Tech

By This is getting out of hand...

December 11, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

CPJ is a very good coach, no doubt about it. Yet, it seems that way too many people think he can do no wrong and that he is on the same level and Obama, and, thus, is the “Chosen One”. Granted, this year was good, but, hey, Tech lost 3 games this year - hardly the stuff of a truly great performance - next year will be the benchmark!

While the team will get better, other teams will get better, too. It will be truly interesting to see how the fan base reacts next year when Tech loses 1, 2, 3 or more games. Will everybody jump off the bandwagon as quickly as thye built support?

By Randy

December 11, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

I agree that Johnson has done great things with the program in a short period of time. Looking back, Charlie Weis did great things at Notre Dame in a short period of time as well didn’t he? While I am not in favor of losing Johnson, I also don’t agree with getting Tech locked into contract with a “stupefying” buy out like ND is reported to have if they wanted to get rid of Weis.

Do what makes sense to keep him while also protecting the Institute’s interests.

I don’t believe that Johnson is looking to jump ship anyway. He doesn’t appear to be that kind of a guy.

Now we as fans have to step up and support the coach and team. I have my tickets for the bowl game, how about you???

By Carolina Jacket

December 11, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Coach Johnson has brought a new offense and new attitude to the Jackets. Hopefully, things will only get better.

In regard to LSU, the Jackets had better not take them lightly. They are a great school with tremendous tradition. This is the only way they can somewhat salvage an otherwise dismal year. They will be hungry.

By The Price is Right

December 11, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Yes…

We lost 3 games this year…

• In a year in which we had a brand new coach, brand new offense - we were supposed to be rebuilding.

• In a year where we beat every major rival - FSU, Clemson, Miami, and UGA. We hadn’t beaten UGA in 7 years. We hate UGA more than anything in this world, and we beat them in a year where they were ranked preseason #1.

• In a year where we had absolutely no expectation of anything resembling a good season, we win 9 games and beat UGA in their house.

I’m not sure how you define great, but by my definition, this season is about as great as it gets.

By fred

December 11, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Thanks for “leading”, Coach Johnson!!!

That inner fire we see is sparked by you.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooJackets!!!!!! THWG!!!

By MP

December 11, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

“In a year where we beat every major rival”

Are you kidding me? What about Virginia Tech? They are at least our third biggest rival and that will only intensify as time goes on.

By The Price is Right

December 11, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

If you consider VPI our 3rd biggest rival, you haven’t been following the yellow jackets very long.

Regardless, we were also in a position to beat them, with turnovers and a few questionable calls costing us the game.

By buzzwax

December 11, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Good performance, Great performance?

Define both. By GT standards, beating UGA and winning 9 games is GREAT! IMO, CPJ’s definition 9 wins, beating UGA is good not great, because GT didn’t win the ACC. That is why I like him!!!

Either way, if you can’t admit that our success this year far exceeded expectations than you need help!

By reebok

December 11, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

IMHO, our 2 biggest rivals are Georgia (DUH) and then Clemson…after that, I guess the team I want to beat the most is FSU, but I don’t know if that makes them a ‘rival’ or just a conference opponent.

Also IMHO, Paul Johnson is a legitimate national-championship caliber coach. No, I am not predicting a national championship for Tech, but I do think the days where we are out-coached and out-schemed are over. Good riddance to Gailey, Tenuta and Nix!

By Josh GT

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

No way is VT our third biggest rival. We’ve only played them a handful of times in our history. How long have you watched Tech football? The list would go something like this:

1. UGA
2. Clemson
3. FSU (Some people would swap Clemson and FSU, but history prevents me from doing so.)

Then there is probably a 4-way tie between UNC (we have a history of trouble in Chapel Hill…see 1990), Miami (everyone hates the U), UVA (a lot of REALLY close games), and maybe VT.

By Greg

December 11, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

It’s hard to overstate how good a job CPJ did this year. In addition to having a great overall season with only 1 “bad” loss (UNC - and that was still close in the early 4th quarter), we pushed two monkeys off our back - beating FSU, something none of the previous 4 coaches could do, and beating UGA in Athens. Regardless of what the future holds, 2008 will be remembered as a special season for many years to come.

By Harmon

December 11, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Way to go CPJ, great job even if you don’t think so.

I agree with a few comments so far that by the opinion of almost all GT fans winning nine and beating uga between the hedges makes for a great season. But the reason CPJ is one of the best coaches is because he thinks we just did good and won’t be great until we are 14-0 with the last win being the NC.

Johnson is only happy when we are perfect.

Go Jackets!!!! THWG

By Brewer for GT President

December 11, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

This is getting out of hand…

I’ve been on the CPJ bandwagon since 1997! He was the best guy out there and we got him. That being said, this season could have easily turned out 7-5 or worse, so I’m not asking for anything on campus to be renamed in his honor yet. The offense is probably about 60% right now. We have NONE of the Run-n-Shoot stuff working right now (pass blocking = fail) and CJP has said himself that they’re still not running the base triple option play very well. Next year will be the real test, but they’re should be nearly double the talent in the backfield w/ the addition of Allen and Watson to the b-back spot.

And the defense… We all got a good laugh out of people posting “This just in: Roddy Jones is still running!”, but if Scott Blair misses the FG then we’d probably be reading “This just in: Massaquoi just caught ANOTHER slant route! GT never saw that one coming!” Think about it…

By Heather Dinich

December 11, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Not only does his offense “work” in the ACC, it beats the SEC, too. Johnson enters the Chick-fil-A Bowl against LSU with a 2-0 record against the SEC, including the league’s most impressive nonconference win, as he beat rival Georgia. His nine wins were the most by a first-year coach at Georgia Tech. He did it with an entirely new offense, a new defensive coordinator, injuries to 11 starters, and without the maximum 85 scholarships - Heather Dinich, ESPN

By SECophile

December 11, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

If Paul Johnson and Dan Radakovich can perform the near-impossible and get us out of the God-awful ACC and back into the SEC, it will truly be a miracle that restores Tech as a major player. Who in this area really cares about Va Tech, NC State, etc? Our natural rivals are SEC schools like Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, etc. Look at the few times we fill the stadium and it is with SEC schools with the only two natural rivals in the ACC being Clemson and FSU. Coach Dodd was a wonderful coach but a lousy AD who pulled us from the SEC.

By buzzwax

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

Based on history, our top rivals are UGA, Auburn, Alabama, Tenn and Notre Dame. Hell, Duke was a HUGE rival.

“Modern” rivals - UGA, Clemson, FSU, UVA. But VT is climbing FAST as is UNC. (Butch Davis is easy to hate) It seem the ACC Championship goes through Charlottesville. The next time Miami beats us will improve this ‘rivalry’. Miami is to GT as GT WAS to UGA…..

By Jack G

December 11, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

If my memory serves me right(it sometimes fails me in my old age) Dodd pulled out of the SEC because he wanted to be independant like Notre Dame. The reasoning behind this, was GT could keep all of their Bowl money and not share with the SEC.

GT was going to a major bowl every year during that era.

By Chuck

December 11, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I know coach Johnson just got here. I do not know what he makes. Probably more than the Navy job. His name has got to be on several short lists for coaching jobs. Maybe Notre Dame. He deserves a raise and a thank you for a job well done. Thanks also to Coach Gailey for the players. Make it no doubt that he stays at Georgia Tech. Great job coach Johnson!

By Carolina Jacket

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

Jack G, are you sure that back in those days bowl money was shared with the conference? I don’t think it was.

I believe the big issue with Dodd had to do with the number of scholarships allowed, with a bit of a hangover from the Chick Granning affair. After Tech dropped out of the SEC Dodd tried to get back in but was blocked. I, for one, am very sorry we left the SEC and would love to see the SEC trade Vandy for Tech. That would really help both teams, but will never be done.

By ken sugiura

December 11, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Brewer makes an interesting point. The season could have been 7-5 with losses to Florida State and Georgia. Heck, the Jackets could have lost to Gardner-Webb.

What i’d counter is, you could say that about almost any team. With a play here or there, Tech could have also beaten Virginia and Virginia Tech, and then they might be in the Orange Bowl.

I’d have to say it’s more than just the record. Regardless of the record (although that’s a large part), you’d have to say Tech fans are far more optimistic about the future than they were 12 months ago. And, hence, a renegotiation.

For what it’s worth, there’s been no word. I’d be a bit surprised if something got done today.

By StingDoc in South Africa

December 11, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

By SECophile wrote: * If Paul Johnson and Dan Radakovich can perform the near-impossible and get us out of the God-awful ACC and back into the SEC, it will truly be a miracle that restores Tech as a major player.*

I agree completely. Bad calls by ACC refs cost us the VT and UNC games and kept us from getting into the UNC game. Tech should make every effort to get out of the ACC.

I’m traveling and will miss the bowl game, but I’ll be there in spirit.

GO JACKETS!!

By Brock

December 11, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Johnson stated that Tech ran 25% of his offense this year. That’s all they could cram in and learn being a brand new offense and they went 9-3!! If Tech has 75% of artillary, schemes…whatever you want to call it..to implement into what is obviously a proven offense, I think it’s going to be very promising for the future and very scary for the opposing teams.

Congrats to PJ and the entire Tech team. Outstanding job this year!!

By jabster

December 11, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Biggest rivals, past and present:

—UGA (natch) —Auburn (not active) —Clemson (friendly rivalry) —Duke (not so much today due to Duke’s recent history, but we have played them every year since 1933—longer than anyone except UGA) —UVA (close, ugly series) —Tennessee (not active) —Bama (not active) —Notre Dame (not active) —FSU (lots of close games) —UNC (see UVA)

Miami and VT don’t have enough history to include them.

By GermanJacket

December 11, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Heather - Thanks for the props. It’s pretty obvious that all the whiners and cry babys just don’t “get it” when it comes to Paul Johnson, his offense and his coaching abilities. Time will tell the tale and I’m glad he is on OUR side. I hope you’ll enjoy the ride as much as I will.

By BIGBEE

December 11, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

* Why don’t we just stay where we are and beat every SEC team that we have an opportunity to play? When we do that and find that the GREAT SEC dosen’t want to play us any more,the football world will se that we are a good team with a great coach.*

By rhino

December 11, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe some of the things I’m reading. I hope they aren’t Tech fans but other fans trying to bring us down. First of all Paul Johnson is a real winner. Football is a sport that can produce problems some years for great and promising teams. I don’t mean like GA this year. I knew Ga. would be a good team this year but they didn’t have the line to be a national champion. Beating or even having to play Hawaii last year really sucked for GA. Alabama getting stuck with Utah this year is really a slaplin the face to the SEC. Nothing good can come from it. Either Alabama detroyes them or they become instant dogs. Why is the Sugar bowl getting stuck with the BCS busters? But back to Paul Johnson. He is a great choice for GT. and is going to do great things there. Will he have a bad season sometime? Probally. He is human. The only thing that made Vince Dooley anything more than a half a* coach was Hershal. Without him he was still a desent coach but no Paul Johnson. Coach Johnson is one of those really special men in the college game. Tech needs and should tie him in to as long a contract as they can and lets hope Paul feels like Tech is his home and will want to stay no matter what the Auburns and other schools might throw at him. Paul by nature is a winner and a demands perfection. He demands it first and formost from himself. He is the kind of coach from the mold of the classic GT coach. He will have his name all over Goergia Tech record books if he stays in Atlanta at Tech. He is the modern day Booby Dodd and John Heisman. How lucky can we be that our Athletic Director had the insight to hire him. If I was a man of money I would gladly give money to the school to keep him. And by God I believe Ga Tech fans as a whole aren’t whinning babies like Ga and Auburn and Tennessee. I’ll stand up for this man through thick and thin and the rest of you short sighted think you know something fans can kiss my butt.

By KneeJerk

December 11, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

O’Leary to be fired at 2pm today. Trainers willing to testify against him

By NavyJacket

December 11, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Asked after the end of this year’s Army-Navy game what the difference was between the Navy program and the football programs of their rivals at Army and Air Force that has produced 13 straight wins against those two schools, the Navy player replied, “Work ethic.” I was living in the Annapolis area when Coach Johnson took over a demoralized Navy football program. What I saw from that first summer was that Coach Johnson wasn’t buying into “waddaya expect Coach? After all, the life of a Midshipman is pretty hard, you know.” The biggest thing he did there was to install an ethic—a manner of approach—that has become a part of their ethos such that it has carried over even after the coach has departed. That is what I see beginning to happen here at the Flats. That’s why I think Coach Johnson is a great coach and a great person.

By SouthBendJacket

December 11, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Referring back Randy’s comment at the top. Here are some differences between Johnson and Weis. Johnson has proved he can win as a college head coach, sorry Charlie, not the same for you. Johnson completely changed an offensive scheme with players who didn’t actually fit the mold, Charlie took really good players and tweaked the offense. Johnson beat the teams arch rival his first year, and yet again…sorry Charlie.

I understand your fear for not locking him up for a long time, it was just one year. But you have to look at the history behind the coach to see that this wasn’t a fluke!

PAY HIM THE MONEY!

By Just win baby!

December 11, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Nobody is giving LSU a chance.

“LSU backed into the CFA/Peach bowl.”

“If GA beat LSU then this is a bad time for LSU to be playing Tech.”

“what is LSU going to do to stop Tech’s running game.”

“ACC player of the year.”

“ACC coach of the year.”

How many times before have we seen David beat Goliath? And I wouldn’t exactly call LSU a “David” in that cliche.

GO JACKETS, just beat LSU on 12/31/08!

By Wrecker1

December 11, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

BIG RIVALS: Ugag and Clemmons GROWING RIVALS: Va. Tech - they spanked us pretty good a couple of times in the last 5 years but the others have been knock down drag outs and they really didn’t like us throttling them in their place 2 years ago - I think the team has really gotten to the point where they really get up for the Hokies MEDIUM RIVALS: UNC and Virginia - division opponents - have played really close games with Va but don’t feel the same intensity with them as other teams - same with UNC GROWING RIVAL: Miami - we’ve beat them in some really close games before this year and I’ve got to think deep down they think they’re better than us ALMOST BIG RIVAL: FSU - our games with them from 98 - 02 were about as intense and as competitive as we play - didn’t play them for 6 years but you could feel that emotion in the stadium again this year - if we had them instead of Miami in the division we would have had some really intense games the last several years - that’s the conference’s loss

By KneeJerk

December 11, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

JWB- I think it has something to do with the way Tech is playing now. I heard someone compare Tech’s running game to “a fat girl on rollerskates”. Right now, we’re tough to stop.

By kram reknuoy

December 11, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Tech admin have been encouraging Tech supporters to step-up and support the team … and they (we) should. But, the admin should remember some Tech history of successful coaches using Tech as a spring board to bigger and better oportunities … disappointing the “faithful”. (i.e. Curry to Alabama, Ross to the pros, and O’Leary and Ralph)

Admin should step-up today and the faithful will come. Johnson’s styled players are not necessarily the same as the Pro-Style UGA/Auburn/etc that we compete for recruits. Johnson and the Admin should see a great opportunity.

As for TECH and the SEC. I am for TECH moving back. Heck, we alreadyy have 5 SEC championships even though we exited in the early 60’s. Trade South Carolina (formally ACC) with Tech!

By Sharecropper

December 11, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

There are statistics, and there are damned statistics. But where in the world is that “25%” and “60 %” coming from? The only thing I have read of Johnson speaking to the offense was after the season, when he said “by my standards” the offense wasn’t very good. (Now, if I had scheduled Tech for next season, that would be frightening enough.)

As for the coach, Dean Rusk — a fellow from your state — once said of a glittering, syrupy introduction to a speech, “I wish my wife and mother were here. My wife would appreciate it, and my mother would believe it.”

Hold the eulogies until the funeral.

By schoolingthem2

December 11, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Two words to Tech people, Charlie Weiss!

By old gold engineer

December 11, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

As good as GT’s football season has been thus far, I want to see if Coach Johnson can restore Tech’s winning tradition in bowl games. I don’t think winning bowl games was important to the previous regime. Great opportunity coming up in the CFA bowl against a worthy LSU team.

By Jason

December 11, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

I think the only people who consider VT a rival to GT are ESPN, who promote it as the battles of the Tech’s or whatever, and VT fans. VT needs a rival in the ACC besides Miami and UVA. As far as rivals go, I consider them to be ranked like so: UGA -> Clemson -> FSU -> Miami -> UVA -> VT -> UNC

By SECophile

December 11, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Spread the word: Rad: Get us out of the ACC and back in the SEC and you will certainly be our greatest AD!!!

By jabster

December 11, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

I agree with Jason—Miami and VT are only rivals according to outsiders looking in. Among current regular opponents, I would have to stick with UGA - Clemson - maybe Duke - definitely UVA - maybe FSU -UNC. Miami is a whipping boy and VT is a stymie.

Saying that Miami and VT are rivals would be like saying SC is a rival to UGA (ignoring the Spurrier factor). Heck, Clemson is a bigger UGA rival than SC, and they haven’t played in how long?

And I’d be willing to discard FSU considering how lopsided it has been in conference play, but there have been a lot of close games in that series (albeit all but one one way).

UNC was slipping by the wayside (9-1) until this year, when they cost us the ACC Coastal. They will have our undivided attention next year on the Flats.

By SENIORPRO

December 11, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

i think tech got out of the sec was because tech had to play so many home games and could not if they in the sec.

By GA Tech Insider

December 11, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Bobby Dodd took GA Tech out of the SEC because of the Scholarship limitations the SEC decided to impose after GA Tech began to dominate the conference.

Bobby Dodd, being the gentleman that he was, refused to withdraw scholarships from players on his team that had already been awarded scholarships and, therefore, had GA Tech over the new SEC limits where the other Universities, such as Alabama, pulled scholarships from players.

GA Tech’s vacating the SEC was about honor and integrity; standing up for the young men they made commitments to; values that remain today.

Some things are greater than rivalries.

By Jack G

December 11, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Carolina Jacket

Scholarships and all those other issues entered into GT leaving SEC but as I recall Bowl money was the main reason. However, as i said, time has played hell with my memory Bowl money was smaller back in those days, but in olden times it was a huge amount.

By BobinBuford

December 11, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

The ACC really decided who our rivals are - we don’t play FSU every year, but have Clemson on the schedule. This was the first time we have played F$U in a few years.

By jabster

December 11, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Couple good links about Tech leaving the SEC:

http://blog.al.com/bn/2008/02/southeasternconferencecharte.html

and from a few days ago (scroll all the way down):

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/cfb/entries/2008/12/02/bowlbuzztech.html

The consensus seems to be the Chick Graning incident and scholarships—not Tech not being able to hack it, and probably not bowl money. Remember, we continued to play Auburn (1987) and Tennessee (1986) and Florida (1984) every year until the 80s. We didn’t leave for the same reason that Tulane and Sewanee left—namely a very poor record for Tulane and an 0-fer SEC record for Sewanee.

By Stay in the ACC!

December 11, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

There is no way I want my school to be back in the SEC! The SEC is known for previously being a powerhouse football conference (that is slowly changing now) and nothing else! The ACC has the best academics in the country, better places to go for roadtrips, the best basketball, and the best reputation for post college opportunities! Who wants to roadtrip to Mississippi when you can roadtrip to DC or Boston? Why go to a swamp when you can go to Miaimi beach? I am thankful to be in the ACC instead of the SEC where the football craze is so big that is actually sad. You have teams on probation, teams trying to narc on other teams, tons of fans afraid to go to a city (trust me on that one!), boosters trying to throw midnight coups, felonies and arrests everywhere (if anything, we should trade f$u for Vandy), and a prevalent and false notion of superiority simply because in the past your school had a good football team!

I live and die by how Tech performs like so many of you, but lets be realistic. I’d rather play in the best academic and basketball conference than the (supposedly) best football conference.

By jacketnation

December 11, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Under the circumstances, GA Tech had an incredible year. None of the “EXPERTS” that know everything gave Tech anything but a lowly prediction. 3-9 most of them said. Some great teams fell to the Jackets this year. Of the three games we lost, we beat ourselves; with turn overs and penalties. Two big ones in a row gave the Hokies 30 yards to the plus side and put them in field goal range.

When Tech holds on to the ball they win. They did every game in which they limited turnovers. That triple option is even harder to run than it looks.

Johnson should be NCAA Coach of the year because of how far he took the team as a first year coach in a brand new system.

High school offense? Who said that at UGA?

45-42 and 409 on the ground baby.

By Tech75

December 11, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Pay him $150K per win for up to 6 wins….

Pay him $250K per win from 7 - 10 wins

Pay him $350K per win for every win over 10

Extra $500K bonus for ACC Champ

Extra $500K bonus for BCS Bowl win

Extra $1M bonus for NC

Now THAT’s a contract….

By Huh?

December 11, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Tech fans are so funny. They claim that they only lost games this year because they “beat themselves” and turned the ball over. Yet the fact that Georgia practically gave them two touchdowns off turnovers is wholly irrelevant. They totally owned the Dawgs of course. The logic just doesn’t add up Tech fans.

Talk about having your cake and eating it too. There isn’t a bigger group of clueless hypocrites in all of sports than Tech fans. I guarantee it.

By Huh?

December 11, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Stay in the ACC claims to be realistic but makes up a big fat lie about SEC teams on probation. There isn’t a single solitary team in the SEC that is on probation right now.

“tons of fans afraid to go to a city”

I guess that explains why Georgia fans outnumber Tech fans by about 2 to 1 when the game is played in your joke of a stadium only a stones throw from the ghetto. We’re so afraid of the big bad city!!!

Good grief. What a moron.

By Joe the Stumbler

December 11, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Huh?, There is a bigger group of clueless hypocrites, all you have to do is look in the mirror.

You will always be preseason nationl champs in my books if it makes you feel better!

By Fred

December 11, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Hey Huh?

We Tach fans are clueless? How about you Dawg fans that were irritated when you dropped from the #1 spot this year?

You would have to be clueless and a half to have had them #1 to start with. It was great whipping you this year, but realistically - it wasn’t all that great of a win.

Who did you beat that finished in the top 25? Uh - no need to look it up, the answer is ZERO! How lame is that? OK, lets loosen it up a little - how about how many wins did you get against all teams that received at least ONE VOTE in the USA Today poll? STILL ZERO.

Instead of crying about why you were dropped from #1 so fast, you should be kissing the feet of those that ridiculously put you there in the first place, otherwise you sure didn’t do ANYTHING to justify your current 17th place ranking.

And one last thing, yes, Tech only beat one team (YOU) that finished in the top 25 and three that got votes - but even if you have the gall to go there (since I know some of you will) - since when have you started comparing your football team’s success to Tech’s?

Good luck next year with your stafford/Moreno-less offense!

By The Price is Right

December 11, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I never liked the “we only beat ourselves” argument. You are completely discounting what the other team did to you with those mistakes. We don’t say UGA or FSU beat themselves because they had turnovers. Most of the time, turnovers are caused by great plays by the other team, not you handing it over (ex. Stripping the ball from the UGA return man, or putting a helmet on the football to knock it out in the FSU game).

“We beat ourselves” is the cry of sore losers. Always give credit to your opponents for what they did with your mistakes.

By surfrider

December 11, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Our passing game will be much better next year plus we’ll have two recruiting classed signed by Johnson & Staff. Yes the other teams will be much better but the option attack with an effective passing game is hard to stop coupled with a good defense. I think some college coaches are in it to put a stamp on the college game, Johnson appears to be one of those coaches, and moving around every other year is not what many want.

By @Huh?

December 11, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Well, turnovers or not, it was UGA’s defense’s job to stop them from scoring after the turnover. On both turnovers, Tech either scored immediately or on the first play from scrimmage. Much the same way it was Tech’s defense’s job to stop Stafford, Moreno, and Massaquoi (which they didn’t do).

So no, I don’t buy into your argument that the turnovers are wholly irrelevant.

By The Price is Right

December 11, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Anyone looking for a little amusement - check out this AJC blog from August:

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/shared-blogs/ajc/sportstalk/entries/2008/08/01/ugano1incoaches_poll.html

In particular, read the entry from “Observation” 3/4 of the way down.

By DMac

December 11, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Tech don’t get yourself into a bad deal but get the deal done. CPJ has done more in one year than the previous 6 and basically with the same tallent. The style of play will help tech win and stay in games even when facing better tallent. If this years OU had 50 games against this years Ga Tech, OU would never score 60 pts in one of the 50 games. Running eats the clock,beats on the defense and eats up cheap offensive possesions.

By Stay in the ACC

December 11, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

I never said teams currently on probation. Historically, there always seems to be SEC teams flirting with or on probation. Also, do you seriously presume yourself to be all supremely knowledgable to know every single SEC fan? I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met when my family still lived in south georgia who were afraid to go to Atlanta because “they have 3 laned roads there”. Wow, huh, you’re easy to tick off! :) That makes this all the more fun! I wrote a little blurb of why Tech should stay in the ACC. I was addressing fellow Techies; so why don’t you go about and mind your own business?

(oh, and by the way, “;” is what we call a semicolon. It can be used to join two similar thoughts in a sentence. I’m glad I could clear up that confusion for you before you had to look it up yourself ;) )

By The Price is Right

December 11, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Forum link bugs…

Just google “UGA No. 1 in coaches poll” and check out the ajc blog.

By Paddy

December 11, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

VPI the 3rd biggest rival? I can’t see that being anyway true. I say they come in about 5th or 6th. Wish GT still played Auburn, now those were some real ball games.

By The Legacy Reborn

December 11, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

first of all in the games we lost we did beat ourselves. The other teams were good enough to work with what they got. Ex…. the VT game….this would have been a total different game without 3 turnovers. VT wouldn’t have stood a chance. Yes they “won”, but were out performed on all stats. that is how you beat yourself. the UVA game…..nesbitt fumbled twice within the 5 yard line. there went 2 potential TD’s. We lost by one TD. UNC IMO is the only game where we were outplayed, but we held it close until the 4th quarter, and then MADE MAJOR MISTAKES! GT doesn’t get the recognition that they deserve, but that is OK! We MAJORLY beat all expectations this year, and if you can’t see that then too bad! And HUH?, Im sorry you are still mad that we beat ugag even though they played their best!!!! I guess you only came to play the first half of that game. after that you were OWNED!!!!!!!!! remember the number 26? ugay fans are just scared that GT is rising to the status that made it a great team again. Do you like the #8? 8 in a row? too bad you can’t beat that still, and stack up some more NC’s before you talk s**t. You might have the most wins in the rivalry, but what do you expect when you fail to match our win streak twice in 20 years and fail. OVERRATED!! just like the pre-season #1 that was given to you just because you cried so much at the end of 2007. it boils down to this. Give respect where respect is due…. and that respect is due to the new first year everything, youngest ACC team, strong, determined, never back down GA TECH YELLOW JACKETS!!!!!! THWG!!!!!!!!!!

By Stay in the ACC

December 11, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Oh, and one other thing, huh. I do like how you were trying to call out my two, admittedly, weaker examples because we all know you sure can’t touch anything regarding the prestige and better academics of the ACC schools (I do hold Vanderbilt in high esteem for their academics, however). You further proved this point by claiming that there are twice as many uga fans at Bobby Dodd Stadium when the two teams play. Yes, there are quite a few, but if Bobby Dodd Stadium holds close to 60,000 (I’m not sure the exact number), then you are a fool to think that 40,000 are uga fans. If this is what you believe, then you either have never been to a Tech/uga game in Atlanta, or you are stupid. uga has never had a majority there. But don’t worry, if I went your shool, I’d probably be stupid too - instead of pulling down my six digit salary only three years out of Tech.

By SECophile

December 11, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Come on “Stay in the ACC”, your logic is as bad as your grammar and yet you have the temerity to criticize another’s. If you want to stay in the ACC, that is your privilege, even though it is not a very smart one. I know of no fans more boorish and obnoxious than those of Duke and North Carolina. The old days of basketball supremacy of the ACC are also gone for good. The much maligned SEC is actually composed of schools, in the main, of high academic standards even though, admittedly, they do make generous concessions for athletes. But, don’t tell anyone, so do we. My point in wanting to get back in the SEC is that we would not embarass ourselves with the paltry attendance for both football and basketball. If you don’t believe that we are hurting financially in athletics, then maybe you should contact Rad himself. We would need an 80,000 seat stadium within a few years if we could rejoin the SEC and play our true traditional rivals. Unfortunately, money is the name of the game and we ain’t(sic) got it

By BillGTDenn

December 11, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

My dad graduated from Tech way back in the ’40s and took me to every home game from the late 50’s up through the early 80’s. I believe based upon my observation of the many Tech teams that have been put on the field over the years, this one has impressed me the most for surpassing all expectations in a year where so many changes had occurred. Coach Paul Johnson has been a breath of fresh air and brought a new intensity to the team that was sorely lacking under previous coaches. The offense is one that gives the opposition a great challenge to defend, and considering this was our first year running it I was impressed with our success.

There were disappointing loses, no doubt. It would have been nice to have played VaTech a little later in the year to have gotten rid of some of the symptoms of fumbleitis. I think we could and would beat them now. The UNC loss was a little hard to take as our offense just didn’t ever get going and fumbleitis showed up to thwart any chance of winning. The Virginia loss was more to injuries hurting our first teamers and turnovers added to the problem.

But, overall the season was a great success considering we got the FSU monkey off our back, and stopped the pups from peeing on our season. The bowl game is icing on the cake and a chance to spank another SEC team in the butt.

Coach Johnson has done a great job and is due all the accolades from those who recognize what an accomplishment it was.

Next year should be even better, but we must keep the pups in their cage to make it top rung.

By NYJacket

December 11, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

I played for Dodd and I can tell you what he told us.

Dodd believed when he gave a scholarship to a player the player made a commitment to the school. Therefore, he was committed to the player.

If the player wasn’t as good as the guys who were playing, the player could stay at Tech and graduate.

At that time there was no limit on scholarships. At one time we had over 200 scholarship players.

The SEC wanted to place a limit. Some of the other schools had coaching staffs that would “run off” the guys they did not want to keep.

Dodd simply did not believe in that.

This was his main reason.

He also thought that Tech needed to recruit nationally so he believed that scheduling Southern California, Notre Dame, and Texas A&M etc. would give Tech broad national coverage. This expanded coverage he believed would help recruiting. It turned out he was wrong about that - it hurt.

In any event, it may have been a mistake but Dodd was loyal to Tech. I don’t think he ever was paid more than $100,000 and he turned down “half the state of Texas” when offered the job at the U of T.

Some of you guys forget all the positive things Dodd did for Tech. He built the modern tradition that set the standard.

By jabster

December 11, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

I personally like Sav’h Dawg’s post from that old blog:

Defense wins championships!I’ve been a season ticket holder for 25 years, and this by far the best defense Georgia has ever had, period. Go Dawgs!

And Tech did, what, rack up the third most EVER (behind that Florida game in Athens when Jax was closed for Olympic construction and the 48-0 game in 1943) on the Dawgs between the hedges?

But I am sure that Willie Martinez agrees with Savannah Dawg. Urban and Saban, not so much.

By JWC

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

Larry,

I am puzzled that CPJ to Auburn/ His Extension at Tech (to which there has been no statement made in regards to details), is such a non-story, whereas I feel this is quite a legitimate story, and sources have said Auburn has reached out to Johnson yet a 2nd time. I think most of the fans want to know what the latest is on that situation…. CPJ’s comments re: this have been a little evasive, but we need to hear something within a few days or Id be a little worried. Im just saying they will be throwing $3 mil per yr on the table. Im just sayin….

By CW

December 11, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

I have put absolutely no stock in the rumors to date about Coach Johnson and Auburn and I hope that this is all groundless.

However, I just heard Paul Finebaum interview one of the Auburn Undercover web site writers who reported that Auburn has continued to reach out to Johnson and that the lack of an announcement out of Tech’s negotiations with Johnson (or his attorney) today indicates that Coach Johnson is still very much in play for Auburn. This guy is hardly a lock in terms of his sources, but it sure would be nice to hear something a little stronger out of Tech and from Coach Johnson’s camp.

While I initially thought Coach Johnson would not be the kind of coach to leave after one year, I think Auburn’s desperation knows no bounds. DR, let’s get the deal done to lock up our coach and not let these stories begin to affect our recruiting efforts.

By Jack G

December 11, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

I stand corrected. Thank you for the input on scholarships and leaving SEC Dodd was a man of honor

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

December 11, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

CW:

I had begun to relax, and now I am back to being concerned that AU is trying to steal our coach.

DRAD: Do you understand that Jacket Nation needs to be comforted about this situation. If these rumors are unfounded, then why no definitive statement from either CPJ or DRAD????

Ken: Please try to get some type of definitive statement from someone.

By Reality Check

December 11, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Paul Johnson is a straight up beast. He brings to Tech everything that defines Tech, being different. Different offense and a passion for the game. Less talent = more motivation

By wreckmaniac

December 11, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

PJ and Tech had a terrific year, no doubt but I don’t want to see us fall in a Mark Richt style love-fest that UGA fell into for 6 years and still are in. Richt hasn’t delivered the big enchilada and neither has PJ. I don’t want to get into an attitude of ” Yea, but look at what he did in 08” when (and if) we have a down year next year. Lets don’t place excessive expectation on this team. All I want to see is a team that gives 60+ minutes every game and a coach that shows that he demands the full effort. We did not have that in the previous 6 years.

By hardmanb

December 11, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

In previous years, with our apathetic players, uninspired playcalling, and clueless offense, I would have been scared to death of an upcoming bowl game against LSU.

But this year, I feel much better, with a young but spirited TEAM playing arguably over their heads in talent level. The game plans, adjustments, playcalling, coherent offense and manifest winning attitude (CPJ) gives us a chance to finish strong. Here’s hoping for a ten-win season!

By Billy

December 12, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Please, 3/4 of the comments I’ve read from UGA fans are of the “We beat ourselves” variety. Beating yourselves and getting beat by the other team are not mutually exclusive. Yes, Stafford threw a pick-six, but in light of who made the interception and TD I don’t think it was a fluke play. And isn’t execution what defines a good team? I mean, “We’re a great team; we just couldn’t hold onto the ball/get it in the end zone/put our shoes on the right feet.” Really? I mean, it’s like failing a math test and saying, “Well, I just messed up. I mean, I’m good at math, but I seem to have forgotten what numbers mean.”

Let’s be realistic — we didn’t really whip Georgia. It was a 3-point game in which our defense actually gave up more yardage and points than did theirs. Our just also put points on the board for us. Can Georgia say they beat themselves? Sure, but who would’ve thought before Week 1 that Tech would’ve played UGA close enough for capitalizing on a couple of turnovers to even matter? If you beat yourself, 99.99% of the time you still have to give credit to your opponent for (A) taking advantage of your mistakes and (B) being in a position where those mistakes do make an actual difference. The Stafford pick-six and the Samuels fumble don’t make any difference at all if UGA puts 60 points on the board while holding Tech to a few field goals, and at the start of the season I’d guess most people would have thought that to be a more likely scenario than what actually occurred.

By Tech OldTimer

December 12, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Jack G

Wrong! Tech pulled out of the ACC because of the first limits on the number of scholarships that could be offered. Tech was a powerhouse program under him largely due to the lack of professional sports in Atlanta. Tech was the only game in town and thus we could compete with anyone. Tech, Bama, Notre Dame, ARmy, Navy, Tennessee, Michigan, etc. were the big teams of that era. Sadly, we have slipped to a top 30 program versus a top 10 program. We were looked at as the superior team in this state then…now UGA is. We had one of the largest stadiums in the country then…now we probably come in around the 40th or worse in attendance.

Dodd later realized the mistake and attempted to re-enter the SEC but UGA’s influence kept TECH out (believe this was 1971 or 1972).

THWG!

By Cecil34

December 12, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

CPJ has done an outstanding job this year - I think we would all agree to that analysis. He is a coach who is a cut above most.

We would also agree that there is room for improvement. CPJ would agree also.

I understand that we have just seen the tip of the iceberg offensively. As the talent comes in, more of the offense will be revealed.

My concern is whether it is Stafford to Massaquoi on the slant, or Joe Cox to Daniels on the slant, Tech defense must improve. We can shut down the ground game, but the passing game is where UGA excels, and Tech must be able to get pressure on the QB and stop the slant route.

This will be the real challenge in ‘09.

The great thing is - CPJ is smart enough to do it.

By Yazoo

December 12, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Everybody is talking about one season going 9-3. How about his record for the past 20 years as OC & HC! Let’s not forget that he beat the stuffing out of Tressel while both were AA teams - so the guy’s legit. If he takes a team with mostly Fresh & Soph and beats the pre-season ranked football team at the end of the season I say we hold on to him with a kungfu grip!!!! I’m not saying we need to give him the world but boosting his salary 400k per is a lot better than possibily spending another 3 mill in a buyout in 4 years after someone else fails. GO JACKETS!!!!!!

By Jack G

December 12, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

At this point all of the Auburn chaseing CPJ is speculation. D Rad needs to come out and state whether or not Auburn has requested permission to talk to CPJ. CPJ needs to make a statement on his interest in Auburn. With no comment from either one makes for wild speculation and makes one wonder about commitment to GT and its program.

By AP4GT

December 12, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Some of you GT fans are killing me with this wanting to go back to the SEC crap. Why would you want to go back to a weaker conference? the ACC went 6-4 against the SEC this year and 6-1 against SEC teams not by the name of Florida or Alabama. This record is going to at least improve to 7-5 and 7-1 after GT plays LSU. But the kicker is that the best team in the ACC didnt play either Florida or Alabama. I believe that GT could beat Alabama in the right Circumstances.

By egeagle

December 12, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

You Techies are a hoot. I especially enjoyed rhino’s glowing exultation of PJ. PJ is a greaat coach, but as Furman Bisher and the rest of the Tech rooting section seem to want to ignore, PJ got a great deal of his coaching philosophy and work ethic from none other than the great ERK RUSSELL, not Dodd, Heisman, Alexnder or any Tech influence. Erk was all about effort and making the best of what talent was available. PJ learned well from Erk, and Erk was awesome at bringing down the high and mighty as in his and VD’s 3-0 record against Dodd. GATA was taken from the GTAA. I love to hear y’all praise a Georgia and Georgia Southern work ethic as some sort of inherent Tech snobbery. And as many of you as any UGA people berated this very plan and offense at last year’s spring game, calling it things worse than a “high school offense” The irony is delicious.

By gtmoney

December 12, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

still can get Chick-fil-a bowl tickets

Peach Bowl Tickets

By Wes King

December 13, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this

Maybe coaches should all get paid about the same PLUS bonus on games won. Some games pay more than others and so on?

naaa….That sounds to much like the pros.

I hope CPJ stays cause he likes Tech and it’s history. Over a Million Dollars a year should be more than enough for any man. A quarter of that would pull me completely out of debt and end my personal recession.

By GT 90

December 14, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this

The difference between Charlie Weiss and CPJ is actualy college head coaching experience and that’s comparing apples to oranges. If we don’t do what it take so keep CPJ at Tech, you may as well write us off for a very long time, b/c no one else runs the option as well as CPJ and the players cannot handle another transition back to a traditional offense.

Plain and simple, don’t compare our situation to Notre Lames’.