AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > October > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJackets sink closer to mediocrity
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
College Park, Md. — Now that Georgia Tech is flirting with mediocrity again in football, the choice is yours. That said, the wrong way to look at the Yellow Jackets’ 28-26 loss on Saturday at Byrd Stadium is to say they were maybe six feet away from inside the right upright in the west end zone of a comeback victory.
The right way to look at what I just typed is to say why were they even in that situation against an inferior Maryland bunch?
“Basically, we didn’t execute the way we should have at the beginning,” Tech defensive end Darrell Robertson said of their ridiculous 21-3 deficit early in the second quarter. “We came out sluggish and we just didn’t play the way we’re capable of playing.”
No, the Jackets didn’t. In other words, something is terribly wrong here. They have too much talent to own a 3-3 record overall and 1-3 in the ACC, especially when you analyze their three losses. There was that Boston College beating on national television, when they showed their No. 15 ranking was a fraud after resembling not-ready-for-prime-time players. They dropped yet another game in Charlottesville to so-so Virginia. Then there was their disaster against Maryland, which is not to be confused with Clemson, which was ranked No. 13 when the Jackets used much of that talent for an upset two games ago.
But back to the Maryland game and why Tech is sitting among the leaders when it comes to the nation’s most underachieving teams. In sum, the Jackets were clueless during the first half. They also were listless. Courtesy of Taylor Bennett’s errant passes and sloppiness overall by others, the offense was a mess, and the usually potent defense kept allowing the Terrapins large chunks of yardage at the worst of times.
Then came the second half, when Bennett did his Tom Brady imitation, and Demaryius Thomas became Randy Moss, and the defense evoked memories of the ‘85 Bears. Before long, with the suddenly aggressive Jackets playing as they should have all along, they just missed overcoming themselves when Travis Bell’s kick sailed just wide right from 52 yards inside the final minute.
This is becoming a pattern for the Jackets, by the way. They often lack fire at the start of games before turning into an inferno later.
What’s up with that, and why can’t the Jackets stay on autopilot more often than not?
“If I knew what was going on, I’d do something about it,” said Tech coach Chan Gailey, clearly frustrated in the aftermath, with his sixth Tech team edging closer to having their bowl named Emerald than, say, Orange at the end of the season. “You know, it’s the same thing we’ve done in years past. It’s the same routine. It’s the same everything.”
Sounds as if it’s time for a different routine and a different “everything” for the Jackets. For instance: Whatever bottom-string quarterback Kyle Manley told Bennett at halftime against Maryland needs to be pounded into the first-string guy before, during and after games. “I can’t tell you [what he said], but he set me straight,” said Bennett, suggesting that he used Manley’s scolding to throw for nearly twice as many yards in the second half (202) as he did in the first (107).
As for Tech’s rejuvenated defense that stopped making Chris Turner resemble more than just the backup that he is for Maryland, well, that’s a little different.
There were no pep talks. No chairs thrown across the locker room.
“I mean, there wasn’t any need for a lot of talking,” said Robertson, among the few highly motivated Jackets from the beginning with a fumble return of 32 yards for a touchdown just before halftime. “We all knew that we just had to come back out and play, so that’s what we had to do.”
Now the Jackets have to keep doing those things from the start.
That’s the problem.
Permalink | Comments (81) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech / ACC, Terence Moore
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By Jojatekfn
October 6, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this
TM,
You’re dead on. Look at the quote from Chan…same old same old.
We need a change. There has got to be a coach out there than can have his players ready to play when the whistle blows.
Pathetic.
By GT55
October 6, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
Here we go again! This is getting old Chan…….BS
By LongBeachJacket
October 6, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
As I’ve said on the other postgame blog, I always tend to give the coaches the benefit of the doubt. Not this time.
The Head Coach is responsible for this loss. His players fought back like bandits in the second half. Then just as the team was about to take the game, he “clamped” down on a hot QB and ordered 4 straight “weak” dives into the line and put it all on the shoulders of his kicker to make a 52-yarder. Even PROs miss from that distance at least 50% of the time or more…
The players fought their arses off to get it back and win it…then the coach gave it away at the end.
As the previous blogger states: PATHETIC!!
(I hate to go negative. I like to be positive….but I can’t put “lipstick on this pig”)
By Burdell
October 6, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
The offense saw play after play negated by holding penalties. There is no reason why Bell should have had to try a 52-yard FG. 10 of those yards were Tech’s own fault.
There’s no excuse to come that close and then get derailed by your own mistakes. Yet another loss on the Head Coach. Is there any talent that Gailey won’t squander?
By Techman
October 6, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
I’ve never been critical of Gailey in a public forum, but this guy isn’t going to take Tech to the next level and need s to be replaced. Come on DRad, let’s get a coach that wants to win it all, not one who plays not to lose….
By ArkyTech
October 6, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
Definitely played not to lose at the end….and subsequently lost. That has certainly been a pattern in recent years. Basically, what’s holding this team back are all the mistakes - on both sides of the ball. And no way MD should score 28 on this defense.
By Ramblin Man
October 6, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
What happened is the same thing that seems to happen week after week. Mr. Conserative, Chan Gailey has a change to win the game on the last series. What does he do, Run, 1st. down, Run2nd. down, Run 3rd. down, then have holding penalty. Repeat 3rd. down, another run. You can’t expect Bell to kick 52 yd. field goals. In spite of the sloppy play the 1st. half, Tech played well enough in the 2nd. half to win this game. When you are down on 30 or 32 yr. line with 1st. down, at least take a shot for the endzone. I believe in the last series that Choice did not carry on either of the three runs.
This team has to much talent on it to be playing 500 ball, and sucking hind t in the conference. I have never seen a Coach like Gailey that never says anything to his players when they come to the sidelines. He has the same expression all time. If they screw up, so what. At least George would get in the players face. But not Gailey. Either Gailey needs to let Bond call all of the plays, or he needs to get rid of him and start calling them himself. He just can’t seem to let go. No wonder, he is no longer coaching Dallas. He is to Damn conservative. Bring back George.
If we finish 500 for the season, it will be a miracle.
By Big Love
October 6, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Just beat UGA at the end of the year, who cares about the rest of they year. UT put a WHOPPIN on them today baby.
By RAMBLE ON!
October 6, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
Wow, way to set up that 52 yard field goal.
I’m not going to walk over any overpasses anytime soon.
By GoldRush
October 6, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Gailey’s days are just about over. Dan Radakovich won’t embrace Gailey’s mediocrity like Brain did. Have a safe trip, Chan. To discuss Chan and Tech football further join us at: http://www.bbuzzoff.com
By Navigator
October 6, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
As an alumni I feel that the every thing about Tech athletics is mediocre. The six years we had exciting play in football is over, until Gailey retires or is fired (yeah and pigs fly). The school’s attitude is that sports don’t matter, that the reputation of the academics will carry them. These are difficult times we live through, and maybe in my life time will never see another 1990 again.
By *changottago
October 6, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
I have supported him all this time but now i’ve had it. Chan Gailey has GOT TO GO! Radakovich has got to get rid of him.
By J204
October 6, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
Chan is a good guy, but being a nice guy doesn’t equal getting this program to the “next level”. I know there is talent and potential. I am tired of middle of the road seasons and not stepping up to that next level. It’s just getting old. Six years is enough!!!!! More progress should have been made by now!
By gtjackets930
October 6, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
wait a minute ChanMan. isn’t it your job to know what is going on. i mean, you are the head coach. what a joke of a head coach. please, D-Rad, let’s hire someone compitent.
By gtjackets930
October 6, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
wait a minute ChanMan. isn’t it your job to know what is going on. i mean, you are the head coach. what a joke of a head coach. please, D-Rad, let’s hire someone compitent.
By TechFan
October 6, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Before this game I thought either one of two things. Chan was either not letting Taylor play or Taylor couldn’t play. I think that there is some truth in both statements. Regardless, both are Chan’s fault. He either can’t coach or he can’t recruit. But when your quarterback is on fire, the defense is on its heels at the 30 yard line, and you run 4 times, I think it is painfully obvious that all Chan knows how to do with the game on the line is curl up in his shell. I would rather see us take our shot and lose than end up kicking a 52 yard field goal. If Chan thinks that players respond well to putting a leash on them, lets just watch the rest of the season. If I was Taylor Bennet I would be done with him as much as all the fans are. Its time for a change. Chan is a nice guy and a decent coach but GA Tech should expect and can do better.
By Joshua Barlowe
October 6, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
Chan doesn’t know what’s going on???
I can tell him - HE SUCKS.
By NoChanFan
October 6, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
I didn’t like it when we hired him. I hated it when our prior, mediocre AD gave him a contract extension on his way out the door. The only thing that explains a consistent mediocre performances is a mediocre coach.
If the new AD can’t figure out it’s time to fire Chan Gailey, then HE needs to be fired!!
Mediocre is as mediocre does.
By cyclo
October 6, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
I havent been this frustrated since the Bill Lewis era.
By 4.16
October 7, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore: what do you mean SINKS closer to mediocrity ?
. . . . . .
That would presume that we had risen above it during CCG’s tenure. If there HAS been some period since 2002 that you would characterize as ABOVE mediocre, could you please direct me to that period ? Further, please provide the information that you utilized to reach such a mind-boggling conclusion.
Thanks,
Disgusted Tech Fan (rapidly becoming Apathetic Tech Fan)
By Brian Jones
October 7, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
I have watched this to long when tech got the ball with 3 20 left my brother called me and said we will lose if he plays for the fg and wow was he right gaily has become predictable to all of us tech fans who have watched the games throughout the years. I love gaily as a person great guy but we need a change i have a few names Brian kelly at cincy and the guy i would love is ty willingham
By Brian Jones
October 7, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
I have watched this to long when tech got the ball with 3 20 left my brother called me and said we will lose if he plays for the fg and wow was he right gaily has become predictable to all of us tech fans who have watched the games throughout the years. I love gaily as a person great guy but we need a change i have a few names Brian kelly at cincy and the guy i would love is ty willingham
By ben
October 7, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this
We’ve got Vince Dooley as a head coach. Only its not 1970 and Hershel Walker isn’t on the horizon. We had Hershel at reciever last year and the foward pass (what a progressive thought) scared Gailey so bad, he refused to play his passing quarterback. I’m through. I can’t watch this any more. Wake me when Chan is gone.
By surfrider
October 7, 2007 2:29 AM | Link to this
Eventhough it was a tough loss this could be the turning point. It all depends on the games ahead. What I saw in the second half offensively is what we fans have been yelling for sometime. Yes the last 5 minutes of clamming up may be questioned but it may not as well. 1997 Joe Hamilton’s offense started clicking in mid season and Tech started a great run of wins/competitiveness. What I saw were wr’s catching the ball again, QB’s throwing with touch and fire, and diversified play calling until the end. The game was lost in the first half by allowing 21 points and not scoring any offensive TD’s. I’m also like the fact Nesbitt played a few plays and maybe Manly can play a few plays at some point along with Booker in order to keep Bennett sharp. We have now lost two close games that we won last year and in some previous years. But never maybe once (Clemson a few years ago) under this current regime have I seen the passing comeback ability that i saw in the second half. That has been lacking. We also may have some problems on defense since other teams are figuring out how to move and score on Tenuta. If the opposing team can get us in coverage they seem to win, So either we have to get more pressure or figure a way to improve team coverage ability. I also would like to See Cox get one to three carries a game just to keep defenses honest. He may be a better bullwark then the coaches realize.
By Justin
October 7, 2007 3:28 AM | Link to this
Over the years I have formulated a theory, and I think by this point we can go ahead and call it a law. What I am referring to here is the Chan Gailey Law of Mediocrity, and it reads as follows: With Chan Gailey as the head coach at Georgia Tech, every quality victory scored by the Yellow Jackets will be offset by an equally disappointing defeat. At the end of each season, the Georgia Tech football program will have at least five losses (one of which will always be to Georgia) and will go to a non-BCS bowl.
Check the record books. See if you can find one instance since 2002 where Georgia Tech had an impressive victory that was not nullified by an equally crushing defeat. 2002’s upset over then #8 N.C. State would have been great, if not paired with a loss to Fresno State in the Silicon Valley Classic. This is a program that, in the same season, beat #17 Auburn and lost 41-17 to Duke. The victory over #3 Miami in 2005 was truly amazing, but it would have been much more memorable if the season had not ended with a lopsided loss to Utah in the Emerald Bowl.
Don’t get me wrong, I want Chan Gailey to succeed at Tech. He’s a strong recruiter, and it’s amazing that with all the talent he brings in that Georgia Tech does not enjoy more success on the gridiron. They have shown time and again that, on any given day, they can beat just about anybody (except Georgia). But they can’t put a strong season together, and they always find ways to lose to inferior teams. It is unfortunate, but as a Tech fan you can’t get excited about knocking off a ranked opponent anymore, because you know that the Law of Mediocrity will not be denied and to make up for it the Jackets will soon find themselves the victims of an upset.
By Burdell's Brother
October 7, 2007 3:40 AM | Link to this
HEY DRAD, NOT GIVING ANOTHER DAMN DIME TO THE ATHLETI PROGRAM AS LONG AS GAILEY IS COACH!!!!
DO YOUR F’ING JOB AND REPLACE HIM
By Braves Fan 79
October 7, 2007 4:31 AM | Link to this
As a GT fan….while i hate the way college football is setup with all the who gives a s**.com bowls, i think GT is a perfect example of why there should be a playoff in college football. Sometimes the best teams loose…an unlucky play here or there. Last year when on fire…GT coulda beat ANYONE! Florida, USC, LSU included. The Cardinals proved last year in the world series that given a chance….ANYTHING can happen!
College football: master of the paper champion!
On to GT. Gaily is WAY 2 conservative and will never win a title at tech. We all knew that after last years opening day loss with Notre Dame! Remember him punting with under 2 min left in the game…when everyone it seemed BUT gailey knew wed never get the ball back!
And today…i was yelling for a pass play to move up the ball 5 yars at least….but was anyone really suprised by a meaningless run up the middle??
By FIRE CHAN
October 7, 2007 4:36 AM | Link to this
TALENT LIKE THIS IS BEING SQUANDERED. FIRE THE COACH. FIRE CHAN. IT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED 5 YEARS AGO. FIRE CHAN NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
By too conservative
October 7, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
If you watched the play calling during LSU’s final drive, you can understand why Tech’s coaching continues to cost us gains. Can you say conservative! We were driving, had a hot quarterback, and we play conservative to set up a 50 yard field goal. Absolutely ridiculous. Chan has to go, or we will never achieve greatness.
By GT Evans
October 7, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
I sit here a very frustrated Tech fan because I can’t understand (like most) why we still have Chan Gailey as a head coach. My television had so many curse words thrown at it, I had to wash it down with a bar of soap. They talk about marketing this program, let’s try marketing it by being aggressive on the field like top tier teams. I finished our pathetic game and flipped over to watch the Georgia/Tennessee game and the coaching is like night and day compared to ours. Guess what? Tennessee had the ball on fourth down beating the pups 28-7 and THEY WENT FOR IT!!! Can you even imagine Chan Gailey doing that? THINGS HAVE TO CHANGE.
By kevin
October 7, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
Who lost ACC last year Gailey Gailey who lives in a pineapple under the sod Gailey Gailey…who clueless n looks confused Coach Chan Gailey…..spongebob Gaileypants!
By fred
October 7, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
One more time: BY CONDONING MEDIOCRITY, GT HAS ACCEPTED MEDIOCRITY.
I saw parts of UNC’s “hustle” win over Miami.A rebuild at a school with tons of enviable athletic chapters. We allow Gailey to “turn around average to pitiful”. Know how many years it will take to hit bottom and rebound?
DO YOUR JOB—-QUICKLY!!!
By Dan
October 7, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
Is maryland that much “inferior?” I think not.
O-Line-Maryland WRs-maryland QB-about the same RB-MD is deeper, Choice is best. Offense defenitly goes to MD
Defense D-Line-Huge tech advantage. LBs-Tech-but not by much. Secondary-Draw.
Coaching-Maryland
So who is really inferior? Too easy for the author to dismiss the competition like that.
By WFC
October 7, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Compare Chan to Les Miles and Tech-Maryland to LSU-Florida. No, GT does not have the talent that LSU has but Maryland doesn’t have Florida’s talent either… that’s a wash. The difference? Miles tries to win the dam* game. I would have been proud to have been an LSU fan last night even if the Tigers had lost. I’m embarassed to be a GT fan (after 47 years.)
I said to my son after our final first down… “if Chan goes Chan now, we will lose… and of course we did. TB was on fire and the Terps were dead tired… GO FOR IT! But no… Chan went back to his roots… Georgia high school football in the early 1960’s and the totally BORING and predictable NFL. Maryland was selling out to stop the run up the middle and EVERYBODY could see it because EVERYBODY knows Chan. Yesterday’s loss was a disgrace in spite of the fact that Tech’s players played their hearts out to come back. Smith, Thomas and Bennett were magniificent in the second half. Chan was Chan. ENOUGH, already!!!!!!!!!
By wes
October 7, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
I’ve liked Chan over the years but now is a time for change. We’ve all seen how divided the fan base has become.
Let’s move on, finish strong, and go with another leader at season’s end.
By Mike0988
October 7, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
I think that Mr. Moore may be underestimating the Terps just a bit. He trumpets how Tech beat, then #13 Clemson, but fails to remind the readers how MD beat #10 Rutgers, at Rutgers, last week. If not for blowing a 24-3, third quarter lead to Wake a few weeks ago, MD would be 5-1. Chris Turner was also the #1 ranked prep quarterback in PA when he signed with the Terps. There is no doubt that Tech will be back and be back strong, but the 21-3 lead that the Terps established was legit.
By gtne80
October 7, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
“If I knew what was going on, I’d do something about it,” said Tech coach Chan Gailey,
Errrrrrr…..coach? Isn’t it YOUR JOB to know what’s going on??????
How to salvage Tech’s season? That’s easy….CAN CHAN!!!!!
By fortebuna
October 7, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Same old same old with this jerk who only collects a check and laughs all the way to the bank. He has no feel for the college game and certainly no feel for Tech. It’s time the AD steps up and says no more and I mean no more. I am beginning to think (as one poster on a board calls him) DA has alzheimer’s. He even in the same breath as Bill Lewis is possibly the worst coach ever at the flats. DA do the right think and announce your retirement now, not at seasons end but NOW! DA you got to GO!
By FredHB
October 7, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Inferior Maryland still won even playing without its starting quarterback, without its leading tackler on defense and losing its top offensive lineman early, not to mention giving away an absolute gift touchdown at the end of the half. How many advantages do your superior talents need?
By eastofA!A
October 7, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
I’m stuck trying to decide if my new moniker for Chan Gailey is FWL (Find A Way to Lose) or ATW (Afraid to Win). But then there’s the “I don’t know why we’re not ready to play” angle, so maybe it should NAC (Not a Clue).
Football is a game that should be fun and exciting, not fearful and protectionist. After that miserable display of yesterday I am so off this bandwagon, and will be until FWL is gone. I just can’t stand watching this incredibly talented group play like they’re not sure the game has started, or trying to win every game by a maximum of three points.
I’d rather lose in a blaze of fearless glory, than constantly trip up by trying to cut it too close. I agree with other Tech alumni, it is soon time for Radakovich to do his job.
By Jonny
October 7, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
“Inferior Maryland bunch”? Lol, the Terps controlled the game, and if not for the fumble return for a TD, the field goal wouldn’t have been an issue. That Clemson win for Tech, like the ND win, doesn’t look so impressive anymore. I see no proof whatsoever that Tech is superior to Maryland.
By OkieDon
October 7, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
Tech football mediocrity + Gailey Coahing = Fan Apathy
By GTlover
October 7, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Chan did a great thing for himself and his family when he sigend to come to Tech for about $1 million per year. It is as if he sees this assignment as his semi-retirement period. He is a proponent of short working hours for himself and his staff and he even has been known to cancel practices (prior to this season!) when he feels his team needs no more practice! He is asleep - no one bother him please! DRad and all Tech alum need to check him out of the Tech hotel!!!!! Can Chan!!!!!
Can Chan!!!!!
By Patrick
October 7, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
We need David Cutcliffe.
By atlantanative62
October 7, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Why is anyone expecting anything different from Tech this year? Everyone points to last year’s nine wins representing a “break out” year for Tech. Throw out the Samford/Troy games and even last year is nothing but another mediocre 7-5 season against real against “normal” competition. As long as Chan Gailey is the football coach at GA Tech, we will NEVER be more than a mediocre football program. What really suck is the recruiting momentum we have been experiencing for last two years is about to evaporate faster than you can say THWG. Everyone who recruits against Tech is going to point to this year and say “They can’t even win with senior talent”. Chan, you are good man. But you are a lousy head football coach.
By DON
October 7, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Winning begins with leadership (coaching.) Leadership begets motivation (coaching). Motivation begets effort (effort begets winning) Winning validates effort.
Gailey has demonstrated none of these traits.
By GTlover
October 7, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
Only alternative to giving up on Chan:
Someone PLEASE teach him how to deal with the media.
Someone PLEASE influence him to leave John Bond alone. How respectful is it of Chan to hover over competent men like Bond? Chan is over the hill when it comes to offensive strategies.
By aw
October 7, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
How could any coach with three downs and 52 yards to win a game,not try to improve field position? The coaches lost this game in the first half.and the last two minutes. STUPID MORONS!
By ncjacket
October 7, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
Get used to it! Chan will always be Chan!
By Mike
October 7, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
I’m very tired of the Chan Gailey era. Even Jon Tenuta defense doesn’t seem to be able to get the job done. Lots of good players on defense. We have a veteran lineman holding and takes us out of the game. Last year at Georgia, a senior player jumps off sides near the goal line and takes us out. I know the coaches don’t tackle or hold, but these players are not ready every week. We need a coach and leader.
By NorthAveAlum
October 7, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Gailey said it all - “if I knew what was going on…” That’s a major part of the problem - he doesn’t. The only loss this year that makes sense is BC, and I still think the Jackets could have won that (sans the extensive holding by BC). We have way too much talent to be 3-3. I don’t know Manley said to Bennett, but it seems we need a mic on Manley wired to Bennett’s helmet throughout the game. Come on Jackets, I can’t stand another loss to the mutts.
By GM
October 7, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
Conservative football does not work because there is no margin for error - like a holding penalty, etc. If you’re up 2 touchdowns with minutes to play, it doesn’t matter.
By College Football Fan
October 7, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Gee, maybe David Braine was right about Tech.
By Queen Bee
October 7, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
You know, the Emerald Bowl isn’t all that bad. San Francisco is a very charming city.
By steve
October 7, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
As a fair-weather Maryland fan, I love to read the comments by rooters of whichever is the losing team. It’s never, NEVER that the other team played well, it’s always - “if we had done this, or if we hadn’t done that.” Hey, if Maryland had played a little more conservative and hadn’t had that fumble returned by GT for a TD, the game wouldn’t have even been close. Oh, sorry, I forgot, the fumble was due to GT’s good play, not MD’s bad play
By sick of chan
October 7, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
ramblin man said: “bring back George”. Um, as my friend once put it, George O’leary is the best 6-5 coach in the nation. with out the hamburgler, Ralph, Tech would’ve never had those 10-2, 9-3 seasons. so i disagree, no we don’t need george back. but what we need is to can chan. PULEEESE SOMEONE GET RID OF HIM!!! i’m sick of seeing our team lose by bad coaching (think of how the players must feel).
By misterwax
October 7, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
When the team lost to UGA, WF, and then WVU in the end of the season slump, the Athletic director has the “nads” to virtually double season ticket prices to loyal alumni, and then somehow believe that Tech fans will pay out the nose like SEC fans for mediocrity, then you get what you get…. I had season tickets on the 47 YL and decided not to renew after 25 years….seems like a wise move, especially aftre I sat in the rain in JAX for the debacle vs. WFU…same old same old….
By sting
October 7, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
I’ve supported Gailey repeatedly for years,but it’s time to move on. Maybe Manley should take over, it sounds like he gives a dam. Chan obviously doesn’t. Nice to see the cuffs off Bennett. Imagine the possibilities w/o Chan conservatism.
By flack jacket
October 7, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
And yet the moron lives on because the mediocre fan base has a warm feeling in their hearts that Chan is a good man and the best they deserve.
As stated elsewhere, I don’t care about any other games except the expected humping by the mutts and not losing to Duke again. Life is just too short to care about this bull sh*t.
-fJ
By The Big Bug
October 7, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
This to Travis Bell:
It sure as hell wasn’t your fault. You’ve done your job and then some.
By Fall Jacket
October 7, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
To Dan Rad- If you want anymore of my money, it better be to pay the salary of new head coach!! Otherwise, go ask March Richt or a Georgia Fan. B/c you’ll have a better chance of getting their money unless you end Gailey’s regime at season’s end.
By WillieD
October 7, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
I guess Im another "I have supported Chan in the past, BUT..." guys. I have never seen such unanimity on a blog before, and in the past I tried to lean against the wind and stick up for Chan. Not today. He could easily win the "Guy who attached the milkwagon to Secretariat" award. Whats sad is HE recruted all these fine young men, convinced them they would win titles, and then shackles them to anchors.
Someone mentioned LSU coach Les Miles above. Cant you just see our kids (and prospects) cringe when the announcers last night were talking about "Going for it. Showing his faith in his players ability, and GOING FOR IT ON FOURTH AND THREE when a field goal would tie.”
I suppose there may be a proper time to “Play not to lose”, but it sure as hell aint when youre behind.
Chan is a good guy, a fine upstanding person who I personally admire. But hes not the Head Coach we want. To his everlasting credit, however, he has shown that Tech CAN recruit successfully, something his predecessors never accomplished nor thought possible. The next guy can take a page out of that book and put it to use. I hope the next guy also will keep Giff Smith and some more of the staff - like Bryan Jon-Marie and Charles Kelly (who may be the best coach we have. Id love to see him get hold of those DBs).
By GT84
October 7, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Shouldn’t the Tech administration be tired of mediocrity? I didn’t like it when Chan was hired, and he’s done nothing to change my mind. He’s not a bad recruiter, but if you can’t do anything with the talent once you’ve gotten it, you’re a lousy coach.
By What the Hell
October 7, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
Money is the only thing that Tech understands and listens to. Thanks to DRad, there is now no meaningful penalty if you decide to sit out a season and not renew your season tickets. Before, people would get angry about bad coaching, but no one wanted to lose his A-T points by not renewing. The Tech Fund has changed that.
If you want to send a message to DRad, then cease your A-T donations and DO NOT renew your season tickets. Buy some family packs or three-packs for next year’s games, or just buy some tickets off the street beforehand. Judging by the season so far, you’ll have no problem getting decent seats in 2008, and you’ll save a bundle.
Once DRad sees revenues drop by a few million dollars, and the GTAA plunge back into the red, he’ll do something about Chan quickly enough.
By GT68
October 7, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
Terence Moore finally got one almost right. The problem with Tech is a coach who doesn’t have a clue that part of his job is “motivator.” Here we have a team that opened the season with a chance to run the table, and, again, we’re bogged in mediocrity. A coach who can’t figure out the problem needs to find another profession. Never was a problem with Bobby Dodd.
By Reebok
October 7, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this
“If I knew what was going on I would fix it.” Wow, that’s encouraging! Chan seems like a really great person, and he’s done a good job luring talented players to Tech, but HE IS NOT A BIG-TIME COLLEGE COACH. Tech fans, as hard as it is to “turn” on your team, there’s only one thing to do…stay away in drives until Chan is replaced by a quality college coach. The players may well quit on Chan after today’s debacle…5 and 7 looks possible.
By ACC Fan
October 7, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
While I think most of you are too negative about the Maryland game, you don’t come close to the Dawg bloggers who are ready to throw in the towel on the coaches (especially Martinez), the players, and even Munson. I couldn’t get through the entire list of their bloggers but you would think the end has come to the Dawgs for this season and beyond. There were some good things in the Maryland game, namely Taylor Bennett’s performance. If the field goal makes it, what would all you be saying? I do agree with the criticism of the play calling, especially on the last drive, but we do have a great kicker and three points was all we needed to win. We also did not want a lot of time left on the clock when they got the ball back. Many of you are underrating Maryland. They beat Rutgers on the road and Wake was lucky to beat them. They are well coached and were at home.
By GM
October 7, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
And what better person to point out mediocrity than Mr. Mediocre himself, Terrence Moore.
By gtne80
October 7, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
Look folks, I’ve been waiting for Chan’s dismissal since the day after he was hired, but it ain’t happening now and probably won’t happen after this season even if we lose all of our games the rest of the year. The GTAA just doesn’t have the bucks to buy out the white elephant contract that we gave to Gailey AND recruit a decent coach.
So what is left to shoot for this season? The ACC Championship is now all but officially (mathematically) out of reach. 6 games left. None of them (maybe Army) are prohibitive wins, but none are out of reach. Miami certainly looked beatable yesterday. The short term goals HAVE to be to somehow get a win at Miami and hold serve at home against Army and we’re 5-3 with a national TV matchup against VT. Piece together back-to-back wins and take the big stage and you’ve got a shot at some national attention.
Pull that off and the next three games get interesting. Duke on the road, UNC and UGA at home.
Take a few moments on the “Woulda, coulda, shoulda”. Without a couple of disappointing losses to UVa and UMd, we could have been looking at the potential of a very special season, but that’s over.
Taylor is steadily improving. He had a bad first half yesterday but overall has looked better week after week.
The biggest disappointment yesterday (You can’t call Chan a disappointment at this point because by now we all KNOW what to expect from him) is that we gave up too many BIG plays on defense in the first half before the defense righted itself. Falling behind big in the first half and clawing back only to fall painfully short is not going to cut it. The defense HAS to keep us in it early so our sputtering offense can gain momentum. Tenuta has a challenge in front of him.
By GM
October 7, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
ACC Fan: If Tech had won there wouldn’t have been as much slamming the coach on this blog, though many of the same thoughts would have been there. And you’re right Taylor had a great second half. The fact is though, we lost, and largely because of Gailey in most people’s opinion. Taylor won’t take away near as much from this game now. Too bad for Taylor, and the rest of the team. Nice try ACC Fan, but Gailey still needs to go.
By John
October 7, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this
Dan Rad doesn’t have the b#@%s to fire Chan. Dan R is just here to pad his reume. He created the glorious ‘Tech Fund’ and I’m sure he’ll spin that in a positive way when approaching his next job. He is a ‘yes man’, no backbone. Perfect for Chan. I too will not be renewing my 3 Gold Club seats next year. I hope no one picks them up. Let the seats go empty people! That’s a good $2500 less in the GT athletic dept pockets. I will not even consider getting them again until Chan is long gone. The key word being ‘consider’. Even after he is gone, I still may have a bad taste in my mouth for GT football and how it is run and operated. I was always taught to not ‘bite the hand that feeds you’. Apparently GT has no trouble doing that. I actually hope we lose the rest of our games - I could care less. If though by some strike of luck, we are able to beat UGA - please don’t get all excited and think next year will be better. We need to stick to our guns and stop the athletic donations and season ticket buying.
On a side note, I think we are in for a long year as Paul Hewitt doesn’t have much and one player is academically ineligible. He survives under the radar somewhat beacuse Gailey is so awful but he is not all that either. I’d say we have been pretty mediocre in basketball too. Thank God for women’s tennis - let’s repeat this year!
By JustMe
October 7, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this
Regardless of the Maryland game result, the opinion most of us have of Chan has not and will not change: he is a very average college coach. He still plays with the pro mentality. He admits that he doesn’t think that it is his job to motivate these kids - no pre game speaches, etc. He just doesn’t get that these are just kids and they play on emotion. They are not adults getting paid big bucks to do a job.
Games like the Maryland game and the UVA game and the Boston College game (and also even some of the wins) typify Chan’s coaching….. minimal offense and pray that the defense can hold. The offense is unimaginative with Choice running up the gut 70% of the time.
GA Tech deserves a better head coach. Our players deserve a better head coach.
I stopped contributing to Tech the 2nd year of Chan because I saw what was going on. I also stopped buying football seats that same year. I am not satisfied with occasional wins and an average bowl. We can do better and I will not support mediocity.
By Chantice
October 7, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
What I don’t like is that everyone was in a bad mood and the Tickle Pile was cancelled.
By GTman
October 7, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
When a team is missing the fire anytime during the game, it’s the coaches’ job to fire them up! Unfortunately, the only coach on our coaching staff with any fire that I have seen is Tenuta. Get Tenuta out of the f*ing booth and down on the field. When the heck did it become necessary for coaches to be up in an air conditioned box to coach football? The head coach and key coordinators need to be ON THE FIELD!! Gailey can not fire anyone up. I think Chan Gailey is a very good man and a fair football coach. Time for a new head coach. Keep the rest of the staff and get a new head coach that will LEAD the JACKETS!
By Jack
October 7, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why everyone on this page is so upset. Tech has a mediocre coach and if you don’t know that by now there is no use in talking about it. Evidently the leadership at Tech is satisfied with him and nothing you write on this page will change that. The only thing that will change the situation is the dollar. If we all quit our support of the GTAA then that will get their attention. I just hate to see the loss to Maryland put on the shoulders of our kicker. The players put in on the line in the 2nd half and our brilliant head coach shut them down within sight of the victory. What an idiot.
By Crazy Robert
October 7, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
One good thing, if it can be called that, is maybe TECH won’t go to another bowl, only to lose again, due to inept coaching. If I am not mistaken we once had the best bowl win percentage in the nation. Good ol’ Chan made sure that record won’t be back in Atlanta any time soon.
I still think Vince Drooly [sic] recommended Chan to the idiots in the GTAD, and idiots they were they, thought Vice was just being neighborly.
By Ramblwrk68
October 7, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
FIRE GAILEY RIGHT F-ing NOW!
By reese mayfield
October 7, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
when is ga tech going to see chan gailey is not a head coach i use to get mad because he did not say anthing to the player but lets face it if u dont know what to tell the player keep your mouth close and that what he do he will not be a good pee wee coach
By reese mayfield
October 7, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
geogia bulldog fan hated to see reggie ball go and they is holding they breath that tech do not fire chan gailey because they was the reason geogia bulldog beat tech the last 3 year
By gg
October 7, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
No more support until CG is GONE!!
By Keno
October 8, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this
Chan Gailey is a super coach with a great staff and players. The problem Saturday was clearly in the alignment of the planets in conjunction with the black hole in our galaxy. Either that or the Friedgerator was blocking the sun and making it difficult for our players to see the ball. It had nothing to do with coaching. Next year Tech will be undefeated. Wait and see. Keep your season tickets.