AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGailey looks at big picture
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Greetings.
Kinda pressed for time so I won’t babble as much as usual, but I thought it was interesting today that Chan Gailey spoke of the big picture. What’s interesting about that? Well, he’s been talking to players about the big picture. That’s rare, but can you guess why he’s brought it up?
Clue: It has something to do with the payoff for winning at Virginia Tech, or how that payoff could be mangled with a loss.
Clue 2: It helps break up the monotony of all the game-week speeches, which generally sound very similar from one to the next.
Give up?
Here’s the deal: Winning at Virginia Tech, which is in Georgia Tech’s division and a challenger for that side of the league, won’t mean as much if the Yellow Jackets lose at home to Maryland. As Gailey said, “If you keep winning, you don’t throw it back to tiebreakers at any point [when deciding the eventual division champions].”
Tie, you say? Well, a lot would have to happen, but Tech could end up in a tie for the division if, for example, Miami and Clemson beat the Jackets, Virginia Tech beats Miami and somebody else upsets Virginia Tech to leave all three with two losses. This is certainly not the only way there could be a tie, and I’m not getting into how the tiebreakers would work because I haven’t researched them and we’re early into the ACC schedule anyway.
But to make the point in another way, or to make the point coaches try to make with their players every week in convincing them the only game that matters is the next game … if Tech loses to Maryland, the big picture could get screwed up. It’s not exactly reverse psychology, but a somewhat abnormal way of conveying what is the normal message every week: this game is most important one right now.
Chan said it better: “I think that you have to be able to see the big picture. So often we talk to these guys about, ‘Don’t worry about tomorrow. Learn from yesterday, but forget yesterday, really, and let’s talk about today.’ This is one of those cases where you say early in the week, ‘Look at the big picture. Now, what do we want to invest in preparation.’ “
FYI: Calvin Johnson, Greg Smith and Tashard Choice aren’t expected to practice today beause of injuries.
Comments
By stinGTime
October 3, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
If there is a letdown and a L to Md, you probably could count on one hand how many would NOT call for the dismissal of CCG!
So, be positive, just plan for Md…simple.
By Ramble ON!
October 3, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
IF the only days CJ puts on shoulder pads is Saturday’s…works for me.
By John
October 3, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this
Not a bad point and I think you’re right. Im very interested to see how GT will respond to being “the hunted” so to speak. Also, the game with Clemson should not affect the Coastal division. The main thing is we take care of business with Miami (which is a tall enough task in itself), UNC, Duke, and Chuck the Chests Crew, we can go to Jax in Dec.
The Clemson game if anything could be a preview of the ACC Championship game, assuming FSU takes care of BC.
Should be a great few weeks, first things first, take care of MD then get healthy and worry about Clemson.
By misterwax
October 3, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this
If Tech’s defense can continue to hold opponents to field goals off of turnovers … and then respond with touchdowns, then the Clemson game should prove to be a victory. I doubt Clemson will be able to run up 300+ yards on the ground against GT’s defense unless we have some serious injuries and lost players vs. Maryland… not very likely, but you never know..
By GTGreg
October 3, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
I LOVE HAVING $EX WITH MEN!!! ALL TECH FANS LIKE SLEEPING WITH MEN!!! UGA WILL WAX OUR BUTTS!!! I LIKE WAXING MEN’S BUTTS!!!
I LOVE HAVING $EX WITH MEN!!! ALL TECH FANS LIKE SLEEPING WITH MEN!!! UGA WILL WAX OUR BUTTS!!! I LIKE WAXING MEN’S BUTTS!!!
By GTGreg
October 3, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
MISTERWAX - PLEASE WAX MY GRUNDLE!!!
MISTERWAX - PLEASE WAX MY GRUNDLE!!!
MISTERWAX - PLEASE WAX MY GRUNDLE!!!
By charles
October 3, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
GTGreg is a Tech fan… That is obviously an imposter… either “GREG” or “THE MAN” I guess I better watch out for a “charles” imposter next lol. What a joke, this man needs to get a life. As a fan, I feel that in order to get the players adequately pumped up for Maryland, we need to fill up Bobby Dodd and get the place rockin!!!
By GTGreg
October 3, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
Hey “The Man,” I thought you were scum, but that’s even lower… post under your own fruity handle… don’t take mine, even if you do want to overcompensate for some of your own problems at my expense. To my fellow posters, Tech fans and (real) UGA trollers alike, I hope you can all tell the difference between my real posts and the ridiculous, all-caps, homophobic imposters.
I agree, Tech needs to have a statement game against Maryland first, and every game thereafter for the rest of the season. All of the prognosticators are expecting a collapse or failure right now, and the team needs to prove that they’re for real (more for their own benefits than anyone else’s though).
Maryland will come out fired up and ready to play… here’s hoping that they run into a wall come Saturday. Go Jackets! Sting em!
By charles
October 3, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this
I have to admit, the goldilocks poll question is pretty funny.
By Ramblin Wreck 2006
October 3, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this
Maryland has no offense right now, which is suprising under RF. Tech will win this game by 17.
By The Man
October 3, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this
Yo GTGreg - I really had nothing to do with this one. Though I don’t disagree with your imposter’s thoughts regarding you, you dizgusting individual.
By dawgman
October 3, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this
Dont worry tech you can still win the ACC after you lose at GEORGIA!! Afterall tech hasnt beat GEORGIA fair and square in 15 years??!!!!
By The ACC is OURZ
October 3, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
Dawgman, Are you serious about that fair and square crap? Last I heard the NCAA didn’t vacate any of the games. But, if it makes you sleep better go ahead and think what you want. Question; How come dawg fans are so quick to change official records like in ‘43 and ‘44? Both were years Tech won. If you didn’t want the game to count then don’t play it! Funny though UGA counted their other games those years.
By Gators will wi it all
October 3, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
dawgman is so scared of Tech right now. He knows that the dawgs struggle to score against pathetic teams with pathetic defenses. He knows UT will win by 3 touchdowns this Saturday. He knows that the Dawgs best chance at a National Title has come and gone. What a blown opportunity. Most importantly he knows Florida is going to beat Georgia’s a* up and down the field in Jacksonville. UGA is ready to reclaim its place behind FL and UT in the SEC EAST. The sad thing is the Dawgs are not even the best team in thier own state anymore.
By ZGOLDATOWN
October 3, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this
dawgman- what are you talking about? “Fair and square”? I was at 3 games in 1998, 1999, and 2000, where we won, fair and square. If there was replay in 1999, like today, then there wouldn’t have been indisputable video evidence to overturn the call on the field of a fumble. Georgia also still had overtime to try and win. There was not a questionable call in either of the other two wins. Anyways, Maryland is huge. They have a complex offense with a football genius calling the plays. I am worried abouty a letdown, but I truly think Tech has turned the corner in that regard. About Clemson… I am around Clemson fans all the time. They think the Tech game is an automatic win, just because it is at Death Valley. They should know that place does not bother Tech, but they don’t. Lastly, about Georgia….sorry dawgman, but the mutts are not even the best team in their own state this year. It is all starting to come crumbling down. Georgia Tech is even ranked higher in one recruting list than Georgia for next year. We will see come, November, but if the first few weeks are any gauge, then I will be walking out of Sanford stadium once again with a piece of the hedges in my hand. Go Jackets, Fight, win, drink, get naked
By GTGreg
October 3, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this
I WANT A MAN RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
I WANT A MAN RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
I WANT A MAN RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
I WANT A MAN RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
By Alex
October 3, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this
It’s ok dawgman. I’m sure if they beg hard enough, UGA can get a spot in the PetroSun Independence Bowl.
Oohh, I’ve got a good comeback for you though: you can talk about how “Georgia Tech’s quarterback can’t even count to four!” That’s always a winner. So creative. And original too! Each time is funnier than the next!
By Davey
October 3, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
STFU GREG/THE MAN!!!!!!!! Your not even talking smack anymore, what little you did in the first place. You are the worst uga fan ever. I hope one day I can meet you face to face so I can kick your a*. I guess your whole GREG persona failed after the VT game. So now your the homophobic THE MAN. Jeez man get a life……..If you want to talk football do it…….atleast talk about how tech sux. What your doing now is completly worthless. Your just filling space on the blog. Kind of like your whole life filling space, in other words you ARE WORTHLESS. I sure hope you live in Cobb county if ever find out who you are i will kick your azz. Good luck this season I know your starting to get scared this season….!LOL!!!!!!1
By old gold engineer
October 3, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
As important as concentrating on Maryland is, I’m glad to hear someone at GT is thinking about the big picture. I haven’t seen much evidence of that in the last few years when a key win here and there could have made a big difference in bowl destination. The big picture should provide plenty of motivation to win each game starting with Maryland.
By cynthia mckinneys hair dresser
October 3, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
Ralph, FEAR THE YELLOW JACKETS!!!!!!
By Surfrider
October 3, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this
Good point. Though I’m glad Gailey now sees the Big Picture after 5 years on the job. His tight control of the offense and 8th grade play calling hurt Tech on the field and in recruiting. Now since he sees the big picture Nix is doing much better. That’s all O’brien ever wanted before he bolted. It’s still amazing to me that the defense is like the Black Watch of the mid 80’s taking risk after risk, yet Gailey’s offense is so conservative until recently which makes fans wander how were we suppose to score anyway?
By GT90
October 4, 2006 01:35 AM | Link to this
GREG only has 3 days left with us on this blog……….remember, he said “if we don’t beat Tennessee, I will leave this blog. LOL!!!!!” We’ll have to throw GREG a going away party on Friday. Lots of LOLs!!!!!!!!
By GREG
October 4, 2006 07:32 AM | Link to this
LOL!!!!I HAVE NO PENIS!!!!LOL!!!GO DAWGS!!!I HAVE NO PENIS!!!LOL!!!I AM THE BIGGEST UGA SIDEWALK FAN EVER!!!LOL!!!!I LIVE IN MY GRANDMOTHERS BASEMENT!!!!LOL!!!!I HAVE NO PENIS!!!!GO DAWGS!!!THERE IS NO GREATER DAWG FAN THAN ME!!!!I WENT TO ATHENS ONCE!!!!I HAVE NO PENIS!!!lOL!!!GO DAWGS!!!
By GT80
October 4, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
Chan is finally getting it. He’s admitted that being the head coach means he doesn’t have the time to spend analyzing the offensive game plan and has completely turned it over to Nix. And we’ve finally started to see some results. I’m expecting bigger and bigger things as the season progresses. Let’s get the word out to all Tech fans that it’s not the same old boring Gaileyball and it will be fun to watch. Fill up the stands folks!!
And pay no attention to the idiot woofin dawg fan who has nothing better to do than post inane crap on a Tech blog. The puppies will have 3 losses when we play them in Athens and the woofin will be mild little yaps.
By JustMe
October 4, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
While what Chan says is true, I really hope that not one player or coach has diverted attention away from the Maryland game. It is very much true that we need to win “one game at a time.”
If ugag were to play Tech now, Tech would easily win. But, the rookie ugag QB will mature throughout the season. We will be in a real fight at that game, but I feel that Tech will win.
By Shock 'em Shockley
October 4, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
Typical Tek blog. No intelligent football conversation save a few older bloggers who actually know what they are talking about (GT80, old gold engineers, JustMe, et al). The rest is just a bunch of insecure pencil necks trying to figure out who is impostering who on the blog like it’s a game of Dungeons and Dragons or Pokemon.
You ‘gys’ just need to stay focused on Ralph and worry about not letting your big tough student body get their a**es kicked by the Maryland band again.
By Glenn
October 4, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
Shock ‘em Shockley, I’d say your comments were about same as those you have complained about…
I am under the impression that the Tech Coaches and Senior/player leadership are keeping the team focused on Maryland, especially knowing a bye is ahead of Clemson.
Part of their positioning has been that for Tech to get to an ACC title game (looking forward), they have to continue winning individual games one at a time (looking at the next game). It is a good approach and one I am glad they have taken as a team.
I know many of you bloggers think you are being funny, but I ask you to remember that a wide audience reads these posts, including minors…Please keep the comments clean.
Most of us don’t mind good-natured smack talking, but I would also ask that you don’t make your comments as personal attacks against players and coaches. Until you have walked in their shoes, you don’t have that right, and if you have played or Coached, you would never conduct yourself in that manner.
By Ramble ON!
October 4, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
GLENN-Shock ‘em Shockley is a moron, he says UAB (because they beat TROY) is better than ND…seriously!!!
You may as well beat your head on the wall, then try and get through to him.
He’s not as bad as greg aka the man though, but they do drink PBR together, I’m sure.
By Glenn
October 4, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this
According to Rivals, Georgia Tech appears to have dropped Jacoby Monroe but he publicly states he’s still committed to the Yellow Jackets.
I know Tech would love to have Jacoby, but he has to show more maturity in the classroom and qualify.
No matter what happens, I hope his high school coaches stay on him so he can make something of himself on the next level, no matter where he ends up and I wish him well.
By Glenn
October 4, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
University of Georgia President Michael Adams Georgia would continue to accept student-athletes that do not meet the university’s regular admission standards.
“We still have to compete in the SEC,” Adams said.
And to think, UGA still has atrocious graduation marks. They better win the SEC or heads should roll.
By Glenn
October 4, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
Tech drops a 4-Star due to academics and UGA continues to admit athletes who would be non-qualifiers so they can compete. Any comments on this?
By Jolly Good Fellow
October 4, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this
Got a link to an article, Glenn? Sounds interesting, and actually atypical. He’s done pretty well in helping UGA move up in the (non-athlete) academic realm during his tenure. Typical Mutt fan BS when he forced out ol’ Jesus Dooley and they went after his head. Looks like he may be backtracking, though.