AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2006 > September > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPeppering you with opinions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A compilation of thoughts, some here, some there, some neither …
In my humble, age-addled estimation (turned 43 Wednesday), it’s quite possible Tech has its best football team in quite some time.
Don’t want to get into more second-guessing this call or that call from last Saturday as that’s been done over and over, and we’re four or five days out anyway, but from my vantage point the defense is going to be tight, especially when the D-line rotation grows with the return of Michael Johnson (groin, I think, but don’t know for sure). They clearly tired late the other day, in part because Notre Dame kept converting third downs. The Irish had an edge in time of possession in every quarter, a huge differential in the fourth.
— The secondary looks better than anybody had a right to expect. Pat Clark’s a tough cuss, Scott’s the real deal, and the safeties weren’t bad but need to be a little quicker in run support than they were against ND.
— Philip Wheeler’s a freak. ‘Nuff said.
— The kickoff team had better improve, and fast. At least three true freshmen, and I’m not sure but possibly a fourth, played there last Saturday. That may explain part of what happened, but only part. Gailey’s all over that this week.
— Contrary to what Gailey said last week, Tech didn’t sub in O-linemen and that hurt some. He suggested Tuesday that some of the reserves weren’t ready yet, physically, and I suspect that pertains mostly to Jacob Lonowski, who missed much of summer camp mending his repaired shoulder. Ultimately, I think Tech will be comfortable with seven O-linemen, perhaps including G LeShawn Newberry.
— Nix might wanna think about throwing not only to a tight end now and then, but more to running backs. Zero receptions by TEs, and 1 for 1 yard by a back (Choice)? Talk all you want about searching for balance between Calvin and the other WRs, but for my two cents you gotta throw to the under guys, too. This might help on third downs, too, where Tech converted two of the first five and then failed on the final five. That hurt, especially since Notre Dame starting converting them.
— Speaking of depth at WR, my opinion is that Greg Smith may be considerably better than many of you might think. Gotta find out.
— Reggie’s going to be better this year. Again, it’s my opinion, but I didn’t think he was a problem against the Irish. Sure, he failed to see some open receivers, but so did Quinn. I think he’s more measured by far with his emotions than in his first three years, more likely to remain on an even keel. He hasn’t always been that way, you know. I reserve the right to admit there’s room for error in this prediction.
— On punt returns, I know Tech nearly got a couple punts and chances of blocking one improve when you have 10 guys up and just one back. If it were me, depending on the punter and situation, I’d drop an up back in front of Clark. A couple ND punts coulda been fielded short if there was an upback, but instead bounced for big extra yards.
— Samford’s going to try to wing it all over the place. It’ll be interesting to see how Tenuta structures his blitzes because he’ll have no choice but to have more people back in coverage than against Notre Dame. Bet freshman Laurence Marius sees his first action on defense in this one.
— Getting a big lead and then playing a lot of people would be nice, but I wonder if this team might benefit psychologically more than most from kicking the snot out of Samford, no matter what it takes? Surely, fans would warm to that kind of result.
— On the recruiting front, Tech eagerly awaits the decision of Greene County QB Josh Nesbitt, who I believe will pledge to the Jackets Thursday or more likely Friday. Also, CB/WR Cedric Everson of Detroit is a candidate to commit any day, or, then again, he could wait and wait. Don’t have a strong feeling whether he’s going to pick Tech or UCLA.
— On the basketball scene, I wrote the other day Tech’s been recruiting PG Chris Wright of Washington, D.C. That’s over, and it’s been over, I’ve learned. The Jackets stopped chasing him even before Maurice Miller committed.
Later.
Comments
By GTGreg
September 7, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this
Go Jackets!
By GREG
September 7, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
GO JACKETS!!!!!!LOL!!!!!!!
By Brad
September 7, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
Reggie is the key to everything. When you don’t have a QB who can hit the open receiver, whether he’s an all-american or not, there’s not a whole lot your offense can do. You think he matured? Obviously you weren’t watching 3 seconds after every play ended - he was either talking trash to a defender or complaining to a ref. He’s the same bum he was when he walked in. And when is the media going to call it like it is - for some reason he keeps getting a free pass. As one local football pundit told me at our tailgate on Saturday, he is the worst 3-year starter in football.
Anyone else notice that if he had used a quick snap on Saturday and actually been able to hit a receiver 10 yards away, Notre Dame’s defense wasn’t set several times and they could have had HUGE gains?
By Ga_Tech_92
September 7, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
RB is our QB and I think he played his best game in a long time. The Jackets played a hell-of-a hell-of-a hell-of-a game in fact. I agree our depth hurt us in the long run more than anything. The guys are giving it their all and great recruits keep coming in, so things are looking up. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day…
By Davey
September 7, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this
This is Gailey 5th year too soooooo………….the whole Rome comment makes me want to puke.
Punt coverage was pretty good……..Kick off coverge though is a whole different story. The first kickoff was dreadful. Short kick with no hang time, a deadly combination for our special teams. Something we need to improve for the upcoming games. I agree completly about beat the snot out of samford. I hope for a shutout and 40 points for us.
I’ve hear many rumors that Josh Nesbitt might commit sometime tomorrow before his game. So if anyone is interested they should check the sites for the info. Chad Simmons also confirmed some of the speculation saying that tech could possible get Josh real soon. Everson hasn’t let anyone know about who he picks but………I think it will be tech. One reason is that we already have a commit from up their name Steven Threet, and I know that he will be doing everything to his ability to get him to come down with him to the flats. Another big player that could commit is Derrick Morgan. He is the number 8 de in the nation on rivals. And is rated the number 90 player overall. Apperently he had a great time at the game last Sat. He also has 3.8 gpa and scored a 1480 on the SAT’s. He’s made friends with the ever so gregarious Kyle Jackson, Nick Claytor, Roddy Jones and Steven Threet. I say chalk up another top 100 for tech. That would give tech 4. Thats all for now recruitin wise. I hope everyone comes out to the game on Sat. and support our Jackets.
By don
September 7, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this
Tech lost the Notre Dame game because of field position — lousy kickoffs have hurt this team two years running. The offense and D played very well…What does it take to get a kid who can drill it into the end zone?
By WESTCOASTTECHFAN
September 7, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this
We need to open the offensive playbook. The great teams in the early and late 90’s had exciting offenses that kept defenses offguard. Even if some plays do not work, we need to shake things up. What happened to options, reverses, posts down the middle, screens, etc. We are so predictable on offense, whenever we get the ball I almost want to turn off the TV and have it page me when the defense comes back on the field. Go Tech! I hope they are better than the last 4 seasons. If not, another 7-win season has them coming out here again. I guess that’s not too bad in retrospect because I will see them again!
By Don
September 7, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
Great article Matt. I agree with everything you have said. Keep up the good work. Keep your heads up Jackets, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Tuff lose but lets keep moving forward. Go Jackets
By Sam
September 7, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this
Go Jackets! Congrats to the coaching staff for getting close to putting together the best recruiting class in recent memory!
By Steve
September 7, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this
As far as Tech ever getting a topnotch passing QB in the future, consider this. If you were a great high school passer with future pro ambitions, how would you decide between offensive minded programs like Southern Cal, Florida and South Carolina or Georgia Tech’s dynamic game plans. Need I say more.
By Sam
September 7, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this
Steve - You sound like a typical UGA fan….living in the past. The answer to your question is that high school passer with future pro ambitions would go where the “Future talent” is headed. I believe any such QB would want to play with 6-4 receiver D.J. Donley, 6-6 off. lineman Nick Claytor, and 4.4 40 speed RB Jonathon Dwyer. Before you say that’s only three people, don’t forget Jacoby Monroe and the fact that recruiting season aint over. Go Jackets!!!
By Ang
September 7, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
Well, I definitely think that we played okay against Notre Dame, but very disappointed. As much as I think Chan is a great man, I am glad we have a new man calling the plays. The first half looked good, switching up plays, but the second half took me back to last year. It looked as if they only knew two or three plays. Another problem is that we’re not utilizing Calvin as much as we should. Anyway, hopefully we’ll win the rest.
By Sam
September 7, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this
Steve - if you want more names….go to www.rivals.com for 2007 GT commitments. Thanks for your interest in Georgia Tech Athletics!
By jim
September 8, 2006 05:31 AM | Link to this
Reggie would be better if he got more tats. He is an embarrassment.
By jim
September 8, 2006 05:32 AM | Link to this
Reggie would be better if he got more tats. He is an embarrassment.
By jim
September 8, 2006 05:34 AM | Link to this
Reggie needs more tats to improve.
By john
September 8, 2006 05:37 AM | Link to this
Is there ANY way UGAg fans NOT respond to an article about Ga Tech withour resorting to the usual snotty comments?
At least we don’t have the best team money can buy! I don’t see our players driving SUVs around campus like I see in Athens.
By ACC Basketblog
September 8, 2006 06:37 AM | Link to this
“We’re talking about you on the ACC Basketblog. Get over there!”
www.accbasketblog.blogspot.com
By HAL
September 8, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this
You can look at Tech’s balanced attack two ways equally effective or equally inept. Nix had Reggie rolling left more often than I liked. Nix is left handed and Reggies not. It’s harder for a right handed to throw effectivly running to his left. What that all about?
By Ramblor
September 8, 2006 08:03 AM | Link to this
Good write-up, Matt. Lots of good points. One thing that sums up Reggie to me is the picture that was on the ajc website with Reggie complaining to the ref. After every play in the second half he seemed to get up and complain to the ref. I get sick of seeing it. He has done it for three years. Don’t see this year being much different. I wonder what kind of effect that has on the refs when they know he is a constant whiner. I just wish he would stay focused on the game and quit worrying about every nit picky call. Just do your job!!
By Scooter11
September 8, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this
Moron John: Do you REALLY see players driving SUV’s around Athens, or is that just something stupid you felt like writing? And how do you REALLY know that any of the the posters on here are REALLY UGA fans? More stupidity on your part?
By MCHammer
September 8, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
Did I just see where Mel Kiper unequivocably stated that Matthew Stafford will be the #1 pick in a future NFL draft? To all you who try to sooth your bruised egos by commenting on UGA’s QBs in the NFL, do some research. Mark Richt’s QBs get into the league consistently. One of them even won a Super Bowl I think. You techmites need to get over your pen#@ envy and get as grip on reality.
By Talent Scout
September 8, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this
If I’m not mistaken, both of CMR’s QBs since arriving at UGA are on NFL rosters. Tech should be so lucky. Of course we all realize that NFL scouts are salivating over Reggie Ball. LOLLOLLOL!!!
By MCHammer
September 8, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this
Yeah GaTech92, Reggie has a firm grip on the 3 pass plays he’s allowed to throw. That out route for consistent 5 yard gains is his staple. And the hail mary to Calvin works when Calvin makes it work. But the throw that sets Reggie apart is the one that he throws to a seat about 5 rows up in the stands. You guys have one hell of a QB. I’m jealous. Coach Richt should send Stafford over to the flats for some one on one from Reggie. LOL! Enjoy another Reggieful year mites.
By LNJacket
September 8, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
In regard to Josh Nesbitt, the consensus in his hometown is he will announce tonight that he’s committing to GT. I think he’s a bright kid and a great competitor but knowing what I do about the school system he comes from, I would be concerned about keeping him academically eligable. We certainly don’t want to get into the SEC’s predicament of having to send players to Hargrave Military to get their grades up.
Am I the only one who thinks that Hargrave Academy is just like a baseball farm system for southern football players?
By jackets fan
September 8, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
Hey Brad, not sure about you but I like my team’s players to be fired up. So I don’t understand this criticism of Reggie Ball that he’s too energized. And for your information, the one time Ball complained to the referees (not on every play like you’ve implied) was a valid point. They were running a screen play and one of the ND defenders was holding Rashaun Grant. How is that wrong to try to get the refs to open their eyes? Seems to me that crew deserved every bit they got and then some.
I agree with Winklejohn. I think Nesbitt will commit here. If you look at his prospective schools on his list, UGA, FSU, Auburn, Texas, ND, and Duke, you have to give Tech the edge on QB depth chart. Let’s scratch Duke right away, they are a horrible program barely deserving 1-A status. But Tech offers teh best chance for Nesbitt to play right away. UGA has Stafford who has 3 more seasons. FSU has Weatherford who has 2 more. Texas has McCoy with 3 more, Snead with 3 (4 if he redshirts). ND has the top rated QB commit, Jimmy Clausen and another top rated guy who committed last year. Auburn has Brandon Cox, who will be a Sr. next year. So Auburn looks like the top competition for Nesbitt. But Atlanta is home and Tech is building a top ranked recruiting class that is compelling. And it doesn’t hurt that Tech can say, “Auburn, oh we beat those guys.”
By Ramblor
September 8, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this
Nesbitt just committed to Tech. He’s got Reggie’s quickness but is more accurate. Should help the Jackets in the future. I’ll hold off of the “Nesbitt for Heisman” chants until he competes in college. (Unlike the UGA faithful did with Stafford)
By jackets fan
September 8, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Ramblor, where did you read that about Nesbitt?
By techaholic
September 8, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this
All these great recruits coming to Tech and we’re still stuck with Gailey/Nix and our OLine coach!!!!!
Bluechip players are great ‘gets’ but unless the coaching is there - forget about improving. Chan Gailey came here with a very conservative offensive reputation - it cost him his job in Dallas - I’m hoping it does the same here!
By wmm
September 8, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
Scott has been a starter for 4 years. Every year Im shocked to see he is still starting. He’s no better now than when he was a frashman. He is too small to play DB at any position. You simply cannot cover 6ft. 4 receivers with a 5ft. 10 DB. If they played him only as run support OK
By GoldArchie
September 8, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this
This is Gailey’s first year with all his recruits, no more excuses, Tech has the best athletes it has had in years, maybe ever. Thanks Chan! And now go out and win the rest!
By JustMe
September 8, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this
Conservative offensive play calling = another Tech loss.
By Not Disappointed
September 8, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
Happy about the recruits and look forward to winning more than 7 games this year! Go Jackets!!
By GT Zealot
September 8, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
Matt that was an excellent writeup. No BS and every point was very reasonable. Thanks for that compilation.
By GT Lee
September 8, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
Great article Matt and happy birthday.
Hopefully the team will be able to use these next couple of cupcake games to sub in some more guys at O Line and give the starters more of a chance to gel. If we can do that and get the running game back on track, this could be a great season.
Go Jackets!
By Play that funky music whiteboy
September 8, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
Good game last Saturday Jackets - ND was fortunate to get their act together late. Thought I would post a quote from Coach Weis - you guys are going to do well this year. Good luck.
If Notre Dame’s recent drop in the polls bothers Weis, he hides it well. Weis actually relishes having played a team in the season opener that tested Notre Dame in all phases of the game.
*”I think (Georgia Tech) is a good football team, and they show you things that other teams are going to try to do,” Weis said. “It’s almost like they’re tipping you off. There’s a definite pro to having people challenge you, because this is a copy-cat business. When people see something, they’ll try to do that (against you). This way, you can address those things and work on them for when they come around later.” *
I hope ND helped Tech also - NOW DON’T LOSE TO DUKE, VA, TROY OR SAMFORD! GO IRISH.
By FOOTBALL
September 8, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this
Reggie didn’t lose the game . Reggie didn’t win the game . That’s the best you can hope for out of him.
By Jason
September 8, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this
Great column Matt. It was a good game, but we really know nothing about how either team will do this season. Tech fans and alumni lets wait a month or two before we throw Reggie, Chan, and Pat Nix under the bus. You can not make any reasonable judgement after one game. The best thing to do is get behind our Yellow Jackets. The AD is not going to make any mid season coaching changes. Lets all get behind the team for once. That includes Reggie, Chan, and Nix.
By old gold engineer
September 8, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
Matt - Happy Birthday and good points. West Coast - Agreed. What happened to the offensive variety? PTFMW - Thanks for checking back in and for the encouraging words.
The two most disappointing stats to me were the overall passing completion percentage and the 1 out of 4 completions on third down pass attempts. I don’t understand why that area of the Tech team continues to languish. Complete just two more of the third down passes and the overall completion percentage approaches the respectable 60% level plus you keep two drives alive (not to mention improving time of possession, resting the defense, and keeping the ND offense off of the field). All I can figure is that Reggie Ball must look really good in practice if none of the other QB’s is in the running for starter. Surely, one of them can achieve a 60+ completion percentage. I also agree with Matt that we would benefit from some passing to tight ends and backs. Can we pile up the points against Samford? I would like to see the coaches take the attitude that the only safe lead is at least 31 points. So, lets run up some scores and let some reserves get some playing time.
By Jason
September 8, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
Rivals.com just reported that Nesbit has committed to Tech! Go Jackets!
By NastyNate
September 8, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
When Tech looses 5 or more games this year are you still going to be talking about the recruiting class? 4 and 1 punt, Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!!! No BAlls, Loosers.
By FOOTBALL
September 8, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
QB RATING UPDATE - - Samfords QB’s ( all of them ) & Troys starting QB are better than R. Ball . With this update , every team we play this year has a better starting QB than us except Duke. Get someone off the bench Coach. Try something.
By GREG
September 8, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
By mtraininjax
September 8, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this
Matt,
Great commentary, however, no matter who plays for Tech this year, Wheeler, Ball, the Four Horseman, they have to win. 14-10 is a tough loss, but many at Clemson would say that losing 4 games by 7 points last year was equally hard, including the Tech game 10-9. So no crying over close games.
Just win Baby!
By john
September 8, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Scooter11: By your angry tone, I suspect I hit pretty close to the truth, huh?