AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > September > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTech looks like No. 1 underrated team
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
South Bend, Ind. — There were nearly 4,300 Georgia Tech fans stretched across the upper portion of Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday in the brilliant sunshine. Their view was lovely, and not only because they were eye level with Touchdown Jesus just a couple of punts away.
They also had a splendid view of the nation’s most underrated team, but only with an asterisk.
Here’s the asterisk: When the Yellow Jackets actually play a decent team (you know, as opposed to whatever Notre Dame is these days), they’ll need to show more potency and imagination on offense beyond the legs of Tashard Choice.
No question, you win championships with running and defense, and Tech has mastered the fine art of both. It’s just that somehow Taylor Bennett has to pass better in his first season as the designated anti-Reggie Ball, and somehow John Bond has to call plays better in his first season as the designated anti-Chan Gailey.
Otherwise, Tech won’t do what it should do, and that is shock the college football world for not paying attention. I mean, why weren’t the Jackets ranked in the two biggest preseason polls? They returned eight starters from a stifling defense. They have Choice, the ACC’s leading rusher last year, along with four returning starters on the offensive line, a nice set of receivers and a solid kicking game.
“But then you listen the whole week, and they’re talking about how everybody else can do something, and nobody mentions Georgia Tech, and everybody seems to forget that we were [ACC] Coastal Division champions,” said the garrulous Choice, who was as much on a roll with his mouth after the game as he was with his feet during it. He rushed for 196 yards and two touchdowns, mostly because he had to.
In other words, don’t be deceived by the final score of 33-3. This often resembled the Tech offense that couldn’t escape staleness last season despite having the great Calvin Johnson and Choice.
Yes, there were those 10 direct snaps to running backs. And, yes, before the blowout became official, Bond sought to mess with the minds of Notre Dame defensive coaches by inserting third-string quarterback Josh Nesbitt into the game for a running play. And, yes, there was that 31-yard pass completion in the first quarter that featured a nice throw from Bennett and an even nicer catch from the other Johnson (James).
Then … nothing.
Well, nothing that showed that Tech’s offense totally gets it. Field goals are nice (five by Travis Bell), but touchdowns are better. This is especially so if you’re Bond, and your stated goal is to have your unit became as historically potent as the defenses of Jon Tenuta.
“We really didn’t hold anything back [in the playbook]. We were coming to South Bend to get a win, but certainly, if we had thrown the ball a little bit more consistent, you might have seen a little bit more different passing game the second half,” said Bond, referring to Bennett’s shaky performance along the way to completing 11 of 23 passes for 121 yards. “We got to where we could see that we were wearing them down, and we thought we would just pound them a little bit.”
No problem there. You always go with what works. Then again, these aren’t the same Irish who won all of those national championships, produced all of those Heisman Trophy winners and concocted all of those football miracles. This is a Notre Dame team that had to use three different quarterbacks, lost three fumbles, relinquished nine sacks and looked generally clueless.
So the Jackets took advantage of Notre Dame’s ineptness, which was fine. It’s just that the ACC doesn’t have many teams with such ineptness, which is why Tech has to become more on offense than just a lot of Choice and a little of everybody else.
Permalink | Comments (126) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech / ACC, Terence Moore
Comments
By jimmyGT
September 1, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
wow. good points. first good article you have ever written
By serioulsy..
September 1, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
GT gives ND the worst opening game loss ever and Terrence starts patronizing, and playing the race card of course????….GIVE ME A BREAK!! ND won by a meager 3 points last year at Tech (with pretty boy Brady Quinn) and they brought the best team to town. The AJC is such a crappy paper, thankfully there are other wbsites out there.
By The Grinch
September 1, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
Wow, Notre Dame must really suck. Go Dawgs! WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF!
By Serioulsy..
September 1, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
GT gives ND the worst opening game loss ever and Terrence starts patronizing, and playing the race card of course????….GIVE ME A BREAK!! ND won by a meager 3 points last year at Tech (with pretty boy Brady Quinn) and they brought the best team to town. The AJC is such a crappy paper, thankfully there are other wbsites out there.
By Hugh Coke
September 1, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
Terrence Moore,
You are a complete and utter joke of a sports writer.
Hugh Coke
By lifelongtechfan
September 1, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this
Don’t rank Tech - Don’t say anything about them. The less you say the better they play.
By Dr. Suess
September 1, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
Or maybe Tech is that good. WOW. Go Jackets!!! Buzz baby. Go back to Redneckville Grinch and enjoy your “awesome” victory over those cowboys.
By The Big Bug
September 1, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
At last, you have it right.With this team & a QB GT could be a contender.Who but Gailey could assemble a team like this with no QB?
By Matthew
September 1, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this
Notre Dame is a joke. If Tech had not won, it would have been laughable.
Choice is a dangerous running back, but the new QB was not a factor… when GT plays a real team, that’s when the true test begins.
By Don Parker
September 2, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
Terrence, good points but this was the first game and the passing game should get better! Great win, Tech!! go Jackets!!!!
By Don Parker
September 2, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
Terrence, good points but this was the first game and the passing game should get better! Great win, Tech!! go Jackets!!!!
By Don Parker
September 2, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
Terrence, good points but this was the first game and the passing game should get better! Great win, Tech!! go Jackets!!!!
By Zach
September 2, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
Note that NBC never mentioned we were the 2006 ACC Coastal Champions even once…
GO JACKETS!!!
By A-ville Ranger
September 2, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
Mr Moore,33-3 in South Bend and you manage to paint it in a negative light !! unreal.This was a huge win and superbly coached by Gailey and company. I’m a UGA grad and supporter but congratulations on a great win.Best of luck till we bump heads.
By Sean
September 2, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this
Bennett will be fine he just needs to relax, make his reads and find the open guy. The sucess of the running game will also help to open the passing game up.
By *IS* ND a joke?
September 2, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
Quite naturally, all of the Dawg fans and everyone in the nation will never ever ever give Tech any props and just chalk it up to Notre Dame being a bad team. Same thing each season….It wouldn’t matter what place Tech is ranked or where their opponent is ranked. Funny that Tech beat a ranked team and the Dawgs are hyped up over a win to an unranked opponent.
By Don Parker
September 2, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this
Good points Terrence but remember this was the first game! Pssing game should get better. Great win, TECH!!!! GO JACKETS!!!!~!!!
By Don Parker
September 2, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this
Good points Terrence but remember this was the first game! Passing game should get better. Great win, TECH!!!! GO JACKETS!!!!~!!!
By modestd
September 2, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
IS ND a Joke?: Ummmm….is Notre Dame ranked? Have they beat a top 25 team in the past 3 years? Yeah yall won. Congratulations. Yall hung in there when yall had to. But boy was it boring as hell to watch. Choice is an awesome back, just like C. Johnson was a good WR. But one man does not make a team. Y’all’s defense put up one hell of a show, but ND had NO ONE RETURNING ON OFFENSE, get your head out of your arse enjoy your win. Start talking crap about how “bad” the Dawgs are when you lose again for the millionth time in a row.
By mikegadawg
September 2, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
Great game techies. i couldnt decide if you guys were that good or ND just so dang bad. a little a both i think. good win tho. keep it up so that when we beat u nerds in november it’ll boost our bcs average. GoDAWGS!
PS and it was the media that hyped up the OKSU “offense”, not us DAWGS.
By jabster
September 2, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
Well, if Choice was running all over ND like a Mack truck all day, why not keep it up until it quits working? It’s safe, it burns clock, and it worked—in fact, the more they did it, the more it worked.
At first I was afraid we had regressed to Curry ball—up the middle, up the middle, pass, punt. Then 2-3 yard runs gave way to 7-9 yard runs, and we’re moving the chains.
No need to give BC a bunch of film…by the time Bennett got his groove it was time to go to a running/short pass game to burn clock while remaining productive.
Hopefully Bennett will get some “airing out” experience with Samford and also some hard practice the next couple weeks to stop those misreads and pesky overthrows.
“Field goals are nice (five by Travis Bell), but touchdowns are better.” And a 40 point blowout is better than a 30 point blowout. Point?
By modestd
September 2, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah ND IS A JOKE? I forgot to address your most important point. NOTRE DAME IS NOT RANKED YOU FREAKING IDIOT! Do you watch football or pay attention to the sport other than the Nerd Herd?
By modestd
September 2, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this
good points jabster
By ugasux
September 2, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this
Dude this was a awsome game. Go to He!! UGA would have gotten their a$$ beaten there.
By IS ND a joke?
September 2, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this
My point exactly…..You assume I am a Tech fan and you assume that I actually called the Dawgs a bad team…
By ugasux
September 2, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this
BTW OSU has not been ranked in years UGAY F*
By GoGT
September 2, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
Good win jackets. Hope to see more improvement on offense.
By CW
September 2, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this
Terrence,
Good points about Bond and the offense. It is hard to complain after a big win, but our passing game must get a good bit better if we hope to beat BC, Clemson, Miami and Georgia.
In the first half, we could have put this game away when you look at the field position we had and the yardage that Choice had.
Final point, I hope to never watch another ND game on NBC ever again. Pat Haden and the other guy in the booth were horrible. They acted as thow only one team was in the stadium. Just one more reason to hate ND.
By David
September 2, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this
Nice comments, Terence, but what does Lester Hayes think about it?
By JJacket
September 2, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this
Let’s see.
Bennett throws for 121 yards, completes almost 50% of his passes. no picks, only loses yardage 2X as a QB against ND in a hostile environment. and manages the game pretty well as GT gets 381 yards on the game while holding the opponent to 121 total yards (-9 rushing).
We had more yardage in a hostile environment than the puppies had at their home field against one of the worst defenses in the past few years in division 1a. I see no astrisk for their victory.
We averaged 6.0 yards per carry for the entire game. Choice averaged 7.5 per carry. We lined it up and rammed it down their throats and you are wanting us to take a break and pass it more?
Cram that astrisk where the sun don’t shine.
Perhaps you were watching a Reds game at the time.
By Nice win Techies
September 2, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this
This Dawg loved watchin’ you guys blow out ND, especially at home - SWEET! I hate it when you think all Dawg fans hate Tech, I just hate Tech once a year ;)
By walter
September 2, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this
I am not a tech fan, but I think it is impressive that they went to south bend and blew out ND, Congragulations, I also think the Dawgs looked good, that is my team Go Dawgs
By wes
September 2, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this
Wow. Georgia Tech is the only team from this great state who has the stones to go on the road outside of the SE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And for them to go up to ND and smack that arse around…..WOW!!!!
YELLOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By dawgeatvol
September 2, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this
Anytime, anywhere, anywho beats ND is fine by me.
By SEC
September 2, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this
Here’s the thing. Bennett didn’t TURN THE D_MN BALL OVER!! That’s going to be the big difference this year. Tech is MUCH better if they don’t turn the ball over b/c their defense is stellar!! Give me a break. Give this team credit where credit is due. Worst opening day -ss whooping in ND history is no small feat. GT is legit.
By surfrider
September 2, 2007 3:26 AM | Link to this
Excellent played game on Tech’s side and game plan. Bennett was in a new situation and he was’nt off by much. They WILL get better weekly in pass timing. The ND defense is’nt as bad as their offense. Tech is much better than many thought and ND needs a QB. What I saw offensively is exciting. First 33 points in South Bend against any ND team is excellent. I saw balance and diversification potential. Obviously Choice was working so go with it. Bennett may have had some nerve problems and it’s new passing scheme. You hit on the nail though, no turnovers and the arm strength is there. What would last year or two years ago offense produce? My guess is nowhere near 33 points. Defense is even better with better speed, so we should be competitive if not more each week and have a chance. That’s all we can ask for.
By Steve
September 2, 2007 3:34 AM | Link to this
I figured that GT had a pretty good shot at coming out with a win today. The Irish lost a bunch of key people and the Jackets were rid if Reggie Ball.
But damn, I NEVER thought that the Bumbles would go to South Bend and spend the day molesting leprechauns like they did!!
From a lifelong Dawg man, way to go Jackets. A helluva win.
By Kenny
September 2, 2007 4:07 AM | Link to this
Can you say no interceptions or fumbles? Why pass when it’s his first official start as #1 quarterback, in regular season games, and ND can’t stop the run. sounds like a great game plan.GO JACKETS
By GT71
September 2, 2007 5:56 AM | Link to this
Broke my ‘NEVER READ MOORE’ rule this once and got to the 3rd paragraph before realizing what I was doing….and stopped. Moore - still a race-based semi-literate. Tech does great and Moore complains - and, as always, finds a white player who’se not up to his snuff to rag on. The AJC and Moore - we deserve better in our town.
By cltgtfan
September 2, 2007 6:03 AM | Link to this
Did everyone see what I saw? There were completions to the tight end and the fullback! We saw balance, when we weren’t ramming it down their throat. Yes the offense bogged down at times, but when doesn’t that happen in the first game of the year(especially on the road). Most of all, we didn’t see many mistakes. (0 turnovers and few penalties). This team was very well prepared today. Cudos to CG and his staff for good work.
My only hope is that we don’t see them get big heads somewhere down the road and lose to a team we shouldn’t. Go Jackets!
By Hal
September 2, 2007 6:09 AM | Link to this
As for Tech’s passing game I guess the Gator Bowl was beginners luck. I can see why Reggie started now.
By Ryan
September 2, 2007 6:38 AM | Link to this
Moore makes it sound as if Tech’s defense had nothing to do with it and that Notre Dame accomplished the nine sacks and three fumbles all by themselves…
By BigOl'BottleofRaid
September 2, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this
Congrats on your win, Jackets! You beat a poor excuse for a division 1 team! Too bad your QB looks inept once again and your whole offense is based on the legs of one guy… Can’t wait ‘til November! Remember, even when you begin to go into the tank in a game or two Touchdown Jesus still loves you!
By smitty
September 2, 2007 7:06 AM | Link to this
nice article TM, and for you morons that don’t like the ‘negative light’ or asterisk reference, TM is right on about the offense….tech dominated the 1st qtr, was in the red zone like 3 or 4 times and yet had a 6-0 lead….two FG’s made, one missed FG and one blocked FG….even the announcers remarked that it would only take one big TD play and ND would have the lead despite being totally dominated; sound familiar?…..i was starting to have flashbacks seeing chan’s stamp all over bond’s offense……..fortunately for GT, ND is not that good and GT dominated the entire game with its usual stellar D……i did see a pass to choice and a TE and some tweaks that make me think tech might not be so clueless on offense this year and TB just needs little time…..but one thing is certain, it will be another underachieving season for what looks like a great team if GT’s offense plays for FG’s this season against better teams go jackets……
By Roger
September 2, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this
Seriously Terence? You don’t make a single point! Why are you always all over the place? Are you that indecisive of what to write about?
By Gate City Jacket
September 2, 2007 7:12 AM | Link to this
The defense and running game was tremendous! The defense reminded me of the former “Black Watch” with Pat Swilling, Ced Stallworth et al. Got to tighten up the passing game and special teams if we’re going to beat VT, BC, WFU, and Clemson this year.
Can’t wait to see the Jackets and Gamecocks make some dawg-meat this Fall! To H@ll with GA!!!!
By Mike
September 2, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this
Iknow Terrence, Maybe we can get Justice and Grissom back. Just think what they could do for GA Tech, especially since they could walk on water. Speaking of water, why can’t you give the jackets a break for at least one day before dousing water on a fine victory in which they were underdogs.
By wilson
September 2, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this
GT still won’t beat the Dawgs!! ND is horrible. Even Michigan could beat ND. Well, maybe not
By GaDawgsFan 7
September 2, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this
I’m a huge Dawgs fan but I can also recognize when a team plays an awesome game. Tech fans it looks like you are in for a great season. I’m proud of the start for both of our in-state teams. Beating ND by 30 in South Bend and UGA winning impresively. Great start!
By Kudzu
September 2, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this
First of all, I was loving it! But as usual I could not get the game on my radio…790 would not come in, FM station only at night…and I live in Dacula, not like I’m up in the mountains…any body got any suggestions?
Secondly, the NBC broadcast (Notre Dame Network) was grevious. I really loved Collingsworthless half-time comments…not one word did he say about the good dominating game TECH was playing in the first half, only some stupid comment about ND’s quarterback situation…watching him and Costas was like two golf announcers.
Thirdly, my hats off to Tech’s defense…good grief they were stonecoldslaphappy…
Fourthly, Bennett just needs to settle in and get a better touch on the ball…I hope. He did not look good.
Fifthly, don’t let up this coming week against Samford, less than 50 points not acceptable…Applachian State proves that there are good teams around at all levels and Samford is one of them. The non-ranking is non issue…for now.
Lastly, Tough games ahead, Gailey don’t screw up with preparation, don’t start looking ahead and congratulating each other too much, Notre Dame may not win 5 games.
See you at the Boston College game 30 yard line row 22. Let’s Go Jackets!
By destin
September 2, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this
Our receivers look like they can be pretty good if Bennett could get them the ball. Johnson was open all day — keep it up James! Cornerback is the other concern. What is the extent of the injury to Word-Daniels? Pat Clark did not look good. Need to develope the younger CB’s ASAP.
By Hmmmm
September 2, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
mikegdawg says-“PS and it was the media that hyped up the OKSU “offense”, not us DAWGS.”
I love it when a Dawg fan can finally be honest about their team. As a tech fan I couldn’t have stated it any better.
I’m curious..how much was the media building up OKSU’s defense? I don’t recall any.
By WFC
September 2, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
Some observations on GT-ND:
Most important: GT had almost no “2nd and 14 or 3rd and 17” situations.
GT had no turnovers and no offensive penalties.
ND would have had almost no passing yards had Word-Daniels had not been hurt.
ND is not ND this year. But, lets see how many trams beat the Irish by thirty at South Bend. UGA wouln’t have done that (though they would have won.)
Morgan Burnett will be a stud.
GT’s receivers will be fine without CJ but I wish we had him.
GT’s kickoff coverage is much improved.
Durant and Bell will get the kicking job done.
Taylor Bennett was just “slightly off” on several throws. He’ll improve but most importantly, he won’t have any meltdowns.
I watched VT yesterday and GT can definitely beat them in Atlanta.
There were enough new wrinkles on offense to give us hope.
GT is totally solid in both OL and DL. This used to be a weakness even when GT was good. No more. GT has more good defensive ends than they know what to do with.
Phillip Wheeler should be a first team All-American.
By A Realist
September 2, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
It was a good win, and the outlook for the season is positive, but, I agree, stalling out and settling for field goal attempts five times still reminds me too much of last season. We’ve got to be able to get touchdowns from inside the twenty.
“Curry ball” wasn’t “up the middle”. It was Lavette on the toss sweep!
By Wayt
September 2, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Field Goal Jesus. Duck Notre Fame!
By walt
September 2, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
Remember 1990? Awesome defense, solid offense, no respect. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? I don’t remember if GT started in the rankings or not that year but we still went undefeated. And yeah, ND looked horrible. But maybe the Tech D and Choice had something to do with that. If Taylor settles in then 2007 will be a great year for the Jackets.
By Shipman
September 2, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
I’ve heard about NBC (Notre Dame Broadcasting Co) but still could not beleive the bias coverage during and after the game. PATHETIC. Great opener Jackets. We can only get better from here!!!
By PCinDuluth
September 2, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Not a Tech fan but I’ve got to admit. Playing perhaps one of their all-time great defensive games, I’ve never seen better - on a Tech team or any other team for that matter. Who knows? Maybe they’ll come close to beating U-Know_Who in Athens this year, but don’t bet one it. PCinDuluth
By eastofA!A
September 2, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
I realize that most consider Moore a ridiculous and irrelevant sportswriter, but these are the same thoughts I was having while watching the game. I also understand Bond’s comment about sticking with just pounding the ball down ND’s throat simply because we could, but at some point we should have looked at this as a preseason game and used the chance to work on an ineffective passing game. We may not face another team this year as bad as ND.
And isn’t being called a nerd by a bunch of illiterate, toothless, bubba rednecks actually a compliment?
By FreddieMack
September 2, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
If Notre Dame wins their next two games, everyone in the nation will be slating them as National Championship contenders. They will write off the GT blowout as new QB first game jitters. Reality, GT is VERY good and forced them to look bad.
Terrance, you are dead on with our passing game and redzone issues though. If we can’t get TDs, we dont make it to the BCS.
By WFC
September 2, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Shipman— I totally agree with your points but you need to remember that Notre Dame Football is NBC’s PRODUCT. I think that they have a “tough sell” after the 33-3 A$$ whipping that GT put on them.
By Bob H
September 2, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
When you have Chan for a coach Tech does not deserve any pre-season rating.
Pray and hope is the only way to help this excellent team.
Go Tech!
By ME
September 2, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, Not a big fan of yours but you painted this picture right on. You saw it the same way I saw it and I am a huge TECH fan. Honest assessment. GO JACKETS
By everlastingdawg
September 2, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
A win over N.D. is good no matter what the circumstances. And I don’t care what people say, if you hang a 33-3 on N.D. in the home opener, you’ve done something. congrats again, keep it up and lets meet in Atl with both teams undefeated and in the top 10!
By John
September 2, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Notre Dame hasn’t won a bowl game since Osama Bin Laden was an obscure shadowy figure.
Nice win, Jackets. South Bend is a great environment. But don’t get too excited. You really must put a whipping on an average football team.
A heck of a whipping, but still not that impressive, yet.
By Michael Stephens
September 2, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
If Bond takes a few pages from Spurrier’s playbook, these Jackets will go very, very far. He needs to quit calling passes only when everyone in the stadium expects it. The entire Irish defensive backfield spent most of the day playing vertually on the line of scrimmage. If he wants Bennet’s targets to get free, Bond must call far more pass plays when the defense leasts expects it.
By MS
September 2, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Great Win Tech!!! Keep up the good work. To all you Dog fans. You now have hope since you have a new coach awaiting the head coaching job. Vick can definitely get the “Dogs to BITE” Just give him some time to serve his real time!!! We will be awaiting you bad boys in November. Oh,, by the way Terrance Moore will be Vick’s offensive coach. What a joke he is!!! Keep up the good work GT!!!!
By kluttz13
September 2, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Kudzu,
I believe 107.9 carries the game as well as 91.1 Wrek Radio; not always but you can try. You may need to find the affiliate station for both, depending on the coverage area. Another option is listening to 790 on your computer, provided you’re not on dial-up. I was able to stream 790 while in Iraq, so location definitely was not a factor.
Hope that helps and good luck.
By Lee
September 2, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
Of course if Tech had passed more and had a couple of interceptions you’d be saying, “The Yellow Jackets should have stayed with the running game.” Hind sight is blind sight.
By Dave In Tampa
September 2, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
This Dawg would like to say Congrats to Tech’s football team! It does not matter if some people think that ND was that bad. Tech went up there and took care of business. Though you guys are in the ACC, still, you are a Southern football team and went up north to remind them that they can’t hang with a team from the South.
By ben
September 2, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
When you have an inexperienced QB who seems to be a bit nervous, you don’t send him in there with guns blazing unless you absolutely need it. The jackets played an almost perfect game and Terence has to tell us how they screwed it up. I think your 15 minutes of fame being the national spokesman for Michael Vick has gone to your head. That is the most asinine article I’ve ever read. Yea, they coulda won the game 56-3 if they converted every third down opportunity. But, give us a break. No one on the Tech side has made an argument for ranking us in the top ten…yet.
By St.
September 2, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
I was reading this blog and am amazed. I’m not bias towards Georgia or GT, but I have noticed a lot more UGA fans saying great job than knocking it down. Yet, most of you don’t give them any props and make stupid comments about UGA. I’d have to say that GT has a lot more classless fans than UGA! I would guess it’s because your jusr not use to winning the “big” game let alone any game.
By the way, I’m a Southern Cal grad so don’t even try the comparision between you school and SC. There is no comparision.
By NDsux
September 2, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
If there’s one thing Jacket and Dawg can celebrate together it’s Notre Dame got whipped in their home opener.
Forget about red and blue states; the real American divide is ND-lovers and ND-haters, the latter of which are the fans of every other college football team.
Whether Red & Black or Old Gold & White/On this one thing we all unite:/It’s great that ‘neath the Golden Dome/Touchdown Jesus was dethroned!
GO JACKETS!
By Vicksupporter/Falcon Fan
September 2, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Uncle Terrence, its amazing how you love dem white folks. Wish you’d send us some of dat love. ESPN aint calling you! Give it up! Anyway, GO TECH! GO DAWGS!
By McBuzz4ever
September 2, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
I thought the article was an objective and accurate point of view. Our offense and QB play must get better, and I believe it will. The Dawg fans need to have a dose of reality. When they won their only National Championship (if you want to call it that…with their opponents all having an overall losing record)), they played an inferior Notre Dame team and their QB (Belue) had a horrendous game. They handed it to a pretty good running back by the name of Herschel. Seem similar? Funny how you never heard them talk about how lousy Notre Dame was in 1980.
By dd
September 2, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Tech better do it this year. They start a lot of seniors. This may be their only chance for awhile.
They played a good game, but as everyone saw ND is awful. Hard to believe they don’t have any talent in SBend with their recruiting base.
By Brian
September 2, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Way to go Jackets. Everyone please remember that the guy who wrote this article is a huge Irish fan.
By Sim B. Reid
September 2, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
T Moore, I’ve watched and read your columns and interviews on Mike Vike the past couple of weeks and I can say I haven’t seen someone try to benefit from someone elses trouble as much as you have on Mike Vick what makes it even worse is that you are an African American. You should change your name to Uncle Terrence.
Sim
By jabster
September 2, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Kudzu-
If you can’t get Quixie, try WTSH 107.1 FM (although they are out of Rome/Rockmart) or WIMO 1300 AM out of Winder. You could also try WGGA 1240 The Ticket out of Gainesville.
By shut up
September 2, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Hey Sim…get over it…Vick is gone and its obvious you are the racist one. I bet you hated that a white QB took the Falcons to their only Super Bowl ever.
By jabster
September 2, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
WFC-
You said a mouthful.
Unlike Reggie, there were no INTs, no fumbles, no 2nd-and-shorts morphing into 3rd-and-longs because someone tried to be a hero and let his pride get in the way of his game and went off on a suicide scramble for minus-10 or 15 instead of throwing it away and taking his lumps like a man.
And a big hat tip to that new freshman kicker and the kickoff team! Kickoffs are no longer the oh-sugar-honey-iced-tea moments that we had last year.
By James Adams
September 2, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Six in a row, 13 out of 16, and 24 out of 29. When you guys finally beat us consistently, (and without benefit of two blown calls; i.e. ‘98 and ‘99)THEN start talking trash about UGA. Until then, just enjoy your victory over Noverrated Dame and quit wearing your inferiority complex on your gold and blue sleeves.
By mowreck
September 2, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
Was outta town but got to watch all the game. My favorite part of the game was the run made by Johanthan Dwyer for a touchdown … I never seen so many smiling faces on the coaches after that run. I hope he stays 4 years at Tech cause he is gonna be something. I honestly think he will be a better back that Choice if that is possible.
By Chris
September 2, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Even though Taylor misfired on 12 of 23 passes, most of his incompletions were thrown out of reach of the receiver and defender. That’s better than Reggie’s incompletions, which seemed to hit the other team right in the numbers. I think once Taylor settles down a bit, he’ll be fine. We saw what he was capable of last year. Just give the guy a couple games to get used to the speed of big-time college football.
By SIX IN A ROW
September 2, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Hey McBuzz4ever, The “lousy” ND team that we played for the championship in ‘80 was the #2 team in the nation and was 9-1-1 leading up to the sUGAr Bowl, with the one tie coming courtesy of the NATS. If you want to talk about National Championships, just remember that we have 2 outright NC’s and 3 shared to your 1 outright and 3 shared. GO DAWGS!!!
By DAWG FAN
September 2, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Congrats on the win tech. i watched some of the game waiting for the UGA game to kick off. I think you guys have a good shot at the ACC again this year. I still can’t get over the Mich and App state game that is just unreal. I wonder if Loyd Carr still has his job at the end of the year.
By GT55
September 2, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
Great job men , keep up the good work.
By ugarulz
September 2, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Hey “IS ND a joke”…
“Tech beat a ranked team, and UGA is hyped up over a win against an unranked team”
Hate to break this one to you…but Notre Dame wasn’t ranked buddy. Tech played well, as much as it pains me to say, and Choice looked like a stud…but with that being said Im sure that many would agree with me, even Tech fans, and say that yes UGA played a more talented team in OK. St…ND doesn’t an identify much less a QB. So yes we, UGA fans , are going to be more hyped up beating Okie St….than you would beating up on a rebuilding ND team….but good luck to you guys..Can’t wait to see you guys in the annual Thanksgiving weekend matchup
By TechIsGay-ley
September 2, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Six in a Row: Tech doesn’t even have one outright championship. They’re pathetic.
By jacketnation
September 2, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
Good job Choice, Bond and Tenuta. Great day of defense. UGAG fans, we don’t need to hear from your smart mouths. Great Pharmacy program.
By jacketnation
September 2, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this
Bumper Sticker: Honk if your athlete passed the Pharmacy exam at UGA.
By I JUST WANT REVENGE OVER UGA
September 2, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this
Its high time the dawgs take an a$$ whipping, no I’m not talking about Vandy or Kentucky I want to play those MF’ers now and not wait till Thanksgiving. Bring your A game to Bobby Dodd Stadium Richt—-cause we are ready to erase a lot of hurt. BUZZZZZZZZZZZZ
By Rick from PI
September 2, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
Uncle Tom!
By michael
September 2, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
one game played one game won. next game please.
By C.L. Iche
September 2, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
Can’t win all if you don’t win the first! Just ask “M”
By JustMe
September 2, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
hey Tech fans…. Let’s please not become like UGAY fans. Let’s cheer for one game at a time. Just win the next one. Don’t start chanting for respect or anything like that - no one in Atlanta has any control over that. But, we can focus on the next game.
Buy your tickets. Cheer on the Jackets.
The rest will fall into place.
By the way “TechIsGay-ley” - GA Tech does have an outright NCAA championship. Remember, football championships are not NCAA, but Tech does have one in another sport. Also, Tech has the national ‘mythical’ football championship in many previous years (more than UGAY has). In fact, GA Tech has more SEC championships that UGAY! You are an idiot (no shock there).
By GTSam
September 2, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
Great opening weekend for both the Jackets and the Dawgs. UGA is loaded with talent, but very young while Tech is talented and experienced. I think both are going to have big seasons and a showdown in Atlanta that will be entertaining for the entire country. Congrats to both teams!
By TechIsGay-ley
September 2, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
Just Me: Georgia has 12 SEC titles. Tech has 5. I thought you nerds were good at math? Do you know anything about anything, or are you just making stuff up? Get back to your cubicle. I want those TPS reports ASAP.
By Lee Corso
September 2, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
Who cares about the teams from Georgia, the National Championship runs through Morgantown, West Virginia this year.
Let’s Go Mountaineers!
-LC
By shane
September 3, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this
gtsam,congrats to you and all tech fans,i watched the game and enjoyed seeing the team from ga put it on nd.i wanted chan to open it up a little,but pounding them with choice worked,that’s why chan is coaching and not me.i am a uga fan,but i hope you guys are undefeated when we meet in november. you had a great win,enjoy!
By Sean
September 3, 2007 4:58 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore…you have been a steady voice during this Vick story… please tell me how the mayor of your city can say Vick is guilty of “ghetto loyalty” WTF?….Talking about excusing the inexcusable…First, it paints poor Americans as criminals; second, i grew up in ny and nj….plenty of ghettos, not much dog fighting…..Who elected this idiot…I live in New Orleans now and have a first hand account of a mayor putting his foot in his mouth repeatedly, but this is just plain foolish!
By KS
September 3, 2007 5:26 AM | Link to this
Moore is dead on. The 33-3 is a very deceptive score. ND looked clueless and reminded me of the 94 Tech team with Bill Lewis and his star QB cough Tommy Luginbill. Tech’s passing game was very lacking and bennet threw many off target, some that were surely touchdowns. I hope bennet will get better as the seasn rolls on. I do miss CJ but since reggie ball kept him from truly shining, the pain of losing him is less. At least we can focus on building other players now.
By heeldawg
September 3, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
First of all, congratulations to an underrated Tech team who should’ve been ranked in the preseason (not that preseason rankings mean a lot, but Tech returned most of one of the nation’s best defenses and several key players on offense from a 9-5 squad). The game was not as close as the score. The Jackets dominated both lines of scrimmage and revealed partisan commentator Lou Holtz as the idiot we all know he is. A few observations:
As I’ve said repeatedly in the preseason, this will be Gailey’s best team. Defense wins championships. Tenuta is a genius, and this is the best set of defensive personnel Tech has had since 1990.
The key to Bennett’s performance was the fact that he didn’t hurt the Jackets. Reggie Ball had a decent set of physical skills, but made poor decisions in the heat of battle. Errors like interceptions, missing open receivers, losses on passing downs by trying to outrun the defense, etc. were innumerable, and probably cost Tech 1-2 wins a year during Ball’s tenure. You did not see that on Saturday. This is a better team on offense without Reggie—even with Calvin gone.
Why force Bennett to throw the ball more when a running back is averaging over 7 yards per carry? Call me Vince Dooley, but the low-risk/high-reward option seemed to be to let Choice continue to shred the defense with his legs and keep the ball out of the air. I think the right call was made here.
It is true that Notre Dame sucks (they are always overrated), but that doesn’t detract from the fact that South Bend can be an extremely intimidating place to play. To go up there and destroy them in from of their fans makes a statement. It’s not like Tech played some FCS/1-AA school (Whoops! Sorry, Michigan!).
BTW, I think the Domers will be 5-7 or 4-8 this year, depending upon whether Navy can finally end their drought against them.
Tech and BC are the two best teams in the ACC right now, and I think the Jackets are better. Virginia Tech is good, but I don’t see Sean Glennon surviving an encounter with the Tech defense. I’m revising my preseason predictions as we speak. The Jackets are my odds-on favorites to win the ACC. Georgia has at least a 50/50 chance to win the SEC East (they’ll have to beat Florida to do it). The Tech/Georgia game will involve two top ten teams and will be a war this season, an early New Year’s Day bowl game. Should be a classic.
Again, congratulations from a die-hard Dawg fan! At least for this week, Go Jackets!
By Moshe Pippik
September 3, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
I don’t want to take a thing away from Georgia Tech’s preparation and performance, but it is quite possible that Notre Dame could start off this season 0-7. This Notre Dame team appears to be an average Division Two team. Wait until they play the offensive minded Trojans and Bruins. The Irish will be wishing they were still playing Georgia Tech!
By GTSam
September 3, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
Great analysis, heeldawg. You know your college football and I hope you’re right. Having two players as talented as Stafford and Moreno in the same backfield should be illegal! Have fun this fall!
By To the 2nd best team in the State
September 3, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
Moore is the worst sports writer in America. I dont think anyone in the country will deny ND is the most Overrated team in the country….. Sorry Tech you arent the most underrated!!!
By techengineer
September 3, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Moore nailed it. Great article! Tech has a great defensive scheme and a good defense. Tech has a horrible offensive scheme and a good offense with an unproven QB. They will need a little offensive creativity to make a run for the ACC championship. One thing that did impress me was although the QB was not very accurate, he did not throw any INTs.
My advice to Bond; TRHOW the BALL on FIRST DOWN!!! It will keep opposing Ds off balance.
By jabster
September 3, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
JustMe/TechisGayley:
Conference Titles: SIAA: Tech 7, UGA 4 SoCon: Tech 3, UGA 0 SEC: Tech 5, UGA 12 ACC: Tech 2, UGA N/A Total: Tech 17, UGA 16
Heeldawg: COFH will be a game to remember if both Tech and UGA are undefeated going into it…
By Chris S
September 3, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
It’s the first weekend in college football. Who knows if ND is any good. The only things you know for sure are Tech’s better than ND, UGA is better than Okie State, and App. State is better than Michigan! LOL, Awesome.
By david
September 3, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
I’ve been screaming at the TV for years for Tech to run the ball. Reggie couldn’t consistently produce. And Tech has had good backs. During the ACC Championship game, Reggie threw deep nine times and was on target ONCE. What were the coaches thinking? I’ll take a 33-3 win against a major college team any day. Does anyone remember the Tech/ND game where Tech threw NO passes? I believed we shocked them that day.
By Huskdawg
September 3, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Hey techsters, good game. Isn’t it amazing that now that we have both won our first games, that the teams we both were playing were overrated? Nobody can just say “Great game, we’ll see you in November.” I just don’t get some folks on here. I know there will always be the hatred there, but dam, act like a freakin grown-up. I have too much hate for the gators to put my time into my in-state rivals. I have to give Fla their props though, they’ve owned us for a while now. Numbers don’t lie. Anyway Tech folks, congrats from this dawg fan. P.S…..all of us dawgs are not a*******holes, most of us, but not all of us.
By jabster
September 3, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Three times (1942, 1946, and 1966) both Tech and UGA have been in the top 10 going into COFH. Twice Tech was ranked higher.
In 1946 we were ranked lower and had a season-opening loss to the Vols, the other years we were undefeated.
In 1942 UGA dropped one to the ‘Barn the week before, in 1946 UGA was undefeated, and in 1966 UGA had one loss to Miami—so apparently never both Tech and UGA were undefeated.
Unfortunately, we dropped all three to UGA.
By buzzmeoff
September 3, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Have a good season, Huskdawg, except for the last game. I’ve got a lot of dawg fans that we jab at but nothing like the obnoxious type that get on here. Not all Tech fans are like that either. Don’t let the extremists rule
By TechIsGay-ley
September 3, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
jabster: Georgia still has more SEC championships. That idiot contended that Tech had more. They do not. While they might have more “conference” championships, Georgia still has more SEC titles. I really don’t see what your post had to do with anything. Typical Tech bs. Get caught in a lie and change the original premise. jeez.
By GTFanSinceBirth
September 3, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
I’ll take a 11-23 performance with no interceptions over what we had last year any day of the week!
By james
September 3, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
great games by both ga tech and ga keep up the great coaching there is enough negativity so good luck both of georgia`s top two teams
By Sharon
September 3, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, why don’t you do what you do best. Keep writing about the down fall of Michael Vick and keep your foot on his head so he can stay down. You’re no fun when you’re not blasting him. Hopefully next time he will give you that interview. I think that is why you’re mad.
By HomerSimpson
September 3, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
Why do I keep reading, not just on this blog but elsewhere on the net, that GT had 5 FGs….it was 4…….maybe Reggie infected us all with this counting thing!
By gtfan
September 4, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this
Some good points, but also no interceptions. QB looked nervous but he was playing @ ND. He just needs some time. Why keep throwing the ball when we kept stuffing the ball down their throat with the run.
By falcon80
September 4, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this
I’m with you Tech fans, this looks like a pretty good team. I’ve been saying for years that your program should be big time. I was very relieved when Spurrier went to SC, because a coach like that could turn Tech into a powerhouse. I’d rather play him every year at SC than Tech! A major school in a Major(?) conference in the middle of the black capital of the US, with a decent campus and a beautiful view (night games at Tech present as pretty a view as is available in all of college football), should be a powerhouse! Whatever, thank goodness the Tech “brains” stick with Gailey and his “Reggie Balls” and will probably never have the balls to hire a coach that could take them to where they should be. By the way, did you hear Joe Hamilton on 790 say that Tech really isn’t any harder to get into than any other football school. Priceless!, Go Dogs!
By Coach
September 4, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
If you Dawg fans think ND is overrated, start working your AD to put them on your schedule.
By Roy K
September 4, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
sorry to disappoint the ESPN buttheads with a loss for Gods University. Also, I am so sorry to see Michigan Bg Blue get their butts kicked at home. The only hope ESPN gameday boys have is if USC and Ohio State can deliver. and TX maybe? The rest of the country if dogsqueezee based on ESPN. Boo hoo. Get out of the office Leo and Kirk.
By BuzzFactor
September 4, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Taylor is a huge improvement over Ball(UGA’s departed MVP). Choice is a weapon, and should continue to be used like one. Great Game!
By chris
September 4, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Where are all of the comments about what a bad coach Chan Gailey is? I get a kick out of those.
By yellowblood
September 4, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
The polls moved Tech to 27th so, other than us, few were impressed. The polls don’t mean anything until the 8th or 9th week of the season anyway.
By jabster
September 4, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Yellowblood-
Were you by chance looking at stale polls?
AP has Tech at #21, Auburn With A Lake at #25, and BC knocking on the door at #26. Michigan (squeeeeeel like a pig! Weeee! Louder! Weeee!) and Half @$$ U are “others receiving votes”. South Florida got more votes than the CrimiNoles. After the Gators, things could get downright dreary in the Sunshine State.
The Hoagies are holding at #9, UGA moving up a couple to #11, and the Vowels are all the way down to #24.
Coaches Poll is about the same (Tech is #21 there too), except BC’s in and Clemson’s out.
Too bad we don’t play the CrimiNoles this year…