AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKeeping it simple on offense
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Judging from what people are saying to me, and what I’m reading, all the suggestions for Tech offensive coordinator Patrick Nix leading into the ACC Championship Game can be boiled down to two: 1. Throw in some easy passes (screens, etc.) to boost Reggie Ball’s confidence, and; 2. Run the heck out of Tashard Choice.
Can’t argue the logic on either one. I really have to wonder if, despite what Reggie said after the game, he wasn’t so geeked up for the Georgia game that he played the way he played. I bet he’s in a much better frame of mind for this one, the recent avalanche of criticism notwithstanding, and therefore a pretty good bet to play much better.
With regards to Tashard, what’s to argue? Dude led the ACC in rushing even though Clemson’s James Davis had a huge head start through six or seven games, and Branden Ore plays for a run-oriented coach.
Hate to beat a drum here, but I can’t stop wondering if fullback Mike Cox and the tight ends might not help Tech, if Nix will use them. Maybe that’s just me.
Scattershooting …
If the rumors about Texas making a run at DC Jon Tenuta prove to be true (and if they are, it may not happen until next week, after Tech’s finished playing), he certainly has a track record for changing jobs. Just look at his resume. That said, Tech’s paying him about $400,000, on par with the very highest-paid assistants in the nation, and even though Texas has deep pockets, I think he and his wife and boys are quite happy in Atlanta.
What he really wants is to be a head coach, and at a BCS school, not some D-IAA program, or low level D-I job. Texas would offer more exposure, not to mention the chance to work with — and recruit — a hell of a breed of athlete. Of course, Michigan had plenty to offer last year, and he didn’t end up at Michigan.
As for Patrick Nix and Tulane, I doubt it. That’s a tough job, very difficult, and not helped by Katrina. But what do I know?
Crime of the week: Tashard not being first team All-ACC.
Lower-level surprises: Philip Wheeler not being first team, Kenny Scott not even being mentioned (guess his reputation for inconsistent work habits, and low interception total hurt, huh?).
Funny thing, the player on that defense who may translate into one of, if not the best, pro is DE Michael Johnson. What an athlete. I can’t say that enough. Reminds me of Julius Peppers.
Later.
Comments
By Leslie Smith
November 30, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
Tech fans… SI.com’s Stewart Mandel is paying for his comment about Coach Gailey being one of the worst coaches the past 2 years. Friday, Dec. 1, the first 600 fans between 10a-11a will get a FREE hot dog at The Varsity downtown courtesy of Stewie. Plus, he’s going to post an article and picture about it so make sure you come out and support the Yellowjackets and get a FREE hotdog. Look for the 790 The Zone table to get your ticket.
By JustPee
November 30, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
Michael Johnson has got a LONG way to go to be compared to Julius Peppers. Hell, almost any defensive end looks like Julius Peppers in the ACC this year. I’m scared that the ACCCG is going to be harder than we think.
By CW
November 30, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this
I’m just asking here, but should Tech fans be reading more into Nix lobbying for the Tulane job than just a guy trying to move up to head coach? Considering this is his first year really being the offensive coordinator, it seems premature to think he’ll be in the running for a head coach position, even if it is a lower-level CUSA team like Tulane. I just wonder if he’s looking for the exit door considering the dramatic inconsistencies of the offense during his time at Tech. While this has still been a very good year for Tech, you’ve got to believe that Gailey and Nix both know they will always be viewed by some as the guys who couldn’t figure out how to get Calvin Johnson the ball in some key games and as the guys who couldn’t mold Reggie Ball into a better QB in four years and 50 starts.
By toemeetsleather
November 30, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
pound the ball with tashard like they did against georgia then reggie connects with calvin a few times.great D and special teams and you have a jacket win…#10/something the trailerdogs will not see this year…GO JACKETS!!!!!!!
By jacket in columbus
November 30, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this
chan will have the troops ready for this one..deacons better be a prayin’ because this tech team will do something the other representative from georgia CANNOT DO…win a game in the gator bowl….ENGINEERS RULE!!!
By jacketsforpleasestaychan
November 30, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this
with loss last week have not heard any of the chan to notre dame talk this week,,,,i surmise he wants to come back just to beat georgia after taking acc championship and orange bowl…say 11 and 3/eat your heart out puppies…GO JACKETS!!!
By BadgerDawg
November 30, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this
For those of you who would like to get an understanding of the electric atmosphere expected for Saturdays game against Wake, tune into the MAC Championship on ESPN right now. It’s a comparable level of competition too as the MAC is underrated. My adopted Zips could beat half the teams in the ACC and they have the one defeated the one they played(NC St.) Go Wake!!
By David
November 30, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
This column drives home the whole bad situation. Spoon feed a four year starting quarterback. Chan Gailey is so afraid that the team will revolt if he changes quarterbacks (all year, and now also). Georgia, Florida, Arkansas went through this situation with changing quarterbacks, and I don’t remember the team refusing to play. Let’s not forget that Chan replaced a senior quarterback with a freshman. What is Chan going to do next year. No quarterback with experience, is he looking for another Reggie Ball to come in as a freshman, and lead the team to four more mediocre years?
By ACC NC
November 30, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this
David, I couldn’t agree more. Chan needs to do what he’s PAID to do and make decisions that are best for the team. I bet you won’t here the recieving core cry if he replaces Ball in the ACC Championship. Calvin is clearly frustrated due to over thrown balls and the lack of getting it thrown his way.
If it wins them a conference title and a trip to a BCS game, I bet the kids will play for anyone under center. It’s time to roll the dice and play TO WIN and not to lose.
By GreenJacket
November 30, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Chan, Reggie did not get Tech to 9-3 this year, the defense did. I saw #1 give 7 to Miami, NC State, and UGA while not doing squat vs.UNC, Clemson, Notre Dame, or UGA. I am proud of the season but it was the team ( especially the defense, running game and CJ) that made it happen, not Reggie. This is my thoughts after hearing Chan’s interview on 790 the Zone this morning
By GTYellowjackets1
November 30, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this
He didn’t say that Reggie did it by himself!! He said that he helpd get them there!! The offense does revolve around the QB. Yes the defense was great this year but at the same time the offense did score enough points to win ball games!!!
Go Jackets!
By Jacket1276
December 1, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this
I suppose Reggie is not part of the team according to GreenJacket. GreenJacket likes to point out all the bad. You seem to forget 4 TD passes in NC State game. 2 TD pases in Miami game. Just 2 TD passes in VT game. Yea forget he threw any in the UVA game. I won’t event mention how many in the Duke game.
When you are going to weigh any player how about remember the good and the bad. And yeah it takes all those guys on a team to win.
By DawgBite
December 1, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
When you have a simpleton at QB, of course you keep the offense simple, dog.
By FOOTBALL
December 1, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this
Nix would be a great fit at Tulane. Good luck & God bless Coach Nix. Chris Hatcher of Valdosta would be a great fit as OC at Tech. I can see it now, Tenuta’s Zone Blitz defense & Hatcher’s Air Raid offense. With the receivers and quarterbacks we’ll have next , it would be great. It would keep us standing the whole game. With the field spread out T Choice would run for 150 + every game. But to get Hatcher we’ll have to beat out FSU. I understand he is number one on their list to replace Baby Bowden. Tulane needs to get on the stick. Quick!!
By GreenJacket
December 1, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this
All I am trying to point out is that any mediocre QB would have accomplished the same this year. Versus teams bowl eligible, Tech was 3-3 which is not stellar. I, as always , will be pulling hard for RB and Tech to beat Wake which would be huge. I just have trouble understanding how RB could play worse than horrible against UGA 4 years in a row.
By ripme
December 1, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
Just read in Jax paper that Gator Bowl didn’t agree with ACC TO KEEP GT IN Gator Bowl GAME IF THEY LOSE TO WAKE SAT. The AJC said yesterday they did? Whats going on?
By Joshua Barlowe
December 1, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
I am hoping there is a behind-the-scenes deal in place with Tenuta, Gailey and Rad that says in XX years, Gailey will retire and Tenuta will be given the HC job.
I think that’s the best plan to keep him here. How old is Gailey? I’d like him to stay around 2-3 more years and then give JT a well-established program.
We’re on our way!
By reality check
December 1, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
In one way Reggie Ball has been the most consistent quarterback in the country the past 4 years.
He has consistently followed bad performances with good ones.
That means this is his week to play great.
By JustMe
December 1, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this
I really hate that other schools seem to ALWAYS go after the GA Tech coaches. Why are we the trainning ground for other school’s coaches?
We need to change the perspective such that GA Tech is where the “best coaches” WANT to be and not use Tech as a stop-over.
I don’t think that it is the money thing. Tech pays its coaches on the top end of the scale.
I don’t think that it is the facilities. Tech only recently upgraded the facilities and they still look great.
I don’t think that it is the lack of talent. Counting this recruiting class, Tech is doing pretty darn well.
IMHO, we need a marking or PR scheme to improve our image. GA Tech coaches should never consider leaving for Texas or for any other place!
A successful program always has long-term coaches.
By factfromtheflats
December 1, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
reggie ball will make amends saturday in a stellar performance against wake…jackets rule gator bowl[someone from georgia needs to] then romp on in orange bowl to top 10 finish…YELLOW FEVER SWEEPS THE JACKET NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Georgia>Georgia Tech
December 1, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
“I really hate that other schools seem to ALWAYS go after the GA Tech coaches. Why are we the trainning ground for other school’s coaches?”
Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! I about spit my diet coke all over my keyboard. You are one funny guy. Take this show on the road.
Georgia Tech football=JOKE.
By ben
December 1, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
If we lose Tenuta, we are toast. He’s like the Friedgen of our staff. He’s the only reason I continue to support the team, because he makes every game watchable. Those upsets in the Gailey era are due to Tenuta’s genius. And regarding his $400,000 salary, UT could double that and not even blink.
By GT
December 1, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
Maybe Tenuta get tire of cleaning up Ball’s messes. When you have a offense that can’t move you have a defense that is on the field too much. The sats start to look like you are the problem when in reality it is the offense. We really have the opposite problem of the Falcons. Our receivers are super and our quarterback can’t get the ball to them. The Falcons get the ball to the receivers but they are not any good. I’m not sure GT doesnt have better receivers than the Falcons right now.
By Sturge
December 1, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
Top 10 List of the GT Blog 10) Reggie is a thug, a below average athlete and arguably the worst 4-year starter in the history of Div I-A ball 9) The only eyes bigger than Mike Singletary’s are #1’s when he’s pressured or staring down his one (and only one) receiver 8) Despite losing #21, GT will be better next year now that #1 is gone 7) Chan is part of the problem and was given ample opportunity to make a switch but refused. He either lives in a complete state of denial or Taylor Bennett must really suck 6) If Chan made publicly made the switch to Bennett, another 20,000+ GT fans would show up this Saturday 5) While some UGA fans and Defensive Lineman Ray Gant have well thought out, articulate posts (mostly bashing Reggie which we concur with), most are doing their school proud w/unintelligible posts 4) These liberal panty-wastes who criticize loyal GT fans for bashing #1 have something in common w/the same morons who kept Cynthia McKinney in office. My personal favorite was a guy who thought Reggie would play in the NFL. Hopefully the random drug testing program works in his office. Also it is an insult to Joe Hamilton for these liberals to compare him to Reggie. Pretty much the same thing to compare the value of a GT degree to a UGA degree 3) Michael Vick didn’t really flick off some guy after the game, the guy asked just asked him if there’s a QB playing worse than him lately 2) Somehow we’ll beat Wake and the liberal panty-wastes will come out of hiding….that is until #1 screws up the Orange Bowl 1) The only reasonably priced item in the bookstore is the #1 jersey. There’s lots of them. Screw Barnes and Noble
By Steve
December 1, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
I hate to even think of John Tenuta ever leaving Tech. If it ever comes close to that, I would be for buying out Gailey’s contract and giving the head coaching job to Tenuta.