Tech

By John Bales

August 11, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Matt, I think you have your A and B backs reversed - Watson and Jones.

By Nice

August 11, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Over the weekend there was talk of a depth chart. Any news?

By Just Asking

August 11, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Chan got canned. Tech will beat UGA. Go undefeated. Paul Johnson is the messiah. So why are you techsters STILL not buying tickets? Are you waiting to see if you can actually beat Jax State? What’s the excuse this time?

By SavannahJacket

August 11, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the update. Good to hear Booker is working with Scout, that would be our best comparison to Perrilloux. Anyword on seriousness of the concussions??

By Milton Jeff

August 11, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

This could easily be a LOSS for GT. New offense, young qb..recipe for disaster. Plus, with Ryan Perilloux now the QB at Jax St..I think his dismissal from LSU will make him be better and have something to prove.

By D Rad

August 11, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

What else do I have to do guys? What’s it gonna take? When does the Paul Johnson bandwagon finally get to the ticket window?

By cleetis

August 11, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Matt- thanks for your blogs- - you’re providing good coverage on Tech.

Can you get an update on DJ Donnelly? Is he still enrolled at Tech? Did he transfer to Purdue?

The headline writer for the Tim Tucker article on ticket sales ought to made to do up/downs. UGA and Clemson are off this year’s home schedule and season ticket sales are essentially the same as last year. Most folks would look at this as a boost in ticket sales, but the AJC found a way to put a negative spin on the headline.

By jewface

August 11, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Milton Jeff, please stop trying to use your brain. Wow…there should be a rule about the mentally challenged and posting moronic comments on the internet. And for “Just Asking”….the ticket sales probably hav something to do with the size of the school (8K students) coupled with the fact most alumni leave Atlanta. Seriously, please “think” (although I understand thinking must give you a migraine) before posting. I get tired of reading idiotic dribble.

By GT JUGGERNAUT

August 11, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

you know who im really curious about that has went under the radar. The freshman Antonio Wilson. I havent heard anyone mention his name and I cant help but to think he’s another MJ-#93. Once he puts on some extra weight and learns the ins and outs of his position, he will be very good…. hopefully!!!! have you heard anything about him, Matt? They said he’s very smart and athletic!

By GTPanic33

August 11, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Matt, Thanks for the report. Not good news about G-Smith. I was hoping he’d make a huge impact at A-back this year. Let’s hope his fortunes turn.

By D Rad

August 11, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

There we go with the excuses again, huh, jewface? We have enough Tech alumni screwing up down at DOT to fill 2 stadiums. Call as it is jewface. Tech fans are all mouth and no action.

By GT76

August 11, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

I hope we can upset Jax St.

By JJ

August 11, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Matt,

What kind of offense and defense are the scout team simulating for Jax State?

By Old Gold

August 11, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Matt, thanks for the update - good material.

I have to add two thoughts, though: First, why the hell do you folks at the AJC open a good article like this up for blogging (same for UGA articles, BTW)? Looking at the responses, every moron from the “other side” feels compelled to try and come up with something clever to say. It’s getting REAL old. Can’t someone at the AJC give these things a quick look before posting, and if it’s a blog from an obvious idiot, leave it off? Same goes for the UGA stuff on their page - keep the morons off, let the real fans participate.

Second, why the hell do I read the blogs?

By GTsince62

August 11, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the report Matt. I am looking forward to a rapidly improving offense and a stingy defense. PJ and our Jackets will make great strides this year and we will enjoy many years of great football teams under his watch. All you alumni doubters go ahead and buy your tickets cause next year they will sell out early.

By GT Rich

August 11, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Preston Lyons had some nice runs at the scrimmage Saturday (albeit against the 2nd defense). Is he getting any reps? And with which offense, 1, 2, scout?

By HH

August 11, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

This is funny. As a Jax State fan I find it funny they are working on the JSU plan. We don’t even know what offense we are running since Ryan is QB now. It is for sure not be like last year. Unless they were sitting thru the run thru Saturday night in Jville and saw that limited scrimmage.

By mike

August 11, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Thanks Matt. How is Austin Barrick doing on the offensive line? Do you think Paige will play this year or redshirt?

By Wreck'EmTech

August 11, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

To “jewface”….Tech might be a bit bigger school than you think, to the tune of about 10,000 students that you forgot to mention. We enrolled over 18,000 (12 k are undergrads) last year. Sorry for being nit-picky, but Tech has been growing a great deal lately (the last 5-10 years). I second all your other points, though.

By Ramblin'Wreck

August 11, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

D Rad - if you’ve ever done work with GDOT, they clearly are not hiring Tech engineers. If fact, most of their staff at GDOT do not even have Engineering Degrees. That’s the bigger problem. Tech engineers typically won’t work for the DOT.

By Glenn

August 11, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

For those who are interested, DJ Donnelly is listed on Purdue’s depth chart and showing as a transfer from GA Tech, having to sit out a year.

Regarding the “person” claiming to be D Rad, your comments are offensive and antisemitic, and I would ask that the AJC identify you from your e-mail address and notify the Anti-Defamation League so that you can be “educated” properly”.

By RT

August 11, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

I’ll give you three reasons tickets aren’t selling well. J’vill State, Miss. St. and Gardner-Webb. I can’t see me shelling out hundreds of dollars to travel to Atlanta and watch those behomoths of football duke it out with the Jackets. I’d rather pay to see us get beat by a good SEC team than some team who’s mascot I have to look up on the internet. Schools should be punished in the polls for scheduling games like this. They will certaily be punished at the gate.

By Matt Winkeljohn

August 11, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Coach Johnson said after practice that Tech will probably work for about a period or two (practice usually runs 21-24 periods or so, five mins. each, most of the time) each day on Jax State.

Antonio Wilson is not yet in the mix. Pretty much a lock to redshirt. D-line is the deepest part of the team. Starting DEs are M. Johnson and Derrick Morgan, backups are Robert Hall and Jason Peters. And when Morgan suffered a stinger today, Elris Anyaibe moved from DT to DE to work a bit with the 1s. That’s five DEs.

Lyons working scout for now. He has to sit out this season after transferring. Not much reason for him to work elsewhere.

Paige will redshirt, almost certainly.

Can’t tell yet about Barrick, but I didn’t see him take any reps with the 1s or 2s.

Dunno about Donley, but I wouldn’t regard a Purdue roster on the internet as gospel.

By Chris

August 11, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

I am a huge tech fan, but I will say this. They need to stop all of the rinky dink crap that goes on during time outs and breaks in the game. It gives the appearance of a womens soccer game. And bringing entertainers like Big Boy to sing at halftime is just as bad. If you want to do something during breaks in the game, bring an old player onto the field and show one of his great plays on the jumbo tron. For example, how awesome would it be if during a break in the Georgia game Gary Lee was brought out on the field and they showed his kickoff return for a touchdown during the fog game. It would sure beat the hell out of watching someone try to throw a football through a hoop for a dominos pizza!

By m

August 11, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

It is a GREAT day. Do you know how you can tell it is a GREAT day? Because ANY day that Chan Gailey is NOT your coach is a GREAT day. So TODAY and all FUTURE days are going to be GREAT days..mark it down. Thank God and Greyhound that Gailey is gone…FOREVER. It is so nice to have a REAL college football coach preparing our team instead of some NFL retread just going through the motions.

By mike

August 11, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

tech officials using the ecomony as a factor in down sales for season tix, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, I thought all tech fans were nasa engineers making tons of money who were immune to downturns in the economy.

By Milton Jeff

August 11, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Jewface (aka Craigslist “Never Been Kissed): Seriously, you calling out people for being morons. Take a look at yourself. We all forgot that your extremely intelligent and our comments are those that only simple-minded peasants would make. Go F-Yourself Pansy. Back to Football.

By Observer

August 11, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

You keep right on thinkin’ Mike, that’s what you’re best at.

By Ramblin'Wreck

August 11, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I agree…using the economy is not a great excuse…it’s just simply an excuse. This only goes to show a bigger problem with Tech sports: The appathic fan. It’s the same reason that half of our club section sells their tickets to UGA fans…

By vamosjackets

August 11, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

What are the chances D.Reese moves (back) to CB with the emergence of M.Edwards at safety? Reese could really shore up that position and probably start opposite Jahi Word-Daniels. This would seem to make a lot of sense.

By old gold

August 11, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Just Asking……Stick you nose back into that canine derrier

By Glenn

August 11, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Matt, check out this link regarding DJ if you arn’t sure DJ Donnley

By NewBreed

August 11, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Good to see the team progressing well under Coach Johnson. Ticket sales may be a little soft right now but thats more a reflection of the economy and gas prices right now. For more in depth discussion about Tech football join us at: http://www.bbuzzoff.com

By old gold

August 11, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

To the other Old Gold: I don’t know who got here first but trying to be a gentleman I will change my monoker if you prefer. Some demented cretin stole my former name and I’m trying to get a new handle. So I’ve used Old Gold for approx. 8 months On to the topic. I’m not getting into the details because this is not the time. New coach, new system. I’m excited because I think PJ is demanding and is looking for success at GT rather than the next job. Tech will probably play poorly for 3 or 4 games. I will judge them during their last few games including UGA where I think it is proper to expect a strong performance. This does not mean win but something other than a 2-3 TD blowout.

By THWG_Dan

August 11, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Is Edwards going to be at safety or corner? I agree with vamosjackets, if Edwards is at safety, we could really use reese at corner. Any thoughts?

By Glenn

August 11, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Sorry for my typos…I wanted to get the link right and didn’t proof the rest of the message.

By THWG_Dan

August 11, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Ramblin’Wreck - I think you meant to say appathetic fan. Those darn keyboards. I agree though, too many Tech fans have no passion for Tech. This is what happens when we don’t recruit in-state players AND most of our alumni moves away.

By THWG_Dan

August 11, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

old gold - YES! Good to see some dedicated fans! We always play UGA tough and there is no reason to think that we won’t this year. CPJ is a football coach who loves the college game. I’m excited about everything from the new coaching regime to the new uniforms to the new attitude surrounding the team! Ticket sales may be off now, but once we start shutting people up, the sales will pick up! GO JACKETS!

By tickets

August 11, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Ticket sales aren’t down. If you read the article and not just the header, we are pretty much the same this year as we were last year. Last year we had higher expectations going into the season, as well as home games with Georgia, Clemson, Boston College, and Virginia Tech. If I was just a casual fan I wouldn’t buy tickets this year with low expectations and the only games worth seeing are FSU and Miami.

By So that's how it is

August 11, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Coaches are putting pressure on injured players to practice and risk further injury? Classy.

By JB

August 11, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

gonna take more than Pizza to put fannies in the seats this year

By Doug Thomas

August 11, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

RT, I wouldn’t disparage Miss St. They are probably going to beat the hell out of Tech. They’re a much better football team than Tech is now.

By Unbelievable

August 11, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

You pis%ed and moaned all last year about Gailey. Fire Gailey and we will buy tickets. YEAH RIGHT! Look at the littany of excuses in here today for not buying tickets. Real fans of a team buy tickets year in and year out no matter what the schedule is. Way to show PJ the level of fan support at GT. And all of a sudden, now the expectations are low when you need excuses for not buying tickets. Go back through these blogs and you’d think PJ was the 2nd coming. All these 8, 9, 10, win predictions in one blog. Now all of a sudden expectations are low. You alledged Tech fans are a piece of work. This is the exact reason that Tech will never return to football relevance. YOU…the illustrious Tech fan base.

By Uga living in dreamland

August 11, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

im sertanly going to go the the jax state game

By Big Bee

August 11, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Matt, a B-Back is a guy that runs over a linebacker 10 yards down field and gest up and says, “I’ll be back”. HeHeHeHeHe.

By Matt Winkeljohn

August 11, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Glenn,

Regarding D.J. Donley, I’ll take your link and raise you one (sort of).

This from jconline.com, the West LaFayette, Ind. paper that covers Purdue:

running back Malcolm Harris and sophomore wide receiver D.J. Donley were missing in action Sunday, but for different reasons.

“Malcolm Harris has been dismissed from the team, and is no longer part of Boilermaker football, for conduct detrimental to the squad,” Tiller said.

Donley, a transfer from Georgia Tech who will have to sit out this season, has not arrived at Purdue, apparently because of administrative issues. He’s expected to be at practice by Thursday.

Let’s see. Practice is more than a week old, and D.J. Donley is not at Purdue. You still think it’s a lock?

And no, I’m not suggesting that he’s going to be in Tech’s program, just that his situation is full of problems that I don’t completely understand, but I know enough to know I don’t know what’s going to happen to him.

Also, I left out another DE earlier. Anthony Egbuniwe, who is injured right now, is ahead of Wilson. Egbuniwe transferred from Tulsa, sat out last season, and will likely be in the rotation this season to some degree.

By unbelievable moron

August 11, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

The same # of fans from last year have season tickets this year. The AJC headline is very misleading, and of course negative. Ticket sales are merely what, 271 below last year (still with 2 weeks to go) and that was last year with high hopes, and a great home schedule. I personally have fairly high hopes for this season (I am realistic however) but I still have my season tickets. The fans that wanted a new coach have now bought tickets (for the most part). Leave it to the AJC to write that sales are “lagging” when they are already at what last years sales were (for all intents and purposes). Once CPJ starts winning, we will get more bandwagon fans that want to take part (Lord knows ugay has enough white trash bandwagon mutts). I agree that GT fans need to buy more tickets, and not make excuses as to why others aren’t buying them (even though there are some semi-legitimate reasons) and I think that next year the sales will increase dramatically for a couple of reasons: 1. CPJ will have a full year to recruit and teach his offense. 2. The MAIN reason: The home schedule will be much better (this year is terrible, 2 Thursday night games are out of the question for people out of town, and tough for people with young families, Duke and Gardner Webb are not great home games either, so we are left with MSU, UVA, and FSU, WOW, great home sechedule)

I do agree that fans should buy more tickets, regardless of schedule. And you will certainly think we are relevant when we beat ugay in the not too distant future.

And you have a lot of nerve to talk about “real fans buy tickets year in and year out”. Ugay couldn’t give tickets away with D-D-D-D-Donnan. Im sure you just hopped on the bandwagon as well. Its ok, 2-losses by Halloween will clear that bandwagon with a quickness.

By unbelievable moron

August 11, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

The same # of fans from last year have season tickets this year. The AJC headline is very misleading, and of course negative. Ticket sales are merely what, 271 below last year (still with 2 weeks to go) and that was last year with high hopes, and a great home schedule. I personally have fairly high hopes for this season (I am realistic however) but I still have my season tickets. The fans that wanted a new coach have now bought tickets (for the most part). Leave it to the AJC to write that sales are “lagging” when they are already at what last years sales were (for all intents and purposes). Once CPJ starts winning, we will get more bandwagon fans that want to take part (Lord knows ugay has enough white trash bandwagon mutts). I agree that GT fans need to buy more tickets, and not make excuses as to why others aren’t buying them (even though there are some semi-legitimate reasons) and I think that next year the sales will increase dramatically for a couple of reasons: 1. CPJ will have a full year to recruit and teach his offense. 2. The MAIN reason: The home schedule will be much better (this year is terrible, 2 Thursday night games are out of the question for people out of town, and tough for people with young families, Duke and Gardner Webb are not great home games either, so we are left with MSU, UVA, and FSU, WOW, great home sechedule)

I do agree that fans should buy more tickets, regardless of schedule. And you will certainly think we are relevant when we beat ugay in the not too distant future.

And you have a lot of nerve to talk about “real fans buy tickets year in and year out”. Ugay couldn’t give tickets away with D-D-D-D-Donnan. Im sure you just hopped on the bandwagon as well. Its ok, 2-losses by Halloween will clear that bandwagon with a quickness.

By Glenn

August 11, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the update on DJ, Matt. Talk about being stuck in limbo, huh? I really feel for him.

By buzzwax

August 11, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Matt or anyone in the know….who is the coward at the ajc who always takes a well written objective article and embelishes the facts for ‘shock’ value. This happens all the time. While the content and quality of coverage is good, this childish action will continue to be the reason I will never spend another dollar on your RAG!!!!

By Native Atlantan

August 11, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Before I buy a ticket to a game this year, I want to know at which game Big Boi will be performing during halftime.

By Tokyo jacket

August 11, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Matt, great insights. Your coverage still keeps me excited about Tech football 8,000 miles away. Keep it up.

I can’t wait for toe to meet leather.

By LSU Lou

August 11, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Id be willing to bet that all of UGAs 2nd and 3rd string players are better than GTs first string players.

By GTGene

August 11, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Matt, You never mentioned the bathroom situation at Saturday’s practice! The stadium was open, with over 2000 people there, and the operations staff failed to unlock any of the bathrooms. We loyal alumni have come to realize that the AA operations staff is very slack when it comes to doing things the right way! Had to use the officals lockerroom which was unlocked and unattended during the practice….another attaboy for the operations people! It is hard to get governnment employees to work on weekends! At least the football team is coming around. Go Jackets!

By GT

August 11, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Thursday night football with Jax State what is up with that?

By CA -Tech Fan

August 11, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Hey Matt Winkeljohn:

Can you please check on the status of DJ. Donley and report back to us later this week? It would be a great addition to have him possible back on the field in a Tech Uniform! Thx.

By GreenJacket

August 11, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

I will be at the Jax St. game and pick up a ticket before the game. I will be there with 4 other friends who do not have their tickets yet. I am sure there will be alot of walkup tickets that night to check out CPJ’s first game. Does anybody have any good recommendations on where to set up a tailgate?

By Atlanta Vol Fan

August 11, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

According to the AJC Georgia Tech has a new coach, new offense, new uniforms, and “lagging” ticket sales. LMAO!!! Need I say more? LMAO!!

By Hungry Tech Fan

August 11, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Before I buy tickets to a game this year I need to know one thing, are the free hot dogs just regular hot dogs, or are they all beef? LOL!

By Maddog

August 11, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

GreenJacket, a good place to set up a tailgate is Athens, GA. Ooops, you won’t be able to just walk up and get tickets. Bummer.

By love it

August 11, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

lsu lou you are just plain stupid. you represent the crap hole state of louisana well.

By TheBlogger

August 11, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Winning teams sell tickets. Ask the Falcons or any college or pro team.

If/when ugay has a down year or two (and it will happen), their ticket sales will drop - no doubt.

In addition, and as others have mentioned, GA Tech is a unique school…. small student population, small alumni population in the area, etc. Even when GA Tech was selling out, the vast majority of tickets were not Tech graduates but rather Atlanta citizens simply purchasing a college football ticket to see a great team.

UGAY on the other hand has thousands of graduates in the immediate area. They collect cow manure, scrub mud from tractors, etc., in the Athens area.

There just isn’t any valid comparison.

By Pat

August 11, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Is the Jacksonville State game at home or away? It would sure be great to start our own world’s largest cocktail party! I love Jacksonville. Go Jackets

By vidalia's Bubba

August 11, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Remember, what I say, PJ’s jackets will be ready to play football on Saturday’s. Will the defense be tough like Tenuna’s? I don’t know about that, but we’re gonna outscore them!

By Jim

August 11, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

TheBlogger, UGA sold out all of their games in the mid 90’s when they were barely cracking .500. In other words, you have absolutely no clue what you are talking about. Please do not waste everyone’s time pretending otherwise.

By son_sir

August 11, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

As a Tech fan, I’ll say: All the promotions, concerts, package deals, or whatever, will ever replace the value of winning football games on a consistent basis.
I think steps are being made in that direction, but people aren’t going to run out and buy up tickets in what is sure to be a transition year with a not so attractive home schedule.
On Saturdays, it matters not if you have 10,000 or 90,000 fans in your stands (ask Michigan). What matters is performance on the field. Seems I remember lots of empty seats in the Orange Bowl while Miami was dominating college football, just as an example. No excuses here. Tech needs to win on a regular basis and keep a coach who is a proven winner. As long as a coach has a little success at GT and then moves on (i.e. Ross, O’Leary), it’s going to be hard to get over that hump.

By Red Dot

August 11, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Wreck’EmTech is absolutely right. Tech’s student population is growing by leaps and bounds. My girlfriend Dottie and her fellow coeds from Asia just love Georgia Tech. Seems like they are in constantly recruiting their family & friends to apply to GT. A side benefit: Their enrollment helps prop up SAT scores of the incoming freshman classes.

By BigP

August 11, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

LSU lou, I’ll take that bet anyday, anytime.

Jacksonville State is in Alabama I think.

The game is Thursday night probably because the idiots in the city and Chick-fil-a are having Alabama vs. Clemson on that Saturday at the dome.

GTGene, there is no way there were 2000 people at the stadium Saturday. Maybe 500. I was there and the bathroom I used in the North stands worked fine.

Also the GT police apprehended a kid who had apparently stolen a backpack and was sitting in the stands. Nice work!

buzzwax, I’m with you 100%! The people at the AJC who put up the headlines are absolute cowards. I have complained about them over embellishing stories and using the ATL term to garner the hip-hop community. I have not bought a paper in 5 years!

By breaking news

August 11, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

This just in, Tech doesn’t sell out every home game. What a shocker, that’s some real breaking news. Thanks ajc for the headline, keep up the good work supporting the local team.

By The real reason:

August 11, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

No home game vs. UGA = less ticket sales. We buy ‘em up with our farmin’ money! Tech season tix are cheap plus you get a free hot dog and a coke! Love to see that stadium in Red and Black!

Also, I didn’t realize tech fans were so intolerant and such homophobes. Ugay? Really? That’s the best you can do? Thought you people were supposed to be a bit more clever than that. Looks like the fan base on the flats is going down hill. Your fans are having a good time on our board talking smack about an injured player. Looks like everyone has bad fans, even tech.

By Tech Forever

August 12, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

Just let the UGA fans continue to revel in their state of euphoria. I have many UGA fans, like most Tech fans, and there are two constants this year among ALL of them; 1) Georgia will win the NC with 1 loss (not going undefeated is their way of claiming to be a “realist”) and 2) Paul Johnson’s offense will never work at this level.

I just let them believe as they do. 98% of the time I end up being right and I know UGA, even with 1 loss, will NOT win the NC and Johnson’s offense will work like gangbusters at this level.

As for UGA tickets in the mid-90s, all home games were sold out, correct, however the number of ticket holders standing outside the stadium selling their was staggering….and pathetic. I went to a half dozen games over there and bought tickets from disgruntle Georgia fans. So yes….your bandwagon has brakes just like everyone elses.

By I-DAWG

August 12, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

Tech Forever, you know any young boys thats needs a ride to Tech games this season, as I have a big van, me and my boy Zeb likes to take care of the youngins. We works at the Waffle house on Peidmont and Spring, and post alot of invites. BTW, Read the AJC Front page, Hee Haw is Back, weeeee.

By Casey Tiffany

August 12, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

HiYa everyone, remember me, Casey Tiffany, ala, the Great Snipper. My man I Dawg and I were on Honeymoon, Aruba, of course. Just getting used to being a real lady, (spit). Well, we live on the Hill by College Park, and arehaving a final summer bash Sat, August 16, an All Nighter. Bring a friend, bring a freak, as anything goes.

By exNFLplayer

August 12, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

If you don’t show recruits a full stadium, the good ones will go elsewhere. That is why fan support is crucial. Don’t underestimate the value of a full, rockin, hoppin venue. That is the point alot of you are missing. The true fans role is to assist in the building of a winning program year after year no matter what the schedule. Sorry guys but there are some lame excuses in here today. You being in the stands every Saturday is key to long term success.

By TechFan4life

August 12, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

Will the #80 team in the land upset Jacksonville State?

By GT76

August 12, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

Until we support this team with our presence in the stands we will never win consistently again. Look at Miss State. Sylvester Croom went in there and created some enthusiasm. MSU fans fill the seats and between Croom and some good wins that program is improving drastically. They are actually attracting some pretty good players to STARKVILLE, MS. Look at their steady rise in the national rankings and the increased respect they get from their league. They are ranked 50 spots higher than GT. You so called “fans” that always have some excuse at hand for why you don’t go to games is really beginning to get tiresome. Does any other Tech fan in here think it’s time for this sorry excuse making bunch to put up, shut up, or just go away? And wait until that above Miss State team comes into our house, puts more maroon in the seats than we will have gold, and beats the hell out of us to boot. The same stay at home so called “fans” will scream loud and long and bore the hell out of the rest of us with their excuses why we can’t beat Miss State.

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

August 12, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

GT76:

Not sure what you know about Miss State, but my daughter spent the past 2 years going to school there, so I do know what I am talking about.

They do not fill up their stadium for all home games, and if they do, it is because Auburn or Alabama or someone else buys the extra tickets. I agree that Sly Croom is doing a great job there, and the attendance and excitement is headed upward.

GT will always have trouble selling all of their tickets unless folks from the Atlanta area get excited about GT football. Many of the GT alums do not live close to Atlanta, and many that do live within driving distance are not football fans. There is also a diverse cultural population at GT, and many of the students with foreign backgrounds are not into football, unless we are talking about soccer. That is just the way it is.

Go Jackets!

By GT76

August 12, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this

So I guess what you’re trying to say AlabamaRamblinwreck is that we have a ready made excuse for continued losing. We have a generation of fans coming in here touting GT’s tradition while they themselves are killing it with lack of support, whatever the reason or excuse. We are the only program in history to expand the stadium and then take the seats OUT. UGA went through the largest stadium expansion in their history when Ray Goff was coach. Jim Donnan raised millions for facilities upgrades that drastically boosted recruiting and benefited the student body at large. What are we doing? Making excuses for not being able to put 45,000 GT fans in the seats. Yet we think we should be “big time”. Our detractors are right. We are losing relevance because we are not doing the things that have to be done to be big time. How do you raise your profile when you do nothing to raise it. The financial condition of our athletic department gets worse every year. Do you guys realize that we are ranked below Vanderbilt and Duke? The very foundation of a good football program is the fan base and it’s willingness to support a program through thick and thin. With the attitude displayed by our fans and the willingness to accept mediocrity through our actions, if not our mouths, we will lose more and more games. We will lose good coaches and find it hard to hire another. We are at a crossroads here Tech “fans”. It’s time to fish or cut bait. If we don’t fill the seats and give PJ the support he requires he will be gone and so will Tech football. THis is our last chance to turn this around. If we fail this time we won’t even be Vnady or Duke. I speak the truth and you know it and it terrifies you, yet you continue to excuse make and whine. We will reap what we sow this time. If we the fans don’t do our part, D Rad will be gone, PJ will be gone, and Tech football will be gone forever.

By Big12transplant2Atl

August 12, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

GT76 has some good points. As a recent new resident of Atlanta I can tell you that all I knew about GT before moving here was that they played in the ACC as one of the more marginal teams. Had I heard of UGA and Mark Richt? Yes. Why? Because the perception is nationally that they are a major player in an extremely tough conference. We know more about that dog in Texas than we do about GT. When a team’s spring game might be on ESPN that says a ton about it’s national profile. ESPN knows that UGA will be a force not just this year, but the next, and the next, and the next. GT has a long way to go, and like it or not, it all starts with a fan base that can fill seats. If you feel that it is impossible to do that and continue to stay home you will become everybodies homecoming game in the very near future. If you need lessons on how to be real fans go over to Columbia, SC. They will show you how. They don’t have a great football team but they sure do have great fans.

By gTech

August 12, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

GT76- are you even a real tech fan? You have the most negative posts out of anyone on here. We are ranked below Vandy & Duke in SI. That is because they do not believe that CPJ’s offense will work…at all. I guess they also believe that Cutcliffe is going to become Jesus and work miracles with Duke. They also think we will only win 3 games. I bet my left testicle that we win more than 3 games this year. In fact, I bet both of them.

Yes, we have no excuses on why we don’t sell out tickets. But do you idiots think that the guys on here don’t have season tickets? Who are you chastizing? And everytime someone tries to post a semi-legitimate excuse as to why ticket sales are low, you berrate them. Yes, no one wants to hear excuses, but there are actual REASONS why ticket sales are low. I buy mine every year, and come to every game I can. I can’t help it that Indians don’t like football. But no matter what you say, the home schedule has a major effect on ticket sales this year. So, GT76, instead of being negative on every single post you make, why don’t you just go back over to the uga boards, b/c if you are a tech fan, then you are everything that is wrong with tech fans. Not because you “speak the truth” but because you are negative in every post, and try to discourage those around you. I bet you are a blast to go to games with….

By GT76

August 12, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Obviously I am responding to those on this blog that make it very clear that they don’t buy tickets and have all these preconditions before they will. Negativity? I just see what has been gradually happening to this program. Deny that we are dying from 1000 cuts gTech. Deny it. Deny the decline. Everyone demanded Gailey win. He won a Coastal Division title and what did Tech fans do. Embarrass themselves with attendance at the biggest game we have played since 1990. Jacksonville officials don’t even want to hear Gerogia Tech mentioned anymore. Deny that happened gTech. Fire Chan and we will come. Yeah right! Make a case that the bandwagon is full in it’s support of PJ. You can’t. Ticket sales prove it. Prime tickets are going for 250.00 and still they sit unsold. Academics, now Indians. What’s the next excuse? Negativity? No. Reality? Yes. You are smart enough to see the decline. Deny it. We the fans are not doing our part period. I don’t care what Cutcliffe does at Duke. I care about what PJ does here. We have to get on board no matter what the schedule, in spite of all these Indians that keep getting mentioned, the Chinese, whatever. Our Athletic Director gave Tech nation what it demanded and what are we giving in return. Negativity! Ticket sales indicate the negativity gTech. Deny that? Discourage? No. Telling sorry as$ loudmouthed fans what they don’t want to hear? Yes. Too many Tech fans are like the office sharpshooter that can always cite problems but disappears into his little cubicle to hide out when it’s time to solve the problem. Even when given a clear plan to solve issues they disappear. Just like all the invisible “fans” at Grant Field on Saturday. And furthermore gTech. If you are not one of them get on the soapbox and encourage the sorry ones to shut up with the excuses and make it better. Be a part of the solution instead of an enabler gTech. And by the way gTech, I went to Jacksonville.

By Bobby J.

August 12, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

I am a Tech grad gTech and GT76 is absolutely correct. The schedule excuse doesn’t fly when GT has to sell those mini-packages to Clemson, UGA, and FSU fans just to fill the stadium in years we have a great home schedule. And I see alot of those Indian students you scapegoat all the way live in the student section almost every home game. But if guys like you think putting meat in the seats is such an overwhelming challenge, we can always drop down to another division, turn Bobby Dodd into a soccer arena and fill it up with all those Indians that are being blamed for poor attendance. We can use the intrmural field for football and maybe fill those up. I for one am sick of the excuses.

By gTech

August 12, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Hey kids, don’t question whether I am a legitimate fan. I went to Jacksonville as well. I sat in Club Seating also. I paid good da** money to watch a TERRIBLE game and sit in a drizzle that wouldn’t stop. I was also at ND this past year, and VT 2 years ago. Don’t try to lecture me. You and Bobby J missed my point. Did you even READ my post Bobby J, or just what GT76 said, and then went on from there? I agree that we need to fill stadiums, and that excuses don’t matter. I wasn’t trying to make excuses, the bottom line is that we need to support CPJ in full, but you have to admit that the home schedule is abysmal this year. And the indian comment was a small attempt at humor, albeit a bad one. I show my support, I buy my season tickets. Are we dying from 1000 cuts, not yet, but thats a good way of putting it. GT76 I have just noticed your negative comments on the boards for a while now, and while I agree with a lot of what you say, you don’t do any good when you simply attack the GT fanbase as a whole. It only makes people mad. Yes, GT had a terrible showing at the ACC. And yes, a large contingency of our fans want us to just come out of the gates one year and be a top 5 team, and THEN they will support. They see ugay and believe that they just appeared as a good team, and think we can do the same. They don’t see the money, fan base, years of recruiting, etc. etc. that built them up (kills me to say that, and I still have to throw in that they won’t win the NC, but they have quite a program)

Also, do you understand that sales being down 271 tickets 2 weeks before the season starts pretty much means that they are the same as last year? Last year, when we were expected to be much better than #80 (about #27), and make a play for the ACC (or atleast behind VT). I realize that we want BETTER sales b/c of the revamping GT has done, but you have to give it time. I agree that people should support him from the get go, but poeple in general are going to be skeptical, and want to watch before they hop back on. Yes, it is crappy that a lot of fans are not buying season tickets, and will just scalp a couple tickets to the games they want to go to, but it happens. So I apologize if I offended you earlier, but your negative and berating comments ticked me off b/c I show my support as much as I can. Then again this is just a blog, and berating people is what its all about isn’t it?

By GT76

August 12, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

If I’m making them mad GOOD! Maybe their anger will prod them to action. But talk is much easier isn’t it?

By gTech

August 12, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

touché

Keep making them mad then (atleast its entertaining). I just thought I needed to explain my post and defend myself.

By Sam

August 12, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

You’re wasting your time GT76. These are the guys that disappeared when the ineligibles left campus. They ain’t comin back.

By NW Lady Jacket

August 12, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

To LSU lou…all of UGA’s 2nd and 3rd team players are in jail or suspended!! BTW, why are you commenting on UGA…why don’t you “sweep up” around your own back door.

Thanks for the updates, Matt!

Go Jackets!!! THWG!