! LOLLOLLOLLOL!!!

By JB

August 30, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this

This upset talk ABSOLUTELY cracks me up!

There’s about as much chance of Tech winning this game as there is of them selling out all of their home games.

24-10 ND.

By Russ Brock

August 30, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this

Hey, Mark, your old buddy, Russ Brock, here. Well, man, aren’t you the least bit concerned you may have given the Irish the bulletin-board fodder they need to bow up and beat the Jackets? I am and I fear you did. Hopefully, they will file you away in the funny file and not get anything from it but I worry Weis will use it if he gets a copy of the AJC. Bet he does. If Tech loses now, it’s your head. Russ P.S. Did you attend or see the Larry Munson roast? Old Lar’ is a dirty old man.

By JB

August 30, 2006 07:37 AM | Link to this

“I’ll take Reggie over Joe T any day.”

I just found something funnier than Tech beating ND and I didn’t think that was possible.

Toooooooo funny!

By Hick from the sticks

August 30, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this

Heavens!

Such animosity!

Tech kids, this is what you want, so I’ll concede your point. The Irish D was not a force to be reckoned with last year. Not only did we surrender massive yards, but we also choked on the big occasions (see also last year’s Fiasco Bowl, and the infamous 4th and 16 versus USC).

Tech kids, I’ll also give you that Calvin Johnson is a highly touted WR. He’ll see double coverage this Saturday, and still break free for some big plays. I’d be lying through my teeth if I thought for a minute that Notre Dame’s D could maintain him the entire game. What separates mediocre WRs from great ones is that ability to break through coverage and still come up with great plays. Johnson deserves all the press he recieves, and I wish nothing but good things for him this year.

Now, Tech kids. Brady Quinn put up 3,919 passing yards last season. Rhema McKnight went out during the game against Michigan. Samarzdija stepped in, and in tandem with Stovall and Walker, ND’s offense wreaked havoc against most teams they played.

That being said, Reggie Ball is not Brady Quinn. He lacks the patience, field vision, ability to read defense, and the tutelage from a good coach. It’s fantastic that Tech has such power in their reciever corps, but unless a quarterback can connect with his target, it’s a non-issue.

Defense can prevent losses in games. Now, are you certain that Tech’s defense is good enough to shut down a Notre Dame offense that seems to be able to score at will?

I’m certain I’m going to get flak for this one, so hit me with it. Before you do though, please learn to spell some things:

Miami. Y’all. (I fail to believe that Dawg fans can not spell southern colloquialisms. Bothersome, at best.)

And please, if you have something to say that I seemed to have missed in this early morning tirade, do not resort to “DUDE, YOU’RE COACH IS FAT.” or something of that ilk.

By the way:

1. You’re= as in “You are”
2. Your= of, or belonging to a party being referred to in the second person.

Ergo,

1. You’re going to lose.
2. Your team has little to no chance.

See? Was that hard?

May God bless and keep Irish football.

By Amelia

August 30, 2006 07:41 AM | Link to this

Reggie couldn’t play for Mark Richt. Just the fact that he is Tech’s QB tells the tale on the whole program on the flats.

By Stinger

August 30, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this

“Darius Walker is a nice back.” Don’t you mean Darius Walker is a 1,000 back as well as a good blocker and receiver.

Like other AJC writers, the historical emphasis is on Tech’s 5 wins and 1 tie. As usual, the author fails to mention that in the 33 meetings of the 2 teams, the record is 26-5-1 (that’s ND with the 26 wins).

By Stinger

August 30, 2006 07:45 AM | Link to this

“Darius Walker is a nice back.” Isn’t the fact: Darius Walker is a 1,000 yard back who is also a good receiver and blocker.

Like other AJC writers, the historical emphasis is on Tech’s 5 wins and 1 tie. As usual, the author fails to mention that in the 33 meetings of the 2 teams, the record is 26-5-1 (that’s ND with the 26 wins).

By ND Class of 2004

August 30, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this

Thank you Stinger for pointing out the historical accuracy of the series. Also, thank you Bradley for adding more fuel to the fire for ND players to take in before the game. Everyone is going to be aiming for ND this season. The problems I see here are 1. Chan Gailey is not Charlie Weis (and thank God Urban Meyer ended up in Flordia). 2. Even with our improved defense, our offense is still so much more powerful than Tech’s that nothing Tech has is going to stop all of our weapons. Come over to the Omni hotel Friday night for a real pep rally to see what it’s like to appreciate REAL football.

By don't believe the hype

August 30, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this

I don’t believe the hype. Think back to how many times the mighty Irish have been highly over-ranked in pre-season polls.

This season will be no different. Tech rolls at home by 10.

By dawgman

August 30, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this

i agree the techies have a good shot at beating ND,but there odds go down signicantly when they play reggie ball.

why tech sticks with this guy for four years is amazing to say the least.

tech losses to ND because of late turnovers by , you guess it reggie ball.

ND is not the “1 team in the country and they will show why they are not, in a very close win over GT.

By FightingIrish

August 30, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

Tech is primed for a good old fashion major whuppin There is not way they can hang with Notre Dame. They’re in a complete state of delusion. They may as well not even bother to show up.

By mart

August 30, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this

This article is an example of hometown writing. There’s no reason to believe the final score won’t reflect the teams’ rankings. ND 35, GT 10.
That said, Go Jackets.

By Jsonic

August 30, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

Great BS article. GT will be up for the game cause they are a great team but you know that Notre Dame return is here. Part of the reason that the Irish didn’t beat anyone in final poll last year is because they were ranked when the Irish did play them and beat them and knocked them out of the top 25. In any case it will be a great game but the Irish will win by 10.

By Play that funky music whiteboy

August 30, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

Shivas, thanks for the props - I’m really looking forward to this game folks, only three more days. I’ve got fellow ND alums from all over the country flying in to stay at the house and go to the game on Saturday night.

Like many have pointed out, the ND secondary and linebacking corps, heck the whole defense is suspect - I agree. We should all know by the end of the first quarter whether or not Minter and the defensive staff have really turned that side of the ball around or not. If they haven’t - well not to hurt you Tech fans, but our season would look alot like Joe Hamilton’s Senior year - better score 40 against us, because that’s how many ND will have.

By 3rd Generation TECH fan

August 30, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

Georgia Tech: the only college team without Hometown fans. I am proud of my Yellow Jackets no matter what the final score is, no matter how the season goes. It makes a win that much better!

By Crystal

August 30, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

Tech’s defense might help them a little, but you forget who their quarterback is… Reggie “choke under pressure” Ball. Your comment that Calvin Johnson is a better wide reciever than Jeff is laughable.

By Sean

August 30, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

Does ND really have the secondary to stop the freakishly tall CJ i think not, run the ball early with choice, then hit the Irish with playaction pass. Goooooooooo Jackets!!!

By dawgfacedboy

August 30, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

I may bleed red and black but come saturday night I’ll be cheering for the gold and black! I agree Notre Lame is one of the most overated teams in a long time. How can you consistently beat nobody and lose to teams who are supposed to be your equals, not play in a conference championship game and be heralded as one of the best teams in the country?!?!? I will be lauging around 11:00 on saturday night as almighty Notre Lame drops their first game to team from the South!!

By jim

August 30, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this

Notre Dame may be overrated, but Charlie Weiss isn’t.

By Irish Domination

August 30, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

I’m retired from the US Army and had the pleasure of doing two years in “Hotlanta”! I was extremely impressed with ya’ll’s southern hospitality and making this Yankee and my family feel welcomed during my stay. But after reading this crap of an article, I believe the heat has gotten to yall’s heads. You would be foaming at the mouth if Charlie Weiss would even answer a phone call from you, let alone agree to coach your fine school. So stop with the slanderous comments about his inability to coach! Three superbowl rings shuts that up, but anyway! This year he has resurrected the ND defense, just as he did the offense last year! It’s like most women say, thankfully, the size isn’t everything! So when the speed kicks in and your “superior” QB is constantly picking himself of the ground, please remember how bad our “D” was last year! ND, as well as it’s media machine, has more class than to talk trash about our opponents, but instead let those issued be decided between the goalposts. Sorry Mark and all Jacket fans, but Irish take this one 38 - 7! God bless the Irish and all of their opponents this year! See you in Arizona January 8th!

By Irish Domination

August 30, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

I’m retired from the US Army and had the pleasure of doing two years in “Hotlanta”! I was extremely impressed with ya’ll’s southern hospitality and making this Yankee and my family feel welcomed during my stay. But after reading this crap of an article, I believe the heat has gotten to yall’s heads. You would be foaming at the mouth if Charlie Weiss would even answer a phone call from you, let alone agree to coach your fine school. So stop with the slanderous comments about his inability to coach! Three superbowl rings shuts that up, but anyway! This year he has resurrected the ND defense, just as he did the offense last year! It’s like most women say, thankfully, the size isn’t everything! So when the speed kicks in and your “superior” QB is constantly picking himself of the ground, please remember how bad our “D” was last year! ND, as well as it’s media machine, has more class than to talk trash about our opponents, but instead let those issued be decided between the goalposts. Sorry Mark and all Jacket fans, but Irish take this one 38 - 7! God bless the Irish and all of their opponents this year! See you in Arizona January 8th!

By Swatguy

August 30, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

Do you drink a lot?

By Hick from the sticks

August 30, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

chortle

Notre Lame.

How droll.

Insults from a Dawg fan.

Do you write your own material, Dawgfacedboy, or do you pay a Tech student to edit it for you?

Just curious.

God bless and keep Irish Football.

By BIG MAC

August 30, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

Sorry Tech fans, having Bradley pick you is the kiss of death. Not even “Rudy” could help Tech overcome the Bradley curse. Enjoy the upset prediction euphoria, it won’t last past 9PM Saturday.

By Irish Domination

August 30, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

To Swatguy: I normally don’t drink a lot, but I’ll be celebrating ND kicking your sorry asses Saturday night. Maybe your illustrious sports correspondent can use the paper this article is written on to wipe both your asses and then you eyes! GO IRISH!

By GerryK

August 30, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

Well Mark, you are in for a rude awakening. Immediately following the hiring of Charlie Weiss I predicted the following for the Irish: (1) The Irish would win 9 games and go to a BCS Bowl game (although I wasn’t sure if they would win), (2) their final ranking would be in the top 10, (3) Brady Quinn would become one of the top QB’s in the nation in his first year under Weiss and be a dark horse for the Heisman Trophy, and (4) the Irish would not beat USC, but it would put a scare into them after being trounced for 3 straight years by more than 30 points. As you can plainly see, ALL of my predictions were right on the money. This next one will be no different: Not only will the Irish beat Tech, it will not even be close. The much maligned defense of the Irish will suprise all naysayers in this first contest of the season with their improved speed and depth and will blitz GT silly to the tune of 5 sacks, they will cause 2 fummbles and 2 interceptions, which will result in 17 points. The offense will have a field day on Tech’s defense, sending a clear warning to all other opponents that this offense cannot be stopped. Brady Quinnn will kick off his Heisman campaign by throwing four 4 TD,s with no INT’s for a total of just under 400 yards. Final Score: IRISH 42 - Ramblin Wreck 17. I’ll be back after this laugher to see you eating crow and admitting that the Irish are indeed contenders for the national championship.
GO IRISH!!!!

By nic0563

August 30, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this

did anybody else catch at the end where it reads ‘elongated johnson’? that had me laughing.

so gt could beat good miami & auburn teams. congrats! this is a new year. and remember, nd has something those teams don’t have; charlie. yes folks, he’s that good. even if it drives you nuts, he’s good. this is the charlie-chan match-up (charlie chan…anybody…?) i’ll take charlie.

By Tara

August 30, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

Ga Tech may have a national championship more recently then Notre Dame but no one can beat our 11! Yeah, Tech beat Auburn last year but that was a fluke…The Irish will prevail and beat Tech come Saturday, no doubt about it. GO IRISH GO!! and to my WAREAGLE friends, we are taking them down for yas, its payback time!!!!!

By The Alpha Male

August 30, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

The only victory Tech will achieve is a moral victory of staying in the game until the end. Notre Dame wins by 8.

By Ed LaNeve

August 30, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

Can’t a writer ever pick Notre Dame to lose WITHOUT resorting to bigotry and jealousy? Why is that so hard?

By wes

August 30, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

Hae u seen Weiss lately? He must be pretty nervous about playing Georgia Tech. I think he’s pushing 400 lb’s.

TO HELL WITH NOTRE DAME!!!!

By The Alpha Male

August 30, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

The only victory Tech will achieve is a moral victory of staying in the game until the end. Notre Dame wins by 8.

By Sam GT'79

August 30, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

I saw Tech beat ND in ‘76, and I was at the ‘98-‘99 Gator Bowl when Tech beat ND, and took a knee at the end of the game to not score again. (The Tech students started cheering “Rudy, Rudy” with about 2 minutes left; it was hilarious.) I don’t know GaTech WILL win, but I know it CAN win.

By GeorgiaIrishDiscDogs.com

August 30, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

MARK BRADLEY WHAT A JOKE!!

By GeorgiaIrishDiscDogs.com

August 30, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

MARK BRADLEY WHAT A JOKE!!

By Brad

August 30, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

Very funny artice Mark. Can we get your rebuttal on Sunday? www.brady4heisman.com

By jerry

August 30, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

Some numbers:

5-26-1 GT vs. ND Tech has never beaten ND two in a row. Tech won last meeting.

By Sean

August 30, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

To all those dawg fans who decided to post here who are you playing again this weekend? oh wait a softy Western Kentucky haha come on now Tech has a way tougher schedule than UGA does UGA plays only 3 teams that are currently in the top 25, Tech plays 5,but then again you guys in athens do like getting those easy wins now dont you? No doubt Weiss is a great coach but he cant play defense for the Irish, i see CJ getting 2 tds and over 100 yds recieving, and if you wanna talk about coaching geniuses Jon Tenuta is one of the best at dialing up the blitz, Tech will find a way to win. White and Gold for ever

By Sam GT'79

August 30, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

I saw Tech beat ND in ‘76, and I was at the ‘98-‘99 Gator Bowl when Tech beat ND, and took a knee at the end of the game to not score again. (The Tech students started cheering “Rudy, Rudy” with about 2 minutes left; it was hilarious.) I don’t know GaTech WILL win, but I know it CAN win.

By Sam GT'79

August 30, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

I saw Tech beat ND in ‘76, and I was at the ‘98-‘99 Gator Bowl when Tech beat ND, and took a knee at the end of the game to not score again. (The Tech students started cheering “Rudy, Rudy” with about 2 minutes left; it was hilarious.) I don’t know GaTech WILL win, but I know it CAN win.

By wes

August 30, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

Hae u seen Weiss lately? He must be pretty nervous about playing Georgia Tech. I think he’s pushing 400 lb’s.

TO HELL WITH NOTRE DAME!!!!

By wes

August 30, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Hae u seen Weiss lately? He must be pretty nervous about playing Georgia Tech. I think he’s pushing 400 lb’s.

TO HELL WITH NOTRE DAME!!!!

By wes

August 30, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Hae u seen Weiss lately? He must be pretty nervous about playing Georgia Tech. I think he’s pushing 400 lb’s.

TO HELL WITH NOTRE DAME!!!!

By wes

August 30, 2006 09:40 AM |