Tech

By sc jacket

October 18, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

The most impressive thing was gutting the game out at the end, and D. Thomas redeeming himself with two big catches and the TD. This is a win coming from toughness and not quitting. They overcame the emotional tigers. Good win!

By inveniojacket

October 18, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

A WIN IS A WIN IS A WIN…6-1 BABY!!! GO JACKETS!!!

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

October 18, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

The defense continues to impress, but it looks to me like Nesbitt is the leader we need. He does not get flustered; he is cool under pressure, and that is going to really make a difference as the season goes on.

Scott Blair had a great game punting and the tackle on the kickoff return was key.

Go Jackets!!

By mowreck

October 18, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Don’t get me wrong, I love Josh Nesbitt, but would have liked to see Jaybo Shaw play some in the game (if he was able). Only fault I can find in Josh is his decision making is not as fast as Jaybo’s. Josh’s fake to Dyer on his touchdown run was a thing of beauty … 3 Clemson players tackled Dyer. Josh is and should be the starting QB … I just wanted to see a little of Jaybo, mainly to change the tempo of the game. Wish they were showing the homecoming game on something beside ESPNU … that means I may have to go to the bar … hehehe. GO JACKETS!!

By Oldbush

October 18, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

You might not say this was a pretty win but it was a hard fought win. Our team came back to win which shows a lot of character. 21 is more that 17 and that is what counts. A young team continues to grow and develop.

By GotOut07

October 18, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

This is one heck of a first season for Coach Johnson. I just hope he keeps it up for the homecoming game.

By Jack G

October 18, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Gaedner- Webb by 3 and a coachless disorganised Clemson by 4. Folks lets face it, This is not a powerhouse and never will be. Plays tough and hangs in there, but that wont be enough when we play a good team. BC and VT were played tough early on, but i would hate to have to play them again. They would chase us out of the stadium. Miss State was where this teamed peaked but has been in recession ever sense. While I like coach PJ and think he is much better than Gaily, he needs to realise that his system just isnt the world beater that he thinks it is. I dont care how many good recruiting seasons that he has to fit his system they are going to constantly come up short. Good teams adjust their defenses to compensate and the more they see of his triple ofense the more they adjust to it. So folks get set for some dissapointing losses.

By GT FAN PA

October 18, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

People may say this is boring to watch, but it is almost at anytime Tech can strike- When this offense gets all on the same page-Look out- A win is a win and any time you win on the road it’s a good win-Defense was stout as always- Tech played a good game. I still think once Josh gets use to this offense more and more he will make better reads and will make this offense even more dangerous. People can joke about this offense all they want-I think it is a thing of beauty, if Tech shows they are willing to pass-it could be trouble for other teams-Let’s get ready for Va. now THWG!!!

By rick GT

October 18, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Jack G. that is some dumb comments you made. I hope we keep coming up short with wins. keep your comments to yourself and not reveal anymore ignorance.

By B-dog

October 18, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

The most impressive thing is that every phase of the game succeeded and failed at different points in the game. We played as a team and picked each other up. This is a real team. We will be have to be reckoned with next year and beyond. Anything going forward is gravy.

GO JACKETS!!!

By Michael

October 18, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Jack G, The problem thus far for the offense has been the O-Line; once CPJ gets the type of linemen he wants (smaller and faster), this offense will be fine.

By Not a beeliever - yet

October 18, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

I don’t know how any Tech fan could be down about this game.

Going into the season, this game looked like a certain loss.

“Jack G” (above) called Clemson “coachless and disorganized.” I say that they were a motivated and very talented team.

I feared that Clemson’s coaching change would work to our detriment (and demise), but our defense would have none of that.

In our best years, a trip into Death Valley is fraught with peril.

I say, “GREAT JOB COACH JOHNSON AND TEAM!!!”

5 games left and we should be favored in 3 and competitive in all. Most importantly, the team is playing with joy, enthusiasm and confidence (NEVER a description of a Gailey-coached squad).

A win next week makes us bowl eligble, which I thought was a lofty goal in a transition year. Instead, we are looking at a 10-2 or 9-3 year and a bowl game in our own time zone!!!!

I’m thinking about changing my nickname. This team is making a believer out of this skeptic.

Go Jackets! THWG!

By mountain fan

October 18, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Fast Blair can tackle and act (and kick). Glad Thomas got redemption.

ATTN Jack G….you are certainly guaranteed your opinion but your timing about your poor feelings suck! Tech won!

Agree with mowreck about that TD fake/run. A true thing of beauty!

GO BC BEAT VT

By Jack G

October 18, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

rick GT Keep your cool man. I just tell it like it is. If you will analyse the season to date, you will see that the element of surprise is gone

By Not a beeliever - yet

October 18, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Respectfully, Jack G, the beauty is that as the team improves, we don’t NEED the element of surprise. We can now line up and play straight up with very talented squads.

Funny thing is, I get the feeling that Coach Johnson has some tricks up his sleeve. This guy is a real poker player. He hasn’t shown all his cards yet and he won’t until he needs to.

By Oldbush

October 18, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

I am so happy to see the positive comments on the blog today. I’m not sure I can understand the mind set of those who would say the offense will come up short as it was proven at Navy with lesser athletes to be effective. I watched the Navy/Notre Dame game last year and Navy beat a team whose fullback was larger that the biggest Navy lineman. Yet some think this offense will never be more than mediocre. I am happy not to see comments from those who readily accused CPJ of being a liar and not doing a good job against GW. It all boils down to the players and execution of the plays; whatever the plays. Doggone it, we’ve got a good coach and one who will, as B-dog says, Tech will have to be reckoned with in weeks and years to come! I agree! As the young players mature they/we will be winners.

By GT FAN PA

October 18, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Jack G

Lets please “analyse” the season to date-Tech was picked to be at best 4th or 5th- quote before the season and now during the season “this offense want work” well 6-1, I don’t know what other people and yourself expect, but I’m quite sure as Tech fans going into the season we would have been happy with a 500. season-that being said CPJ has already surpassed what people thought he would do-I do think track records speak for themselves and CPJ has been a winner everywhere he goes- I know your waiting just to jump and say “I told you so” along with all other “it want work” fans-Tech is winning- A win is a win no one said it had to be pretty in the process. When it is pretty that is just a bounus. Keep up the good work guys! THWG!

By GTinNashville

October 18, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Jack G, are you crazy? What element of surprise was there at the beginning of the season? Coaches had game tape of PJ spending several years at Navy running this EXACT offense. We haven’t surprised anyone, and yet our only loss is a game we could have won at VT except Nesbitt was still learning the offense. Fact is, if we execute this offense well, how are we any different than Florida? A better passer would have had us scoring 35 today, and if not for the flukie hamstring from Word Daniels, we might have held Clemson to 10.

I am THRILLED with the play so far and very excited aout the future. People keep thinking this offense will be figured out, but PJ is a very good coach and I believe he is doing an excellent job of mixing pass and run plays.

PS, should it not be the quintuple option, you can 1-Hand off, 2-Pitch, 3-keep it, 4-Pass. Quad option?

By Dana

October 18, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Nice win. I think the o-line is still a work in progress but a win is a win. I think we should have went outside more with the run today. I like the quick pitch to cox or jones off the edge like we did vs. VT.

Keep it up Jackets. Take care of UVA and here comes FSU. The ACC is wide open!!

By GTYJ

October 18, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Element of surprise is gone. And I’m glad. I mean going to Clemson, winning at Clemson, with no surprise when everyone was saying how fired up Clemson would be, hell we aren’t surprising anyone now. Just beating them at their place.

Great win on the road.

Oh, and Jack G. You obviously don’t call it how it is. Otherwise you woudl see Gt leading the ACC in plays over 20 yards on the year.

By Oldbush

October 18, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Hey Jack G! You don’t tell it like it is you tell it like you see it. We respectfully differ. Did Navy’s element of surprise fade? I don’t think so! You overlook the old addage: football is blocking and tackling. This offense has a beauty of finesse with it and that makes it so exciting. And guess what: the defense is keeping the other team from scoring more that us. I’m sure in your keen mathmatical mind that equals—-WIN!

By Jack G

October 18, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

rick GT—-go back and read what i said. My comments might be dumb to you but they are on the money.

You just dont comprehend what you read.

By inveniojacket

October 18, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

GO EAGLES!!! BEAT THE hokies!!!

By Melinda

October 18, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Georgia Tech is 6-1. Who would have thought that was possible during a transition year? This is a young team with recruits who were signed for a completely different offensive philosophy…. yet we have won 6 games and were a penalty and a fumble away from being 7-0.

Jack G, that is success in anyone’s book. Georgia Tech once again left some points on the field. PJ has seen all sorts of defensive schemes in 20+ years of coaching this offense. Do you really think Gardner-Webb and Clemson have figured it out in 2 weeks and teams will be able to use those game films to create some kind of magic elixir for it? This offense, like any other, must be executed to be effective. GT left some points on the field today. Two inopportune fumbles, a slip on the fake punt and it might have been 35-17. Go Jackets!

By Born2Buzz

October 18, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

mowreck - Come to the game next Saturday and see this team in person. It’s better than on TV. Jack G, look at the stats. This offense is putting up numbers. Nesbitt just sat out 3 weeks in a row and he definitely missed some reads on the option, but in crunch time he made big passes. Yes, you can pass in this o. Our o line play is the only thing keeping us from really piling up the scores.

Bottom line, this is a TEAM. I predicted a loss in Clemson at the beginning of the year and was conservatively thinking we’d be 4-3 with a outside chance at 5-2 at this stage. 6-1 (3-1 in conference) is great and save a few bad calls and bad fumbles we would be 7-0. We can play with anyone on our schedule.

We need to beat UVA for homecoming and then the crucial time of the season comes.

By M39Buzz

October 18, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Great Win Jackets!! WOO-HOO!! God bless you all!!

I did not get to see the game, nor listen to it; however, just from what I read, it sounds like Nesbitt played pretty well - or, at least, well enough - coming off of his 4 week layoff with the pulled hammy.

Like someone else said, it was TEAM EFFORT: defense helped the offense and the offense picked up the defense, after the two Harper TD passes. Young team, still learning the system. I don’t know what the final outcome of the season will be, but these young men just keep on fighting and getting it done.

You have to give a lot of credit to CPJ and his staff. I know that I am very thankful for them!

Go Jackets and God Bless!

By Six and one

October 18, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

jackass G….let it go man…..no Tech fan I know (dead or alive) wants to hear your gloom after a NICE WIN!

By GT

October 18, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

You know Clemson came out swinging with more punch than I thought they had. That defensive line looked like our’s. I thought Clemson would have stacked more in the box but when you have great defensive linemen you don’t need to. The passes were not as wide open as I thought they would be. A much better team showed up to play us that I anticipated. These guys get a good coach and they will be dangerous as always, I’m thinking they will have a problem getting a coach however with the anal athletic director at Clemson. What was that guy doing on the sideline?

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

October 18, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Always one cracked egg in every dozen. Just ignore the Mr. Negativity folks. He is probably a closet UGA fan.

We have a football coach. We need to support him and this team with all the fervor and all the $$ ticket buying we can muster. I don’t know how this season will end, but this is really a lot of fun. Last year, I would have had that feeling in my gut that Gailey was going to figure out a way to barely lose, but although I am still anxious in the 4th quarter, the bad feeling in the gut is no longer there.

CPJ breeds confidence. He knows what he is doing, and I cannot wait until he gets some better offensive line play.

Go Jackets!!

By Oldbush

October 18, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

I am really surpriseD that a Tech graduate doesn’t know the differece between the contraction:”won’t and the word “want”. I guess only math is important at Tech. Come on you are a Tech graduate, I presume! Oh well thE botton line is making MONEY!!!

By John

October 18, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

That coach for Clemson is a real loser and as%! Did you see him run on the field 50 feet in front of his team when they first came on the field? Yet he says it’s about the team and not him!? He was soaking up all the applause himself. Then ESPN showed his pre-game talk to his team. Or, should I say scream to his team. I love these guys that think they have to scream to show emotion. ANd he was like ‘we’re underdogs in Death Valley?’ Ah….yeah you are and for a good reason!

THWClemson!

By Jack G

October 18, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Hey folks, I just tell it like I see it. Do I hope I am wrong??? you bet your life I do. I would like to see Tech win every game by 50 points.

I have been rooting for Tech for over 70 years (hope to be rooting for another 70) and I have seen them all from Alexander to present. The Good and the Bad.

When I see close games (Gardner-Webb) that our subs should win big, I start trying to figure out why.

By msim 84

October 18, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

It was a good win today … not great, but good enough. I agree with mowreck that it would have been good to see Jaybo play for a while. If you check the YTD stats, you’ll see that Josh consistently calls his own number rather than distributing the ball. While he ends up with pretty good rushing statistics, the overall team suffers. Further, although there was at least one significant dropped pass today, Nesbitt’s passing performance on the year has been well below stellar … while Jaybo has completed about 60% of his throws.

Please understand … I’m from Flowery Branch, Jaybo’s hometown … so I know I may be biased. Overall it was a good performance against a motivated and talented team. The team is doing much better than I expected before the season, and I have enjoyed attending every home game this season. (I’m planning to attend the rest of them too. Hope the rest of you will join me.)

By T-man

October 18, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

I knew going in that this one it was going to be tough. Death Valley is a difficult place to win in any year and with the high level of emotion the Clemson players and especially their new coach showed, the place was rockin’. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen Clemson fans so worked up into a lather as they were today? They really wanted this one bad.

However, our team deserves all the credit in the world for hanging in there and pulling it out. CPJ and staff have brought a certain mindset to the Flats that reflects the character of this team. Even when things don’t go as planned, they refuse to loose and find ways to win. Under the old regime, this game would have been a loss. Does any legit Tech fan doubt that anymore?

Maybe with Josh back the offense will start tp regain some of its early season form? The O line continues to struggle but should be learning something from these gut wrenchers? More than anything, I’m worried about the inconsistency of the special teams. If not fixed, it will cost us a game yet. Otherwise, the team just needs to keep on keeping on and continue to make us all proud. GO JACKETS!!!

If the team has a weakness its

By signs of a great coach

October 18, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

yeah you can already tell hes a great coach becuz even after changing our schemes completely were already a better team this year than we were a year ago and we have a good shot to go to a good bowl and everything but heres something else you might consider

1.) weve had 2 ACC road comebacks this year already this year (all conference road games r tough no matter who or what your playing)

2.) we win close games

3.) we finish games

4.) Even though we have at least 1 great talent at all of the skill positions our players play as a team and no one is a diva or show boat… theres no one coach johnson would allow that to happen

5.) Our players have confidence now. In the chan era it seemed like the players always hoped they won but expected to lose every game, but now NO ONE has that mantality becuase CPJ exudes confidence

these 5 things may not show up on a coachs resume or playbook but they are some of the ways that i can tell CPJ is the best FOOTBALL coach in the ACC

GO TECH!!

By JD

October 18, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

coming into the season would did u guys think would be the 3-4 team and the 6-1 team

ya thats what i thought jack G stay off the tech blogs plz becuz HES BUILDING A WINNING PROGRAM AT TECH THAT WE HAVENT SEEN SINCE DODD

By JD

October 18, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

HAHA we were ranked 88th in the preseason and clemson was ranked 9th and yet a little more than midway through were 6-1 and there 3-4 GREAT JOB CPJ

GO TECH GO BC (playing VT) and THWG

By Jack G = Idiot Mutt fan

October 18, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Jack G. You are either a dumb mutt fan or a dumb jacket fan. Congrats. A lot of people now know you are a joke and don’t know anything about football.

By THWG

October 18, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Jack G, Get off the board and go vote for Obama mr. pessismist.

By Oldbush

October 18, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Jack G, I’ve you’ve been following football as long as you say you know the the triple option is a varition of the old “belly series”. It was made famous in the forties and fifties. Offenses come and go and it is whatever is in vogue. Nothing is ever really new; just variations. CPJ has his variations. Too many feel the only answer to offense is the pro-style offense. It alls amounts to blocking and tackling. More importantly than that is good athletes. Whatever offense or defense you run the bottom line is better athletes than the other fellow.

By JD

October 18, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

The O line needs to block a little better. I saw a few missed blocks inside that let their tackles get into the backfield and disrupt the option. Even the slightest block might give Dwyer a chance to break a few more.. Let’s make those blocks inside guys. Still a great win.

By macrotech

October 18, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

jack g, PLEASE wipe your chin! you just drooled ignorance ALL OVER the internet! doesn’t work?! 6-1 suggest, with authority, that it DOES work! does the ‘g’ stand for georgia? are you a dawg? dude?! dawgs eat their own turds! stop supplying us with paper to wipe with! in it’s first season in the flats, the triple option has been UNstoppable! against va. tech, WE stopped ourselves! Tech is on its way to becoming the power it once was and there aren’t many defenses that can stop it! see the light and come from the dark side! GO TECH!

By wes

October 18, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

If you didn’t think Tech would come out sloppy then you probably don’t know much about college football. Here’s the main reason why:

Josh Nesbitt hadn’t played a snap in one month of football…hence the sluggish start.

Look for Tech to come out roaring versus UVA next Saturday.

Go Jackets and let’s go BC EAGLES!!!!!!!!!

By Oldbush

October 18, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, let’s ease up on Jack G. I can understand his skepticism. We all believe in CPJ and feel that he will develop a consistent winner at Tech. He has a right to express his doubts althought we feel he is way off base. I don’t think from what he says he is not a Tech supporter. We all want the same thing: Tech winning games and championships. Maybe he didn’t express himself as well as he should have in the beginning. Hell, I’ve been accused of being senile myself!!! Of course that person probably never played a down of football. He probably learned all he knew from watching the TV analysis.

By macrotech

October 18, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

yeah… oldbush is probably right. sorry for my impassioned response. you have to admit, though; dawgs eat their own turds is pretty funny! hopefully, jack g will be pullin for the wreck for another 70 years! we need all the true fans we can get! for the record, i played football ;0)

By m

October 18, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

The best thing about this game was knowing we had a coach that was going to find a way to win. You could remain confident. This is a stark contrast to Chan Gailey trying to sit on a lead and turning winnable games into losses. Thank God for Paul Johnson and Thank God and Greyhound that Chan Gailey is gone forever. Hallleeeedamlooyah.

By gtman

October 18, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

The team is to be commended for winning in DV against a team that clearly had their backs against the wall with the entire Clemson community supporting them. Tough task for any team, so good going getting the victory even if it was not a pretty win - I’ll still take it any day.

What continues to depress me is Michael Johnson’s disappearance in football games. Double teams should not stop a potential number 1 NFL pick. Let’s go MJ - pick it up and make something happen for this team!

By ram131

October 18, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Great win for GT, but I agree with mowreck about Shaw. Nesbitt’s is definitely a more dynamic athlete; however, Shaw seems to run the offense more efficiently. I trust that Coach Johnson knows who gives the team the best chance to win and wouldn’t choose otherwise, but so far the offensive comparisons definitely contrast:

Nesbitt starts: BC (253 yds allowed/game); GT = 262 Va Tech (313 yds allowed/game); GT = 247 Clemson (321 yds allowed/game); GT = 249

Shaw starts: Miss State (295 yds allowed/game); GT = 500 Duke (336 yds allowed/game); GT = 454

Wins matter more than the stats, but the stats are intriguing. GO JACKETS!!!

By austen

October 18, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

I was at the game today, not pretty, but with a sea of orange 85,000 plus, it was very intimidating and no tougher place to pick up a win, considering the circumstances, it was a great win. (Fort Mill, SC GT Fan go Vance Walker!)

By Oldbush

October 18, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks for your comments Macrotech! I guess today’s game reminds me of the games GaSou used to win. When it appeared they would lose they found a way to win. It used to drive me nuts but they would pull out the win. I guess Erk Russell knew how to win and his protege CPJ learned to do the same. Erk always said that it was better to be lucky than good but one must prepare to be lucky. With CPJ’s record at GaSou-61-10 shows that he learned how to win. He’s the man. Stick with him. He will show us how.

By grayjack

October 18, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

What happened to all those Clemson fans saying it would be 35-3. Willy Korn is no match for the ACC.

By R-Wreck

October 18, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

oldbush, I am with you on the spelling/typing/grammar mistakes in here. It stuns me to see how sloppy or dumb some of these posters are (hopefully, just sloppy). HOWEVER, next time you criticize someone for their grammar or typing or spelling, proof-read what you type first; you were guilty of a couple of errors yourself. Fortunately, none of that has a thing to do with the success of the Jackets. They can spell or talk anyway they want to as long as they keep playing hard and winning…..THWG

By Oldbush

October 18, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

Hey R-Wreck! You be absolutely right!!! I hope that is a politically correct statement in light of todays political atmosphere!

By ramblin gamblin

October 18, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

I agree with the other comments about Jaybo Shaw. Plain and simple, he gets the offense going in a way that Nesbitt does not. The stats shown by the other post don’t lie. I hope PJ doesn’t get into the rut Chan got into with Reggie Ball. Go Jackets and Go Paul Johnson!

By Sautee Dawg

October 18, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Congrats on your win today at Clemson, anytime you go into that part of town and win you’ve had a good day.

By KJ

October 18, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Jack G it works face it….PJ’s Navy teams averaged over 30 points a game against BCS schools they just had no defense…..The offense is working now and when he gets the type of kids he needs to run this offense look out….GW was a fluke and Clemson in death valley is a quality win offensively Clemson is bad but defensively they are very talented (other that Ga probaly the best D Tech will face this year, in six games they had only given up 8 offensive TD’s and 4 of those were to Alabama (currently the number 2 team in the country. Tech had 2 offensive TD’s and if it wasn’t for alligator arms would have had 3 so you tell me how the offense has been figured out….2fumbles, a dropped what would have been TD pass, and a missed field goal is what hurt the Jackets most. Simply put if you think they are going to school 40 every sat then it has been figured out but the object is to score more than the other team which they have done 6 out of 7 times and should be 7 out of 7….another missed deep ball at VT keeps them from being 7-0

By Kicking game key

October 18, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

To me watching the game on ESPN in Arizona, the key to the win was the kicking/punting game. If Blair hadn’t made that kick Tech would have lost. Just how fast is he? He made two tackles on kickoffs which means ol Johnson should spend more time teaching the other 10 kick coverage guys to tackle.. I think Blair leads the special teams in tackles. And his punting was great. Put Clemson in a hole every time. And old alligator arms redeemed himself on the last touchdown.

By Unreal fans

October 18, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Lets get real people Nesbit gives this team a better chance at winning every week. Jaybo is talented and runs the offense very well but Miss State and Duke are not BC, VT, and Clemson…the talent is not even close. Nesbit hasn’t played in a month and coming back against a talented Clemson Defense in Death Valley…I think he did ok…..

By AlabamaJack

October 18, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

Ah, just another dull and boring 3 yards and a cloud of dust outing from CPJ and his boys. Hand me my heart medicine, Mama, we got five more to go.

THWG

By OldSchoolGTFANatic

October 18, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Where was JABO? I know Nesbit is the starter but without this Kid Tech would have lost a couple of more games. Please Coach throw him a bone every now and then. All and all I am proud of my YELLOW JACKETS!

By AlabamaJack

October 18, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Yikes. I forgot. Any word on Jahi Word-Daniels. Was it hammy or I hope, just cramps.

By Not Disappointed

October 18, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

I like the way Thomas caught the last TD pass, but the previous one, which was dropped, :-( was a beauty!! Blair is more than a kicker. Nesbitt can Give and take a lick while running. It was slippy at times, but truly a win. Thanks for the effort today. Go Jackets!! I would like to see more Jaybo in the future…. Rambiln Wreck!

By jay jarrell

October 18, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

How about it now you Whiney A* Cry Babies from last week ,can you smell the coffee ?This is turning out to be a speacial year,enjoy it!!!!!TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!!!ROLL WRECK!!!!

By buster brown

October 18, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

This is triple option 101 right now. I want you all to go on youtube and watch The future of Ga Tech Football. It’s like watching a video game. Paul johnson is keeping it simple until Tech can master the basics.

By Jack G

October 18, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Oldbush

You bet I remember Dodd and his belly series he used to run and if I am not mistaken Hardaman gained a lot of yards taking the pitchout from the QB.

Sorry I dont agree with everyone that the CPJ type offense is the answer, but then everyone dosent like Wheaties.

I sincerly hope that he proves me wrong._Wont be the 1st time ive been wrong, and I’ll bet it wont be the last.

I have stated before that the 2 things i dont like about his offense is a weak passing attack and it uses up QB’s. the quarterback get hit almost every play and the body can just take so much.

By GT85

October 18, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Another boring game and another “almost” loss. I was giving CPJ one more week and he is just not cutting it. We all know there is nother special about this team. Other teams have figured out our gimmick offense. We fumble regularly. I do not see any more wins on our schedule. I am still embarrassed by Gardner-Webb and today was embarrassing also.

By Chanwagon

October 18, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

It’s pretty clear that Gailey was not the problem. Rather, it was Tenuta. I think we might not be so disappointed this year, if we had kept Gailey, and swapped Tenuta for a new D. coordinator. Let’s not be disrepecful……. NOT!! Paul Johnson is da’ man!!!!!!!

By BigAl

October 18, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Yes, the last 2 games have been close. But quit whining about other teams catching on to our “gimmick offense.” If you don’t understand coaching and football formations, why are you typing your ignorant statements? Do you not ralize that this is a very young offense? They have only been learning the plays and the system for just a few months. If you want to jump on a bandwagon and watch a solid team, stick with UGA and I bet you will still complain. Stop your whining, for real. It takes hard work and time to become consistent. Seeing what this team has done so far, I am amazed and I see a lot of potential for the future. If you really think that teams will catch on to this “gimmick offense”, you must be saying that CPJ doens’t have that many plays and is not a great coach. You don’t understand what you are saying. Just when a good team thinks they are catching on, CPJ changes is up and scores. That’s what I saw. What games were you watching?

And I agree I think Shaw has a lot of talent that needs to be used, quickly.

By OG

October 18, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Clear out non-believers… You’re not welcome anymore. If you can’t get on board with 6-1 and fighting on top of the conference…. then get lost. GO TECH!!!

By James

October 18, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Remember Ohio State in 2002? They played a weak schedule. Almost every win was a nail-biter, even against some terrible teams. They were given no chance against a powerhouse Miami who blew through their schedule. But they won regardless. Bottom line? Just because you barely win against some bad teams doesn’t mean much. 120th toughest schedule or #1 toughest schedule, I don’t care. 6-1 is 6-1. GO JACKETS! Also, BC is beating VT, looks like a good weekend for Tech.

By Butts Wagner

October 18, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Like most of you, if you had told me we’d be 6-1 at this point in the season, I’d have bet against it. It’s clear the offense has taken a step back since peaking against Miss. St. But it’s not all that surprising considering Nesbitt hadn’t played in a game in 4 weeks. It will definitely be interesting to see what transpires over the next few weeks as to whether the offense can progress or not.

By GT81

October 18, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Great great win. Solid D and a great comeback. This is no longer a rebuliding year. I agree with some here that it’s tough to see Shaw sitting on the bench, I almost wish there was some way for them both to be in there at the same time, but it is a good feeling to have 2 qb’s who can run the offense about equally well. Go Jackets!

By Oldbush

October 18, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Hey Jack G, I can’t say you are wrong but that is the type of offense CPJ runs. It does put the QB at risk but it is still a good offense. Yes, the passing is not foremost in the plan but the passing is there as today when the run is stopped. The theory of the offense is you do what the defense gives you: the fullback dive; the pitch; the qb keeper and if they stop that then throw. Just keep watching you will see it develop. It is not like these pro-style offenses which features the pass as a mainstay of the offense. The pro-style offense keeps the TV fans happy.

By stendec

October 18, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Congratulations Yellow Jackets! Wonderful comeback victory. If you were located above the Mason-Dixon Line you would be in every Top 10 list. Keep up the great work!

By mattwinkeljohn@yahoo.com

October 18, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Gilbert,

Your best gamer yet by far. Good story.

Only saw about 15 plays of the game because as I transitioned between soccer, tennis, baseball and dropping off some sort of Halloween gizmo-bags on the doorsteps of my daughters’ classmates I was, uh, busy.

Saw enough, though, to underpin my already foundational beliefs:

The key to all of it? Maximizing what you have, burning accountability into the brains of everyone involved, DEMANDING toughness, and, yes, coaching/scheming your mangos off.

That’s all I have for now.

I don’t miss my job, except for game day.

I’ve I’ve still been able to see just a little of my beloved Ohio State play, that was that damned USC game.

Wink

By GreenJacket

October 18, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Hard to believe there are negative blogs today. Tech is 6-1. I thought they would be 6-6 this year ( doubtful now ). The amazing thing is the youth and new coaching staff accomplishing great things so far. It is always great to beat Clemson especially at Death Valley. We all have to remember that GT is not loaded with 4-5 star talent ( Clemson, FSU, Miami, and UGA are) yet they are able to compete. My hat is off to CPJ and the Jackets!

By Oldbush

October 18, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Big Al, as my old Dad used to say: “you are hitting the nail on the head”. You are absolutely right in your comments. I can’t believe all these skeptics.

By IndyGT

October 18, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Big win! but, the people who are saying lets be cautious with our wins do have a point. We’ve wildly exceeded expectations at 6-1 right now. But, last week.. if you read some of the comments after GW - you’d think people were ready to can CPJ. The real meat of our schedule is start right now.. and I can see a loss or two (maybe even three).. but I hope that GT folks don’t all of a sudden turn on the team.. like they did after GW. We’re very young, we’re still learning the offense, thank God for our defense.. As for Jaybo, yes he’s talented.. but he’s no Nesbitt. Did you see, Nesbitt run over that hapless CB for an extra 2-3 yards. It was great.. I trust CPJ in starting Nesbitt, and he’s only going to get better, and better. And Jaybo will step in and deliver, when he gets his chance. Go Jackets!!

By The Big Bug

October 18, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Nesbitt needed the work after a layoff. I think PJ would pull Nesbitt for Shaw if he were headed for a bad day. I also like to see more of the Toss Sweep to Dwyer to the outside. He seems to need a little room to get going and once he does, lookout!

By gregodawg

October 18, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Nice win jackets.

By Navy fan

October 18, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

I’m a Navy football follower and I’m only posting here because Paul Johnson had so much of an affect on Navy football that I can’t help but check on how he’s doing in the ACC. The guy is a football genius - if he can win at Navy, he can win anywhere. I watched the GT game today and the triple option being run right now is so elementary compared to what he ran at Navy. This is to be expected considering its the first year at GT with this system - Navy was 2-10 his first year there. I know the offense looks boring now, but as he builds his program, you’ll see the triple option is the most exciting brand of ball there is. You’ll see more pitch outs in the future which really spring the A-backs for big gains. I only wish we still had him. Good luck GT, I’m rooting for Coach Johnson.

By BDodd

October 18, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Please explain this to me. Georgia is 3-1 in the SEC and 6-1 overall. They are number 10 in the country. Georgia Tech is 3-1 in the ACC and 6-1 overall. Georgia is ranked number 10 in the country and Tech isn’t even in the top 25! Virginia Tech is 2-0 in the ACC and 5-1 overall and losing in the third quarter. Virginia Tech is ranked number 1 in the ACC and number 17 in the country. We are getting cheated. When we win the ACC they will have to rank us.

By The Big Bug

October 18, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Why would a receiver T-Rex arm a TD pass when they are not even going to be hit. Also, it seems like receivers are not willing to lay themselves out for the long bomb. I guess they are afraid they might hit the ground. Maybe it’s just me.

By Not a beeliever - yet

October 18, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Surely Tech will crack the Top 25 this week.

Good news is that we only have one conference road game left. We should be favored in our remaining home games against UVA, FSU and UM.

UVA did a good job hanging in against UNC and pulling out the victory, but for 3 and a half quarters, it was a pitiful display. Tech should take care of business next week and become bowl eligble with 4 games still to play.

Miami pulled away from Duke at the end of the game, but trailed Duke for much of the game. FSU has some fantastic athletes, but they didn’t look that good against NCState, and the Pack is the worst team in the ACC. UNC is still crippled with injuries with the loss of their starting QB and their best WR.

The only game that I still have penciled in as a loss is the final game of the year. I think that we will be able to put a scare into the Dawgs, but it’s hard to believe that we will go to Athens and pull out a win. On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to sit across a poker table from Paul Johnson. With all that he’s said and done so far, I think he’s keeping a few tricks in the bag for the UGA game.

That said, 11-1 would be a dream season. 10-2 is a hell of a year and should get CPJ the ACC Coach of the Year award. 9-3 is very, very good. Even 8-4 is better than I would have predicted and an improvement over the recent 7-5 campaigns.

There’s a lot to be optimistic about if you’re a real Tech fan.

By Oldbush

October 18, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Lord knows I’ve shot my mouth enough today but to respond to BDodd; I think that Tech has 75 players who are sophs or freshmen plays a part. Lack of depth and lack of respect of past years figure into the ranking or lack thereof is a factor why Tech hasn’t received any ranking. With a successful year this year and the growing experience of the team, they will be difficult to ignore next fall. Also having a new coach adds into the consideration. It just takes a while for all to be taken into consideration. Tech just needs to prove itself. When you are a “young team” most folks are going to be skeptical until proof is established

By Not a beeliever - yet

October 18, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

And Va Tech just lost to BC.

By TechCrybaby

October 18, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

Boston College just beat the Hokies, 28-23. Good news.

By MatchPoint

October 18, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

If opponents practice all week to stop our run, we go to the air. This team will continue to win.

I love the extra yardage Josh gets after getting hit. Fun to watch. Taking/giving hits is one thing Josh can do that Jaybo can’t until until he puts on 20 or 30 lbs ( assuming that he is really 165, not 190lbs).

One more VT loss from 1st place! THWG!

By GotOut07

October 18, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

And there goes VT’s first loss. All we need to do is get through homecoming, hope VT loses again, and we’ll be back in the driver’s seat. Knock on wood.

By John

October 19, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

All you people commenting to ‘Jack G’ lol. He is a UGA fan trying to disguise himself as a Tech fan - ignore him.

By John

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

GT in 1st place!!!! Awesome. We are somehow in the driver’s seat now at 3-1 in the conference and VT being 2-1. I realize they have the tie-breaker, but with us having one more win, if we keep winning, we will put the pressure on them to keep winning.

By jabster

October 19, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

VT plays FSU in Tally next week and has Maryland at home the following week. I’m gonna be a big ol’ Noles fan this coming weekend.

Everyone remember how to do the tomahawk chop?

3:30 ABC kick for VT-FSU so that should be interesting for score updates for this coming weekend’s trip to The Flats. I wonder which Maryland team will make the trip to Blacksburg?

Of course, our #1 priority now is to TCB against UVA. Without that, none of this matters.

By IndyGT

October 19, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

We sneak into the Top 25 for sure this week.. there’s seven teams (could be more if Cal loses) with 2 losses in the Top 25. Probably all but Mizzou drop out. Go Jackets!!

By wreckmaniac

October 19, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

The most impressive points about today was our defense staying focused, our comeback, and avoiding the penalties and turnovers that killed Clemson. We were going down until Josh completed some excellent passes. The two toughest remaining games are UNC and GA. With VaTech, NC, and WF losing today Tech should move to the top rank in the conf.

By T-man

October 19, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

C’MON PEOPLE!!! We’re 6-1 and yet it doesn’t seem quite good enough for some of you? Who cares if they win ugly as long as they win. Who amongst us thought this team would be 6-1 at this point in the season?

The fact that anyone would dare utter any kind of criticism about PJ’s coaching is unbelievable. Either you’re ignorant of the obvious or not really a Tech fan? Try (if you can?) to remember that PJ is a first year coach who’s winning with players that were recruited for another system. There’s gonna be moments and even entire games where this offense struggles - it’s part of the learning curve. The offense is still very much in its infancy and will only get better in time. Personally I don’t care if we ever pass as long as we eat clock and win. Yeah, Jaybo is good but Josh has far more athleticism and therefore more upside. Jaybo will get his PT when it warrants.

At the beginning of the season I was hopeful the D would keep us in some games. To my surprise they’re even better than expected and are definitely the strength of this team. Coach Womack is proving the loss of Tenuta was not such a big deal. Six turnovers - WOW!!!

Beating Clemson is always satisfying, regardless of the circumstances. Those rednecks in orange thought a coaching change coupled with high emotion would be enough to roll over us. How sweet it is to beat them on their turf! And with N.C. and Va. Tech losing, this season is really getting interesting. This is fun stuff folks and I encourage my fellow Techies to relax a little bit and enjoy the ride. This season is fast shaping up to be very special - just like our head coach.

GO JACKETS!!!

By Tech_Grad

October 19, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

Great win Tech. The defense was by far the most impressive aspect of today’s win. I hope that Nesbitt will continue to improve and things will be smoother. The stats of Shaw vs. Nesbitt were very interesting, though. Thanks for posting. The most difficult games still lie ahead. Virginia is not going to be the pushover most people thought. I am glad it is at Home! Go Jackets! Sting ‘em.

By StingDoc

October 19, 2008 2:11 AM | Link to this

*Jack G * You sound like a dawg. Take your negative posts over there.

By GoalieLax

October 19, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this

Jack G - do you get an employee discount on your walmart UGAg gear? go back to your puppy house

By Buzzfan1936

October 19, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

As I said in my posts prior to the game, I was very concerned about the emotions motivating Clemson when I saw James Davis with tears streaking down his cheeks. I thought we should score early, and we did. The defense was awesome. Word-Daniels getting a hamstring injury in the end zone was a bad break and gave them a TD, but the Jackets overcame it. Thomas made up for the short arm missed TD pass with two fine catches, one the game winning TD.

I loved the fake punt on 4th down, BUT I didn’t understand hiking the ball to James Liipfert, a linebacker whom I don’t ever recall seeing play. He fell down all by himself short of the 1st down. No one touched him. I suggest using Cox in that formation. He would have made it without question. Anyway, I think it was a great call, and, in the future, it could win a game for us.

Va. Tech lost. So, if they lose one more and we win the rest, we are Division Champs. UNC also lost as did WF. It is all very possible.

GO JACKETS!! BEAT UVA!!

By GT90

October 19, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this

the thing that impressed me was Nesbitt’s ability to throw accurate passes and he DID improve as the game progresses, knocking off the rust. Folks quickly forget that we are running a brand new offense and for CPJ to have us at 6-1 no matter who we’ve played is a major achievement. We might not win but a few more but a very successful season so far. Its the mentality that stands out. THey believe and know they can win and strike paydirt at any time. The thing about the option is getting the right lineman in to create spacing. He has top knotch athletes in Dwyer and Nesbitt to executive big plays but they need a bit more spacing to make it happen. Just wait. I’m sorry for those of you who see this as boring and unproven but I PROMISE YOU, this offense will work. Patience. My god, we just ran Gailey out of town so quit b=tching or go wear black and red. I’m fawking sick of the whining. A win is a win.

By JR

October 19, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this

Of course Jack G is a UGA fan. No knowing the difference between since and sense was a dead giveaway!

By MidnightRambler

October 19, 2008 2:39 AM | Link to this

I agree with Oldbush CPJ’s Triple Option is very similar to Bobby Dodd’s Belly Play, AND WE ALL KNOW HOW SUCCESSFUL DODD WAS FOR ALL YOU NAYSAYERS. This was graphically demonstrated on the TD when Josh put the ball right in Dwyer’s belly, the Clemson D went for Dwyer, Nesbitt pulled it out and walked in for the TD. * BEAUTIFUL!!*

I ALSO THINK JACK G IS A DAWG IN DISGUISE.

By MidnightRambler

October 19, 2008 2:54 AM | Link to this

Chanwagon, I don’t agree that Tenuta was the problem, but Wommack is turning out to be better. There were problems with Gailey - sticking too long with Reggie Bush and inability to win against the Dawgs even when we were Division Champs. I give Chan credit for some very big wins - against #3 Miami, Auburn, Va. Tech, etc. He also recruited Calvin Johnson, T. Choice, and the players who are doing well now. HOWEVER,

PAUL JOHNSON IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO GEORGIA TECH FOOTBALL IN A LONG TIME! I agree with Navy Fan, that CPJ is a genius.

By Tampa Wreck

October 19, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this

This blog is sure being tough on Jack G. All he said was that he’s still not convinced regarding the offense. What did we see today that would dispute that. 14 points? 2 turnovers? I love PJ.. love his offense.. think it’s exciting football, but you gotta admit that with the exception of the Miss. State game, it really hasn’t clicked consistently yet.

I don’t agree with Jack G and think the offense will eventually become what we all hope, but I don’t think his comments justify the label “closet dawg fan.” Let’s just say he is still a skeptical tech fan. I expect there quite a few out there.

Now on to my negatives, and please don’t blast me. I never thought we would win more than 6 this year, and am already a happy camper. I’d like to see a few more 1st down passes, even if they aren’t successful. The only way to stop PJ’s option is to load the line with bodies. A few more passes on first down will help keep the defenses honest.

Second.. I absolutely hated the fake punt, and I know it would have worked if not for a slip. The defense is still the strength of this team. I don’t think you ever want to make it easier on the opposition by giving them a short field. Punt. Put them in a hole, and then let the defense give you a three and out or better yet another turnover in their own territory. I think PJ was coaching from his old Navy days where he thought he had to score every possession to win. No need to do that with this defense.

That’s it,, my only two minor negatives. I’m now a believer. I think we can compete with anyone in our league and the dawgs. Go Jackets! You should all be proud of a great win.

By chazz

October 19, 2008 5:15 AM | Link to this

Nice job by Raycom sports. It was nice to be able to watch the game instead of the ugly mugs of the announcers. Raycom actually showed replays of important plays rather than launching into tributes to grandmothers. The announcers stuck to the game without spouting off ad nauseum about unrelated matters. ESPN and the networks should take note.

By VLMARTY

October 19, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this

For all of the sceptics on this blog about where GT is now and where they should be, consider this:

Although the national media did give some love to Johnson when he was hired the majority of the talking head “experts” didn’t think that Johnson would do much to improve GT’s performance on the field, at least for several years-if at all!

Such is the bias that I have seen by the national media toward GT since I became a fan three years ago. Maybe some old time GT observers can explain this to me, a fan from the Buckeye State, becuase it just doesn’t make any sense to me!

Johnson is tougher than a two dollar steak and he has the boys playing like winners. For all of the negative naysayers on this site I firmly believe that you don’t appreciate that a win at Death Valley against a talented and determined Clemson team is HUGE: especially since it was a come from behind win and it was a complete victory in every sense of the word!

Keep the faith and Roll on GT! It is time to go Bowling!

(PS- If you have DirecTV and the NFL package tune in to the Jets-Oakland contest today- GO JETS!)

By CW

October 19, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Most impressive part of the game is that Nesbitt, Thomas and the offense found a way to come back and score a go ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. Obviously, the whole team played well, but the O finds ways to score when it has to and that is such an improvement from last year(s).

By Nice win

October 19, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Glad to see Nesbitt was able to knock the rust off, and we stil get the win!!! Another tune up next week and then it’s time to get into the meat of the schedule.

By Tony

October 19, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

The announcers could not get off the new Clemson coach. They went on and on and about his great changes at half time. It was likw they were promoting him for the job. The coach’s comments during the game sounded like he really didn’t do is job before Bowden left which may be part of the reason the team hasn’t performed well. Just the impression I had. Tech finally was mentioned on Game Day but only due to Bowden’s dismissal. Maybe Tech will get the recognition deserved. But isn’t it nice to be discussing how bad we are at 6-1.

By Not a beeliever - yet

October 19, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

To anyone who (admittedly like myself) labeled this offense as an outdated, one-dimensional, high-school offense, it’s time to wake up and see it for what it really is. If you watch a full day of college football (like I did yesterday), you will see that virtually every successful team has installed some variation of it. Even the pitiful Dolphins in the NFL have made waves by running a version of it.

What we have seen discussed in this blog is the evidence that “there is really nothing new under the sun.” When an Offensive Coordinator comes up with a “new” offense, what you find out by talking to people who have been around the game long enough is that it really is nothing but a variation of something that was done years ago. It becomes the “newest thing” and lasts a while until teams start to catch up to it. Jack G is correct in his assertion that eventually the Defensive Coordinators will find the answer to stopping it. Where his is not correct is that that time has not yet come.

For offenses to stay successful over a long run, they have to continually evolve and stay one step ahead of the defenses. They must not only keep the defenses guessing, but they must do it with repetition and precision.

All of the above is where Paul Johnson thrives. He is labeled as a “one trick pony”, but he quietly smirks at the naivete of anyone that truly believes that fallacy. He knows that he has them exactly where he wants them.

In my mind, where he stands head and shoulders above our previous head coach is that he instills his confidence and enthusiasm for the game into the young men that he coaches. He doesn’t try to coach them like NFL players. He relates to them like the 19-20 year old players that they are. He hugs their necks, pats their backs and kicks their butts. They see him for the leader that he is and they are willing to walk into fire for him.

It’s a joy to watch this Tech team after suffering through the bland version that we were subjected to over the last 6 years. I think it will only get better as he goes out and finds HS seniors who are smart enough to catch a glimpse of his vision.

The present is fun and the future is bright.

By Jack G

October 19, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Tampa Wreck

Thank you.

Seems like I touched a sore spot with some of my comments. It sure brought out some teen responses.

Accusing me of being a dawg fan is like playing the race card. If you cant make an intelligent observation, just make an unfounded accusation.

Yes I pull for Tech to win, but just cant get to excited over 6-i until we play a few more of the big boys.

As for being a Tech fan—-lets just say I pull for Tech and whoever is playing UGA

By son_sir

October 19, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

How any Tech fan can complain after a 6-1 start is beyond me. Clemson was psyched for this game. As for those who say GT is digressing,… Nesbitt is a little rusty on his reads, but is still athletic enough to make up for it. I also have a little reassurance knowing there is another QB standing on the sidelines that came in cold against a pretty tough Miss. State defense and ran things with precision……..
As for the opinions that defenses are finally figuring how to stop this offense, you should understand that defenses have been trying to stop it long before 2008….about 23 years to be exact…. A close relative of mine is a high school football coach. He talks to several Clemson staff members on a regular basis. In the offices of Clemson U. Football, stopping this offense has been a primary concern of Clemson since at least as far back as June. Clemson’s defensive coaches have burned up a lot of dry markers and been through a ton of film to figure it out. Other teams, no doubt, have done likewise………… All I know, at this point is that GT is 6-1 despite an awful lot of opponent preparation. Not bad considering that the installation of this offense is still in the remedial stages……. In other words, all we’ve seen so far is the basics. I’d say transitioning a Pro-style offense to a spread option in a matter of months and being 6-1 in the process deserves at the very least, some polite applause from even the worst of skeptics.

By CGailey

October 19, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Wow! Two great wins in a row, I am SO proud of you! I thought I’d take a quick break from FOOTBALL to see how my old women’s tonsile hockey team was doing. What do I find? A bunch of sissies who were almost beat up by a second tier and second rate school….where is Garndner-Webb, or was it Webb-Gardner. Oh well, who cares - I’ve never even heard of them before that Saturday…

And congratulations too on beating up a Tiger Team that had no coach to speak of…yeah, you guys have come a LOOOOONG way since I left. Winning season on the outside of the Top 25 looking in - guess you guys will be back on the Blue Turf if you can get into a bowl at all….Yeah REALLY impressed with what you’ve done without me.

Well, gotta go, we have some real football to play today.

Good Luck and if I come across any cheerleader outfits that fit you all I’ll remember to send them your way!

By LongBeachJacket

October 19, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

I actually, and quite unexpectedly, made it to the game. Got in late, so I missed the pick-6 by Reese.

A lot has been said. Here’s the perspective of a first-hand observer.

Clemson and their fans were very motivated and enthusiastic…and also quite classy and respectful. Props to the folks in Tigertown.

This was a tough, tough place to win for a visitor…given Clemson’s obvious talent and their “nothing to lose” enthusiasm that was evident from the start.

Our team hung in and hung in and kept hangin in, especially after the 3rd quarter when Clemson took the upper hand. We made two CRITICAL defensive stands (both 3 and outs) to give us the ball back in good field position with a chance to tie or win.

Made just enough plays to win. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

6-1 is FAR, FAR beyond what anyone but perhaps the most ardent blind-loyalists would have realistically expected thus far this year.

Some may “nitpick” and analyize potential weaknesses, but the strengths, guts and no-quit attitude are the more glaring and obvious attributes of this team. Over time, as some have pointed out, Coach Johnson and his staff will iron out technical matters, expand the playbook, and find a core of players more suited to his system. That said, he is fortunate to have some very, very talented players in the fold from the previous staff who have talent, a team-first attitude, and have shown a lot of fight this year.

Now…ATTENTION….DO NOT SLEEP ON UVA. I’m sure Coach Johnson and the team are well aware….

Everyone was running UVA down early. They have reeled off 3 IMPRESSIVE wins against quality opponents. Maryland, ECU, and UNC. That is no small feat. UVA is actually in contention for the Coastal Division Championship. They’re only loss is to Duke..who is out of the race after dropping one to Miami. I’m sure UVA is aware of this too and would like nothing better than to “shock the world” and silence all the critics who ran them down early after the bad loss to So Cal.

Al Groh teams are tough and do not lay down. It will be a tough one and Tech will have to play a solid, complete 60-minute game to win…and it could be a very, very close one, just like this week (for both teams). I’m sure Coach Johnson will have our team prepared, but, EXPECT a very, very hard fought game. This will not be a picnic. Count on that…..

GO JACKETS!!!!

By snapshot

October 19, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Most people had us at 4 to 5 wins this year. Tech fans, take note, things are looking up. CPJ is just what the doctor ordered.

By Not Disappointed

October 19, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Great win! Have a good week and BEAT Virginia!!

By littlejacket

October 19, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

been a jacket fan for twenty years. Go to all of the games and have a great time tailgaiting. Coach johnson is just what tech needed. GO JACKETS STING EM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By hr

October 19, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

What is the status of Word-Daniels? Did he play again after he came up lame on the Clemson touchdown?

By Catarate

October 19, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Yes, we did only beat a disorganized football Clemson team by 4. Of course, Dabo is already uniting the fans, pumping up the players, being motivational, etc. They came out with fight, there’s no doubt about that. It’s also good that Nesbitt played the entire game; now his rust is gone. If we went Jaybo/Nesbitt, then would Nesbitt have returned to form quick enough?

By Techfan

October 19, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

After watching Tech struggle again, one thing becomes apparent, and that’s Nesbitt has a real problem pitching rather than take the ball himself. Too many times during the game, the defense committed to Nesbitt, but he didn’t pitch. I’ve looked back at taped games that Shaw played in, and pitched most every time the defense committed to him. Now Shaw isn’t as physically capable as Nesbitt, but he understand the option. Maybe the coaches need to let Nesbitt work with Shaw and when to pitch and when not to. It’s got to make Nesbitt a better football player.

By StingDoc

October 19, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

OK, maybe you are not a dawg, Jack G, just a miserable, unhappy, Tech fan. How any Jacket can’t be excited about Georgia Tech football right now is beyond me.

I thought CPJ’s 1st year would be a disaster. I thought that before the Clemson game, a 3-3 finish would be a successful season. Realistically, with the tough games ahead, I still feel that way. On the other hand, based on the performance of the team thus far, it is quite possible that Tech will win all the rest of its ACC games, maybe win the ACC Championship, and possibly even beat the Dawgs.

Some advice to you:

“DON’T WORRY!! BE HAPPY!!**

By GotOut07

October 19, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

People seem to forget how highly ranked this Clemson team was at the start of the season. They may have been undercoached but they were highly talented and playing at home. A 4 point win does not make this another Garner Webb.

By wreckmaniac

October 19, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Its laughable to read “when other teams figure out PJ’s offense, its lights out”. What are they thinking ? Its right in front of you. Just stop it. Clemson had their outside linebacker set up 15 years to the sideline just waiting for Dwyer all day. What this is about is isolation. One on one. If ONE (NOT TWO) lineman can stop Dwyer then great. If not he’ll run for at least 10 yards. We would have lost this game without Nesbitts excellent passing in the 4th qtr. This offense must throw the ball 10-15 times a game in order to work.

By Buzzfan1936

October 19, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

I am encouraged by Navy fan’s comment that what we are seeing in Paul Johnson’s offense is early, simple, and basic. It is nothing compared with what we will see in the future as the learning process evolves and CPJ recruits his own players to fit his stlye. I don’t think I’ve been this excited about Tech football since Bobby Dodd broke into national promininence in 1951 with Leon Hardeman and Billy Teas [except, maybe, 1990 National Champions and Joe Hamilton’s best year]. I CAN’T WAIT!!

By mike

October 19, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

dont you think that josh nesbitt would be a better fullback than quarterback ?hes a bull .put jabo in and pitch to nesbitt !!!! go jackets !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By LuvinPJ

October 19, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

How about some props to the EAGLES, hell yes!!!!!!

By LuvinPJ

October 19, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

How about some props to the EAGLES, hell yes!!!!!!

By SlimG

October 19, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Buzz! See my comments in Schultz’s column for the breakdown of the game.

Playing a weak schedule doesn’t help our kids. I know we can’t help Army bailing but please it was Army. Why don’t we play any good teams? Maybe that’s y we ran Braine out of town.

Stop hatin’ on Jack, he does know what real football should look like, not a highschool

By TechArch

October 19, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Tech is ranked for the first time this season…I just hope they dont choke this year they way they do every year. Thanks CPJ for bringing the long lost swagger and confidence back to GT… GO JACKETS!!!! THWG….

By Tech Sucks

October 19, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

What impressed me the most was pathetic Tennessee’s 34-3 WIN over Mississippi State! Tech, when your 38-7 win over Miss State is your signature win of the season, you don’t deserve to be ranked.

By TechArch

October 19, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Dear “Tech Sucks”…what are you trying to justify or prove here? your logic is a bit flawed and irrational. TECH was overlooked week after week by the polls. On the other hand most over exposed SEC teams i.e. Tennessee benefit from the lenient media, which is willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and rank them higher than deserved week in and week out…dont say Tech does not deserve to be ranked.

By Buzzfan1936

October 19, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Sagarin has GT at #16, UGA at #8, and the ACC as #4, only 1 point behind the SEC at #3.

By GT63

October 19, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Georgia Tech is a winner…. We have nothing to frown about. Love my Jackets! Don’t try to analyze,enjoy this great season. We deserve it. Thanks Jackets!!!!

By ProudTechFan

October 19, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

To: Tech Sucks, Lets not forget the same Miss State team beat Vanderbilt ,who was undefeated coming into last weeks game. And was two plays aways from beating Alabama a week after UGA made Alabama world beaters by giving up 31 at the half. way to go UGA, way to stand up and not get bullied aroung at home on national TV…

But I digress… this isnt about Tech haters.

Its about the job CPJ has done at this point in the season.. at the beginning of the season i would have been happy with a competitive game against Clemson, almost expecting a loss. CPJ has this team believing. The defense is smart and play every down as a complete unit. They dont just rely on a pass rush every play. Its a top ten defense for a reason. If there was ever a year to take advantage of a coaching change, and brand new offense which is the most unconventional than any other offense, and a very young team, this was the year. Its hard to believe we are 6-1 with 3 home games left. This is shaping up to be a very special year Tech fans, I am just glad to be apart of it.

GO JACKETS!!!

By Gotcurry

October 19, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

To everyone saying that Jaybo is better than Josh, I completely disagree. Jaybo is definitely talented and knows how to run the offense, but when things go wrong (ie when the O-line breaks down), we need Josh’s speed. Think back to the VT and BC games. Josh’s scrambling ability saved us several times, especially on 3rd down. Can you honestly say that Jaybo would’ve beat BC? I highly doubt that. Another thing is size. I don’t think that Jaybo can handle the physical beating that a QB takes in this offense. He needs to hit the weights in the offseason. I trust PJ in starting the right man. Josh is our quarterback. THWG!

By TechArch

October 19, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

ProudTechFan thanks for breaking it down. This year is a special year…. Finally I can sit in during the game and be sure that Tech CAN pull it off and like years past 17 points is not the ceiling for our offense. GO JACKETS!!!!!

By joe

October 19, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

great week for tech not only did they get a late 4th quarter comeback in the toughest environment in the ACC but virginia tech lost which puts us right back in contention

o and were ranked in the AP finally (BCS to come out later today)

going back to virgina tech theyre next 3 games are… at FSU (probably a loss), home against MARYLAND (never know with the terps), at MIAMI (also an inconsistant team)

one of those 3 will be a loss so as long as tech can take care of there remaining 3 home games against UVA, FSU, and MIAMI, and steal a tough fought game at UNC we have a good chance to win the ACC

GO TECH

By jabster

October 19, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

This is interesting:

http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/bowls/predictions

CBS has us winning the ACCC, losing a rematch with BC in Tampa, and playing in the Peach Bowl.

This is an upgrade from last week which had us being stymied in the ACCC behind VT and going to the Gator Bowl.

Thoughts?

Of course, we still have to win out in the conference—starting this week with UVA—and VT still needs to drop another game (GO NOLES! FEAR THE TURTLE!).

By reebok

October 19, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Nesbitt will probably improve markedly against Virginia. The month off really hurt him, obviously. Pack the stadium and be loud for homecoming…it’s a 3:30 nationally televised game (OK, it’s ESPNU, but the sports bars will all have it) so let’s show up and show how happy we are to finally be contending again! Support the team and GO JACKETS!

By Not a beeliever - yet

October 19, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

It shouldn’t be hard to keep the team focused this week. The goal is simple, BEAT UVA. Besides us and VT, they are the only other team only one loss in the Coastal Division. This is a game where our destiny is in our own hands. Take care of business here, BEAT UVA and move on. No looking forward. No scoreboard watching. No talk of being left out of the polls. BEAT UVA.

Beating UVA means 4 hard quarters of stuffing the run. Peerman is a warrior. If we could get up early, it might force them to abandon the run. If we get down early, we’ll get a steady diet of Peerman, Peerman, Peerman.

By joe

October 19, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

BCS JUST CAME OUT WERE #18

By Steve

October 19, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

I agree this is not the most impressive 6-1 record ever, but i looked at the road game at Clemson as a lose on the schedule. There are certain places that it is very hard to go and get a win no matter what kind of season that team is having, and Death Valley is one of those places. Very solid win. And by the way the BCS was just announced…….GA TECH 18

By Steve

October 19, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

sorry loss, not lose

By BIGBEE

October 19, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Jack G, you are only a year or two older than me, but the difference is that I see the glass as half full and you see it as half empty. Hell man, at my age, I don’t even buy green bananas, but I believe in CPJ, just like I did Bobby Dodd. So we haven’t played any of the so called big boys. Do you realize that if UGA should loose another game or two, the Jackets could be in a BCS Bowl and still not in the top 25?

By Steve

October 19, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

And looking ahead, the TECH fans and students need to come out in full force for the home games and make some noise.

By jabster

October 19, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

BigBee:

We can go to a BCS bowl without any help from UGA…5 ACC wins for us (including Cigar City) and an ACC loss for VT sends us to the O-Bowl.

If we keep winning, we will remain in the top 25.

Getting an at-large after losing in Tampa would likely be a tall order, though. We’d stand a better chance of getting a BCS at-large if we won out but stayed stymied behind VT (assuming VT wins in Cigar City).

By CarolinaJacket

October 19, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

UVA is one wild team. They can be a prolific scoring machine and then if the Hyde Cavalier shows up they would have a hard time with Presbyterian College. Better prepare for the top-game side. It would be nice for them to be a stumble-bumble outfit. I remember a couple of weeks ago and many were saying that they were by far the worst team in the ACC and their coach was on his way out. Now they have a chance to win the ACC. Be careful Tech, take them very seriously, and take care of business.

By Buzzfan1936

October 19, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

**FINALLY! THE JACKETS ARE NATIONALLY RANKED: #18 IN BCS, #16 IN SAGARIN, & #21 IN BOTH COACHES & AP POLLS [which have both been behind the curve].

I hope this doesn’t jinx the Jackets since we REALLY need to:

BEAT THE CAVS!!

By Jack G

October 19, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

BigGee

I am more optimistic than you think. I do buy green bananas.

Incidently I am one of the old Atlanta natives. Born one block from the State Capitol and raised in Little Five Points.

Little Five Points was the greatest place in Atlanta to grow up in.

I am not being negative about Tech—-Just trying to be realistic. Rose colored glasses coverr up a lot of things

By Dream'in in the Ghetto

October 19, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Big wins over Missippi State Gardner Web and Clemson has the gt faithful dreaming of greatness. You guys are still the joke by the coke in the Ghetto

By mountain fan

October 19, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

What a way to enter the top 25….just jump in ahead of all the ACC!

JackG….hope you had a good nap and now feel better about six and one.

By Jack G

October 19, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Mountain Fan

You are very perceptive——how did you know I had a nap——You are on the money—-I did.

By TacoTech

October 19, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Whew! I was sure glad to hear Jack G. is so old. Maybe he will pass soon and all of doomsday friends can come to his funeral. Ga Tech is no place for folks like Jack G. We need people with a “can do” attitude. I am sure Jack G was a barrell of fun before electricity. Jack G. next time you feel like spewing your negative vitriol, stop and take a breath from your oxygen tank. Go push some old lady down and break her hip and leave these Jackets alone. I am proud of them.

By jabster

October 19, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Scoresandodds.com has us minus 13 vs. UVA, FSU minus 5.5 vs. VT, and UGA a 3 point ‘dawg to LSU (basically, just home field advantage for LSU and theoretically a pick’em on a neutral field). The UGA-LSU game will tell us a LOT about just how good UGA is…should be a good game and matchup instead of a #2 Bama shellacking or an iffy Vandy team.

ESPN released their updated bowl projections. One projection is us going to the O-Bowl (not sure who we beat to go there, as they have UNC in the Peach Bowl, maybe it’s FSU whom they have slated for the Gator), and the other is us losing to FSU in Cigar City and going to the Peach Bowl.

Anyway, we can still lose to the Hoos and need to TCB early and often. First things first. Oh, and go Noles too.

GIVE ‘EM HELL TECH!!!

By Jack G

October 19, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Taco Tech

You might not be far off the money

Only thing wrong, is that all my “doomsday” friends have already passed

The problem with commenting on these blogs, is people hide behind their keyboards to make nasty remarks. Wish they would disagree or agree without resorting to name calling.

Just remember if we all saw things the same, all the men in the world would be chaseing the same woman and vice versa.

By Old GT Nut

October 19, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

I agree with some scrutining commments earlier. Hey…a win is a win, but GT has LOTS of issues to fix. The G-W win proved there were SERIOUS issues on the O-Line. How many times was Booker or Dwyer dropped for a loss??

If not for PK-Blair with a “last man left” open field tackle, Clemson runs a kick-off back for a TD. Special Teams (KOs and PRs, even PATs & FGs) continue to show real weakness. And CPJ said Special Teams was going to be an area of increased focus the past two weeks. It hasnt shown up yet. The fact that GT even trailed…AT ALL…in this game is very concerning. Folks, Clemson was without their HC and their Off Coord, and we’re trailing in the 3rd Qtr??? THIS IS NOT A GOOD SIGN. That GT O-Line is playing HORRIBLY. How many times did Clemson drop Nesbitt or Dwyer for a loss?? Plenty, folks.

Folks, UVA and FSU have bigger Def players than BC, Clemson, or VT. UVA has THE BEST Linbacker tandem in the ACC. GT HAD BETTER FIX THE O-LINE BEFORE SATURDAY OR WE WILL LOSE TO UVA! Forget UVAs record. UVA has one of the most complete, well-balanced run/pass offenses in the ACC. We can not play like we did aginst G-W and Clemson amd expect to beat UVA, or FSU.

By WhiteAndGold

October 19, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know the NCAA rule for between snap stadium music? For those Tech fans who attended the game, you probably noticed the music blaring every time Tech entered the huddle. Seems a bit unsportsmanlike to use stadium speakers to blast music. Was glad to see the gold spread throughout their stadium!

Is there any news on the seriousness of Word-Daniels’ injury?

GO JACKETS!

By Old GT Nut

October 19, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Hey, a win is a win and that’s great. However, time for a REALITY CHECK.

GT’s O-Line has S-E-R-I-O-U-S issues. The G-W game proved it, and now the Clemson game CONFIRMS it. In both games, I lost track how many times the QB or B-Back was sacked/tackled for a loss?

Clemson was without their HC, their Off Coord, and their starting RB, and GT is TRAILING in the 3rd Qtr? WHAT…THE… HELL????

Clemson put onlt 7 on Wake, but put 17 on GT. And Wake got DESTROYED by a very inconsistent MD team. So, the GT Defense needs work too. Without PK-Blair’s TD-saving tackle, GT woul dhave been in more trouble. And, CPJ had just said they have been working harder on Special Teams, and PK-Blair has to make a TD-saving tackle, and the Punt Return guy cant seem to handle the ball.

Forget UVAs record. They’re gonna be very tough. Their O&D Lines will be larger and tougher than anyone we’ve have faced so far. GT Defense and Special Teams had better start playing even better.

But, most of all, GT had better straighten out the O-Line problems before Saturday or GT’s gonna lose. Period.

By jabster

October 19, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Old GT Nut:

I think our special teams is improving, but Blair (actually, the long snapper/holder/kicker trio) still needs to work on placekicking. Punts and kickoffs look good, but I agree, the return coverage needs to continue to improve.

We could have beaten last weekend’s UVA performance with our Clemson performance. Neither UVA nor UNC looked that good—they both looked quite crappy—and it came down to who could make fewer mistakes and want it more (or not give the game away to the other team). UNC practically gift-wrapped the game for UVA, and it took OT for UVA to take it and win it.

Also, Clemson was as pumped as we were, but for different reasons, and is a more talented (if not as well-coached) team than their record suggests.

UVA is on the upswing, though, and is dangerous and should be taken seriously. Our O-line as is could hold against UVA, but I am not so sure about FSU. FSU is on an upswing more and will be tougher still—plus, IIRC their run D is the best in the conference. FSU remains our worst chance for another ACC loss—sad thing is, they may be the only team we play in the ACC this year that is ranked at the time we play them.

By MalibuGT

October 19, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

SlimG, what’s this “we” crap? Do you not think we see you post about your beloved dogs on the other blog? These UGA posers crack me up. And why am i not surprised to see you come to the rescue of Jack G.

It’s funny to see the dogs yelping about the Gardner Webb game. Not many teams look sharp with a third string quarterback starting his first game.

Right now, it’s all about UVA. I know CPJ will have the team focused. They have just as good a chance to win the division as us. We need to show we can handle the recognition that our 6-1 start has created.

But it is hard not to start thinking about Nov 29th. After watching us come back yet again in the fourth quarter in a hostile stadium….hmmmm, our defense against Stafford and Moreno; CPJ and Womack against Richt, Bobo, and Martinez. It should be fun!

By Jack G

October 20, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

MalibuGT

Dont need any one to come to my rescue.—- all of the name calling dosent bother me because it is a reflection on the name callers momma. They didnt teach the little b******* to disagree without name calling.

I would suspect that most of the name callers are still teen agers and couldnt find Tech without someopne leading them by the hand.

Betcha most of them have pimples.

By lwcar phlz

November 17, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

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