AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAssessing the Ball era
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Reggie Ball sets a Georgia Tech record on Saturday when he starts his 47th career game. It’s also his last game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. I bet Ball also has set a school record for most criticism absorbed (by a player, of course, not by a coach; a dozen years later people still moan and groan about Bill Lewis).
A Division I-A quarterback job is not for the thin-skinned, but I wonder what it’s like to hear what Ball has heard and read what Ball has read for four seasons. This guy has been chased and hit as much as any player who ever put on a Tech uniform. He has won 28 games. I don’t think it’s a reach to guess that he has given pretty much everything he has. He hasn’t had the extra couple of inches of height that would have let him see some of those open receivers so easy to spot from the stands and the press box, and he hasn’t had the accuracy to hit many of the open receivers he did see, and he didn’t used to have the experience and judgment to avoid throwing interceptions when his intended receiver was covered. But he has had plenty of determination and will, and he has put them on display every time he takes the field.
It will be interesting to see how much further they carry him and this Georgia Tech football team.
Comments
By The Man
November 16, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
IRRELEVANT COLUMN!!!
THE DAWGS WILL CRUSH THE NERDS!!!
REGGIE BALL WOULD CLEAN THE PLAYERS’ JOCKSTRAPS AT UGA!!!
FEAR THE DAWGS!!!
I AM THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Burdell's Brother
November 16, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
Here is the thing, IF Calvin Johnson was not at Georgia Tech, Reggie would have been done 2 years ago. At best, Reggie is a top level DII college quarterback that has had the benefit to play college ball with the best collegant wide reciever ever. If his head coach had turned over the offensive coordinator duties earlier they would have recruited a btter QB and Ball would have transferred. Reggie, thanks for what you’ve done, but please take your diploma and go.
By GTGreg
November 16, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
Reggie looked like a world beater at the beginning of the year, then he got hurt and his performance has gone south (understandably). If he is indeed recovering and returns to form as a hard-nosed running quarterback, I think the Georgia fans will have left Sanford and Son stadium by halftime next Saturday. If Reggie is still banged up and can’t run really well, then the Georgia fans will be gone by the end of the third quarter. Reggie is too competitive to not play lights out against Georgia… Tech is lucky to have him, and I think he’ll be instrumental in these next four wins. Go Jackets! Beat Duke!
By GTGreg
November 16, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
Dude, have some respect for our SA’s… with an attitude like that, you’re no brother of any Burdell that I know…
By Reggie's Balls!
November 16, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this
I would normally take this time to stick up for Reggie Ball, but after the displeasure of meeting him a couple weeks ago I have changed my mind…I was with my kid and he wanted an autograph (hey he’s only 7) Reggie was with some girl (very pretty I must admit) and tried to ignore our request…Finally the young girl told him to sign the paper for the kid and he complied after rolling his eyes and not even looking up…I said good luck against Miami and he says, “Luck has nothing to do with it.” What a jerk! I couldn’t believe what an unbelievable a**hole he was! I’m aware that everyone has bad days, but he just doesn’t represent what I love about my alma mater! Bye Reggie-have fun workin at the CHeckers!
By Mosby
November 16, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Reggie should have been a safety.
By Brob311
November 16, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
Is there anyway Reggie can play a 5th year? He has been UGA’s MVP the last 3 years. I have many friends who are GT alumni/students/fans and they are all looking forward for Gary Coleman to go take his big ego/attitude, which he cannot back up, and go try out for the European football league…and fail.
Enjoy your last win of the season against Duke, Reggie Ball-less
By ARTC
November 16, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
The only “lights out” that will be associated with the play of Reggie Ball against the Dawgs will be when he gets the lights in his feeble brain turned out by a Dawg defender. And when the trainer holds up 4 fingers and says “how many do you see”, of course Reggie will see 3.
By Brad
November 16, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
Insert an average DI QB into Tech’s offense and Calvin wins the Heisman. Insert any half-decent high school QB and he gets an invitation to NY for the ceremony. Insert Reggie Ball and he doesn’t even get serious consideration. Say what you want about his injury and his toughness, but he wasn’t good last year…or the year before…or the year before and he was supposedly healthy those years. When you can’t complete half your passes, you’re not good. When you throw more interceptions than TDs, you’re not good. And when you do those things with the best WR in the country lining up next to you, you’re awful. And oh yeah, I don’t remember him doing anything special at the beginning of this year either. A half-decent QB wins that Notre Dame game by two touchdowns.
By GreenJacket
November 16, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this
I like Reggie for the fact that he seems to give 100% all the time even if he is not tall enough to make the throws that would really open this offense up. I will be glad to see him go due to his attitude. He should worry about running the offense instead of complaining, jawing, and picking fights after every play. Let the horses do the dirty work. He should have been a defensive back. He deserves a great ovation on Senior Day despite his attitude.
By GT94
November 16, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this
If Reggie could back up 1/10th of the trash that he talks on the field, he’d be all world. But he does stand to be in the running for the Catfish of the Year award. You know. The one they give for the player with the biggest mouth.
By The Man
November 16, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this
GREENJACKET IS A ‘MO!!!
GREENJACKET AND GTGREG POUND EACH OTHER UNTIL HE SUN COMES UP!!!
FEAR THE DAWGS!!!
I AM THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Rico
November 16, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this
Reggie is a tough fooball player who has heart and toughness. As the football sayings go..he has a “engine” that never stops. He is not and will never never be a great D1 QB. It is remarkable what he has done with the tools he has had to work with at Tech. The reality is that he would make a great tailback or safety. If he leads his teammates to wins over Duke, UGA, ACC Championship, and the Orange Bowl..he will go down as one of the five best QB’s in Tech hisory. Top 3 in recent history (behind Hamilton and Jones).
PREDICTION:
One thing will happen this year at UGA. He will absolutley run over one of the DB’s. I mean he will embarass somebody on National TV. Step on the face mask kind of embarass. No..he is not a complete D1 QB, but he will deliver a hit. He will make up for the episode on the UGA sidelines three years ago.
By Robber
November 16, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this
f4 years. Only 1 game missed. 28 victories. Not bad for a div II QB. The problem is that he is an option quarterback and we don’t run a lick of option. And haven’t since Joe Hamilton. But none the less, NEVER EVER BOO a student athlete unless he hit your mama or kid. I am ashamed at my fellow fans for booing kids.
So for all Reggie has done or hasn’t done for this program….Don’t boo. Go to h-ll if you do.
By Franchise17
November 16, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this
Reggie’s play has been suspect at times, but you have to give the kid some credit. He’s hard nosed and loves to compete. He leads the ACC in touchdown passes and if he can get healty and win the next 4 games, will have earned alot of respect which has been lacking from Tech fans everywhere.
By TheACCisOURZ
November 16, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
Say what you what to say about Reggie or Chan, but you can’t deny what they have done and mean to TECH. I have always been supportive of them and their efforts. Chan tookover Tech right after O’leary, Fridge, Joe, Kelly C. were gone and he settled on a undersized but hard nose QB. They have not let the program slip. They have kept the bowl streak alive and we have beaten alot of top 25 teams. Yes we have had our bad games, but TECH’s had some damn good one’s too. Remember Clemson at the Valley and how quiet the place was? SHOCKED. Remember the Auburn’s, NC STATE, near upset at FSU, Miami at the bowl were aiming for? All those memories, which in TECH history will be remember as great games, start with Reggie. Yes I know that the defense and Calvin have really been the benefactor of alot of those wins, but Chan and Reg played smart in those games. Don’t accuse me of having a man crush on either one GREG or THE MAN, but what I like about both is that they really seem to have this TECH pride about them and you can see it being absorbed by alot of people involved. Great recruits are coming in and the game attendance has been great (could be better). We have an excellent new AD and a young promising Basketball sqad. The BUZZZZZZ is going around. Chan and Co. will win the ACC this year and he will continue to sell the city of ATL to good GA recruits with a fat-daddy ACCC ring on their fingers. He got Calvin without one, if he had one he might have gotten Sidney Rice too. Bottom Line: Back your team up and enjoy these kids ‘cause we only have them 3-4years and watch because the ACC is OURZ.
By David
November 16, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
I have no problem with the many good things that folks say about Reggie. But, I do get really tic’d when they compare him to Joe Hamilton. He passed for over 10,000 yards (63% completion) in his career, and one of the most prolific quaterbacks in the country. Remember he finished second in the Heisman vote (senior year). Reggie could never carry his jock strap.
By jabba17
November 16, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
Reginald’s Nads: You’re not the first to get the “too cool” treatment from Reggie when it comes to your kid trying to get an autograph or photo op.
He has a big mouth and an attitude in need of some adjustment. However—he stands to make the top 10 in several categories in the Tech record book.
While the proof of the pudding is in the eating, I just wish (as Lewis Grizzard once said) his mouth would quit writing checks the rest of him can’t cash.
By KL
November 16, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this
Reggie has done ok considering we have the worst quarter back coach in the nation in Patrick Nix. Hopefully he will go back to Auburn soon and be proud of teaching their guys how to throw the ball out of bounds.
By CW
November 17, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this
It is easy for everyone to complain about the things Reggie “hasn’t” done, or the expectations he hasn’t met, but the kid has been a fixture for his team. He has started every game, save one, since he stepped foot on campus. We all know the QB get’s more accolades and criticism than everyone else, but this is still a team game and Reggie, more often than not, has helped put his team in position to win games.
With Reggie at QB, Tech has beaten Auburn twice, Clemson twice, Maryland three times, Miami twice, NC State three times, Wake twice, UNC and Duke three out of four, Va Tech once and two narrow losses to FSU and Notre Dame. While we all wish Tech had been more consistent the last few years, the results have still been pretty damn good when taken in the context of the last 30 years at Tech.
The only barrier for Reggie’s legacy as a Tech QB is can he beat Georgia. John Dewberry didn’t win nearly as many big games for Tech as Reggie has, but he beat Georgia AND broke a long losing streak against the Dogs in a game that will long be remembered. Sean Jones beat Georgia, so did Joe Hamilton and nobody can forget George Godsey lumbering for a TD on an option keeper in a beat-down game that cost Jim Donnan his job in Athens.
Beating Georgia next week, winning an outright ACC championship (neither Hamilton or Godsey did) and winning an Orang Bowl game (Darrell Crawford won last one for Tech at QB, with Pepper Rodgers kicking the winning FG) would all go a long way to putting Reggie up there with Tech’s all-time greats.
One last point regarding comparisons between Reggie and Joe Hamilton: I agree that Reggie may not measure up in some respects, but let’s also remember that Shawn Jones, Joe Hamilton and George Godsey all benefited from having one of the greatest offensive minds in football, Ralph Friedgen, as their OC. No offense to Coach Gailey and Coach Nix, but I believe Reggie would have been magnificient running the Fridge’s offense.
By Jay
November 17, 2006 01:54 AM | Link to this
Yes, we fear a team that has lost to Kentucky and Vandy. Once again the man is the ignorant.
By Najeh Davenpoop
November 17, 2006 05:06 AM | Link to this
Reggie is a talented player who is the victim of bad coaching. I think the fact that he hasn’t significantly improved from his freshman year (aside from cutting down turnovers) has more to do with the coaching staff than with Reggie Ball. He’s not amazing at reading coverages or being a great pocket passer, but out of 117 Division 1-A schools I would like you to show me 15 guys who are consistently good pocket passers and know how to read coverages well. The vast majority of college offenses let the QB make 2 reads downfield and then either dump it off to an RB in the flat or take off running. When all is said and done Reggie had a good, but not great college career… but I have a feeling that once the NFL converts him to wide receiver, he will be a lot more successful in the NFL than he was in college.
By The Man
November 17, 2006 07:16 AM | Link to this
THE DAWGS SUCK!!! THEY WILL GET BLOWN OUT BY THE MIGHTY JACKETS!!! THE DAWGS FEAR THE JACKETS THIS YEAR!! THEY FEAR BECAUSE THEY ARE GOING TO GET WHIPPED!!!
THE DAWGS SUCK AND THERE’S NOTHING UGA CAN DO ABOUT IT!!
DAWGS FEAR THE JACKETS!!! THE JACKETS WILL WIN AND THE DAWGS CRY!
DAWGS FEAR THE JACKETS!!! THE JACKETS WILL WIN AND THE DAWGS CRY!
DAWGS FEAR THE JACKETS!!! THE JACKETS WILL WIN AND THE DAWGS CRY!
DAWGS FEAR THE JACKETS!!! THE JACKETS WILL WIN AND THE DAWGS CRY!
THE MAN SAYS THAT THE DAWGS SUCK! THE MAN SAYS THAT THE DAWGS SUCK! THE MAN SAYS THAT THE DAWGS SUCK! THE MAN SAYS THAT THE DAWGS SUCK! THE MAN SAYS THAT THE DAWGS SUCK! THE MAN SAYS THAT THE DAWGS SUCK! THE MAN SAYS THAT THE DAWGS SUCK! THE MAN SAYS THAT THE DAWGS SUCK! THE MAN SAYS THAT THE DAWGS SUCK! THE MAN SAYS THAT THE DAWGS SUCK!
THE MAN RULES THE BLOGS BUT FEARS THE JACKETS!!!
By Brad
November 17, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this
Just a few comments to add to my above post: Reggie Ball is the problem for Tech. Tech could have been undefeated this year if Tech had a more competent QB. The Clemson debacle wouldn’t have been at all and Calvin Johnson would be in all the highlight films.
That being said, Tech still has the ability to beat UGA this year and will beat UGA. We need a better tune up game with Duke though.
Go Jackets! Beat Duke and pound the puppies into submission!!
By rambler1
November 17, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this
Reggie Ball gives 100% on every play. His problem is that he doesn’t have height, great football awareness or a good offense in which to work.
I wish him well in the future. I wish that we had a different offense for whoever is the QB next year.
By wes
November 17, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this
Reg deserves all the success he and the team have earned this season.
I will be proud to see him walk out of Athens with win #10.
By Coach
November 17, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this
By Rico
November 16, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this
Reggie is a tough fooball player who has heart and toughness. As the football sayings go..he has a “engine” that never stops.
The only thing that Regiie has that never stops is his mouth. And when that is running his brain is totally disengaged.
By MakeMeLaugh
November 17, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this
By Rico
November 16, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this
Reggie is a tough fooball player who has heart and toughness. As the football sayings go..he has a “engine” that never stops.
Rico you are an idiot. Reggie can’t take a hit without crying like a little baby girl and then let’s that mouth overload his azz. Fortunately before someone can put his lights out one of his larger and more capable teammates is usually between him and the potential bodily harm that his mouth has bought for him. And oh, Rico. I’m sure Charles Johnson is just trembling in fear of Reggie Ball. LOLLOLLOLLOL!!
By C tha 1
November 17, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
The Josh Nesbitt era will begin next fall!!
By Notre Dame Grad
November 17, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
I read the Tech and UGA blogs from time to time. I am transplant here. Moved here in 98 and I get a chuckle out of reading the blogs. I would like to make a few unbiased observations. Reggie Ball is a time bomb. He can be really bad or can dominate a game but the young man has no class. I think Chan is a good man and has good morals but how could he allow Reggie to play on his team after what he did at the UGA game several years ago? Then he follows it up by doing something stupid again. I guess he is pressured to win and he has no one else that can step in and play. All schools have bad apples and the pressure to win is done sometimes at any cost. Tech has a good defense, a great receiver in CJ and one of the best minds in football in your defensive coordinator (he should be your head coach). Tech gave us a good game and could have easily won. You loyal fans are talking a lot of smack about beating UGA. Remember you still have to play the game. If you win fine but if you lose, are you willing to accept the payback and eat crow? Let the game be played on the field and then if you win talk your trash. You guys are due to win since you have not won in 4 or 5 years. I think Tech will be able to run on UGA and UGA will run on you. I think Clemson showed your defense has some weakness against the run. If Reggie can get the ball to CJ and not lose his head you have a chance to win. If he comes out and blows up or does something stupid you might get run off the field. Your team also has to pressure the young UGA qb. I watched the Auburn game and he played like a senior. Never kick a dog when he is down, it will always come back to bite you. Hope both sides have a good game and may the best team win.
Your Fighting Irish Fan
By jacketnation
November 17, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
Reggie would have made a good tailback or WR. He has set a record at Tech proving his toughness, however he just didn’t think fast enough to be a D-I QB. I feel he has the athletic ability to plat at the next level. If he can learn to tackle, he might make a good safety.
By ben
November 17, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
I’m in agreement with the Ball bashing, however he’s been coached as poorly as a kid could be coached. Gailey called the plays the first 3 years which is a recipe for failure. Troy Aikman repeatedly criticized Gailey for his unimaginative play calling. Ball’s physical toughness which I’m told to admire by his supporters, doesn’t overcome his mental weakness, which has gone uncorrected by poor coaching.
By Steve
November 17, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
Idiots all……..UGA will win because of idiot Ball.
By The Man's C** Ring
November 17, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
Hi,
I am The Man’s c** ring. Made in China, I am part of the stock that is shipped across S.E. Asia, land of lightly-hung males.
The Man gets exasperated with me for my diameter causes me to fit himm to loosely, so he ties a knot in me to get a snug fit. Envision a band around a newborn’s little thumb. That is how large I am.
I’ll check in now and then to let you know how The (Little) Man is doing.
Later
By Jim O
November 18, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this
for all of you who keep ragging on chan and pat, look at what they have accomplished with the quality of players we have. yes, we get a CJ once in a while, but most of our recruits are not in the top 500 in the nation. uga should be a top 10 team every year based on the kids they bring in, so what happens.
same thing as the international bball tournament. if all of the players were pooled and drafted, all of the USA players would be at or near the top of the list. then why does the USA lose - teamwork and coaching, not talent.
GT evidently has much better teamwork and coaching. look at VT and comments made during the broadcast, especially the BC game. teamwork beats individual play.
while reggie may not be the best D1 qb, he is definitely competitive and has shown leadership ability and team play.
GO TECH - see ya in the Orange Bowl (and good luck in Maui - have fun and win baby win)!
By Jim O
November 18, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this
for all of you who keep ragging on chan and pat, look at what they have accomplished with the quality of players we have. yes, we get a CJ once in a while, but most of our recruits are not in the top 500 in the nation. uga should be a top 10 team every year based on the kids they bring in, so what happens.
same thing as the international bball tournament. if all of the players were pooled and drafted, all of the USA players would be at or near the top of the list. then why does the USA lose - teamwork and coaching, not talent.
GT evidently has much better teamwork and coaching. look at VT and comments made during the broadcast, especially the BC game. teamwork beats individual play.
while reggie may not be the best D1 qb, he is definitely competitive and has shown leadership ability and team play.
GO TECH - see ya in the Orange Bowl (and good luck in Maui - have fun and win baby win)!
By Greg
November 19, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this
LOG LAYERS!!!
By LongBeachJacket
November 20, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this
All Reggie’s critics are absolute “Know Nothings”. Irish guy - you are a total “Know Nothing”. You guys were d#%# lucky to get out of ATL with a “gift” win on a “gift” PF foul call to protect “pretty boy” Brady. Give the kid (Reggie) his props. He’s given it 100% all the time. He’s not perfect, but he’s a young man, still developing. This year he has been very focused and very careful with his public statements. Support the team. Support the players or find another pasttime. Enjoy this as a classic Tech season — with three big ones still to go.
By Patrick
November 20, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this
Reggie is not the best ever, I’ll agree with that. But yes, he is probably the biggest competitor on the team. He has put numbers in the record books up there with Shawn Jones and Joe Hamilton, and for the earns MY respect.
By Cathy
November 20, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
Reggie has absolutely no class. He would be a good fit at Miami.
By JustMe
November 20, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this
No one really knows Reggie except the coaches and Reggie.
Fans may see his accuracy of passes (or lack thereof), but that is all. We do not know when plays are designed for him to run, and I think that there have been many (until he got hurt).
Fans certainly see his heart and his determination to win. And for me, that goes a long way!
By talia
November 21, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
JustMe- I do know Reggie Ball, unfortunately I had the displeasure of dating him for a while! Trust me when I say he is as crazy off the field as he is on..I think GT really screwed him up…people I know that went to high school with him say he is completely different and not in the…I’ve grown up to be a good man kinda way either! Regardless he does really care about this team! so GO Jackets and Reggie, I guess…