AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTech tortures everyone Saturday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OK, I’m looking at my crystal ball — which is really my laptop screen — and I see agony. Or a game that is agony to watch: Samford at Tech. I think it will be ugly, almost completely non-competitive. Sorry if that disappoints, but that’s what I see.
App. State winning at Michigan was more than enough wake-up call, if Tech even needed one. Plus, I don’t think this is a very good Samford team. First-year coach, team picked next-to-last in the OVC by coaches and SIDs, undersized, no potential D I-AA All-Americans that I’m aware of. Agony.
Make that double agony. My beloved 10-year-old son’s season opener is at 4 p.m., and I’ll be watching the last quarter or so of the Tech game as they play. He’s going to start in his standard LB spot, and because our quarterback injured his shoulder and is out by doctor’s orders for the forseeable future, my little big man will double up at quarterback. He’s had a crash course over three-plus practices. We have a somewhat tricky offense, and the handoffs and tosses — mixed with footwork — have him thinking double-time. Oh, will this be agony!
Honestly, I see a score of something like 41-13. I think it will be terrible. I won’t be surprised if Tashard Choice and Taylor Bennett don’t play after the first series of the second half, maybe not even that long. Lot of playing time for backups, which is a good thing. I have a hunch that Demaryius Thomas, Greg Smith and D.J. Donley will make big plays.
Have a great weekend.
Good luck Patrick.
Matt
Comments
By TDF
September 7, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
Matt - You’re right - for you, your son’s game is more important. Good luck to him. If you can get me in the pressbox, I’ll take notes for you in the 4th quarter :-)
By gt45
September 7, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
Got a feeling you’re right, Matt. I’ve got a better feeling, with this team, we won’t be looking over anyone this year.
By Darren in the Springs
September 7, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
Matt, I hope that happens so the starters could get some extra rest for next week against BC. Also, like you pointed out, the backups could get some valuable playing time (that is always a plus). Will be watching the game on ESPNU here in Colorado. Ya’ll have fun at the game. Can’t wait to see the Wreck roll onto the field once again.
By Adam
September 7, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Saturday needs to focus on two words:
Passing Game…Passing Game…Passing Game.
I’d like to see just one half of Choice (one quarter sounds better but he’s already 9th in ESPN’s Heisman watch - and I think that’s enough to get 100+ yards and a couple TD’s).
I also agree with everyone else that this is a prime time to get backups (especially these talented Freshman) quality playing time. Roll out those LB’s, DL, DE’s, WR’s, etc. GO JACKETS!!! ACC CHAMPS!!!
By joe
September 7, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
that looks like 6 words
By brad
September 7, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
im just trying to figure out if its even worth the money to go see this game, it is the season opener but then again it is just samford
By MisterT
September 7, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
Matt, I can’t imagine that anyone that reads this blog would hold it against you to go see your kid play. You could just Slingbox it and watch it on a wireless to write the last paragraph. I am sure you will have written most of your blog before you leave the pressbox.
I have a feeling this will be your lot for the rest of the season though. Tough having to miss your kid’s games.
Where exactly do you see Samford scoring two touchdowns when ND couldn’t do it with FBS players?
Any chance we see Alex Mortenson at QB for Samford? Perhaps after the Tech defense had roughed up the starter?
By James
September 7, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
Great Job last week Jackets!
I was hoping we’d have all the starters back for this week. I agree with several others that the passing game still needs work. But I have confidence in John Bond to continue coaching up the QB play.
By Michael Cameron
September 7, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Matt —- Best of luck to Patrick, your old school both-sides-of-the-ball football warrior! Playing linebacker and quarterback means no two platoon system rest periods for your little man, but I suspect he’ll do just fine. I hope he makes a goal line tackle and also rambles in for a touchdown!
Regardless of the outcome of the game, though winning is still a good thing, it’s most important for kids that age to be safe and have fun. Let us know how he does.
Tech 38 — Samford 7.
By ArkyTech
September 7, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Matt, if you can hook me up with a some tix and a press pass I’ll free you up at the Flats Saturday afternoon. I have journalism degree. Lemme know!
By BuzzFactor
September 7, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
I was thinking more like 31-10. I can see Samford getting a late TD while the back-ups are in. Maybe a fieldgoal earlier. Of course, the turnover bug needs to be kept away. Choice should have at least 100 yds before he’s pulled. Taylor will benefit greatly from this game. Leave him in for 3 quarters, he needs the reps.
By Michael
September 7, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
41-10 Tech!!!! OH GOODY!!! Another great TICKLE PILE!!!
By Ramble ON!
September 7, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
No way does Samford get in the end zone!!!
2nd or 3rd string defense, still no way. I’d like to see TC continue his 100 yard game streak, but Chan my sit him before he can get it. I hope not.
By Joshua Barlowe
September 7, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
Matt — go watch your son’s game; TIVO the last quarter of the Tech game. The AJC can wait an hour to post your story. Heck; you can probably write 90% of it Friday night and just add some stats Sat. afternoon.
Some things are too important.
By gt84
September 7, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
Don’t let Radakich know about your son’s game - “Dollar Ya To Death” Dan will charge you for parking reservations, seating reserves, and tickets.
By Jack
September 7, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Matt, maybe you can convince your AJC bosses that you should be pulled after the first series of the second half in order to avoid the risk of journalism-related injuries and to give your backup a little practice.
By Observer
September 7, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
I suggest we just focus on Samford and getting the win, and not worry about when the reserves get in. I doubt/hope the coaches are not taking this game as lightly as most of those posting comments.
By SanDiegoJacket
September 7, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Matt
I hope your son goes to TECH so that he can be an educated engineer with a starting salary of aroun $90,000 which was my starting salary in 1972.
Thanks for hating Terrence, Jeff, but not Furman…..and we’re so glad Allison is gone. Thank God we’ve got Wayne.
SanDiegoJacket Curmuddeon at Large (CAL)
By SanDiegoJacket
September 7, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Sorry
CURMUDDGEON AT LARGE (OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEANT)
By GTBandit22
September 7, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
MisterT, Punch yourself in the throat.
“39. Anyone who calls Division I-AA by the new name “Division I Football Championship Subdivision” must receive one punch directly to the throat” and that goes for Div 1-A too. Man law!
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=rules/070905
By New York Jacket
September 7, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Matt, Forget the game. Go see your son play. He is only a kid once.
By Old 'N Gold
September 7, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
Brad, of course it is worth the money, if you are really a true fan you will go see your team’s home opener, why not check out the skills of the rookies and cheer on your team in a lopsided victory?….GOOD LUCK PATRICK
By Stewart
September 7, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
41-10 Tech!!! Oh Goody!! Another great Tickle Pile!!!
By Beestie
September 8, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this
Blow off the 4th quarter and go watch your son’s game, Matt.
And don’t forget to not mention the polecat formation. Don’t want to tip off BC.
They can’t read this, right?
:-)
By surfrider
September 8, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this
Tech should’nt overlook any team first and foremost, particularly until a Gailey headed team can prove they don’t have the letdowns that we have had at Tech over the last several years after big wins. I would like to see the passing game focused on a little bit more as we were’nt off that much. Bennett usually hits say 4 or 5 of those passes and that takes the stats up to say 16 of 23 for well over 200 yards. It was still close on some of them that were incomplete.
By Beeski
September 8, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
Matt, blow off the 4th quarter, bring a portable radio and listen to Wes and crew’s play-by-play and locker room show…..and you’ll still put together much better articles than Norman Arey used to give us.