Tech

By GTEngineer

September 13, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Some tough calls at the end, but we made too many mistakes to win. How big are PJ b*lls going for the 2 pt conversion! Luv it!

We got to get better and healthy.

By Refs Ruined My Day

September 13, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

I am encouraged. We should have had the ball with 4 minutes left, in good field position, and the score tied. Two ridiculous personal file calls.

By KillerBee

September 13, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Encouraged — as in “E” for effort. They hung in tough against an obviously more talented team. Young quarterbacks make mistakes — but this one also makes plays.

But — the mustard yellow helmets need to go —

By crap officials

September 13, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

I am encouraged by this performance. Nesbitt is only going to get better, and we would have won this game if the officials didn’t call the helmet to helmet. The face mask was legit, but not the helmet to helmet. Reminds me of the GT ND game of 06. The turnover before halftime killed us as well. Its a tough, heartbreaking loss. But we will continue to improve. Even though going for it on 4th down might not have been the greatest decision, i like the ballsy play calling from PJ, and he does and will continue to have my full support.

By Jim

September 13, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Coach Johnson, how do you hold on to that last time out during the second to last series? Time out after second down. Time out after third down. What good did it do to save that last time out for when VT got the ball back?

Also, for the helmet to helmet, make that boy run till he pukes up his shoes.

By stony

September 13, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

2 pt conversion wasn’t ballsy; in that situation, it was the only choice. If unsuccessful, a field goal still wins it. No down side to going for it. Johnson’s inequity concerning the run/pass ratio allowed the VT defence to guess correctly on most plays.

By SRF

September 13, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I wish things were different, but GT is just not very good - they may not win another game this year.

They cannot commit 3 turnovers every single game and hope to win.

By Right

September 13, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Right SRF we certainly can’t beat Duke or Gardner-Webb. If we can’t beat them, then im out.

By son_sir

September 13, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Great effort. Yes, It fell short, thanks in large part to a BS call, if I’ve ever seen one, on Cooper Taylor. Still another gritty performance and definitely not a step backwards. With starting LB’s out as well as our best receiver, a very tough fought loss, but something to build on. Despite the turnovers, the TO is showing signs of breaking out. We all knew it would take some time. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I feel Tech is still ahead of schedule and the season looks very promosing.

By Mike

September 13, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

I’m a UGA grad and I think Ga. Tech is looking much better than most folks thought. Remember: Stafford didn’t look that great his first year either. Give Nesbitt a chance. The question is: is your RB injured? Johnson is turing out to be a pretty good hire.

By IndyGT

September 13, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Disappointed with the loss, the first PF was a killer.. Obviously I think it was a horrible call, but have to play through it. Nesbitt is encouraging though, and he’ll make mistakes, but CPJ is going to coach this kid up. We’ve suffered through a lack of QB development for too long, but CPJ rectifies it. The second time out on the 4th down was not good time management at all.. might have had a chance at the end. We’re going to get better, this is encouraging, but it’ll take some time. We’re headed in the right direction though, and it looks like the GT fan base is excited about GT football!!

By The Truth

September 13, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

I think you’re crazy if you can’t see this team winning another game this year SRF. Va Tech now playing Taylor is one of the better teams in the ACC (I know thats not saying much to many) but Tech, in a first year of a new coach just proved today that they have the heart and the coaching to hang with quite a few teams, especially those in the ACC.

I’m like you crap officials, I thought this game reminded me of when ND came here, especially with those two penalities on the sideline.

To the writer of the blog, Larry….I think any quarterback at the helm of a new offense will be a roller coaster like ride, especially at the college. At tech, I’m just glad we have a coaster to ride right now…Nesbit is going to be great for the team. He’s already got the heart, and he’s going to be a good leader. Take a look at Michigan…bet they wish they had a QB to run their new offense. I think we just need to all give it time. When you look at this team right now I think we can all agree that Tech is exceeding expectations. To beat BC and then to almost upset Va Tech in their home, nonetheless hang with them is pretty good for this team.

By GreenJacket

September 13, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Tech lost the turnover battle 3-0 and only lost by 3 on the road at VT. Give VT credit for not making any and giving GT easy points. I am excited to think how the Jackets will do when they stop making mental mistakes. Remember they are a very young bunch !!

By GLADimNOTaUGAYfan

September 13, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

I thought we did way better than anybody expected, and the fact that we only lost by 3 to a good team despite three turnovers and two personal fouls is saying something. Nesbitt looked awesome.

Of course UGA still thinks they are the most amazing football team ever created even though they struggled most of the game against USC, who we all know just lost to Vandy by the same amount.

By GT610

September 13, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

well, it was a good effort. That so called helmet to helmet was BS and TT was still like a whole yard in bounds= fair game. I knew that the refs would blow that one for us. Don’t know what Michael Johnson was thinking on the face mask either…dang…

Still a long seaon, we are tied for first in the Coastal, hopefully VT will get beat again and GT will dominate the rest of the way….the turnover have got to stop….it is getting to a point where I was asking myself, “shouldn’t Nesbitt at least know how the complete a hand off by now…” Oh well. He is a rook. I’ll give him a chance, he did well outside of the turnovers.

GOO TECH!

P.S. THE DAWGS DIDN’T LOOK TO GOOD TODAY, POSITIVE NEWS FOR US, Looks like their D may be vulnerable!!!!!!

By VTs nuts

September 13, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

We overcome 3 turnovers and claw back only to have the officials decide the game. It was indeed Brady Quinn/ND 2006 all over again. Call and play of the game without a doubt.

By Wreckbone

September 13, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

We lost this game from TOs and penalties….we were able to move the ball on VT. I’m not discouraged by this loss because this sort of thing will happen with this kind of offense that is a high-risk offense. We don’t turn the ball over, we don’t lose…………simple as that. Tech fans need to calm down and know we will go 5-1 going into Clemson. We may not have won today, but the foundation has been laid…………..Nesbitt has shown he can operate in this offense. Tyrod Taylor played a decent game and made the plays when he needed to. This offense will get better as the season continues……….believe that.

By Brian

September 13, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

This team is going to be good sooner than we thought. The big questions going into next week are:

1) Is #21 going to be healthy? 2) Can we find an offensive line? 3) Can we control the turnovers?

It was amazing to me that we gave up the ball three times, had no offensive line, had Jonathan Dwyer playing decoy during the second half, and still came within 3.

Can anybody explain to me why in the world you would go for it on 4th and 6(?) with more than 2 minutes left on the clock, when you have two timeouts and your defense has been playing well?

By GT GRAD

September 13, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

I am somewhat encouraged; however……

We simply cannot have 3 turnovers and expect to win very many games.

The refs made a CRITICAL bad call which effected the outcome of the game (1st personal foul call on 3rd and long during the VT drive which resulted in the go ahead FG) and missed some obvious holding penalties earlier in the game as well; it is hard to beat any decent team when the refs decide they are going to help one team more than the other. Factor in the -3 turnover ratio and GT was done!

I really like the coaching staff and PJ, but I personally believe we would have won the game if GT would have passed the ball 6-8 times more in the game. The opportunities were there because VT obviously decided they were going to sell out completely to stop the running game……….the VT coaches said “we will stop the run until you show us you can beat us with the pass” and GT did not take advantage of the situation. I really think PJ and his coaches missed a good opportunity during this game. We could have won the game, proved that GT can and is willing to throw the ball AND it would have helped tremendously with recruiting future receivers.

I still remain a die-hard GT fan!!!!!!

By Mike

September 13, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Man, Paul Johnson’s teams are fun to watch. And they’ll be a lot more fun when he’s not using mostly sophomores and freshmen playing this offense for the first time.

Virginia Tech is a good football team; they’ll probably win the Coastal. To lose to them by only 3, on the road with three turnovers and a couple killer penalties late, is a good effort.

ACC teams better beat Tech now, because it’s going to get a lot tougher to do by next year. And in 2010, look out.

By The Truth

September 13, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

Brian I guess the thinking was probably, hey we got the ball right now…might as well go for it instead of taking a chance and hoping that you can get a stop, have that ball position or better with maybe 30 to 40 seconds left. I honestly would have probably made the same decisions…because I’ve seen teams not get the ball back plenty of times in that situation. I can think of a few times that happened in previous years at Tech so I can’t blame him. The way I see it you have a 50/50 chance of either getting the 1st down or failing. Unfortunately we didn’t get the 1st.

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

September 13, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

I am still very encouraged. We outplayed them all day, just had too many mistakes.

Brian:

I will try to answer your question, although I know I cannot answer it for sure. I don’t think CPJ feels very good about our 2 minute or less offense right now. Even if our defense had stopped them, we would have had to pass the ball and manage the clock. I don’t think CPJ feels like Nesbitt and the offensive line have that down just yet. I believe he thought his chance of making the first down was 50% or better, so he took a chance. I like his guts.

This team is only going to get better, assuming we don’t have any serious injuries to Josh or Dwyer. That was a terrible call on Cooper, but you are going to have calls go against you.

Let’s get ready next week to welcome our team home. We need to practice beating us some bulldogs..

GO JACKETS!!

By Sports Talk

September 13, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

We have to take better care of the football! The fumble before half time really hurt. Despite the pf calls, make the connection with Roddy Jones and we still win. I’m still proud of this team. The next couple weeks will give us a chance to see what kind of team we have.

By GT Guy

September 13, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Throw the stinking ball more! Nesbitt can’t carry the team every week. He was gassed at the end of the game and for good reason. Dwyer needs to suck it up. Yea, it was a tough game and one we could have won. Too many mistakes on execution. D played well but gave up too many big plays and stupid penalties down the stretch. With all of that I am still encouraged with our progress. - Go Jackets

By David

September 13, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Talk about the personal fouls, the questionable time management on the last few drives and the time outs all you want. But fact of the matter is that we can’t give up the ball 3 times a game and expect to win. VT played well and played as I expect we will in the years to come. VT today reminded me of how Bobby Dodd used to have his teams play. May not be exciting, may not run up the stats, yards or the score, but if they do what they’re supposed to, eventually the other team will mess up, and they’ll win by a score or two. I think that’s how we’ll be under Johnson, should everything fall as expected in the next few years.

On a side note, can we get back to the Old Gold? This mustard yellow is nauseating.

By GT Rocks

September 13, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t see the game but this helmet-to-helmet call sounds like a joke. I too remember the same horrible call versus ND in 2006. Both seem to have decided the game. Never a Gailey fan but he said it best… . if you’re going to call a helmet-to-helmet penalty, you’d have to call it on every play!

By Ben

September 13, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

The helmet to helmet call was absolute bs! It was a total non call. Helmets sometime hit - it is FOOTBALL! I hate to see such a horrendous penalty affect the outcome of a game.

We have to cut out the turnovers if we are going to be a good football team.

By G-Jacket

September 13, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

This one hurt (I got a little too excited towards the end). But I will tell you one thing, we showed great poise after the three TO’s and one horrible call to still have a legit shot at winning the game. Guys, we hold the ball in this one, I think we win by 14. Let’s take our bumps and bruises, and get ready for a hell-uva emotional ride (for this year). The next two years are looking soooo promising. Just remember…we’re just babies right now. Any GT fan with some football knowledge, has to be excited thus far. See ya’ll down at The Flats next Sat. to kick some SEC @SS.

By GT65

September 13, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

You cannot make as many mistakes as GT did today —particularly on the road— and expect to come away with a W.

Three fumbles —including the terrible fumble near the end of the half, VT put the ball on the turf a couple of times but the Jackets couldn’t capitalize, a blocked XP, two personal foul penalties on the last drive —this adds up to a disappointing loss. GT should have won this game.

By Wreckbone

September 13, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

We lost this game from TOs and penalties….we were able to move the ball on VT. I’m not discouraged by this loss because this sort of thing will happen with this kind of offense that is a high-risk offense. We don’t turn the ball over, we don’t lose…………simple as that. Tech fans need to calm down and know we will go 5-1 going into Clemson. We may not have won today, but the foundation has been laid…………..Nesbitt has shown he can operate in this offense. Tyrod Taylor played a decent game and made the plays when he needed to. This offense will get better as the season continues……….believe that.

By RAMBLE ON!!!

September 13, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

The refs stole that one from us. Total BS!!!

By Brian

September 13, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the response, AlabamaRW.

GO JACKETS!!!!

By BigP

September 13, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

I tough loss and maybe a bad call but the team showed alot of grit on the road! I think we will win 2 out of every 3 this year for 8 wins. TECH is closer to being a top 20 team than UGA is of being a top 5. By mid November we will be 15th and they will be 10th. We will beat UGA because of our defense, and by then our offense will be solid. Nesbitt is here to play college ball while Stafford is just here waiting on a transfer to the pros.

By Terry

September 13, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

The name of the game was penalties and turnovers. If we could fix those, we would be a top 25 team.

Before the season, I expected us to be 1-2, not 2-1. Also, I would have never picked us to beat BC or play VTech this close. Remember, I’m speaking about expectations before the season began.

So, I am encouraged that we might be decent this year.

However, I am concerned with Ms State’s Defensive line, they have a couple of 300 pounders similar to BC and usually play tough defense. Dwyer may have another tough game.

Go Jackets!!!

By Navigator

September 13, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Tech is playing as good as they can, but Nesbitt needs to learn to stop calling his own number as much as he did today. Second, he needs to stop fumbling, and he did this last year as well. Without his turnovers, Tech wins this game.

By Tron5000

September 13, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

I will give no lip service to this “effort” of which many seem to speak.

We lost the game; a game we could (and, IMO, should) have won. We can pick nits all day, but we had our chances. We ran all over them, but that seems to me to be for naught when you throw fewer than 10 times. Running the ball should open up the pass; I heard on the radio (from Wes himself) that we have run the ball on 75% of our plays.

I like CPJ a lot; I like JD a lot; I like our D a lot. But we have to strike through the air. Even if Nesbitt isn’t the most accurate QB in the world, at least he ain’t Reggie. Take some PA shots down the field, like we did against (the very unheralded and less-talented) JSU.

By JohnsonFan

September 13, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

I am very encouraged - if you had offered me the outcomes of the 1st 3 games before the season I would have taken it no questions asked. To do what he is doing the 1st year, and pile up almost 400 yards on the road at VaTech - awesome.

Dont blame the refs on the helmet to helmet call - the NCAA has told the refs this year to call anything where the helmet is out front and hits the other guys helmet. All part of the the “safety emphasis”. The NCAA will watch that tape and give that ref a good evaluation. I actually thought the play that lost the game was the fumble/touchdown at the end of the half.

By ggg

September 13, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

News flash: VT isn’t very good so I wouldn’t get my hopes up too much. GT will struggle against Clemson, NC, FSU, Miami, & Ga.

6 -6 this year, maybe better in a couple of years. Wish it wasn’t true.

By gorcone

September 13, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

I look forward to Tech having a 5-1 record when we go to Clemson.

By BML

September 13, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

One thing I’ve noticed and I really like….this team seems to gets stonger and more deadly as the game goes on as if PJ is taking advantage of the other team withering

By BML

September 13, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

One thing I’ve noticed and I really like….this team seems to gets stonger and more deadly as the game goes on as if PJ is taking advantage of the other team withering JN is a prety good passer - he makes good throws from very bad footing sometimes

By BML

September 13, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

One thing I’ve noticed and I really like….this team seems to gets stonger and more deadly as the game goes on as if PJ is taking advantage of the other team withering JN is a prety good passer - he makes good throws from very bad footing sometimes

By GT Fan

September 13, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

What kind of play calling was that? You cant win running the same play over and over. Dwyer needs to be running some sweeps. Terrible coaching today against VT. Only 5 Passes? That is just ridiculous.

By Nilesh

September 13, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

I think everyone needs to calm down on the call to go for it on 4th down at the end of the game….GT went on the road back to back times under a new head coach and came out 1-1…quite possibly, if a few breaks went Tech’s way, GT is 2-0 to start the acc…Nesbitt played his heart out for his school and for the fans of GT…I think this is going to be an incredible season, and we are going to see the growth of a quarterback through the season…we lost today, but we showed one thing the last 2 weeks…WE HAVE HEART!!! So lets quit second guessing our coach, questioning Nesbitt’s play calling and just support our team! GO JACKETS!!!

By Jack G

September 13, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

This team is a work in progress, and especially Nesbitt. he is to inconsistant.

Running Dwyer up the middle time after time just wont cut it—-it dosent work.

I would like to see what Jabo Shaw can do.

By GT4Life

September 13, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

I am proud of my Yellow Jackets just not the uniforms. I thought they would be 1-2 after three games before the season and I was proven wrong and I’m glad I was. This team does leave the ball on the ground way too much but I expected it but it’s still hard to watch. All in all I think this program is headed in the right direction. I love the coaching staff and the players we have now. I know in a couple years this team will be one to reckon with and I cant wait. Until then Go Jackets and THWG.

By John Kennesaw

September 13, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

GT Fan,

Did you actually watch the game - or just read the box score? You don’t have to throw the football 25+ times to win in the college game. As a matter of fact, if Josh hits the 3rd down throw to Roddy Jones - Tech possibly (probably?) wins.

THe difference in the football games - like most - was turnovers. The fumble with 1m to go in the 1st half was a killer. Defense gets a stop - have the ball near midfield with a chance to possibly score. To give it back and let Taylor run for 35 yards - when clearly he can’t throw the ball - was tough.

I’m with Nilesh - this team demonstrates some ability to play from behind and shows some heart. Even at the end, at least Nesbitt is looking to make something happen.

Given the modest expectations at the start - I’d now be a little disappointed if we aren’t 6-2 after the UVA game, and really think an 8-4 season is a good possibility.

By G Jacket

September 13, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Jack G…you’re an idiot. First of all Jaybo will have his day (in a few years). Secondly, Nesbitt has been doing better than anyone can ask him to do at this point (needs to hold the ball better). No coach in his right mind would pull Nesbitt after his early season performances. Thirdly….I think Dwyer had something happen early on, he looked a little weak and slow for most of the day. Like half of our fan base….you need to put your big boy pants on and be patient!

By GTYJ

September 13, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

For the people complaining about play calls, shut up. Do you know why you run it up the middle with Dwyer for 2 yards 20 times a game? Because it sets up the big play. That is the option game. The reason we struggled against BC is because we couldn’t run up the middle. But guess what? Because we kept trying, we eventually caught them off guard and sprung a 45 yard TD run that won us the game.

Yeah, we only completed 3 passes, we got 60 something yards though, and could get about 70 more if Josh doesn’t overthrow that receiver. That would be 130 yards on 4 completions. over 30 yards per completion. Tell me that aint enough through the air for a run first offense. Do you know why that is the case? Because we set it up with the run up the middle.

Without forcing the other team to respect the middle, the offense won’t work, and to get them to do so, you have to run that play over and over again, even if it doesn’t seem to work. And guess what, when you have a back like Dwyer, a simple dive up the middle can become a 70 yard TD each and every time if you don’t commit to stopping it, that is why VT made such a big deal about stopping the dive.

By GT Rocks

September 13, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

8-4!? What kind of GT fan are you? I expect us to go 12-0 every year. With this loss, I expect 11-1. If we were to lose another, 10-2. Who on earth are the 3 teams you think will beat us? No one looks all that great except USC and Oklahoma - and we don’t play them. Surely UGA is the highest ranked team we will play and So Car should have beaten them 21-14 today.

By wreckmaniac

September 13, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

This offensive scheme places too much stress and demand on the QB. Nesbitt is an excellent athelete and is one of the rare individuals who can carry this off. Why not run the shotgun occasionally ? I worry about Nesbitt becoming injured because of the demand of this offense. Otherwise, I was quite pleased with our team today.

By GT4Life

September 13, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

GT Rocks…realistically speaking we aint winning 11 or 10 for that matter. I hope we do but i just dont see it. And on that last incomplete pass that went over the receivers head, well that only happened cause he was rushed pretty good and had to throw on the run. If he was set thats a TD. I noticed though that most pass plays the receiver was open and that was due to all the running plays and VT committed to stop the run, so I do wish we would,ve passed a few more times but oh well its done and over and im looking to next week.

By stinGTime

September 13, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Even with the fumbles and pick, Tech really was in a good position until Coop did his helmet to helmet (really bad timing)….I cannot understand how/why so many Tech fans did not/won’t see that was really a foul. And it was followed by Johnson grabbing and not turning loose the face mask…both calls seem out of character for both players.

I remember the past coach punting with seemingly no chance to get the ball back and I hated the call. I applaud CPJ for his call today…Playing to Win!

Sings to lose!

By encouraged, encouraged , encouraged

September 13, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

same old tech and same old tech fans, losers, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory….dawgs will spank you insects just after thanksgiving, but i’m sure you nerds will be encouraged

By wreckmaniac

September 13, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

I like much more than what I don’t like. Nesbitt uses his head and his incredible ability on every play. Fumbles happen in this offense but he dosen’t back down. An incredible athelete. This team does not allow themselves to give up or quit. I love that. The coaches allow mistakes while not going beserk as they realize that they will occur. Everyone seems to have each others back and that is what a great team must have. I see a total change in attitude.

By G Jacket

September 13, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

My apologies to Jack G, I take it back that you’re an idiot. I’m just frustrated with the outcome of the game. But by the way, Josh Nesbitt grabbed this offense today (without any line help), and carried it on his back. As far as the fumbles go, that’s day one football, it’ll get better.

By wreckmaniac

September 13, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Big P: I love ya.

By VT Fan

September 13, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Hahahahaha! GT lost! hahahaha. Ooops sorry. KILL UGA…………

By Mike

September 13, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

You go for it on 4th and 6 with slightly more than 2 minutes left because you have a better chance of making the first down and getting a score that way. Even if you punt and get a 3-and-out, you’re going to get the ball back with less than 30 seconds left, probably deep in your own end. Which was where we wound up anyway.

And if Tech picks up the first down on 4th and 6, I’m fairly certain we’d have got at least a field goal attempt out of it. As it turned out, we were no worse off than we’d have been if we punted.

By phar71

September 13, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

I’m not reading all of the comments, but I am sure you all have talked about how bad the first PF was. Tha facemask was a facemask, but it would not have happened without the BS call. I have an empty feeling in my gut over that call. Nice work jackets, yall showed up in a tough place.

By CW

September 13, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

The stats don’t lie. Tech had more ground yardage and more passing yardage than VT. The turnovers and the penalties on that critical drive cost us the game.

I don’t agree with any of the criticism of play calling. The offense worked beautifully except for the turnovers. Nesbitt will continue to get better and Roddy Jones had a very solid game. We sure do need Jonathan Dwyer to stay healthy and we need D. Thomas back in the lineup.

Our team is very young and not deep at all, but they are fighting like champs. I can’t wait to see the next ballgame.

By phar71

September 13, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Just read some…Our O is fine…we could have won this game, against a good team, in a tough place. We will get better. Go tech.

By I hate uga

September 13, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

option ??? no pass ?? we need to mix it up a little…pass more…and learn more than one play and include more than just two backs….and whats worse ..? Ga wins on pure luck again…they are no BCS power. maybe Vandy…lol

By Johnson Fan Shut UP

September 13, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Johnson Fan,

Don’t blame the refs? Really? I don’t give a rats what the NCAA has told the refs. I watched 10 games today and saw countless “helmet to helmet” hits resulting in a no call. In fact, as soon as the Tech game was over, I saw one in the Georgia game. A SC wide receiver caught a pass and got lit up at full speed with a helmet to helmet hit. It was crunch time in that game and there was no flag on the play. That is just one of many I saw today. Fact of the matter is they happen all the time when people are trying to make plays. Most of which are inadvertent like the play Cooper Taylor made. Also inadvertent was the Phillip Wheeler hit on Brady Quinn in 2006. So don’t say the NCAA told them to- they screwed it up. No other refs seemed to want to call it today when the game was on the line. (SC/UGA) Except the losers in Cracksburg.

By stingtime go back to lab

September 13, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

stingtime,

go back to chem lab pal and stop commenting on football. Bad timing with Cooper Taylor doing what? Going hard to the ball and making a play in bounds. If you watched the game you would have seen that Tyrod Taylor was shifty and our defense had to keep our eyes focused on him at all times. Cooper TAylor went hard to the ball and tried to make a play and the helmets just happened to meet as a result.(mainly because Taylor was going down at that exact moment) The facemask was legit but very unfortunate at the same time. But lets not start being pansies here- football is a mans game and I’ve seen a hundred of those types of “helmet to helmet” hits not called today. The only bad timing was the ref choosing to make that game changing call. Stop commenting when you have no idea what you’re talking about- go back to Skiles and hit the books geek.

By ron

September 13, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

I love the way Paul Johnson works a game. Did anyone ever see that much fire from Gailey? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. This team is prepared and they stay in the game. The more reps they get the better they will execute. Good things coming!

By stinGTime plays in the band

September 13, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

stingtime-

I still can’t get over how asinine you comment is- “out of character for both players?” Did Cooper TAylor offend you by playing hard nose football and brining the hat? I repeat- I saw a brutal helmet to helmet late in the GA game on a SC receiver- no call. I’ve seen them all day. The fact is, helmet to helmet happens. Just like you happen to not know a da— thing about football.

By insects and vandy?

September 13, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

you buggies better get ready , miss. state comes calling and they held auburn to a field goal,, course msu is the sec doormat team so i’m sure tech will blow them out being the powerhouse tech is ……atlanta is the home of losers ,,,,, the hawks, braves, falcons, and the mighty insects ,,crawl back in your holes bugs…your 2 and 1 with 5 more losses on the schedule and if lucky an invited to the blue field again…gailey should be glad he’s out of losersville, bring back pepper rodgers next

By GT4Life

September 13, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

I agree with most GT fans that call should not have been made at that late stage of the game cause it was not intentional but they made it and it is what it is.

By T-man

September 14, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Yeah, it was a disappointing loss. It’s easy to blame the refs for the loss but let’s face it, we’re not good enough (yet) to turn the ball over three times on the road and expect to win. When we get better (and we will), we’ll overcome bad refereeing and self inflicted penalties (like MJ’s face mask call) and win games like we lost yesterday.

Other than turning the ball over, a big area of concern for CJ and staff has got to be the O-line. Right now, we’re getting whipped at center and both the guard positions. Until they start opening some holes up the middle on a more consistent basis, the running game will have to continue to rely on the athleticism of Josh & Co. to do everything to the outside. If Tech is going to be a running team, then they’ve got to run between the tackles more effectively. That will freeze the linebackers and open up even better the option to the outside.

All things considered, things are moving in the right direction. We’re 1-1 against two of the better teams in the conference and both games were on the road! Not bad for a new coaching staff and a team still trying to learn a new system. GO JACKETS & THWG!!!

By Kleenex for GT

September 14, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

You GT folks may not like it but this is the NCAA rule on helmet to helmet:

Initiating Contact/Targeting an Opponent a. No player shall initiate contact and target an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet. When in question, it is a foul.

If you don’t like the rule - get it changed, otherwise shut up or accept the personal foul penalties.

Coach Johnson needs to get the game film, the rules and some sportsmanship.

By Butts Wagner

September 14, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

I am encouraged. Think about it this way, GT won 17-10 in 54 minutes of the game, the other 6 minutes, they lost 10-0. Get rid of the silly mistakes, and GT can start making some real noise. It was a little frustrating to know that Taylor would run at the end of the 1st half for that TD and see the defense not expecting it or maybe being too excited and over playing the QB draw. I know it was improvised, but based on the play of VT’s offense, Taylor running and/or improvising was their best play all day and the defense should have keyed in on not letting that happen.

By Butts Wagner

September 14, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

One other thing, it was clearly helmet on helmet contact. It was Cooper’s mistake. He’s a freshman, what do you expect? All he needed to do was put out his arms and wrap up, but he put his head down to make the hit. The issue is that it wasn’t an intended violent hit. He just happens to be 6’4” and just by putting his head down, it becomes helmet on helmet contact. If he was 5’10” and had done the same thing, I wonder if it would have been helmet on helmet. It’s just frustrating to know that such a weak hit violated the rules, but it did. There’s no excuse. Putting your head down is not good form and leads to missed tackles so hopefully it’s a lesson learned for young Cooper.

By jjacket

September 14, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

Clearly? I have watched it several times and I don’t see it and yet you see it clearly?

By Butts Wagner

September 14, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

By GT Fan September 13, 2008 9:34 PM

Did m change his name?

By The Big Bug

September 14, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

Helmet-to helmet?Yes indeedie.Yet another preposterously unenforcible rule. Who makes up this bunk? The NCAA should outlaw all forms of contact except rapid wrist slapping. Either that or ban all contact sports & form a Badminton league. But, on second thought,one could get injured or even worse,have their feelings hurt.

By Butts Wagner

September 14, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

After thinking some more, the rule is basically the same as the safety training that everyone gets at every job they have. “Don’t bend at the waist to pick up heavy objects!” You sign the form saying you took the training so that when you hurt your back picking up a heavy box you cannot sue. It’s the same thing with the rule about helmet to helmet contact. It’s unsafe and if they let it happen and someone gets hurt, then they(the NCAA) can get sued. The thing is, it’s better to bend at the knees rather than at the waist to pick up boxes, just like it’s better to bend at the knees rather than the waist to tackle someone. The problem is that it’s instinctual to do the easier thing, which is bend at the waist, so in this case, you could see Cooper put his head down to bend at the waist, but he really only put his head down rather than bend at the waist and go for the spear-type of hit that the rule is in place to prevent. The hit was really weak and was no more violent than Cooper putting his hands out and applying the small amount of force that he used to help push Tyrod out of bounds. But for safety and legal reasons, the refs have to call the foul every time, I don’t blame them. If a helmet to helmet hit causes a life altering injury and no foul is called, the NCAA could be liable for the medical bills. Reasonably speaking, no foul should have been called. The color guy for the game agreed. But for legal reasons, the foul has to be enforced every time. So there’s no reason that Cooper should not have been aware of the rule and he should be trained to bend at the knees rather than the waist. Still, it’s frustrating to see such a weak hit penalized so severely.

By Butts Wagner

September 14, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this

Clearly? I have watched it several times and I don’t see it and yet you see it clearly?

It was helmet on helmet contact. The problem is that it was super weak and was not going to cause any injuries that the rule is intended to protect. But the refs have probably been told that if they don’t call the foul and a player comes back with a serious injury, the refs will be liable for the medical bills, which knowing medical bills could cause the ref serious financial problems like lifetime bankruptcy. Solutions allowing refs to use common sense would be creating alternate collegiate football alliances whereby the alliance assumes liability for serious injuries and gives the refs freedom to make judgement calls. As it is, I’m sure the NCAA has made it known that it does not assume any liability for injuries sustained on plays that they have deemed to be illegal. And helmet to helmet hits on quarterbacks of any kind fall under this category. If you are a ref and you have been told that if you don’t call a foul and the player comes back with a serious injury and you are liable for the medical bills, then you would call the foul every time no matter how weak the hit is because you are protecting your own neck, rather than worrying more about the fairness of the call.

By Butts Wagner

September 14, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this

Final comment because I want to cover all bases:

I didn’t see the hit that everyone is talking about in the UGA (sic)/USC game. But if there was such a hit that was more violent, you have to remember that the refs in that game have seen everything about UGA(sic) being a national championship contender. While they are worried about being liable for allowing an injury to happen, they are also worried about being liable if they cause UGA(sic) to lose a game that costs them a chance at the national championship. If your call as a ref on a play that doesn’t result in a serious injury and it costs the offending team a chance at making an extra $15 million by appearing in a bowl game, you could be liable for that difference. I can see how that immediate liability looms larger in the refs minds rather than long term care costs might loom. Also, if you’ve been told that UGA(sic) and USC are superior teams with superior athletes, then you might give benefit of the doubt to whether a helmet to helmet hit will cause injuries. Whereas VT has looked weak and GT is supposed to be a middle to low ACC team and a head to head hit in those games might cause injuries to the “weaker” athletes. If you hear those arguments all the time, then you might make a judgement call based on those biases. To argue that the ACC has weaker athletes also means that weak helmet to helmet hits are going to be weaker and less likely to cause injury. I am just trying to kill the SEC fan arguments that their superior athletes can take the hits and the weak ACC athletes cannot. Because if the ACC is so weak, the weaker hits should not be so devastating, or else the SEC fans have to say that the comparably stronger hits in the SEC should be penalized because the SEC is so much stronger. But like I said, I didn’t see the hit everyone else is talking about on here. My theory, should it be true that there was a helmet to helmet hit in the UGA(sic) game, is that there were more factors at play than there were in the GT game. Let’s say GT was considered an upper echelon team and the helmet to helmet hit might cost GT a chance at a national championship(as opined by the media), then maybe the refs would be more reluctant to be liable for causing a national champ caliber team to lose its chance at the title.

By surfrider

September 14, 2008 2:55 AM | Link to this

Tough loss but hopefully the experience will pay off and we can get some of our injured players back. Fully agree with the aggressive play calling and also the kicking game showed some improvement. We had what 245 in yards last week and now over 350 yards against a faster defense. It looked like Nesbitt got comforbable with the pitches in the second half compared to last week overall. To me if we could pass a little bit more off play action or rollout/bootleg say from 8 this week to 15 to 25 per game that may open up the running game even more. These slots seem to be wide open. Of course we have to hit the open man and catch the ball. A good effort in a tough enviroment overall.

By Roger

September 14, 2008 3:14 AM | Link to this

Butts Wagner You are clearly an idiot, ref’s are not liable if they don’t make a call and someone gets hurt. Why don’t you go back to your mamas basement and play some more D&D and stop acting like you know anything about football, you are the type of fans that GT doesn’t need you think that we should be playing touch football and that we shouldn’t keep score so nobody gets their feelings hurt. It was a bad call and everyone knows it but you can’t say that because it might hurt the refs feelings, go back to the basement a shut up. As far as the game goes it was a hard loss but I feel good about the future of GT football and I see a win over UGA in the near future.

Go Jackets!!!!

By Chatthills Jacket

September 14, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this

If we can keep the turnovers down and hold teams to less than 21 points we will more than we will lose.

By GT57

September 14, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

Butts Wagner say something coherent or STFU! You sound like some retard. We will play UGA on the field and that will say it all. You are just the type that feeds the stereotype of the inssecure Tech fan. Fact #1: They won their close one. Fact #2: We lost ours. Quit picking apart their game trying to manufacture some nonexistent reason they should have lost. SC got a several late hit hit and pass int. calls that the guys in the booth found highly questionable to kep drives alive. Worry about us until we play them moron.

By tojo

September 14, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Disapointed. Good mix of pass/run vs BC went out the window. Nesbitt much more effective as a pass/run threat. If yesterdays run ratio continues, Nesbitt and Dwyer will be beat to a pulp in3 weeks.

By TonyT

September 14, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

You can’t give up three turnovers and painfully stupid penalties and expect to win against a team like the Hokies or anyone else in the ACC, for that matter! Heartbreaking.

By docsbro

September 14, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Hey I thought the team gave a great effort out there today and we should be encouraged about the future. Did anyone else happen to notice that Calvin Booker was on the Field Goal team…. and not as the holder…. That is a great statement for a young man to make with an “I’ll do anything” attitude….

By CarolinaJacket

September 14, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

I hate it. I thought we had this one. But one more comment on Lucas Cox. I think he is an emerging star. Love that guy’s grit. A couple of “practice” games and maybe the offense will work out its kinks and a couple of key players will be back in uniform. Go Jackets.

By Born2Buzz

September 14, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Did anyone hear CPJ’s comments after the game because I’d like to know if he was 1) p** at the H to H call. I know it’s all the reasons for the rule but when the ballcarrier lowers himself to take a hit it’s almost impossible for the defender to not hit H to H. Oh well, tough call that probably cost us the game. and 2) did CPJ second guess himself for going for it on 4th instead of kicking and using the 2 time outs to try and get the ball back. I think he might now that it’s over and done.

Missed a golden opportunity but we are still looking good. Let’s shake this one off and focus on Miss St. next week. If we take care of business and get the W there we should be 5-1 going into the Clemson game. I thought at the start of the year that if we were 2-2 after the 1st 4 games that would be acceptable, but we had the chance to steal one of these 2 road games and go 3-1.

Who here would not be happy with an 8-4 final record?

By BuzzFactor

September 14, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

disappointing loss, but this team has great potential. The triple option is here to stay. The Jackets were still in the game at Lane Stadium with all of the mistakes made. To me, this game showed lots of promise from our Jackets. Yeah we have growing pains to tend too, but the future is bright and I am still way more excited to be a Tech Fan than anytime in the last 10+ years. We all knew that it is still early for this offense and it’s players. But this is one loss, maybe we fix some problems and win the next game like we should. One Game at a Time!

By CarolinaJacket

September 14, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

I withdraw my “practice” game comment. Miss State gave Auburn everything they could take. They will not be a pushover and should not be taken lightly.

By offended?

September 14, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

its hilarious to listen to tech fans after a loss, helmet to helmet, referees, bad calls etc. etc. oh we were encouraged…etc. etc….no wonder tech is losersville, you insects always are encouraged in a loss, give paul johnson a huge raise and a contract extension..he loses well!

By Bobby Dodd

September 14, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

The Good The Bad And The Ugly

The Good- #9 and L. Cox.

The Bad- Fumbles, Interseption and the fact we got beat by an unranked team. Which by the way was missing its star running back.

The Ugly-The kicking game, once again Blair under performs. Another botched PAT- are you kidding me. How long before he costs us a game? The punting was poor and the kickoffs were average. Compare him to the VT and UGA kickers and it becomes glaring.

The Bottom Line- We just lost to an unranked team which already had lost one game. We made way to many mistakes and they cost us dearly. Our chances of doing anything meaningfil this season just became less attainable. Kicking is so bad it is beyond comprehension. It is time for the excuses to stop and a real kicker to be found. We are three games in and there is more to worry about then praise. Next week could be another mess if play does not improve.

By uh tony t

September 14, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

is boston college in the acc? you insects played worst than that and made more mistakes at bc and won…you insects don’t even know what you’re trying to make as far as a point…we fire coaches that go 8-4…not a good program

By DAWGHATER

September 14, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Hey GT Fans: Great game! Nothing to be embarrased about, especially considering the injuries and the fact that we have the youngest team in the ACC. We will continue to get better and will win 7-8 games this year and who knows how many next year. I must admit, the helmet to helmet penalty was BS, but the face mask was not. That was the tunring point in the game. The officiating was awful down the stretch, which eventually costs us the game. GT is for real with Johnson at the helm.

As for your UGALY fans: You suck and barely beat lowly SC by 7. You play ASU next week who lost to UNLV. LMFAO! Our QB ran for more yards than KNOWSHOW MORENO! That’s a joke in itself. So get out of your double wide trailers and get ready to drop in the polls like a rock. I am sure you will beat ASU, but you will lose some games and this year you LOSE to GT! GO JACKETS!

By DAWGHATER

September 14, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Hey SRF: Don’t know who you are kidding. You must be an UGALY fan. You say we wont win another game? I am not sure we lose another game. Actually, I will be happy when we beat UGAly this year. UGA brags about KNOWSHOW MORENO, but our QB had more rushing yards than he did. Go figure! GT is good and will get better. UGA is overated and will get worse. Nothing better for a GT fan. GO JACKETS!

By DAWGHATER

September 14, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

hey Offended: You are awful and suck azz! UGA sucks azz and is always overated. You barely beat lowly SC by 7 and your Heisman hopeful KNOWSHOW sucked. Get out of your recneck trailer and get a life. Don’t worry, you will lose many games. Your team will drop in the polls like a rock. Although I must admit, next weeks game against ASU will be a test. NOT! Oops, they lost to UNLV and won’t be ranked when your stank team plays em. You better enjoy your wins, coz BAMA, LSU, TN and GT will spank you and you will be in the Peach Bowl if your lucky. Your team sucks! GO GT!

By gtforever

September 14, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

It scares me how some of you guys/gals start blaming this on the REFS. The refs have NEVER lost us a football game! PLEASE!……. We LOST to a VERY average VT team. We have a LONG WAY to go. I am hopeful that Coach will recruit and get us back to respectability. The bottom line is, right now the ACC is the worst or one of the worst conferences in the country and we are not even close to playing as competitive as our sisters in Athens….

Jacket win or lose!

By Bill/GT69

September 14, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Most importantly, our effort was there for 60 minutes. That plus repetitions will lead to improvements. As we improve PJ will get more comfortable with calling more passes for Josh. As for the helmet to helmet penalty, the NCAA definition says the helmet crown cannot be used against the player’s helmet -SPEARING. I watched the game and the replays and Cooper made a textbook tackle in the field of play - with full body and facemask. The ref will never be questioned by the league for making a helmet call; and if he is a homer there is nothing we can do about that. The call wouldn’t have been made if it hadn’t been the QB. Keep playing hard Cooper. Miss St will watch the tape and try the same formations on defense. The difference will be that Auburn was trying to learn the spread offense (got 3 points), and Miss St does not have a Taylor at QB (got 2 points). They will only win if we give it to them. GO TECH!

By richbrave

September 14, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Agreed, VT is very average. You’re in trouble.

By You heard it here first

September 14, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Tech will win more games than anyone thinks.they will go 9-3 with a big win over GA at the end of the season and go to a Bowl game.

By Jack G

September 14, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

G JACKET

Apology accepted. I have been called worse.