AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhat about the game plans?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Shooting, or at least writing, fast here …
Georgia Tech’s going to have to be a lot better Saturday against Miami than the Yellow Jackets were against Clemson. Miami’s not nearly as good as Clemson, but good enough that if Tech plays exactly same this week, the Jackets will lose.
Specifically, Patrick Nix needs to call a better game, Jon Tenuta needs to come up with a game plan much-better tailored to the opponent than last week, players need to ramp up their intensity and execute better, and double-top priority — Reggie Ball needs to get back on his horse.
He was lousy against Clemson. I’ve heard some dispute on this. I disagree. He was on the run, yes. He’s been on the run a lot this season. I’ve heard his pass protection is better this season. He’s been sacked seven times in the past four games versus eight times all of last season (I admit some of this is because of a re-designed offense, but not all of it). His decision-making was sub-standard, and his execution was, too
Ball needs to look at Calvin Johnson more, AND throw that way more. Period.
Coach Gailey has said more than once, “we tried a number of ways” to get the ball to Calvin, while also crediting Clemson’s double teams. He’s also said he doesn’t figure Miami will copycat a lot of what Clemson did defensively because the ‘Canes have been so successful playing defense their way.
Well, riddle me this: EVERYBODY throws a lot of double teams at Calvin. If credit goes to Clemson for taking Calvin out of the plan with some SORT of revolutionary double-team scheme, why wouldn’t somebody else copy that?
If you don’t buy the idea that Clemson’s double-teaming scheme was so special, and I don’t, then it goes back to Nix’s play calling, and the execution of the entire offense, chiefly by Ball. His timing was poor the other night, he fumbled at least one snap, he threw poor passes, he ran out of bounds on aborted passing plays rather than throwing the ball away. He did a lot of things poorly.
I don’t know whether Tenuta’s game plan was more the problem on defense, or players failing at it. I’ll say this: If a Clemson back broke the first level, meaning got through the line, he was gone, or nearly gone. Look at the play-by-play. At one point these were consecutive plays on four consecutive drives in the second half:
Run for 30, run for 4, INC, INC, FG, run for 8, run for 12, run for 6, run for 3, run for 9, run for 8, run for 3, INC, sack, punt, run for 22, run for 50 (touchdown), run for 4, run for 2, pass to sideline and ensuing run for 50 (touchdown).
That can’t all be gameplan, but it can’t all be players stinking, either.
Regarding Avery Roberson taking over at cornerback in place of Jahi Word-Daniels, yes, Roberson - not Word-Daniels - started at CB at Clemson. But Roberson started at safety. Tech opened with three safeties and one cornerback (Scott) because Clemson opened with just one wide receiver, two tight ends, a fullback and a tailback.
Miami has used a lot of two-tight end stuff over the years, but Gailey said the ‘Canes aren’t using that kind of personnel grouping as much these days.
I wonder: in nickel situations, will Jamal Lewis continue moving up from safety to nickel? If he does, who’ll play that safety spot? Roberson? That would mean Word-Daniels would probably move back to the outside CB spot.
Or, does Roberson stay at CB, Lewis at S, and does Pat Clark, nickel back at the beginning of the season, move into the nickel spot. Or, does freshman Laurence Marius crack the rotation this week?
Comments
By CW
October 25, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
I hate to admit it, but we all wondered if/when our QB would revert to form and have one of “those” games. Well, we all saw it last week. And I think the difference is that he was banged up and a step or two slower than most games.
When at full-speed and the top of his game, RB can be an effective QB. However, because his passing skills are not very strong to begin with, he can only truly be effective when he is a threat to break containment and make first downs with his feet. Coach Nix’s offense this year has succeeded by building in designed running plays to maximize Reggie’s running ability. Because teams have to always be wary of his running ability, it has helped open up the passing game.
Because of Clemson’s speed on D, and Reggie being banged up he just wasn’t effective running the ball. Without having to worry too much about Reggie breaking containment, the D-line of Clemson just pinned their ears back and there was little opportunity for QB and receivers to get in any rhythm.
I’m not sure that Miami will NEED to change their schemes this weekend. If Reggie isn’t at full-speed and is unable to get to the corner, we’ll likely see another weak offensive showing Saturday.
While Miami’s offense doesn’t have the weapons that Clemson has, no defense is very good when the O goes 3 and out 6 straight possessions.
If Reggie isn’t effective early and appears to be struggling with a gimpy leg again, I just hope that we see our backup quarterback at least given a chance to make some plays.
By The Man
October 25, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
REGGIE BALL WILL BLOW AGAIN AND CRIMINAL U WILL LEAVE ATLANTA WITH A VICTORY!!!
NERD U IS BACK!!!
THEN THE DAWGS AWAIT!!!
THE DAWGS WILL DISMANTLE REGGIE AND COMPANY!!!
I AM THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By jackets fan
October 25, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
Reggie Ball was too injured to be effective and should have been pulled. He had happy feet, never got into a rythym and they didn’t call any QB running plays. That last fact tells me he was too hurt. If he doesn’t run, the offense as conceived, suffers. Taylor Bennett is a runner, but he does offer a more accurate arm and could have forced the issue to CJ more than zero, as was the case Saturday. Gailey and Nix need to make Ball understand that if he isn’t close to 100%, then sitting out is best for the team. And they need to get Bennett ready to go, so it won’t be a shock if he has to play. As for CJ, Miami is too arrogant to double him all the time, as Clemson was. (Kudos to Clemson for knowing swallowing their individual prides and doing what had to be done to win.) So CJ will get some chances.
As for the defense, the linebackers attack normally. And they did the same Saturday. The problem was that the defensive line was being pushed back by the 300+ each offensive linemen of Clemson. The result? GT’s linebackers were running into the line of scrimmage, with limited vision of the RB’s. Once the RB’s hit the hole, with their speed, it was over. Basically the LB’s needed to show some patience, hold back and wait for the RB to hit a hole and then attack. I fully expect the Jackets defense to bounce back, as Miami’s o-line isn’t as dominant as Clemson (hell no team’s o-line is as good as Clemson as far as I can tell). Plus Miami will try to pass more, which opens up the Tenuta QB whoop-a* machine (otherwise known as Kyle Wright’s worst nightmare, or replay of last year’s sack fest).
The key will be to strike fast and early, get themselves and the crowd some confidence back and let the rest take care of itself.
By JustMe
October 25, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
I can only hope that Tech has gotten their one “bad” game out of their system. That team in Clemson CANNOT show up against Miami, or even Duke for that matter.
I am still waiting to hear the truth about Ball’s leg injury. Cannot seem to find any real details about it. Would love to know the truth, or at least to know if the Tech guard is trying to keep it a secret.
By Burdell's Brother
October 25, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
Bennett or Ball,
Doesn’t matter, we will beat the bull pups this year…and at least one team from Georgia will have a win against a team from Florida this weekend!
Dawgs,Go get back on the porch,FLA, I mean your daddy, is calling you!
By GT
October 25, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
There is a lot of wide open middles in college defenses now days. A block here and there and somebody gets loose. If you have the speed to take advantage of it like Clemson and Miami it is over. If you have average speed like we have with Ball and Choice you aren’t going anywhere against a fast defense like Clemson and Miami. All we can hope for is Miami is still the uncoachable group we saw last year that has talent but no disciple.
By Luvthejackets
October 25, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this
I really do not want to break in Taylor Bennett against Miami, but if last week is an example of how Reggie plays hurt than I think we have to consider it. I really think that Reggie will be eager to get back out there and prove that last week was a fluke and not the norm for this years Tech team. I really believe that Miami will have their hands full this weekend. Tech will be looking to avenge a horrible loss, much like when Auburn lost to Arkansas a few weeks ago. I am really not worried about this team, especially the defense, coming out flat.
Miami has had a season filled with chaos. Larry Coker has lost his team and they have played very poorly against some bad teams. Tech needs to and will win this game.
Let’s not be too hard on these dawg fans. They have been waiting for us to lose all year so they can take a few shots at us. In fairness we played a horrible game and gave these dawgs some hope for the end of November. They need all the hope they can get the way they have played against some of the worst teams in the country (Ole Miss,Colorado,Vandy,Miss State). It would kill UGA to lose to Reggie Ball, Especially when he is the best qb on the field. Even I will admit that’s sad. Good Luck this weekend dawgs at “The Worlds Largest Trailer Park Picnic”
Go Jackets!!!
By KL
October 25, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
The defense stunk in the second half because they got tired after boy genious Nix and his offense kept them on the field the whole game. Nix has had four years to develop a quarterback and we still don’t have one despite having the best receiver in the country. If we lose Saturday, the team will fall apart and go 7-5 and Gailey will be none as the king of mediocrity.
By Luvthejackets
October 25, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
I believe that KL is a Dawg fan. Did anyone else notice that he spelled the word “known” “none”? He is obviously an idiot either way.
By Gold on YA
October 25, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this
I AM THE MAN!!!! I DROP UGA TURDS IN THE CAN!!! I AM THE MAN!!!! I HAVE A PLAN!!!! BEAT THE GATORS IF WE CAN!!! ERRR.. MAYBE THE WILDCATS!! ERRR… THE TIGERS?? OH DAMN!!! WE LOSE TO TECH!?! AND NO BOWL!!! WELL, I THOUGHT I HAD A PLAN!!!!!!!!!! I AM THE MAN!!!!!! I SPEAK THE TRUTH WHEN I CAN!!!!!!
By ray
October 25, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this
Do we always do worse the second half? Out-coached and out-smarted with our half-time “adjustments.”
By white n gold
October 25, 2006 07:29 PM | Link to this
Ray, we came back and beat Maryland in the second half, so the answer is no….it seems overly obvious, Reggie should know to look at CJ every passs play, then for the open guy if CJ’s doubled…if Chan and Nix can’t get him to do that then Bennett should get the chance to play.
By Steve
October 25, 2006 08:20 PM | Link to this
Last week it was obvious that Reggie Ball was not at full speed. I agree with CW that even at his best, Reggie is barely an average passer. His best plays are broken plays from the shotgun where he is a threat to make something happen. With a gimpy leg, he is no threat at all. But after four years, we all know what his abilities and limitations are. It amazes me that his improvement has been so minimal from his freshman year to his senior year.
In addition, he does not look at the defensive coverage on C. Johnson before the play begins. Several times it was obvious that he already has his mind made up before the snap that he would throw to a receiver other than Calvin even though (as the ESPN announcers noted) Calvin was only single covered or worst yet not even covered at all. If the announcers can see it, why can’t Nix in the press box also see the breakdown. Also, Reggie is too quick to tuck the ball and run without going through his pass option progressions.
I know that Nix is in charge of calling the plays from the press box. This is a big improvement from last year when Gaily called the plays. My question is who controls the substitutions. In the second half with Reggie hurt and ineffective, why didn’t Tech play another QB. If nothing else, the backup QB needs the experience under fire in the event Reggie suffers a really bad injury. I don’t mean playing the guy in the last two minutes of the game where he hands the ball off three straight times. Not only did the Tech team have an off day at Clemson, the coaching staff also went into a brain dead state.
By BigEd
October 25, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
Reggie Ball is at best a second rate quarterback. The loss to clemson stands squarely upon his shoulders. More than one time the ESPN commentators on the Clemson game drew circles around Calvin Johnson to show that he was open, Reggie just never threw the ball. My theory is that Reggie wants to be the hero and the team means nothing to him. Zero catches by the best reciever in the country is shameful.
I call Reggie “Three-and-out Ball”. The defense held its own in the first half, but no offense kept them on the field too much in the second half. They simply ran out of gas and were two steps too slow and arm tackling. Ball should have been told to throw the ball or he should have been benched. This is a great team minus one quarterback.
By jabba17
October 25, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this
Ditto jackets fan on the Clemson O-line and Reggie’s gimpy leg, and I’ll throw in the Clemson D-line to boot.
Can’t anyone realize we just got whipped by a bigger, badder team, probably the best in the ACC, then build a bridge and GET OVER IT?
Let’s go beat the Candy Canes, downgrade them to a tropical depression, and then get two out of three on Tobacco Road and laugh out butts off when BC wins out and we see them and not Auburn With A Lake in Jax.
By hiveredtech
October 25, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this
Matt Why no mention of the fact Reggie was playing in incredible pain. He hobbled off after the first series and received attention between every set of downs after that. That, and an OL that let itself get whipped a good bit, had far more to do than any game plan or play calling. Calvin was open plenty…he was moved all over the field…Reggie was just never comfortable enough from a health and pass protection standpoint to find him. simple as that.
By GINGER
October 25, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND, IT IS ONE OF THREE THAT DO NOT WANT TO SEE CALVIN GET A HEISMAN GUESSSSS WHO?
THAT IS ALL I AHVE TO SAY. THIS TWAM SHOULD HAVE WON THE GAME AGAINST CLEMSON IT WAS SORRY. NO THROW TO CALVIN, WHAT DOES THIS TELL YOU ALL. SOMETHING IS WRONGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!
By LadyDawg
October 25, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this
I went on one date with The Man years ago when we were in school in Blue Ridge, GA. Lord, his breath smelled as if he had eaten oppossum road-kill. He wsa proud of his grade school education, and said he couldn’t wait to make “the big bucks” at our local chicken processing plant. His dreams were realized, huh?
Ruby
By KL
October 25, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this
Actually I’m a Tech fan who just gets tired of seven wins and a west coast bowl every season. I realize that most Tech fans and our previous AD were happy about being mediocre but I think that we can win eight games every now and then since we have done it before. People are heaping praise on Nix because we beat an average Virginia Tech team but what has he done as a quarterback coach? We can’t even take Ball out with a hurt leg or meningitis because Nix is unable to develop a back up. Hopefully we can finally get over the hump and win this Saturday since Gailey/Nix don’t have two weeks to think of a game plan.
By The Man
October 25, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this
TECH WILL BE PLAYING ON A BOWL WITH A BLUE FIELD!!!
THE DAWGS WILL DISMANTLE TECH!!!
CRIMINAL U COMING TO TOWN TO KNOCK THE CRAP OUT OF NERD U!!!
NERDS! NERDS! NERDS!
TECH FANS LIKE MEN!!!
I AM THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Proud Tiger
October 25, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this
I think that Tech’s poor show against Clemson was an abberation - as a Clemson fan, it was definitely not what I was expecting.
Tech is a much better team than Miami and should win this weekend. I think what will decide it will be the emotional state of both teams. If GT can get motivated, it should be an easy win.
Tech still has alot to play for - ACCCG, first win over UGA in awhile, and a decent bowl. If CG can rally the troops, it can still be a great season.
By Jon
October 25, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this
It wasn’t Nix - Reggie looked like a deer in the headlights all game. I thought it was Tony Graziani back there for a second.
Can’t wait til Reggie graduates, we need to have a party…
By Roy
October 25, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
Reading the comments here is always disheartening. Don’t people have anything better to do than make foolish comments? This should be a place for legitmate feedback, not a stupid escapade of random exclamations.
If you have nothing better to do, I suggest you look inwards and question what is there.
By I did "The Man"
October 25, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this
I am sure the man will be happy when he gets back from Florida with an a* whipping of biblical proportions! I am sure when Sunday comes the man will be sore and have some vaseline stains on the back of his pants and his face will look like a glazed donut from a Tebow facial.
By Surfrider
October 25, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this
Eventhough Reggie has had his moments it’s time for a change at QB or at least someone else to get some playing time. Why? We can’t complete close to 60% of our passes. We can’t hit the open many or see him like Calvin on that slant on a critical play when he was wide open. If we had a QB who could hit the man downfield we could move the chains and it would open the run game up better. Maybe just throwing it up to Calvin would be better than doing nothing. But this mentality that Gailey brings that the defense has t o win the game against an offense like Clemson is just comeon, let’s go a different direction. The big question is what are we doing in G ailey’s fifth year with this big contract when our QB situation looks rough this year and into the next few years at this point.
By Senior Citizen
October 26, 2006 06:38 AM | Link to this
“The man”gives Blue Ridge a bad name.
By Tech Fan from Cary
October 26, 2006 06:41 AM | Link to this
First Georgia Tech has to get over this ridiculous belief that Reggie Ball is the second comming. Actually I have never been all that impressed with his performance. He should have been pulled mid way through the first quarter. It was evident to everyone in the nation that had eyes that he was not up to speed. Hurt or whatever he just could not get the job done. I thought we had a backup quarterback. Is he that bad? Reggie will be gone next year, is the coaching staff counting on a new freshman to come in and take over. Bennett should have been given the ball against Clemson. Let’s face it, no matter how bad he is, and form what I have seen in the past he didn’t look that bad to me, he couldn’t have done any worse. That is we lost didn’t we. And that would have been the worst that Bennett could have done.
By Gen Neyland
October 26, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this
Correct me if I’m wrong,: Dateline 1985, Sugar Bowl, UT vs U of Miami, Vinny Testy-verde…Miami goes up 7-zip on a fake punt…resulting in TD…UT goes on to win 35-7, claiming # 2 in final polling…GO VOLS
By Gen Neyland
October 26, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this
GAME PLAN : Keep Reggie vertical…He spent too much time horizontal last week…T’was a purty sight, tho…GO VOLS, GO SEC
By greg
October 26, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this
Agree, gameplan was awful.
No screen passes to dissuade an all out attack on the QB, no quick slants or flanker screens to get the ball to CJ quickly.
Zero receptions by CJ is an embarassment to the coaching staff. To say you tried a “number of ways” to get him the ball, yet tried none of the ones mentioned here leaves me in doubt once again about the coaching of this team.
Regarding the D, Spillers and Davis are the best we’ve seen in a long time. Hats off to Clemson for making the plays they did.
Time to beat the Canes and all will be well.
By Jim O
October 26, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this
Chan is a pro coach in his handling of QBs - keep the starter in no matter what. (At least Richt and Spurrier will change QBs when they see the starter playing poorly.)
Reggie should not have played against VT last year after his bout with VM and his injury/pain showed against Clemson. Once again, Chan should not have started him. It would be easier to start Taylor and if he fails bring the injured Reggie in versus starting and pulling Reggie.
Hopefully Reggie will be in good shape for Miami, because if he isn’t, it will be another slaughter.
HOWEVER, the defense better learn how to tackle this week or we will lose regardless of how Reggie plays.
By Buzzmeister
October 26, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this
The lost to Clemson had nothing to do with game plans. The loss stemmed from the lack of discipline on the defense, lack of Reggie reading his receivers, and Clemson just beating the pure living #$#$ out of us. Have Calvin run some quick slants and just go for it with his vertical reach.
We got in trouble late into the third quarter and Clemson knew we had to throw the ball. That is when Clemson slammed the door. We tried to play catch-up and it failed. Patrick Nix made some good calls, we were just beat. Plain and simple.
They double-teamed Calvin all night, but most importantly, we could not stop them. When you don’t stop, you don’t win, no matter how many points you put on the board. It all starts with defense, because the defense can do 2 things, stop and score. Offense can only score.
That’s all right. Reggie has to be feeling better this week, and we need to focus on Miami and forget Death Valley. Time to move on, and work on a rematch in the ACC title game.
Go Jackets!!! Fight, drink, get naked.
By ACC Basketblog
October 26, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
We’re tracking this story at the ACC Basketblog. Get over there!!!
www.accbasketblog.blogspot.com
By G-Money
October 26, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this
Well said Buzzmeister…..
One bad game, and eveyone gets on the “Can Chan, and I can’t wait for Reggie to graduate” bandwagon. The players needed to execute; they failed. Clemson was better, and the final score proved it. This was one game that truely has no real impact on the overall goal of getting to the Title Game should we win Saturday…… There is so much to play for. Hopefully, we’ll strike early and often Saturday, and take a commanding lead for the opportunity to go to J’ville….
By ben
October 26, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
If Goose Godsey were QB (and he can’t run), Calvin Johnson would win the Heisman. The inability of Ball / Nix / Gailey to get the ball to Johnson is inexcusable. I don’t blame Tenuta. The only way we match up with superior talent is to blitz constantly. The way to beat a blitz is to run right at it and muscle it. Clemson did and to them goes the credit. With that said, if the offense had been semi-effective, we would have still been in the game in the 4th quarter.
By RAMB'L
October 26, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this
I have just one comment to all the puppies blogging on the tech site, Did you bring your PAPER-BAGS THIS WEEKEND!!! GO GATORS!!!
By Gen Neyland
October 26, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this
A WR that only plays WR will not win the Heisman. He must be, at least, a triple threat. So put him deep on punt/kick-off returns, some D-back, maybe a little QB THEN spout the big prize. He may be a 1st rounder, but that will be the extent of that…
By jb4gt
October 26, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
Mr. Winlkeljohn:
What a cheap way to make a living… sit back and criticize a team when they are down, and “ride the wave” when they are up. When Tech doesn’t throw to a double-covered CJ and we lose, then you say “they should throw to CJ anyway”. If Reggie Ball takes your advice and throws into double coverage, you can blame him for “forcing it” to CJ, that he can’t or won’t throw to anybody else when he racks up the INT’s. You must wake up in the morning and pat yourself on the back for picking such a career. The way you must see it, you’re in a “can’t lose” job. Too bad it comes at the price of respect from your readers.
To take cheap shots at Jon Tenuta after the record his defenses have built over 4 1/2 seasons, only exposes your ignorance. I could wager that you never once put on a set of football pads… wait, maybe you did then you cried and went home to ‘Mama after taking your first hard lick in practice, realizing it’s easier to write about football than to play.
It’s obvious that your only objective here is to stir the pot. I pray that the Tech players don’t read this fish wrapper - I break down occasionally and do so just to get information, then I make the mistake of reading you, or Schulz, or worse still, Mark Bradley. None of you could dream of even holding a candle to Furman Bisher or Jesse Outlar.
Tech had a bad game… obviously. Our lines got whipped. It happens. Even the ‘02 SEC Champ Dawgs got worn out by Florida. The jury is still out on the ‘06 Jackets. But the easiest thing to do is to back-seat-drive and criticize after one game. Reasonable people (GT alums, listen up!!) will wait until the season is over before blabbering on and criticizing, something that can only discourage the Tech players and coaches.
I’ve had my concerns about the inconsistencies of the ‘Jackets under Gailey, but the recruiting is finally looking better than I remember in 30 years as a Tech fan, student, and alumnus. Chan’s also not going to abandon GT for the SEC or NFL. If he succeeds, we’ll have something special for a long time. Let’s just show up at Grant Field DRESSED IN GOLD and run the ‘Canes out of Atlanta. Then we’ll tune in again next week and watch Mr. Winkeljohn jump back on the ACC bandwagon.
By jb4gt
October 26, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
Mr. Winlkeljohn:
What a cheap way to make a living… sit back and criticize a team when they are down, and “ride the wave” when they are up. When Tech doesn’t throw to a double-covered CJ and we lose, then you say “they should throw to CJ anyway”. If Reggie Ball takes your advice and throws into double coverage, you can blame him for “forcing it” to CJ, that he can’t or won’t throw to anybody else when he racks up the INT’s. You must wake up in the morning and pat yourself on the back for picking such a career. The way you must see it, you’re in a “can’t lose” job. Too bad it comes at the price of respect from your readers.
To take cheap shots at Jon Tenuta after the record his defenses have built over 4 1/2 seasons, only exposes your ignorance. I could wager that you never once put on a set of football pads… wait, maybe you did then you cried and went home to ‘Mama after taking your first hard lick in practice, realizing it’s easier to write about football than to play.
It’s obvious that your only objective here is to stir the pot. I pray that the Tech players don’t read this fish wrapper - I break down occasionally and do so just to get information, then I make the mistake of reading you, or Schulz, or worse still, Mark Bradley. None of you could dream of even holding a candle to Furman Bisher or Jesse Outlar.
Tech had a bad game… obviously. Our lines got whipped. It happens. Even the ‘02 SEC Champ Dawgs got worn out by Florida. The jury is still out on the ‘06 Jackets. But the easiest thing to do is to back-seat-drive and criticize after one game. Reasonable people (GT alums, listen up!!) will wait until the season is over before blabbering on and criticizing, something that can only discourage the Tech players and coaches.
I’ve had my concerns about the inconsistencies of the ‘Jackets under Gailey, but the recruiting is finally looking better than I remember in 30 years as a Tech fan, student, and alumnus. Chan’s also not going to abandon GT for the SEC or NFL. If he succeeds, we’ll have something special for a long time. Let’s just show up at Grant Field DRESSED IN GOLD and run the ‘Canes out of Atlanta. Then we’ll tune in again next week and watch Mr. Winkeljohn jump back on the ACC bandwagon.
By 83jacket
October 26, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
I hate to say it, but last week was more than just “a bad game”. It was a spanking, humiliation on all counts: offense, defense, special teams…even Clemson’s cheerleaders were hotter than ours (ok, that’s not setting the bar too high, but still). I’ve been waiting for a game like this, and my feeling is that Tech probably won’t recover from it. Reggie “1st and Turnover” Ball is back, and if you had two Calvin Johnsons at WR and a backfield with Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson it probably wouldn’t make any difference. This nonsense about “not being able to get Calvin the ball”…is anybody buying it? Tunnel screen, pass to the flat, even a lateral to CJ would have given him a chance to get something going, but Reggie got the happy feet and the deer-in-the-headlights stare, and away we go. Miami will run the same game plan (it’s not rocket science, folks), and even though they’re not capable of putting up the numbers that Clemson did, they’ll do more than enough to win. Another Homecoming bites the dust, and I don’t give us much chance to win most of our remaining games. Look for Tech to be playing in an afternoon “bowl” game on December 27 somewhere west of the Rockies…on ESPN/U.
By Davey
October 26, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
The whole nation saw us get our asz handed to us. Why should we be mad at Matt. He’s just telling us the straigh truth. Hey Matt any news about the recruits this weekend. I hear we got some big fish to butter up.
Go Jackets!!!!!!!!!!
By Ga_Tech_92
October 26, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this
I’m a little puzzled why we don’t give the back-up QB a shot at times, but I can’t help but believe coaches seeing everyone in practice day after day must know what’s best. It certainly must be appealing to recruits knowing they will not get jerked out if they have one bad game. There is a positive to most negatives. The main thing to look at is the big picture………the trend wasn’t what everyone wanted the past few years, but recruiting is better than ever………and the team is positioned to progress. These young men have a LOT on their plate as Student Athletes at Georgia Tech. I fully support them and hope that everyone will be cheering them on. They are giving their all and they all worked hard enough to make the team (and to get into Tech). They are perpetually the underdog in every big game, but yet they show the “experts” to be wrong quite often. I am proud to be a Jacket Fan…….GO JACKETS…pull your boots up…dust yourselves off…and keep focusing one game at a time~~
Go Jackets!!!