By GT_NC

April 9, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

ESPN did a piece on “Baby Calvin”- Demaryius….they called him “Baby Calvin”….that’s alot of pressure on a kid who hasn’t played a division one game!! But from what I hear, he can flat out play. And with an accurate quarterback, they recievers don’t have to be a Calvin Johnson.

Anyone see anything different in the Spring game w/ Bond calling the plays?

By Ramble on!

April 9, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

I saw a very tight offense and a very sharp and accurate QB, far better in all phases than Nix. I think this will be the best offense since the Fridge was OC. It could be even better.

All the field goals were made too, many from greater than 40yards in very windy conditions.

…there was a good crowd at the scrimmage. The AJC posted a picture taken 20 minutes before the practice during warm ups. You would never know if you didn’t go.

By Ty

April 9, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

WAIT!!!! DID I SEE YOU USE THE TERM TIGHT END WHEN TALKING ABOUT THE PASSING GAME????

You mean we may actually THROW PASSES to the TIGHT END?!?! WOW, it’s been like… FOUR YEARS . . since that ocurred….

Oh yeah, that’s right, I had a momentary memory lapse of the RB years… (the mind tends to blot out those nightmares).

By GT student

April 9, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

I am so excited about the potential this team has next year. Even with the loss of some very key players, I think tech will reload and be fine. The buzz around campus is very intense and its only April. I believe the whole student body is ready for what is in store next year.

Now I cant wait to see what the Ugay fans are gonna post…

o and glad we finally have a blog to post on after what seemed like a 3 week drought almost!

By roman

April 10, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

There sure were alot more people than I expected to be there, especially given the conditoins. I was very pleased with the QB play. Even though Taylor is teh sure # 1 QB, I found my self thinking that we are in a problem that we have not been in in quite some time ( atleast since the Godsey era, of having a slew of more than capable Quaterbacks. And Knobler, thanks for the blog, I was getting kind of worried. And Winklejohn, if you are reading this, can’t wait to hear from you as well.

By surfrider

April 10, 2007 2:02 AM | Link to this

The keys are subtle but first is the competition. How does Miami, UVA and UNC come out to go along with Hokies. Second, is our second string QB. If something happens to Taylor we need someone who can play and hit the open man. Where does Manley play into this considering he’s had 4 years in the program. Plus it looks good with Threet and Booker in depth. Third and most important is we now have excitement brewing because Can finally has an offense. It is based on Fridge’s concept of spreading the ball around and balance. We have talent to it appears at the wr’s spot maybe more than in Tech’s history in terms of depth. TE is a little thin but with HB/FB/TE combo’s it will be fine. Fourth, is how does Bond respond in game conditions in big time football. It’s as exciting as say 2001 at this point.

By destin

April 10, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

MK - I agree we need a third linebacker to step up. Are the two you mentioned the only possibilities? Also, I’m a little worried about CB. Other than that, the starters look solid.

By David

April 10, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Anthony Barnes reminds me of Wheeler when he first started. Athletic as all get out, but behind a little mentally. Once Barnes gets it our LB core will be great once again.

By curtrob

April 10, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

well one thing i tend not to worry about over the past few seasons is the defense, and i am not worried this year either. Tanuta has a scheme that fits the makeup of his players to a “T”. With Wheeler, Guyton and guys like Roberson and Daniels returning its going to be another exciting year on the defensive side of the ball. these guys know the scheme and have been well aquainted with it for three years. i am very excited about the offense this year. i know you cant replace Calvin but with the buzz surrounding returning starter James Johnson and the true freshman Demariyus i think this gives our offense more depth. the offensive line makes all the difference in the world. if they hold up health wise, this will be the strongest most consistent unit on the team. i have faith that with Bennets knowledge of the offense and with time provided by the offensive line he will light up the defense. knowing that the TE and the backs will be more involved creates more options in the passing game and helps the running game. and i hope they get Rashaun Grant more involved in the passing game and running games, he has game changing speed in the open field.. i cant wait til the season starts

GO JACKETS!!!

By yellow guy

April 10, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

What happen to Greg Smith at WR? I thought he was a pretty good one.

By georged

April 10, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Concerning linebacker position and depth: we are solid if not spectacular with Wheeler and Guyton and hopefully the Bowen/Barnes combo will be servicable until Barnes gets “it”. When/if he does…WOW.
Any word on the progress and recovery of last year’s recruit Oshan Tango?

By gtalum

April 10, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

No mention of the D-Line? This unit might be the best in the ACC with Oliver, Michael Johnson, D. Richard, Vance Walker, and Robertson. I’m not worried about the secondary at all. We have experience back there, and our front seven will have the QB running for his life anyways.

On offense we quietly just might have the best back in the nation in Tashard Choice. He is going to have a huge year. Our O-Line is going on their third year together and will be very solid. Obviously it’s impossible to replace Calvin, but J. Johnson, Greg Smith, Earrls, and Thomas will be a very deep and capable unit. Add all of that to a top 15 recruiting class and all is well on the Flats.

By Ramble ON!

April 10, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Steven Threet looked very, very good as well as a back up. Josh will have his hands full to beat him out.

I like this new OC (nobody could be any worse than Nix though). We we’re actually throwing medium range passes, and some we’re over the middle.

By Quint

April 10, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Bout Time for another National Title to stick it in Those ugly Bulldogs Faces………..

By Jeff

April 10, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

My question about the GT buzz is this: Why is QB considered to be such a strong suit? Bennett played 1 game (albeit a pretty good one), had CJ and is now considered a lock for an All-ACC type season. Is anyone worried about the pressure he will be under if he goes 12-29 123 2 INT’s vs ND?

By addicted

April 10, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

I love how it takes about 12 posts for someone to even mention one of our strongest threats - Tashard Choice. Makes me super stoked for this season! He is capable of taking us from one end zone to the other all by himself, as he showed against Georgia, as well as against Wake.

I was unfortunately not in Atlanta during the practice game. Any info on how much we were passing down the middle?

By addicted

April 10, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Oh…and what about our 3rd Johnson, Michael? That guy is a monster on special teams. Is he playing as well as last season?

By tech fan

April 10, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

greg smith is injured for the spring. he will probably be battling with thomas, jj, earls, and maybe one of the frosh for PT come fall.

By Ramble ON!

April 10, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Yes, Michael Johnson is a monster…he was held out of the pratice due to injury.

By stinGTime

April 10, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Awaiting the “D” to get after a freshman at ND! How about it ND music guy?

By GT Bob

April 10, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

I hope the SA’s will be more involved in this years’Tickle Piles like they were Saturday. The Tickle Pile right after the game Saturday was the best ever . I almost lost it when the grads and athletes joined in.

By beeWinner's

April 10, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

Tashard didn’t get a lot of carries. However, the few he got looked good. I am excited about our year with our experienced offence line, defensive ends. linebacker’s and Jamal Lewis our safety(ALL ACC as well).

By HUH???

April 11, 2007 7:35 AM | Link to this

By Quint

April 10, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Bout Time for another National Title to stick it in Those ugly Bulldogs Faces………..

LMAO!!!!! ROFL!!!! Beam that guy up Scottie! He’s delusional.

By NNK Jim70

April 11, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this

Chan/Pat had a great game plan for the Gator bowl - max protection for Taylor, and he played extremely well. But, he did have CJ to throw to.

I am not sure GT can script a plan like this every week without the defenses quickly picking up on it.

Taylor has two games under his belt, so he is not an experienced qb, but then again, neither are any of the backups. HOPEFULLY he or one of the freshmen will shine this year, or we will be in agony waiting for bball.

By Mike Knobler

April 11, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

I didn’t mention the defensive line because I think it’s solid. When I’m writing about keys to the season, I’m writing about things that could go one way or the other. With Tech’s depth at DL, strong performance there is a given.

I didn’t mention Greg Smith because IMHO he’s not going to be one of the top two or three pass-catchers in this offense. That’s not a knock on him.

Are there other options at the third linebacker spot than AT Barnes and Shane Bowen? Yes and no. There are other players at linebacker, and they’re making progress, but I would be surprised if the starter doesn’t come from the two guys I named. And if you remember the past few years, Tech doesn’t traditionally rotate linebackers nearly as much as it rotates the DL. Tenuta believes in finding the best three and playing them (and with the amount of nickel he has been using, the best two are on the field a lot more than the No. 3).

By Scott Case

April 11, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Is nesbitt going to redshirt or change positions or what he’s to much of a talent to waste if Threet beats him out for the backup and starting job next season

By falcon guy

April 11, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Mr. Case,

FYI Bennett is only a RS Jr, so Threet or Nesbitt are likely to be backups for two seasons. Bennett is good enough to fend them off. So one or the other is going to be disappointed in 2008 and on. But that’s a good problem for GT to have.

I’m excited to have an OC who calls plays to throw to TE’s and RB’s, and a QB who can go through his reads to dump it off to TE/RB’s on other plays. GT is going to put up lots of points.

By One Who Knows

April 11, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Very good posts so far. Everyone seems to be excited about our offense and our defense.

But I think a few keys to the season aren’t being addressed. First, our secondary is largely unchanged, with the exception of Kenny Scott, but is that necessarily good? Our secondary was the weak point of the defense last season, and Scott was the fastest player back there. This season we seem to be one step slower, and we’ll have to see if more experience can make up for that.

Second, no one has really mentioned special teams, as far as punt and kick returns. This was a very questionable part of last years team. While I don’t know if this has been addressed, I at least think we’ll have more depth this year, which means more talented players on special teams than in years past. Still a big question mark to me though. Of course having Durant punting is awesome.

Last, I think we can eliminate one concern regarding clutch plays. Since we no longer have an incapable choke artist running our offense, maybe we can close out a game against UGA for once.

Go Tech!

By gte578e

April 11, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

I think the true key to the season hasn’t been mentioned yet. That is, how does GT transition from paper to games? Last year we were stacked: all world WR, 4th year qb, great D, and an experienced o-line. It ended with 4 losses of 4 points or less.

This year, we need to get some mean streak in us! I hope Barnes gets the nod because, from what I hear, he’s got a little attitude on the field. I want every player on the field to be mean. Whomever we start at RT needs to want to blow the guy in front of him out of his shoes just for lining up across from him. That’s who should start there. We’ll work on technique later.

What we’ve been missing for the past couple of years is killer instinct! That includes coaches and players, by the way. In our losses to UGA, Wake, and ND, we outplayed all three of those teams. We just have to close the deal. If Tech can avoid underachieving, all the way through the organization (a la 1998 and 2000), us fans will have a lot to talk about in December and January!

By RunningDog

April 11, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

“In our losses to UGA, Wake, and ND, we outplayed all three of those teams. We just have to close the deal.”

Every year it’s the same thing. You lose to UGA claiming you should have won the game. I don’t know who’s worse between you guys and Gamecock fans for delusional.

Tech has a good team, especially on defense, but win a conference championship before protesting superiority.

By Tony

April 11, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Runningdog - post on your own freakin’ blog…

By jacketnation

April 11, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Running dog, run and find you a tree to pee on. Reggie Ball (less) is gone now. Therefore you will not win against Tech. It was close 4 years in a row even with that idiot at QB. Taylor will scorch UGA.

By buttsniffer

April 12, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

Jacketnation, no need to get nasty.

We Dog fans don’t need to talk about fantasy wins. Just look at results.

Yes, we’ve had some problems with our upcoming O line, and some DUI bumps (hey, boys will be boys) but we have some excellent and high character JUCO kids transfering in to give Stafford and Lumpkin the help we need.

By Thanksgiving, our O line will be in a groove and your vaunted Tenuta blitz will work about as well as it did against West Va… . Lumpkin, Moreno, Brown and even Stafford will blow through all the missed tackles. Dawgs win!

And we’ll have to listen to all your moralizing about superior academics and character all over again. Yawn.

By Tech Rocks!

April 12, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

I’m so excited about this season. I think there are really several keys that could turn this thing around:

1) Hopefully Chan Gailey will go into a coma for about 4 months and come out of it right after the season is over.

2) Our rookie quaterback really looks good. Now if he can play as well against a real defense as he did against our second team powerhouse, then I’m sure this season we’ll go undefeated. Except we’ll have to…

3) Get some of these non-conference games off our schedule. If we can manage to not play UGA I’m positive we’ll be able to not lose every game. But seriously, we win about 2-3 out of every ten games against those silly rednecks (especially when we cheat! Tee-hee), and as it stands now they’ve won six in a row! So using my math skills (no roll of the 12 sided dice needed here LOLROTFLMAO!) we’re for sure going to win one soon. This could be the year!

4) If we could get wins for covering the spread, we’ll go undefeated! How many games last year did we come so very close only to lose it because of boneheaded playcalling?!? Well, if all we have to do is cover, then we’re golden (get it? Golden! Go Jackets!)

5) I-Perfection, uh, whatever his last name is. This is his year to shine. His mother was no fool to give him a name like that, and how could Tech go wrong?!? You can’t spell team without “I-Perfection.” Well, unless he’s not on the team anymore.

6) Focus on basketball by November, you know like we do every year. I miss McDonalds.

GO JACKETS!!!!

By buzz off

April 12, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this

Based on the tickle pile Saturday after the game I think we will have a great team this year. Saturday the alums had joined with the undergrads for a great tickle pile. Then out of no where the football players joined in. I lost it:) These players are so big and strong!!! We’re already great!!!

By Chris

April 12, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

Poor Tech fans, so hopeful for the upcoming season. What about this all world freshman receiver you have coming in? Baby Calvin? Well Daddy Calvin couldn’t do s—t against Paul Oliver. I expect baby Calvin won’t fair any better. And the guy that claims UGA barely beat Tech during Reggies 4 years? As if Tech would have one without him, and now your going to start beating UGA because he’s gone? In case you forgot, UGA has beaten you 6 years in a row, and 13 of the last 16 years. Don’t blame all of your demise on Reggie. UGA owns you, you will always play second fiddle to UGA, and it’s getting so bad your even playing second fiddle to Georgia Southern, in growing numbers. Maybe the Washington Generals can show you some sympathy. Your football team is giving the state a bad name. Tech should move down to Division 1-AA. Maybe you’ll have better luck there. Oh yeah, don’t start crying because UGA fans are on you blog either. This blog is supposed to be about your spring game, but has turned into how your going to beat UGA with your all world quarterback and receiver. Please, you guys are pathetic.

By curtrob2000

April 12, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

well Chris i am glad you found time in your busy schedule to come over and flex your scrawny little muscles. congrats on your run against our football team over the past. but like you said this blog is suppose to be about our spring game and not for bulldog fans coming over and ruining it for us. are you a little upset that our column was more positive notes and yours seems to be plagued with defensive struggles and that our recruiting class is getting more love than yours for a change. seems to me that you are a little worried about our annual november match up this season. why dont you stay on your blog and worry about Florida and Kentucky and Vandy. and i dont think there is anything wrong with believing that we can beat you guys this year. and i agree that Calvin may not have had a good game against you guys last season but Tashard did and guess what he’s coming back. now i dont have much of a leg to stand on right now, especially since we are talking about a spring game that really doesnt mean much when you really think about it. but we are going to support our program no matter what. and if you think that CMR and co. arent paying attention to whats going on in the flats, you’re wrong. his reputation is on the line every time he plays Tech.

good luck UGA i hope homecoming is special this year for you guys. just dont schedule Vandy or Kentucky this time…

By Jason

April 12, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Paul Oliver? I hope you don’t think he shut Calvin down. The only person that has ever shut Calvin down is Reggie Ball. If we have just a marginally better QB in that game you guys are not even in it.

By DawgBite

April 12, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Jason, you’re an idiot. Check Calvin’s recieving totals for ALL 3 years against UGA. He had a blanket thrown over him. RB my azz! You little sissies can come up with a million excuses can’t you. What will it be after this year when the streak goes to 7…without Reggie. Academics again? LMAO!!! ROFL!!!

By DawgBite

April 12, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Hey curtrob2000, does that support include going to your games? Or will you go again this year disguised as empty seat? Not that I blame you for that.

By charles

April 12, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Can you give us more info on Laurence Marius?

By ramble ON!

April 12, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

like you said this blog is suppose to be about our spring game and not for bulldog fans coming over and ruining it for us

Sigh. I post on the dawg blogs all the time, so, I’m thrilled down to my toes when dawg fans come over to our blog. So be nice fellow jackets.

By Ramble ON!

April 13, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Another fleabag imposter trying to steal my handle and some glory…they love me over there. One stupid mutt tells the other dumb fleabag, “I think we can go undefeated” they start talking about winning the National Championship and get all worked up, so I reminded them they have to play Vanderbilt on the road. They shut up, and get back to super-sizing the value meals before they get in trouble.

I feel it’s my duty to keeping the dawg nation happily employed. Otherwise, GT grads will be paying their unemployment taxes, so it’s a win-win situation.

By BadgerDawg

April 13, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Seems to me that Dawg posters are the only chance of this blog surviving…Winklejohn’s going to turn into the Georgia Southern reporter soon. Be happy a new topic comes up every two weeks or so, that’s still more than you deserve. On a smililar topic of (not much) interest, will the glorified HS stadium known as Bobby Dodd actually sell out this year, and will it require making a bunch of Dawgs prop up your university again by buying a 3 pack to get 3 sellouts instead of one? The only thing not funny about that whole ordeal is that we had the ideal homecoming candidate, but we just can’t make it work this year since it’s in Athens West.

RambleOn!, you are always welcome on our blog…just try to stick around after the game. You and jacketnation have a tendency to pull a “Gamecock Gary” and disappear after yet another loss after talking smack all the way to game time.

By BadgerDawg

April 13, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

RambleOn!, by the way I want that TPS report done by tomorrow. No more excuses from you! If you need to skip your Dungeons & Dragons party tonight, I’m sorry, I know how much it means to you but you’re not in college anymore. Also, I know you’re deficient in the English language, but if you need it translated do it on your own dime.

What is dumber, prediciting an undefeated season for UGA or predicting a Tech win over UGA? Neither one has happened in the last six years, so I guess they’re both longshots.

By jabster

April 14, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

OK, now that the mutts have shown up, it’s time for everyone to get out their bingo cards. Randomly put the following in the 24 spaces. Middle space is free. If you’ve ever played “Office BS Bingo” you know how the game works. Mark off each spot as someone mentions the following:

-Nerds -Geeks/Geek Squad -Techmites/Termites/Mites/Bugs/Sweat Bees -51-7 (five years ago!) -“UGA is just as tough as Tech” -Reuben Houston/Marijuana -Raid, Black Flag, or any other bug spray -Joke by Coke -Dungeons & Dragons -Hand Lotion -Star Wars -Star Trek -DragonCon -Free Hot Dogs & Cokes -Tickle Piles (WTF?) -“Gay” (includes “Gay-ley” and references to Midtown) -Asterisks or fractional national championships -Terrorists -Six in a Row -Disparaging remarks about Management majors -Reducing the size of BDS@HGF (20 years ago!) -O’Leary’s resume -“Count to Four” (maybe Reggie should have played for Colorado where you get five downs) -Flag Boy

By BadgerDawg

April 14, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Take out the free space and add “North Avenue Trade School” and there has to be some space devoted to the fact that very few people can speak English there, maybe eliminate Star Wars, that has a more widely accepted audience. Besides that, well done.

By DUI Dawgs

April 14, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

How many arrests is your model of class program up to this offseason?

By shivas

April 14, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Don’t fool yourself, Nesbitt will be starting QB in 2008. At that point, GT will be top 10. The kid is unbelievable, so pay attention. Oh yeah, he’s quiet, confident and humble. Oh, a leader as well. There won’t be a lot of hype about him because he won’t let there be, but on the field, he will win this job. It’s a good thing, so smile!

By Oddjob

April 15, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

I’m a UGA guy but this isn’t a slam posting.Like said I’m a Dawg but I like to look at young players on video,Steven Threet may be the best passer to come through tech.I read that Bennett looks secure at the top,but it will a shame if Threet doesn’t get a shot before long.What jumps out about ST is the rhythm,timing, accurracy, and quick release of his throws.

By Flag Boy

April 16, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this

Hey you guys! How are you? I’m super, thanks for asking! Don’t make fun of my favorite team in the whole wide world… the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets! I just love them so much, especially when they wear those tight pants that show off those tight buns! Mmmm! It’s so awesome! Well you guys, I have to go and listen to my Clay Aiken CDs and post on my friend’s Sanjaya Blog! I love his hair, it’s so neat! He’s the prettiest man in the world, well, not as pretty as Clay, but you guys know what I’m talking about, right?

I love Georgia Tech!

By PoohBah

April 16, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Enjoy it now Techies! Same time next year y’all be wondering wha’ happened after experiencing a 4-8 season, starting with a 12-32 loss at South Bend and finishing with a “moral victory” (14-21) loss at the hands of the Athens tard-droppers.

By Ramble ON!

April 16, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

flag boy if you love GT so much, I’d think it take more than some transgender bathrooms at Ugay to make you transfer like that.

By REGGIE BALL

April 16, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

help i’ve fallen and can’t get up

By gt2nash

April 19, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

The ONE key to GT’s success is REPLACING chan gailey with a COACH who has TALENT and TOUGHNESS!