AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > August > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCounting on a guy who couldn’t beat out Ball
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Not many schools have ever viewed their new starting quarterback as an upgrade over the departed four-year starter. Then again, no other school ever had Reggie Ball as a four-year starter.
It’s possible Taylor Bennett will be as good as many Georgia Tech fans are convinced he’ll be. It’s also possible those fans, who’d soured on the erratic Ball, are thinking fancifully. Said Chan Gailey, who doesn’t traffic in fancy, of Bennett’s rousing Gator Bowl performance: “To have all those yards and make some of the throws he made, I didn’t know he’d do that. I was pleasantly surprised.”
Said Bennett: “That game means absolutely nothing.”
It might not. Then again, it might.
The Jackets, some of whom met the assembled media Thursday, have arrived at a peculiar place: They’re looking for a breakthrough season the year after they coulda/shoulda broken though. They’re looking for better things from the redshirt junior who couldn’t beat out Reggie Ball. Indeed, if not for the promise Bennett showed in the Gator Bowl, not being Ball might qualify as his chief attribute. But perception changed on New Year’s Day, and the new conventional wisdom goes like this:
Tech was playing the wrong guy all along.
“I haven’t heard [that],” Bennett said, kidding. Truth to tell, he has heard it often. But he won’t suggest as much himself, nor will he criticize his coaches or his predecessor. Bennett claimed he was given “a fair chance” to win the job in previous seasons and simply could not. As for the beleaguered Ball …
“When you win [as a quarterback], people praise you,” Bennett said. “When you don’t, they’re going to criticize you … [He and Ball] made a dedication that we weren’t going to read the papers. It’s useless. Those are opinions, and you don’t need those kind of opinions.”
Some facts, then: Starting for only the second time as a collegian (Ball having been declared academically ineligible), Bennett completed 19 of 29 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns against West Virginia in Jacksonville. Nine of those completions went to Calvin Johnson, now a Detroit Lion.
Will Bennett look half as terrific throwing to mere mortals this fall? The correct answer, as opposed to the one Tech backers are taking on faith, is nobody knows. This includes Gailey, who said: “That’s what you have to be careful of — letting one game crown somebody. I think he’s going to be a very good quarterback, but time tells on these things. Can he handle it when it’s all his?”
Some parts of it, yes. Bennett watches game film the way more typical collegians devour “The Colbert Report.” Sometimes he has to stop himself, he said, “or else your eyes fly out of your head.”
Bennett was a counselor at Peyton Manning’s camp in Thibodaux, La., this summer, and he lapped up every bit of footballing wisdom the famously studious pro imparted. “He said he watches every play 16 times,” Bennett said.
Does that mean Bennett now watches every snap 16 times? “I don’t know about that. I might hit the rewind button 10 or 12 times.”
Bennett will probably make fewer mistakes and have fewer wretched games than Ball. Still to be determined is whether he’ll make half as many big plays. And there will, it’s safe to assume, come a time when the new quarterback’s capacity to influence a game will be tested. On Sept. 1, say.
“It’s the holy land of college football,” said Bennett, meaning Notre Dame Stadium, site of Tech’s opener. “Hopefully I don’t mess up.”
He has waited a long time for this chance. More than a few Tech fans have likewise waited, not entirely patiently, and are about to get their wish: They’re about to go into a season with a quarterback who isn’t Reggie Ball. This might fall under the heading, “Be careful what you wish for.” Then again, it might not.
Permalink | Comments (94) | Post your comment | Categories: Mark Bradley, Tech / ACC
Comments
By black
August 2, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
Give it to Nesbitt from Greene County. He was better than Ball when he was a freshman in high school. Tech needs an athlete back there.
By GT Fan
August 2, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
All I want to say is that I hope Taylor Bennett does well and I look forward to watching GT Football games in 2007……I think our future is bright!
By TigerPaw
August 2, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Oh, the mighty Haylie Bennett is going to take Tech to the promiseland. Tech will no longer have to rely on visitors and 3 game packages in order to sell out their cracker jack stadium. What a joke!! This guy would not start for 90% of BCS schools. Good luck!! Enjoy your 6 wins.
By Jared
August 2, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Well not TOO bad Mark. I think there are lots of points to both sides of the argument when talking about Bennett. However, I’m gonna be on the positive side of the 8th semester Junior. Why? He won’t make many mistakes, knows where people are on the field, and he has a GREAT running game in front of him to ease the pressure much of the time.
By Lee
August 2, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
Wrong question. The question you should ask is “why did Tech continue to play Ball when they had an arm like Bennett sitting on the bench?”
I can’t remember which game it was, I was flipping through the channels and came across the Jackets just as Bennett through the ball about 55 yards in the air after scrambling out of the pocket. It was 55 yards and it was on a line, not some lolypop.
My immediate reaction was the question above. Why the he11 isn’t this guy playing instead of some guy who the opposing defense is laughing at.
You know, when you go down to UGA and the entire stadium is chanting, “Reggie, Reggie, Reggie,” that ought to be a clue that something ain’t quite right with your QB.
By not disappointed
August 2, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Have a great year Bennett. It was nice meeting you on Signing Day 2007 at the Hilton. Go Jackets!
By Billy
August 2, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
At this point, they could put just about anyone off the street back there and they would be better than Reggie Ball.
I’m actually excited about seeing what’s going to happen this year instead of being anxious about how Ball was going to screw things up. He made A.J. Suggs look like Manning…
By Merlyn Brown IE 1960
August 2, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Mark, fewer than usual acid responses, you softening? I think you have Tech’s football situtation figured out. Also, Tech should beat ND in the opener, if the new OC is the addition we all perceive. And, especially if Touchdown Jesus doesn’t suit-up
By Georgia Tech=JOKE
August 2, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Funny how all those Techies carrying Reggie Ball on their shoulders after the 2003 Auburn win have now fallen off the face of the earth. We’ve all been here before haven’t we lab geeks? Bennett has a beard, long hair, and heals the blind with the touch of his hand. Give it a rest. He’ll be mediocre at best just like all those before him. There isn’t a more delusional fan base in all of college football than Georgia Tech fans.
By byteback
August 2, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
Daily bashing of Ga Tech fan by ignorant, trailer-trash UGAg fans….CHECK
By JustMe
August 2, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Delusional fan award goes to UGAY fans, not Tech fans. Every year, and I mean each and every year, UGAY fans shake, scream, and yell about how they will win the SEC and the national championship. They site their stellar recruiting class(es), and so on. However, their dreams are regularly crushed against the likes of UF, UT, and sometimes Vandy.
Delusional? That belongs to UGAY.
By spike
August 2, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
If he couldn’t beat out Reggie Ball what does that say about him as a QB? Or the coaching staff?
By Elijah
August 2, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
I thought this was an article for Tech people. How bout all you georgia, clemson, auburn, and any other schools that ain’t got no business here. For you reading this, Taylor looked better in the spring game than he did in the bowl game, and Calvin was at the spring game, but he was on the sideline.
By Dawgaholic
August 2, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
Bennett looks to be a strong kid, but is he strong enough to withstand Tech’s tickle piles? I mean, he’s going to have to keep his composure and not squeel like Ned Beatty in Deliverence when Philip Wheeler and Tashard Choice are playing ‘gitchie, gitchie, gue’ in the locker room shower!
By Orange Man
August 2, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Until Georgia Tech cleans up it’s “TICKLE PILE” problem they will continue their historical middle of the road record. Tickle Piles should be banned, instead excuses are made.
By spike
August 2, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Just Me… One thing we have no delusions about for the last six years is beating Tech. To bad Tech never seems to crush our dreams. Yea, Vandy beat us last year, but WE BEAT YOU!! And we beat one of your best teams with one of our worst. Calculate that.
By mattstaffordkingofticklepiles
August 2, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
GT=Joke did you watch your barking contest?!
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/07/30/ugabark.html That’s good stuff.
TigerPaw—6 wins? I’ll bet that Clemson and AU have done it more recently than GT.
As far as Taylor…it’s yet to be seen, but if he can get over the jitters @ ND then we’re going to be looking at a really good season. I’m sure after the Clemson, MD, Miami run of our season we’ll be heating up or just plain done.
By TDone
August 2, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
“There isn’t a more delusional fan base in all of college football than Georgia Tech fans.” Can you believe a Muttlander actually said this? I mean like that is like the pot calling the kettle red and black!
By byteback
August 2, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
And you UGAg fans wonder why you are the MOST despised fanbase in all of sports. Its because you have nothing better to do than sit in your single-wide trailer, with your rent-to-own Dell and write such crap over and over everytime a positive article comes out about Tech or one of its players.
Gawd, how I would just love to see your corrupt program get its long overdue death penalty.
By GTSux
August 2, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Every year, and I mean EVERY YEAR, the nerds prognosticate how this will be the year they beat UGA, win their conference and make a BCS bowl. Truth is, every year they find a way not to. GayTech seems to have a pretty solid team this year and the coaching staff is probably better without Nix, but you still have Gailey. Remember him? Chantastic!
By ugasux
August 2, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Tiger Paw it nust really suck having consistant up and down seasons with either no bowl or a sucky one. Orange and purple are for f*.
By byteme-byteback
August 2, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
So byteback, which of the two programs is currently on probation? That’s right, GayTech. I know, I know, it was just an administrative error that occurred over SIX years and involved 17 SA’s.
Rrrrriiiiiigggggghhhhhtttttt
By Serious Question
August 2, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
Insiders have informed me that Bennett does indeed enjoy the Tickle Piles at Yech. However, Chan Gailey is insisting that Bennett actually insert a cup in his jockstrap this year for precautionary measures.
By ga_tech_92
August 2, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Let’s go Jackets!
By qbscout
August 2, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
With Bennett and then the kid from Arizona lined up as Ga Techs QBs for the next 3 or 4 years, My guess is Mr. Nesbitt got tricked into signing with Tech. Coach Bobo at Ga. told him he would play safety (at GA.) and would be in the NFL in 3 years, but he listened to Gailey and believed he was being recruited as a QB. I’d say he will be on Techs defense within 6 weeks.
By GTlaughsatyou
August 2, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
HAHAHAH I cannot believe the type of individuals in that barking contest. My favorite was the self-proclaimed “greatest” fan who appears to forget which finger to put up for #1. Now, I actually believe that guy DID graduate from UGA.
By surfrider
August 3, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
The new coordinator and scheme is going to make a big difference. Few remember it was’nt until mid-way through Joe Hamilton’s redshirt sophmore year that he started really clicking. That in comparison would be like midway through Reggie Ball’s Junior year. Joe had Freidgen and O’leary. Bennett has a great arm, accuracy, quick release, and can move enough but not nearly as mobile as Reggie. Bennett could remind Tech fans of a previous QB but is more prototypical (6’3”-215 lbs.), George Godsey. We did pretty good with him at QB and did’nt have this defensive scheme.
By JD
August 3, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this
Hey Spike, who is “we” that you’re talking about? Exactly when did you suit up for the pups? Just, you know, wondering…
By Davey
August 3, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this
I don’t get this blog tech has a semi positive article and a couple of poster repeat the same thing they have said the last 2-3 blogs. Especially Tiger Paw. I have seen writer “Haylie” Bennett a couple of times now. I don’t know why he is making fun the the name taylor by putting a completely different name instead. Pretty stupid.
Hey Tiger Paw how many times has Clemson lost to tech? hahahaha yeah shut up.
By falcon80
August 3, 2007 2:26 AM | Link to this
Jeez, what us “ugay” fans wouldn’t do for another four years of Reggie Ball! When a guy picks a fight on the sidelines, after a play, with a BALLBOY, you should have known he was an idiot. Tech starts him for four more years. Can you imagine how bad he would have been w/o CJ, or how good CJ would have been @ “ugay”? Makes me question CJ’s supposed intelligence to have gone and stayed there. Anyway, “ugay” is on the rise toward national prominence again, evidenced by their ‘02 and ‘05 SEC Championships. The bees finally try to make a move and end up losing their ACC (haha) championship game to f’n Wake f’n Forest! When you guys get serious let me know, ‘til then I’ll just read your blogs and laugh and laugh.
By john
August 3, 2007 5:45 AM | Link to this
Hey Falcon80: Do we have ANY players under indictment for dogfighting????
By Holland
August 3, 2007 6:21 AM | Link to this
Will someone please tell me what is this Tickle Pile thing? Is it for real? In 5 years at the Institute I never heard anything about them.
By TechWreck
August 3, 2007 6:27 AM | Link to this
When a guy picks a fight on the sidelines, after a play, with a BALLBOY, you should have known he was an idiot. Tech starts him for four more years.
“Four more years”? Reggie started for five years? Who is it that can’t count? “Supposed intelligence”, indeed.
By gtforever
August 3, 2007 6:37 AM | Link to this
Hey TigerPaw, Clemson sux!
By Sam
August 3, 2007 7:11 AM | Link to this
JustMe, I am not from around here but you are way out in left field on the delusional thing. EVERY single year Tech fans are absolutely sure that it is THEIR year. After the last game it is the woulda shoulda coulda song and dance all over again. UGA puts a better product on the field, plays in a conference light years above the ACC and regularly takes Tech to the woodshed. So JustMe…get a grip on reality. You sir are truly delusional.
By pdiddyGT
August 3, 2007 7:23 AM | Link to this
gt=j = gtsux = tigerpaw = dawgaholic = falcon80 = n00bs
get off our blog and go back to salting the fries at BK
multiple ugay fans trying to sound smart by posting on the GT blogs…CHECK
By TigerPaw
August 3, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this
Say what you want! My statements are true and the truth hurts. Oh, it really gets to you. This Haylie Bennett kid would make a quality middle-school QB. Tech fans think he is going to be great because of the WV game. HERE IS REALITY- Your grandmother could look good throwing to Calvin Johnson and passing against the 109th ranked pass defense in the nation. 109TH RANKED DEFENSE. Hey, I love it…better for us. I also enjoy your whining and crying about us and Georgia. Your childish comments are hilarious. Once again, enjoy your 6 wins this year!
By D.Ellis
August 3, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this
First of all I am TRUE AND TRUE DAWG…but just my objective thoughts on Bennett since that is what the article is about…I think he will be pretty good…outstanding such as our Boy #7…probably not….but he seems pretty smart…good arm, good choices, has a solid line coming back, has an oustanding RB coming back to help out…new OC though….have not really heard the differences in NIX and the dude from NIU…but I would assume he is more of a Running OC with the Wolfe kid and now brining him in with Choice…but Defenses should be very wary of the Play action….that could be a good weapon for yall this year….Good Luck to you guys and GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!
By Dave
August 3, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN….
AN ACTUAL TICKLE PILE, CAUGHT ON FILM. http://i12.tinypic.com/4vskpl5.jpg
OUCH, THAT’S GOTTA HURT, MUTTS.
Oh yeah, man that barking costume was about the funniest thing I’ve ever seen.
By WFC
August 3, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
I am as amazed as anyone that Chan never gave Taylor B. a shot down the stretch, especially since Bennett seems to fit into Chan’s view of football much better than Reggie (NFL style QB and conservative outlook.) Some thoughts from a retired HS offensive coordinator:
Chan fell in love (became addicted to) Reggie’s occasional big plays. Go back and watch GT-VANDY in ‘04.
Bennett may be a bad practice player. Some guys look great in practice but it doesn’t translate into game performance. ANYONE who has actually coached football knows this. Other guys wander around like they are in a fog in practice but focus like champs when it’s game time. Maybe this fits TB, I don’t know and neither do you unless you attended Tech practices.
Reggie simply didn’t have the right mind set to play QB at the division one level. He had a linebacker mentality. That simply won’t work. When Reggie got hurt and could no longer depend on his running ability, he freaked. Chan should have seen this. Bennett should have gotten some playing time in the UNC game.
Bennett has two great advantages even with Calvin gone: a veteran offensive line and a tailback who routinely turns three yard gains into five or six yard gains. Watch Choice against UGA in ‘06.
By shivas
August 3, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
Tigerpaw, you are a barrel of laughs considering who you represent, and how low andinept your program has become. I think TB will make fewer mistakes than RB did, but it really is a wait and see. I predict the offense will be much more diverse, and the defense will be the best we’ve seen in the last several years with Morgan and the returning experience of Oliver and Robertson. Can’t wait to see Anthony Barnes at linebacker, and predict he will be one of the biggest surprises of the year, as will our recieving corp, since everyone perceives CJ’s exit to be a catastrophe. JJ and DT to have big years, while Peek becomes one of our biggest threats. TB will have a lot of weapons and support with a great offensive line and ground game, so he is coming into a great situation. ND game will be huge to get early momentum.
By pdiddyGT
August 3, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
thank you, D.Ellis, for being a classy UGA fan. the world needs more sports fans like you.
you should all check cfn.scout.com and see the articles about the preseason top 10. i know preseason rankings mean about as much as the heisman, but it’s still pretty sweet that we’re ranked top 10 by these guys. and don’t tell me it’s not legit, anything scout.com-related is straight-up legit.
i like your post, Dave. keep em comin
By Chris
August 3, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Thank you, D. Ellis. Finally a Georgia fan who doesn’t have to resort to name-calling or insults on a Tech blog.
True, Taylor doesn’t have the shoulder-cannon that Stafford has, but Taylor can be a surgeon with his arm. He’s got quick enough feet to make the first guy miss, but he’s not going to be running any naked bootlegs any time soon. We are definitely a run-first offense, but the passing game is going to be deadly too. Nobody has film of us passing over the middle because we haven’t done it in 5 years! It’ll take everyone by surprise (especially ND).
I think a good goal for the team would be for Taylor to throw for 2,500+ yards and over 60% comp. (not out of the realm of reality), Tashard to crank out somewhere north of 1,300 or 1,400 yards, and the rest of the backs to contribute a few more yards.
Kick coverage has GOT to improve, though. With the kickoff moving further back, more kicks are going to be returned. If we don’t tackle better, it could get ugly.
By dawgslickthereown#@%
August 3, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
byteme-byteback…are you sure want to start comparing worthlessdegreeU’s probation record against GT? You justify the stereotype trying to slam a school who has been on probation one time in there history when your own holds the NCAA average record with being on probation once every 4.13 years!
“We may not make a university student out of him, but if we can teach him to read and write, maybe he can work at the post office rather than as a garbage man when he gets through with his athletic career.” - UGA defense attorney Hale Almand - referring to UGA athletes during an address to the jury in the Jan Kemp case
By AJ GREEN WEARS #1
August 3, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Beat Georgia Tech for the 7 straight year….CHECK
By Woody10bw
August 3, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
Reggie Ball > Quincy Carter
By GTDan
August 3, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
What most people do not know about Reggie is that he was absolutely Great in practice according to inside sources. Obviously, some games were a different matter. Other games, Ball was able to relax and play well enough to beat some very good teams. But under extreme pressure, Reggie could not handle it. Bennett, on the other hand did not practice well. Now, a coach has to base his decisions on what he sees on all fields, both practice and games, not what might happen. Gailey was truly convinced that Ball gave us our best chance to win. Thus, he started. This is why Gailey was pleasantly surprised at Bennett’s play in the bowl game. Bennett has gained some confidence and is finally taking a leadership role. He did not do this last year. It is easy to say “what if”, and hind-site is 20-20. Without knowing all the facts, all you can do is make assumptions. I think Tech will be fine this year and I am looking forward to the start of the season.
By wes
August 3, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
Hey there Mr. Bradley,
Nice wishy-washy article. Why don’t you, “the king of all prognosticators” go out on a limb and say he’ll either flop or flourish?
No balls, Mr. Bradley. No balls.
By pdiddyGT
August 3, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
ugay fan who baselessly predicts a game…CHECK
tigerpaw, you really are a n00b. you think anyone really cares about what you, or anybody else on here, says? this is a sports blog. nothing more and nothing less. i only do this because i’m bored at work and i have a vast knowledge about sports, especially college football.
but back to clemson…you think we’re gonna get only 6 wins? how bout that team in NW South Carolina? not only is there no defense (you lost gaines adams, who was your defense last year), but you have to replace will proctor, who wasn’t even as good as reggie. i gotta give props to my boy and your future QB Cullen Harper, whom i went to HS with (Sequoyah HS, Canton, GA). but he is injury prone though. so if/when he gets hurt, you really wanna count on the freshmen Korn? The running game will be great with Spiller and Davis, but when Harper/Korn is ineffective (hopefully not Harper though), teams will just load up the box with 9,10 guys and shut yall down. but go ahead and be a n00b and bring up last year’s game like most of the ugay fans do. be that guy. last year doesn’t matter.
By pdiddyGT
August 3, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
ugay fan who baselessly predicts a game…CHECK
tigerpaw, you really are a n00b. you think anyone really cares about what you, or anybody else on here, says? this is a sports blog. nothing more and nothing less. i only do this because i’m bored at work and i have a vast knowledge about sports, especially college football.
but back to clemson…you think we’re gonna get only 6 wins? how bout that team in NW South Carolina? not only is there no defense (you lost gaines adams, who was your defense last year), but you have to replace will proctor, who wasn’t even as good as reggie. i gotta give props to my boy and your future QB Cullen Harper, whom i went to HS with (Sequoyah HS, Canton, GA). but he is injury prone though. so if/when he gets hurt, you really wanna count on the freshmen Korn? The running game will be great with Spiller and Davis, but when Harper/Korn is ineffective (hopefully not Harper though), teams will just load up the box with 9,10 guys and shut yall down. but go ahead and be a n00b and bring up last year’s game like most of the ugay fans do. be that guy. last year doesn’t matter.
By jackets fan
August 3, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
It amazes me that these columnists from the ajc have complained for 4 years about how awful Reggie Ball was and now they caution the fans to be careful what you wish for. There can’t be a more wretched collection of hacks writing for one newspaper in the entire world, than here at the ajc.
Taylor Bennett is 6’3”, level headed and can complete more than half his passes. What all that adds up to is better than Reggie Ball. Ball was short, and therefore unable to safely pass to the middle of the field. So the gameplans were made without any plans to use the middle. That basically removed the TE from the offense, other than blocking. He was not level headed, so he was prone to force passes and to get into arguments with refs and opponents. QB’s need to get back in the huddle for the next play, not be in heated discussions, wasting time and energy. He was not accurate. CJ had to be the best WR in the world, just to catch the garbage that Ball threw his way most of the time. I took a non-GT fan friend of mine to a GT game one time. During warmups he commented, “who is that #13? He throws the ball way better and on target than Reggie Ball does.” Sure enough it was true during practice. So if Ball was not accurate during practice, how good can he be when there is pressure? Plus Bennett just seems more comfortable in the pocket, and is able to go thru his progressions to find the open man.
TB may not be Matt Leinart, but he will be way better than Reggie Ball, even without Calvin Johnson to throw to.
By AJ GREEN WEARS #1
August 3, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
GT who does not know when he has posted his comment…CHECK
By Joe
August 3, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
Let’s see, a list of Taylor’s advantages over Reggie:
Reggie’s advantages over Taylor: 1. Calvin. 2. Scrambling ability. (maybe) 3. ? ? ?
By NoD
August 3, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
We will just have to see how Bennett performs week after week.I would love it if he end up playing well every week. Would love nothing more then the UGA vs Tech game had BCS implications.
Go Jackets
By matt stafford`s mama
August 3, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
has anyone seen my chubby little pink-faced boy? he is not gay(even though it looked like it in that spooning picture). he is ,however, a sensitive young boy who has not yet found his sexual orientation. please tell him to call his mama.
By Jeff
August 3, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Spike, you hit the nail on the head. He will be very lucky to last by the fourth game.
By The Wrecker
August 3, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
WFC you hit the nail on the head. The DawgNation should be thankful Gailey did not replace Ball with Bennett in the 2nd half of this past years game. Like any other team , barring key injuries Tech will will surprise most people this year despite Chan’s worst game decisions.
By Dawgfan
August 3, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Taylor Bennett will make Tech people wish for the good old days when Reggie Ball played QB. If only he hadn’t thrown the ball out of bounds to avoid the sack on 4th down to end the game. HAHAHAHAHA!
Taylor Bennett = A J Suggs / 2
By Tickle Pile Pete
August 3, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
No doubt Gailey is the best coach in all of Division I football. Bennett will average better stats than the WVU game over the course of the season. Choice will win the Heisman. A girl from Georgia Tech will win the Miss America contest. And then I wake up… and realize it’s all a dream.
Get real Tech fans, Chan wasted the three years of the best player he ever had. What makes you think all of a sudden he gets a clue? Here’s to many years of Chan at Tech!!!
By Sturge
August 3, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Tickle Pile. Thank goodness there has never been documented evidence of a GT QB spooning another man. Unlike the tickle pile myth, here is a photo of Stafford preferring the warmth and comfort of a man vice a hot babe nearby. http://www.secfanatics.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=27358
By Tickle Pile Pete
August 3, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Hey Sturge, Which nerd were you in this picture grabbing Reggie’s Balls?
http://technique.library.gatech.edu/articleimages/2003-09-12-31-1.jpg
By Sturge
August 3, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Tickle Pete? That’s one of the worst comebacks I’ve ever seen. If that’s UGA’s definition of a pile, so be it, however, I’ll take that picture, over the one of Stafford and Cox anyday.
By I was there!!
August 3, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
Tickle piles started at Tech during the late sixties. They were innocent fun. Guys would dog-pile each other and start tickling. Later on the Tickle piles took a dark turn when sex and drugs were introduced. Now we have a full blown controversy. We need to acknowledge the problem and get it fixed. Denial will allow this plight to continue and soil our campus.
By TexasWreck
August 3, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
Spike, looks like your degree from UGA did not cover proper spelling and English!!Even and ole enginer can spell and punkchiat bettr un u.
By Sturge
August 3, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
“I was there!!” That’s a much better comeback than Tickle Pete’s. Although Pete could learn from your comeback, I assure you while this tickle pile myth obviously gives UGA fans their jollies, I still maintain, a picture of your starting QB acting out his homoerotic tendencies is far worse. Matt jersey must be popular over at the Lambda Alliance.
By David
August 3, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
Of course UGA fans putting their 1/2 cents worth, It amazes me that they continue to spew their inane ramblings not caring or not realizing that their opinion about Ga. Tech football is as about as important as Bin Laden’s on America foreign policy. Crawl back into your holes watching video after video of Herschel and Vince while you fondle yourself.
By gt in sc
August 3, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
Sturge; i totally agree with your summation of these dog bloggers and their fascination with thes tickle-pile goings-on. they are the only ones bringing them up, and in such detail too. i think mattys mama hit the nail on the head in the above post, poor boy is still not sure where he belongs. i wouldnt want to be ugay`s center with chubby behind me.
By Navigator
August 3, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Hey Bradley, we called Ball our 12th man at Georgia when we played Tech. We don’t feel that way now with their existing QB. I think we still beat them, but the offense will make a better (less disgusting) effort than in the past. You truly must be the biggest apologist for Ball, have you considered apologizing for MVick too?! You were truly disliked in Lexington, and probably just as much here. Most sportscasters show their writing strengths. I really don’t think you have any.
By Navigator
August 3, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Hey Bradley, we called Ball our 12th man at Georgia when we played Tech. We don’t feel that way now with their existing QB. I think we still beat them, but the offense will make a better (less disgusting) effort than in the past. You truly must be the biggest apologist for Ball, have you considered apologizing for MVick too?! You were truly disliked in Lexington, and probably just as much here. Most sportswriters show their writing strengths. I really don’t think you have any.
By The Ring Leader
August 3, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
I am really surprised that no one knows about the recent controversy out of Athens. Apparently, I had a pretty good source because no dawg fans seem to know.
Stafford, Cox, and four offensive lineman have been ruled out indefinitely until test results come in regarding some sort of STD. Stafford told Coach Richt that things got out of hand one night, Joe Cox thought it would be kinda fun to experiment, and Stafford finally confessed to Richt, “I just couldn’t resist.”
That’s right, I read that in the Athens paper. So why doesn’t anyone know about this? It must have been a small article hidden under the rest of the bull s* in that paper about how good Stafford is. Well, seems as if he’s good, at least to Joe Cox and his offensive line. Real good, if you know what I mean.
Dawg fans, you’re obviously obsessed with Georgia Tech. Either that or none of you have jobs and you spend your pathetic time everyday sitting on your computer making dumb a** remarks on Tech blogs and articles. You obviously don’t have UGA degrees or degrees from any other school, so when your late night shift at the Waffle House or McDonald’s is over, you just come home and wait for a new Tech article to comment on. You’re so anti-ACC and so anti-Tech, and yet, you’re obsessed with our articles. Must suck when you know that another school and it’s fans/graduates are just plain and simply better than you. Better as human beings. Better in life. Hell, better in death. Better.
YOU ARE ALL PATHETIC
By Ben
August 3, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
In case Georgia Tech people haven’t noticed UGA runs this state. Governor’s, Senators, Congressmen, Doctors, Lawyers, Bankers, about 99% of the states’ leadership. If you don’t like it: MOVE
By Sooner Nation
August 3, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Finally a quiet night for Athens-Clarke Co. PD.. No UGAY athletes arrested…
By No Dawgs Here
August 3, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
I have to agree.. Chan is horrible!! He totally mis-used the best player in GT history. He kept Ball in too many games. He is NOT a good coach. He might be a good recruiter, but her is a horrible coach!! I think that they should can him. Find someone better. ((Shouldn’t be too hard)). Between Chan’s poor game plans and Reggie’s game play. GT lost too many games! Talent for talent GT should be much better, than they are.
By James
August 3, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
The USA Today top 25 just released. UGA #13 Tech- NR. What a surprise? SEC HAS 6 SCHOOLS IN TOP 25. ACC HAS 2. YES, 2 SCHOOLS. I ASSURE YOU THROUGHOUT THE SEASON WIL BE NO DIFFERENT.
By James
August 3, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
The USA Today top 25 just released. UGA #13 Tech- NR. What a surprise? SEC HAS 6 SCHOOLS IN TOP 25. ACC HAS 2. YES, 2 SCHOOLS. I ASSURE YOU THROUGHOUT THE SEASON WIL BE NO DIFFERENT.
By techwreck
August 3, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
GA runs this state. Governor’s, Senators, Congressmen, Doctors, Lawyers, Bankers, about 99% of the states’ leadership.
And 100% of the people serving me hot fries…
By techwreck
August 3, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
The USA Today top 25 just released. UGA #13 Tech- NR. What a surprise? SEC HAS 6 SCHOOLS IN TOP 25. ACC HAS 2. YES, 2 SCHOOLS. I ASSURE YOU THROUGHOUT THE SEASON WIL BE NO DIFFERENT.
The Caps Lock key is usually to the left of the “A” key. Find it.
There’s only one poll that matters, and it won’t come out until after the BCS Bowls. Who cares what the preseason pollsters have to say?
By Dean
August 3, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
Evidently Tech fans do. When that Athlon poll came out…you would have thought Tech just won the NC. The USA Today is a poll that actually counts.
By Dean
August 3, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
Evidently Tech fans do. When that Athlon poll came out…you would have thought Tech just won the NC. The USA Today is a poll that actually counts.
By techwreck
August 3, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Evidently Tech fans do. When that Athlon poll came out…you would have thought Tech just won the NC. The USA Today is a poll that actually counts.
What Athlon poll? Never heard about it.
What does U[sic]GA get for winning 10th place in the preseason poll? What’s the name of that trophy? Y’all can put it in the trophy cabinet next to the “best recruiting class” medals.
By AJ GREEN WEARS #1
August 3, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Sooner Nation,
What season was it that you just lost? Rhett Bomar? Go mind your own business! CHEATERS!
By GTlaughsatyou
August 3, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
HAHAHAHAA ok ok so I had to watch the barking contest again - and am again laughing uncontrollably. Upon further review, the winner must be the guy who is “True Blue, no wait, Red and Black, no wait True Blue - hey ma!! - what are dem der bulldawgs colors again???” Classic. But the picture of Stafford and his boyfriend made me stop laughing…that was just sad.
By Sturge
August 3, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Sooner Nation- It’s amazing you would comment on here. I’ve been to Norman and Athens and your fans are bigger idiots than UGAy fans. Never seen so many people cheer for a 2-yard gain on 3rd and 8. Go Boise State! I went to Buffalo Wild Wings in Arkansas a few weekends ago, there was about four or five Okies, yelling “Boomer Sooners, Boomer Sooners!” Nobody yelled anything and just let them go bout their yelling. I did raise my voice about them recently being 0-12.
By Mr Breeze
August 3, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
So, Sturge, can I assume you didn’t get your a$$ beat out there in Arkansas?
By Tech Dad
August 3, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
The fault lies with the coaching staff. After some number of bad games, a coach needs to (at least) try someone different. To let Reggie Ball start every game for four years, with his ability to panic and try to make every play a big play, one would think a substitution might work better. Too many times, the big play was for the opposition.
By GaTech Faithful
August 3, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/stories/2007/07/28/0729munson.html?imw=Y
for anybody who hasn’t seen this article. the ol’ announcer for UGAG isn’t looking at this season too brightly. …makes me happy!
By Mark Bradley
August 3, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
I watched Reggie Ball for four years and still I’m not sure what to make of him. He had some of the worst games I’ve ever seen a major-college quarterback have, but he also won a half-dozen really big games. And I did admire his fighting spirit.
By JD
August 3, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this
I think this could be the same as where the backup takes over when the starter gets hurt. Dick Vermeil is not an idiot but he had Trent Green over Kurt Warner before they won the Super Bowl. Sometimes guys just need to get on the field to show what they can do because practice doesn’t let them.
By Chris
August 3, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
I don’t think it’s a situation where Bennett couldn’t beat Ball for the job. I think it’s more likely that Chan Gailey stuck with his guy, and that’s that. He saw Bennett in practice. He knew he was better. But he also knew that he recruited Reggie and he wasn’t going to sit him, barring an injury (or lack of going to class).
By spike
August 3, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
JD.. Really good insight there. That should clear it up for everyone. Know a lot about football I see.
By spike
August 3, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
TexasWreck… How is my math? UGA with six wins in a row and one more this year equals another trip for Buzz to the Emerald Bowl.
By old Tech fan (in NC)
August 3, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
When the coach did not pull RBall in the UNC game, you just knew that was something strange. I still cannot understand. Ball was erratic at best-for sure a fighter. But any coach should know when his QB is hurt and take appropriate action. Hopefully, the coach has changed.
By the flats
August 3, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
It seems like so long ago I was about to throw the remote at the TV (UGA, ACC ch. games), but hope springs eternal with a new season, a new QB, a new OC. It’s a case of a better feeling in my stomach with the uncertainty of Bennett vs. the known deficiencies of his predecessor.
By Still Enjoying It
August 3, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
One more time…Reggie, Reggie, Reggie. It never gets old.