AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USEven more details available
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Yesterday, a speculated list of starters. Today, more on possible starters but after having spoken with Paul Johnson and Dave Wommack for edification and viewing an updated depth chart (NEW INFO, AN EDIT OR TWO AND SOME BASKETBALL TIDBITS FOLLOW).
As Bill Sanders wrote in Tuesday’s paper, Paul said there is time for WR Correy Earls to work back into the mix after missing so much practice with a bum hamstring. My prediction: Tyler Melton will start next Thursday opposite Demaryius Thomas. Earls is listed as a backup now.
If there were a game this Thursday, Paul said Lucas Cox would probably start at A-back opposite Roddy Jones. In fact, he’s listed as the starter. Johnson said he’s looking for more from Greg Smith, who was set back by injuries. It’s almost like the starting job is being offered to Greg, but coaches are waiting for him to seize it. Johnson said it hardly matters who starts; four or five will play at A-back, and four or five at WR.
A.J. is still in the running for a guard spot, but it sounds to me like he has a long road. He’s missed a lot of injury time, and Paul said he needs to play better when he practices than he has to date. My money: Gilbert and Howard start. A.J. is listed behind Cord, Zach Krish behind Gilbert and Jason Hill behind both.
No, to answer a comment/question on yesterday’s blog, Claytor and Yandell would not be the leading candidates to backfill at RT if David Brown can’t go (dunno about next Thursday, but I don’t think he’s going to practice today or maybe tomorrow; details fuzzy about severity of his leg injury). I asked if Austin Barrick was the most likely candidate, and Paul said yes. There’s nine days for that to change, but Barrick is listed No. 1 now and Brown is listed as out. Alex Paquette is listed behind Barrick.
Nesbitt back at practice yesterday, Bryce Dykes was not. Booker is now listed No. 3 at QB, Dykes is listed as out.
On defense, D-line is of course set. I was a little surprised when Wommack answered by questions about jobs still up for grabs. No shock when he said safety. This is new, though: Edwards is listed at No. 3 with Dominique Reese back at No. 1 and freshman Cooper Taylor at No. 2 — at at free safety.
Wommack said all LB jobs remain open, although, “Brad [Jefferson] is probably the furthest ahead.” Jefferson starts at MLB in my world. Still in the mix for the two OLB spots: Kyle Jackson, Anthony Barnes, Shane Bowen and Tony Clark. Jackson and Barnes now listed No. 1s.
Uniform rollout is today. I wonder if there’s a blue jersey in there somewhere? Boy, do folks get bunched up about uniforms and colors or what?. Interesting to see/hear the blowback sometimes.
Met former player, and ertswhile JMU assistant Jon Babul. He is going to be the academics advisor for the basketball team. That’s three AAs in three years. He’ll follow Chryste Gaines.
Also talked this afternoon with Jeremis Smith. He was in the Edge. Working out at Tech, not with an NBA team. Said he thinks he’s about to sign a contract with a team in either France or Turkey. Doesn’t want to sign a two-year deal cuz he wants the flexibility to try the NBA next year if he plays well in Europe. Great guy, Jeremis.
Later.
Matt
.JPG)
-1.JPG)
Services »
Comments
By Glenn
August 19, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Matt, Thanks for the great job. Take care and stay in touch with the Tech family. You will be missed.
By GT Jackets
August 19, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Matt,
You do an excellent job. Will you continue to cover Tech on another blog? As always, thank you for the information.
By Brian
August 19, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Matt,
Thought you weren’t a victim. What happened? Hope things work out for you. Take care.
…and yes, people really get their pants in a wad over colors. Unbelievable.
By Brock
August 19, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Matt,
you will be missed. Thanks for covering Tech in a very professional and timely way. You always did a great job. Good luck wherever you go!
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 19, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Not a victim, indeed.
Made a choice last month when the AJC offered a voluntary separation to reduce staff numbers. Enough staffers accepted that no layoffs were required.
Thanks for the feedback, and no, I will not be covering Tech elsewhere, at least not that I know of.
More on the future in the future. Enough of this for now.
I’m not gone just yet.
By North Ave Pimp
August 19, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Well that pretty much blows!!
Tell the damn AJC we dont want a new beat writer, we like the one we have.
Protest Jacket fans!!
By AJC is DOOMED
August 19, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
The ajc lost the tech fans a long time ago, both in their homes and at their places of business. Matt was making in roads on earing us back, but that ends now. The AJC is clearly a uga puppet, and as such will most likely fail….imho
By AJC is DOOMED
August 19, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
The ajc lost the tech fans a long time ago, both in their homes and at their places of business. Matt was making in roads on earning us back, but that ends now. The AJC is clearly a uga puppet, and as such will most likely fail….imho
By THWG_Dan
August 19, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the great coverage Matt. You will be missed…it’ll be hard for the AJC to replace you.
By yellowblood
August 19, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Anyone that thinks the Tickle Piles are tamer now that the Administration has instituted rules is kidding himself. Once they took on a sexual aspect the gennie was out of the bottle. Violations of the rules are occuring nightly.
By Eric
August 19, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Matt, Thanks for covering the Jackets as well as you did this year. It was great job you did to help open up the team for the reader, so that we could see what it was like inside of Coach Johnson’s new era at Tech.
By 24dork
August 19, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Don’t let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya
By Big Mike
August 19, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Matt,
You are the best. In my 50+ years of reading the AJC (delivered it as a boy for 5 years), there have been no witers more fair and objective in their writing about TECH. The AJC used to be 50-50 back in the day, but somewhere, along in the 70s or so, the UGA grads and whatever political affiliations have resulted in treating TECH miserably. Ypu are missed already…
God Bless,
Mike Murphy Fairfax, VA
By Harper
August 19, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Matt, Thanks for your great coverage of the Jackets. I appreciate your diligence and enthusiasm in your reports. You do a great job of getting the info that we fans want. You will be missed.
HM
By ZgoldATL
August 19, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
I usually just read the blogs and can’t bear to comment, for fear of spending my whole day on here defending Ga Tech.. However after reading you are leaving, I just wanted to hop on and say thanks for all your hard work. I hope everything turns out well for u. I do have to say that it is extremely foolish of the AJC to bring someone new in as a Tech writer just after we are all getting used to Matt. Anyways, u wil be missed. Have to say it- “Whats the good word? To Hell with Georgia!! How bout them Dawgs[sic]? P** On Em!!
By KC
August 19, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Matt,
**Thanks for the only true coverage that Georgia Tech and the Falcons have ever received.”
You are great. Frankly, the AJC didn’t deserve the work you produced. Go to Chicago, Boston, New York, DC, LA, Dallas, KC, etc where your work can be appreciated.
By TechFan4Life
August 19, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Always enjoyed it Matt. Thanks for keepin this guy up to date. But you’re right… not gone yet… no slackin off now :)
By GT80
August 19, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Matt, like everyone else has stated, thanks for the good work and you will be missed.
Re: Uniforms, I got my Media Guide with tix and there was a page or two with opinions from the players. Interestingly the players voted on their favorite uni’s and there were ZERO votes for Gold Helmets, White Jerseys, Gold Pants - which of course is what they will wear. Lots of votes for Blue Jerseys. Maybe that will be the aways.
Looking forward to week from Thursday! Go Jackets!
By Clarity
August 19, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Thanks to the outpouring of fans coming to and supporting our “NAMBLA WRAMBLER” Rally next week at Morris Hall, GT. We have gotten alot of support from most UGA fabs here, as well as Ramble On, Zeb, Tech for Life and Casey Tiffany. This rally will be the biggest ever for a great cause, Lets keep prejudice out of our lives and teams. Please, we will keep you informed of the exact time and dat, the more the merrier.
By Old GT Nut
August 19, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Anybody else see where CNNSI projected GT to finish 1-7 in ACC conference, at the bottom of the Coastal Division.
CNNSI projected ACC-Coastal to finish: VT-1st UNC-2nd Miami-3rd UVA-4th Duke-5th GT-6th
Do any GT fans SERIOUSLY believe GT will finish behind Miami, UVA, and Duke?
GT is going to SHOCK lots of people this year. GT will have THE BEST defense in the ACC this year. GT and CPJ will be THE college football story of 2008.
Think about this: GT Offense will controll the ball and the clock, keeping opponent Offense OFF the field, and opponent Defense ON the field. GT defense will reamin “fresh” all game, and will definitely be keeping opponent offense off the field. So, GT opponents will score very few points, and opponent defense will fatigue quickly allowing GT offense to run wild with scoring. Because of that basic dynamic, there are going to LOTS of GT blow-outs this year. Just like Navy Offense has been doing. For example, CPJ’s Navy Offense had a 14:45 97-yard drive in one game in 2007. Think about that.
Here’s my humble (and as many detractors have stated, “blindly optimistic”) projections:
GT beats Jax State (As Barnhardt has said, Perrilloux is going to pass a lot; new GT pass defense will prove how good they’ve become under new DC Wommack)
GT beats BC (34-20) (BC with very weak passing offense(QB Ryan & both starting WRs gone and weak running game(Callendar & other starting RB gone) vs. Wommack’s stellar new GT pass defense and BRUTAL rush defense) GT defense is not going to give up 450 yards of passing to BC like in 2007. NOT GONNA HAPPEN !!
GT CRUSHES VT (48-19) Repeat after me: BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAT DOOOOOOWWWWWWNNNNNN. SERIOUSLY, this won’t EEEE-ven be close. Remember the 38-27 beatdown GT delivered to VT in 2006, and VT QB Glennon getting blasted every other play? GT had them 38-13 at end of 3rd Qtr before Gailey pulled the starters. And, that was with Reggie throwing two horrible INTs. It was a complete rout. In 2008, VT with: A. Poor run offense (RB Ore is gone) + B. NO pass offense(all 4 2007 starting WRs gone) + C. A rookie defense(all 2007 Def starters gone) = GT BLOW-OUT!!
GT Offense won’t be throwing 5 INTs either. Count on it. Order your GT ACC Title game tix at this point)
GT could lose a close one to Miss State (Just not wise to bet against very good MSU HC Croom no matter what)
GT beats Duke (GT pass defense gives Cutcliff big pass problems; Duke, no run game)
GT beats Gardner-Webb (Mercy rule instated at halftime)
GT beats Clemson (38-20) (GT run defense holds Davis & Spiller to less than 100yds combined rushing…JUST LIKE IN 2007. QB Harper pulled from game in late 2nd Qtr after 2 INTs and separated shoulder after being sacked 7 times. That weak/rookie CU Offensive Line will be NO MATCH for the GT run defense. It wasn’t in 2007, and sure as hell won’t be in 2008. (Delta adds 6 more flights Atlanta to Tampa in response to GT tix office overrun by GT fans tix purchase for ACC title game)
GT DESTORYS UVA (56-12) (GT fans change “chant” from “41-38!” to simply “56! 56! 56!” (UVA HC Al Groh “retires” at end of 2008 season)
GT vs. FSU, too close to call (if GT wins, GT goalposts mysteriously appear in The Varsity parking lot)
GT wins close one at UNC
GT DETROYS Miami (another 56-12 type blowout) Folks, in 2007, Miami lost their last home game inthe Orange Bowl to UVA 48-0!! 48-0…to a highly suspect UVA team.(Game stopped in mid-2nd Qtr to clean-up the thousands of oranges thrown on Grant Field) ESPN commerical sponsors get p**-off and call GTAA at halftime to tell CPJ to put 3rd & 4th plat=yers string in because ESPN TV viewers are changing TV channels after GT goes up 35-6 in 2nd Qtr. 3 Miami players arreasted by Atlanta PD after the game.
GT beats UGA (38-23) (Newly installed GT home goalposts mysteriously appear in The Varsity parking lot…again) GT plays to an empty sanford cesspool in 4th Qtr.
ACC Title Game: GT beats FSU in rematch
Orange Bowl: GT vs. Ohio State (A rematch of CPJ (Ga Southern) vs. Jim Tresel(Youngstown State). Ohio State (desparetly needing some NCAA/BCS respect after 2006 & 2007 BCS debacles) wins. Oops, GT can’t win all of them.
Now, doesn’t that sound better (and more probable) than any of that 1-7 type crap from CNNSI, ESPN, 790, etc.
By GT80
August 19, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Old GT Nut, Wow! I’m an optomist but, Wow! Tell me where you got your weed.
By reebok
August 19, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
How could the blue jersies be the away jersies? Don’t almost all teams wear their dark color at home? Doesn’t Tech’s decision to wear white at home indicate that they will wear white in every game? The white jersies look pretty good from what I’ve seen (the yellow pants are awful.) I look forward to seeing the uni photos as soon as they are available.
By jacket45
August 19, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
I may have missed your correction, but I think you mean Dominique Reese, not Dominique “Edwards,” at safety.
By Wramblin' Rack
August 19, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Matt-Old GT Nut just became your replacement. If anything, that was some funny stuff. Optimistic beyond comparison but made me smile none the less. GO Jackets!
By Joshua Barlowe
August 19, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
May God bless you and your family, Matt. You’ve done a great job and it was great to always log in and read your comments. Log in when you’re gone and keep us updated!
By Mike
August 19, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Matt,
You have done nice work and will be missed. Thanks for all you have done for Tech.
By PB
August 19, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Matt,
You’ve done a great job covering the Jackets (and putting up with its following). Best of luck to you and your family. You will be missed.
By Old GT Nut
August 19, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
GT80, and all GT fans…
Forget the non-ACC, games for a minute.
If you don’t think a 7-1 or 6-2 assessment is REALISTIC, then PLEASE explain just exactly how BC, VT, Miami, UVA, or Clemson are supposed to beat GT in 2008?
GT’s (3) primary weaknesses in 2007 were: rushing injuries, QB play, and THE big one: Pass Defense.
The injuries with Choice and Rashaun Grant clearly hurt the run offense, overall. Remember, Choice was limited all year by the pulled hamstring vs. BC(2nd game), and later the injured knee. Choice did not even play in the VT game. Grant was lost for the year vs. Army.
QB play was very inconsistent because of QB talent level and having to pass more due to rushing injuries.
Overall, GT’s pass defense was THE Achilles Heel of the 2007 team, especially vs. BC & VT. CPJ and DC Wommack know it. There will be NO repeat of the 2007 pass defense performance.
First, scratch Duke.
Next, scratch BC & VT off. Then, it’s just Miami, UVA, and CU. Miami and UVA will each be a complete mess in 2008. A weaker 2007 GT team still beat Miami, and almost beat UVA(28-23). UVA had KEY talent loss for 2008.
That leaves only Clemson to consider. GT won in 2007 against what was “on paper” a much stronger CU team. Turned out to be a paper tiger. In 2008, GT will be much stronger, and CU weaker. Odds definitely favor a GT win in Death Valley.
So, that 6-0 vs. those teams, with only UNC and FSU to be considered.
Why is that so difficult to see?
By FALCONS610
August 19, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Matt-
You will be missed. I have never read such good blog posts that were updated so frequently with analysis and pertinent information. THANK YOU! The AJC will recognize the error of their ways when you leave. You were the best!
GTNUT- I love the optimism. I laughed when you said the goal posts appear at the varsity parking lot. WHEN that happens let me know I’ll help!
PG
By AJC is DOOMED
August 19, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
I just hope uga is undefeated when Tech pounds them a new but hole….
By Old GT Nut
August 19, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
FALCONS610
In 1984, GT shocked UGA in Athens 35-18. After the game, back on GT campus, some of my fellow GT students…well…”accessed”…Grant Field, and tore down BOTH sets of goalposts.
One pair ended up on the lawn of the GT President’s home on 10th street, and the other wound up in The Varisty parking lot. Scene from the V parking lot ended up in the AJC Sports section next day.
It was a beautiful thing.
By jacket45
August 19, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Hey Clarity, Where can I sign up for that Nambla Wrambla rally…There are like twenty five dudes here that e mailed me abouts joining up, both from the UGA site and mostly from here. GT80 and Old Nut are our newest members, the rally will take place sometime next weekend, either at Morris Hall or possibly at Zebs.
By Wramblin" Rack
August 19, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Anything for those cute, GT boys asking for a Ride and a Hide, as long as its nondingos.
By m
August 19, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
It is so wonderful that we now have a real college football coach, after 6 years of malaise under the worst football coach in the history of the NCAA. THANK GOD AND GREYHOUND HE IS GONE FOREVER!!!
By WillieD
August 19, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
To Mike Murphy and AJC is Doomed:
Please layoff the dog-favoritism BS. As no less authority than CPJ has said: “When we kick their a*, then we`ll get the good press”.
Next topic: Old GT Nut, I thought I got a whiff of that stuff youre smoking yesterday on the Hiver Insider, but you outdid me in spades. I believe some rampant irresponsible optimism is missing from this program. And I think if all us TRUE JACKET FANS start spouting OGTNs line, maybe a little of it will find its way into our lockerroom. It`s been a loooonnnggg time since our teams have heard unrestrained confidence from their fans. ATTITUDE CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS !!!
By vegasgt
August 19, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Well, OGTN’s optimism reminded me of one thing.
His post was as interesting to read as I think the Jackets will be to watch this season.
By Uniforms Suck!!!!
August 19, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
The new uniforms are YELLOW NOT GOLD. They are the ugliest uniforms in the NCAA.
By College Football Fan
August 19, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Matt: please tell me that Furman Bisher took a package and is leaving the AJC too.
He is the most arrogant egotistical know it all writer at the AJC.
And that is saying a lot.
Selah
By Old GT Nut
August 19, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Regarding the uniforms, I have copies of several past GT game day programs from 1972/73/74. Players and the Wreck often appear on the front covers.
Those old team uni’s and even the paint job on the Wreck are both very near the same colors of the new GT uni’s. Look at old pics of the Wreck and you’ll see. Slightly more “mustard” than yellow or gold. GT seems to “rotate” color schemes every so often. I’m only guessing, but perhaps the new team uni’s might “show” better on TV. Ever see how well the USF gold helmets show on TV?
By Rapper
August 19, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Good luck Matt and please don’t be a stranger to our Ghetto
By AlabamaRamblinwreck
August 19, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Yes, the new unis are not the best, and it looks like the “away” top is the color of the mustard pants…yuk! I was hoping for navy…
But if they win in the future, I don’t care if they wear snot green with pink poka dots…
Go Jackets!!
By Tokyo jacket
August 19, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Matt,
Not sure when you’ll be gone, but I’m already disappointed as a fan. Whenever that is that you go know that you’ve made a lot of Tech fans happy and pi$$ed off a few. That’s exactly what a good reporter does. Glad to hear that you’re getting comped well enough to do a voluntary separation.
By Matt Winkeljohn
August 19, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
If you read the uniform/Russell story and wonder why the disparity in deals like UConn’s 10-year, $46 million pop with Nike vs. Tech’s 10-year, $20 million-plus contract with Russell, here’s an edit taken from the story:
Nike’s deal with UConn includes shoes, which Russell does not make. Plus, Nike is outfitting 24 varsity sports at UConn. Tech has 15 varsity sports.
Currently, Tech teams have their own, separate, shoe contracts. The Tech-Russell deal stipulates that if Russell begins making athletic footwear, “[Tech] will test and give good faith consideration to using those Russell products.”
By Sting'em!!!
August 19, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Hey, ‘Uniforms Suck’, you’re a dumba**! Check your box of Crayolas again.
I think the new uniforms rock, but alot of you fans su**!
Some of you folks are so damn negative. Why do you even bother being a fan?
As for you Georgia fans, hangin’ out on a GT blog, you’re really damn pathetic. What’s the matter, run out of Viagra, you impotent pricks?…nothin’ better to do.
Go Jackets! Sting’em!
By Johnny Ringo
August 19, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
I think Georgia Trek should recruit much better than they do. With the “school” located in the ghetto, how can they not attract the thug-life athletes? Oh, I forgot. Tech has hard academics. They only take geniuses like Stephon Marbury, Joe Hamilton, and Reggie Ball.
By Uniforms Suck!!!!
August 19, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Sting’em
Why are you making fun of us GT fans for being on a blog when you are on it yourself. Didn’t think of that one did you smart one.
You sound like a die hard UGA fan to me. Go back to the UGA website.
By сайдинг
September 7, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
3vПознавательный материал!.7g Буду рад, если посетите мой сайт.! сайдинг продажа 0c стальной сайдинг 6l Удачи
By mixsh khmfxpua
December 26, 2008 4:20 AM | Link to this
uzjsgm xfuhn ytvsc iymgvar sihqgue hapfenm fuoaypv