By RAMBLE ON!!!

December 5, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Morgan Burnett as a second team is a joke.

Noshow Merino All-American is too, considering how much better Dwyer is.

By spreadoption3

December 5, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

Tech will be just fine on D Line. We will miss our seniors from this year, but we will gain more depth from a great recruiting class.

By Carolina Jacket

December 5, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

I think that the dline will be quite good. It may not have the reputation of this year’s crew, but it has some good players who have some valuable experience. And Lanier will add a real stud. They will do fine.

By TDone

December 5, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

I saw how the DL rotation went this year. Sometimes, it was wholesale and sometime it was piecemeal. But you could tell what the coaches were trying to do:

1. Give the first team some rest.

2. Get the second team some reps.

It worked.

Go Jackets!!!

By Bankerdawg

December 5, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

You guys will be fine. That Morgan kid is really, really good, and it sounds like you were able to get some reps for the young guys behind the three seniors.

Your secondary will be very good (Burnett should be a first teamer), and it appears as though you will be more than fine at LB.

I’ve heard talk about Tech going to a 3-4 for next year, simply because you have so many talented LBs, any truth to that?

All I know is if CPJ is accurate, and you have a long way to go on offense, then the rest of the teams on your schedule (my Dawgs included) should be concerned.

Congrats on a great season, and if you get USCe in the CFA bowl, please hang half a hundred on Spurrier for me.

By Chris

December 5, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

If Morgan Burnett is not a first teamer show me a better safety. That guy should be all-american! Derrik Morgan should definately have been on the first team. How do you lead the conference in tackles and not get first team? If we were Florida State, both of those players would have been on the 1st team, it’s that simple.

By Cary Jacket

December 5, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Bankerdawg: Classy post. I’m sure this blog will soon degenerate into the typical sniping and name-calling, but wanted to give you props before that happens.

To your question about the 3-4, yes, CPJ has publicly stated that he is considering making this move for next year. The Jackets will have a R-Fr DT next year named T.J. Barnes who reportedly has been unstoppable in practice this season — the kind of immovable force that typically anchors a 3-4.

Other returning DTs such as Ben Anderson and Logan Walls did get some snaps this season, but neither were a dominating force that would be needed in a 3-4.

An intriguing possibility is 4-star DT recruit J.C. Lanier spelling Barnes in a 3-4 alignment next season. But relying on a R-Fr (Barnes) and true Fr (Lanier) to anchor a 3-4 does not sound like the foundation for a stout defensive line.

My guess is that DC Wommack and CPJ mix it up and retain the 4-3 alignment as the base alignment, but switch to a 3-4 from time to time. A lot will depend on our young linebacking corps to develop/improve in the off-season.

One LB to watch next season is Steven Sylvester, who played on special teams this year and has drawn praise from CPJ. Who knows? Maybe a switch to the 3-4 at GT next season will be more about a plethora of linebacker talent rather than a dearth of experienced talent at DT …

For now, though, the Yellow Jackets have one last game to enjoy the defensive prowess of Richard, Walker and Anyaibe @ DT. Reeeeeeeeeally looking forward to the Peach Bowl.

By Arob

December 5, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Thanks Bankerdawg, Classy Dawg fan. Looking forward to the re-energized rivalry! I noticed a lot of rotation as well on Dline, I just hope we have some more speed guys for the end opposite Morgan. LBs will be much improved and we should have lots of depth if Barnes comes back at full strength. Secondary light years better with experience and more young guys that were redshirted.

By techwreck

December 5, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Larry -

Any reason why Michael Johnson’s AFCA All-American status was omitted by the AJC? I noticed there was a nice little write-up on UGA’s running back, but #93 was most certainly not mentioned.

By seriously?

December 5, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Ramble on!!!,

Please tell me your kidding when you think Dwyer is a better running back than Knowshon Moreno. UGA’s Defense is below terrible. Walton High School did a much better job of stopping him than UGA. Oh by the way, when you run every time, you tend to get some good numbers as well.

By ga_tech_92

December 5, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

It is hard to imagine either Morgan not making first team, by comparison to their stats to other guys who are first team. Either way, great year so far Team…Keep up the great effort! Fear no one…Respect everyone..>GO JACKETS!<

By Americus Jacket

December 5, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

I truly am Tech’s biggest “homer” because I think they’re going to win all the games — and I like every player. But my favorite has become Derrick Morgan.

And we do have those 2 massive DT’s next year, but remember, one will be a true freshman. I’m not sure he should be counted on to be an integral part of changing a defense. Yes, I hope he’s going to be GREAT, but for some students, an adjustment to college just takes some time.

By GT FAN PA

December 5, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

BankerDawg- As always top notch from you-You always give an honest opinion without going off the deep end. I have to agree that both Morgan’s deserved to be 1st team-I was able to follow Derrick up here in Joe Pa land (Coatsville High)and don’t know how they let him get out of state but I’m thankful he did. You have to also be thankful Tech did rotate as many as they did, these kids now have a season under the belt and is only going to help going into next year-As many said this year of our secondary being weak-I think that will be one of our strong points in the years to follow. Can you imagine how these teams are going to prepare when CPJ puts his “spread offense” into this system-As Al use to say “hold on to your seats brother sister” I’m not saying we are going to win the NC but I do see Tech’s days coming to being a team that is Top 10 or 15 year in and out. That is a long way from where Tech was- I’m not going to bash any ex-coaches as we can’t change the past nor predict the future but CPJ is a winner and proven that everywhere he has been! New Year’s eve is going to be alright now watching the Jackets and bringing in the new year- GO JACKETS and THWG!!!!

By RE Dawg

December 5, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

I agree that Morgan Burnette should definitely have been first team All ACC. The guy is a stud and plays the pass and the run extremely well.

As for Thomas’ fate, I get the feeling CPJ is trying to look out for one of his best guys, as well as set the table for future WR’s not to be scared away by the flex-bone. If you look at the receiving stats, both second temaers had better seasons. I know from having run the bone while in high school and watching my brother coach the same offensive scheme Tech runs that WR blocking is critically important (see the UGA-GT highlights for any further evidence), but all conference or all America slots for WR don’t generally take into account the blocking prowess.

As for Morgan, I feel like he became the “odd-man out” as most writers probably didn’t want to put the entire GT D-line on the first or second team. Not saying its right, just the way it is.

And to RAMBLE ON, see comment above on stats. “Noshow” had 225 more all purpose yards, 22 more catches, and 4 more touchdowns than Dwyer. Dwyer is a great back, but Noshow is a little more versatile (or at least plays in an offense that allows him to show it) and that is why he is ahead of Dwyer in that voting (plus he makes the highlight reels more).

By The Dude

December 5, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

To seriously?:

I’m not going to make the argument about which back is better because the offenses are so different, but I will refute your “run every time” comment. Dwyer had 37 less carries than Moreno and essentially gained the same yardage… i.e. his yards per carry average was way better than Moreno’s.

By DogCatcher

December 5, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

By seriously?-

Knowshow- 17 attempts 94 yards- Dwyer 20 attempts 144 yards-

Season— Knowshow 227- 1338yds 5.9 avg Dwyer—-190- 1328 yards- 7.0 avg

With this avg 37 more touches by Dwyer would be 259 more yards-37 by the way is the amount of MORE carries Knowshow has than Dwyer.

So what were you saying when you run all the time? Dwyer is the only back in the top 15 on NCAA leaders who has less than 200 rushing attempts- it all boils down to who gets more media and yes that would be the UGA running back-does that mean he is better NO! Knowshow has 3 more TD’s than Dwyer- oh BTW-If you play MSU- Ringer leads the country in TD’s- So good luck with you D in that game. Please check your facts before you slobber.

By jabster

December 5, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Thanks BankerDawg! And props to the UGA offense.

Don’t worry—if we get the Gamecocks—well, it is the Chick-fil-A bowl, so we’ll be sure to fillet some chickens.

We also need to get Spurrier back for his “welcome to the basement of the ACC” comment back in 1987 when he was at Duke and Tech went 2-9.

EAT MOR CHIKIN!

By CW

December 5, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

I don’t want to beat the Gailey dead horse, but here is a major difference from last year to this year. In previous seasons the offense was so bad that we never really separated from opposing teams, even if we were solidly beating them the scoreboard wouldn’t reflect it. This year the O was able to put up points early and give the entire team some breathing room.

Against Duke, MS St, and Miami, Tech was able to rotate backups in much more freely than in the past. This kept starters from wearing down as badly and backups got good experience. I think this is why the Jackets were able to win some key games in November instead of fading so badly as in past seasons.

We seem pretty strong at both Safeties, but when Word-Daniels went out at corner we obviously struggled against better WR and QB’s. Do we have redshirts or new recruits coming in at CB?

By Alabama Jack

December 5, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

“By seriously? Please tell me your kidding when you think Dwyer is a better running back than Knowshon Moreno. UGA’s Defense is below terrible. Walton High School did a much better job of stopping him than UGA. Oh by the way, when you run every time, you tend to get some good numbers as well.”

Check your stats. Knowshow rushed 43 more times that Dwyer for 10 more total yards.

By GT FAN PA

December 5, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

I will not be suprised to see D. Morgan as a Pre season All-American next year- Also RE Dawg I would have to agree with the purpose yards when you run screens like you guys do you get him in space and that is all CPJ tries to do with his backs. I did check and Dywer is the only back in NCAA top 15 under 200 touches. I think the one thing that helps him is you can’t just key on him-GT came out with the mindset Knowshon was not going to beat them and UGA showed what the passing game could do-where as when UGA tried to key on Dywer well….you all saw the game!!

By CW

December 5, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Tech fans, let’s all try not to sound like ignorant doggies, especially when we get BankerDawg posting intelligent, respectful comments on our board. I wouldn’t trade Dwyer for any RB in college football, but that is not an excuse to trash Knowshon Moreno.

Moreno is one hell of a RB and earned his All America status not just because of this season, but for his body of work at Georgia. He is the first RB at UGA to go over 1,000 yards two seasons in a row since Herschel. Fine company to be in for sure.

Not much was expected out of Tech’s offense this year, so it isn’t surprising that Dwyer was flying under the radar on the national scene. Next season he’ll get plenty of attention, as will Roddy Jones after his breakout against Georgia.

As for Morgan and Burnett not making All America, they are both underclassmen. Tech’s seniors are getting most of the love, as they should. Our younger guys this year will all be in the limelight next year.

By MatchPoint

December 5, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Dywer’s numbers (yards per carry) suggests he is a better runner, but Knowshown gets more receiving and all-purpose yards as RE Dawg pointed out. Dywer does not get the luxury of receiving yards in CPJ’s offense.

If you want to talk about a run from the backfield, Dywer gets the nod over Knowshown (yards per carry).

By Bankerdawg

December 5, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Regarding the receiver, Thomas, I think he will be much improved next year, statistically. His blocking prowess cannot be denied, as it must be daunting to a 5’10” DB having to take on a 6’4” receiver on the edge.

He had some opportunities this year to make some big plays, but did not step up (Duke game not withstanding). Again, CPJ alluded that the run and shoot portion of the offense has not even been addressed yet, so who knows what will happen next year via the pass.

Regarding Knowshon v Dwyer, I will just say they are both very good and are in completely different offenses, so I think we’ve got a classic apples to oranges situation. I will say however, that on the first play of the 2nd half last week, Dwyer made us miss, ran over us, and ran away from us…all in one play. That is special.

But I also think Moreno is special as well, so I will respectfully call this one a draw.

By blackjacket

December 5, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

If Bey Bey Thomas had been in a conventional offense, he’d have been an all American. He will be drafted high, not only for his size and speed, but the fact that he’s lights out blocking. Plus, he has a very team first attitude. Lets be happy, I am. It has been too long getting to the point our athletes get “any” recognition. Congrats to all the guys and especially to the o-line, who fought their tails off against all odds. I love this team equally as well as the 1952 and 1990 teams.thwg

By The Dude

December 5, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

I’m on board with the apples vs. oranges comment from Bankerdawg. Not to say the two backs belong in the same category as the two guys I’m about to mention, but I think we have a classic Jim Brown to Barry Sanders comparison. One back will run over you and the other has incredible escapability. There are probably 100 or more FBS teams that would trade their back for Dwyer or Moreno.

Running backs aside, both Morgans will be a pleasure to watch conduct their business for the next two years.

By Bankerdawg

December 5, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Cary Jacket:

Thanks for answering the question around the 3-4. It certainly makes sense to take advantage of all the athleticism you guys will likely have at LB, relative to the youth of your new DL.

By RE Dawg

December 5, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

I think CPJ’s willingness to adapt his scheme to his personnel speaks volumes about his abilities as a coach. I personally believe he is one of the best coaches in America, both at preparation and game day adjustments (see his move at halftime to crack on our safety versus man press, and Willie Martinez’s failure to adjust - EVER).

There is a reason he consistently won 8-9 games at NAVY. It is scary to think how good his offense will be once he gets his guys there for a couple of years.

By spreadoption3

December 5, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

seriously? ” Oh by the way, when you run every time, you tend to get some good numbers as well.”

The good numbers this year are 45-42

 GO JACKETS !!!

By BLAZER

December 5, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

bankerdawg and redawg

THANKS FOR HAVING CLASS!!!

two good team had a great game!!

By Carolina Jacket

December 5, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Nolan MacMillan, offense lineman recently highlighted on Scout.com looks like a real good prospect. Put him with Claytor, Howard, Voss, and Uzzi and you should have a very good oline. Now we’ve got to get the commitment.

By Cary Jacket

December 5, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Bankerdawg: You’re welcome. I seem to recall your font as one of the non-flaming dawgs on the Hive, so I figured you deserved a legitimate response.

Now that the rivalry is back on, it would be good for both programs to continue improving so we can take Good Old Fashioned Hate to the national level next year and get ESPN GameDay and a primetime kickoff on ABC at The Flats.

Since we’re going to play, we may as well be playing for ALL the marbles.

Good luck in all things FB related until the Saturday after Thanksgiving next year.

By B-Rad

December 5, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Watch out for TJ Barnes next season. He played well all Spring and probably would have played if we weren’t so deep up front. TJ Barnes RS Freshmen, JC Lanier an incoming freshmen, DE Jason Peters may be a candidate for a position change. DE Ben Anderson and DE Robert Hall all played well with limited minutes.

It will likely be the weak spot of our Defense next season but GT will be much better in every other aspect on the Defensive side of the ball.

By Cary Jacket

December 5, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

On the Dwyer-Moreno debate, I also agree with The Dude and Bankerdawg. It’s a tough comparison to make for not one, but two reasons:

1) Their running styles are so different. Both have speed, quicks and they run with determination. But while Moreno can get airborne better than Dwyer, the D-Train can plow would-be tacklers better than Moreno.

2) Huge difference in offensive schemes between GT and UGA. I will opine about this, however: IMO, if you traded them for one another, I think Moreno would succeed under Johnson and Dwyer under Richt, but Moreno’s success would most likely be from the A-back position (in which case we should be comparing Moreno to Roddy Jones).

By BLAZER

December 5, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

bankerdawg and re dawg

thanks for the classy comments!

both good teams had a great game!!

thanks for the good logical comments!

By Tech2009

December 5, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

As far as the Dtrain vs. Moreno battle. I can agree that both are special and I’m sure neither team would trade one for the other, as I definitely wouldn’t trade Jon, but as many guys from sports talk and espn have said Dwyer will have the better NFL career. You have to love this kid. Speed and a bruiser and a level head. WOW. Cobb county represent.

By SouthBendJacket

December 5, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

When comparing the two backs it isn’t apples to oranges! It’s about exposure. Moreno came into the year on the #1 ranked team. Of course he would get more press. It even showed during the GT/UGA game. At half-time the announcers (SEC) were praising Moreno’s first half while saying UGA had shut down Dwyer. The crazy thing was they both had the same yards per carry number. Both were around 4 per carry. After listening to that, I will never believe it’s apples to oranges. It all about exposure. We’ll see this next year now that everyone knows about our talented running backs!

By jacketnation

December 5, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Dwyer had fewer carried than Noshow accounts for having fewer yards. We have Roddy Jones who starred in the UGA game. Dwyer had more YPC than NoShow. We had two running backs than outgained him the TECH /UGA game.

It was apparent we had people missing in the secondary. We only had Burnett with exp. The rest were true freshman and Tony Clark dropped back their to play nickle.

I think I d-Line will be fine, but will need a year to improve. Offensive line will be in really good shape with starteds and a great Red-Shirt Uzzi coming in there.

By Tech Fan in Dawg Country

December 5, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t remember TJ Barnes, so I went back to GoJackets.com to see what it said about him in the 2008 recruiting class. He was listed as a 3-star 6’-7” OT. But then again, Michael Johnson was recruited as a 6’5” TE. Sounds like our defensive line may be ok after all.

By Techster2

December 5, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

What most people don’t know is that we redshirted T.J. Barnes, all 6’7” 330lbs. of him. The coaches told me that they simply could not block him on the scout team all year! He disrupted the offense constantly during practice. Put him next to Morgan, and pray that they double team either one of them! We will be fine, given another year of maturity and strength for our young linebackers and secondary.

By RAMBLE ON!!!

December 5, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

BankerDawg and RE Dawg make it tough to gloat.

Derrick Morgan showed why he was the player of the year in Penn. coming out of High School. He was being held on just about every play Saturday too.

Hopefully between him and Burnett, one will return for his Sr. Season. Getting both back will not be realistic.

By Tech75

December 5, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

I’m very interested to see what’s going to happen in the bowl game.

Whoever we play, they’ll have a lot of time to prepare.

However, we also have a lot of time to sharpen our execution and work on areas where we’ve made a lot of mistakes.

You might even see a couple of new plays, since we have enough time to install them.

Can’t wait, already got my tickets!

By BuzzFactor

December 5, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Ramble On, thats why these guys making predictions about 2010 already is just plain stupid. We just don’t know what will happen between now and then. Let’s start 2009 off with a big increase in season ticket sales! The D-Line will be fine next year.

BankerDawg and RE Dawg are the kind of UGA guys I like to talk to. They love football and aren’t afraid to say something good about the other side. I can hate ‘em on game day but still respect ‘em.

By DawgGirl32

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

Yeahhh I hated y’all on Saturday but I’ve had time to cool off. I will say one thing: that option’s a tricky little f*cker, bad defense or not. I was at the game and I honestly NEVER knew who had the ball when Tech was on offense. I looked really stupid because I would start cheering when I thought we made the stop and then next thing I knew Dwyer was running down the field and I didn’t even know he had touched the ball. Our players looked like they didn’t either. Great game. One for the memory books if I may be so cheesy.

By Not Disappointed

December 5, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

BankerDawg and RE DAWG are true Gents! I wish all comments: TECH or UGA were as kind. It’s okay to gloat but the other stuff is old. I believe the future is bright for the Jackets! Ramblin Wreck!!!

By Not Disappointed

December 5, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

DawgGirl32, I agree from being a die hard Tech Fan. I’m just glad to see a Great Game at the end of the year. Banker Dawg & RE Dawg are really a class act. Go Tech!!!!!

By TechCrybaby

December 5, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

We’ve got to be with BankerDawg in wanting non-trashy blogs from fans of both schools. On that subject, I’m glad the ominous criticisms of Coach Richt have subsided. The man is an excellent coach, despite what happened to his team last Saturday. Not only so, but he’s an excellent man. If it turns out that his kindliness now keeps him from shaking up his staff, that’s another subject.

By RAMBLE ON!!!

December 5, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

DawgGirl32 now that you’ve “cooled off” and seem to like dropping a f bomb now and then, you may want to consider becoming a true GOLD DIGGER, and let RAMBLE ON!!! show you a WHOLE LOTTA LOVE?

By North Avenue Wreck

December 5, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Ben Anderson will step up and provide quality play. I’m convinced of it. He is maturing nicely.

By Tokyo Jacket

December 5, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Banker-dawg and/or RE Dawg, I have a question for you guys. Normally I wouldn’t even think of mentioning this to a UGA fan, but you guys seem pretty classy. Do you think Dwyer compares to Herschel? To me, he’s a similar guy: speed, power, and size. I’m not saying he’s as good, but does Dwyer remind you of Herschel? “Made us miss, ran over us, and ran by us” sounds like Herschel to me.

By surfrider

December 5, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Morgan was excellent and so were many others but my bet is the Pros and other college teams know what he is capable of. As for Thomas, when Pepper was at Tech if memory is right we had three Wr’s who went on and had good careers in the Pro’s..S. Raible, J. Robinson and D. Hill. All could catch but also developed goog blocking skills and contributed on special teams…all of those are important to the Pros not just catching the ball (Like Roddy Jones this year). That said, the passing game will probably improve drastically next year. Tech and other Wishbone teams of the 70’s did’nt have the passing skills that current players have so this option game today has a lot more flexibility. I’m not up to par on all the LB depth but saw we had another injury so as long as we keep recruiting quality depth w’ell be fine.

By Billy Bam 1985

December 5, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to the Ga. Tech “Blacksmiths”. That’s what y’all were before you took the Yeller Jacket moniker. Y’all beat down the DAWGS, but good. Sure, we lost to two far superior teams in Bama and Fla., but the Tech loss hurts the most. Why? Because we KNEW we were going to win, especially after the 1st half. Then in comes UNIVAC Johnson with his 2nd half adjustments and presto/chango, we got a ball game on our hands. Seriously, Tech can look to win every game against Georgia as long as Willie Martinez is the DC. No way he had those guys ready to play. THere is a reason we, Georgia, is the most penalized team in Div. I - no dicipline

By Bankerdawg

December 5, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

Tokyo,

You are not the first Tech guy to speak to me regarding the comparison to Herschel.

From a measurables standpoint, they are almost identical. Herschel played at 6’1”, 225 lbs, and I noticed Dwyer is listed as 6’0’ 228 lbs, and they both ran/run sub 4.5 40 yard dashes.

I think for his time, no one had ever seen a guy that big (talking about Walker) that could run that fast as well as just level DBs. He was so different that I don’t think anyone was on his level…if any Awbern fans are reading this, don’t get upset…I was a big fan of Bo as well. I think this is why Herschel is held in such high regard…it’s almost like mythology with him.

Of course, I am a UGA fan and alum, so I don’t know if it’s genetically possible for me to admit that any running back is greater than or equal to Herschel, but I do know that Dwyer has something special going very early in his college career, and if he meets, or certainly exceeds, the production he had this year, we can revisit the question.

I will say that Dwyer has that “game” speed that is so essential to exceptional backs. I don’t know what his 40 time is, but if I’m his coach, I don’t care, because all I know is that the kid does not get caught when he’s heading to the house.

By BIGBEE

December 5, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

BankerDawg, We would love to lay 50 on SC, but as I have been saying all season, in reply to some DawgFans perdiction about how bad GT was going to get beat”You don’t know the score until after the game is played”. Thanks for kind comments.

By OLD MAN

December 5, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Isn,t it amazing that we get so many good blogs from our UGA “friends” when we win? They are the class folks who should be here — not those trashy folks (you know who I mean)

PLEASE keep CPJ at Tech for a long, long time!!

Go Jackets!!!!

By ramblin gamblin

December 5, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Does anyone out there know why LB Shane Bowen did not play in the UGA game? He did a good job last year and was nursing an injury most of this season. He looked good in the Miami game and had 5 tackles, but where was he vs the Dawgs?

By gooddoctor

December 5, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

As a GT alum that moved to Savannah in 1980 as a kid, it was impossible to not be a UGA fan back then. I hate UGA as much as the next Jackets fan, but Herschel Walker was a god… and is still. Had he stayed at UGA for 4 years, he would have cracked 7000 rushing yards. That would have changed some Heisman Trophy results that happened since then.

Dwyer is sensational, and has power and speed. He will be one to watch next year. It will be interesting to see how GT responds next year when their are expactation attached at the beginning of the year. If we do as well as we think we can, there will be many stories on networks and all that. Some players can handle that stuff, some can’t. Tech hasn’t done well in the past 10+ years when they start sniffing the top 10. But I do have faith in Paul Johnson to keep the boys grounded… he has an attitude that previous coaches haven’t had. O’Leary was pretty intense too.

By long

December 5, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

seriously? Dwyer is bigger, faster, stronger, tougher and a better blocker than Moreno. There is no comparison. Georgia has some great players particularly Stafford, Muhammed, Green and Curran and Knowshown is a fine player as well. He, however, is not nearly as good as Dwyer for all the reasons above - this comparison is a no brainer and you my friend need to face reality,

By GTMike

December 5, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

(1) Herschel Walker was the best college running back I have ever seen. Period. (2) Moreno is superb. I was VERY glad we were able to run out the clock and not turn the ball back over to Stafford, Moreno, Momass et all for one last try at us. The debate about Moreno and Dwyer is one for the ages. I like Dwyer better msyelf, but that does NOT mean Moreno isn’t excellent…he is. That run he made in the 4th quarter where he outsprinted everyone to the pylon…really great job. (3) I want to echo my thanks to the Dawg posters who have been so civil and fair in their comments today…all of them. It is really MUCH more enjoyable to talk good college football without all the childish trash talk. I think Uga is an excellent program, and now tech is on the rise. Maybe these games will become like the Miami-FSU series a decade ago, where both teams are top 5 teams and playing great football !!

By Melissa P Eder

December 6, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

It’s time to give Paul Johnson a raise.I know it’s early,but Tech needs to give him a HUGE buyout & increase his pay,to keep other teams away.You know at this rate other teams with coaching needs will be coming hard after him.

By Melissa P Eder

December 6, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

.

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

December 6, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this

RamblinGamblin:

Unfortunately, Shane Bowen was diagnosed with a spinal issue in his neck that probably will end his career in football. He was having a routine look at an injury from a previous event, and the doctors found the problem

Go Jackets!!

By Alex

December 6, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this

AlabamaRamblinwreck:

You may be right but I am almost 99% sure that David Brown was the one with the spinal injury. It was a congenital defect they never found until he had that spinal injury. It really sucks for him because he is a great guy and a senior. I have partied on campus with he, Vance, and Dtrain. All are extremely personable, nice, respectful and THEY KNOW HOW TO THROW DOWN lol.

CPJ for COACH OF THE YEAR.

By Cary Jacket

December 6, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

Alex and AlabamaRamblinwreck: Unfortunately, both of you are correct. Both David Brown and Shane Bowen appear to have had their football careers cut short by spinal injuries/issues.

Both young men made significant contributions to Tech’s success—Brown coming out of nowhere to rise from the bottom of the depth chart on the defensive line to starting right tackle this year for CPJ. Bowen was good at stopping the run from his OLB position, even though his playing time had dropped this year after Wommack took over from Tenuta.

Best wishes to both of these young men and a sincere thanks for their dedication to GT FB. I hope they are on track to graduate. A GT degree will ensure that their best days are yet to come.

By Butts Wagner

December 6, 2008 3:22 AM | Link to this

My favorite Morgan Burnett item is that before the season started, Fox Sports had a series of articles listing the top 40 (or so, I forget exactly) players at each position and they omitted Burnett at DB. I found it a curious decision at the time. Check the tape.

Regarding players to look forward to in the next two years: Burnett, Morgan, Dwyer, Nesbitt, Bey Bey, and Roddy Jones are the clear choices for best players on the team. Unfortunately, all these guys came in Chan’s last full class (except Bey Bey), so it would be prudent to worry about whether CPJ can bring in similar classes. I am looking forward to seeing what Wright can do when fully unleashed. It does look like GT has some good recruits coming in as well, so it’ll be interesting to see how recruiting pans out in the next couple of years with the new offense. So far, it appears that we’ll continue to recruit well on defense for the next few years due to the reputation we gained with Tenuta at the helm.

I just spent some time watching video of the current commits and I actually think the two WR’s look like steals. Not to take anything away from the other guys who all look to be more than good, but imagine what this offense could do with multiple receivers who can both block and catch the ball with above average skill. Also, it would be even more awesome to keep getting athletes on defense who can keep up the current rep GT has a defensive powerhouse.

I was conflicted about letting Chan go because of the rule that it takes years to develop a program. I mean, look at Beamer at VT. It took him like 8 years to start putting together good years on a consistent basis, and Chan wasn’t horrible. We were upsetting higher ranked teams on a consistent basis, even if we were losing to lower ranked teams on a consistent basis as well. But it is apparent at this point that just installing a better coach made GT immeasurably better in the first year. I knew we had the players to be a top tier ACC team, I just didn’t know how badly a new coach was needed. It is just nice to be able to vent about the team and know that the coaching will not be the problem. Though, it is a concern about the defense falling apart because the team is going to be defined by its offense. Think about O’Leary’s biggest years. They had Friedgen’s offense killing opponents, but the defense couldn’t do anything, even though O’Leary is supposedly a defensive guy. While a killer offense would be great, I don’t want GT to become Mizzou of the South. We need to keep up defensive excellence to win those games against top all around teams, which we should be playing against in the near future.

One final thought, I really like what Doc Walker said about Sedric Griffin earlier this year during the BC game. “Sedric Griffin has intentions, and they are bad.” I hope the team continues to keep up those intentions in the future.

I’d better go to bed before I realize I’m having homosexual fantasies about the football team.

By JWC

December 6, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this

LARRY<

RUMORS GETTING LOUDER OUT OF BHAM, CPJ IS NOW PROBABLY IN THE TOP 2 ON AUBURNS LIST!!!!! PAY THE MAN!!!!!!!!

By bearcasey

December 6, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

JWC: I too am concerned about other schools poaching Johnson. I am a retired high school teacher/coach and not rich. However, I’m willing to pony up $500 to keep CPJ. I KNOW that there are 2,000 other GT fans like me… that’s $1 million. Let’s do it!

By RAMBLE ON!!!

December 6, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

CPJ is going nowhere, at least for a couple of years. He’s too smart to go to an SEC School, especially one that treats Tommy T. the way they did…hell, listen to the fleabag Nation trying to tell St. Richt how to run his football team. It’s not like they ever did anything before he got there.

If you want to keep him, get your a*******es is the seats. That’s whats going to keep him here.

He has only laid his foundation, with a lot of building and goals still left to do.

By CW

December 6, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Surely this talk in Birmingham is all a smoke screen. I have a hard time seeing Auburn’s admin committing to ANOTHER non-traditional offense after the debacle with the spread this year.

However, I’d really feel more comfortable if I saw Johnson and Radokavich at a presser announcing a big raise and contract extension. TODAY!

By JWC

December 6, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Well, the Tech folks need to nut up and pay him because its going to take a minimum 2.3 mil to keep him eventually… Someone told me Tech has some ridiculous endowment money, like hundreds of mil. This is a tradition rich program and you people should start acting like it and lock this cat down for about 6-7 years like TODAY!!!!!! I warned you!!!!!!

By JWC

December 6, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/sports/1228555007208430.xml&coll=2

By BE#3

December 6, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Tech 75,

I don’t care if your opponent in the bowl had 2 months to prepare. Unless that team can man up and play 60 minutes of physical football, your Jackets will not lose. Georgia did a good job of defending the option for 30 minutes but then turned soft and the banged up Tech OL outplayed the entire Georgia defense. You cannot prepare for the blocking schemes that Tech uses in practice w/out risking injury to your defensive starters. Barring a rash of turnovers by ya’ll, you will beat Carolina, LSU, etc.

Congratulations on a great season. Hope ya’ll finish 10-3.

And remember, if you play Carolina, Spurrier is a c..k lover and if it’s LSU, you can’t spell SLUT without LSU!

By Bankerdawg

December 6, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

I do not think you guys have any worries regarding CPJ jumping to Auburn.

First, I think he is just too decent a guy to be “one and done” anywhere, but certainly not a school like Tech, and certainly not to the AD that took a huge risk in hiring him (because his offense could never work at a BCS school, etc…).

Personally, I believe he will be at Tech for many years.

Second, and I know this is a huge disclaimer, several of my Auburn guys have told me flat out that he is not in the mix. While Auburn wants to get back to running the football, I don’t think they are at the point where they can commit to the option attack CPJ brings to the table.

As an aside, I think someone above alluded to Marcus Wright being someone to watch next year, and I agree completely. A 5-A player of the year out of Texas with that much speed is something that cannot be ignored. Further, he appeared to become much more comfortable blocking for you guys by the end of the year (certainly against us he had a few). He is someone that could be ridiculous next year as well, to complement Jones, Dwyer, et al.

I hope you guys enjoy all of this.

Meanwhile, I’ll be trying to convince my frieds that we should not fire a coach who has won 80% of his games over 8 years and has played for 4 conference titles, winning two…unbelievable. What a strange, strange world.

By GT

December 6, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

The ACC has a lot of talented defensive linemen. That Clemson line comes to mind but there are several across the league. It is very difficult to have so many good players in one position and everybody get noticed, especially in this league.

By BE#3

December 6, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

The Clemson D is going to be even better if the rumor about them picking up John Chavis is true. UT has always had a solid, sound defense under Chavis. Even this season with all of UT’s problems, the defense was one of the best in the nation (4th in total d and 12th in scoring d nationally).

By Randy

December 6, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I certainly hope that DRad is doing all he can do to keep CPJ at GT. We don’t need a one and done football coach to go with all the one and done BB players we seem to get.

I think CPJ is better than to leave after one and I hope I am right. The link posted above by JWC sure has me concerned though.

I too would like to see DRad and CPJ step out this today and say that CPJ is going NOWHERE else in the near future.

Contact DRad and let him know how you feel. Then back it up by showing up New Years Eve in the Georgia Dome. I have my tickets and will see you there!

.

By THWG

December 6, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Get your Peach Bowl tix now!!!!

By WreckHornGoesTHWUGA!!!!

December 6, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

DRad: Make Coach Johnson the highest paid coach in the ACC. If you need more money, fire Hewitt, hire another mediocre BB coach on the cheap, and give the difference to the FB program. You obviously don’t care about winning BB games at Tech anyway. We haven’t even been near the top in the ACC in years.

By WreckRocket

December 6, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Coach Wommack and all the defensive players, staff, etc. I admit I didn’t know much about Coach W when CPJ hired him, but I couldn’t be more pleased with the defense. The TripOption got most of the press this year, and deserved much of it, but it takes a good D to win 9 games (make that 10 with a bowl). CPJ coaches well, hires well, represents well, and now it’s time to pay he and his staff well.

By BravesFan79

December 7, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this

WreckHorn…. oyea… GREAT idea… lets put all our money into a program run by the CRAP BCS where no ACC team outside of Florida State or Miami would get enough respect and “votes” to be voted in over a SEC champ, USC, Texas or OU.
Just look at how a 1 loss VT got passed over for a 2 loss LSU last year. If anyone dosent think that would be the norm instead of a rarity…. your sadly mistaken.

Face it… GT Hoops has a better chance at winning at National Title in the next 5 years than football does! Why? BCS bullsht!!

Besides we put plenty of players in the NBA….its not like our program is UGA or Ga State.

Well probably have a better season than NC State, and UGA, have a nice NIT run, and land D Favors.

Well get Bell back for defense, and have older experienced guards (something we havent had since Jarret Jack) and have the #1 player in the nation. 2009-10 will be SPECIAL for GT Hoops!!

By BravesFan79

December 7, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this

These bowls really SUCK!
The BEST we could come up with is LSU or SC??

What a lame pointless game, it will be a blowout like UGA vs Hawaii and the Rose Bowl last year!

GT has little to gain by beating either opponent as both teams suck this year.
Good potential games ….. GT vs. Penn State, Ohio State, or Southern Cal!!

Then again, its just a pointless bowl game anyways, just as meaningless as a NFL preseason game.

Thats why NFL is better…. go Falcons and Jets!!

By JWC

December 7, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

www.coacheshotseat.com

By Westdawg

December 7, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

LSU will BURY GT.SEC RULES!

By justthefacts

December 8, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this

It would be nice if the Jackets could have more fans at the game than LSU. Doubtful, but nice

By BACK to the question

December 8, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

YES, the D-line can be just as good or better next year than it was this year. But will it be? I believe so.

T.J. Barnes (Redshirt Fr) is 6’7” 325lbs., ala “Mount” Cody for Alabama. The incoming Fr. (J.C. Lanier) is 6’3”, 340lbs. However, if PJ believes the D-line has plenty of depth Lanier will be redshirted as PJ likes to do; (A-back depth this year is the reason Marcus Wright’s redshirt was lifted).

The D-line back-ups are not only pretty darn good, but got quite a bit of in-game experience this season. And Peters looks to be really good one.

Now, throw in all the LB talent, add Morgan Burnett & his posse to the mix, and BAM! the Jackets have got something cookin’. If they stay healthy, I predict the D will be top 15 next season. (But let’s take a top 15 performance in the Peach, er, Chick-Fil-A Bowl for now.)

As far as awards…….

It’s just the way it goes so often in sports these days that upper classmen get the awards (b/c they will no longer be around to get another chance). What I’m saying is, is that I believe Derrick Morgan is Tech’s best D-lineman. But he’s just a sophomore; therefore, the award voters can pick him next year or in his senior year if he’s still in college. Such is the case for Morgan Burnett (a total dominator at the S position).