AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > September > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USYellow Jackets can’t find balance
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
From No. 15 in the nation to No. 6 in the six-team ACC Coastal Division in the span of two games: That’s Georgia Tech for you. But this is also Georgia Tech: a truly dangerous team when it isn’t expected to win, which it won’t be Saturday against Clemson.
By now, we know that you count the Jackets out, or in, at your peril. Whatever seems the most likely outcome is least apt to happen. (If they played football in the Bizarro World, Georgia Tech would be the flagship team.) It’s a weird way for a serious program to conduct business, but the unrelentingly understated Chan Gailey is, judging not on demeanor but on results, the weirdest coach alive.
“You worry about your team’s confidence [when it’s losing],” Gailey said Tuesday. “And when you’re undefeated you can’t be too cocky. There’s a balance.”
Only there isn’t. Not at Tech. Here’s a school that’s demonstrably great as an underdog, having felled seven higher-ranked teams in five-plus seasons under Gailey, but awful as a peer, having won only one of six games when both sides were ranked. Here’s a school that lives to grab people’s attention but never seems to know what to do with it. That’s not a balance. That’s a pogo stick.
Said fullback Mike Cox: “We like it when you all [meaning the media] say we’re not supposed to win. We use that as motivation.”
And what, Cox was asked, do the Jackets do when they’re favored? Do they draw strength from such a show of faith? “I usually don’t get too upset with that,” said Cox, using an apt word.
Tech has become the classic upsetter — too gifted and resourceful to be dismissed, too unstable to spend an entire season in the Top 25. (The Jackets didn’t receive a single vote in the latest Associated Press poll.) They should have won the ACC last season but didn’t, and only two weeks ago they were consensus choice as the best team in a conference undergoing a tectonic shift. Today Tech is 2 1/2 games behind Virginia, which isn’t very good, in the Coastal.
“I definitely didn’t think we’d be 2-2,” center Kevin Tuminello said. “But sometimes things like this happen.”
Sometimes? At Tech they happen on schedule: First the buildup, then the letdown. The good news for Jackets fans is that their team never stays down for long. Just as nothing is ever quite as sweet as it seems, neither are matters half as rotten as they might appear.
Two weeks ago Taylor Bennett was considered a clear upgrade over Reggie Ball; today Bennett doesn’t even rank among the ACC’s top 10 in passing efficiency. Two weeks ago Tashard Choice was a Heisman hopeful; today Choice, who has a bad hamstring, stands only fourth in his conference in rushing. But the flip side to this — with Tech there’s always a flip side — is that Choice and Bennett and the other Jackets are fully capable of dealing themselves back into the league race after stumbling twice at the start.
“Hard times come,” said Darrell Robertson, the stellar defensive end. “Everything’s not always going to be green.”
The hard times Tech can handle. It’s the good times that stump this curious band. Only two weeks ago analysts were slotting the Jackets into the Orange Bowl. Today they seem in danger of not going to any postseason game. But that, too, will change. They’ll wind up winning eight games, give or take, and gracing some not-very-exotic bowl. This is Georgia Tech, and that, for reasons unknown and surely unknowable, is what it does.
Favored against Boston College and Virginia, the Jackets lost to both. This time they’re underdogs. That means they’ll win.
Permalink | Comments (69) | Post your comment | Categories: Mark Bradley, Tech / ACC
Comments
By MisterT
September 25, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
Mark, You have finally begun to grasp the essence of being a Jacket fan. You know that feeling you have when you are leaning back on the back two legs of a chair…that is what being a Tech fan all my life has felt like for 40 years!
By clmtigr
September 25, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Good lucking stopping our 2 stud running backs and our QB who has 12 TD’s and 0 interceptions. Clemnson wins………and wins big.
By John
September 25, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
So unbelievably WELL WRITTEN AND TRUE!!!!!!
By flack jacket
September 25, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
BUZZ768:
Please respond to my comments on the other blog. “Weirdest coach alive.” Yeah, that makes me proud to read about my school. How about you, chum?
-fJ
By BJohnDAWG
September 25, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
CLEMSON TO ROCK.CLEMSON TO ROLL. CLEMSON KNOCKS THE BUGS BACK IN A HOLE.
TECH WILL SPUTTER.TECH WILL SMOKE.LOOK FOR THE RAMBLIN WRECK TO CHOKE. Clemson 35- Tech 13 Look for Spiller and Davis to have big games.
I not very good at rappin.Just like Tech is not very good at football.
I never really came onto the tech blog until the bug men decided they needed to tell all the GA fans on the Dawg blog how the dawgs stink and Tech was going to kill everyone after they beat a lousy Notre Dame team. While Georgia may have a down year in 2007. Tech is down every year.
But its still Tech is a ramblin wreck full of pitiful engineers.And a poor excuse for a football team.
Till Saturday Gentleman.
By Crazy Robert
September 25, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
BJohnDAWG,
Don’t you have some livestock that needs some breeding action only a chump like you would be willing to supply the poor animal?
By GM
September 25, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley figured out at least 10 ways to say the same thing over and over again, yet nothing original. Gee what a great column.
The funny thing is that Tech has done nothing “odd” this year yet, beating 2 teams it should have, being dominated by a superior team, and just losing to an equal team. We’re just not that good this year. Beat Clemson and prove me wrong, but I’m not seeing it this time.
By John
September 25, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
GM. Feel free to write your column and we can read and critique it then. I found it dead on!
By john
September 25, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Why do UGAg fans make stupid fools out of themselves?
By BJohnDAWG
September 25, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
I kiss my cousins on the mouth.
By choiceheisman22
September 25, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
hey john dog you’re just like all the other DAWGS making yourself sound stupid this pitiful football team has 2 more championships and has the last one georgia still only has that glory from 80
By GM
September 25, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
John: I wrote my column above, it just wasn’t as long-winded as Bradley’s.
By Rob from Tech
September 25, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Mark is exactly right, unfortunately. The only bright spot is that Tech can win when we are underdogs. That’s better than not being to win at all. Like the Falcons.
By GreenJacket
September 25, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
I have to agree with Mark although I do not see Tech beating Clemson unless the Jackets win big on turnovers/special teams play. I think most of us GT fans would be happy if, every couple of years, Tech would field a team that FINISHES in the Top 25. Until an offense is found, we may never see it.
By STephen
September 25, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
whats dumber than clem? Clem’SON
whats dumber than Clemson? TECH!!!
By Pro-Choice? No
September 25, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
Sorry, but happening to lead one poll when you tie a .500 team isn’t my idea of a champion. I’m also not terribly interested in Tech’s “remarkable football history” that predates the US entering WW2. Get over yourself, Choice. And settle down before you pull something.
By CW
September 25, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
GM - “we’re just not that good this year.” That’s the whole point of the freaking article.
In case you haven’t noticed, our team is blessed with something like 17 returning starters, a ton of seniors and a bunch of “impact” freshman. BC is a good team this year, maybe they are “very” good, but no way they should dominate Tech at home for a night game when the crowd is all amped up. Did anyone notice that BC didn’t exactly blow away Army last week. The dreaded black knights picked off Ryan twice.
Then we turn around and mail in another inconsistent performance agains UVa, a team that got SMOKED by Wyoming, won a close game over Duke and barely got by UNC. So now we’re as bad as Duke and UNC?!
You are confusing “we’re not very good” with “we’re not playing very good”. Just like the man says, we play football in Bizarro world. Tech obviously has enough talent to be very competitive in the ACC. We just haven’t been able to consistenty get that talent to gel for 12 games a season. They have a word for that: coaching.
By Jet Buzz '80
September 25, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Mark, you’re on target for yet another mind-boggling crazy season. We’ve got to stop meeting like this…our Jackets bring this upon themselves EVERY year, as you must say EVERY year! Unfortunately, your column is accurate and appropriate. Take heed, Tigers.
By TexasWreck
September 25, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
We are going to get our butts kicked by Clemson, just like last time. We will lose big to Georgia, just like last time. We are going to lose to Miami, just like old times. We are going to lose to Maryland, on the road, as usual. We are going to beat Duke, UNC and Army. And we will not be bowl eligible for the first time in ten years. These are the facts.
By Mike S.
September 25, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this
Mark, for once, is pretty accurate here. I would not be surprised to see a Tech victory over Clemson Sat. Tech and UGA both seem to step up and play well when counted out. The difference between them? UGA knows how to win once they achieve some attention. Tech seems to be happy just to get some attention, then decides its not worth playing the games. But dont brag yet UGA…UGA still doesnt know how not to take a good team lightly when they are the overwhelming favorite (see WVU in 2005 Sugar Bowl, UT in Athens 2004).
By Mike S.
September 26, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
CW, Im not sure I agree on the talent. Sure Tech returns offensive line, defense, and Tashard Choice. But they also lose Ball (starter for what…4 years?) and more importantly Calvin Johnson (the ONLY threat in the Tech passing game).
Bennett is TOTALLY inexperienced. WVU has NO defense, so I cant really say that Gator Bowl prepares Bennett for BC, Va TEch, Clemson, Miami, or UGA. Apparently not for UVA either.
Basically, BC exposed Tech as a one dimensional offense. Until a receiver or two steps up and starts making plays or Bennett shows he can handle a constant rush, people will just stack the box, bring the heat, and watch Tech’s passing game implode.
Bennett may be a good QB given experience, but I think Tech needs to show it has some playmaking ability at WR or TE. So far, they are making Gailey look like a genius for just throwing to CJ the last 4 years.
By dig
September 26, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this
Wow this article probably took like 15 mins to write + editing. As GM said, Bradley repeats the same thing 8 times, using different metaphors while sprinkling in a few meaningless quotes to distract the reader. Classic deadline article by an average journalist.
Meanwhile, Tech has played significantly BELOW its talent and experience level the last two weeks [bad coaching] and, like we saw with Auburn twice and Miami 2 yrs ago, Tech can strike gold every once in a while and get more than people expect. I think the D needs to cause turnovers for this to happen b/c I still don’t have faith in Bennett…. yet.
By surfrider
September 26, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this
This time it may be different than the pattern over the last 5 years. Why? We have been lucky on the injury front and we had Calvin. Now the odds are finally catching up to us on injuries and we don’t have Calvin. On top of that this is now fully Gailey’s recruits and talent. There was the initial recruiting list left by O’leary that Gailey sealed upon arrival but they are well gone. What many fans had complained about in recruiting may be starting to show when the schemes are not working like the last two saturday’s. Yes last year was an excellent recruiting class but we need at least 3 out 5 five like that every 5 years to compete in this increasingly hard conference. Miami looks to be back. UVA is better than many think. UNC will get better. VT is tough and several teams in the other divison are tough. And there is UGA. So eventhough you have a point on trend this time it may be different if the last two weeks are indications of some flaws we have had. We won several close games over the last 5 years or quality wins. And we had several quality losses. So maybe now those narrow wins like over Maryland and Vandy may break the other way, against us. Until I see Tenuta’s defense back playing well and a balanced offense I will remain skeptical this year will be like years past and may end up being the final year of this yo’yo.
By Enough
September 26, 2007 2:40 AM | Link to this
If Taylor B. is the QB, Tech has no chance to win against Clemson and possibly any other ACC foe other than N.Carolina.
By Chan
September 26, 2007 5:45 AM | Link to this
For all of you football recruits considering a scholarship offer from Georgia Tech, do you really want to be part of a program like Georgia Tech. Mark Bradley was dead on is his analysis of the Georgia Tech football program, as evidenced by all of the Georgia Tech fans that agreed with him. Secondly, there no attractive girls on the Tech campus, except those bussed in from Agnes Scott on recruiting weekends. Why would you want to invest four or five years of your life in that environment? Consider all your options, and make a choice that is in your best interests.
By Top Dawg
September 26, 2007 6:34 AM | Link to this
Except that they don’t beat UGA, ever (favored or not).
By bubbac
September 26, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this
Tech had better get ahead if they want to win. They have the worst two minute offense, I’ve witnessed for 6 years.
By Happy
September 26, 2007 7:33 AM | Link to this
Since when did anybody think Tech was a top 15 team or program EXCEPT for the Techsters themselves, and AJC writers and editors. These articles need some prospective to reality, not some overhyped ” this may be our year!” junk year end and year out. In the last 30 years, Tech has been mediocre at best Save for the 1990 Bobby Ross Lifetime achievement award.
By Rick
September 26, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this
To Top Dawg: You are an idiot! You should come to Tech if you want to leave with a meaningful education and not a piece of trash they give you at UGA.
Our football tradition, we have a national title in 1990, when was the last one at UGA.
By Rick
September 26, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this
and your mascot is UG “ly”
By Vincente
September 26, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this
Our Tickle Piles are tied to the success of the football team so I’m hoping for a win. Then everybody will be in a good mood and willing to go further. Go Jackets!!!
By John
September 26, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this
GT is dumber then Clemson? What a post. That’s original and too bad - nto even close to being true.
By mart
September 26, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
What the heck, it’s only Tech.
By Steve Davis
September 26, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
I remember the Tech fans called us overrated last year after we stumbled against VT. Not this year, baby. Good luck being 5 and 7 Tech fans. Clemson grad, 1984.
By dawg fan
September 26, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
Rick - seems you are still living in 1990 - fast forward to 2007. Georgia has more wins than Tech, and Georgia beats Tech like a drum every year, and talk about an ugly mascot - a bumble bee .
By m
September 26, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
Mark…quit beating around the bush. CHAN GAILEY is the WORST coach in the history of college football…and YOU know it. Just go ahead and be a man and say it. Gailey should be FIRED….TODAY.
By John
September 26, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
M, he does say he is the weirdest coach ever! That is a strong statement and accurate and sounds even better then saying he is the wrost coach ever.
By REGGIE BALL
September 26, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
As my fellow techies ahve pointed out, we did win the last MNC for the state of UGA (sorry I meant GA). However, I hate to admit that year end and year out the dogs are a better team and program. I sometimes wish that I had went there and played back-up for 4 years instead of (never mind). It pains me to say that every 4 years tech breaks the top 25 for about 1-2 weeks while the dogs are there week in and week out. I just feel sorry for those recruits that decide to go to tech when they could have went to UGA (johnson, burnett, …). However, I do understand their fear of competition. I just hope other instate recruits don’t make the same mistake. Chin up my fellow techs, we should be able to keep it close this weekend and gain a moral victory.
By Brad
September 26, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
things have changed a lot on Tech’s campus over the past years, the girls are attractive and wow they are intelligent to.
By Mitch
September 26, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
I am a Tech engineering school alum, and obviously a die hard Tech fan. I have celebrated the victories and drowned in sorrow after the pathetic losses as much as any other yellow jacket. I’ve even been escorted out of a UGA at GT football game by the APD.
However, I have to say that I am embarrassed at some of the things Tech fans say on here to talk trash to fans of other teams. Winning a national championship 17 years ago is not relevant in any way to our situation here and now. Yeah, I agree that UGA is filled with well-off rednecks getting their ways paid through school, and it irritates me as well. But when you try to respond to arguments about FOOTBALL with a comment in regard to our scholastics being better, it makes me want to hide every GT logo I own.
If you are going to talk trash, make it constructive, make it relevant, and make it something that can’t be shoved down your throat the second UGA wins an away game in overtime and we falter to an unranked team that we haven’t beat at their stadium in decades.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but at Georgia Tech, we pride ourselves in being inteligent men of class. That is what sets us apart from the people that can’t pronounce or spell D-O-G correctly over in Athens. Now show me that I am not the only one who believes that.
By Wayne
September 26, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
keep it up Tech, you all will look real good on that blue turf during bowl season. GO DAWGS!!!!!!
By Mitch
September 26, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
I am a Tech engineering school alum, and obviously a die hard Tech fan. I have celebrated the victories and drowned in sorrow after the pathetic losses as much as any other yellow jacket. I’ve even been escorted out of a UGA at GT football game by the APD.
However, I have to say that I am embarrassed at some of the things Tech fans say on here to talk trash to fans of other teams. Winning a national championship 17 years ago is not relevant in any way to our situation here and now. Yeah, I agree that UGA is filled with well-off rednecks getting their ways paid through school, and it irritates me as well. But when you try to respond to arguments about FOOTBALL with a comment in regard to our scholastics being better, it makes me want to hide every GT logo I own.
If you are going to talk trash, make it constructive, make it relevant, and make it something that can’t be shoved down your throat the second UGA wins an away game in overtime and we falter to an unranked team that we haven’t beat at their stadium in decades.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but at Georgia Tech, we pride ourselves in being intelligent men of class. That is what sets us apart from the people that can’t pronounce or spell D-O-G correctly over in Athens. Now show me that I am not the only one who believes that.
By Wayne
September 26, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
keep it up Tech, you all will look real good on that blue turf during bowl season. GO DAWGS!!!!!!
By Wayne
September 26, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
keep it up Tech, you all will look real good on that blue turf during bowl season. GO DAWGS!!!!!!
By Observer
September 26, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Pro-Choice - You are obviously one of the UGA football idiots who likes to speak of their program returning to its glory days of Vince Dooley.
You need to come to grips with the fact that your glory days consisted of a three year period when you were fortunate enough to have the services of one of the most gifted athletes in the history of college football. Prior to Herschel, UGA was a perenial 6 or 7 win team that occassionally won a conference championship.
Its time for you to come to grips with reality and return to your own blog.
By Randy Rhino
September 26, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
I had more faith in Chan with his solid recruiting, but there are questions to be answered.
I can understand the loss to Boston College with Matt Ryan and company, accompanied by our weak secondary, but not losing to Virginia…UGH!!
I will never recommend GT lower any academic standards like UGA just to get players, but Boston College is no academic slouch and they are are force to be reckoned with. We need to take a page from their book.
You can also thank your former AD David Braine for extending Chan’s contract upon his exit, and not allowing Dan to determine if Chan were to stay or leave. This appeared like the last great act of defiance on Braine’s part.
GT is a good program and Atlanta is an alluring market for any D-1 College football coach, so there is no excuse for GT not being able to bring in a top Head Coach or Offensive Coordinator.
Pat Nix was improving the offense and Tenuta remains as one of the top defensive coordinators in the country. Pat should have been convinced to stay, as Bobby should have convinved Richt to stay at FSU.
I would have tried harder to have kept Nix, because Tulane was already taking a look at him as head coach last year, and I suspect you will see Nix as a head coach in D-1 or D1-AA somewhere in the near future. His offensive schemes and recruiting talents are solid.
I had season tickets last year, but Dan the Man took my seats away then asked for a Booster Fee. I thought GT is lucky to sell out year after year, now they are asking for a Booster Fee? Give me a break!
Well, whatever, my comments will not go far in terms of making changes, because it appears to be status quo, except for the Women’s Tennis Team who won a National Title this year. Maybe we should look at bringing some of these women over to the football program, along with their coach.
I can live with 1-11, but that 1 better be those half-breed mutts from Athens…
By a tech guy
September 26, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
instead of stirring the pot, you summed up what it’s like to be a jackets fan. Finally earning that paycheck, good like to hear it.
By yellowblood
September 26, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Good article. This is definitely a schizophrenic bunch. Too bad this formula does not apply to Georgia. Tech always rolls over for UGA and UGA is always favored. If Gailey can give us 2-3 wins over GA then we can forgive a lot. But everyone knows he can’t do it. Again, this team will lose to MD and UNC becauses they will arrive in the “lets just show up” mood. Meanwhile DRAD just sits in his office.
By College Football Fan
September 26, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
David Braine was right about Tech. They fired him for telling the truth, but he was right.
By GT77
September 26, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Gee, don’t you think all this is kind of harsh on the team? You have to remember that Georgia Tech is not a football school, so any bowl that they go to is an accomplishment.
I mean the Emerald, Silicon, MPC, Seattle, and Boise bowls are nothing to get excited about, but to be one of approximatly 58 teams out of the 116 in Division 1A football that goes to a bowl means something doesn’t it?
The top 8 out of 12 teams in the ACC get to go to bowl games as long as they have at least 6 wins over other Division 1A opponents, which isn’t hard with UNC, NCS, Duke, and Md.
Samford may not count if it is a division 1-AA team. I am not sure if it is or isn’t. Does anyone know?
Add in Army and Georgia Tech is bound to get to a bowl for whatever it is worth.
By JustMe
September 26, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
Regarding Chan…. His days are numbered. However, I have said this for the past two years. He is a very average college coach and Tech deserves better.
High academic standards are no excuse for poor football play on the field. Tech has the talent to win. We do not have to lower our standards to win.
I would like Tech to consider the current coaches at Southern Florida, Central Florida, and Rutgers. All 3 of these programs have risen from ashes and their coaches must be doing something right. We should be able to get a darn good coach for almost $1 million per year!!!!
By gtfan
September 26, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Bradley is a douche
…but this article is pretty accurate.
By jabster
September 26, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
GT77: We have been to a bowl every year since 1997. The number of other schools that have done that you can count on the fingers of one hand, maybe two. If that isn’t something I don’t know what is. We’re not a perennial top-25 team, but we’re a LOT closer than you think. Look it up. ESPN had us at #26 for top teams over the last 10 years, and that about sums it up right there.
Rhino: With the way the Bulldog Nation treats him, I still think Richt is one gold watch away from returning to F$U. I’d take him as a GT head coach anytime.
Tech fans may be a spoiled, fickle bunch, but we have nothing on the Rabies Babies in that department. Exhibit A: the USC loss. SC is a good team this year and there’s no shame in losing to them. Although it’s an opportunity to harass the Bulldog Nation (puppies: be a man and deal with it).
Lastly: our solution to the Charlottesville Curse and also IPTAY (I Pay Three Athletes Yearly) is to schedule them later in the year. We simply play them too early, before the annual chooooooke sets in. Don’t say you won’t, because you WILL.
Mark my words: the Yahoo Wahoos will NOT be going to Jax and Auburn With A Lake will be stuck behind BC with at least 2-3 ACC losses.
While we’re at it, get COFH off of Thanksgiving weekend. Maybe schedule it opposite Tenn-Bama on the Third Saturday in October. I’m tired of it being a homecoming game (literally) for Puga because all of the Jacket Nation leaves town.
I have to say that this is one of Bark Madly’s best columns. The one thing that Ma Tech does best is break your heart.
By LongtimeTechFan
September 26, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
As long as we have Chan we will only be a 7-5 team. We have the talent but not the leadership and the “old ball coach” to motivate to win.
I suffered through the 1-10 Curry years. Now I am suffering through and up and down Chan years, who that will never beat UGA and never win the ACC.
By JustMe
September 26, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
As a Tech fan, I will admit that going to a bowl every year is not that big of a deal. There are so many (too many) bowls now-a-days the team has to be very crappy to not get a bowl invite.
Besides, my expectations for Tech football is much higher than simply “going to a bowl.” Our AD must do what ever is needed to finally bring Tech football to the top tier in the nation. I am tired of being ‘just outside of the top 25.’ I want to be in the top 10!
We have the money. We have the great academic programs. We have the facilities. We have the City of Atlanta. Why can’t we? This is what the AD needs to be asking!!!!!
By Terry
September 26, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Assuming that we have the talent, then after reading Mike Cox’s comments, that tells me the team is lacking motivation.
Who is responsible for motivation of the team?
IMHO, team motivation is a key factor in why we lose those games we should not lose. It is not the only factor, but it appears to be significant.
Think about it.
By Lady Jacket
September 26, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
“Chan,” bubba, or whatever your real name is - your pitiful comments regarding our school show exactly how ignorant you truly are. Where do you get that the girls are bussed in from Agnes Scott? From Your father who went to UGA in the 50’s? Have you ever stepped foot on GT’s campus? Not only are there pretty women at Tech, they can actually read and write too. Stop throwing insults towards something you know nothing about. As for why a recruit would choose GT - not all of college football players end up playing pro -but they could have a great degree or a pretty wife who makes $$$ with her great degree!!!
By Jack
September 26, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Radovitch——are you just marking time before moving on or are you trying to build a program??? Just because Brane was stupid and extended Gaileys contract dosent mean You have to stay with Gailey——eat the contract and move on.
By jabster
September 26, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
Jack-
The GTAA isn’t exactly flush with cash right now. I could see DRad letting a year or two go before 86ing Chan (yes, I could be eating my words in a few weeks) to reduce the hit.
That said, as I recall, Chan is close to passing O’Leary in being the fourth winningest Tech coach of all time (he passed Pepper last year), and close to passing either Alexander and/or O’Leary to become the Tech coach with the third-best winning percentage, behind Heisman and Dodd. Of course, a bad year would torpedo the latter stat.
I’m not a Chan fan, but we’ve seen worse (Fulcher, Curry, Ross’s first two years, and of course B### L####) and I’m not sure if it’s bad enough to eat an expensive contract that would limit what we could afford to pay his replacement.
And, yes, beating UGA would result in a lot of absolution for Chan. If we go another 7-5, but include a win over Ugag, Chan will not be on the hot seat.
By Observer
September 26, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Just Me, you stated I would like Tech to consider the current coaches at Southern Florida, Central Florida, and Rutgers. All 3 of these programs have risen from ashes and their coaches must be doing something right. Please tell me you know who the coach at UCF is.
By John
September 26, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
Jack, you hit the nail on the head. I have come to realize that our AD Dan Rad is only here to pad his resume and use GT as a stepping stone. Unfortunately, this article and the GT fans that post on here understand what is wrong and what needs to be done. I just don’t see the AD doing anything about it. It’s like big corporate America - the don’t ruffle the feathers mentality. He’s a ‘yes man’ that will be here for a few years then move on.
By Mark Bradley the Mastermind
September 26, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley has a gift when it comes to picking Tech games. He always gets them wrong.
Or does he? Whenever he picks Tech to win a big game, they lose. Whenever he picks Tech to lose, they win. It’s uncanny, but for as long as I’ve followed this trend (about four years) it’s held true.
Astute observers might have noticed something else; Bradley is a U[sic]GA alum. I think he knows his skill, and chooses to apply it when he knows it will hurt most.
Examples? He picked Tech to beat BC this year. Last year, it was Notre Dame, Clemson, Georgia and Wake Forest, but he picked us to lose to VaTech. The year before that he picked us to beat Georgia again, but only after saying we’d lose to Miami. Look it up.
And now he picked us to beat Clemson Saturday. Thanks a lot Mark! Expect a blowout: Clemson 35, Tech 3. It’s worse.
By Spike
September 26, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Just me… I will tell you why. Because your players are not that good and you have Chan as your coach. And I am not sure about your “facilities”, either.
By JustMe
September 26, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Observer: Of course I know who coaches at Central Florida! ;-)
Spike: I did not ask you why. Go back to the ugay board where you belong.
By scooter11
September 26, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
JustMe: You answered your own question. You have Atlanta. Not sure what facilities you’re talking about. (BDS?) Also, it’s ‘South’ Florida, not ‘Southern’ Florida. And none of the coaches from those schools (especially O’Liary) would consider leaving their positions at up-and-coming powers to coach here.
By The keed
September 26, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
Hey, can you say new coach?
By The keed
September 26, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Maybe we can swap coaches with Notre Dame and improve the coaching talents of both teams.
By Jaybird
September 26, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
At this rate, Notre Dame will end the year with a better record than us.
By MM
September 27, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this
It’s not bizzaro world, it’s just the world of bad coaching. Welcome.