AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > October > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTalented Jackets find their way, could go far
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
So there went Darrius Heyward-Bey, shaking a tackle along the sideline and fleeing downfield. And now, with Georgia Tech’s skinny lead subject to imminent override, what were the Jackets thinking?
“I can’t say what I was thinking,” linebacker KaMichael Hall said. “I looked up and all I saw was field in front of [Heyward-Bey], and I’m sure that’s all he saw, too.”
“I was just thinking, ‘Cover down,’ ” defensive end Michael Johnson said. “Everyone chase the ball.”
“I wasn’t even thinking,” safety Avery Roberson said. “I was running. You can’t stop running.”
A year ago Tech lost almost this exact game to North Carolina State, missing two point-blank field goals, falling behind on a long catch-and-run and being ultimately undone when Calvin Johnson, of all people, turned a game-winning touchdown into a game-losing interception. A year ago the Jackets were a different team, a lesser team, a team that half-expected something bad to happen.
Here’s what happened Saturday: Roberson kept running, kept running, finally dragging Heyward-Bey to ground at the 7. The 57-yard-gain left Maryland with first-and-goal and a minute to play, but for the Terps the moment had come and gone. Two runs — two runs, you’re saying? Me, too — netted 3 yards. On third down Johnson induced quarterback Sam Hollenbach to ground the ball. On fourth down Johnson wrestled Hollenbach to the ground. Tech won a game it could easily have lost, yet another indication that this year and this team are different from their predecessors.
The Jackets messed up every which way against the Terps, missing two field goals and falling victim to two strange Chan Gailey choices involving kicking (faking a field goal on fourth-and-inches, going for two with a four-point lead) and allowing the plodding Terps a galvanizing kickoff-return touchdown. And they won anyway. They won because Avery Roberson kept running. They won because Michael Johnson played the last two defensive downs like a man trying to outrun an egregious error, which was in fact the case.
“I take the blame [for the kickoff return],” Johnson said. “I was all out of my lane. … It hurt me tremendously. … For me to cause them to score, that was on my heart all day. I wanted to get that back.”
He got it back. He blew up the esteemed Ralph Friedgen’s schemes with the game on the line. The Jackets made a day going wrong go right at the end. And when a team stacks a breathless victory back to back with that clinical dissection of Virginia Tech … well, that’s a team capable of going a long way. Maybe to Jacksonville for the ACC championship game. Maybe all the way to the Orange Bowl.
This is a gifted team that has always known how to play defense and is learning to play offense. This is a gifted team that has always been adept at winning big games and is figuring out how to handle the little ones. This is one of the 10 best teams in the land, and it is looking more and more like a blessed one to boot. Yeah, Tech was a little lucky Saturday, but all championship teams require a little luck en route.
“The harder you play,” Johnson said, “the more good things happen to you. When people say, ‘They’ve been lucky,’ I say, ‘Thank you.’ “
For the first four seasons under Gailey, the Jackets reacted to any good fortune by acting as if they didn’t deserve it. That halting approach kept Tech from truly consolidating any gains, but these Jackets feel they’re as deserving as anybody. They won a game Saturday that they lost last October. They could win a half-dozen more games before they’re through.
Permalink | Comments (45) | Post your comment | Categories: Mark Bradley, Tech / ACC
Comments
By James
October 7, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
I remember listening to this game on the radio earlier today. Pacing around, hoping Tech would hold them. I remember hearing the crowd, which sounded like a crowd at Sanford Stadium or the Swamp. It was great to hear the word “sack”. Everyone did good, and Reggie Ball has oficially thrown more touchdowns than INTs in his career. Calvin is still Calvin, and Tashard’s dreams are getting realized. Hopefully, we can take all of this all the way to Jacksonville.
By James
October 7, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this
I remember listening to this game on the radio earlier today. Pacing around, hoping Tech would hold them. I remember hearing the crowd, which sounded like a crowd at Sanford Stadium or the Swamp. It was great to hear the word “sack”. Everyone did good, and Reggie Ball has oficially thrown more touchdowns than INTs in his career. Calvin is still Calvin, and Tashard’s dreams are getting realized. Hopefully, we can take all of this all the way to Jacksonville.
By charles
October 7, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this
I was there at the game today. To tell you the truth, I almost fell asleep the first three quarters. But man, what tremendous atmosphere in the 4th quarter, I don’t think I’ll be able to talk for a week. This game was very inspiring in that it’s exactly the type of game Tech would have lost in the past. I’ll take ACC wins in any way they come. Glad to be 5-1. Go JACKETS!!!
By the way, the Vols just whooped up on the Dawgs.
By z
October 7, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this
For me this could be just as big of a win as the VT game was. It really shows how strong this team is, vs. the last years team. There is still a lot of football to be played but with the style that this team is playing with, we should do good.
By Rico
October 7, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this
OK…So The Jackets have grown up..So, now it’s time to sure up the special teams and roll.
By Kevin
October 8, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this
“falling victim to two strange Chan Gailey choices involving kicking (faking a field goal on fourth-and-inches, going for two with a four-point lead)”
I liked going for two there, and I didn’t mind the fake field goal. What was wrong with that?
By NGJacket
October 8, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this
Everyone had said that a win or loss against Maryland would answer a lot of questions about this Tech team. Even though we got a “W,” I don’t think it answers any, at least none we don’t already know. For instance, we know that our offense can produce: they did. We know our defense can come up big for us: they did. We know that our special teams our improving - and besides one big blown runback, they are.
But something was missing Saturday - a certain spark that defined the performance against VT. This seemed like the same kind of Georgia Tech branded post-sensation letdown that has plagued our team for years. This time, we had the talent and the breaks late in the game to overcome it. While this win speaks a lot about our talent, it doesn’t say much about a change in paradigm or in attitude for this program. I know, even if you are a Jacket fan celebrating right now, there was a point in the second and third quarters where those dark thoughts of seasons past were rushing back - can you say Duke? UNC?
All we can hope is that Maryland plays consistently and good for the rest of their ACC run, legitamizing our playing a close game with them. While I love a thriller, this was a thriller for all the wrong reasons. OK. I’m done with the glum. So I’ll end on this note:
We are 5 - 1, 3 - 0(ACC) and ranked 18th+!!! Lets shake this off, rest and get ready to take on Clemson! Go Jackets!
By gtfan
October 8, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this
I hate you Bradley, along with Moore. You’re a bunch of bandwagon jockeys!!!!!!!!
Ride it while it’s hot, dawg it while it’s not!
By Surfrider
October 8, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this
A great game Bradley but don’t jump the gun. If Maryland throws on those first two downs who knows what happens. This like you said could have been a loss. There is Clemson ahead who looked great in the end against a real good Wake team. Also Miami has an excellent defense and they may have an offense soon. And Duke was leading Bama in the 3rd quarter. This season has a long way to go and today was dangerously close to the Gailey mantras of the past years. One week at a time is the way to play this schedule. The Dawgs if they get their QB situation straight could be tough by year end.
By DawgStyle
October 8, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this
You insects are so lucky to BARELY beat a pitiful team like the turtles. Georgia will dominate you bees when you get between the hedges….The Tennessee game is just a small blip on the radar on the way to the SEC Championship for the mighty DAWGS..woof woof woof
By GTBandit
October 8, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this
Marky, are you on drugs? I think Bark Madley has finally seen the light, or he just saw Georgia get whipped and needs another bandwagon to jump on… for now.
By Not Disappointed
October 8, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this
I can recall listening to the game earlier and thinking for the first three quarters,”Here we go again!”…. Thank god I was wrong. Go Jackets!!!
By GTBandit
October 8, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this
Dawgstyle, are you serious. We have identical records, and we’ve beaten VT and lost a close game to ND. The trembling chiuauas on the other hand, have beaten nobody of consequence, and gotten throttled by UT…at home…51 points. I actually can’t wait to get in between the hedges against this D!
By CreampuffDawgy
October 8, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this
Hey Dawgstyle, After we wipe the floor with your creampuff team come November, I’ll be looking back on this moment and laughing at the poetic justice. And I hate to burst your bubble, but you flea bags better get those bags packin for the toilet bowl cause that’s about the closest you’re going to be to any sort of acknowledgement of a salvaged season.
By JacketStyle
October 8, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this
Bulldog Mad-libs:
You (canines) are so lucky to BARELY beat a pitiful team like the (buffalo/rebels). (Tech) will dominate you (poodles) when (we) get between the hedges….The (ND) game (doesn’t matter at all, unlike an actual conference loss like UT) on the way to the (ACC) Championship for the mighty (JACKETS)..(sting ‘em)
By TechAlumni
October 8, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this
It’s Ok, DawgStyle. We’re here for you. We feel your pain. I mean, let’s face it. As much as we(Tech Fans) wouldn’t like to talk about it, we actually have had seasons where we were as bad as UGA is this year. But much as I want to say we can fully understand what you’re going through; come on, who am I kidding? We have careers and lives; other things to give us a source of dignity. I just don’t think we can really grasp the existential angst you must be experiencing. So get it all out, we’ll give you a shoulder to vent on. I personally promise for myself that for the rest of football season, I’ll make sure not to get upset with you if you accidentally put mustard on the burger I ordered at lunch even though I clearly said not to do so. I know you have other things on your mind.
By Pete Lindstrom
October 8, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this
F-UGA
By GTMOFO
October 8, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this
To all you pathetic flea bags-
if youre gonna come on our blog and say we are going to lose… tell us how we will lose. QB talent(good luck)? running the ball(looked good tonight)? defensive line? secondary? KICKING? lets talk about the matchup, and skip all the ridiculous nonsense.
By gt2nash
October 8, 2006 01:12 AM | Link to this
Just keep WINNING, Jackets!!! Thanks!!!
By Michael Cameron
October 8, 2006 01:44 AM | Link to this
Mark — There was nothing remotely peculiar or inappropriate about Coach Gailey’s smart decision to go for the two point conversion after Tech’s final touchdown in the fourth quarter; it was clearly the right call considering the prevailing circumstances. At that time — with only 10 minutes and 10 seconds remaining in regulation — Tech held a four point lead (the eventual final score of 27 - 23), which would likely have proven to be functionally the same as leading by the five point margin they would’ve owned if they had opted for the likely one-pointer. Why? Because, under either above scenario, Maryland could’ve still won with two field goals. However, if the two-pointer had been converted, the Terrapins could have only tied with said field goal. Maryland’s Coach Friedgen had demonstrated he was more than willing to kick field goals in this game (they had heretofore kicked three), and the Terps’ place kicker had already booted a career-best 46 yard strike.
Also, had Tech’s attempt at the deuce been good, and if Maryland had scored a late TD, Tech would’ve had at least a shot at stopping the Turtle PAT from crawling through, thereby yielding a chance for Tech to prevail in OT.
The atmosphere at Grant Field was deafening and electric down the stretch, and we got more thrills and chills than we paid for; people were staggering out of Bobby Dodd Stadium literally holding their hands over their chests; A little more boredom would’ve been nice!
However, the team showed the heart and guts and execution to stage a crunch-time comeback and not let this game they were supposed to win slip sadly away. Tech came through in the nitty-gritty. And give Maryland credit for bringing it hard — they should go on to grab their share of Ws.
Three and 0 and all alone atop the heap in the ACC Coastal Division! Rest during your bye and get ready for the always very athletic and quick Tigers in Death Valley in a couple of weeks. I’m not sure if it’s better or worse for Tech that Clemson recovered and whipped Wake today, but, in any event, their victory over the Deacons sets up a primo game in that loud orange jungle.
This version of Tech football really can find itself playing on New Years Day.
By NGJacket
October 8, 2006 02:15 AM | Link to this
TechAlumni,
That was the greatest post EVER! I was almost in tears laughing that was so great. You should be a writer… except that might bring balance to the AJC’s coverage. Woops! Can’t let that happen. Go Jackets!
By Kudzu
October 8, 2006 06:40 AM | Link to this
YES, I agree, the crowd in the 4th quarter was electric…you could really feel the emotion rise and the place was LOUD, that was great.
And Reggie, nice game, nice game management.
And Defense…you’re the best.
And Calvin…put the ball within a couple of yards of your hands and you will catch it, and you will fight for more yardage, and you’ll even prevent the defense from getting and int. if necessary.
Play calling at time, a little suspect.
Some of you fans, around the 45 yard line West stands, upper deck, GROW-UP..stop complaining about every little thing. I’m just glad I was there with my 24 year old son and not my 8 year old…
By divindirtdobber
October 8, 2006 06:51 AM | Link to this
Let’s dont pound on our chests just yet. The true challenge [Clemson] is just around the corner.
Will take any win BUT I still see a serious consistency problem. Will call the front office next week and offer up my Grandmother to improve play calling - let’s face it guys - the coaching still stinks.
By savgt
October 8, 2006 07:42 AM | Link to this
Jackets looked pretty good, but with some small tune ups like special teams they’ll be great.
To Patrick Nix, I like a lot of your play calling, but if your getting 5-6 yards running on first down keep running. You dont have to throw on 2nd and 5. Also do we have any running plays with the fullback in the game or are they all out of the shotgun? I thought Mike Cox was a real good fullback.
I watched the Clemson game and they didn’t look very impressive to me. Hopefully with the off week we can get it together and beat them too. Go JACKETS!!!!!!!!!!!
By Sam
October 8, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this
Way to go, Avery Roberson!
Some games, stuff (sh_t) happens. Yesterday was that day. The Jackets did a great job of responding to adversity, even the adversity they created for themselves.
I absolutely hated the fake field goal try. It was a ridiculous call. On fourth and one, use the offense, not the punting team to go for the first down. Especially when you’re throwing to the punter. (Nothing against the punter, Durant is the son of the girl I grew up across the street from.)
It was hard to see how Calvin’s fumble on the GT 8 was not overturned by review. It was clear he never had possession. But that’s probably the only call this crew blew. Also that SEC crew that worked the ga-tenn game has always impressed me.
Glad you’re on the bandwagon for the moment, Mark.
By splitatom
October 8, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this
Special teams cost us 13 points today (2 missed FGs and kickoff runback) it should have never have been so close. Reggie brought his B game but showed lots of heart (his runs kept us alive but his passing accuracy was off - he and Calvin appeared to be offline on a couple of routes). Maryland also prepared well for our agressive type of defense but luckily, it didn’t hurt us too much. GT coaching decisions were also suspect especially when we confused ourselves when going for two when we had all of the momentum. All in all GT showed a lot of guts today which was missing last year. Why did it take so long to find out that the backside rush would work?
By Jerry Johnson
October 8, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this
Mark Richt = Deer in the Head Lights…………… I just don’t understand Tech Fans and others that think he is all that. He is very good at recruiting the big name players, but he expects big names to win without coaching. Go back and look at Tech’s players. Where were they ranked as recruits? Only a few like Calvin Johnson were sought after by the big name schools. Georgia is loaded with Big Name Recruits. Gailey (whom every one knocks and wants fired) went out and got some very good coaches. He and his staff chose the no name recruits that others didn’t see. Gailey and those coaches then took these athletes and made ball players out of them. He still doesn’t have the depth we need, and will loose games we shouldn’t. He is beginning to attract quality Players, and will build the kind of program we want. My fear is that the fans will stay on his back, and run him off if he looses to Georgia and a few others before he builds his program.
I have said all along that we finally have a coach that can win, but I think a lot of tech fans want a good looking young coach more than a winner. When Tech looses, Gailey is an idiot. When Tech wins its because of his coaches. Give me a choice of Gailey or Richt, and I pick Gailey every time.
By yellowblood
October 8, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
To Dawg Bloggers:
The pups could lose every game left this year by 20 and not be as lousy as they were against the Buffs. Question: What did Richt whisper into Joe T’s ear last night: ” Where’s the exit ?” Question: What difference does “recruitin” make at UGA ?
By GT...all the way
October 8, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
Jerry Johnson, you gotta be kidding me about taking Gailey over Richt…Gailey used to playcall for last 4 yrs…What did Calvin do for his first 2 years? He was wasting the greatest talent Tech has/ever had…A rookie coach Nix is doing far better job…and we’ll see how our defense looks when Tanuda(sp) leaves…FIRE Gailey and promote Tanuda as a head coach
By cynthia mckinneys hair dresser
October 8, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
Anybody out there know how high ODELL is right now?
By Michael Cameron
October 8, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this
I envisage a final regular season won/loss mark of anywhere from 8-4 to 11-1, the latter scenario yielding, of course, a championship trip to Jax. Clemson should be hard, Miami is still loaded with athletes, State has recovered from the Akron loss, N.C. sometimes puts it together and even Duke has challenged Wake and yesterday extended Alabama till the Tide pulled away late…then there’s that last team that’s always lurking at the end of the schedule. The old maxim, however clichéd, still applies: one game at a time, which is just what Coach Gailey preached to the team last week as part of his “big picture” speech.
By DogCatcher
October 8, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
WHERE IS GREG WITH ALL HIS CAPS?? IMPOSTER OR IS HE IN THE DOG HOUSE, SCRATCHING HIS HIND END??? COME ON GREG. SHOW UP AND TALK SMACK NOW! 51 51 51 51 51 51 ….oops, my keyboard must be stuck on 51 like the one between the hedges.
This win shows character and a definate bolster in talent overcome a mistake proned day.
By Bob_Gunn
October 8, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
Damn it, UGA, stop screwing up our strength of schedule.
By ATLslimG
October 8, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this
When you say “Bud…… Great W Jackets. Looks good. Another trip to DeathValley should be fun. Was there the last time…best college game ever attended. You should have heard that shuttle bus after our late heriocs. Soooo… quiet. Go Jackets!!!!!! Throw it up to Calvin, Throw it up to Calvin.
By WFC
October 8, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this
A great win against a not-so-tlented team that was highly motivated and well coached. This was a game GT probably would have lost in previous years. Let’s enjoy the “W” and look forward to a great, meaningful game vs. a good Clemson team.
By ramblin_wreck_ce
October 8, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this
It’s easy to carry on when everything is going your way. Down nine points against a huge underdog, having a bad day in each phase, the Jackets (players and fans) rallied together and found the way to win.
Some kinds of wins are learned. It looks like we learned something Saturday.
The players really did circle the wagons. The coaches made some good adjustments. The fans worked themselves from being the quiet crowd of record to a roaring beast.
Yeah, it did feel like NCSU down the stretch. In the past, the fans would have given up on the players. Yesterday, I could have sworn that I felt the stadium shaking the ground!
Having to win it close is hopefully sobering for the team. I think the players came out of the game with confidence in each other rather than in themselves. I’ve glad we have a chance to take a breath and catch a second wind for the next stretch of games likely to determine our season: Clemson, Miami, and NCSU.
GO JACKETS!
By Davey
October 8, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this
Guys we barely beat Maryland. Let just worry about Clemson instead of those mutts. Tech is rated number 13 in the nation while the ugay is rated 16. CLEMSON though is 12. We need to win that game!
By Jacket Man
October 8, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
UGAg - 14 Colorado- 13
By JustMe
October 8, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
So Bradley now jumps on the Tech bandwagon…. LOL! Too funny!!! What other AJC writers are jumping as well?
I agree that Tech needs to focus on one game at a time - and that one game is now Clemson. Chan must correct our special teams play and fast. Playing Clemson at home is never a cake walk. And, with their scare at Wake, they will be motivated to put a hurtin’ on us. At least we have an extra week to prepare!
By Michael Cameron
October 8, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
To Jerry Johnson —- You are correct in your assessment of Chan Gailey as being a fine coach. He most certainly is, and, as you point out, he has begun attracting more top-shelf recruits, which will pay off in many wins for Tech over the next several years. And, as you aver, Coach Gailey and his staff have “coached up” players, many of whom were not the “blue chip” kids some other programs tend to consistently acquire. The coach is building a strong program.
We beat VA Tech last weekend. Their head coach is Frank Beamer. His record after six years was 24 - 40 - 2. That’s 16 games under .500. However, back in 1991, even though the Hokies had been struggling, the AD there, a guy by the name of Dave Braine, saw something promising in Beamer and refused to buckle under to pressure to dump him. Braine sealed Beamer in with a long-term contract. In 1992, the season after signing the extension, VA Tech still continued to struggle, going 2 - 8 - 1, and yielding that 24 - 40 - 2 outcome. VA Tech, under Beamer, who received adequate time to fully establish his imprint, has produced one of the winningest and most admired programs in college football. Braine, despite his unenthusiastic comments about GA Tech’s chances to be a consitent 10-game-winner, saw the same thing in Gailey — and he’s probably going to be proven right…more time (in today’s win immediately world) will tell.
By contrast with Coach Beamer, Coach Gailey has zero losing records since taking the helm at GA Tech, and has taken our Tech to bowl games, albeit not BCS, every single year of his tenure.
Yes, there are fans and bloggers who will unfairly and irrationally assign to the head coach all the blame when things go wrong and give him none of the credit when things go well. They dust off the standard vacuous platitudes such as “It all starts at the top,” etc., but, when the team does well, all of a sudden, magically, “It” somehow doesn’t start at the top anymore. Some fans (no matter what team you’re talking about), regardless of poor execution by players (who are actually suited and on the field) or mistakes by assistants, become vicious and downright obsessed with wanting to run off a head coach. Sometimes the head coach should be let go; sometimes the problems are not mostly his fault. Some fans are committed, no matter what good things happen with the team, to perpetual venom against a head coach, because they’ve made up their minds — Now, seguing to…
GT…all the way —- You must hate — on an obvious level — the fact that Tech is 5 -1 and doing great; the success causes the head coach to look strong and effectual in the eyes of many people out here in fandom. You are dead wrong about Coach Gailey, in my opinion. No! Do not “FIRE” Coach Gailey — which isn’t going to happen anytime soon, anyway, thank God. Honor his extended contract, and, after all those probable upcoming wins, extend it, again.
One, Coach Gailey should be credited with bringing in the superstar receiver. Two, how in the world can you say he’s been “wasted”? You offer zero evidence, much less rational/factual proof of your contention. We all saw #21 catch multiple spectacular, as well as more pedestrian, passes during his first two years. There are so many catches the young man made I can neither recite nor recall them all. Some more memorable passes were the two 11th hour winning TD catches at Clemson in ‘04 (Coach Gailey could’ve eschewed the pass on the last score for fear of an INT and kicked the FG to tie but chose to throw to a true freshman kid with the game on the line); the bomb to finish the opening drive at Auburn in ‘05; the goal-line pass at the end of the N.C. State game in ‘05 to #21 — which he unfortunately dropped upon contact and it was intercepted — rather than saving the timeout for one running play, and on and on and on.
Since you are alluding to statistics, here are some facts. Halfway through this season, 2006, #21 has 35 total receptions. Yes, he is on pace to surpass last year’s total. But, he still caught 54 balls last year, in 2005 — hardly a “waste” by any reasonable measurement. This season, the receiver and the QB are a year older, with more time together, and thus a natural progression has happened. I’m not trying to undermine Coach Nix; he’s doing well. I’m pointing out what is going on.
Additionally, Tech, as a team, this year is playing under more conservative playcalling (as defined by running the ball more vs. passing) — not less — than last year. In 2005, under Coach Gailey’s playcalling, Tech rushed exactly 464 times and attempted exactly 419 passes, for a differential of +45 in favor of running plays. So far, here in 2006, under Caoch Nix’s playcalling, Tech has run exactly 222 times, and attempted exactly 152 passes, for a differential of +70 in favor of running plays. At that rate, projected over the remainder of the season, Tech will significantly eclipse last year’s +45 run to pass ratio.
GA Tech threw only 17 passes against VA Tech, as contrasted against VA Tech’s 54. Yes, I know VA Tech was trying to come from behind, but they were going to pass more than us, anyway, and we were going to run more often than them. VA Tech out-passed GA Tech, in cumulative yardage, by a whopping 339 to 176. But, GA Tech out-rushed them by 149 to 42.
And, as has been true in the sport of American football forever, despite the glamour assosiated with the quick scores and the pretty spirals, as well as rule changes to encourage more fan-pleasing passing, the running team usually beats the throwing team. When one team, on any level of football, including the pass-happy NFL (excepting a few teams like our Falcons) finishes a game with more rushing yards and the opponent finsihes with more passing yards, the former team, with the conservative approach to run the football, typically wins the ballgame. There are always exceptions, but the running teams normally prevail, Ron Jaworski’s ravings notwithstanding. Look at the two service academies, Navy and Air Force. Operating with limited raw talent, but via running the ball, especially the option, they win consistently, and have a chance to beat anybody anytime, e.g. Tennessee 31, A.F. 30, compared to Tennessee 51, UGA 33.
So, rather than crediting Coach Gailey, in a positive way, for bringing in #21, you trot out a 100% negative spin — and a grossly inaccurate one at that — by yelling that the coach “wasted” Calvin Johnson’s talent. No, he did not. What, specifically, would you have had Coach Gailey do in regards to usage of this great pass catcher? Maybe throw to him more? Okay. Maybe a bit more. Consider that the Tech QB, while he can pass effectively, is not always the most accurate thrower — but he brings athleticism and tenacity to the fore.
Speaking of “wasting,” would you have had the coach underutilize P.J. Daniels, who was good enough to go the NFL? You can only do one thing on each play — run or pass. Regarding Daniels, he was a walk-on. Coach Gailey spotted and used his talent.
Also, consider, as referred to above, that we’re dealing with 18 - 22 year-olds. A single year of development — physically, mentally, experience-wise — can make a huge difference in their on-field performance. Some of Tech’s players have simply gotten better from last year, notably the offensive line, which returned all but one starter, and even he started on the defensive line. O Lines that stay together perform much better because of knowing their linemates tendencies.
You like Tech’s assistants, such as Coach Tenuta (who is certainly a top coach). Well, guess who is responsible for bringing them in and keeping them on staff? Any credit to be offered here?
Also, the coach, in ‘03, had the wisdom to move a second string DB, Tony Hollings, to starting tailback. He was leading the nation in rushing till a torn ACL against BYU, and probably would have gone on to seriously compete for the Heisman Trophy.
You should not ignore the massive academic casualties a few years ago, which were unprecedented — and therefore unforeseeable. The student athletes, young adults all, were totally at fault for not maintaining their studies.
Tech is 5-1 and in the midst of a great season. Can’t we simply give the man some proper respect for captaining the ship? We can disagree and express our views, which is what this blog thing is for, but I’d like to see some of the Blame-The-Coach-For-Everything-But-Give-Him-None-Of-The-Credit critics come on here and balance their put-downs by offering some unqualified compliments now and then. That is, not a “Yeah, he did okay, but“… Even something very vanilla like “nice game Coach Gailey,” would be a plus.
He seems like not only an excellent coach, but a decent, honorable and straight-shooting gentlemen who represents GIT with dignity.
These are just my views. I beleive Tech has an excellent coach, and that there is much winning in-store down the road into future years, which will bring more stirring memories to add to Tech’s storied tradition.
Thank you for reading.
By YJfan
October 8, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Excuse me Dawgstyle! You better reflect back a few games ago before you start speaking about luck. Maryland was 3-1 coming into this game and pretty good. Colorado on the other hand was 0-4 and you were favored by 3 TD’s. You mutts had to pull it out in the final seconds. So, you tell me who is lucky?
By gojkts1
October 8, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
Orange Bowl-bound baby! Goooooo Jackets!!!!!!!!!
By J.B. Silvers
October 8, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
After the win I purchased tickets to the ACC Championship game in Jacksonville. I’m living on $297.00 worth of faith that my Jackets will be there. They just need to continue winning the easy ones so that the hard games count. Ahead of Georgia in the polls, and on top of the ACC. GO TECH!!!
By Techie who can add
October 8, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this
Come on guys can’t you add. If Tech had kicked the extra point (5 point lead), and had Maryland score a TD, guess what. Tech could have still won with a field goal. With the 4 point lead, the best a field goal could have done was tie. Maybe Chan needs to think more about the possibilities than read that stupid book!
By Michael Cameron
October 8, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
Techie who can add —- Hello. I also can add. Like Jethro Bodine, I gradiated from the sixth grade — and even went a little further! I considered your scenario, as I’m sure Coach Gailey did, too, although I didn’t write about it earlier in my first entry (I wondered after posting whether I should have mentioned in my post). Remember, a coach doesn’t have all day to decide what to do. The “book,” if that is what the coach went by, is not “stupid.” Experienced coaches have put together these books on when to go for two, etc. They are bright people regarding football, which, after all, is their profession. But the “book” is not based on any perfect science; it offers suggestions which must be tempered by what, overall, is going on in the ballgame.
Yes, if Tech had opted for the easy PAT (assuming it would’ve been good) Tech would’ve led by five, and if MD followed with a TD and hit the PAT the Terps would’ve crawled ahead by two. Then Tech could have, conceivably, won with a field goal. And, yes, because we misfired on our attempt at two and thus settled for a four point lead, if MD had scored a TD, made the PAT, then Tech would’ve trailed by three, and if Tech kicked a FG Tech would’ve only tied (not so bad). And if someone writes you a valid check for $1,000,000 you will become a millionaire.
You appear to dismiss the other very feasible, and perhaps more probable, possibilities, as I documented above. Your Tech PAT > Maryland TD + PAT > Tech victorious FG could have come true. But was that etched in the proverbial stone as the lone series of post-ceding events? Check the clock situation. Tech missed the deuce at the 10:10 mark of the fourth quarter. Please consider that MD could’ve booted two FGs — they had plenty of time to muster a pair of threes — after your recommended PAT, thereby possibly besting us by one point. With a two point conversion, however, the best MD could’ve done was tie. Then we could’ve won in OT.
Was MD a field goal-kicking team yesterday? I’d say definitely, they were. MD was three for three, inclusive of a career-long 46 yarder. By contrast Tech’s field goal unit, upon which you apparently wanted to rely, was zero for two — and both were imminently makeable. Our kicker was struggling. I intend no offense to the young man who kicks for Tech — he can be very sharp, e.g., nailing three FGs for the winning margin in last year’s Auburn game.
Neither you nor I or anyone had a crystal ball. Who knew what was actually going to transpire? Two Maryland FGs or a Turtle TD & a PAT? It’s important to have a feel for the ebb and flow of the game rather than depend exclusively on pure mathematical calculations. Were that the case, college sports teams might save some $ and have their calculus professors double as coaches. Your route would’ve been an okay alternative, but I believe the coach’s choice was the best and most logical decision, under the in-game circumstances.
Have a good day.