We have moved

to the new and improved site.

Today’s focus is All-American candidate Morgan Burnett.

AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 02 > Entry

Navy vs. Duke vs. Georgia Tech

Sorry this is late. I just got back from breakfast at Waffle House. Before I get to the stuff I wanted to write about, here’s some extra stuff from talking to Jaybo yesterday. It’s not earth-shattering - he didn’t guarantee a win or anything, which I, as a reporter, would have appreciated - but hopefully interesting.

I asked if Paul Johnson and Brian Bohannon (the qb and B-backs coach) had put some extra pressure on him this week. He said no, but they did prep him. “Little stuff, check-wise, making sure I know that kind of stuff. I missed some stuff [Wednesday], so I’m glad I got [Thursday] to go ahead and polish up on everything. I guess you could say they turned it up on me a little bit, just making sure I know the little things, check-wise.”

On if he’d been told he’d be expected to start: “That’s just what I’ve been preparing myself for. I really haven’t heard anything, but I’m preparing myself for that. Josh hasn’t practiced and I had to be ready. I was just preparing myself that I was going to be the guy. So, I guess so. If it is on Saturday, then it is.”

I think he’ll be fine; having Johnson and Bohannon on his side will be fairly important, I think, as Duke will likely throw things at Tech that they didn’t against Navy.

Which gets me to my point. A big question this week is how much Duke’s having played Navy earlier this season will help Duke against Tech. One thing to consider is something David Cutcliffe said earlier this week, that one strength of option teams is they can often time get an early lead. That’s because opposing defenses need time to get adjusted to the speed of the option offense they’re facing because the scout team they’ve prepared against can’t run it like Tech or Navy can.

It bears out, as Tech has outscored its opposition 38-3 in the first quarter. The first quarter is Tech’s higher scoring quarter thus far, by a touchdown over the fourth. Navy scored on four of its first six possessions against Duke earlier this season but could only score once in its last seven. Duke won 41-31 - it was the most points Duke has given up this season. In fact, of those six that it didn’t score, it went three-and-out or four-and-out on five of those possessions (not counting the last drive of the game when the clock ran out on them).

So you have to think that Duke might require less “adjustment time” in the game than against Navy because the Devils saw the same offense less than a month ago, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they worked on it some during their off week before they played Virginia. However, Cutcliffe also acknowledged that while Navy and Tech run the same offense, Tech is, not surprisingly, more talented. Further, he said of Paul Johnson that “I don’t think there’s anybody that knows that offense as well as he does.”

What do you think?

Permalink | Comments (54) | Post your comment |

Comments

By PhotoBuzz

October 2, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Duke will not be able to keep up. We’re getting better at this thing, and Duke’s defense will look like a High School team after going against VPI, BC and MSU.

Tech Rolls.

By 88 Jacket

October 2, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Our offense will get their share. It comes down to D. With that defensive front, I like Tech’s chances.

By Nothin'

October 2, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

i dun’t thing nothink!

By ChattHills Jacket

October 2, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

We have seen better Defenses than Dukes and that is to our advantage. Duke has seen our “type” offense but not a version as fast as ours. We do need to PASS more if given the chance. If the A-Backs and B-Backs keep their spacing on the option all the way around the corner waiting for the last pitch that would be perfect. I don’t think Jaybo will play scared of getting hurt and will still risk the hits for the chance to make a good pitch on a big play. The thing I like about this offense is that it is 11 vs 11 and if everybody does their job the man with the ball has to beat the one man not blocked by any other player. My biggest question is if VOSS will be ok(100%) and stay in at center. COPX may get more playse because he can punish the Linebackers to soften them up for the quicker backs to make a big play.

By ChattHills Jacket

October 2, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

We have seen better Defenses than Dukes and that is to our advantage. Duke has seen our “type” offense but not a version as fast as ours. We do need to PASS more if given the chance. If the A-Backs and B-Backs keep their spacing on the option all the way around the corner waiting for the last pitch that would be perfect. I don’t think Jaybo will play scared of getting hurt and will still risk the hits for the chance to make a good pitch on a big play. The thing I like about this offense is that it is 11 vs 11 and if everybody does their job the man with the ball has to beat the one man not blocked by any other player. My biggest question is if VOSS will be ok(100%) and stay in at center. COX may get more playse because he can punish the Linebackers to soften them up for the quicker backs to make a big play.

By Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada

October 2, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

You may want to point out that Duke didn’t stop Navy until they lost their QB. That is why Duke started stopping Navy. The Mids would have easily won if Kaipo hadn’t gotten hurt.

By Tech75

October 2, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Duke is not the same Duke we’ve seen the last few years. This time they’ll be in shape, according to what I’ve read.

However, Tech will still be physically superior to Duke in the fitness area, as well as having more depth, and a much better defense than Navy.

We know what Duke did to adjust vs. Navy later in the game; we’ll be ready for that, and PJ has seen teams try so many different adjustments that he’ll be more than ready to counter-adjust.

I expect the defense to do their job, anticipate a score somewhere in the 45-17 range.

Tech rolls…

By d roberts

October 2, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

I’m surprised that Cutcliffe said that Tech isn’t as talented as Navy.

By ArkyTech

October 2, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

I’d be a little more worried about Duke’s familiarity with our offense if Navy hadn’t hung 31 on them.

By wes

October 2, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

I think our defense better show up to play.

I wouldn’t be too confident in stopping GT if I was a Duke fan.

If the GT Defense has a great game, there is no way in hades Duke wins.

By jabster

October 2, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

I think it will help Duke and keep them in the game, but Tech isn’t Navy either and should be able to win. As I said before, if the line is Tech by 14, Tech wins but take Duke and the points.

While it’s not the same, remember that MSU devoted IMO an inordinate amount of time practicing against the option.

Note what Ken wrote in the 6th paragraph. Our second-highest scoring quarter is the 4th. CPJ’s conditioning is really showing up there. Chan’s teams (and CGO’L’s, for that matter) tended to get gassed late in the game. That’s why we couldn’t go the distance against deep teams like FSU.

CPJ has us some decent (good, if not great, but better than previous years) depth, and great conditioning. If the game is close at Budweiser, we should be able to pull away in the final quarter, especially against a pass-happy team that isn’t as fit or deep.

By Paddy

October 2, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Duke is in for a long afternoon. With Tech controlling the clock and their ever improving defense, Duke will find it hard to get enough points up on the scoreboard because they just won’t have the ball enough times to do enough damage. CPJ teams are fun to watch, wish they could be on a station that anybody gets around here.

By PJ

October 2, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Ken:

Good topic. However, your point regarding Tech scoring more in the first quarter is skewed. In two of the first four games, Tech has won handily, getting a jump on the other team. The lack of production in the later quarters in those games can be attributed to the lack of the “number ones” being on the field, which goes against your point. Also, in the other two Tech games, i.e., against BC and VT, Tech didn’t really get rolling until after the first half, when the Tech offense got into synch and the opposing defense started to miss assignments.

Accordingly, I’m not going to worry whether Tech scores early on Duke. I don’t think it will matter at all to the inevitable outcome of Tech winning handily.

By jabster

October 2, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Paddy:

Don’t call your cable provider—call the Tech ticket office, and have your Visa or Mastercard ready.

By kshizzle

October 2, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Even though we have scored more in the first quarter the biggest runs have been coming in the second half, after the other team has “adjusted”. The thing is you can not stop the triple option play plain and simple is designed to get athletes in space with more blockers then defenders on that side. Throw in the fact that you cannot cheat on the Quarterback or running back and it is just hard to stop. Especially with our horses. As pointed out Navy put up 31 points on Duke. Even if we do not run the offense as good as them our people can match that point total. Then given that Navy has no ability to defend anybody because of their size restrictions and we don’t we will seriously limit Duke’s ability to do much on offense. My realistic prediction is 30 - 17, but I can see 45 - 17 also. Duke will not score over 20 points.

By John

October 2, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Just read this quote from Coach Johnson, “I’d be surprised if anybody wins our division with two losses, other than maybe Virginia Tech because they’re going to hold all the tiebreakers. We can’t afford another loss.”

This is why we love this guy at GT! Gailey would have never made that statement. Johnson is here to win every game!

By GT45

October 2, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Two more days and fifteen minutes to kickoff! Jabster, you’re on crack-I would take that bet with you and laugh to the bank. Good points, PJ. Look for this game to get ugly, fast.

By RAMBLE ON!!!

October 2, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

We must not over look Duke for Gardner-Webb game.

If so, we only win by 20 points.

By ken

October 2, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

thanks for the various inputs. I hadn’t realized that about Navy’s quarterback being out. I confess I didn’t look at the game stats that closely. But that obviously makes a big difference in Navy’s dropoff.

Good point, also, PJ. The Jax State game and MSU game skew the stats a bit. One could argue that perhaps the last game was perhaps the truest indication yet of what the offense can do and lends the most credence to Cutcliffe’s theory, but that’s splitting hairs.

But I don’t think I’m necesarily saying that because they get a quick start, they falter late. I am in agreement with a lot of things being said about Tech’s conditioning level and Johnson’s ability to adjust. If the VT game - and we’re talking hypothetically - had been 10 minutes longer, I think Tech would have won. (Or, for that matter, if the helmet-to-helmet penalty hadn’t been called)

D Roberts, Cutcliffe said Tech was more talented than Navy, not the other way around. The sentence was probably a little too wordy.

By Born2Buzz

October 2, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Ken, has there been any better understanding of Nesbitt’s injury? Are we talking about a severe pull that could hamper him the rest of the year or just a strain and Coach wants to be cautious and not push things, feeling Jaybo is certainly capable of handling things against Duke and G-W?

As for whether Duke playing Navy gives them an edge and should we be concerned, remember folks, although Duke is better than last year (obviously Cutcliffe is a decent coach who has them playing better than in years past) they are still the team that just broke a 25 game ACC losing streak against an absolutely putrid UVA. And the score was 3-3 into the 2nd half when UVA threw 4 INTs. I’m not worried at all and think we win this one handily, easily covering the 13 pt. spread, say 38-10.

And I don’t see Coach PJ letting us slip up and lose focus like Chan did in the past. I dare say we will never hear Coach utter the famous Chanism “I just didn’t have us prepared to play today.”

By John

October 2, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Listen to you people! You’d think Duke woke up and all of a sudden became Oklahoma! They are better but not even remotely close to us. Tech fans want to be positive, but deep in the back of your minds, it’s as if you are always fearing something bad will happen. This is not Chan (where that happened) - this is Paul! Lose those thoughts forever. Once we all think we will win every game and have no fears - WE will awake and become the Oklahomas and USCs of college football.

By Calvin

October 2, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

It means nothing that Tech has scored more in the 1st quarter than the 4th, because two of the games have been blowouts, with 2nd and 3rd string players in the latter part of the game.

Tech’s great catch-up to Virginia Tech came late in the game, by the way.

By old gold engineer

October 2, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Good one jabster. I’ll look for two keys to the game. Will GT’s offensive lineman perform as well as they did last game to give the quarterback time to operate the offense? Will GT’s defense manage to control the damage from Duke’s passing game as well as they did against Mississippi State?

By BLAZER

October 2, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

IF THEY CAN BLOCK OUR D-LINE AND LEWIS HAS TIME TO PASS-WE COULD GET INTO A HIGH SCORING CONTEST AND COULD BE IN TROUBLE. IF NOT WE CAN WIN BIG, LIKE THE MSU GAME. 34-17 GA. TECH.

By PROUDTECHFAN

October 2, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

I have confidence that we can beat any team in the ACC if we do two things.

1.Protect the football 2.Pressure the QB.

Protecting the football is the single most important part of any offense but especially with this offense. I have complete confidence in our coaching staff, especially CPJ, but there isnt a play he can call that guarantees we dont lose the football.

Getting pressure on the QB changes the entire approach of the offense. I think we have one of the best front four in the country and I’m not sure Duke will be able to consistently protect their much improved QB.

I can see this game being closer than some think, but I think we’ll separate ourselves down the stretch..

GO JACKETS!!!

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

October 2, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

If Navy ran the ball well against Duke, then Duke is in for a long afternoon against GT’s offense.

As usual, we need to protect the ball. But Jaybo did a good job of that last week, and I think he will against a Duke defense that is not as good as MSU’s. If our 3rd down and pass defense are up to par this week, this should be an easy win.

Go Jackets!!

By THWG

October 2, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

jabster,

Thank you for your enthusiasm. That’s the attitude we need DOWN HERE AT THE FLATS THIS SATURDAY!!!!! Parents, make a day of it for the kids. I went to my first Tech game when I was younger, fell in love with Tech, and now I’m a student here. There’s nothing like gameday at Bobby Dodd!!! Go Jackets!!!!!

By Drew

October 2, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Hey d roberts, Cutcliffe said Tech was more talented, not the other way around.

By BuzzFactor

October 2, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

GT - 41 Duke - 24

By Old Gold

October 2, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

I’m more concerned about Duke’s offense than ours. We’ll get our points - “holding” Navy to 31 isn’t exactly a success story - but Tech gave up a boatload of yards in the air to Mississippi State, and Duke can throw better than the ‘Dogs. I’m hoping (and betting) that we’ve put the week off to tighten things up a bit defensively, which should lead to a Tech win by more than the 14 point spread.

By CW

October 2, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

We all love talking about the offense because we finally have a coach with an offensive philosophy worth discussing, but as a few other posts above have noted, this game will be determined much more by how our D line handles Duke’s QB than by how our offense performs.

Lewis is an experienced QB who has been successful passing because of his mobility. If we can contain him and pressure him our offense will have the opportunity to score plenty of points to win. If, however, Lewis can break containment and carve up our secondary with long, sustained drives, it puts much more pressure on our offense to score on every opportunity.

I like our D to match up well. Tech should roll by 2 or 3 touchdowns.

By bankerdawg

October 2, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

All of the Duke love this week is a little silly if you ask me. As has been mentioned above, Navy hung 31, and if their little QB doesn’t go down, they could have easily put up 45-50 points on this Duke defense.

Tech rolls in this one.

Shaw looks comfortable, and Dwyer is a stud.

The only concern I would have as a Techie is the pass defense. MSU put up 300 yards, and by all accounts, the Duke QB is far superior to him. However, I would also expect your D-Line to be in the backfield early and often, so he may not get a chance to throw many passes anyway.

Looking forward to playing you in November, and keep winning so our victory will be all the more impressive!

Go Dawgs!

By Realisticfan

October 2, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

I have seen the euphoria before. When Tech hired Chan the masses swore he would change things. And now it is PJ euphoria. He has beaten a D2 team, an average to below average BC team and one of the worst teams in the SEC. Not just this year but ever. You could make the argument they have played only one complete game, against a Miss St team who had just lost to a big rival and had to go on the road for a noon start. Now hold onto your pocket protectors. PJ may be all that you hope but don’t you think he should win a few tough games before you upchuck all this love. Be patient and you may have something besides crowe to eat.

By Old GT Nut

October 2, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Ummmm..uh…didnt “Mr. College Football” write on Friday September 26th his prediction: UGA 21 Bama 17???

I agree with Born2Buzz observations: UVA is wretched this year, and had 6 TOs in their game vs. Duke. The fact that a totally out-manned Navy team could hang 31 on Duke and hang for all 4 Qtrs says plenty.

Only GT TOs will keep this game from being an outright massacre.

Here’s the link to the stats from the 2007 GT/Duke game. It’s laughable: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=273140150

GT: 477 Yds on Offense, Duke: 146 Yds on Offense.

GT will CRUSH Duke.

By JR

October 2, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Do you mean eat crow or do you have a fixation on Russell?

By jabster

October 2, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

RealisticFan:

Why would a real Tech fan make a comment about pocket protectors? I’m just saying.

When Chan was signed, I said, “WHO???” I think a lot of other people did, too. I think people missed O’Leary the day he left. I’m not sure what kind of “change” you think people thought Chan was bringing (insert obligatory Obama “change” joke here).

There’s a lot of games on the sked left…a lot of games we can lose if we don’t execute (and in some cases simply get outmanned or outplayed). I don’t think that everyone—if anyone—has forgotten that.

I do think, though, that everyone sees the new attitude that CPJ has brought, win OR lose, and is most appreciative, to say the least. CPJ holds everyone on the team accountable, himself first and foremost. You couldn’t say the same about Chan.

In other words, “it’s just a game, dog” would never come out of CPJ’s mouth or the mouths of any of his players.

By OldGold

October 2, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Navy doesn’t have the size or talent on defense. We have a top Div 1A defense and that’s the difference in this game. Duke is improving, but they won’t be able to hold us for less points than we put up on them. And that’s the beauty of running the Spread Option at this level. Also, we can throw the ball, and will if need be.

By GT45

October 2, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Jabster, you are exactly right. Realistic, have you been to any games? Have you seen the growth of this team, already? We’re excited for a reason. The future is closer than you know!

By 1Jacket7

October 2, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

t

By 1Jacket7

October 2, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Don’t waste your time on Realistic. He couldn’t possibly be a TECH FAN. Just another UGA guy starting trouble. Ignore the ignorance. Great opportunity for TECH to get better this weekend on both sides of the ball. First we get a week of extra work, now we have an opponent that will give us more than the scout team can in the passing game to see if what we worked on will help us in the passing game. I hope Duke gives us a look that will allow us to pass the ball. I would really like to see BeBe and Melton, and the others get some pass plays to showcase their talents. It would be a great reward for their hard work in the blocking area. Jaybo also needs work passing the ball. Would love to see this offense get clicking on all cylinders both running and passing.

By Gtman

October 2, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

The differences will be: 1. Tech’s Defense - nuff said. 2. PJ’s ability to adapt to what Duke does on Defense. Obviously Navy was not able to adapt to what Duke was doing to shut them down after Navy’s early success against Duke. 3. Superior talent on offense - especially Dwyer.

By surfrider

October 2, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

May be off on this but did I hear/read that Navy beat Wake Forrest or was that some other team? As for this weekend Tech just needs to execute and it will have a chance to win like it will every week. That means when passing hitting the open receiver and catching the ball and therefore the optionn will open up even more. As for defense, it’s hard to complain except to try and tighten up some on the run defense to force more three and outs during the bend but don’t break intervals. The passing and scoring defense appear to be pretty good so far but Duke has a good QB and Cutliffe is a passing guru as well as good on the run.

By gt81

October 2, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Get ready for a much better Duke team that is focused and well coached. They also have a very experienced offense. Their O line is good. Our defense has been exposed all season for crossing routes and short passes. We have a long way to go however, I do think that the CPJ factor will allow Tech to win this game. If our D line can create pressure we win fairly easy. If their O starts to click it will be a difficult task to just get a win. I hope that the week off also makes a difference remember we are starting a freshman QB that can not throw the ball at all. Go Tech and win the ones we used to let get away from us.

By RC

October 2, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

After looking at Tech’s commits for the 2009 class I am wondering what happens when PJ runs out of Chan’s talent. Of course when all Chan’s freshman and sophomore recruits are seniors or gone PJ can move on to his next job. Looking at the lack of top notch skill talent interested in Tech it could get ugly in about 3 more years.

By Melinda

October 2, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

RC, Chan only managed 7 wins a year with all the “talent” he brought in. Would you rather watch Tech play a few NFL prospects each year and consistently be mediocre? Or would you rather watch them play hard every game and have a better than average chance of winning every game they play?

By RC

October 2, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Melinda, if PJ can’t lure elite skill talent our offense will be 2 to 3 10ths slower than the defenses we face. And sooner or later PJ will have to develop some type of passing attack. That takes a good passer btw and some wide recievers. Right now there are no Julio Jones or A.J. Greens or 4/5 star QBs that will even open a letter from Tech.Talented defenses at this level will figure this offense out after seeing it 2 or 3 times and that is when it will be essential that we have skilled position talent that can match up. If we don’t have that a couple of years from now mediocrity won’t be a strong enough word to describe what could happen.

By GT65

October 2, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

If PJ can consistently win 8 and keeps us off of blue rugs he will have performed a miracle.

By Xs and Os

October 2, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

National Football Post Special to Rivals.com College Football

» RELATED: Early look: NFL draft top 100 prospects | Ranking the position groups

A record 39 underclassmen were selected in the 2008 draft, and the 2009 draft could break that record. Michael Lombardi, Andrew Brandt and Wes Bunting of National Football Post rank this year’s underclassmen for the 2009 draft class. Remember that college scouting is a continual process that changes on a week-to-week basis.

Georgia’s Matthew Stafford has what NFL teams look for in a quarterback. 1. Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia Stafford is the nation’s most natural pocket passer and exhibits an intriguing blend of accuracy and arm strength. He has all the physical tools to become a top-flight quarterback at the next level, but his maturity and awareness in the pocket are the things that make him such a highly rated prospect.

  1. Andre Smith, OT, Alabama A road-grader on the outside who plays with great power and leverage in the running game. He has the size to play on the right side, but it is his athleticism and quickness that make him special. A rare athlete for his size, he could excel at a variety of positions on the offensive line. He needs to keep his weight in check.

  2. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia One of the most natural and instinctive runners in years, Moreno features great vision through the tackles with elite quickness and change-of-direction skills. He runs with great balance and power while consistently making the first man miss and accelerating upfield.

  3. Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech An ultra-productive player who uses his blend of size (6 feet 3) and body control to consistently make plays on the outside. He runs sharp, precise routes for a man his size, and has the ability to separate on all levels. A natural receiver with good hands and strong wrists, he’s a consistent jump-ball threat.

  4. Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn The most explosive and disruptive three-technique tackle in the nation. Marks has been playing at an extremely high level this season and does an excellent job firing off the line at the snap and shooting gaps inside. He plays low with a powerful leg drive, and showcases the suddenness to get off blocks. He looks like the cream of the crop among underclass defensive linemen in the SEC.

  5. Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida A sideline-to-sideline linebacker who makes a ton of plays on all levels on the field. Spikes is a long, angular athlete who possesses a strong lower body and is just as comfortable stacking and shedding at the line as he is dropping off in coverage. An emotional leader who is always around the ball, he’s the type of player around which you can build a defense.

  6. Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia If Marks is No. 1 among underclass tackles, then Atkins is No. 1A. Atkins is a bit undersized but is extremely quick off the snap. He uses his arms well to disengage from blockers, and has the body control and suddenness to get upfield. He has a great motor and displays good closing speed, and never stays blocked for long.

  7. Taylor Mays, FS, USC Mays is built like a linebacker (6-3/230), but is fluid and re-directs as well as some corners in the NFL. A natural bender who can dip and explode out of his breaks. Showcases good straight-line speed and range, but it’s his instincts and nose for the ball that really have scouts buzzing. The most physically gifted safety to enter the draft since Sean Taylor.

  8. Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois The brother of San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis, Vontae is blessed with the same kind of natural athleticism. He’s an explosive, quick-twitch athlete who exhibits excellent straight-line speed and change of directions stills. He is comfortable in press coverage and loves to play physical. He isn’t afraid to stick his head in and make tackles.

Associated Press

Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin offers both great speed and good size. 10. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri Maclin possesses elite speed (4.38) and good size. But it’s his body control and quickness that makes him so intriguing to scouts. Maclin’s ability to stop on a dime and change direction is second to no one in the NCAA. He reminds some scouts from an athletic standpoint of Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester, but he is a far more polished receiver and route-runner.

By Technically speaking

October 2, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

RC, is that short for reality check, a dog?

The fact that CPJ has Tech farther along than most fans and potential players thought could one day change your dim view of his recruiting ability. Perhaps more than a few fast/skilled players will want to play for a coach that shows promise of ACC glory sooner than later. And if he is successful in that last game this year, even quicker!

CPJ and mediocrity is unlikely. His record of winning at his previous schools/academy is fact…hard to argue with facts. Johnson is a winner.

And, it would not surprise me to seem more passing against Duke.

By Terry

October 2, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

This is an ACC game and on any given day….

We must take care of the ball (lesson learned against VT), keep the penalities down (Again VT), and pressure their quarterback.

I’m not saying Duke is VT, but we still have to remain focused and take care of the ball.

I think CPJ will keep the players focused, but sometimes the players read this stuff and start believing they are better because of our predictions.

Let’s take it one game at a time…

Go Jackets!!!! THWG!!!!!!!

By Sabatia

October 3, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this

CPJ has made his rep in D1 against less than even mediocre opposition. 5 wins against winning teams in 6+ years. He picked the right conference to keep that trend going though. When he beats UGA and a real somebody in a BCS Bowl then maybe he is more than a coach that makes his living beating nobodies. But Tech doesn’t have to worry about BCS Bowls so they won’t have to suffer the humiliation that would come with that. UGA will destroy the myth of CPJ soon enough.

By GT45

October 3, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

You naysayers have been saying the same thing since CPJ was hired. You said we would be 1-3 right now. No way this O can work against Div 1 talent! These blogs use to be full of your comments. Well, CPJ and staff have weeded out most or you, and will take care of the rest in due time. RC, have you looked at the commitments we have for ‘09? We already have some studs on board, and more waiting to see what unfolds this year. Go to ESPN and look at the film on some of these guys, especially that O lineman who looks like a rhino going down the field! Wake up, man!

By ChattHills Jacket

October 3, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

HAS ANY TEAM scored 21 or more points on our D? NO and if we can keep under 21 points I think we will have the opportunity to win ever game. The Va Tech game is hurting right now because of the head to head, but I think we still have a chance to win our division. SIDE NOTE—Can we get BULL COX to wear his little brothers jersey for one game to let him enjoy the CPJ experience and get into the endzone?

By bearcasey

October 4, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

RC: have you ever coached a game of football above the level of pee wee? I have 20 years of high school coaching experience that tells me that you are without a clue. Paul Johnson knows EXACTLY what he is doing.

Commenting is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F

Post a comment



Remember me?

You may use the following formatting:
Bold: **this text will be bolded** = this text will be bolded
Italic: *this text will be italic* = this text will be italic
Link: [text to be linked](http://www.ajc.com) = text to be linked



There will be a delay of up to 5 minutes before your comment appears.


*HTML not allowed in comments. Your e-mail address is required.

 

Kudzu.com: Mosquitos are breeding.  Ready for the bites?
Today's deal from DealSwarm.com

Local sports videos





AJC Breaking News Updates