AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNothing’s official except officials calls
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So I’m sitting here mulling over the stupidity of a comment on yesterday’s blog that presupposes that the AJC is aware of some report that Chan Gailey/Tech filed with the ACC over officiating in last Saturday’s BC game, but we’re covering it up.
First, we’re not aware of anything unusual.
Second, my understanding — and I’ll seek to verify this later today — is that every team files a report for lack of another word right now after every game with regard to officiating. I believe that happens at the NFL level as well.
Whether Tech, or any school, has any real recourse depends on two things: your definition of recourse, and the call(s) in question.
As for recourse, I can’t think of a call ever being reversed, or a game resumed from a certain point where a call was blown. Ever.
Might officials be reprimanded? Yes. That happens from time to time. The officials who blew that onsides kick last year in the Oklahoma game (was it Washington they played? Cal? Definitely a PAC 10 team) were disciplined. If memory serves, they had to sit out a game or something to that effect. There are other examples every year.
Blowing judgment calls (pass interference, holding, etc.) is never going to get anybody reprimanded. But mis-interpreting or mis-applying rules can get you in trouble.
I’ll ask coach Gailey about it after practice today. I don’t know how candid he’ll be, as coaches are always leery of drawing fines for criticizing officials, but we’ll see.
Enough already about the BC game.
While I’ve got your attention, if I’ve got your attention, what’s your policy on panhandlers? A few hours ago a guy approached me when I was out running errands. He was pitiful looking, as usual, and very polite. Humble and shamed. I’m better than 50-50 to help in situations like that. If a guy, or gal, starts rambling 100 mph about some medical story, or getting thrown in jail on a bogus charge, or in any way generally ramming a story down my throat, forget it. If somebody just rams a cup or hat in my face, and then starts grumbling, forget it.
Another point on yesterday’s blog, JustMe, if you think Virginia DE Chris Long alone makes this game a big physical issue for Tech, you’re nuts, and you’re missing my point. My point is that Tech has the physical talent to beat Virginia, period. Do they have the mental stock to overcome a hostile environment, the horrible history the Jackets have in Charlottesville, the humility of — and/or possible drop in confidence caused by -the BC loss?
I think those questions are more important than whether they have answers when it comes to manpower and talent for Long, or the Cavaliers in general.
Today’s notebook, which will include further mention of Big Boi performing at halftime of the Virginia Tech game (that’s already on our web site — should be interesting. Check it out later.
Matt
Comments
By The Wreck
September 20, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Everyone should quit complaining about the officials. I don’t care if Gailey challenged some calls. Nothing will happen and you only encourage people to brand us whiners.
One or even two blown pass interference calls wouldn’t have changed the outcome of the BC game. We just plain got beat. Get over it.
We better beat UVA or I’ll eat my own face.
By fred
September 20, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
I am a very fortunate,thankful Tech alum. That said,games are won/lost ON THE FIELD. The number of soils on a jersey,officials “botched” calls and heckles from the crowd won’t buy you a MARTA ticket much less points on the only board that counts. Only losers make EXCUSES!!! You want reasons for losing to BC?—-they outplayed Tech for 62 minutes of a 60 min reg Get your coaches to join you as you look in the mirror and repeat:”You/I got your butt kicked, girls. Either show up to give 110% or prepare to be an intramural towel-tag downs marker on Sunday.”
By RAMBLE ON!
September 20, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Matt, just remember unemployment is 4.6% which means, if you can breath, you can WORK!!!….tell him/her to get a job!!!
Even UGA side walk degrees are working…well, they get a pay check.
By bmlloomer
September 20, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Matt: I think the KO blown call was OU vs. UO - Oregon
By Glenn
September 20, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
As a former Tech Letterman in football, I am much more concerned about the actions in the stadium where items were thrown onto the field.
I have now seen our fans throw green hot dogs (at Tulane, calling them the Green Weenies), dead fish at Notre Dame, and whiskey bottles at Auburn, to relate but a few incidents.
This is an embarrassment to the Institution and the program. Stop complaining about the officiating and start acting like civilized human beings.
It is great to support Tech, or any other program for that matter, but there is NO PLACE for these types of antics in the stadium or in the parking lot.
On the other side of the coin, we had whiskey dumped on us at UGA and Auburn, and various small change wrapped in tape, including nickels thrown at us, at Notre Dame. GA Tech had its locker broken into while at Tennessee, and all of our personal items were stolen during the second half of a game.
Sports is all about a competitive activity following certain rules and regulations. Participants, including those who are involved in any way, such as coaches, managers, trainers, and officials, should not have to worry about injuries from spectators
By GOTech
September 20, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Well said by Fred, sorry for the rhyme. Enough has been made about BC. They kicked our butts whether a few calls went our way or not. We are physically better than UVA and should win 9 out of 10 times played, but the question with this team has always been, with or without Reggie sux Balls, whether we can handle it mentally. This happened last year. We got cocky after beating VTech, then got it handed to us by Clemson. We then won 5 in a row, and lost our last 3 to inferior competition. We need a different mindset, hopefully it comes this season
By blake
September 20, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Do you think you guys are gonna cover that 3.5 spread against a highly mediocre va team that edged out duke, nc, and lost to wyoming?
By Mike
September 20, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
While I agree that the officiating did not change the outcome, as some point, officiating of that calibre will embarrass the ACC, cause a very good team to get screwed, and arouse (in a bad way) the fans. The league should address it. But, of course, it’s not basketball and coach K isn’t complaining, so nothing will happen.
By reasonablefan
September 20, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
Tech’s history of complaining about officials is getting ridiculous. If I recall it was BC who kept shooting themselves in the foot with holding calls. Otherwise the score would have been a lot worse.
Seem every year when the losing starts at Tech its always the officials or its Calculus or Chan or Hewett. Even Hewitt complains after losses and his style of defense seems to be beat the hell out of the other team and make them call it, even in the backcourt.
Lets quit the whining.
By scooter11
September 20, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
You lost your last 3 to “inferior competition”? How the heck do you know that you are ‘physically better’ than UVA? And you ‘should’ win 9 of 10 times you play? Where does all of this come from?
By Techhater
September 20, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
Its great to watch the Nerds complain about officiating. You are the same folks who received the benefit of the worst call in college history. Yes, the Jasper Sanks non-fumble. And to this day you swear it was a good call. Well, its over so move on and suck it up Nerds.
By Carl
September 20, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
My biggest problem with last Saturday’s loss is that the Tickle Pile was cancelled. This place is real dull when we don’t have Tickle Piles.
By georgia hater
September 20, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
Techhater i would rather be a nerd than a toothless redneck. You will be the one crying when your boys get waxed by the TIDE. Worst call in history spoken like a true Georgia redneck.
By Techhater
September 20, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
Hey georgiahater, I have you know I have a full set of teeth. Also I won’t be crying Saturday even if we lose. Most Ga fans know our weaknessis our youth on the lines and we will keep getting better. By year end we will be good enough to have a happy thanksgiving.
Go back to your boyfriend. I got a date with a fine woman.
By georgia hater
September 20, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
techhater, First of all your mom does not count as a fine female. Second sounds like you are already ready for your defeat. So put in your dentures and give your mom my best. By the way you didnt say anything about not being a redneck.
By gtne80
September 20, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
Matt, You forgot the most infamous case of a coach’s recourse against officials. Vince Dooley got the SEC officiating crew suspended for the SEC Championship game over the famous Jasper Sanks fumble/non-fumble call. Of course, he was the head of the SEC AD’s committee on officials at the time. Talk about whiners and sour grapes……
By mtraininjax
September 20, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
Matt,
Next time someone wants money from you, tell them you spent it all on women and beer or offer to take them to a restaurant and watch them eat the meal. Odds are they will deny it and just want the money for booze.
I agree, get over the officiating, the 51-48 victory over Georgia culminated from the “fumble” and the SEC officials later admitted they goofed on the call, but it still goes down as a Tech win. So who really cares.
The lesson we learned from this past game is that if you have a QB with the talent of Ryan, teach your offense to hold on every play, as Ryan will be able to get back the 15 yard penalties every time. Our problem is that Taylor has a hard time getting 5 yards per pass play, let alone 15.
By Thorpe
September 20, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
You guys are a bunch of cry babies. Boston College absolutely dominated Tech and all anybody talks about is officiating!?
If it were not for poor officiating, Tech would not have scored it’s lone TD - which came as a result of a phantom pass interference call on the goal line.
Just be happy that Boston College showed enough class not to run the score up when they knelt down inside the tech ten yard line with three minutes to play.
By Movin On
September 20, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
I am over the sorry pathetic officiating and sorry pathetic official reviews. They were obviously dumper than dirt, probably yankees……………just go out and kick the cavs butts..
Man ! I feel better !
GO JACKETS !!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Thorpe
September 20, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
“Dumper than dirt?”
I guess Tech fans have neither class nor intelligence.
Go throw some garbage at somebody.
By Moving On
September 20, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
Thorpe… Go suck an egg! Then have a drink and loosen up!
Yes BC was the better team. Now u feel better.
By george burdell
September 20, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
I was at the game Saturday night and witnessed somebody hit the line judge with a bottle of water from the stands. Would this person please come forward? We could always use another backup QB.
By JD
September 20, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
Matt, think it was the Oregon game if memory servers.
By cutty
September 20, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
Tech is one of the most storied programs in college football history. Heisman, Alsxander, Dodd, Ross, et all. Does anyone else find it disturbing that a journeyman coach (from Ga. by the way ) would come in and change one of the oldest traditions in the sport? Tech has worn white jerseys at home forever. Would Michigan fans tolerate changing that helment- or any other school like Texas, Penn St., Ala., So. Cal., Notre Dame, or Nebraska put up with such heresy? Tradition can be very powerful.It might even win you a few games once in a while.
By JustMe
September 20, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
My concern over the officials WAS NOT to change the BC game at all. My concern was to GET RID of bad officials so GA Tech (or any team for that matter) doesn’t have to suffer through another game with those guys.
I still feel that it is news worthy to publish what happens to bad officials. From what I have gathered, it seems like a lemon-of-a-ref can make repeated bad calls for years with nothing more than a slap on the wrist? Sounds like a job I want!
The ACC should be able to hire ‘the best’ officials for our games, especially the big ACC games.
And Matt, I don’t know if someone posted under my name, but I never posted anything regarding UVA being physical.
By george burdell
September 20, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Cutty, you’re absolutely right. Look at what happened to Va Tech’s “stick it in” cheer. We sing about gambling, drinking, fighting, Budweiser, and of course, ‘go fight win, drink, GET NAKED!’ How long before somebody complains about any of our other traditions?
Ryan is going to be a NFL first round draft pick next year. He took apart our secondary handily. Granted, I thought the team could pull it out and produce a win. Nonetheless, I am going to the uVa game on Saturday. If the Jackets can’t produce a win against the ‘HOO, it may be a long, long season.
By Tick
September 20, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
THE WAY TO STOP THE GARBAGE THROWING AT THE TECH GAMES IS TO GIVE A CLASS ASSIGNMENT IN PHYSICS TO DETERMINE—-SPEED, VOLUME, MASS, DENSITY, AND RELATIVITY TO THROWING GARBAGE AT A TECH GAME AND CAVEMEN SCROUNGING FOR THEIR NEXT MEAL IN THE STADIUM AFTER THE GAME!!! PAPERS ARE TO BE TYPE WRITTEN USING APA FORMAT—NO LESS THAN FOUR PAGES PER CATEGORY!!! ALL STUDENTS ARE TO HAVE THIS PAPER TURNED IN ON MONDAY AFTER SUCH INCIDENTS TAKE PLACE. THIS PAPER WILL COUNT AS 25% OF FINAL GRADE. TICK
By Greg
September 21, 2007 6:33 AM | Link to this
UVA hasn’t impressed me. Two wins over Duke and NC. GT should be p** off by the BC loss. I expect them to take their frustrations out on UVA. The passing game will come around. It looked better in the second half of the BC game. It just take time for a first year QB and inexperienced receivers to gel. They will take care of their business. Tenuta will have the guys prepared. I’m a little worried about the corners, though. I still think GT will win their division and meet BC in the ACC championship game. Go GT!!!!
By gte578e
September 21, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
TechHater, you’re right. That was a blown call. Jasper Sanks was down for like a second before that ball came out. Of course, your coach was an IDIOT for trying to put the exclamation point on that “win” with a touchdown instead of kicking a 19 yard field goal.
Also, it was a makeup call for the game two years before at Tech with a total BS pass interference call on Tillman against Ward (with video showing no one ever even touched Ward on the play) that let the mutts come from behind with about 30 seconds to go.
By HiveJockSniffer
September 21, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
Agree with you Matt, even talking about the officiating as a factor in the BC game is loser mentality. BC kicked our arse badly.
Also agree with your assessment of the UVA game, but you left out the most important factor in the game. Tech still has a stubborn old mule, who hasn’t changed, as head coach. This is a game he usually wins, after laying a smelly egg, but there is a lot of bad mojo to overcome to win the first game at UVA since 1990.
Still believe, that in a devilishly daring moment, Chan will throw out of the direct snap to the RB set. He is an offensive genius.
By scooter11
September 21, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Burdell: That should be a ‘starting’ QB.
By Tech4Ever
September 21, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Just came in fresh off my vacation in Savannah. Decided to catch up on the blogs. Funniest thing that “Thorpe” picks on a typographical error (dumper/dumber)and labels Tech fans as illiterate. What, then, does that say about the mutts and their hundreds of blog posts with critical spelling and grammar errors on a more than regular basis? Don’t believe me? Just click over and see for yourself.
By BobbyDodd
September 21, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
How wrong many of these posts are…BC fumbled the first snap of the game. It was ruled down by contact but the only replay occurred on the jumbo screen that showed “FUMBLE” Tech ball inside the 10 at the onset of the contest!!!
It was never reviewed nor did the TV show a replay. The only view on tv (I record each game) has a Tech players helmet blocking the action. But we had a replay at the stadium indicating a fumble!!! Why were more Tech fans quite? The bad calls started that quick and certainly could have affected the outcome even on a night we played poorly.
By JustMe
September 21, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
BobbyDodd -
I completely agree with you. But it is too late now to change the BC game. However, I am very concerned that those same p**-poor refs will be allowed to return to Grant Field to screw us over again.
By JamieDAWG
September 21, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
LOL…you douchebag geeks really provide some great comedy. First off, you have to entice people to come to games with “free” pizza and soda. Next you bust out Big Boi. Now your’re moaning about the officials in a game where you basically got blown out. You dont see Texas A&M crying about the officals after last nights game with Miami do you? Take that as a lesson and learn it because it isnt the last time thats going to happen this season.
By JustMe
September 21, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
JamieDAWG - STFU! You likely didn’t even see the game. So, how can you even comment about what is said about officials?
Let this be a lesson to you - you are not welcome here. Be gone.