Tech

By HiveJockSniffer

September 19, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, there are many Hive fans who believe that Tech can line up and play smash mouth. Delusional, to say the least. If Chan tries to pound the ball at UVA (which he probably will), this could end up being a long day for the Jackets.

My prediction, in devilishly tricky moment, Chan will call for a pass out of the direct snap to the RB set. He is so clever.

By WVU

September 19, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Well, Bennett is a third string QB on most teams at best. So, who can blame these teams for making him beat you? The ACC is probably the 6th or 7th best conference in the country, so Tech may still win 8-9 games.

By ben

September 19, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Look, BC isn’t as good as everyone is touting them to be. Clemson looked like USC against us last year and went on to lose 3 or 4 games. Gailey manages to coach his good teams to at least one clueless blowout per year. Let’s hope this is the last one this year.

By Clemson Mania

September 19, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Bennett was a 2 star QB with 2 D-I offers coming out of high school. What do you expect out of him? Maybe Gailey can work his magic and groom him like he did Ball.

By smitty

September 19, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

to think that tech might take uva too lightly is laughable, as if beating marist ( yea i stole that from someone else) and samford make them overwhelming favorites in upcoming games………tech should forget the first two games, pretend those games were preseason and they just lost their season opener…….they should approach this game as if they are 0-1…….and yes, just in case the coaches at GT don’t realize it yet, teams are going to make TB beat them……and yes, GT’s offensive line is not there yet….so its going to take COACHING….the offensive game plan is going to have to be CREATIVE….maybe that means more passing, misdirection, trickery, who knows?…..but there had better be something more….(nesbitt?)…….and GT80, the “chan sucks” speech is ‘old’ because chan has been coaching GT a LONG time and he and his coaching still suck (your word).(please see previous blog)…….what’s worrisome is that after seeing many failed red zone attempts( missed and blocked FG’s) and no passing game at ND ( an incredibly poor defensive unit it now turns out) and a hugely misleading score against subdivision samford ( the O-line couldn’t convert 3rd and short a number of times and the offense was 2/11 on third downs) , and that supposedly bond was saving all his offense and passing surprises for BC and we now know how that turned out…….and this week’s test is definitely mental…….it rests squarely on the cortex of chan……..his coaching and game plan……..and,if history is any indication, chan flunks this exam……but for the jackets and their fans sake, i hope he pulls it out of his A

By GT

September 19, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

he should let nesbitt play more let him throw the ball

By JustMe

September 19, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Hey Matt….

Can you answer a question, of maybe find out the answer? Does a head coach have any recourse when there are bad refs? Is there any NCAA procedure set? Is there any ACC procedure set?

I’ve heard a rumor that a head coach can ‘ban’ a ref from ever working at their games. Is this true, or just a rumor?

By LongBeachJacket

September 19, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

A lot has been said about the BC game.

Time to turn the page. One game does not a season make.

Too early to draw any dramatic conclusions.

A lot of discussion about Taylor Bennett. I’ll say this. I see improvements from him each week thus far (I’ve been at all 3 games). He is still growing into the position. And for those who like to belittle him for being lightly recruited…a foolish exercise…I seem to recall a fellow named George Godsey who was barely recruited at all and went on to be “lights out” at QB in the passing department in 2000 and 2001. It matters what you do when you get there…not how you got there or what people thought. I think he’ll be just fine.

GO JACKETS!!!!

By Ewrecked

September 19, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

HJS and the guy that sits a few rows behind me at games. Bond calls plays and if Bennett (or whomever) checks out of the play to something else, then you definitely can’t blame the result on Gailey. If we throw out of the single wing, that call is made at the line.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Mike Cox slings one on Saturday.

By Historian

September 19, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

I heard the same kind of comments about Godsey that you’re hearing about Bennett. Somebody is going to eat their words, could be me. Oh yeah, I said the same thing about Schaub, when many were saying he couldn’t win in the NFL. Wrong!!

By HiveJockSniffer

September 19, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

You can put any kind of spin on it you want, but Chan is heavily influencing this offense. He may not be calling all the plays on game day, but you can rest assured he is all over what Bond is doing. He said after BC halftime, “We have to run the ball more”. This after 8 yards rushing in the first half. This offence reaks of Chan.

By GreenJacket

September 19, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

I thought Taylor B. looked pretty good Saturday. He made some good throws ( at least he is completing over 50% of his passes) and did not turn the ball over ( like #1 did last year). They just never found a flow on offense due to good defense by B.C. and some costly penalties. It is also good to see Tech trying some screens, passes to the R.B.’s and Tightend as well as using more of the field.

By wes

September 19, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

Matt wrote: “This week’s test is more mental than physical, by far, I think. And I don’t by that mean that Tech can merely show up with confidence and win. But I hope you get my drift.”

Wow, I STRONGLY disagree.

If you don’t think Howie Long’s kid presents a “physical” challenge for our Jackets, you probably overlooked the point you were trying to make.

Make no mistake about it, UVA can flat-out play along the LOS. Yeah, they lost to Wyoming in their place, but that was like Wyoming’s Super Bowl and they’re actually not that bad. They also went into UNC last week and won. UNC has improved dramatically ever since they hired Butch Davis.

So no, Matt, I’d say this is more of a physical challenge to our Jackets. Our TE’s aren’t as big as they were last year and we don’t have Calvin to draw all the safety help in the world.

It will continue to be very tough for us to run the ball with those combined factors imo.

However, I think Tech found something at the end of the game last Saturday. #8. I think DThomas has what it takes. They didn’t go to him until the end but he has extreme capabilities out there at WR. Look for him to have a big game if CCG isn’t too PO’d at him for his rookie mistakes in the postgame interview.

By I love the game

September 20, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

GT has some great player new/old. They also have injured players too. Bennett is good, but Nesbit is better (if given the chance) pratice is one thing, but playing in a real game is the real thing is a whole nother story. The coaches need to come together bringing the team together also. For the same reason TO WIN!!!!!!!!

By George P. Burdell

September 20, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this

Just me,

Any coach can file a complaint, which Gailey has done if memory serves me right. I would think that a video tape of the game has already been sent to the ACC office and I would be very surprised if that crew officiates another ACC game, and it will be very surprising if they ever officiate a Tech game.

We still would have lost, but you cannot let another teams game plan be to hold and keep doing it until the penalties become too much. One of the worst I’ve ever seen.

By surfrider

September 20, 2007 2:59 AM | Link to this

Let’s don’t forget every year we win one or more games that could have gone the other way as well. Maryland comes to mind last year. As for this offense it was’nt as anemic as first thought through the air. First, Bennett has never played in a game of this intensity where we are behind and getting beat bad. He should get better each week. Also a few balls were close to being catched (this was the key to game to me). Up to 10 passes could have been completed with slightly better throws or good catches. In the last few years if we were off we were off. 254 yard total offense could have been 350 yards and the momentum could have changed a few times. But the big hole i see is not being able to attack the corners in running the ball against BC. There was no option game that could have maybe got us outside their mammoth front. Let’s don’t forget we lost to BC in 1998 early and finished 10-2. But we had an option component to that offense we don’t have today. Maybe Nesbitt can provide that when the other scheme is not working or we are not completing passes and moving the chains.

By JustMe

September 20, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this

To Matt Winkeljohn

If it is true that Gailey has filed a complaint about the refs in the BC game, why doesn’t the media (aka AJC and you) report about such actions? I would think that this type of thing is something that should be publicized and something that all readers would want and need to know about!

Why would the media keep such a thing hush hush?

If there is enough evidence of poor officiating in a major college football game, as a football fan, that is almost as much news worthy as who won and and lost!

By gt45

September 20, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

We’re going to win a lot of ball games this year. I have to admit, I was really thinking we were going to be very difficult to beat, but BC changed all that. Let’s hope we can make the necessary adjustments on both sides of the ball to keep future opponents from playing us in similar ways. As for TB, he impresses me more and more everytime he is on the field. He stays cool in the pocket and makes good decisions. He is going to have a pick at some point, but who isn’t. He threw a lot of balls the other night that were put in places only our recievers could have caught them, and sometimes they weren’t. If Chan is still calling the offense, I hope he will let Bond do his own thing before long, much like Tenuta. I’m still very positive about this season, we just still have a whole lot of work to do!

By Jim 70

September 20, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

There have been too many replays where the video clearly shows a reversal is due, but the on-field call is not over-turned. So far I have not heard any announcer or journalist comment on this. Once in a while they say who the replay officials are, but who is monitoring/managing this?

Matt, can you check into this - it would be interesting to know if there is an NCAA person responsible for reviewing replays and calling out/suspending the ones who get the most obvious ones wrong.

By JustMe

September 20, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Thank you Jim! I am very curious about such things!!!!

By jabster

September 20, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Everybody CHILL! Bartender-a round of whiskey clear, please…

My take:

LBJ: You’re right, Goosey started slow and was projected to be a nobody, particularly after JoeHam. He looked terrible as a fill-in player before he became a starter. TB has that same kind of potential. Nevertheless, mixing it up at QB would be a good idea, not as a slam on TB but to diversify our offense with someone who doesn’t have to stay in the pocket. And, if Bennett’s passing game doesn’t continue to develop, you have someone else ready to go.

Wes: Carowhina is improved, but not “much improved”. Not yet. Carowhina is 1-2, with a loss to ECU (never buy a used coach from those guys). I thought that they might flirt with a .500 record and go bowling this year, but I have changed my mind about them.

About the officiating at the BC game: Yes, it sucked. But what can you do… Game’s over. Time to move on and focus on the Yahoo Wahoos. All is not lost. Was it over when we lost to Clempsun last year? Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

By North Ave Pimp

September 20, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

All I want to know is HOW BAD does Taylor B. have to be before we see anyone else put in the game to try and get a spark on offense. Let me guess, when TB’s four year’s are up ? We have a stubborn OLD MULE for a coach.

By Fuzz

September 20, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Hey pimp, TB DID NOT play bad, our DEFENSE gave up over 400 yards passing, a CARREER DAY for Ryan. After watching the replay, some of these throws and catches were PERFECT with pretty good coverage. It is the WIDE OPEN catches that should be a concern. Maybe we should try to fire Tenuta. We had several drive killing penalties, some very poor calls, that were not TB’s fault. I will agree that we should have prepaired and should prepair a suitable back-up when our starter has an off day. Overall TB made some very good throws, was not sacked too many times, and did not turn the ball over. Enough of this.

FOCUS and BEAT the HOOS!!! Go Jackets!!

By fred

September 20, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Trick plays and gimmick formations are called “sandlot” for a good reason. Let’s leave winning sandlot games up to the peewees and put ALL the responsibility for GT preparation where it belongs——CHAN GAILEY AND STAFF.

Does the coaching staff have “IT”???

By Jay

September 20, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Good stuff Matt…this is why it is a pleasure to read your material. Oh, by the way, even though I am a Tech fan, I’ll take Greene over Stafford anyday, any place, any time.

By curtrob

September 20, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

there seems to be some double standards for Taylor Bennett as opposed to #1 R.Ball. now i admit Reggie was inconsistent and gave us fans headaches for the poast four years, but i do recall Reggie stepping up i certain game situations against Miami and Maryland last year, to put Tech in a place to win. Taylor hasnt been very good as of yet, but its only been three games, and im not going oto throw him under the bus. But lets not blame receivers for bad passes, at times he has looked indecisive and lost. we thought with Ball gone we would have better QB play and as of yet i can honestly say we haven’t. our defense and running game has carried this team the first couple of games and when we needed our QB to step up, it hasnt happened, last year R.Ball would have been killed for a game like that. just thought i’d point that out. or maybe its just me.

either way i know we’ll bounce back against UVA. GO JACKETS!!!

By HISTORY

September 20, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

The JAPANESE bombed Pearl Harbor; YIKES that one hurt more than the loss..

By gte578e

September 20, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Fuzz, you’re dead on man. I’m getting pretty annoyed with all this “we suck” junk. We’re now a good program, not just a good team. We lost to a pretty good team that outplayed us (and yes there was a lot of other stuff that helped).

For those who say to let Nesbitt play, what don’t you like about Bennett? He’s gotten better every game he’s been in. He was 48%, 88% (doesn’t count though), and 54%? That’s improvement, an upward trending line. Same thing with his yardage. It gets better every game. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, making the right throw is much more important than throwing it right (see the careers of Trent Dilfer, George Godsey, Bernie Kosar vs Reggie Ball, Dan Marino in his later years, David Carr). TB throws the ball to the right spot. Accuracy and confidence are coming, with every game they’re coming. I predict he’ll get about 260 yds, 2 tds, and an interception this week. Just changing for change’s sake is moronic. If you’ve got something better, yeah do it. But just to try to “light a spark” is not the best thing to do with a guy who isn’t turning the ball over.

Now, onto Matt’s original point, this is definitely a mental test. I’m not trying to belittle UVA, because I think they’re in the right direction in spite of Al Groh. But, as always, it’s rarely our opponent that beats us. I think BC actually beat us though, rather than us losing the game per ND, UGA, and WF last year. If we come in with a confident, let’s get to work type of attitude, GT should walk away 34-10. If not, UVA could very easily win. But, it’s by no means physical.

By jabster

September 20, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

History:

Have you ever seen the movie “Animal House”? Are you the only person who hasn’t ever seen it? Try Google if you have to.

Thanks for playing the Troll Game!

Don Pardo, tell History what consolation prizes he’s won!

Departing contestants win a case of Turtle Wax and a year’s supply of Rice-A-Roni, the San Francisco Treat!

By gte578e

September 20, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Cutrob, I like your level headedness in your comments, but TB has not played the same as Reggie ever did. I don’t believe Reggie EVER IN HIS ENTIRE career went three games without throwing an interception, EVER EVER. I could be wrong, but I don’t think it happened. Now, that said, Reggie did do some good things that often got overlooked because he couldn’t go three games without throwing an interception. But, look at what I already wrote. That’s the difference between making the right throw, which TB is good at, and throwing the ball right, which RB was good at at times.

By lenny

September 20, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

HISTORY —

Have you no sense of humor? Or an appreciation for pop culture??

I bet many folks on this blog “get” jabster’s reference, so you’ll just have to do some research and figure it out.

By curtrob

September 20, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

i see your point gte578e, and i agree, thats why i have complete confidence in Taylors abilities, and you’re right i dont recall a three game stretch where Reggie didnt throw a interception. i think this is one of those seasons where the ACC isnt going to get strong QB play, which is why Matt Ryans performance looks even better. most of the teams in the ACC have freshman or first year starters at QB. Miami, Va Tech, Wake Forest, Clemson, Ga Tech, NC State, and i think Maryland, not sure. we have an advantage because out offensive line consist of veterans whose played together at least two seasons and they’ve managed to stay healthy. Taylor will be fine, i just thought he’d get a little more heat after last week, because of the nature of the position and the history of our QB situation the past few years.

By The Truth Hurts

September 20, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Lest you conveniently forget, there were two holding penalties not called on Dwyers’ TD run, and a non-call on the most obvious pass interference against Tech w/ 13:15 left in the game on a long pass by BC down the left sideline. Maybe it made up for the interference call on Guyton that really wasn’t. The penalty yardage was nearly equal. BC held b/c Michael Johnson is a freak. And they still made first downs after the calls. The ACC may be down, the QBs in the ACC may be down, but Matt Ryan is not down and doesn’t look good merely as a result of all that. He looks good because he is good. And when he goes in the 1st round next year, you’ll say, “ahh, I remember him.”

Enough with the officiating talk, it distracts from the fact that the LOS was won handily by BC. And that is reflected in the rushing yardage allowed. There were no penalties to help that.

Tech will win at Virginia because their defensive pride has been hurt and because Dwyer is on the verge of stardom. Not everybody has as good a secondary as BC, so Bennett will be able to make throws when necessary.

By Spike

September 20, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

This “article” is trying to make something interesting out of something that is not. Yawn

By Chris

September 20, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Wow, HISTORY. Guess you haven’t seen Animal House yet. BONG.

Taylor hasn’t been bad (no INTs, no fumbles, ~50% completions) but he hasn’t exactly been good either (50% comp isn’t gonna cut it for a pocket passer, no TDs, red zone miscues).

I’m willing to forgive for a little while, but if his red zone struggles continue, I’ll be less forgiving.

By jabster

September 20, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Curtrob:

Is there a single game where Reggie didn’t throw a pick or lose a fumble? You can count missed/boneheaded laterals if you want.

And TB doesn’t go on a suicide scramble for minus-10 or -15 (just once against a tough BC team) as often as Reggie did. Reggie got sacked about as often as $2.99 six-packs of Bud at the 7-11 on game day because of those dumb@$$ scrambles when he could have thrown it away and saved yards, if not the down.

It’s not what you do, it’s the way that you do it, and that’s what gets results. TB may not win many games for us, but he won’t lose them either (see WF and UGA last year, and a close call on Carowhina—a QB that couldn’t hang more than 7 on a lame duck Bunting Carowhina team wasn’t going to beat Wake or the Rabies Babies).

“Better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football!” —John Heisman

By Jeff

September 20, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

UVA will CRUSH Tech. Our players are regrouping for a run at the ACC title. We will stomp this nuisance team before setting our sites on Boston College, a team we will also crush. After Saturday’s game the football world will once again know that UVA rules.

By Matt Winkeljohn

September 20, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Wes,

Good question. Why would the media keep such a thing hush hush?

What a stupid posit, that we’re covering something up. We’re not in that business.

I’ll ask Gailey about it after practice, and report the answer. But I have no knowledge of it to date.

By Chris

September 20, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

“UVA Rules”…

Not as long as Al Groh has anything to say about it.

Getting downed by Wyoming and eking by UNC (who was beaten by East Carolina) after they missed a 2pt conversion as time expired is not a sign of a regrouping team that may make a run at the ACC title.

By GT

September 20, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

just picture dwyer and nesbitt back their together thats scary.nesbitt needs more playing time so if a change is made in his favor it would’nt be so hard for him.them to together could cause a ton of problems for a deffence.

By Thorpe

September 20, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

Stop Crying about the officiating. Boston College dominated Tech

Just be happy that Boston College decided not to run the score up.

As long as tech and their fans keep crying, they will keep losing.

By Reggie Ball

September 21, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

I was a terrible quarterback for Tech. Worst 4-year starter in D-1 football history.