AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNow, for the good news
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s Wednesday, Hump Day, and I feel like writing something cheerful, because heaven knows I haven’t gotten to do that very much lately. Covering a team on a two-game losing streak usually means writing about why it’s on a two-game losing streak, and that is, pretty much by definition, bad news. For Tuesday’s newspaper I wrote about Tech’s offense on third down. For Thursday’s paper Matt Winkeljohn will cover Tech’s struggles at quarterback. For Friday, Matt will tackle the defense, or the lack of defense.
So let’s spend a little time here talking about what’s going right for Georgia Tech’s football team.
My list starts with Durant Brooks, who has been sensational, even better than he was last season. His average is up a yard per punt, to 46.5, and more than half his kicks have gotten inside the 20, and opponents have “negative” return yardage. One reason Tech’s scoring defense has been so successful is that Brooks has made opponents go a long way to get points.
Tied for second on my list are Darrell Robertson and Vance Walker, the Mr. Outside and Mr. Inside of the defensive line. Sometimes it seems they’re making all the big plays.
Fourth is Travis Bell, who is 10 for 11 on field goals and has kicked a career-best 51-yarder. I’m sure a lot of Tech fans shuddered last week when they read his prediction the Yellow Jackets would dominate the rest of their opponents, but at least Bell lived up to his part of that prediction.
That’s my list. Do you agree? Would you add somebody? Subtract? Let’s try to keep the discussion upbeat today. We can return to criticizing everybody and everything tomorrow.
Permalink | Comments (43) | Post your comment | Categories: Football
Comments
By JamieDAWG
September 26, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Good news? Is there going to be a tickle pile or girly man contest tonight?
By ClemsonMania
September 26, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Count ye all blessings while you can. This Duke team, I mean Georgia Tech team is in for a long day on Saturday. Tenuta will blitz every play, and we may score 60. Our defense is solid and shouldn’t have a problem getting into this Div II quarterback’s head.
By ClemsonMania
September 26, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Count ye all blessings while you can. This Duke team, I mean Georgia Tech team is in for a long day on Saturday. Tenuta will blitz every play, and we may score 60. Our defense is solid and shouldn’t have a problem getting into this Div II quarterback’s head.
By stephen
September 26, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
you can always count on georgia and clemson (florida state & miami also) to be classy.
By DestroyClemson
September 26, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
I would add Dwyer to that list. He has most of our TDs and he’s only a Freshman!!! This kid is going to be something special. It’s good to hear that Choice is ready for Saturday, though. He’s hungry for some yardage and we’ll need him to play big. I think Philip Wheeler will come out strong on Saturday and get some sacks in. He is the real deal. Clemson is gonna be tough, but definitely not unbeatable by any stretch of the imagination. GO JACKETS!!!!
By KGT
September 26, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
I agree that Dwyer is definitely a bright spot on what has so far been a very disappointing season. Once he learns that you can’t break a big run every play and you sometimes have to take the 3-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust type play, he’ll be a monster.
For Saturday, I think it’s good that we’re the big underdogs in this one. It seems that everyone was reading their own clippings coming into ACC play, and the team paid for it. The D-line especially needs to step it up and control the line of scrimmage against Clemson. While I have faith in Tenuta bringing some serious heat for Saturday, I can’t say I have the same faith in Bond. Bond has to mix up the play calling. If Tashard is not 100%, I want to see Dwyer get most the carries with Grant getting the rest. This Clemson game is winnable, but GT has to play far above the level they have been currently. These are the type of games that GT tends to come out and play their few complete games of the season. Guess that’s why we play the games.
Go Jackets!
By KGT
September 26, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
I agree that Dwyer is definitely a bright spot on what has so far been a very disappointing season. Once he learns that you can’t break a big run every play and you sometimes have to take the 3-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust type play, he’ll be a monster.
For Saturday, I think it’s good that we’re the big underdogs in this one. It seems that everyone was reading their own clippings coming into ACC play, and the team paid for it. The D-line especially needs to step it up and control the line of scrimmage against Clemson. While I have faith in Tenuta bringing some serious heat for Saturday, I can’t say I have the same faith in Bond. Bond has to mix up the play calling. If Tashard is not 100%, I want to see Dwyer get most the carries with Grant getting the rest. This Clemson game is winnable, but GT has to play far above the level they have been currently. These are the type of games that GT tends to come out and play one of their few complete games of the season. Guess that’s why we play the games.
Go Jackets!
By GT
September 26, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
I think we should have a surprise for the Tigers when they come down to Atlanta. I see building a ramp from the top of the stadium and gathering the team before the game at the top of this ramp. Do one of those motocross deals right down to the field. Get the band juiced up with a little star wars music and bring something they all can rub on the way down while you break into rambling wreck. That would freak those boys out for a couple of quarters, and then we come out the second half in the same uniforms they are wearing. Find some orange uniforms at Wal-Mart. Keep them off balanced. Maybe even get confused and mix in with them on their own sideline. Rope a dope em until the fourth and then let them have it with both barrels.
By Greg
September 26, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
JamieDAWG, is there going to be a barnyard hump tonight for you guys? Mike I agree with you and I also would add Dwyer to the mix. He may be going on pure talent right now but he’s going to be one of our very best backs in school history. He may be the best when it’s all said and done, as long as he stays healthy. Clemson hasn’t played anyone worth a darn yet. We’ll see how their QB handles the blitz pressure. I’m sure our defense is p** off. Hopefully that’ll translate into a good afternoon. Bennett and the receivers have to get it going.GO GT!!!
By reasonablefan
September 26, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
There you go doing it again. Making Dwyer a saint and he has done nothing. Nice player but lets see how he developes. If he develops like Reggie did then he is just another Tech failure. Tech fans, don’t do to Dwyer what you did for your team after beating ND and Sam Ford.
By JamieDAWG
September 26, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
Greg, let me guess…you must be a flaggot in the Tech band. Do they make you wear one of those “cool” rat caps (multi colored condom)? Im sure Clemson isnt too concerned with your “blitz” defense. Didn’t they tune that D up for like 31 points and a million yards last year? I get a chuckle every time I watch Clemson’s running back on ESPN posterize Kamichael Hall.
By CW
September 26, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
GT- you’re killing me…love the orange wal-mart uni’s.
Special teams really has been very strong so far. And Tech has done a pretty good job not turning the ball over. Those two areas have been pretty weak the last few years so it’s good to see the improvement.
Don’t agree at all with the post suggesting that Dwyer has been over-hyped. Kid has looked very good so far and it is more than fair to expect bigger and better things from him. He has nearly broken a few KO returns for TD’s and will likely get one before the season is over. It has been a while since Tech has had a guy in the backfield who is a threat to take it to the house no matter where the ball is snapped. Choice is a great runner, but he’s not one to break off a 50+ yarder.
In terms of positives, that’s pretty much it.
By Howsad
September 26, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
This is the best you can come with. The meat and potatoes of your “positive” findings is found within the former soccer players of this football team… wow.
Next weeks blog: “Hey, I am really impressed with the water boys, I mean did you see how refreshed and hydrated our boys looked after losing to Clemson? And what about our matching band, they really put on a show.”
Wow, you guys are digging down pretty deep.
By Sturge
September 26, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
I bought one of the Brooks for Heisman shirts on eBay. As long as we keep converting less than 20% of our third downs, his stock will continue to go up! I’m still glad Reggie is gone. That’s the other bright spot this year.
By Howsad
September 26, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
The only positive you can find is within the two positions that don’t require a football helmet, and whose origins are on the soccer field. That’s digging down pretty low to find some good.
Next week’s blog will read:
Man, did you see those waterboys last Sat.? I mean, our boys looked really refreshed and hydrated after getting beat 50-10. They’ll be urinating for hours after the game. And how bout that band, quite a show, huh?
By jabster
September 26, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
Does anyone wonder why JamieDog seems to be more interested in the sexual orientation of various Tech folks than Tech football? Is he trolling…or cruising for a hook-up? Not that there’s anything wrong with that…
By Sturge
September 26, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
JaimeDawg- Please don’t quit your day job. If you want to see a girly man contest, look no further than your starting QB. True he’s won a few games but I see he’s won over his backup as well. Gotta say the backup’s name is quite the coincidence. This sure looks worse than the mythical tickle pile from where sit, but I must defer to your expertise as whether or not spooning is worse than a tickle pile. http://www.secfanatics.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=27358
By Glenn
September 26, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
JamieDAWG, there is no place for people like you on these blogs. If you want to talk football, fine. If you want to make derogatory comments, go somewhere else. All you are is an embarrassment to the University you supposedly support. I can guarantee you that they won’t claim you with the garbage you are spewing…
I am sick and tired of the AJC allowing racists and other haters on these blogs. THIS IS A SPORTS BLOG you morons.
By the way, when you do talk sports, learn to spell, or use a spell check, you bunch of idiots.
By Buckwheat
September 26, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
YO Jamiedawg, Pile on my big 9.
By StingerSplash
September 26, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Great. If our good news begins and ends with our punter and placekicker, it’s not very much good news then, is it? Good news will be Gailey retiring to the mountains and taking Tenuta with him, as long as the next coach leaves Giff Smith in place.
By BuzzedinGwinnett
September 26, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Sounds a lot like Vandy used to. Great punter and field goal kicker.
By jabster
September 26, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Sturge:
Your link died. But I got your back— http://i12.tinypic.com/4vskpl5.jpg
By tim
September 26, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
I’m a ga bulldog fan but I actually root for tech when they don’t play ga. I got my dad being a tech man to blame for that. The positives for me where week 1 in beating ND. I knew God wasn’t a Catholic or maybe he doesn’t care about football.hmmm. Tech needs this game against clemson bad. I didn’t think they would beat boston college but they need to get 1 back from that Va game
By ClemsonMania
September 26, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Count ye all blessings while you can. This Duke team, I mean Georgia Tech team is in for a long day on Saturday. Tenuta will blitz every play, and we may score 60. Our defense is solid and shouldn’t have a problem getting into this Div II quarterback’s head.
By old gold engineer
September 26, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
I think Mike Cox has played pretty well. I still believe he should get a few carries each game to give the defense something else to think about. I also think Colin Peek, Demaryius (?) Thomas, and Greg Smith have looked mostly good. That perception is skewed by the overall inconsistent passing game. Morgan Burnett has been impressive as well. I’ll try to pay more attention to Adamm Oliver and Daryl Richard this Saturday. They both have made key contributions in previous years but don’t appear to be getting much press this season.
By jacketfan
September 26, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
Baring a major reversal in play there are only eight more games and the Gailey era will come to an end.
By Chan "the man" gailey
September 26, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
There you see, now someone understands what I’m accomplishing at Tech. It’s about time I got credit for what I’ve done. I am trying to get the nation’s best place kickers so I can be recognized by the AD at GT, and they will let me become the new soccer coach at Tech.
By What the Hell
September 26, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this
Hmm … the only good news I can see from this season is that it may finally bring the Gailey era to a long overdue end. The man has been a blight on the Tech football program since the day he arrived.
The WORST thing that could happen is for Tech to beat Georgia (yep, you heard me right), as that would open the door for another three to four years of Gailey and DRad destroying Tech’s football program. I am becoming more and more convinced that Tech is headed for long-term disaster under the current regime.
Think of it this way, Georgia fans. Roll over for Tech this November, and you’ll have us as a whipping boy for the next five or six years at the very least.
By New York Jacket
September 26, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
Positive things:
Punting Field goal kicking Kick off coverage Punt coverage Solid running game Throwing to the tight end Throwing over the middle Only one interception Good defense against the run Solid play from Wheeler Outstanding running from Dwyer A team that believes in its Coach.
7 games to go plus a bowl.
Georgia fans continuing to talk trash on Tech’s site. They must be worried - priceless
By New York Jacket
September 26, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
Positive things:
Punting Field goal kicking Kick off coverage Punt coverage Solid running game Throwing to the tight end Throwing over the middle Only one interception Good defense against the run Solid play from Wheeler Outstanding running from Dwyer A team that believes in its Coach.
7 games to go plus a bowl.
Georgia fans continuing to talk trash on Tech’s site. They must be worried - priceless
By yellowblood
September 26, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this
I still don’t understand why we can’t have a mid-season coaching change. There Petrino sits just down the street and he would, I’m sure, appreciate any life preserver. Pull the trigger(is there still a trigger?!!! Do the deal !!!!!
By New York Jacket
September 26, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
Positive things:
Punting
Field goal kicking
Kick off coverage
Punt coverage
Solid running game
Throwing to the tight end
Throwing over the middle
Only one interception
Good defense against the run
Solid play from Wheeler
Outstanding running from Dwyer and Choice
Young receivers showing great potential
Outstanding blocking from Cox
Great rush from Johnson - play him more and use nickle defense against throwing teams.
Much improved kick off and punt returning
Better tackling
Great team speed
A team that believes in its Coach.
7 games to go plus a bowl.
Georgia fans continuing to talk trash on Tech’s site. They must be worried - priceless
By yellowblood
September 26, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
Knobler: Don’t insult us. If this is all you can report go do an article on women’s tennis or volleyball. This represents about 30 seconds of effort.
By yellowblood
September 26, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
Knobler: Don’t insult us. If this is all you can report go do an article on women’s tennis or volleyball. This represents about 30 seconds of effort.
By yellowblood
September 26, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
Knobler: Don’t insult us. If this is all you can report go do an article on women’s tennis or volleyball. This represents about 30 seconds of effort.
By flack jacket
September 26, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
Personally, I think all our players are outstanding individuals who are accomplishing far more than I was able to at Tech. The players are what is right with the program.
-fJ
By Male McMuffie
September 26, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
If you don’t support the coach, then you don’t support the team! Go Channy, go Channy, go Channy go! See you guys for our usual circle jerk on YJA.
By m
September 26, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
The ONLY good news that would make any difference for TECH will be the day that CHAN GAILEY is FIRED. It needs to be TODAY.
By Tech apologist
September 26, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
My father also went to Tech. I actually allowed myself to start following you losers after landing Dwyer etc and bought into the hype after Notre. I watched BC win the week before your game and I still, against my better judgement, picked you at home with a TenuDuh D and your awesome QB… Next, I started to pick UVA bcs I knew you guys suck but instead I tried to be rational.. I gave you so much respect that I thought “well, BC was really good and I almost picked them anyway so Tech is still fighting for the cruising on the coast division of the ACC (LOL LOL LOL)so they are going to get fired up and NOT lose to a team they should DESTROY!” WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG.. I will NEVER pick you collective bunch of pocket protecting NERDS again. I won’t hire you if I see GA Tech on your resume.
Listen, any of you that want to get rid of Chantastic are living in a fantasy land. Who in their right mind is going to do better. IF you had a brain you would consider TenuDuH as HC bcs he said on sport talk the other night he wants a shot…
You have no shot. ever. believe it.
Mr. apologist to you losers.
By The Real Football
September 26, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Hell, the best thing GT could do would be to field a men’s soccer team. With the talent in the ATL area, you could sell out that stadium without free pizza
By AlabamaRamblinWreck
September 27, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this
Can Chan…Can Chan….Can Chan.
His play-calling (and I know he is controlling the play-calling no matter what anyone says) is predictable and atrocious. He cannot develop young quarterbacks. See Cordell Stewart and Reggie Ball!! And I am sorry to say, looks the same with Taylor.
By fortebuna
September 27, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
Well Gailey ball has taken over again! When will some of the idiots that support this guy get it thru their heads that this is all we will ever get from Gailey! He is no d1 coach in fact the guy can’t coach at all. To top it off he puts a DE in the game when it was on the line. The guy deserves his ranking in SI as one of if not the worst coach in D1 ball. Mr AD get rid of him he’s a nothing now and will always be the same.
By Poetic Justice
September 27, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Do you moorons actually think Tenuta will continue to blitz every play. Someone has stolen his playbook and every team has figured out the disguises. So, I believe that you’ll see a different defensive look. I also think you’ll see more of our back up QB in some option play as well. Time to mix things up and change is on the horizon. Gailey is probably the second worst coach in the ACC (behind Tommy Bowden) but we really haven’t given Bond a chance to adjust to a higher level play than he saw at N Illinois. So let’s remain optimistic or please jump off the bandwagon now. There’s no more room for folks who consistently complain. We aren’t out of this yet.