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September 2006
7 reasons Jackets will win
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
VT has been a perennial power in the Big East/ACC for the last decade. During that time, they’ve been unyielding on defense, phenomenal on specials teams, have recruited well, and have turned Lane Stadium into a tough place to play.
That said, I think the Yellow Jackets roll on Saturday. Not roll on their back and play dead — that’s for canines — but roll up an impressive win against the Hokies.
Foolish? Irrational? Overly optimist? Maybe so, but at least let me present my case:
Crowd noise will not be a factor. GT has experienced upperclassmen who have played in this type of environment.
There’s speed everywhere on this team. I’ve said this all year. We fly to the ball on defense. We create space on offense. Wheeler, Hall, Robertson, the Johnson boys (Calvin, Michael, James), Rashaun Grant, Kenny Scott — they’re all speedsters. And I’m leaving out many more.
Jon Tenuta is coaching our defense.
Inexperience on offense for VT, particularly at QB. The Hokies have looked shaky against teams that you shouldn’t be shaky against.
Calvin Johnson must be healthy or all bets are off (although we all saw what we can do with a gimpy leg against UVA).
Special emphasis on special teams. GT coaches have worked diligently putting the right personnel and the right schemes on the field. We must play perfect here or my prediction will prove foolish.
Reggie is playing well. He’s not racking up the statistics, but he’s playing good fundamental football with few mistakes. And he’s having fun again.
I’ll say GT 24-13.
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Second chance in Blacksburg
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ll admit it. I turned off the game last year.
Yep, the 51-7 butt-kicking by the Hokies. I turned it off. As I recall, I muttered a few undesirable words, clicked off the television, and stormed outside. I was furious, embarrassed, and disappointed in our team’s effort.
Once you think we’re heading in the right direction, we take a detour to mediocrity. And it’s always when we have an opportunity to do something special.
I’m not discounting the Auburn and Miami wins. Those were fantastic and special wins. I was in Jordan-Hare stadium last year and witnessed it firsthand. That was the quietest 87,000 people I’ve ever heard (except for us Tech fans, of course).
We’re here again, on the brink of making something special happen in Blacksburg. We have the experience, the playmakers, and the desire to do something special. But will we? Is this finally the year? Do we breakout against VT and win big?
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It’s Beatdown Thursday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Finally to ACC play.
The Virginia game has been the quintessential pivotal game for Tech year after year. And we’re losing this game year after year.
Our last three games with Virginia have resulted in losses. We’ve been outscored 86-44 in those games. Ouch.
This year appears to be a favorable situation for Tech. Virginia is down and we’re looking for payback. Just think, UVA is two points from being 0-3. (their only victory was a 13-12 win over Wyoming).
We owe Virginia a big time whipping on national television. ESPN calls it ‘Throwback Thursday,’ but I’m hoping for ‘Beatdown Thursday’.
See you at the game.
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No fear of an upset
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve heard the chatter about the Tech-Troy game — Troy’s got a great QB… they’ll spread you out with their receivers… tons of speed… two big corners that can guard Calvin… they gave Florida State all they could handle…
I’m not buying it.
We are too good to make this a close game. The only way we win by less than 10 points is if we turn the ball over four times like FSU. Besides, that was clearly a sandwich game for the Seminoles (Miami-Troy-Clemson).
We have too much speed, size, skill, and depth for these guys. I’m glad we’re not taking them lightly, because that’s when you get your head handed to you. Still, I’m seeing a decisive victory for the Jackets.
Kick coverage a concern
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Whenever Tech plays someone we should manhandle, I primarily worry about injuries and letdowns.
Sounds like Djay Jones is out for next week and I’m not sure about Andrew Smith. I’m hoping he will be back fielding punts this week. What I saw of Andrew was a confident and fearless punt returner who was reminiscent of Kelly Rhino.
I don’t try to read too much into a game with a clearly overmatched opponent. The defense ruled again. Did anyone notice that Tech did not allow a first down in the entire second half?
My biggest concern is the obvious: kick coverage. We have got to get this shored up, and fast. We will lose games if this isn’t fixed. We gave Samford three points in the first half by letting them have good field position.
Best sign at the game: “I want my $$ back. I thought we were playing Stanford.”
Most intriguing score of the weekend: Notre Dame 41, Penn State 17. Now how good does the Tech D look?
No such thing as quality loss
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s no such thing as a good loss.
If you’re a Tech fan and you’re serious about GT being an upper echelon team in the nation or even in the ACC, then you must remove the words “good loss” from your vocabulary.
I’m not saying you can’t be proud of our team’s effort. I’m certainly proud of our effort. The Jackets showed tremendous heart and emotion on Saturday night. They played well and went toe-to-toe with one of nation’s best teams.
In particular: 1. Tech played with swagger. 2. Tech’s D subdued the best offense in the nation. 3. Reggie Ball was solid. He made smart decisions and ran the ball well. 4. Calvin was Calvin. There’s no better receiver in the nation. 5. Philip Wheeler was outstanding. That guy was everywhere on the field.
Ten years from now, you won’t be able to remember a single statistic from the game. You’ll only remember that we lost a close one in Bobby Dodd Stadium.
We have the makings of an outstanding football team this year. Don’t disservice the team by saying that this was a good loss. Winning is what matters and we came up short.
Choice, defense will prevail
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s a lot for both Tech and Notre Dame to prove this weekend.
Notre Dame wants to reinforce that their high preseason ranking is not a delusion and they’re deserving of national title talk. The defense has a chip on their shoulder after giving up plenty of yards and points last year. Quinn, Walker, Samardzija, and McKnight look to become the 2006 version of the four horsemen.
Tech wants to prove that they are equally deserving of title talk. The Tech defense looks to shut down a talented offense with three new starters in the secondary. Calvin Johnson wants the ball early and often despite being double- or triple-teamed. Reggie looks to begin his breakout season by making big plays, particularly through the air.
I expect our defensive front will be too much for the Irish, particularly in the second half. I expect to see a lot of pressure from our guys, with several quarterback sacks and turnovers. I also expect the Tech ground game to be fantastic. Several long drives and many, many carries by Tashard Choice will wear down the Irish D.
The best way to beat a good offense is to keep them off the field. Tech will execute this strategy flawlessly leaving Weis and company wishing they had more defensive help.
Final score: Tech 24, Irish 20
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