Sports Columnists

By NotATechFan

December 4, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

Well said. Sitting Ball on the last game of his career - after having started for every game since his freshman year - would be a cowardly move by Gailey.

By The real David

December 4, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

I feel faint that I completely agree with Mark. I’ve said for most four seasons that coach Gailey has a problem with unwarranted loyalty to players that he likes. Reggie failed to blossom the first two years at quarterback, but he couldn’t let it go. Now he has too many Tech fans blaming Reggie for the losses, when Gailey is the source of the problems. I agree again with Mark when he says the Gator bowl is a start to next season. However, I believe Gailey personality will not allow himself to believe he made a mistake, staying with Reggie for the four years. The last item is, why would any coach not develop a good backup for quarterback?

By GtAe02

December 4, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t have put it better myself. As much as I’m apalled with the numbers that Reggie’s put up over the past two games (and lets not even start with this atrocious decision making) the fact of the matter is that he’s the same quarterback he was 50 starts ago, if not worse. Reggie is who he is and what he is. I have a hard time believing that Ball just goes out there and only gives a half-hearted attempt. Simple fact of the matter is he’s not good. He’s shown flashes of brilliance between long spells of mediocrity. I’ve asked myself at times, what happens if I’m under center? We’ll lose by even more, but hey, I’m not a D-IA quarterback. If I’m left in to lose the game, I’ll give it my all but really who’s fault is it for not benching me and putting in someone qualified?

Some people may say that there simply wasn’t anyone talented to replace him (quite a few may argue Taylor Bennett’s case though) but if that’s the situation, who’s fault is that? Who didn’t groom a worth replacement? Who didn’t recruit someone better? Gailey that’s who.

Ultimately the burden of mediocrity rests on his shoulders. Be a man and admit it, Chan.

By Whatsthegoodword?

December 4, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

Wow. So often I disagree with you, Mark, but today you’re right on…unfortunately.

By Mr C.

December 4, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

Let me put in simple terms.. You sleep in the bed you make. Gailey has had 4 years to find a decent quarterback but haven’t entertained that thought. Several Division II colleges has better quarter backs that Tech.

The worst part of it is Reggie Ball’s attitude. He has the worst attitude of any athlete that has ever graduated from Tech that i can think of. It should be a privilege to play QB at a Division 1 school. I intend to cancel my trip to Jacksonville if Reggie intends to start. No need going to Jacksonville when i already know the outcome.

By Buzzerbean

December 4, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

So this is absolutely a no win for Gailey - if he stands by Ball as he did the last 2 games then he’s stubborn - if he makes the change then he’s making Reggie the scapegoat. What a load of __. It’s been a great year and the truth of everything is that our quarterback has played badly the last 2 games. He presses too hard in big games and that’s been his MO since he came to the Flats.

For any given game (or play for that matter) Reggie can be the best or worst quaterback in the ACC. The only thing Gailey can be falted for is standing by him for 4 years with the hope that experience would help as it does for 99% of the players in Div 1. Unfortunately for Reggie, he just can’t overcome his 1 fault - he just tries too hard.

By BuzzTime

December 4, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

I for one have never been sold on Gailey. I have never gotten over the Debacle of 2002(2003, 2004, 2005, 2006,.. ). I thought that Tech should have made Mr. Nice Guy the AD and gone after Ken Whisenhunt for Coach. Heck is it to late for that? As far as the Ball situation he has been decent in a lot of games but he has always been horrible in the Georgia game. They should have sent him to the Bench Early in the Georgia games. Finally I think he has kind of given up after the last UGA loss and I think the Team is going to get Blown out on New Year’s Day. It will be a going away present from the defense!

By BigEd

December 4, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

Gailey has truely screwed up. His failure to sit Reggie when he has really stunk shows he is blindly loyal or totall y ignorant of how to motivate a poor performer to do better. In any case his development of Ball and play calling (by himself or Nix) shows a huge flaw in his head coaching ability. A head coach has to teach his offense and defensive philosophy to his assistant coaches and make sure they develop the players. A head coach is a manager and a teacher. Gailey has done neither. Fortunate Gailey has a defensive coordinator who needs no management or instruction. Un fortunately Gailey stamp is on the offense.

By yelllowblood

December 4, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

Not only was Reggie exposed to situations that he obviously could not handle by a coach that can’t seem to figure it out, there wasn’t sufficient experience provided to next year’s QB so that he would enter’07 with some degree of confidence. Reggie was cheated and next years QB(and thus next year’s team) was cheated as well.

By hiveredtech

December 4, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

To say Gailey would do this because he needs a scapegoat just shows you do not know Chan. Writers like yourself need scapegoats all the time to get people to read your articles so you can put Oscar Meyer hot dogs on the table…CG already has tasted success and earned enough money to retire anytime he pleases…no scapegoat needed. What Gailey represents is someone who is loyal to his players….almost to a fault. He loves and cares about them deeply and would never make one a scapegoat for his personal gain…that is not the man he is. However, it appears to me he was waiting on a family/team decision to rest this young man, who up until the last week or so, has always been hugely popular amongst his teammates. Mr. Bradley….Chan will never throw any human being under the bus…but you do it all the time. Now who is weak?

By bomber

December 4, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this

I have been a TECH fan since 1964 when my dad who played for Bobby Dodd @ Tech took me to my first game. I can’t think of any other coach @ a D1 major school who would stick with such an inconsistent player at any position than Gailey has with the ( mouth of the south ) Reggie Ball. The part that really p** me off is that Gailey stays with Reggie because it seems as though he feels that no one is going to tell him what to do and that kind of coaching is killing the football team which obviously has alot of talent. I do think that Bennett should play in Gator bowl. One more issue that really p** me off is there is so many Tech fans out there who say stop being so critical of Reggie and Galiey they need our support more than ever. Well I’ll say this to those type of fans, if your not as p** off as I am about the way our team is being coached then your a friggin idiot and not a TRUE TECH FAN MUCH LESS A SPORTS FAN IN GENERAL. GO JACKETS!

By David

December 4, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

tech fans need to face the obvious..Gailey continues to sell his soul by playing convicted dope peddlers and incompetent quarterbacks with the hope of creating trust with inner city coaches and players. Is this the “total person” concept that your former AD had in mind?

By paul

December 4, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this

the time to bench reggie was some time about 3 and a half seasons ago

By bob

December 4, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

I am a loyal Tech fan and graduate. Watching the last two games and going to Jacksonville sucked the Tech spirit out of me. We lost both games to weaker teams. There were coaching mistakes aplenty and mistakes by our quarterback. I can’t understand why Chan is so determined to stick with Reggie reguardless how poorly he plays. I remember great games and play early in the season. What is going on now is hard to watch. I had decided to go to the Orange Bowl. After what I saw on saturday I have no desire to go back to Jacksonville. There was a group of 12 of us. Only 2 said they might be back. They had already bought tickets to whatever bowl tech went to so they were stuck.We need changes. I hear great things about the QB who is starting school early this jan. I just hope Chan doesn’t waste him like he did Reggie

By Jon

December 4, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Let’s take it to the next step. The time is now to promote Jon Tenuta before he gets a better offer elsewhere.

Gailey needs to take one for the time and retire. Dan Reeves needs a fishing buddy.

By smitty

December 4, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

chan can’t coach…..its been so obvious all these years, a nice guy yes, but he is NOT a HC……

he was GT’s OC for four years, despite commenting, on taking the GT job, that the one thing he had learned in the NFL was that it was impossible to be a HC and OC at the same time…..but he didn’t mind stubbornly trying it again at GT for four years, wasting time and money, just proving what HE already knew!…….his offensive approach has succeeded in dropping GT’s offensive ranking these last few years to the bottom of the list of top 100 offenses

he’s a terrible game manager……numerous examples of poor clock management, poor decision making under pressure as games are ending…….one example was in the WF game…..play clock winding down, 4th and one near the goal line, a chance for GT to score, and chan stood there dumbfounded watching reggie scramble to get the play off in time, as reggie was forced to hurry up and run a QB draw which failed, WF ball, no GT points…..even Bob Griese couldn’t believe GT didn’t call a TO for this incredibly important play…

Nix appeared to be an improvement this year as the play calling included a little variety but the insistence on making reggie complete all these long passes that he’s just not capable of defy belief…..many people have wondered on these very blogs why doesn’t GT throw screens, HB passes, TE passes, ie short high percentage passes that can also build confidence…..it has never happened……you can say what you want about reggie’s abilities as a QB, but he has always given his all in games…..but there are obvious coaching deficiencies there, as has been pointed by so many others over the years………and the list of deficiencies goes on and on like summer reruns…..

chan, a nice guy who’s in way over his head

By jacketnation

December 4, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

The bottom line is you play to win, period. Therefore, Reggie as hard as he may have tried, does not have what it takes to play D-1 Quarterback. He should have been moved to wide-out or Safety sophmore year.

We have one last chance to win a game. The Gator bowl is not a BCS, however it’s what we have. Let’s plan to win. Let’s make a game plan with Taylor Bennett.

By Drew

December 4, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

The Bowl never really mattered. The previous two games did.

By ramblinrev

December 4, 2006 11:43 PM | Link to this

I am 100% with hiveredtech! CG loves Tech and understands us. He honors our DNA and is building a sound program that will reap benefits for years to come. We have a fantastic recruiting class coming in this year if our upset alumns don’t scare them away. I was in school during the Carson, Fulcher, Pepper years…what we have these days is so much better. GO JACKETS!

By Chris

December 4, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

Interesting. I was most irritated with the heave-it-down-the-field desperation strategy on the last drive vs both UGA and WF when there was time left on the clock to try for smaller increments.

By gcj

December 4, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

Matthew Stafford has progressed more in 12 games than Reggie Ball has in 49!! Good points by Bradley. In some ways, the Tech situation reminds me of Donnan and Quincy Carter. Who is really running the show?

By Billy

December 4, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this

Reggie Ball is just a college kid and will have bad days. It’s the coach’s job to give the other kid a chance when the first one’s cold as ice.

The coach has to manage the momentum of the game AND the SEASON. He gets an “F” on this one.

The fans and players alike aren’t excited about the Gator Bowl. We’ll get hammered like we did against Utah because we don’t want to be there.

By Dennis Green

December 4, 2006 11:54 PM | Link to this

Reggie Ball is who we thoght he was. He is who we thought he was!!!!! Now you can go ahead and crown his arse the worst quarterback in Division 1 history but he is not!!!!

By Herm Edwards

December 4, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this

TECH FANS, HELLO!!!!!, You play to win the game. YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!!! Your talking about benching Ball for his final game as a senior…HEARTLESS. Frankly, this whole conversation bothers me.

By BullSh_T!

December 5, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this

To Hell Georgia! To hell with Mark Bradley. To hell with Reggie Ball and to Hell with Chan Gailey if he leaves him out there one more game. One more game ,I might add without me in the seats paying good money for this heartache. I once had a dog I loved named Max and Max was bad to the bone. I loved that dog with all my heart and even through his many misdeeds. I stuck with him way past the point of reason and tried to justify every thing he did. One day he killed my neighbors Chow. I hate Chows, but he had crossed the line and he had to be put down. Chan needs to realize the day to say to goodbye to Reggie has passed. Give Taylor the nod and sell the tickets. Or use your large undeserved contract and buy the tickets and give them to kids who cannot afford to go. Do the right thing.

By Kim

December 5, 2006 12:01 AM | Link to this

As a lifetime fan of 53 years, I think your commentary regarding coach Gailey is right on. Gailey’s poor judgment and overall incompetence as a major college head coach has done everyone “Tech” a disservice, but most of all, Gailey seems to have done a terrible disservice to Reggie Ball. Remember how proud, competitive and confident Reggie was as a freshman? He seems like a different person today - removed, sad and angry. How well would he have done in a more flexible two-QB system without quite as much pressure? Where would Tech be?

By ArkyTech

December 5, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

Ball has ability. There have been times this year when he has been both horrible and brilliant - in the same game! (Notre Dame, Va Tech, Miami, NC State come to mind) I can understand why it has been hard for Coach Gailey to pull the trigger because against Miami, NC State, and Maryland a light came on out of nowhere and Ball turned into Joe Montana late in the game - after playing like Josh Booty for a most of the game.

Here is what I take issue with. When our qb is struggling miserably, why do we continue to “air it out” on offense! We have the ACC’s leading rusher. So Reggie’s having an off day - he should be throwing 15 passes instead of 30! And Choice should get 30-35 carries instead of 20-25. As bad as the passing game has been vs. WF and GA, we lost because on offense we played to our weakness, rather than to our strength. Had we played to our strength, we still would have won the last two games (ugly) - even with the passing game struggling!

By Dan

December 5, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this

One word describes Reggie…”Sandlot.” He is with out discpline.

By Get a grip, Techies

December 5, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this

I’ve got an excuse for Tech losing the last two games: THE OTHER TWO TEAMS WERE #$%^ING BETTER THAN YOU! Who the ^&(* do these people think they are? They have two good months and suddenly they’re a football juggernaut? Get a grip, nerds.

By txcracker

December 5, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this

Ball couldn’t see an open man in the end zone. He apparently has a man in mind and that is the guy he is going to throw to no matter what. He takes too long to develop plays, which always puts him in a bad position. BUT, he did hit players in the numbers and hands who did not catch the ball. He didn’t call the ridiculous reverse end around fiasco play with one yard to go. It isn’t all Reggie’s fault. He is who he is, like him or not. The coaches are to blame for the extremely poor performances. The defense has good reason to be down. Hopefully, they won’t stop playing in the Gator Bowl, and the offense will start.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 5, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

Very good column. The fact that Ball hasn’t shown any noticeable improvement in 4 years (in fact, you could make a case watching him this year that he has slightly regressed in his decision making) speaks to the ineptitude of the coaching staff. If Gailey thinks replacing Ball should get better results, he needs to take a long look in the mirror and ask why he wasn’t able to make him a better passer in the last four years. Ball doesn’t look like he has the instincts to be a great passer or to have good accuracy even with the best coaches around, but he certainly could have been a better decision maker and shown more poise with good coaching.

By 03babee

December 5, 2006 01:10 AM | Link to this

Is MacMCwhorter still available…the players loved him..played for him..and most of all believed in him…what did Dave Brainless do…find an incompetent coach!!!! Yes reggie is not good..but lots of people dont “pan out” but its the coaches responsibility to see that and make necessary changes.. And chan has let it go to the point he has TOTALLY LOST THE RESPECT OF HIS STUDENT ATHLETS!!!! lets get mac back!!!

By surfrider

December 5, 2006 01:12 AM | Link to this

Great Column. The real issue here is how is Gailey representing Tech and what is he doing to the lives of some of these student Athletes. We know 10 players flunked out a few years ago. It was sugar coated. We know now that five QB’s have been ruined or hurt…Hall, Scuggs, Bilbo, Carter and now Ball. We keep hearing Gailey wants to do things the right way? Were those 15 players the right way? No but Bennett, Garner, etc..appear to be the right way. I guess Ball can be used by the coach to keep his job but now that his contract is renewed the stubborn head coach, let’s not forget a PE major from UF along with his Auburn offensive coordinator, decides to let Reggie hang out for the criticism. /we were told Bilbo to could’nt play Qb. I guess 9-29-2 is acceptable four years into a starting job. I don’t blame Reggie as much as the offensive system was not designed to fit more of his talents like the option or rollouts or bootlegs and short easy to make passes along with occassional bomb and downfield passes. It’s purely coaching that has hurt Reggie. I bet he now understands that.

By Matt

December 5, 2006 01:14 AM | Link to this

I said to one of my friends earlier this season that Tech won’t beat Georgia with Reggie Ball as QB and Chan Gailey as head coach. It boggles my mind that Gailey has never once changed his offensive plan to play more to Reggie Ball’s strengths. In contrast, if you look at how Mark Richt handled his three major quarterbacks, he has used Greene’s short yard accurate attack, Shockley’s running, and Stafford’s inventiveness to make Georgia’s offense a better one. With as much experience that Gailey has in terms of coaching, you would figure that he would be able to come up with more than just throwing the ball downfield. Of course now, he’s just throwing the Ball underneath the bus. I feel bad for Reggie. He honestly is a talented player and deserved a lot better than what he got at Tech. I think that he’ll languish a few years either as a #3 QB or in the Arena Leauge, and a NFL team will pick him up, develop his true talents (which is as a mobile QB) or move him to a wide reciever position a la Matt Jones with Jacksonville. Of course, being a Georgia fan, it is nice to have Gailey there making Tech the whipping boy of UGA football. But honestly, it would be nice to have some of the good ole fashioned rivalry like when O’Leary was here. Good games all around, even when Georgia lost!!

By Brownthrasher

December 5, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

Nice article, well said. And way to go Chan. What a vote of confidence. Way to make your QB feel good in the last game of his career at Tech. YOU should perhaps SIT OUT from coaching the Gator. It’s no wonder Tech is losing … starts at the top.

By Brownthrasher

December 5, 2006 01:17 AM | Link to this

P.S. Mark, can you PLEASE coach your fellow writer Terrence Moore onthe art of being a good sports columnist?

By gt2nash

December 5, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

As usual, Mark, your column is on point. Reggie is the student-athlete, and Chan is the million-dollar “professional.” The burden of responsibility for Tech’s end of season demise lies TOTALLY upon Chan’s shoulders. Personally, I was never convinced of Chan’s worthiness as a head coach of a D-IA football program. With his personality and skills, he seemed more appropriate as a cheerleading coach. I am sorry to see that Chan has shown so little ability to make the right decisions in regards to Reggie, the team or the program as a whole. I have been in a state of misery as a Tech fan under Chan’s “leadership.” Now, it’s time for the AD to step up and seek a better return for Tech’s million-dollar investment - Adios, Chan!

By gt2nash

December 5, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this

I like Brownthrasher’s suggestion of having Chan sit out from “coaching” during the Gator Bowl. (And I would add Nix to that also.) Give Tenuta an opportunity at the head-coaching position to provide him a head start for next season. :) Also, maybe, we’ll again see that SPARK from Reggie and Calvin one final time before they more on to greater things.

GO JACKETS!

By mike

December 5, 2006 01:52 AM | Link to this

The loss to georgia was on the road and close. The loss to wake was neutral site and close. Both vs. better teams than tech. Tech should be happy that it at least beats the bad teams on the schedule now.

Message to future qb’s and receivers: if you want to be worth a darn, go to athens.

By Jay

December 5, 2006 02:02 AM | Link to this

Pretty much dead on. Gailey dug his grave, now he has to lay in it. The change should have been done years ago, instead of wasting this year’s very talented team. Thats what you get when you give an extension to someone that gets you five losses every year.

By Earl

December 5, 2006 02:05 AM | Link to this

I have read with interests the continuing comments about the ineffectiveness of Reggie Ball at Ga Tech. This commentary relating to Chan Gailey’s part in contributing to this ineffectiveness reminds me of what we Noles have had to endure for 6 years under Bobby’s baby boy!
The previous 4-year Nole quarterback Chris Rix was described during his 4th year as starter as being no better, and possibly even worse, than he had been in his first game at Florida State. The Tallhassee Democrat newspaper sports writers attributed this to Jeff Bowden’s inabilities as Offensive Coordinator.
Two years ago, we got Drew Weatherford, another outstanding high school QB. And, the result under Jeff Bowden’s tutelage has been the same! He has gotten worse as the two seasons progressed! It appears to me that Ball may have suffered the same fate from Gailey and his Offensive Coordinator as did the two FSU QBs — The Nole QBs were told, admitted to by Jeff Bowden, that they had to run THE play he called, regardless of their anticipated result, or be benched! The result: During Jeff’s 6 year tenure, the Noles have lost 26 games —more than Bobby Bowden’s previous 25 teams had lost! BUT, Bobby (and Jeff) refused to read or listen to criticism! BUT, what should Bobby have expected from Jeff as Offensive Coordinator, considering the fact that Jeff was a walkon wide receiver who caught only 1 pass during his 4 years as a Nole! This one pass REALLY did qualify him to serve for 6 years as Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receiver Coach! Yes, I really do feel for the Tech fans, just as I do for myself and the thousands of other loyal Florida State grads! And to think that this year I paid out almost $1500 for two season tickets and a reserved parking place! This year was not anywhere as interesting as have been many previous years! BUT, the Noles are bowl-bound, with wins over Troy, Rice, Western Michigan, and three very weak ACC teams: Miami, Duke, and Virginia! I am certain that all the great Noles players from past years are just totally disgusted with all this crap! AND I REALLY DO FEEL FOR ALL THE TECH GRADS AND FORMER FOOTBALL PLAYERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING EXACTLY THE SAME!

By WFC

December 5, 2006 02:16 AM | Link to this

Reggie is Reggie with a lot to admire (plays hard and wants to win) but it’s time to find out if Taylor Bennett can play against a major opponent.

By wayne

December 5, 2006 02:43 AM | Link to this

when are you people at tech finally going to realize you will always be a mediocre team. The one year Georgia is mediocre, you still cannot find a way to beat us. We will see you again next year in football, our girls just beat you in basketball and our guys will do the same in a couple of weeks. keep whining TECH GO DAWGS 6 IN A ROW

By TMAC

December 5, 2006 03:11 AM | Link to this

Mark-everything you wrote is unfortunately “right on” sad but true. I attended the Ugag and WF games and was stuned by what I saw. I now apologise for ripping Reggie (even though he has been horrible lately)- Gailey is at fault since he is the COACH and it’s past time for him to ACT like one and address the QB PROBLEM! BY THE WAY WHO LET THE FLEABAG MUTTS OUT THE POUND AND WHO READ THEM THESE POSTS??—MACSTING44.

By BEEFENSE

December 5, 2006 03:57 AM | Link to this

This article is necessary and needed writing simply because NOW maybe the AD and other TECH PEOPLE WITH INFLUENCE will be forced to pull their heads out of the sand face the issue of the QB DISASTER!! I hate that I feel this way because it hurts to see TECH blasted like this (been a TECH fan for 55 yrs.)but I have sat in the stands these last 2 games and heard all the agony being vented by TECH fans. It has been building for 4 years and finally exploded at the worst time-Ugag and our CHAMPIONSHIP game. How often does this opportunity come along—and our Coaching staff fumbled the ball. Yes- it is too late for REGGIE but not for our coming recruits! Let’s start with the Gator Bowl and turn this around!! GAILEY—do your job and clean up the QB problem. GOD BLESS OUR DEFENSE-they have been FANTASTIC. AND—TO H E L L WITH UGAG!!

By mt

December 5, 2006 04:52 AM | Link to this

if TM would have wrote this column he would be called a racist

By BUZZGT

December 5, 2006 04:55 AM | Link to this

JUST LIKE I ASKED BEFORE G/T FANS AND SUPPORTERS NEED TO START A RETIRE CHAN PLAN EVEN IF WE ALL HAVE TO ALL CHIP IN A FEW DOLLARS CHAN YOU ARE A FIND PERSON BUT TECH FANS ARE TIRED OF ALMOST AND CLOSE IF YOU DONT PLAY BENNETT WHAT ABOUT NEXT YEAR??? GIVE HIM A CHANCE TECH FANS DONT WONT TO WAIT A COUPLE YEARS TO REBUILD UGA CHX Q.B FOUR TIMES THIS YEAR??? HEY REGGIE GOD BLESS YA HEY DAN RADAKOVICH WHAT ABOUT A CHANGE G/T FANS LET HIM KNOW HOW YOU FEEL DRAD@ATHLEIICS.GATECH.EDU

By bandmaster

December 5, 2006 05:07 AM | Link to this

Reggie brought this on himself with his big mouth before and during, and his not talking to the press afterwards. If you talk the talk you must walk the walk, Reggie. Difficult for a college student to learn, but welcome to real life. I really like Chan’s talk on the screen during each home game about good sportsmanship. Reality/hipocricy check: Reggie with a captain’s C on his shirt. If we really want to make our program something to be really proud of, now is the time to make a QB and captain change to say it is a new day all the way around.

By Jesse

December 5, 2006 05:18 AM | Link to this

This is the best, most accurate GT column you’ve ever written

By mike

December 5, 2006 05:20 AM | Link to this

What??? Could it be??? my oh my…all the jackettes jumping off the old band wagon…seems only a few weeks ago Tech was the “toast of the town”…same city….different team…losersville….GO DAWGS!!!!!!!

By Dawg

December 5, 2006 05:31 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, the Tech Alumni will not understand your article since you did not include a Gant chart outlining the process of their failures.

By Can Chan Augusta

December 5, 2006 05:36 AM | Link to this

I am a season ticket holder at GT for 5 years. I did not go to Tech, but my family did and are all Tech fans. My son plays in the Redcoat Band at UGA, so I can no longer root for the North Koreans against them. Nonetheless, I am devoted to Tech and its fine football program and fans.

Usually, I just thumb my nose at Mark Bradley, as he has slept with the enemy too much and has given way too much undeserved praise to UGA, and conversely, too much criticism to Tech. Mark, you have been quite objective with Tech this year. And this time, you are right on target.

Our defensive players have sounded off about the offense letting the team down. Up until now we have had a united team, but no longer. Division among the players is a sign that something is terribly wrong with a team, and that thing is Chan Gailey.

Coach Gailey, I hope you are listening. You get paid a lot of money to do only one thing: to win football games. Every thing else is secondary. Reggie should have never played a down at Duke to let his ankle try to heal. To stay with Ball when he was absolutely off the mark two games in a row is gross incompetence. It was obvious to any fan at Athens that Reggie was throwing late to his receivers time after time. This is a sign of fatigue, or just being off. Reggie should have had the hook at that point and, who knows, maybe we would have done better with Taylor Bennett, who somehow does not have your confidence. I would challenge you to look at his TD pass to snap ratio and compare it to Reggie.

Losing to UGA 4 years in a row with Ball at the helm shows that you are not learning from your experiences. Please call Mike Shula and ask him if losing to Auburn is important. Anyone who fails to continually learn begins to have moss growing around their ankles. That moss is now around your knees Coach Gailey. GT’s failure to win against UGA, or for that matter, any team we play is failure on your part to do your job. The standing joke among the fans in the stands is that we can always tell when you are calling the plays, you go into an incredible shell of ultra-conservative offensive strategy and then let the defense hold the other team. Now our defense is letting you and the world know that they are tired of carrying the load. As much as I detest Steve Spurrier, his mantra of “the best defense is a good offense” is right on.

The Wake Forest game again showed your ineptitude. To punt with two minutes to go and hope that your unheralded defense can hold them one more time was the height of incompetence. Your failure to do something to help your ailing offense was incredibly inept. Choice was running well; let him run! If Reggie can’t get the ball to the receivers, then let someone else do it. Not calling the time out before the failed QB sneak was Reggie’s sign of failure. God knows he has taken many timeouts when he truly did not need them, but this time,he did not do what needed to be done. When that happens, it is time for him to get some remedial pine, get on the phones on the sidelines, get a grip on where we are in the game, and prepare to go back in if needed. Instead we lost to the best team Wake has had in years, but a team we could, and should have beaten.

Many of my Tech loyalists have stated publicly that they will not attend the Gator Bowl. I may not since I have to work the next day. The only two reasons I think Tech people should go to the Gator Bowl is to express our appreciation to a defense that has enabled us to stay in games this season and made our record respectable. Well Done, Defense The other is to express our utter contempt for you, Coach Gailey, and your poor coaching ability. Go to cheer our defense, and boo every time Reggie steps onto the field, and carry our “Can Chan” posters on National TV. Is that what it takes to let the AD know how we feel? Do other Tech loyalists care to pick up this gauntlet? Or will you vote with your feet and stay home and whine?

Coach Gailey, I hear they need help at Alabama and they pay much better than Tech; I hope you will consider that position, or the opening at NC State. Let Tech have a coach who can see when the game strategy needs to be changed and change it! Please recognize that you have lost the respect of the people who are your customers, those who buy tickets, and quietly leave before the AD embarasses you with ending your tenure with Tech. Go out with whatever dignity that remains.

Unless the AD gets off his a** and rearranges the seating this year, as is scheduled; I, for one, will be at the games next season with my Can Chan poster. You can look for me in the eleventh row just behind the visiting cheerleaders.

GO JACKETS! GO COACH GAILEY; NOW!!!

By Ken

December 5, 2006 05:38 AM | Link to this

Wow…I actually agree with you…lol. For Gailey to even hint of change would be wrong. Dance with the one who brought you and show that integrity & loyalty still live in college football…!

By Tech Man

December 5, 2006 05:49 AM | Link to this

I met Gailey two years ago at the kickoff classic and I knew then, that despite being generally shy he was good for Tech. Radakovich and anyone who knows Gailey cna see that he has a true initensisty and understanding of Div 1 football and has a good respect for Ga. Tech. I really didn’t much care for his style because I thought when he was the calling the offense he was boring and predictable at least thats the way it looked.

I was mad as hell by his”Up the middle & three plays and a cloud of dust” that got Tony Holland injured. I was at that game and he kept running right into the defense with a finesse running back that was leading the nation in yards and a true Heisman canidate, and then there was the 51-7 debacle I’ll never forget. Unfortunately I was in Athens for that one too, leaving in shame mid way through the 3rd quarter. I felt as though I was leaving my team in enemy territory. I hated Chan at that point—he was a thick skulled poor excuse of a coach who ruined the Dolphins and Cowboys play calling—besides both these teams improved when he was fired

There have been other equally embarrassing loses that confirmed my hate. I give money to GTAA each year as well as buy tickets and travel to a couple of away games, but there was no way I was going to Jacksonville this year despite having tickets already. I went when the mighty Joe Hamilton defeated Notre Dame and the went again when we got beat by a better Butch Davies Miami team. In each of these games, I had a chance to see Joe Hamilton up close. Despite being 6’1” at best he had the tools. He could read defenses, and pull it down and run if he didn’t like the coverage; rarely did he call for a design run like Reggie. I laugh at folks who compare Hamilton to Ball. There is no way, unfortunately I have witnessed both closely and kept my mouth shut for the most part. Despite being a college kid from Stone Mountain with no NFL or arena future, I have to say Chan should have sat his a^@ down or mid way through the Georgia game. To let him start again in Jacksonville is an insult to all of us who support this team, and now you won’t come out and tell the media your plans for your return trip to the Gator bowl. Chan you have no respect for me and the thousands of Alumni who spend money to watch this team and Buy the GT mechandise

You have had a good tenure and I do believe you are a good man having met you. Your heart attack seems to have changed you. I honestly would like to see you stay if it were not for your hard headeness. I respect your hiring Patrick Nix but don’t think he was the best choice, but then again neither were you. We’re losing Scott, Anoai, and Wheeler on the defense and who knows Tenuta may walk too. You best take care of us by listening with those big ears to people who know this game, the last few supporters you have before it turns ugly. Sit Ball, he’ll needs it. He is a spoiled child who needs someone with courage to stand up to him.

By 83jacket

December 5, 2006 06:23 AM | Link to this

Reggie has gotten progressively worse since the Maryland game. Do some analysis Bark Madley and look at his numbers. He has lost the confidence of the team and has lost the privilidge to be the starting QB. Its a good thing for you Bark Madley that nobody at the AUC actually rates your work or you would have been sent packing back to Kentucky years ago. You are the sports equivalent to Jay Bookman. You guys are two peas in a pod!

By MOC

December 5, 2006 06:46 AM | Link to this

Sitting Reggie in his last game would be poetic justice for a guy that has conducted himself in such an atrocious manner for FOUR years. The real shame is that this spoiled brat/thug/gangsta has been allowed to stain the reputation of an entire football program. Good riddance to Reggie. Chan Gailey has for four long years handled Reggie Ball in an abysmal manner. Maybe it is time to say goodbye to him too.

By Buzzy Bill

December 5, 2006 06:50 AM | Link to this

At least Chan kept UGAG from becoming ACC champs. They didn’t win the SEC this year but could have claimed the ACC championship if we won at Jacksonville.

By Top Dawg

December 5, 2006 06:53 AM | Link to this

This situation reminds me of Donnan and Quincy Carter too. I didn’t like Quincy and grew to learn that Donnan didn’t know what he was doing either. I think Gailey is a better coach than Donnan, but Quincy and Reggie are pretty much in the same boat called “Mediocrity”.

By Bobby Dodd

December 5, 2006 07:13 AM | Link to this

That is perhaps the best Bradley column that has ever been written. Thanks for the help, and now maybe there’s some faint hope that Gailey will be gone soon. We can only hope.

By David Lee

December 5, 2006 07:15 AM | Link to this

It’s just a game, dog. Yo, Georgia is Georgia and they whip that tech arse every year, dog

By James

December 5, 2006 07:17 AM | Link to this

If I were coach, Reggie would have to earn every game he plays. He hasn’t earned this one. I’d start Taylor Bennett, an maybe Reggie a little bit (but only because it’s the last game of his career).

By Fred Preddy

December 5, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this

The longer we “close our eyes” to a situation like this the worse it gets and the deeper the hole becomes. We need to SHUT UP on the blame game and instruct Coach Rad(AD) to GET THIS MESS CLEANED UP—-I MEAN, “CLEANED UP” FOR THE LONG TERM. We currently have band-aids all over the program.

By Smyrna Jacket

December 5, 2006 07:29 AM | Link to this

None of the problems with Tech’s offense or the lack of growth by Tech QB’s should come as a shock. If you look at Gailey’s track record in the NFL, he failed in Dallas as the head coach and in Pittsburgh as the OC because his offenses flat out stunk and because he damaged, rather than developed, QB’s. Things won’t change on The Flats until the AD makes one.

I, too, like many here, was in JAX only because I held out hope against hope that Gailey would see the light and change. He didn’t, and won’t. I heard far too many voices after that pitiful showing to believe that anything of great import will happen until Gailey is gone. Lots of disgusted fans, me included.

By kenny

December 5, 2006 07:37 AM | Link to this

one of four things is ahppening here. 1. reggie with his tattoos is a gang member and has threatened chans family. 2. reggie has degrading pics of chan. 3. chan is a idiot who has never been a good coach anywhere he has been. 4.braine was planted and paid by UGA to sabatoge our program. thats why he set us us with chan long term and bailed

By Nikki

December 5, 2006 07:38 AM | Link to this

You are %100 correct, Mark. Gailey is completely to blame for the QB situation at GT. Ball was never a good QB. I could never understand why Gailey never had anyone to challenge Ball at QB. Even Joe Shmoe from PoDunk County High School could’ve done a better job under center than Ball. The defense has carried this team for so long. I would not be surprised to see John Tenuta leave after this season for a head coaching job. He deserves a shot. I bleed red and black, but I can understand the frustration at GT over Gailey leaving Ball at QB for four years.

By Racinoto

December 5, 2006 07:45 AM | Link to this

Chan is just afraid! He’s afraid of loosing; he’s afraid to take a chance on Taylor Bennett; afraid to take a chance on fourth and one; afraid of Reggie Ball. Look at the gutsy call by Urban M on the fake punt on Florida’s 15 yardline that turned the dismal third quarter around. Gailes wakes up in a cold sweat just thinking about that call. Maybe he’s not afraid, maybe he’s asleep.

By chuck

December 5, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this

Its funny to me that about eighty five percent of the bloggers agree that Chan needs to retire,cant coach college football and is wrong for playing Reggie Ball.These folks give money to the school but surprisingly,nobody pays them attention.Tech needs new blood.We have not progressed in the past four years and to keep the present ship floating is bad.Go Jackets.

By Burdell

December 5, 2006 07:47 AM | Link to this

The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Perhaps Gailey could stand up and say:

“I know Reggie’s not good enough to start for a Div. 1 institution, but I have to play him because I was foolish enough to keep him this long. Anything else would be unfair.”

Or perhaps he could admit his foolishness and bench the idiot.

By Larry

December 5, 2006 07:52 AM | Link to this

Mark , I will make a prediction that within 2 years you will be writing a colummn entitled “Why Chan got fired “

By The Murf

December 5, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this

I blame both Ball and play-calling. Who punts with 2:00 left in the fourth trailing? I thought I was drunk already when I saw that!

By Doug

December 5, 2006 07:56 AM | Link to this

Right on the “Mark”. Gailey’s staff has not developed players like Ball & Calvin Johnson, or any others for that fact, like wheeler and others. I will not go to the Gator Bowl to watch another performance that we have witnessed all year. Don’t use Reggie Ball and the Tech team as the scapegoat for a coach and coaching staff that has failed the school, the fans, the alumni, but most of all, the players, in creating a program that can at least compete with programs in the ACC.

By Ben Dover

December 5, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this

Reggie Ball is horrendous. He must be banned from the state of football. Georgia Tech is an embarassment to society. If you are from Georgia Tech then you are an embicile and a bad person. Reggie Ball will be working as a janitor in two years

By Jim

December 5, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this

Get rid of Patrict Nix…Ball is bad but does not call the stupid, fantasy football plays…

By jo jo

December 5, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this

Charles Johnson on any team would be a serious heisman canadiate,atleast second,I don’t think he is better Troy Smith Reggie and Pat Nix really hurt any chance he had to win.

By Jerry

December 5, 2006 08:09 AM | Link to this

Chan not taking credit for poor showings means that he should not take credit when Tech does well. Then why is he getting paid anything. Sort of reminds me of Kenneth Lay of Enron who until his death from a heart attack denied any knowledge of wrongdoing-no-not me. It takes a man to admit mistakes but he must learn from them.As a boss who went to tech once told me, nothing wrong with making a mistake just don’t make the same mistake twice because if you do, you will make future mistakes somewhere else. Radovich, are you listening and if so ,awake. You must do what Gailey does not have the B*s to do. Gailey must go.

By AtlantaNative62

December 5, 2006 08:09 AM | Link to this

This year is yet another mediocre 7-5 Tech Season. Fortunately for Gaily, we had extra games against Troy and Samford, otherwise it would have indeed been another 7-5 season. It appears Tech is doomed to that mediocrity under Coach Gaily.

The offensive coaching for Tech has been just that - offensive. I have never seen a team get so little out of so much talent. We have the best receiver in the nation and a running back who has blossomed in to the best running back in the ACC if not one of the top backs in the nation…..and yet we can’t score a touchdown in two games on only one against North Carolina? (Don’t forget that one folks - so that means we only scored two touchdowns over three of the last four games? I throw out Duke because my grandfather could score against them and he’s 75 years old!)

I respect the fact that Coach Gailey wants to stand by his QB. However, he needs to remember that there are 80 to 90 other kids he has to look out for as well. His focus on Ball has been grossly unfair to the other kids on this team. With that and the results it has garnered, Gailey should not remain as coach of this team.

By eb

December 5, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

Talk about putting words in a Coach’s mouth! Why don’t we put Mr. Bradley to such a high standard so that a consideration in passing is blown so out of proportion to call him cowardly and a blame shifter.

By Ron

December 5, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

I agree with Bradley, mostly. It is all Gailey’s fault. He should never have been hired and never had his contract extended. I blame the President of the Institute for allowing that. His allegeance to Reggie Ball is unforgivable. Another posting stated that there are several QBs in Division 2 that have better QBs. I would go so far as to say that Tech would be better off with ANY Division 2 QB. Whether or not Reggie’s shortcomings are his fault is not in question with me. It does not matter. What matters is that Gailey has doggedly insisted on playing someone who cannot do the job and everyone in the world could see it but him. We are paying him a million bucks to make Georgia fans happy. Maybe we are dumber than he is.

By Jim O

December 5, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

I was impressed with Chan four years ago when he benched the starting qb and would not consider the backup to go with a true freshman who was not highly recruited - or for that matter, recruited anywhere as a qb. Based on that, I figured he would always start the best player, be it a fifth year senior or a true freshman, but it hasn’t happened, especially at qb.

Reggie has flashes of greatness but they are few and far between. And as much as I hate to say it, Tulane (anybody), please take Pat Nix! The play calling in the georgia game and the WF game was awful awful awful. When was the last time we threw the ball over the middle - or can’t reggie see over the line???

I haven’t looked at the stats, but believe we averaged less than four yards per pass play. Based on that RUN! The past two games the first drive has started well, only to fizzle and we stay in that funk the rest of the game. What happened to the flanker screens that worked early and were abandoned? AND why on third and one do we run a flanker reverse - give it to Choice and let him go.

After driving from Northern Virginia to Jax to see the game, miserable ride home and won’t go back to Jax next time based on the coaches’ performances!

By m

December 5, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

Chan Gailey is the SORRIEST excuse for a football coach in history. He has taken the most promising season since 1990 and through in down the toilet with his total ineptitude. He should never have been hired. He should be fired immediately and let the healing begin in the Gator Bowl. Chan is a disgrace to the storied football history at Tech.

By John

December 5, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this

THANK YOU SO MUCH. EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT. GAILEY IS A HUGE LOSER! HE WANTS TO MAKE A CHANGE NOW?? THE SEASON IS OVER!!! HE NEEDED TO MAKE IT AFTER THE PITIFUL UNC GAME! NO ONE CARES ABOUT THIS BOWL GAME AND IT WILL BE REFLECTED IN THE STANDS WHEN YOU SEE VERY FEW THERE.

By Racinoto

December 5, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

Don’t blame Reggie. If nothing else, he tries and gives it all he’s got. Unfortunately, he just doesn’t have that much to give. He more like a little linebacker playing quarterback. He does not lack heart, desire or courage; he just lacks the necessary tools to be a good Division 1 quarterback. Now, what idiot(s) keep putting him at quarterback? Nix Chan and Can Nix and annoint JT the new HC, before we loose him to another school.

By Cathy

December 5, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

The real trajedy here is Calvin J. Yes he will make millions, but by coming to Tech to endure Reggie Ball has robbed him of what could have been an all-galaxy college career. It is a testament to him and his family that they have handled the Reggie era with such class.

By Levi

December 5, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

Chan is not the right coach f0r Tech, just like Reggie is not a Q Back. Reggie like to aruge with opposing players, when he should be trying to concentrate on helping his team. Reggie also can be rattle very easy and teams know this.

By scott

December 5, 2006 08:35 AM | Link to this

Yes Mark, Gailey is to blame for sticking with Ball for so long. I’ve thought that Ball’s inconsistency will finally lead to Gailey’s dismissal. However, to say that Gailey is scapegoating Ball is incorrect. Not starting Ball after his two worse performances in his career is the right thing to do. What else in the world is he supposed to do? Keep on starting him? Gailey knows Ball is not going to recover as he has in the past and it’s time to go to the backup. That’s the smart thing to do. That’s not scapegoating.

By John

December 5, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

I remember reading an ajc article weeks ago saying David Braine was laughing and smiling as if to say he knew what he was doing by extending Chan’s contract. When I read it, weeks ago, I though he should wait until after the UGA game to smile and laugh. He really is as big of a goat as Gailey!

By Burdell's Brother

December 5, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this

Let’s see what the new AD is made of, if he keeps Chan years of mediocrity are ahead and he might as well start looking for a new job. BUT if the AD cans Chan and replaces him, it couldn’t get much worse than it is now.

By dave ben

December 5, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this

Reggie Ball has been unfairly critized to some extent. The true culprit is Chan Gailey. His comment “he is the one that got us here” is a stupid as he is. How far could we have gone if another quarter back had been used? The Dallas Cowboy’s figured it out and it did not take them 5 years to do it. Chan will make Tech’s previous Athletic Director’s remark about Tech not being one of the best teams in the ACC come true.

By Ralph Wiggum

December 5, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

Nice post Mark. It is funny the different response that you get from my fellow Techies than you did when you wrote exactly the same thing back on Sept. 9th. True then, true now.

By thebeaz

December 5, 2006 08:47 AM | Link to this

Here’s where CHAN GAILEY has FAILED EVERYONE who supports Ga Tech Football: he later said that continuity is more of a factor in deciding whether to try someone new at quarterback than at other positions.

WTF??!?! CONTINUITY? What coach being of sound mind would want to CONTINUE the absolutely ATTROCIOUS performance of his offense following losses to 2 INFERIOR opponents? Trying for the hat trick, Chan?

CONTINUITY is why Tech fans the World over are now BEYOND APATHY. I graduated in ‘85, so I remember the BILL CURRY YEARS, where 1 (yes, ONE) win seasons were common and even not unexpected…But I can now say that being taken to the TOP of the mountain and being SHOVED OFF before even being able to enjoy it is even WORSE!

Chan Gailey “hitched his wagons” to Reggie Ball 4 YEARS AGO. To anyone who watches Tech Football, the lead wagon has had BROKEN WHEELS right from the start. To anyone who says REGGIE BALL is not a D1-A Quarterback — You are CORRECT, sir! The question is: Why has Chan Gailey and his staff FAILED to realize this in 4 YEARS?

The past 2 DISMAL game performances are for the START of the season when things are still unsettled…Debacles like the last 2 (and the one still to come) are FLATLY CAUSED BY a Coaching Staff’s Ineptness.

Mark Richt says, “I’m a big fan of Chan Gailey”…Of course he is! He can put an inferior team on the field, concentrate his forces on frustrating a TRASH-TALKIN’ QB and let him just hand them the game in the final minutes…It worked for 4 years in a row, didn’t it? You’d think Chan Gailey would BENCH BALL in the final minutes of the GA game this year…But that would shows signs of being in touch with reality and would break up the CONTINUITY of Ball giving up the Ball and the Game in the final minutes.

Bench Ball in the ACC Championship, when it was APPARENT to everyone in the stands that he was just plain LOST and in over his head? Not Chan. This program is headed down a ONE-WAY STREET…The WRONG WAY!

By Ken

December 5, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

Finally! Wow, this bandwagon is alot more comfortable now that I’ve got some leg room. I completely agree with everyone who is fed up w/ the lack of productivity at the qb position. But going into the GA game most Tech fans were all aboard the bandwagon of GT football. CCG had turned the program around, recruiting was going good, Tech was in a great position to beat uga and win the ACC championship. Things were great. True, Tech stunk vs uga and so did it’s qb. True, playcalling was awful vs WF and so was the qb. So let’s all just jump off the bandwagon while the getting is good.

I, for one, say good riddance.

By Stat Man

December 5, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this

Reggie is the worst 4 year starter in College Football D1 history. This is sad but true. I pray he get that great Tech Degree and put it to use. His football days are thankfully going to be over and long forgottten.

By GT/UGA Dad

December 5, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

I do not think that anyone can question Reggie’s heart. He does go on the field and give his all. Unfortunately, he does not have the talent to be a D1 quarterback. Why that is not obvious to the coaching staff is the real question.

It is disingenuous at best for Gaily to now say that RB’s starting status is now in jeopardy. Does this mean that Taylor Bennett has made the transition from not being able to at any time go on the field to direct the offense to that of a starter? I was at the Duke game and Taylor did a good job and throws the ball well. Yes it was Duke, but it was our second string against their first which made it pretty even.

As bad as RB was playing over the past two weeks, can Chan defend the fact that for at least one series in two ball games, he could not pull RB and set him down and give him some time to think while seeing if just maybe someone else might do a better job..

Unfortunately, after the fiasco this past Saturday, many Tech fans will be staying home. That you can directly blame on the coaching performance over the past two weeks. The players and school will take the brunt for poor coaching. I can understand why the Gator Bowl is not happy and this will cause changes in how and where the ACC sends it bowl eligible teams in the future.

By PTC Fan

December 5, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

Benching Ball at this point would remove all doubt that Gaily has no clue. Why now? Why not at UNC 06? Why not in Athens 06 when Ball couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn? Why not during the 51-7 game?

By 82 GT grad

December 5, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

Fine column, most of the comments are on the mark. But what bothers me is that the incoming freshman QB has been labeled as a “Reggie Ball” type. Just what we need!

GT could’ve easily beaten UGA and Wake had Reggie not turned it over or constantly thrown it out of bounds.

The offense to be copied is Florida or Arkansas, with direct snaps to various positions - former HS QBs who can run or pass. But after not running Calvin on end-arounds for 2-1/2 seasons, the time to start isn’t on 3rd & one.

I like the Wisenhunt idea!

By 82 GT grad

December 5, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

But worries me is the incoming freshman QB has been labeled a “Reggie Ball” type. Just what we need!

Fine column, and most of the comments are on the mark. Like the Wisenhunt idea. GT could’ve easily won the last 2 games had Reggie not turned it over and thrown it out of bounds.

By techfan

December 5, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

I agree the blame falls with Gailey. But, why should anyone be surprised? Look at his coaching record. Including college and pro ball, he’s been head coach 12 different seasons for 5 different teams. Only one of those teams had a stellar year and won a championship - and that was in 1984! With Division II Troy State! The others have all been average or slightly above average. Chan’s a great person, a classy man, but as a head coach, he can’t seem to instill that killer instinct necessary to take a team over the top. Punting on 4th down with 2 minutes to go and trailing by 3 is the perfect example of that!

By Smarty

December 5, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this

After reading all of these posts about Reggie and Chan/Patrick, I feel like one of the smartest GT fans around. I held season tickets and contributed to the AT fund for 26 years until terminating both two years ago. I made the decision to give up those tickets and discontinue my giving due to the exact same reasons that are being printed in these previous posts. Chan the Man proved to me that he wasn’t “The Man” and Reggie proved to me that he would never improve beyond his Freshman year. I complained bitterly to Braine and was told that my problems could be readily resolved by not coming to any future games but that they would really frown on my discontinuation of funding the AT program. I felt I was being invited to stay home which is what I’ve done eagerly awaiting changes at the top. Dan Radicovitch seems to be the answer at AD, now I continue to await the dismissal of the most incompetent head coach in the history of our long storied program. With that change, I will once again untie the purse strings to the AT fund and stand in line for what ever seats may become available at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Grant Field.

By Adam

December 5, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

Mark - Well said. We don’t ever throw to a tight end!

Tenuta is the reason this team is successful. Look at our offensive numbers the past few seasons! Nix is better than Gailey at calling plays, because he at least has a pulse (although lets try some shorter passes instead of throwing 60 yards every other play). The old players know best by saying Gailey is stubborn. That’s why he ran Friedgen’s offensive assistant crazy and eventually out his first season. Ball hasn’t DEVELOPED, and that’s a coaching flaw.

More than anything else, BALL NEEDS TO SHUT HIS MOUTH!!!! After his first run of 8 yards (awesome) he jaws at the opposing player nonstop. What does he have to jaw about??? Gailey has addressed this before by saying he likes his players to have energy/fight. If you need to shove, jaw, yell, or push other players/refs to get motivated, you need to quit playing!!!! That’s Gailey in a nutshell!!! I hated having expectations this season. I’ll just turn into the same pessimistic jacket fan I’ve been in years past. Still love our school though. Go Jackets!!!

By jackets fan

December 5, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

Say what you want about Gailey or Reggie Ball over the past 4 years. But saying that sitting Ball now is somehow WRONG is the most ridiculous notion. I heard someone say recently describing the hope that Pres. Bush would finally make changes in Iraq something to the effect of “better to be wise late, than wrong to the end.” The fact is, Gailey doesn’t have to worry about a QB controversy, because they have one game left. But what he does have to worry about is his job. Because in the end, if GT doesn’t win the bowl game they will be 9-5, which as all you math majors can atest to, is only 2 more wins than any other year under Gailey. And along with only a +2 in the win column, he would have lost to UGA (again) and lost to a Wake Forest team in the ACC champ game who could only muster 3 field goals against the vaunted Tech defense. Essentially all that would have been accomplished would be an upset win over VaTech. Without that, GT wouldn’t have even been in the ACC champ game. So in my opinion, Gailey had better win the Gator Bowl, or at least lose it with Taylor Bennett getting a look, or else he could be passing the reins to Jon Tenuta. What’s the worst that can happen if he benches Ball for Bennett? Bennett is going to complete more than 50% of his passes. And with playmakers like Calvin, JJ and Choice on the field, and a stout defense like GT, a 50% passer will win a lot of games. The odds of beating WV are slim, what with their dynamic duo of Pat White and Steve Slaton slashing all over the field. But they are absolutely zero if Reggie Ball starts that game.

By Joe

December 5, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

I hesitate to throw this out, but does anyone else think Reggie may be on the take? Think about his 4th quarter performances in UNC, UGA, and WF. WF beat the spread by 1/2 point. Think about it…

By Adam

December 5, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

Mark - Well said.

We never throw to a tight end. Tenuta is the reason this team is successful. Look at our offensive numbers the past few seasons! Nix is better than Gailey at calling plays, because he at least has a pulse (although lets try some shorter passes instead of throwing 60 yards every other play). The old players know best by saying Gailey is stubborn. That’s why he ran Friedgen’s offensive assistant crazy and eventually out the first season. Ball hasn’t developed, that’s a coaching flaw. More than anything else, BALL NEEDS TO SHUT HIS MOUTH!!!! After his first run of 8 yards (awesome) he jaws at the opposing player nonstop. What does he have to jaw about??? Gailey has addressed this before by saying he likes his players to have energy/fight. If you need to shove, jaw, yell, and push other players/refs to get motivated, you need to quit playing!!!! I hated having expectations this season. I’ll just turn into the same pessimistic jacket fan I’ve been in year’s past. Still love our school though. Go Jackets!!!

By Russell

December 5, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this

We UGA folk want Reggie to play, don’t pull him, it’s a pleasure to watch him implode. He has no maturity, no poise, and the wrong mentality to play QB.

He’s more interested in getting in the face of the tackler than getting back to the huddle and leading the offense down the field. That’s a sign of backyard, playground football. He should’ve played DB instead of QB.

But I love watching him blow up…

By brad in KY

December 5, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

This is so confused, it’s laughable

Let me get this straight:

If you play a QB that you should’ve replaced too long, then you can no longer replace him. Gailey should’ve replaced Ball after the Clemson game but didn’t, so it follows that now he can’t replace him for the bowl game.

In defense of this argument you claim both that Gailey stuck by Ball too long AND that if he replaces him now then he’s merely shifting the blame to Ball. But that’s ridiculous, since your initial claim is that Gailey has been loyal to a fault with Ball. He’s given Ball every opportunity to play his way out of his funk. In addition, everyone can see that Ball is playing so poorly that he no longer deserves to start.

So I reject the first premise as obviously, clearly, manifestly, self-evidently false. It simply isn’t the case that if you stick with a QB too long then you can’t replace him.

In further defense of this, if we’re going to say that Gailey is responsible for winning games, then it’s Gailey’s job to replace Ball if he’s stands between the team and winning. And clearly Gailey is ultimately responsible for winning and Ball is clearly a major factor in the team’s two recent losses.

Duh.

By jackets fan

December 5, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

Joe,

Don’t feel bad, I’ve often wondered if Ball was shaving points. I mean, how else can you explain his up and down playing ability. And I think the line in the UGA game was UGA +2. What was the final score? UGA 15, GT 13. That is freaky to me.

By donagh

December 5, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

I have felt like a voice crying in the wilderness for the past two years. Bradley called it right. Seems very much like the coaches are afraid to pull Reggie, or else they are stupid beyond belief. As a lifetime Tech fan (63 years), the past couple of years have been the most frustrating, especially with talent like Calvin Johnson who has never really had a chance to show us what he’s got because of Reggie’s lack of capability.

Gailey is either a poor judge of horseflesh or he belongs in an assisted living facility where other people are more than willing to make his decisions for him. He is obvioulsy oblivious to the institution and the fans. I for one will be glad when he moves on.

Reggie, don’t let the door hit in the rear on the way out.

By jacketlover

December 5, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

Hell is freezing over to be sure. I actually agree with Mark. Reggie does what any athlete is taught to do…….he follows the coaches orders. He has been hung out to dry and sadly so has the rest of the team. How they are managing to stay together as a team is admirable given the circumstances. I’ve been a Tech fan forever and will continue to be. I don’t care how badly the season may end, it is still 100 times better than being a bulldog fan.

By HERBIE BEAMISH

December 5, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

REGGIE BALL IS A DESCENT QUARTERBACK. IT WAS A COUPLE DROPPED PASSES AND A FEW DOZEN LONG PASSES FROM A GREAT SEASON.

By Jacket hope

December 5, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

Definitely too harsh, even for a football article.

However much of what you wrote I agree with.

By GT62

December 5, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

I am having a hard time belieiving this!! I actually agree with Mark Bradley for once. Gailey has designed an offense around a QB who cannot consistently execute the game plan and now, with one game left in the QB’s carrer, he thinks he “might” have made a mistake. And Gailey has a long-term contract. After 26 years of buing season tix and contributing to A-T, I’m done.

By Jacket hope

December 5, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Definitely too harsh, even for a football article.

However much of what you wrote I agree with.

By Papa

December 5, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this

Do I sense deja vu … Jim Stevens vis-a-vis Eddie McAshan. I hope the results are the same as 1972.

By Randy

December 5, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

I can’t take it any more. You Tech people are so fickle.

At first it was, “Throw the ball the Calvin more.” Which then became, “Why aren’t we running Teshard Choice more? Stop throwing”

Which then turned into. “Bench Reggie. He is horrible.” Which is now, “Don’t blame Reggie. It isn’t his fault.”

The only thing that is certain, is there will be less Tech fans at the Gator Bowl than at the ACC championship game and that is pathetic. All I hear is that Tech can’t sell out at home because all the alumni don’t live in GA. Well, I guess they don’t live in FL either….or San Fran or Boise…..or wherever else your lame team plays.

By Rob

December 5, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

Great column…right on. Ball is merely a sympton. Gailey is the disease. Time to administer a strong antibiotic.

By Rich

December 5, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

I agree with the comments that Reggie is not a qualified Division 1A quarterback. All teams have learned that beating Tech is not doubling Calvin J., it is “Rattle Reggie”.

Remember back in 1985 when Bill Curry suspended seven starting players prior to the Hall of Fame Bowl because they broke curfew? Tech went on to win 17 - 14 against Michigan State.

Alumni will support Gailey for doing the right thing. I am done with Reggie at this point. Get him out of there and let’s work toward next season. I don’t care if we lose by 45 points in Florida, at least we are working toward positive improvement.

Otherwise, let’s discuss Nix & Gailey’s contract. That will get some changes going…

By Rob Hicks

December 5, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

Reggie was the best player UGA ever had! Gailey didn’t throw those passes, take a 15 yard sack, didn’t fail to hit a wide open receiver, but I guess it’s all his fault. GT had the best receiver in the country and wouldn’t throw the guy the ball. And they call this a ‘smart’ school? Doesn’t Reggie have another year of eligibility somewhere?!!

By BigDawg

December 5, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

Folks…you are GA Tech. You are not that good - even this year. The ACC is pathetic, and you reaped the benefits by finishing with a record that is very respectable. You have the best bowl bid that you have had since the 2000 Peach Bowl. Get over yourselves and enjoy your best season in years. Maybe you will beat GA one day!

By Hector Smith

December 5, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

It must be a really slow news day for Mark Bradley. A man who seems to have as much playing and coaching experience as my 3 year daughter. He is going to take this oppurtunity to blast a coaching who simply made a various obvious statement. Down the Stretch Ball has played worse and worse. What was Gailey to do, bench his four year starter before the Ga. game? An action to which Mr. Bradley would have wasted no time to blast him for as well. At this point the season is basically over, it would do no harm to start the backup, not to mention give him some much needed reps for next year. He can do no worse than Ball’s 30% passing mark of the last two games, and four picks. In short, Mark quit trying to make something out of nothing, and find something worth while to write about

By Buzzerbean

December 5, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

I don’t give a cr_p if any of you have been fans for 138 years. You’d think if you’d been a fan that long, you’d learn that it’s a game!

We won 9 games this year….if we’d gone undefeated and lost the BCS Championship game, the same vocal minority would be whining and crying about Chan.

You people make me sick - get a grip and a life. Having to deal with idiots like you are what makes being a Tech fan hard.

By In Rod We Trust

December 5, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Tech fans, as a loyal, diehard WVU grad and fan, I feel your pain with your 4 year QB, Reggie Ball. It seems like he’s been there for 8 years - same as Joe Hamilton, whom I recall vividly from the 97 bowl game (although the similarities end there). We had the same deal recently with Rasheed Marshall, who started all 4 years and was even the Big East Player of the Year his senior year (2004), but he was a poor passer and decision maker, and simply could not win the BIG game, or any bowl game (0-3), all losses to middle of the pack ACC teams. If your coach had somebody better on the team, he would be playing. Period. We finally recruited a top shelf QB in Pat White, and now we have a very capable backup in Jarrett Brown, who played well the entire Rutgers game due to Pat White’s ankle injury. Brown is only a RS freshman, who I’m afraid will transfer after this year b/c White is only a sophomore and he is not early draft material.

My hunch is this: Ball will have a career game against WVU, because: 1. he is due to have a good game, and 2. every QB looks good against our defense. We made USF QB Matt Groethe, a freshman, look like Joe Montana. I don’t think it will matter, however, because if White and Slaton can get healthy, look out!! I think it’s a good matchup though. You will score points, but so will we. Should be fun to watch.

Again, if Gailey had someone better at that position, he would be playing him. He wants to win more than anybody. The head coach always does. People seem to lose sight of that. Sounds like he simply has not gotten it done in recruiting. That’s where you need to bash him.

By Jack

December 5, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

I have never been a Chan fan and still believe he is not the right man for Tech. Look at his history as a NFL head coach and assistant. He had some success at Pittsburg but was fired at Dallas for his stubbornness and he certainly did not do much as the offensive coordinator at Miami. It seems that it’s either Chan’s way or the highway. His refussal to even try a change has resulted in another lost season for Tech. At least we won’t have Reggie to blame next year but unfortunately Chan will still be here.

By GADAWG

December 5, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

SAD!!!!! If it wasn’t for family, friends, and girlfriends there wouldn’t have been anyone at the HAY-CC chapmionship game. I remember laughing my butt off when tech hired Gailey. Tech fans better get use to it, because it doesn’t get any better than this year. I also laughed my butt off when Calvin chose tech over UGA. He would definately be the #1 choice in the draft if he had went to UGA. I hop he enjoyed his above average (could have been great) college career. I bet that super running back that has verbally committed to tech is really rethinking his position. Sorry though, we all ready have CALEB. Future football stars from the state of Georgia should take notice.

By Leonard H. Aiken

December 5, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

After reading all the “bad mouthing” directed at Bradley, at Gailey, at Ball, I’m glad my coaching career ended at Little League.

By Hector Smith

December 5, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

It must be a really slow news day for Mark Bradley. A man who seems to have as much playing and coaching experience as my 3 year daughter. He is going to take this oppurtunity to blast a coaching who simply made a various obvious statement. Down the Stretch Ball has played worse and worse. What was Gailey to do, bench his four year starter before the Ga. game? An action to which Mr. Bradley would have wasted no time to blast him for as well. At this point the season is basically over, it would do no harm to start the backup, not to mention give him some much needed reps for next year. He can do no worse than Ball’s 30% passing mark of the last two games, and four picks. In short, Mark quit trying to make something out of nothing, and find something worth while to write about

By GTGTGT

December 5, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

1st point: Because Chan/Nix didn’t have a game plan developed for anything following the 1st drive, the Atheletic department is out $10MM (payout of the Orange vs. Gator)

2nd point: Chan seems to have a knack for ruining talent. How many highly recruited, talented players have we seen during the Gailey era that have a great Freshmen year, followed by inconsistent and siginificantly worse stats they’er 2nd and 3rd years. Wasn’t Bilbo supposed to be one of the best all around athelete’s Chan had ever coached? Travis Bell was phenonemal 2 years ago.

The only thing Gailey has done consistently during his tenure is make his players perform worse.

Can Chan and put Tenuta in charge. Tenuta is the reason we’ve been competitive the last 4 years.

By KD

December 5, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

Good article Mr. Bradley…

By G.P.B.

December 5, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

Is it possible to go to any blog on the AJC site without having to read the mindless spew from the mutts over in Athens? Hey Dawgs - this isn’t about you. Maybe you should be preparing for Va Tech (which, according to you, must really suck because it’s an ACC team…of course, you thought Vanderbilt really sucked too.)

On to the topic at hand: I think Chan is a nice guy, but it’s been said before. Nice guys don’t win college football games. He says stability and consistency are the reasons he kept Reggie in for so long - Chan, all we want from you is consistency! It’s all we’ve wanted from the beginning! We have not had ONE consistent season since you have been at the helm. I have never ever gone to a Tech game against Duke, UNC, or Troy and said, “this game is in the bag.” And that’s pathetic. You are a great NFL coach - you are not fit for college ball. Period. And that’s ok. We still like you as a person. But please give us a chance to shine like we should with the talent we have coming in! You have failed to beat UGA, our in-state and arch rival, for 6 YEARS IN A ROW. Fire yourself! Resign! We don’t care. Just give us a chance.

By opieandy

December 5, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

Your logic is ridiculous and flawed, Bradley. The process of evaluating players is ongoing and dynamic. Loyalty is not the issue. Winning and developing the program is the issue. If Gailey thinks benching Ball will either contribute to a better chance of winning the Gator Bowl, or of building the program for next year, he is a coward if he does NOT bench Ball for the sake of ‘loyalty.’ No one is going to be loyal to Gailey if he goes 5-7 next year.

And this is from a Dawg fan.

By Southga

December 5, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

Don’t blame the lost totally on the Coach and QB. We missed an opportunity to recover a fumble, dropped an int, and had a catchable long bomb turn into an int on the last possession. We had the opportunity to make plays and missed out. Now whether or not those plays would have resulted in points we will never know. This is a team, you win and lose as a team.

By John

December 5, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

How wrong it was for GT to take Bowl Game orders prior to the UGA and ACC Championship games. You can best believe, that was done for a reason! I deceided after the UNC game I didn’t want to go to the ACC Championship. I was surprised so many went. What were you all thinking!!?? I have no interest in going OR watching the Gator Bowl. The season ended weeks ago.

By Mac Hall

December 5, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Mark; Great analysis and WAY overdue. Our program could have gone to another (higher!) level this year with the talent we have. I don’t think we’ll ever get there with Chan. What a missed opportunity. I hope our new AD is listening

By David

December 5, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

the Total Person aka Tech Man sez..come on “Dog”..you know the fly-guy try his best

By mart

December 5, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe a fan (much less an ex-Tech player) would base his attendance at the Gator Bowl on whether Reggie B. gets benched. For better and worse, Reggie laid it on the line and did his best for four years. It’s not his fault he happened to be the best qb on the roster. (It’s also not his fault that he’s imited in his abilities.) Reggie played hard for 4 years, to suddenly discover now that he’s ineffective and bench him for the bowl game (which I think is supposed to be a reward for a good season, not an excuse to start spring practice early) would be a disgrace.

By fortebuna

December 5, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

I agree completely with Mark on this. I have seen Mark, Mandel criticized as being completely clueless when it come to Tech and Gailey. I read the Hive/Buzzoff/Stingtalk, never post. I am completely astounded as to the criticism of these two writers when they tell the truth. Gailey is all the things you have stated Mark. Keep up the good work and maybe the guy some have called GAYLY on the boards will soon be on a bus/train/plane/car out of Atlanta.

By G.P.B.

December 5, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

P.S. Reggie isn’t out of the weeds here. He stands culpable for a lot of this too. Instead of talking smack and being a loud-mouthed player on and off the field, he could have directed his efforts to the sidelines and said, “Hey Chan! I CAN’T COMPLETE A 40-YARD PASS! IT WON’T HAPPEN, DOG!” At GT, we (hope) to be classy and level-headed. Why Reggie ever wore a GT jersey past his first season, much less a capital “C”, is beyond me.

By Maurice

December 5, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

The main reason Tech lost to Wake Forest was the failure to kick field goals in the first half. Gaily decided to go for it on fourth down twice when in field goal range. Both times Tech did not make the first down. If Tech kicks those two field goals, they would have had 12 points, and Tech would have won the game. Most fans cheered his decisions to go for it. I didn’t.

By A Real Bulldog

December 5, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Face the facts: GT enlarged its W column on margional football teams (Troy, Samford, Duke, UNC, NCS, a down Miami and Virginia). Tech had a great W-L record,but only had 2 decent wins: Maryland and VT. When they got to the tough teams that fight back, GT folded. That is no cut on GT, it is just a fact. WVU is better than both UGA and WF, so get ready for a slaughter.

RB can win against marginal teams and even traditionally good teams with an inexperienced QB that the GT defense can intimidate. Kudos to MR for the UGA game plan of screens, running plays and tight end passes that kept the GT defense off balance.

Chan is the best that GT can hope for in the long run. Other coaches (including St Bill Curry) use it as a stepping stone to something bigger. Be grateful, you could still have Bill Lewis. At least Chan beatsless talented teams. RB has had the character to QB 49 GT games. Let him finish out his career in what will be a certain loss regardless of the GT QB and then fade away.

By thebeaz

December 5, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

WHAT QB Controversy? EVERY player should have to EARN the right to start (or even PLAY) from week to week…It’s only FAIR to the other players and fans. Sadly, Gailey wouldn’t bench Ball if he did something as UNBELIEVABLE as go 15-for-51 with 4 INT and NO TD in the 2 BIGGEST GAMES of his career as a 4th Year Starting QB

Bennett has been there when called upon…And PRODUCED, I might add. He has a RIGHT to start this game against a MUCH TOUGHER opponent than UGA or WF. Ball has done everything EXCEPT scream and yell on the sidelines at the Head Coach, which QBs in ATL have some history of doing. Just how HARD does REALITY have to slap Gailey in the face before Ball sits on the bench for a few plays and we (The Fans) get to see exactly what we have in Taylor Bennett (beyond playing DUKE, who my cousin would look good QBing against).?

WHY must Ball supporters live in the PAST - YES…He’s started more games than any other QB and he’s won more than just a few. But that doesn’t EXPLAIN AWAY his failure to show up and PRODUCE when Tech Fans (and his fellow PLAYERS) needed him the MOST. Tell him he’s NOT STARTING and maybe he’ll fail to even make the trip for the bowl game…Most Tech Fans I know wouldn’t go see ANOTHER REGGIE BALL TRAIN WRECK if the tickets were FREE!

What’s the WORST that can happen if Taylor Bennett is asked to execute the same exact game plan followed for the 2 previous games? We lose again. BUT, he just might surprise everyone and show that he CAN complete passes over the middle, deep, in the endzone and at the sidelines…Something Ball has clearly shown he CAN’T DO.

That’s Chan Gailey’s BIGGEST FEAR: If Taylor Bennett STARTS against WVU and goes 25-for-35 280yds 3TDs and NO INT. Then there will be absolutely NO QUESTION remaining whether he and his staff are even CAPABLE of coaching football at this GREAT INSTITUTION. Gailey and his staff would DESERVE firings, even after a 10-win season!

By GBR

December 5, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

I’m not a Tech fan, and I admit I watched the game Saturday to see how Reggie would screw up. Even with Reggie GT should have won. All they had to do was run the ball. It is a mystery why he is still starting, and based on the comments from players Saturday, I imagine many players feel the same way.

By The Head Bee

December 5, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

Why do I want to believe that this isn’t Chan’s fault? Several of our recruits this season have stated specifically that they wanted to come play for Chan Gailey. I mean he seems like a nice guy, I admired his willingness to hand over the play calling duties this season, and until the Maryland game when Reggie got banged up, it looked like a great plan. All you bashers would have to admit that 13-1 crossed your mind. We looked so confident and so fresh, and yet here we are. 9 wins. January bowl somewhere on the Eastern side of the U.S. And still there is discontent. I look forward to days without Reggie Ball, but I shine the light bright on Chan next season and how this team fares with a different quarterback. If we seem to have the same inconsistencies, as much as you want to stand by your coach and the recruiting we’ve done this season, it may be time to make the change. GO JACKETS, but oh how it was so much easier when George O’Leary and Ralph Friedgen were here.

By Jeff

December 5, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

I find it amuzing that it takes FOUR years to finally realize what was obvious to most, that the Reggie Ball you saw as a freshman was all he was going to be.

Ball can be faulted for not being coachable. His constant jawing every time he is hit shows a lack of composure. Georgia used it to their advantage every year, “getting in his head” so as to make him play poorly.

Gailey can be faulted for not developing or playing a backup, pinning all his hopes on a limited QB. He therefore simplified the offense to the 2 or 3 plays they now run (QB draw, lob to Calvin in the end zone or fly pattern down the sidelines).

Tech people can faulted for not demanding something be done sooner. You saw Ball play for all these years, you saw Galiey coach…….where was the outcry?

By G.P.B.

December 5, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

thebeaz, I couldn’t agree more. Something has to change, and not just because we can’t beat UGA. When Miami gets their stride back (and trust me, they will-It’s Miami), FSU starts playing like the FSU of the ‘90’s, and Va Tech and Boston College show up to play … we are screwed. Never in our wildest imaginations will we be in the ACC Championship game again with this coaching staff.

By GT Fan

December 5, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

Look, this analysis is easy…

JIM DONNAN = NICE GUY = CHAN GAILEY = NOT A D1 COACH

QUINCY CARTER = THUG = REGGIE BALL = NOT A D1 QB

By donnie025

December 5, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

To “get a grip techies”, I guess that means that Vandy and Kentucky were better than you…..and go f* your sister…..dawg

By CoachKiller

December 5, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

THE DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE - GAILEY THREW REGGIE UNDER THE BUS WITH HIS PROCLAMATION - ITS TOO LITTLE TOO LATE AND TOO COWARDLY - GAILEY, BALL AND NIX ARE HEISMAN KILLERS - ITS TIME FOR A NEW REGIME

By dewan Lee

December 5, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

We should applaud C Johnson. After playing with Ball for 3 years you have never once heard him say anyting negative or throw a sideline tantrum. That is why if I have a pick for an NFL franchise I would be taking CJ. Now that is something positive in sports.

By G.P.B.

December 5, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

Jeff, “ech people can faulted for not demanding something be done sooner. You saw Ball play for all these years, you saw Galiey coach…….where was the outcry?” Um, have you been living in a hole for 3 years? There have been cries for Chan to leave (and soon thereafter Reggie to be benched) since we lost to UGA the 3rd time in a row. Now we are up to 6? This is ridiculous. And people wonder why we can’t fill our stadium or sell ACC Championship tickets. We ALL saw the writing on the wall for that game - me, I stayed home and turned off my phone. It was EMBARASSING.

Question: Why couldn’t Chan develop Bennett as an actual player rather than a backup QB? It worked for Urban Meyer at UF and has obviously worked well for Steve Spurrier in the past. Use two QB’s! Make them fight for their jobs, even if Bennett is young. It’ll make him better in the end.

By dewan Lee

December 5, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

I think we have a case of the racism card going on.

By David

December 4, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

tech fans need to face the obvious..Gailey continues to sell his soul by playing convicted dope peddlers and incompetent quarterbacks with the hope of creating trust with inner city coaches and players. Is this the “total person” concept that your former AD had in mind?

That is the most idiotic statement ever written besides the one said by John Kerry. Inner City does not equate to being a thug. Will I call every Columbine tragedy or Conyers tragedy something that is does not deserve. Yes, Reggie does suck but so does Stafford and T3 and anyone MR puts out there not named DG or DS. Reggie ran the plays that were called and played cause the coach said play. Keep this strictly professional and dont question the integrity of the inner city. As far as QC he has a bipolar disorder and a drug problem but he has never ran afoul of the law other than drugs so dont criticize.

By A

December 5, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

The sole consolation for me to these past two losses is that Ball only has one more game (if he’s given that opportunity) to play QB for Tech. After that, there’s absolutely nothing Chan can do to keep him on the field for the Jackets. This finality to Ball’s career helps me sleep at night.

By Dave in Tampa

December 5, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

Hey guys, your QB is only going to be as good as your coaching scheme allows him to be. It’s been the poor play calling that has killed Reggie. I’m pretty sure that he feels bad about the last 2 games, but ease up on him. He’s just a kid. The play calling never gave him much of a chance to be successful.

It’s your coaching staff, starting with Gailey, that should take the blame. You guys have a good team, just bad people making decisions.

Now support your team and stop complaining about going to the Gator Bowl instead of the Orange Bowl. It’s still a great Bowl game. WV is a tough team. This Dawg will be pulling for your team.

By patp

December 5, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

To Jeff:

Where have you been? There has been 4 years of Tech fans complaining about Reggie, Chan, etc. You obviuosly have been only following this the past day or two.

Fault lies with Coaching, Coaching, Coaching. TO lay it anywhere else is stupid. Who makes the decisions - Coaches - not players, not fans.

The Can Chan movement has been around for years - right after he failed to motivate and win with a talented group in year 1. Only recently has recruiting improved - why - Chan removed himself from the process - his 2nd best move to date (best - Tenuta) - Now if he would only remove himself totally.

I have faith in Dan R. - he will is the one who will ultimately instill the belief that you can win, and win big at Tech. That was not the case under his predecessor, and Dan R. is working through all that garbage now (including ridiculous extentsions for average work). Dan is in yr 1 - and I know by yrs 3-4 - everyone will see big differences.

By GT Athletic Supporter

December 5, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

A well written article that is right on target. It’s easy to criticize Reggie Ball - I don’t like or support some of his antics on the field. But let’s give Reggie credit for being a great competitor who wants to win. He’s just not as gifted as a QB needs to be to compete effectively at the major college 1-A level.

As you acknowledge, the real travesty is that this was apparent 4 years ago and Gailey has done nothing about it. This falls squarely on Gailey’s shoulders. Nothing was done to address an obvious weakness and as a result the great efforts of many young men will not yield the results which they truly deserve.

And in addition to a failure to face up to an obvious deficiency at a key position, the overall coaching of the offense has been terrible. The offense has not improved a bit from the first of the year. Contrast that with Wake Forest who has gotten progressively stronger as yhe year unfolded. And they’ve done it by bringing along a young,inexperienced quarterback, allowing him to grow and develop. They’ve enabled him to caopitalize on his strengths while “protecting” his weaknesses. It’s interesting to note that the Wake Forest quarterback’s father and grandfather played sports at Georgia Tech and I understand he had expressed an interest in walking-on at GT.

A recent article in USA Today indicated that Gailey has an incentive in his contract that gives him a one year extension of his contract for going to a bowl game. An extra $1M (approximate annual salary) sure doesn’t feel right for what we’ve seen this year and in recent years. I think Gailey is a good person - good morals, values, and ethics. But I believe he is an average football coach and with him GT will be a mediocre program.

By ben

December 5, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

I agree with Bradley, if you want to blame someone look in the mirror Gailey and then blame your OC. Please take the Tulane Job! Benching Ball now would be worthless, this move one had been helpful during the Clemson Game where his poor play started. With a good QB this team is a top 10 team maybe top 5. Very Sad!!

By jeff

December 5, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Criticize white player = being objective criticize a black player = race card

How dumb………

By dawg

December 5, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Hey Techies….were is the “fire chan gailey” web site. Oh no wait….keep him, he fits your standards.

By T Moore

December 5, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

R.Ball sucks!! He’s a horrible QB and the only reason he is not critized like he should be is because he is black. Just ask Terrence Moore, he knows all about racism!

By jeff

December 5, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

Patp,

I have been around a LONG time. Didn’t Gailey get a 5 year contract extension last year? I didn’t see $$$ witheld from the AD department over it.

In Athens, when the dawg nation is unhappy, they make ALOT of noise, noise that can be heard by all. Why can’t we be like that?

By Rick

December 5, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

Didn’t even read the article because Mark Bradley is such a dumb idiot on 99% of the things he writes.

By Carey

December 5, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

Good thing Tech’s defense is so good. Ball is a large part of Tech’s offensive problems, but you have to give a lot of the blame to the offensive coordinator.

The plays called by Nix are often ridiculous. A reverse on 3rd and 1? Come on. And Reggie’s completion percentage is not only bad because he’s not a good passer, its because of the pass plays that are called. What was their strategy last Saturday? Throw the ball down field and hope for pass interference? Why does Tech try and throw so many bombs when they should be trying to get first downs? A better offensive coordinator would make Ball look better. Not good, just better.

By patp

December 5, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

Jeff - You are full of it. Altough you may have benn around for quite some time - You have obviously not been around Tech - if you have then wake up - you’ve clearly been asleep. THE EXTENSION - was complained about loudly - in fact right here on ajc for one. Plus ther e was not one tear shed for poor ‘ole DB when he left. I guess you weren’t tuned into that. Stop pretenting to think you know anything about Tech or it’s fans. If you are interested inthe cause - then visit: http://www.canchan.com/index.htm

By jeff

December 5, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

I also listen to all the sports call in shows (680 & 790)….plenty on Georgia’s QB issues but never hear many disgruntled Tech fans (except since the Georgia game).

To outsiders, it seems like we are satisfied.

By Ted Montgomery

December 5, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

Do they really pay you guys to make stupid comments like this >? I think when ball leaves maybe just maybe you and matt might want to pack up and go with him. Players droping balls, Reggie has 3rd down and 2 and runs the ball out of bounds rather than toss it. Its guys like you that would think things like that are the coachs problem. I can sit and watch the films and point out 18 things in the last game that ball did wrong alone. Where Chan is a fault is not sitting ball out or dealing with the same issues week after week with him. But again Bill you and Matt please consisder giving up your job also.

By George P. Burdell

December 5, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

I would never argue that our play calling has not been a big part of the problem, but Reggie has been horrible the last two games. Mark’s article makes it sound like Gailey should ignore that fact completely which is totally unfair to the rest of the team.

Reggie has had two games in a row where he missed ( as in did not see, rather than could could not get the ball to him) an open receiver in the endzone that any mediocre QB could have made. This team has given up on him and I don’t see how in the world Bradley thinks Gailey is weak for it. If anything, he’s been weak not benching him in the 2nd half of either of the last 2 games. I love the Jackets but it is this simple, if Reggie plays in the Gator Bowl, we lose and probably badly. If we bench him and his sorry attitude, maybe the rest of the team can find a way to rally around Bennett.

By Ted Montgomery

December 5, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

Oh and mark, if you dont think its good to sit ball out, chan needs guys like you also. he has 1 that continues to leave ball in and I can see you would also. Its not chan loosing the games I can assure you that, its is fault for not making changes when things are wrong.

By Voice of Reason

December 5, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Calm down everyone. I am as frustrated as anyone with the last two losses. However, all teams have weaknesses, whether it is one of the coaches or one of the players.

Tech is not ever going to be a consistent top 10 team. With the academic requirements and difficult curriculum, it will always be difficult to recruit enough high quality players to Tech to have a top 10 team. Gailey has made good progress in improving the recruiting efforts in Georgia and has fielded a consistent winner. Gailey has managed to get Tech into a bowl game each year.

I’m as critical of Ball as anyone. However, do you really think the coaching staff has kept Taylor Bennett on the bench because he is so much better than Ball. Since George Godsey graduated Tech has not had a competent quarterback. However, look around the ACC and you will see quite a few incompetent quarterbacks that do not help their team win. The other teams generally do not have the running game and defense Tech has. Tech could do a lot worse (and has). Let’s just support the team in the Gator Bowl and hope someone new steps up next year. I don’t care who starts at quarterback in the Gator Bowl. That game is for the players to reward them for the sacrifices they have made in achieving a successful season (9 wins is a successful season). The players should decide who the quarterback is for the game.

Go Jackets!

By patp

December 5, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Jeff - I don’t watse time lisiting to the radio shows or calling them. I like these AJC blog’s much better - since you hear more here than anywhere else. The radio allows through what they want - it’s more open here. ALSO - I do back up what I say - via letters, $$, etc. to the AD, ALexander T fund, etc. I just let A-T know that I don’t support Gailey - and the $$ can go anywhere but there. You can’t penalize BBALL, baseball, etc. due to Gailey, etc.

By NoleBuzz

December 5, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

Jeff, I agree. Unfortunately the Dawg Nation can make that much noise because they have the backing of the entire state AND Sonny Perdue AND the AJC…

I don’t think anything will be done about this until Tech Boosters withhold $$ from the AT Fund or donations to GT Athletics in general.

By NoleBuzz

December 5, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

If you’re Calvin Johnson, you have got to be shooting yourself in the head right about now. To think of the things he could have done under a decent QB…

By The real David

December 5, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

Bennett needs to transfer! Gailey won’t use him in the Gator Bowl, and he for sure won’t use him next year, he can’t. If Bennett is allowed to play and does well, then all of the negative talk about Gailey gets legs. To protect himself, Chan will ensure that Bennett never starts a game.

By GTSporty

December 5, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

It’s simple, you start Reggie, see how the first series goes - if it progresses like the last two games, you bench him and put in Taylor. If things start to go bad, you make a change. I think that’s all the Tech fans are asking for…..

By Frontman

December 5, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

If anyone thinks that those of us who would like to sit Reggie Ball are basing it on the last two games, you’re sadly mistaken. If he had played only two bad games, I would fully favor letting him get it back together in the Gator Bowl. But, if you follow Tech faithfully, you know that this kid ain’t got it, and you’ve known it for a long time. It is simply not fair to the seniors (or the defense, for that matter) to put a guy in there at QB that you know will stink against a decent team. If I were a senior on this team, all the other seniors and I would go to Chan and say, “Look… we can’t win against good competetion with this guy in there. We know it and you know it. Put someone in there that at least we’ve got a chance with.” There is no way on God’s green earth that Taylor Bennett can make fewer plays or play worse than Reggie Ball.

By KD

December 5, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

Good article Mr. Bradley…

By Robinf

December 5, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

I appreciate the views, albeit too little, too late. There are many of us fans out here saying “I told you so”. Trust me, there is no solace it it at all.

Gailey will most likely start Bennett, but Ball will be in before it’s over (to throw his requisite interception). And if, by some chance, Bennett does play the game, whether he starts or not, and we lose, Gailey will say “I told you so” to save his sorry, overpaid and undertalented behind. Mr. Gailey, please go away, taking your offensive (sic)staff with you, but leave Mr. Tenuta and his staff behind.

By Alvetta Freeman

December 5, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

The score was 6-9. Neither team scored points. Hats off to the defense. However, Reggie does what he is coached to do. Tech made it to the ACC championship game with him as quarterback. Did you even watch the came? If you blame him, you are blind or unintelligent. Ninety percent of the time I disagree with your negative unconstructive view. This opinion does not fall in the ten percent. Your knowledge of the game never comes through but your lack of it does.

By lane441

December 5, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

The responsibility of the head coach is to ensure that the team progresses both offensively and defensively. By having Ball at QB, was and injustice to the team, especially Calvin Johnson. Fans were deprived of seeing a really great receiver play to his potential, and Tech not achieving at a higher level.

I am a Georgia grad, but have always remained fond of Tech, uncle was a graduate. Hard to believe that Chan has remained around while Bud Carson, was shown the door-injustice!!!

Oh, well

By Jolly Good Fellow

December 5, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

Nebraska’s coach is man enough to admit his mistakes and issue an apology for how the Big XII championship game turned out.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2686073

Chan is far too deluded to admit to such humility, although he owes it to every single player, fan, and alumnus of Tech.

By ben

December 5, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

From an article written after Gailey’s first year with the Cowboys:

“Gailey, known for meticulous attention to detail and unorthodox play-calling, was dubbed a “thinking man,” a moniker that carried over to his practices.”

How can a guy with that reputation become a guy who sticks with a bad quarterback for four years and can’t get the ball to the best reciever in the game?

By gdawginkalamazoo

December 5, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

On the verge of a 10 win season and you want to fire your coach and diss the QB who got you there? Wow! Try losing to Kentucky and Vandy in the same year!

Do anything you want but don’t boo the kid on the field, that is not right. He probably wants to win more than any fan in the stands past or present.

By jeff

December 5, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

Alvetta,

Is Reggie “coached” to mouth off when he is tackled? is he “coached” to run out of bounds behind the line instead of tossing the ball away?

The trouble is we DO watch the game. reggie should have played DB so he could hit people & trash talk. You can’t lose your focus as a QB.

Tech needs to bring Joe Hamilton in as QB coach. HE knew how to do it!

By Keep Tenuta

December 5, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

Much of this discussion is backward looking. Best thing going for our program/ biggest risk lies with Tenuta. If he wants to be a head coach we should make him one…sooner rather than later.

By cb

December 5, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

reggie needs to be benched. the only way he will ever make money in football is with his bookie. kmike, joe and kenny all deserve to play in the gator because they all at least have a shot of playing again in the nfl. it’s funny that the team hates reggie almost as much as the fans.

By audioguy3107

December 5, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Maybe if you all can work at it, you can get Reggie Ball charged with the Kennedy assasination. I think it’s inconceivable that any decent prospect would want to go to such a crappy football program. Oh well….I’m still trying to get a UGA jersey with No. 1 and R. Ball on the back. Sic em.

By ripdog

December 5, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe people can sit here and question Reggie Ball’s attitude. This guy is one of the most competitive people on the team. Reggie Ball is an average ACC quarterback and has done an average job. For the most part, he has managed games well this season. You people seem to forget this is the most wins Tech has had since 1999. You people are acting like Tech is Ohio State. This guy got you to an ACC Championship game and a Gator Bowl. That’s damn good.

By NoleBuzz

December 5, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

I have never hated UGA or UF more than I do at this moment.

By NoleBuzz

December 5, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

RipDog - no, we don’t want to be Ohio State - we want to be Georgia Tech. We want to finally, for once, see our dreams + hopes for a season fulfilled instead of crushed by the inconsistencies of this team and their leaders (Chan + Reggie + Nix.) We have lived with this for 6 years, and we have a right to call for a change.

By Jerry

December 5, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

All blame goes with the alumni. What would make them think Gailey is a coach.

Time and time again Gailey has shown he is like a fish out of water.

In the last 2 games I can’t tell you how many times I said “How can Gailey keep this guy (Ball) in there.

Stupid is as stupid does and stupid does on the field. Nough said.

By John Heisman

December 5, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

I’m turning over in my grave…

By jdland

December 5, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this

1. Nix Nix.
2. Can Chan.

By thebeaz

December 5, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

Time to put the BLAME squarely where it belongs: Page G4, Sunday Dec 3rd AJC, from the Horse himself…

“We didn’t get ready to play,” Gailey said, “and that’s my responsibility.”

NOT READY TO PLAY for what might possibly have been the EASIEST opponent Tech will ever face in an ACC Championship Game…NOT READY TO PLAY following the most CRUSHING DEFEAT Gailey has ever suffered at the hands of an inferior Mark Richt Team? Just WTF does it take for Gailey to get his team READY TO PLAY?

I saw SEVERAL players ready to play and playing up to and even EXCEEDING normal expectations — They were on GT DEFENSE. I also saw receivers DROPPING BALLS and consistently BAD DECISIONS being made by a 4th Year Starting QB who looked like he was starting the FIRST game of his college career.

Ball had no poise…But he NEVER has. He had no composure…But he NEVER has. He couldn’t complete a pass to a cardboard cutout, which must be what this OFFENSE practices against. Yet, he stayed in the game til the BITTER END, just like the week before.

The ONLY people who weren’t ready to play were CHAN GAILEY and his mediocre QB that has an attitude problem. The DEFENSE was present and accounted for…

And in defense of NIX, NO GAME PLAN would be effective if the Field General in charge of executing it wouldn’t even be successful if he was simply playing with himself! It’s the BALL, Stupid!

He earned the right to start, now HE and HE ALONE HAS LOST IT! Fail to produce…Pick your spot on the bench. Simple as that. If the coach is too out of touch with what’s happening and lacks the ability (for WHATEVER reason) to change it, then the coach is INEPT. Coaching takes guts because tough decisions have to be made…But it also means that decisions FOR THE ENTIRE TEAM be made, even at the expense of ONE player.

Gailey would do Ball a favor by starting Bennett in the Gator Bowl. Just how much worse can Ball’s LEGACY get? If you have to ask, then you don’t know Reggie Ball…

It’s clear now why Gailey gave up the play calling — The Offense was BROKEN and he didn’t know how to FIX IT! Gailey’s not ready to play…And he’s certainly not ready to COACH at the NFL or Div 1. That’s why Mark Richt is such a “BIG FAN” of Chan Gailey…

By NoleBuzz

December 5, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Tech will never ever get an opportunity like this again anytime in the near future. What do you see FSU and Miami doing right now? Regrouping. Making coaching changes. Getting ready to come back. What do we see Tech doing? Nothing. As usual. Because of this, we will never see the ACC Championship again for a long while. And that is very sad.

By gdawginkalamazoo

December 5, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

I thought you guys should have taken the dude throwing at the DR PEPPER can at half time and put him in at QB.

By gtstudent

December 5, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

Of course we have a right to call for a change. And we should start with the front office. Reggie is a good athlete… although a QB who has no idea how to LEAD a football team. Nix is a complete idiot. A showcase of a what they teach at Auburn in the Secondary Education department. This is where the fault should lie - Right on Nix’s dinner plate. Playcalling was atrocious. On 3rd and long it seemed the only idea that Nix had was to a)run that stupid little draw with Reggie, b)run Tashard off tackle, or c) throw a 40 yard fade. All completely horrible plays in that situation. Nix is utterly stupid and should be asked to leave. We had the potential for a very successful season and a championship trophy and are again left with mediocre play to close out the season. That fault lies with the front office, namely Nix.

By tebow

December 5, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

How about a 2 QB system for the Gator bowl. Reggie on 1st downs and then Bennett on downs that favor his size and abilities - i.e. 2nd downs where a tight end pass or screen would give Tech more options. Other schools have done this with success.

Has anyone on Tech’s team caught a 5 yard pass across the middle in 4 seasons?

If it is the same tired formula of run Choice for 4-6 yards on first, then air it out twice, then punt, Tech will lose miserably.

By Tech Guy til I die

December 5, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

I agree NolesBuzz, this was our year to win it all and we didn’t. Miami and FSU will be back up soon and our window was limited. I can’t believe Chan didn’t pull Ball in that Georgia game, there CB shut Calvin down and that can’t help his stock in the draft. hope they see what a horrible qb they had throwing to him. Either way I am going to the gator bowl to support my team. I hope others will join me. I am ready to party

By Jonathan

December 5, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

Mark, I don’t know that you’ve ever written a better piece. This is a quick-hitting, yet thorough, analysis of a coach who has had no clear focus or vision in his time in Atlanta.

The old addage is that “players make plays, not coaches” but clearly Gailey has not put his players in a position to excel. Great job, Mark.

By Tech Guy til I die

December 5, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

I think we should all dress as blue chairs for the game in JAX. Be there or be squared

By Tech Guy til I die

December 5, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

I think we should all dress as blue chairs for the game in JAX. Be there or be squared

By Tech Guy til I die

December 5, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

I think we should all dress as blue chairs for the game in JAX. Be there or be squared. Just kiddin guys, lighten up! We will never be as good as UGA, so why kid ourselves. I think we should just enjoy the gator bowl and I will be with Nolebuzz at the game and in his bed

By Joe

December 5, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

And another thing - UGA’s QB was a true freshman; WF’s QB was a redshirt freshman. They both executed in the 4th Qtr. Reggie did not.

By Tech Guy til I die

December 5, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this

Tech should bring back Joe Hamilton as a coach! I heard him call the replay of the GA-GT game and he made me long for the days when I totally idealized mush mouth.

By godsey

December 5, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this

Tech Guy - why not Godsey? He is smart, and he is coaching for Gailey. He knew the Friedgen system… just saying.

By Tech Guy til I die

December 5, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the triple post. Go Jackets

By Tech Guy til I die

December 5, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

I agree bring back Ike Godsey from the Walton’s he would do a better job

By Tray

December 5, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF

By Tech Guy til I die

December 5, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

You guys are taking this way to seriously! Since 90 when have we had a 9 win season? I am so used to 7-5 I don’t even sweat it anymore. I just do my poppers with Nolebuzz and let it go

By NoleBuzz

December 5, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

I keep waiting for the press conference from Mr. Gailey that Reggie has been benched … but it hasn’t happened yet. Tickets won’t sell until it does…

By old nerd

December 5, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

how about them rice owls! just wanted to establish that that i’m not a tech grad but do have strong nerd credentials. i’ve followed tech football for longer than i care to admit- was at homecoming when alexander colliseum was dedicated and was a fan for several years prior, though recently just an interested follower. it seems to me that long ago tech folks cared not just that they won but they had pride that they’d won with players that were taking rigorous acedemics. it was part of their football heritage. they had pride in their integrity and were proud of their men on the field. now, from many posts i gather that the qb has an attitude problem that is an embarassment to a great many people and perhaps to the school. to me, and i hope to some others, that is a much bigger problem than his performance,and a compelling reason to keep him off the field until he can control himself. he does represent the school. that his coach did not see it it that way means that the coach does not appreciate the integrity of the institute. you can draw your own conclusions,if you wish. also, this business of having ineligble players playing in years past (knowingly or not) and a poor graduation rate makes me wonder if tech football has “lost it’s way” for some time now, despite very good records in some of those years. the “just win, baby” mentality is tempting (especially with the recent losses to uga) but will enevitably lead more problems. it is harder to field a competitive team from a science-engineering school but that’s part of the heritage and glory. the hard work, reourcefulness and problem-solving ability of tech studets/grads upon which the school rightfully prides itself should be applied in this matter,just as in any other difficult enterprise. i don’t think that’s been done for quite awhile. thanks for endulging a naive old nerd.

By Keith O'Daniel

December 5, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

Your article re Chan is on the Mark. The problem “was” Reggie when he failed to improve with experience. Now the problem “is” Chan as he refuses to address the lack of production from Reggie. The “future” problem will lie with the AD and the trustees if they continue to tollerate a coach that has proven he is not up to the task. Perhaps Tech fans should start from the top down and take a look at replacing the trustees. Putting the blame on Reggie at this point is unfair to Reggie.

By Tech Guy til I die

December 5, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

By old nerd

Me and Nolesbuzz are going to “work” on Reggie Ball and give him some motivation to win!

By David Braine

December 5, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

I tried to tell you people that Tech will never be more than a 7 win program, that would occasionally win maybe 9 games once in a blue moon. Look what happened. I got fired!

It looks like it is time for you to schedule the Citadel, Appalachian State, Furman, Western Carolina, and Connecticut again if you intend to win more than 7 games next year.

Don’t blame me; I am just the messenger and told it like it was as your AD.

By Joshua Barlowe

December 5, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

Have a little google for Andy Hall and see how he’s doing. Remember him? He’s the QB that Gailey chased out of town the year before Reggie arrived.

He transferred to Delaware and set all kinds of passing records while leading his team to the 2003 1-AA National Championship. He was also a finalist for the Walter Payton Award — presented to the top offensive player in NCAA Division I-AA.

It’s just these kind of things, when combined with the RB fiasco, that make you wonder what kind of talent evaluators we have in Chan’s regime.

I think we need to make Tenuta the head coach before he moves on to greener pastures.

By NoleBuzz

December 5, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this

oldnerd…I agree, but only to an extent. If we didn’t put millions into our athletic programs and our coaches, I would be fine with winning occasionally. But as an alum, I get a letter every other day from the AT Fund asking for money for Tech athletic programs. (By the way, was anyone else peeved that they got one MONDAY? Are they kidding??) I want our institute to be great in all aspects, including academics AND sports. We only demand the best in the classroom, why not on the playing field? I don’t want a “just win baby” mentality, I want Tech to win legally and outright. I chose Tech for it’s excellence - I want to keep it that way. What alumni doesn’t?

By Reggie Ball

December 5, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

Get off my back Dog….

By NoleBuzz

December 5, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

Tech Guy - you are one sicko!

By Tech Guy til I die

December 5, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

Reggie Ball is GOD!

By Big Man

December 5, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Plain and simple Chan Gailey sucks. He showed his coaching intellect when he punted with 2 timeouts left against Wake. How dumb was that with the new rule that the clock keeps running on a change of possession? Gailey has made Ball out to be his scapegoat far too long. What will be excuse when Ball is gone? We will see. And he never backed up Ball when he threw the ball away on 4th down against UGA. We won’t mention that the markers on the field read 3rd down. Gailey is beyond horrible and it is a travesty that he ruined such a good season. Realistically Tech should have only 1 loss this season. Clemson handed it to them, but they outplayed Notre Dame, UGA, and Wake. This program is stuck in the mud. They capitalized on a weak ACC this year along with having senior leadership. If George O’Leary was coaching this team they would have been ACC Champs with either 0 or 1 loss.

Go Noles Go Dawgs Go Jackets Go Dirty Birds Go Hawks

By techaholic

December 5, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

There are enough Tech fans who support the program and the school who have had enough.

Reggie stunk it up but whose fault is it that he was a 4-year starter? Whose fault is it that we have had terrible offenses since his arrival and then appoints his lapdog as the OC!

A coach who puts himself above the benefit of the program has no place being here. This is not a teacher of football but an overseer who doesn’t even get that right.

Let’s face it - Tech can do better. Tech has shown we can do better and settling Chan Gailey was a mistake. This program has not improved one iota over the last 5 seasons and has actually fallen backwards.

The powers that be need to take HEED NOW!

By NoleBuzz

December 5, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

Yes, all we want is some improvement! Some forward progress! Some say that because we got in the ACC Championship, we should be happy. But this is a weak ACC, and we LOST. I’ll quote the Lion King… “It is Time.”

By Mark R.

December 5, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

I’m sad to think Reggie will not be back next year, I was looking forward to kicking his butt again.

By brian johnosn

December 5, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

i feel taylor bennent needs to stars gailey has had too much faith in him

at the beg. of the season he did fine now quiet frankly he SUCKS

so i think he needs to sit out at the gator bowl.

By RedDawg

December 5, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

I just want to say one thing to the nerds:hahahahahahhahahhahahahhaahhahahhahahahah.LOL

By CE94

December 5, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Let’s calm down and unify all GT fans in one accord since we don’t have so massive numbers of fans as Ugag. Our teams need our support. Mr. Bradley is very smart. He stirs this up as usual so we’ll have more division as he planned to make him and his news hot online. The victims are our coach and athletes. At last, I really don’t see you guys disown GT as alumni.

By GT80

December 5, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

I’m afraid this team is not going to recover for the Gator Bowl no matter what Gailey does with Ball. The devestation of the UGA game was bad enough, but the anger of the players who really played their hearts out and came up short against Wake, all because of Ball and Nix and Chan, well, i just don’t think they can rebound. i hope they do and they have 28 days to do so.

By Rambler

December 5, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

What we’ve had for the past four years expressed algebraiclly: INCONSISTENT MEDIOCRE QUARTERBACK + CONSISTENT MEDIOCRE COACH = CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT MEDIOCRE RESULTS. My formally rabid consistent enthusiasm has eroded to inconsistent mediocre interest.

By Carey

December 5, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

In defense of Gailey, he’s working with supposedly much less talent than UGA, but has comparable quality teams. So if he’s so bad, then how bad is Mark Richt?

By screw reggie and his balls!

December 5, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

9/31 129yds 0TD 2INT

14 carries 50yds. He should stop throwing and just run. Someone hypnotize Reggie Ball into thinkin the defense are cops and he is being chased.

By thebeaz

December 5, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

Joshua Barlowe Tenuta New Head Coach at Georgia Tech I’d wrap myself up in a headline like that and run naked through the streets!

He CLEARLY understands how to DEVELOP players and also how to MOTIVATE them when game time comes around…Gailey’s probably checking the AJC right now because he FORGOT who Tech plays in the Gator Bowl.

Could you imagine LOSING a guy like Tenuta just to keep a guy like Gailey? If Tenuta isn’t named Head Coach after this season that woulda, coulda, shoulda been, then he’s G-O-N-E! Why would a WINNER want to stick around working for a LOSER?

Tenuta’s talent is WELL-KNOWN. He may be one of the highest paid Asst Coaches…But that salary would pale compared to being someone’s new Head Coach. If ANYONE can see that Gailey has quite simply BLOWN IT with some of the best talent he’ll ever have to work with, it’s John Tenuta.

I’m so glad the Tech Defensive players were fortunate enough to have Tenuta at the Defensive Helm! He took RAW TALENT and produced some gifted players who played at or above expectations for the entire year, save the Clemson game.

Defensive Recruits would be SMART to choose GT…Just to become the BEST they can be under Tenuta!

By ACC Nation

December 5, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

WELL PUT MR. BRADLEY! STOP THE MADNESS.

BY 2007 season’s dawn, LARRY COKER WILL BE AT NCSU. BUTCH DAVIS AT UNC, and BOB STOOPS AT MIAMI. WOW! What is the ACC becoming??

WAY AHEAD OF GAILEY’S REGIME. He’s gotta go before we get too far behind!!!!

By jeff

December 5, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

By Carey In defense of Gailey, he’s working with supposedly much less talent than UGA, but has comparable quality teams. So if he’s so bad, then how bad is Mark Richt?

“comparable quality teams”? you are kidding, right? Georgia -ave 10 wins a year for the past 5 seasons, 2 SEC titles & played for a 3rd.

Be For Real……….

By JDW

December 5, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

You guys are delusional. You did not “outplay” Georgia nor has Gailey fielded “comparable” teams on less talent. Fact is with your budget and ability to draw talent you can expect 7 to 8 wins a year at best. 9 wins (no I don’t think there will be a 10th) is over achieving. Gailey goes with the best talent available and unfortunately for you that has been Reggie.

By JDW

December 5, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

You guys are delusional. You did not “outplay” Georgia nor has Gailey fielded “comparable” teams on less talent. Fact is with your budget and ability to draw talent you can expect 7 to 8 wins a year at best. 9 wins (no I don’t think there will be a 10th) is over achieving. Gailey goes with the best talent available and unfortunately for you that has been Reggie.

By patp

December 5, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

JDW Then what was UGA excuse This year?? Yeah you beat Tech - big friggn deal. You should have lost. Your QB situation is not getting better - next year looks the same. You got an overated RB - that plays just as good as RB (who beat Auburn too).GO VTECH!!!!

By Texas Techie

December 5, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

Do what we did to our horrible Gov. We all sent him $1 checks and told him how to use the big donation.

Maybe if all Techies sent the new Athletic Director the same donatino and asked him to use it in the search for a new coach things might just get better on the Flats. For now Chan stinks the place up and the attitude toward this failed coach will not change till he is fired.

Texas Techie

By DC TECH FAN

December 5, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this

THANK YOU MARK BRADLEY…..SOMEONE SEES THINGS THE WAY I SEE THEM…CHAN GAILEY NEEDS TO TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY AND RETURN 1/2 OF HIS SALARY FOR A JOB HALF A** DONE.

By football

December 5, 2006 07:08 PM | Link to this

Tech Fans please get a grip. Tech is a Div 1 school wishing it was a Div 1 school like USC, Ohio State, Texas, and so many others. Tech will never be in the league of those schools. Tech just don’t get those type of athletes. Most of the athletes at those schools can’t meet Tech requirements for admission.

For four years, Tech has won at least 7 games and gone to a bowl game with Reggie at quarterback. Tech fans should happy that the program isn’t like Duke. When was the last time Duke won 7 games in a season and went to any bowl game? Do you realize Reggie has a winning record in his four years at quarterback. Think about it, he beat Auburn twice, Miami twice, Virgina Tech, and Clemson. That’s a fantastic job.

Congratulation to Reggie for four great seasons. Reggie is a winner!!

Tech isn’t a big time program and never will it be.

By GTJohn

December 5, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

When I was a student at Tech, I saw Coach Dodd bench Kim King and put in Larry Good when Kim was having a bad day. Kim never played as bad as Reggie so I fail to see the problem in sending Reggie to the bench when needed. Dodd was a much better coach and very much loved by his players. He tried to put the best team on the field at all times and had them play the game they were capable of playing. Maybe Chan should read some biographies of Bobby Dodd to try and learn something. I have a personally autographed copy if he would like to borrow it.

By DawgBite

December 5, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

What’s wrong with you guys? I don’t understand why you mites aren’t dancing in the streets and planning a ticker tape parade down Peachtree St. for Chan, Reggie, and the guys. You are Tech, and you actually won 9 games! This is a watershed, mark it on the calendar year for you guys. This group of over achieving wanna-bees deserves your utmost love and devotion. They have just given you what you could never have hoped for in a million years. Now it’s back to your rightful place in the football universe. 6 or 7 wins a year. You owe this team you unappreciative nerds. You will never have the opportunity for this kind of high again for another 100 or so years.

By Quaterback Fundamentals

December 5, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this

Help me! I’m lost. I’m in a countless number of books and film, but the GT staff can’t find me. I can’t find my way onto this team. I’ve tried footwork, balance, staying in the pocket, checking off receivers, long balls that pierce the atmosphere, play action passes….basically everything. I need some help because I want to work with Steven Threet and Josh Nesbitt!!!

By 6 in a row!!

December 5, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

Mark Richt outcoaches Chan Gailey… again. That’s the only reason you should use those two names together in a sentence.

By NFL

December 5, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

Let me say I am a Chan supporter, but the last two games have caused some doubt. Could it be that Chan had professionals to coach in the NFL and does not know how to truly teach and coach football fundamentals? I hope not.

By Captain Truth

December 5, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

Remember a couple of years ago, against VaTech, when Reggie ran out of the back of the endzone (on accident) and the line of scrimmage was the 11 yard line? The fact that he ever played a down again after that is quite remarkable. Tech Football and Reggie Ball. They are what they are. Always will be.

By phipps

December 5, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

Mark. Thanks for your honest assessment. I made the same one three years ago! After the North Carolina game, I also predicted a Tech finish of 9-5!!!!Looks like that will be the case. After the Ga. game I wrote on Rivals that it was not Reggie’s fault(its still there). You should read the idiot Tech fans(only a few)who still support CG and RB. He alone is responsible for not winning 12 games this season, being a bcs team and a top 5 team. We have so much talent to end like this. I feel so badly for our great players who have failed to reach their goals because of their COACH. Dave Braine is correct. With this Coach, we have achieved as much as we ever will. One question that needs an honest answer for the powers that be at Ga. Tech: How many games would Gailey have won the past 3 years without our defensive coach and would his contract have been extended under those circumstances? Interesting. I came back from Jax not surprised at all with the out come and I hope Reggie gets to play the whole game against WV so the Chan and Reggie crowd can get one more look. Hopefully it will be Chans last game as well….

By Kay

December 5, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

Gailey may have character, he may have loyalty to Reggie, but to have that kind of loyalty to one player without consideration for the rest of the team and to the Ga Tech family is disgusting.

By jacketnation

December 5, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this

Run your mouth Dawgmite. You guys lost 4 games and lost to Vandy and Kentucky. The team was very happy to get into the Chic Fila bowl. We on the other hadn are disgusted, having to settle for the Gator bowl. Our defensive was very out spoken about their awesome play verses the poor preformance by the offense. Mainly Reggie Ball-less, who is also brain-less.

Go see one of those UGA vets and see if he can rid you of those dawgmites. Then maybe you will be able to think clearly and notto run your mouth so, as it has no merrit.

By jacketnation

December 5, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

I hope Virginia Tech beats the chit out of Georgia in the Chicken-Peach bowl

By phipps

December 5, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

hiveredtech. Can you read yourself. Look at former players(and coaches who will not publicly admit it) who have an I Q high enough to see the problem. Go back to rivals with your opinions. You must be a Georgia Bulldog that has finally been exposed. Please comment on Georgia’s Blog’s, not on Tech’s. The only explanation for you : You were born a loser and apparently enjoy it. Most of us who grew up with Bobby Dodd do not!!!!!!!1

By The Big Bug

December 5, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

Idiotii! Buffoons! “We have seen the enemy, and he is us!” Fire Gailey!

By Elijah

December 5, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this

I agree with most of the article. I don’t think that Ball has anything to do with the new contract. John Tenuta, and his defense, are the reason for the new contract. Sticking with Reggie is the reason we have had average seasons for the last few years. I give it to Reggie, He tries so hard, but he is to short, he cant see. Compared to Hamilton, yeah they are about the same height, but Hamilton had so much more speed He could buy more time. Gailey should start Bennett in the Bowl to please the fans and to give a better chance to win. For the life of me I can’t see why it has been such a hard decision. There is no way Reggie can look that bad in a game, and look that much better than Bennett in practice.

By Filo Betto

December 5, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

After the absolute idiotic behavior and stupidity I saw exhibited by Tech fans towards Tiger fans like myself after Tech nudged out a win gift wrapped by Charlie Whitehurst last year in ATL, it gave me great pleasure to watch Tech get thrashed this year in the Valley, and now watch their fans squabble over whether or not they will go to a bowl game with Ball at QB. You can’t write this stuff any better. The memory of idiotic Tech fans actually talking vile serious trash to me while I walked quietly with my five year old back to my car will forever make me enjoy every loss we hand to them in Atlanta. Peace from the Valley….

By kennyh

December 6, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

cant believe the blog police keep dropping my brilliant blogs

By SteveO

December 6, 2006 03:02 AM | Link to this

Sorry about the fans, Filo Betto. Not all of us are stupid trash-talkers.