Sports Columnists

By GT80

August 24, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

You might be right with the 8-4 record, but I suspect there will be different wins and losses. I really don’t care if there are 3, 4 or 5 losses as long as that last game of the season is not one of them. Reggie is not around to win it for the bullpuppies this year.

Go Jackets.

Now, let’s see how many posts it takes for some woofin dawg to make an inane comment.

By ryan

August 24, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

gotta love the home town writing Mark! ajc sucks! GO JACKETS!!!

By ArkyTech

August 24, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Tech NEVER wins at Charlottesville - our annual payback for the big win there in ‘90. But we’ll beat Maryland, as we do when Joe Burns doesn’t stop the clock for them in the final minute. ND, BC, CLEMP, VT and UGA up for grabs. Bradley’s probably right, it’ll probably all add up to 8-4ish again.

By jarvis

August 24, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Along the same lines, let’s see how long it takes some jacketa$$ to call him Bark Madley. That’s always a good one.

By Doug

August 24, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Bark (there, I said it) is way off, as usual. Not to mention his condescending “there’s always the Meineke Car Care Bowl” comment…

This team is way too good to lose four games. I have us losing to UVA (Arky’s right), Md and maybe Miami too. A four-loss season should be considered a failure for ‘Ol Chan.

By Mike

August 24, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Woof Woof

Tech will be better. The UGA-Tech game will be close. Good luck in the ACC. ACC should be better all around this year.

Lay off of Gailey. He is a fine coach and his resume is accurate.

By Bob

August 24, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

NERDS, NERDS, NERDS, NEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDSSSS!!!!

By Knute Rockney

August 24, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

It amazes me that Tech fans still follow football. Chan Gailey gets an extention after getting his butt handed to him year in and year out. Shouldn’t Tech play a JV schedule in order to develop their team properly? I miss Reggie Ball…

By Spike

August 24, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Mark, did you really say “Chan owns Samford” with a 2-0 record? What is that about? Are you bragging or complaining? Techsters, you can really feel proud about that. Owning Samford. If you own Samford with two wins, what does Chans record against UGA mean for Tech?

By rob2595

August 24, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

First let me say I am a true Dawg fan but I tried to see things objectively. I think this is the season to determine Chan’s fate. He has 9 returnees on def a solid line, really good, not quite great, running back, and a solid QB, again not great when you do not have Calvin on the field. I think they should go into that last game of the season with 0 - 2 losses. I think they will play for the ACC title again b/c they are better than some give them credit but mainly the ACC is a joke. I will not say they will beat my Dawgs b/c much like the GAYtors own us we own the Bugs and it is a bit of a mental thing, plus I think GA will only get better as the year goes on with the inexperience they have on the offensive and defensive lines. So in the end I think Tech can be as good as a BCS bowl but if they pull up lame again and lose 4 - 6 games they need to run Chan out of town as fast as they can. He is only lucky to only be losing 5 a year b/c of his defense, w/o Tenuta (SP?) he is already out of a job..IMO

By Larry Munson's Gin Blossom

August 24, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

This is fairly accurate, Mark. I still think you are a twit though.

Gailey is the reason we have these pre-season outlooks. I’d like to ask Ryan to dispute any of the reasons that Mark laid out. Can’t do it.

And for the inbreeders that are posting here. Why? Isn’t there a similar UGA blog going on right now? Or are you like those obnoxious UGA sidewalk fans who wash my car?

By I CAN'T BELIEVE IT

August 24, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe that ROB2595 just spelled the word “Gators” as “GAYtors”.

Does your mommy know you are using a computer at your age?

By T-Bone

August 24, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Tech will meet Va Tech undefeated, and I think that game is a toss up. Va Tech is a better team but it is a home game for the Jackets. Tech will not lose to Md or to BC. They will play UGA with one loss (Va Tech), and maybe this will be the year.

And Mark, I normally like your writing and your opinions, but the Car Care Bowl comment was bush league. That’s the kind of comment an AJC writer makes about an opposing team, to either the dawgs or the jackets. It shouldn’t come from the hometown newspaper.

By Cuz

August 24, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

I am a fan, a fan of CHAN. CHAN is the man and has a plan. Who else in this land would take a job so bland. So give the man a grateful hand. And join the fans, the FANS OF CHAN.

By Tashard Choice

August 24, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

I is as dum as a box of rocs.

By GTarmchairQB

August 24, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

MARK BRADLEY GETS ONE RIGHT

At least as a Tech fan, I can’t honestly argue with one thing that has been said.

The Gailey/Nix/Ball combo has underacheived.

Let’s hope that changing 2 of those 3 things will make a big difference this year.

By Alan

August 24, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

When you compare Mark Bradley’s analysis to the articles prepared by the ESPN or SI crew you realize how bush league the AJC sports section truly is. And several of Bradley’s comments are simply mean-spirited. Will Tech go 8-4 or 8-5? Who knows. But Bradley’s comments provide no real insights.

By GTforever

August 24, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

This should be Chan’s last year to under achieve. There is NO excuse for losing the games at the end of last season! There is NO excuse for playing a kid who could not play QB at any other division 1 school in the country!Its time for the new AD to do his job!

Go Jackets!

By Spanky

August 24, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Mark,…That’s 6 wins in a row, buddy!

You nerds absolutely crack me up!!

By jb

August 24, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, you must know about as much about college football as Lou Holtz… Your an idiot.

By Hugh

August 24, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Hey Bob,

You are a complete douche bag.

By GTarmchairQB

August 24, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Spanky

Gailey has lost 5 in a row to UGA. And is about to begin a streak that will make him .500 by 2011.

Nerdie is as nerds do.

ArmChair

By jarvis

August 24, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

21 minutes. Longer than I thought.

Also, why post on our own page? What fun is there in annoying our own fan base?

By jarvis

August 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

2 more things

1. As a two time UGA grad, I don’t mind the “sidewalk fans”. All this time I thought your fan base was so small because your athletic programs were terrible. Now I realize that in fact it was because you guys believe in some kind of cohort snobbery…paired with terrible athletics.

2. If YOU’RE going to call someone an idiot, YOU’RE really going to need to start using the correct words in the correct places. Otherwise it just looks like YOU’RE showing YOUR a$$.

By 2 Big T's

August 24, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Nov. 17: Georgia Tech at North Carolina

Uhhhhh, NO - once again you and your ripoff of a paper are wrong. Actually, UNC plays AT TECH this year! Bunch of boobs over there at the AUC I always said!

By Elijah

August 24, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

I don’t like this article. No one is giving tech any credit this year. Why is everyone saying VT is the better team. VT had a good defense last year, and a bad QB, the same can be said for this year. Calvin Johnson was not the reason for Tech’s wins last year, it was a good defense and running back, now we have that and more. Some people need to watch some games, and practices, and quit writing articles on what they here.

By The Wreck

August 24, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Bradley is an idiot. He has never forgotten that we would not let him participate in one of our Tickle Piles when he first came to Atlanta.

By jabster

August 24, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

While most any given team can beat most anyone on any given day, this year is looking good for the Jackets.

I’m with Tony Barnhart on Tech winning the ACC Coastal, but I don’t think that Half @$$ U will be back. Of course, we have to make it past the Hokies first. And the Charlottesville curse.

As long as we show up, we can easily beat anyone on our sked except for VT and UGA, and both of those are winnable. This isn’t like 10-15 years ago when F$U was already in the L column before the first snap.

Someone—I think it was Dennis Dodd—had a good article on CBS Sportsline(Bark Madly, go read it to check out some real journalism.). DD said that Tech was one of a small number of consistently pretty darn good, near-top-25-year-in-year-out programs that seems to be perpetually overshadowed by an instate rival, making them look a lot worse than they really are. The other examples he threw out were TX Tech and UCLA. I think that this is why the Tech-Ga game has taken on so much urgency as of late.

Maybe with Reggie gone and UGA still looking like a work in progress, maybe we can finally beat UGA.

PS to Madly: Nice non sequitur about Furman, especially since Bill Curry hasn’t coached on The Flats in 20 years.

Who the heck do you think you are, Lewis Grizzard? Not even Lewis could make “Tech can’t beat Furman” funny. It was a dumb@$$ cheap shot when Grizzard said it, and you trying to make it funny is like spraying Glade on dog crap.

By techie

August 25, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

Who knows if our QB can do it. He has essentially played only one game and thus there is little to stake any claims either way on. RB may be a bit overrated and lacks breakaway speed although he’s tough. But anyone that has been watching can see that the overall talent level of the team has gone up under Gailey and I don’t understand those that don’t give the coach credit for that. It does kill me that UGA fans act like that GT is not close to UGA. Yes Tech lost the last 3 by a combined score of 48-32. That averages to 16-11 - not what I would call dominating. Gailey’s first 2 teams quite frankly had little talent and it’s amazing they won 7 games those years - pretty good coaching if you ask me may be the answer.

By GT Rich

August 25, 2007 5:30 AM | Link to this

rob2595: I appreciate that you aren’t the typical UGA fan spouting “nerd”, but you are off the mark when referring to Tashard Choice as “good, not quite great.” For all the hype surrounding the “great” UGA backs, you can add the yardage for Ware, Lumpkin plus Brown and they don’t match Choice, 1380 vs. 1473, nor do any of them beat Tashard’s per carry average. Too bad Gailey/Nix couldn’t bring themselves to bench Reggie and give ANYONE else a chance. Having said all that, we’ll probably lose another close one to UGA….

By Charles

August 25, 2007 5:31 AM | Link to this

You were wrong last year in saying Tech would beat ND and you’re going to be wrong again this year. Tech will loose to ND AT SOUTH BEND. When will you ever learn and, hey, what’s your beef against Charlie Weiss?

By Tech Student

August 25, 2007 6:25 AM | Link to this

I dont know how the team will do but I do know that I am crazy about those football players that are in my classes. I even saw several of them at a Tickle Pile the other night.

By falcon80

August 25, 2007 6:27 AM | Link to this

Funny that the first poster here thought that a “dawg” would make the first inane post! Unless a “dawg” made that post then…

By smitty

August 25, 2007 7:07 AM | Link to this

don’t know about the rest of the season….i’m sort of optimistic….however your comment that nix took choice and CJ to the 67th best offense is off…..one thing about chan, this is CHAN’s team as was last years…he doesn’t know how to keep his hands off the offense (especially with a “kid” like nix, maybe it will be different with bond)……it was CHAN who brought choice, CJ, the offense, and nix down 67 floors and muzzled the O…..it’ll be interesting to watch nix’s miami O and how well CJ does this year with the lions…….now if CHAN can just keep his meddling hands out of bond’s offense

By m

August 25, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

Let’s face it. Chan Gailey could suck a football through a garden hose. He is dismantling the Tech program. He should never have been hired and he should be fired today…before he underachieves once again.

By WFC

August 25, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

GT is poised to have a good year, great if they finally beat UGA. I’m not a great supporter of Chan but I must give him a lot of credit for bringing in talent that can consistently compete with anyone.

As a retired high school football coach, I recognize Chan for what he is: “old school.” His approach to the game is steeped in the traditions of south Georgia high school football circa 1960 from which he sprang. There is much to admire in this. It’s based on rock solid defense and field position. Chan must be given credit for hiring and keeping Tenuto. Having Durant Brooks punting bodes well for field position. Where Chan seems to fall down is in understanding how the game has changed. One outstanding play by a superior athlete (C.J. Spiller of Clemson comes to mind) can undo three quarters of great D and field position. Didn’t happen back in the 1960’s because most of the “game-breakers” were not allowed to play. Chan seems to think a 10-0 lead in the second quarter is a lock. Not anymore. Frustrating.

I think that Bond will have a major influence on how this season plays out.

By MIKE

August 25, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Having Mark Bradley write a column about the Jackets is about like allowing Bin Laden to write a column about Bush!! Like Tech is the only team that blows games they should win! Hey Mark, remember UK and Vandy? Two powerhouses there you biased jaskass!!!

By Crosby

August 25, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

First, I always tend to agree with Bradley when he writes about us. I think he has called out Gailey and Hewitt a few times when nobody else will hold them accountable. That’s what I want out of my sports writers. I can’t personally call either of them so when I’m p** off about what I feel is poor coaching I hope somebody gives me a voice. The only thing I will say about the season is I’m shocked and I mean shocked that so many Tech fans are that confident about ND. I sometimes wonder if Tech fans watch the same teams I have for the past 20 or so years. There is nothing about that game that makes me confident. The only thing I know for sure about that game is that Tech will probably play them close and find a way to screw it up in the end. I’ll be p** off the rest of the day and people in the paper the next day will talk about “moral” victories. There is really only one thing certain about the season and that is Tech will find a way to ruin at least 4 or 5 of my weekends.

By Elijah

August 25, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

I am going to throw it out and say that Tech is the better team when it comes to VT. I would also like to say that Choice is by no means overrated, but underrated in my mind. 5.0 yards a carry , and lead your conference by 200 yards, and you don’t here anything about him. On top of that we had a terrible passing game last year,and Calvin meant nothing cause we had a QB that couldn’t throw deep unless it went out of bounds. On top of that he couldn’t and wouldn’t throw over the middle cause he was to short, and every defensive coordinator knew it. Some of you sports writers need to be working for some cooking networks and quit pretending to know anything about college football. If you don’t know anything about Tech. QUIT WRITING ABOUT THEM.

By 22man

August 25, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Beat Notre Dame- what a joke! Come on, your not Georgia, your Georgia Tech my God- WTF!

By Chris

August 25, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Enough with the “nerd” comments.

I’d be willing to wager (a sizeable sum) that more UGA grads have Tech grads for a boss that the other way around.

Any takers?

By batman

August 25, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

charlie weis “overrated”…he is putting together top 5 recruiting classes after the willingham debacle. we’ll see overrated come september.

By Chris

August 25, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

I meant to write “than” instead of “that,” and when I tried to post again, it said I had submitted too many posts in a short period of time.

I made 2 posts on 2 blogs in 5 minutes. That’s considered overkill? Jeez…

By Shambo

August 25, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Face it fellow BEEZ, Bradley is probably being generous. As long as Gailey is head coach, we are going to be mediocre. You can rag on about Reggie, but that was Gailey’s choice. Whine about the calls, but they all were Gailey’s. Give this problem to a soph “problem solving” class and they will tell you “cut the head off the snake”. Mr. Radakovich - GIVE US A REAL COACH !!!

By John

August 25, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Mr. Bradley,

How can you say that ND is over-rated? Have you seen the AP pre-season poll? They are # 39!!!!

In terms of Weis, how can you say he is over-rated? He took over a program that was in disarray - Willingham only recruited one good class, and was only able to win in his first season w/ Bob Davie’s players. After the 2002 season ND regressed in 2003 and 2004 until Weis came in and fixed the problems on the field and on the recruiting trail. Weis took ND to back-to-back BCS bowl games with mediocre talent. Brady Quinn was a nobody until Weis came in, and the same goes for his WRs and TE - Jeff Samardzija, Stovall, McKnight, and Fasano, all of whom are in the NFL.

By the ND is going to run the ball down GT’s throat: 27-13 Irish.

By G I Luvmoney

August 25, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

There is a good reason Reggie played all four year$.

Afraid he would squeal.

By GOIRISH

August 25, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

You have Army scoring 20 points against GT on GT’s home turf, but Notre Dame only scoring 13 against them in South Bend? The day that Army has a more successfull offense than Notre Dame is the day that I marry Marylin Manson

By gjj

August 25, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley is paid by AJC to give his opinion on sports. That is what he did in this article. Having said that, who knows what will happen this year. I certainly can see how Bradley reached his final opinion on each game. The games will be played and we shall see. By the way, I am still amazed that Miami would pick Patrick Nix to run the offense.

By Shambo

August 25, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Come on guys - this is not that complicated. We did not graduate with degrees in marketing. We’re engineers - we’re pramatists. Ask your self this question: “Do you think Tech will ever be a great team under Gailey?” Ask your self another honest question: “Do you think Notre Dame will ever be a great team under Charlie Weis?” As they say - QED I didn’t suffer through 5 years of one of the most sadistic engineering programs in the world with the goal of being mediocre. Ga. Tech should be known for EXCELLANCE. It’s time we had some on Grant Field Mr. Radakocich, GIVE US A REAL COACH

By Shambo

August 25, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the rant - but - an interesting footnote regarding the relative tolerance for mediocrity at Tech vs Notre Dame.

Ty Willingham was fired with a winning percentage of 58%. Chan Gailey is still gainfully employed with a winning percentage of - you guessed it - 58%.

Now, which great school is willing to tolerate mediocrity?

How many of you have jobs that pay over $1 million/yr and make the right decisions only 58% of the time?

Mr. Radakovich: We’re disgusted by this lack of pride. GIVE US A REAL COACH!

By weareND

August 25, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

don’t get too upset with the jackets on sept 1 . ND hasn’t dropped a home opener even in the davieham years tech is a very good team and will have a decent season just not in south bend

By Phillip

August 25, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Charlie Weis overrated? If anything he is not given enough credit considering the talent level that Willingham left him. ND is now beating teams that they could not under Ty or even Bob Davie. The recruiting classes are coming in the top ten, you will see the real genius of Charlie. Can you imagine if CW had USC’s or FLA’s talent every year? But then again, 95% of USC’s and FLA’s players would have trouble meeting the acedemic standards of ND, so it is pointless to speculate. Prediction, Irish 17, Ga Tech 13.

By weareND

August 25, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

95-17-5 in home openers and won 16 of the last 20 prediction IRISH 24 JACKETS 17

By Knute Rockney

August 25, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

The comments about more Tech grads being the bosses of Georgia grads is old news. Who cares if you are someone’s boss if you are living a crappy life. If you are an idiot who goes to Georgia Tech and graduates, then you are still idiot who now has an engineering degree. Who cares if we have to call you boss… At the end of the day, you are still you and i am still me…Dosen’t that suck for you!

By Knute Rockney

August 25, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

If you are a nerd that goes to Tech and graduate; you are a nerd with an engeneering degree. You may be my boss but at the end of the day you are still you and I am me…Doesn’t that suck for you!

By jabster

August 25, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Bark Madly may be paid to write his opinion, but we have this blog to call BS on him on it.

Besides—when is the last time you ever saw Bisher get gratuitously partisan for Carowhina?

It’s not what you do, it’s the way that you do it.

That’s why Reggie L** Ball may be in the Tech record books alongside JoeHam and Shawn Jones, but nobody in the Jacket Nation will ever consider him to be a great QB.

By Lee webb

August 25, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Mark if they beat ND the rest will be history…. 1917,1952, 1990 remember

By yellowblood

August 25, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Bradley: At least you live on planet Earth which is more than can be said for Shultz. I disagree on two games. Tech will remove the UGA monkey or Chan will be gone. BC is a tossup. You could be right. Curiously, I agree with the letdown at MD. I think it will happen. The two top uncertainties are BC and Clemson. Bowden is in the same hot seat as Chan.

By yellowblood

August 25, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Knute: The only reason you are famous is that Ronald Reagan played in your movie.

By yellowblood

August 25, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

CUZ: Let me help you out. Chan the Man will whip your Can. We can with Chan. Chan will hand you all you can stand. He duh man !

By CW

August 25, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

I can certainly understand why Bradley reached the conclusions he did because Coach Gailey’s teams the last several years have been very inconsistent. Last year really should have been the breakthrough year, but all those close losses and flat offensive performances cost us three big games that we should have flat won.

Having said all that, I sure do like our schedule this year with BC, Clemson, VaTech, and UGA at home.

Here’s how I see the season playing out. Games we’ll definitely win: Samford, Army, Duke 3-0

Games we should win, but always lose one: UNC, UVA, MD 5-1

Toss ups that we’ll split: ND, BC, Clemson, Miami 7-3

Games we’re supposed to lose, but we win one: VT, UGA 8-4

Although they are both at home, I have a hard time honestly predicting that we’ll beat both Georgia and VT. I think winning one of those is very doable for this team.

The real challenge for the jackets is that group of ND, BC, Clemson and Miami. I think we’ll split those four games, but we have the talent to win all four. I just don’t know if we have the depth and the consistency to win all four.

By bh

August 25, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

The conclusion is AJC not GT friendly. We should engineer them to move to Athens. Go Jacket!!!!!!!!

By addicted

August 25, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Like someone said earlier, this will be the defining year for Chan Gaily. It is the first time that everyone in the team was recruited by him, and also this is a solid experienced team. It has lost a huge superstar in CJ, however, the team still stands a really good chance of doing very well this season. Especially if #22 lives upto his potential.

I just hope Gailey does not get defensive unnecessarily, like he did against Georgia and Notre Dame last year.

Go Tech!

By Tech Forever

August 25, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

There are four GIVENS on this Tech schedule: 1) Tech will beat Notre Dame (because CG teams always win their first tough road game), 2) Tech will beat Duke (because CG teams always beat Duke…save one hiccup), 3) Tech will lose to UVA in C’ville (because ANY coached Tech team always loses in C’ville), and 4) Tech will not beat Georgia (when it actually happens….I’ll believe it can be done).

Lay the house on ‘em. You want year-in year-out predictions…there you have them.

By Kenski72

August 26, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

Notre Dame = Healthy Georgia Tech = Dinged Coach Weis wil not lose an opener at home…period.

By Wrecker1

August 26, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

TECH will go 12-0 through the regular season. TECH’s toughest home games will be BC on 9/15 and VT the first day of November. That’s not to say Clemmons and Ugag won’t be tough but I just feel BC and VT will be very physical games. TECH will win those two by 3-5 points. TECH will beat Clemmons in the 7-10 point range and Ugag by 10-12. Either UNC or Army will be one of those games that TECH stumbles around for about 3 quarters and then wins by 2-3 TD’s. As for the road games, I think TECH hammers Miami but Md. and UVA will be the tough ones. I don’t know that there is a Charlottesville curse. Since 1990 there has only been one or 2 times when TECH was the better team and ‘99 was one of them but we had a D that couldn’t slow down a good high school offense so no lead was ever safe. For the last 5-6 years UVA has brought in pretty good talent and playing on their field will keep it close plus TECH thinking there is some kind of curse. Ralph can flat out coach but the Md. game should be about a 10 point win for TECH. I just really think this is TECH’s year. We’ve got good but not great talent but I think the players REALLY BELIEVE they should be good and that confidence plus some talent goes a long way.

By surfrider

August 26, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this

Tech has a passing game now for the first time since 2001 when Tech was in the top 10 early in the season. The defense now is better. Recruiting has finally improved and Chan has turned to offensive duties over for the second year. We lost what 4 games by something like 3 points with the #67 ranked offense. Get that offense in the top 40 and at least two of those games switch over if not more.

By shivas

August 26, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Listen, Chan Gailey has done an excellent job as coach. Our recruiting is the best it has been in 30 years. Lack of depth is the reason we have faded in games and late in the season. This year, and subsequent years, should be our best with having quality 2’s and 3’s who can contribute in game situations. Remember, VT wanted to run Frank Beamer out of town after 5 years. Again, Gailey has gotten this program in great shape, and I feel good about our future. Let’s not compare ourselves to UGA because we will never be able to rectuit on that scale. However, if we can continuously field a solid team and have a shot at winning the ACC, then that will be success. Yes, beating UGA would be nice, but I am not going to judge Gailey solely on that. Let’ get first class kids in the program, coach their butts off, and play hard every Saturday. It amazes me we won the ACC Coastal, and Gailey continues to be lambasted.

By Shambo

August 26, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

The reason Gailey continues to be lamblasted, Mr. Shivas, is that he is teaching students to accept mediocracy. As Tech alumni, we find that reprehensible.

Personally, I find paying the man over $1 million/yr from public tax money totally outrageous, especially when only 58% of what he sets out to do is successful. What would you consider a fair wage for a pilot that was successful only 58% of the time? How about a civil engineer? Doctor? You get my point.

Georgia Tech will probably never win another national championship, but, at a minimum, we should expect more from all our academic and athletic programs than becoming known as “the school that always chokes in the end”.

Mr. Radacovich, are you listening?

By Mr HAHA

August 26, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

This bolg is hilarious. Anything from ‘Chan’s the Man’ to ‘Tech’s gonna go 12-0’. WOW! Not much ‘smarts’ from a bunch that thinks they’re actually smarter than they are. Any fifth grader knows that these statements are false, along with the ‘ole ‘We’re your Boss’ (referring to a UGA grad). Hhhmmm…What college did Gov. Perdue attend? How about Zel Miller?? Need I go on?

By DD

August 26, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

This Dawg thinks that Tech CAN have a great year. You guys have the players, but have the bigest issue that a College Program could have and that is having one of the weakest coaching staffs since Goff at UGA. Of course I exclude Tenuta. If you guys had a decent coach your program would take off, but under “Chan the Blan.” You guys are screwed. It’s a shame. Good luck this year and see you in November.

By shivas

August 26, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Shambo, sounds like you have an ax to grind with all of GT. Nevertheless, I am a GT fan, always have been. I like the fact we have a program that comes into the season with high expectations. Because of the work of Chan Gailey and his staff, we have reason to have these expectations. The recruiting has really got me excited since this is the building blocks for sustainable success. I believe we will make progress this year, and have a great chance to win the ACC. You can call it choking at the end, but depth plays a huge part in that. Last year, we lost to ND because the defense wore down. They played great but ND depth was too much. Same with losing to UGA in the 4th quarter the last 3years. Now that we are establishing depth, I expect we will start to win some of these big games when they are close, and it will take a great 4th quarter. Shambo, why don’t you switch to UGA fan, then you can live in that imaginary world where you think you can win a NC every year. Just get the Gators off the schedule.

By shivas

August 26, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

One more comment. Bradley’s been on a negative tear lately. Get that personal life straightened out Mark, and maybe you can be more objective and intelligent. Article on Vick sounded like a personal statement to me.

By Elijah

August 26, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

This is for Shambo more than anything. I have been following Tech since 1990 and I was 13 then. I am a die hard tech fan just like my dad. That means I hate Georgia and pull against them most of the time. I don’t see why people are so hard on Gailey. He had nothing when he came to tech. O’leary was there for several years before he turned the program around. My dad has followed Tech since the 50’s and from talking to him and studying myself I have come to this conclusion: Tech is in better shape than they have been since the Dodd era. Even Bobby Ross was there for several years before they one it all. We were losing to Georgia before Gailey, and O’leary and Ross had losing records to UGA. Some of us Tech fans need to face the truth. We have some of the best athletes we have had, and now we have a pretty good QB, best defensive coordinator in the country, probably going to be a good offensive coordinator. I think that we are on the verge of becoming a national power house. WE HAVE COME TO FAR TO START OVER AGAIN.

By The Don

August 26, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

you puppy fans are dumb. uga is gonna be in bad shape this year like dogs at Mike Vicks house. GT 24 UGA 3

By The Don

August 26, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

you puppy fans are dumb. uga is gonna be in bad shape this year like dogs at Mike Vicks house. GT 24 UGA 3

By Wrecker1

August 26, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Elijah, you make some good points and I really think TECH is going to have a big year also, but you’re thinking is a bit skewed on Ross and O’Leary. In Ross’s 3rd year TECH won 7 of the last 8 and to finish 7-4 and then won the NC in his 4th year. That’s not several years. O’Leary was 11-11 in his first 2 years, won a bowl in his 3rd year and then won 10 in his 4th year. I just don’t think 4 years is several. I also don’t think the cubbard was bare when Gailey came to TECH but he did have some pretty tough luck his first year when Tony Hollings went down and Greg Gathers wasn’t able to play. Those two were probably his best offensive and defensive players. By the way TECH had beat Ugag 3 out of 4 times before Gailey arrived.

By Rich

August 26, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Tech goes 11-1, losing to the Hokies and missing out on the ACC Champ.

Georgia goes 6-6, Losing yet again to Florida and to Tech, just because losing to Tech happens every 5-8 years.

Just another 500 year for UGA, the 1st since when? 1995 or 96? Don’t be disappointed, y’all will bounce back next year.

By GTarmchairQB

August 26, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Did it ever cross Tech fan’s minds that Bradley writes this stuff to get it pasted on every Tech Player’s locker?

I really don’t think the guy hates Tech. On the contrary, I think he would like to see us succeed and provide some in-state parity.

It sure would make his job easier.

By King of Sandy Springs

August 26, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Why do people even talk about UGA here? They’re not worth the time. Tech has a great chance at improving this year. It’ll be great to see new faces directing the offense both on and off the field. Next Saturday we’ll get to see what passes across the middle look like. Mark Bradley, you look funny without the stache.

By jabster

August 26, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Elijah:

Thanks for the perspective. If you look back at the 1980s, we had a bunch of rotten seasons. Bill Curry has the second worst winning percentage of any Tech coach (ahead of only B—- L——), and really only that 1985 breakout season to his credit.

Then we had that ACC losing streak that spanned from Wake Forest in 1986 through Virginia in 1989, in Bobby Ross’s third season. Contained in that was a D1-A losing streak that lasted until we played South Carolina in 1988. People were changing their “BOSS ROSS” bumper stickers to say “LOSS ROSS” and “TOSS ROSS”.

Then, we all know what happened next. We beat Maryland in 1989 and, except for a loss to an Ol’ Ball Coach-coached Duke team (we lost three in a row to Visorboy), we didn’t lose again until 1991—then we still went 8-5 in 1991.

The B—- L—— era (error) started off ok, then the wheels came off after we lost a heartbreaker to F$U in 1992.

O’Leary took a couple of years to right the ship, taking his only losing season in 1996. UGA was nothing special that year either, with Clean Old Fashioned Hate being played for nothing more than bragging rights and a winning season record for the victor.

The last 10 seasons we have won at least 7 games each year. We have been to a bowl each year. We have a 12 year and counting record of .500+ each year in conference play (one of only four schools to do that—not even UGA or F$U has done that). We have won more ACC games in the last 12 years than anyone except Half @$$ U.

Yes, UGA can one-up us in many of those categories—but only a few others can as well. But, as I posted before, while we have to work under the shadow of a more famous state rival, there’s still a lot for the Jacket Nation to be proud of the last 10+ years despite not getting our props from the local media and certain other partisan groups.

Yes, we need to keep going and never settle. But this isn’t exactly Rice playing Texas, either.

By BH

August 26, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Mr Bradley, You continue to show just how classless you are. You are a true bulldog.

By VANDY-08

August 27, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this

Tech will give UGA a run for their money in November because Reggie Ball is gone. UGA fans think they are USC OR UF but when was your last N-TITLE?? I think Tech even won the National Title more recently. Also why do DAWG fans think they are so good. I love Vandy and we are not even talked about when it come to college football but we even beat UGA. So maybe UGA should stop pretending they have a dynast when they lose to VANDY AND KENTUCKY… go Commodores!! Thanks for the memories last year DAWGS!

By VANDY-08

August 27, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this

Tech will give UGA a run for their money in November because Reggie Ball is gone. UGA fans think they are USC OR UF but when was your last N-TITLE?? I think Tech even won the National Title more recently. Also why do DAWG fans think they are so good. I love Vandy and we are not even talked about when it come to college football but we even beat UGA. So maybe UGA should stop pretending they have a dynast when they lose to VANDY AND KENTUCKY… go Commodores!! Thanks for the memories last year DAWGS!

By DawgBite

August 27, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this

1/2 NC nerd. You guys are the can’t finish the drill queens of college football. When the going gets tough count on the little girls from the trade school to choke on it. The gap between you little sissies a UGA just grows wider and wider and wider. Get ready for 7 in a row little girls. As sure as the sun rises in the east you pizz yella wannabees will be crying that same old woulda shoulda coulda song when the season ends.

By Sam

August 27, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

By Rich

August 26, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Tech goes 11-1, losing to the Hokies and missing out on the ACC Champ.

Georgia goes 6-6, Losing yet again to Florida and to Tech, just because losing to Tech happens every 5-8 years.

Just another 500 year for UGA, the 1st since when? 1995 or 96? Don’t be disappointed, y’all will bounce back next year.

Dayum Rich. You just proved that some trade school fans are really really stupid.

By NewToAtl

August 27, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

Not being from around here, it kind of amazes me that some of the comments from the GT faithful would lead the unknowing to assume that Tech has some glorious history of winning when in fact the overall winning percentage is barely above .500. You guys are practically Karl Rove caliber when it comes to spin.

By Reid Taylor

August 27, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

I know I am late getting to this, it just that, my brain doesn’t even register the name Bark, I mean, Mark Bradley anymore. I did not read his article and refuse to consume any garbage fashioned by this “limp wrested” puppy. We all know what his lightly veiled intentions are, why play into them? Stop responding; he will eventually go away!

By curtrob2000

August 27, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

well, i cant really blame Mark for the article, it just so happens that the Chan Gailey era has played out this way since season one. i cant really blame him for his predictions either, i think we have a 10 win season in us this year, with the defense we put on the field every year, and with the experience of the offense and certain offensive pieces destined for success (see Tashard Choice), i know we can have an even better year than last. what is even more optimistic is the fact that we can realistically beat any team on our schedule. Va. Tech can be beat, UGA can be beat, we have to stand by our team and support them non stop. i cant wait for the season to start GO JACKETS!!!!!

By fortebuna

August 27, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

I also picked Tech to be 8-4. Then I got to thinking about the GAILEY factor and now I’m not so sure. In a close game Gailey will figure a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. As a coach this guy is a nothing and nothing but a nothing. Even in the dark days of Curry and Lewis Tech would fight but with this guy the team has quit more than once. That’s something I had never seen before this guy.

By Shambo

August 27, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Good morning Mr. Shivas & Mr. Elijah (and for that matter, Mr. Bradley).

Thanks for your comments - you both make thought provoking points. I would, however, take exception to Mr. Shivas’ point that Tech loses becauses of depth. I was at the Notre Dame game last year and Tech (yet again) lost in the end because of lack of preparation(conditioning/play calling/etc) and desire, both of which are Gailey’s responsibility.

Mr. Elijah does not want to “start over” after we have come this far. Frankly, I would not consider a winning record barely better than a coin toss worth saving.

It’s obvious that both of you are Tech fans(also Mr. Elijah’s Dad) - many thanks for your support. But, realistically, we must recognize there is a problem before we can fix it. A 58% win record and an embedded culture of accepting mediocre performance is simply unacceptable. We need leadership and Gailey has none to offer.

And finally, as for Mr. Shivas’ comment regarding me becoming a UGA fan, I must tell you - as an institution of higher learning - I consider U of Ga irrelevant. At Georgia, a “student” can actually (I’m not making this up) get a degree in “Magazines”, “Jewelry”,”Landscaping”, and “Leisure Studies”. (what could one possible study in “Leisure Studies”).

Anyway guys, pray for me because I will be in South Bend on Saturday wearing my BUZZ hat and gold Tech T-shirt.

By Reid Taylor

August 27, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Again, you Tech fans are letting a bulldog dictate the topic of discussion. Next week, his topic might be “Why Tech can’t get it done”. Do you really want to debate that, because you are debating his hogwash this week? Bark’s post has NO place in the Tech community. I understand your desire to want to play along, but when the conductor is wearing red and black, do you really like the sound of it?

By jarvis

August 27, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Bark Madley….You guys kill me?

Seriously though, good luck against ND. A good Tech induced arse kicking will limit the number of ESPN “Are the Irish back?” reports we’ll have to suffer with until they play another real opponent in week 8.

By DirtDobber

August 27, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Those who make predictions accomplish absolutely nothing . If wrong , everyone eventually forgets - if right , they are lucky , maybe have bragging rights for a day . Whoooppteedoo !! Those who make predictions and attach scores to it are total FiretrUCKING idiots .
Grow up Bradley . This ain’t high school .

By For Tech Fans that actually go to the game...

August 27, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

This team will rely heavily on how it handles itself in the red zone. Calvin leaving wont affect the offense between the 20’s. I believe they will move the ball just fine now that they have some variety in their offense with new play calling as well. Only question will be who will step up and make the big time TD grabs in Calvin’s absence? Bebe (gayest nickname EVER!) looks like he could be the man but is still inexperienced. I predict Greg Smith to step up and emerge as that man.

By Reid Taylor

August 27, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

You will never hear Bark mention UGA’s complete lack of academic standards, manifested in their well-spring of non-qualifiers and their “beef em up” farm league, Hargrave Military. However, I think their clean-cut coach said it best, “If I don’t recruit them, Alabama and Tennessee will.” Strategy of Basketball anyone? What a joke; just like the rest of the SEC, with the exception of Vandy.

By Jsonic

August 27, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Tech loses to Notre Dame and then goes undefeated the rest of the way, spanking the poodles with style!!!!

By VANDY-08

August 28, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this

Tech will give UGA a run for their money in November because Reggie Ball is gone. UGA fans think they are USC OR UF but when was your last N-TITLE?? I think Tech even won the National Title more recently. Also why do DAWG fans think they are so good. I love Vandy and we are not even talked about when it come to college football but we even beat UGA. So maybe UGA should stop pretending they have a dynast when they lose to VANDY AND KENTUCKY… go Commodores!! Thanks for the memories last year DAWGS!

By jabster

August 28, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

Jsonic:

One problem with your post. Poodles are actually smart. Here is a link of the smartest and dumbest dogs. . Look who’s third dumbest!

Also, John Heisman owned a poodle, named Woo.

By techaholic

August 28, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Virginia will beat Tech and watch out for N.Carolia

7-5 - same old, same old!

By GT Fan Jeff

August 28, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

The only two games I would change are BC and UVA. I think we will beat BC and lose to UVA. As someone else pointed out, I can’t disagree with Bradley’s UGA pick until Gailey proves he can beat Richt, though I honestly do believe GT will have the better team in 2007. However, GT had the better team in 2006, and we all know how that turned out. Ouch!!!

By Reid Taylor

August 28, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Any of you “Tech fans” who are continuing to play into Bark’s hands by debating how mediocre we will be this year ever build a successful company, or are you all like that puny little dog fan working for some half-a* organization like the AJC? If you have built something substantial you know it often takes time; especially, when you have Tech’s academic standards. Ball is gone, Bennett is competent, the talent level and depth is better than last year, Bond is the real-deal, Tenuta is a genius and Gailey is a good manager. 10 wins minimum.

By Yellow Jacket

August 29, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

NewToAtl your comment obviously came after you threw a few back at the bar because if you knew ANYTHING about GT you would know that they have the most bowl wins of any school including 4 national championships last in 1990 and they have the most wins of any division1 stadium at bobby dodd.

By Josh

August 29, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley is a disgrace to the city of Atlanta. He should be writing sports in the Athens Banner Herald! Put your hotdog and milkshake down fat boy and open your eyes. Georgia Tech will be better than last year. If you remember, Reggie Ball never got the ball to Calvin Johnson. So, as great as CJ was, we never got to fully see his abilities!!! Georgia Tech will finish the season better than last season with their only question mark on November 1st!

By Janet

August 29, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Yellow Jacket you have a lot of pride. Are you just one of those type of fans that like GT because you go to GT? Or are you a real fan?

By The Big Bug

August 29, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

If you can’t beat the dawgs,go back to Americus.

By Yellow Jacket

August 30, 2007 2:36 AM | Link to this

i go to GT and im real fan.

By gtalumn

August 30, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Hey,I just want to be able to enjoy watching the games without my #$%&* mother-in-law, who I was dumb enough to be talked into letting move in with us, bang around in the kitchen during the ENTIRE GAME! Funny how it takes 3 hours to unload the dishwasher when Tech is playing football! Move somewhere esle &%$#@!