AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHistoric Grant Field, Toe Meets Leather!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Its about that time folks…time to kick off the ACC conference slate…time to start our march towards that special Jacksonville date in early December.
While Georgia Tech has dominated Notre Dame and Samford to open the season, Boston College has already pocketed a 2-0 ACC record with wins over Wake Forest and North Carolina State. They did so by utilizing a stifling rush defense and most likely the best quarterback in the ACC.
The keys to the game, as I see them, are as follows:
Matt Ryan vs GT Pass Rush Ryan is the type of guy who can beat a team single handedly, if given the time to make his reads and good decisions. GT fans will remember the fits that Matt Schaub gave our defense when he played for UVA. Matt Ryan is that type of quarterback. He’s going to be playing in Sundays. This Saturday he’ll get his yards and put points on the board. Our defense will be sorely tested. Its going to come down to whether or not Tech can put pressure on Ryan and force him to make fast (bad) decisions. If Boston College can pick up the blitzes then the Yellow Jackets defensive backs will be under extreme pressure.
The GT defense needs to get on Matt Ryan like they got on Brady Quinn last year. Hit…hit him some more…and hit him again…get him dirty and sore.
GT Running Game vs BC Rush Defense The Eagles have been extremely solid against the run…ranking #4 in the country with an average allowance of 29 yards per game. Consider that’s 29 yards per game against a Wake Forest team that is known for running the ball and an NCSU team that was led by Tom O’Brien. GT will throw the #4 rushing attack at the Eagles defense, led by Tashard Choice and quite possibly the best offensive line we’ve see on the Flats in the past decade.
I like Tech’s chances in this matchup. Tashard is a great back and Offensive Coordinator John Bond has three more quality backs waiting to get into the game if Choice needs a break. Reshaun Grant will be back. Jamal Evans is solid. And Jonathan Dwyer looks like the next great back to wear the White and Old Gold.
I don’t think Boston College’s defense can stop the running game for four quarters. Bond will use his stable of backs to pound, pound, pound the BC defense…and they will crack sometime in the second half, allowing GT to put the game away with a long back breaking drive.
Taylor Bennett Its time for Taylor to make it happen. Taylor’s going to have to convert some long third downs. He’s going to have to provide a deep threat to stretch the field and loosen up the Boston College defense. Its gotta happen early, because we know BC will go into this game with every intent to stack the line and stop the run. Taylor must…MUST…be able to keep them honest.
Home Field Advantage GT fans have to crank it up this Saturday night. Its a night game on the Flats. No excuses.
Leave all the blue, black, khaki, and other colors at home. Wear white or wear gold. No other options. If you watched the Clemson vs FSU game on TV earlier this season you saw a fan base that knows that color to wear. Tech fans can do better. We must do better. You’re going to get tired of me harping on this all season. Get used to it. Our fans are color challenged and they need to be called out.
When the defense is on the field, get on your feet and make noise. We have to be the 12th man on defense. We have to make life uncomfortable for Matt Ryan. Don’t wait for third down to get loud and nasty. There will be time to rest your voice when our offense is on the field. No excuses this Saturday night…nothing less than bedlam is acceptable.
Be Loud! Be Proud! Wear Gold!
Go Jackets!
THWG!
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Comments
By inveniodavid
September 13, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU! It is about time that someone FINALLY called out our fans on the colors they wear to games. When I was a student I used to get so frustrated seeing our fans wear orange and pink and that ghastly red. White would be fine, but that’s so neutral. We need our fans in bright gold and obnoxious yellow. Look at Clemson’s fans…they are absolutely an eye sore but THAT is excellent school spirit on their part and THAT is what Georgia Tech needs! Thanks Chris!
By addicted
September 14, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this
You are great Chris. I am the hugest (is that even a word!) Tech fan, and I cannot stand all the people who wear all these weird colored clothes to the game. To be honest, all Tech fans should ONLY be wearing gold (or yellow, I guess) but I will accept white for a while too. Although white looks terrible during day games.
Agreed about the noise too. I was screaming my lungs out when defense was out even during the 4th quarter against Samford. There is no excuse for not doing so against BC in a night game.
Anyways, it should be a great game! Here’s to a great Tech victory!
By Yellow Jacket
September 14, 2007 5:57 AM | Link to this
I have a good feeling about this game. Tashard will be a force and Taylor will carry his weight. The result is going to be a victory in the 17 point neighborhood. P.S. I agree that GT fans need to be wearing more of the gold. What if Tech offered a free beverage at the concessions or some kind of perk to any fan wearing gold. Just an idea, it would be nice to have a sea of GOLD sat!
By WEAR YOUR GOLD!
September 14, 2007 6:36 AM | Link to this
Good call Chris. Please wear your gold. I want to see a sea of yellow/gold (or white) at Bobby Dodd Saturday night. NO OTHER COLORS ALLOWED!
GO JACKETS!!!!
CHOICE FOR HEISMAN!!!!!
By WFC
September 14, 2007 6:38 AM | Link to this
GT can win with Bennett throwing only 15 passes if he hits some at crucial times. The keys are no turnovers and avoiding 3rd and 10+ situtions.
By son_sir
September 14, 2007 6:39 AM | Link to this
As far as the game preview you are spot on all on of it. Lots of great challenges in this game. I’m glad to see someone is as irritated as I am about the rainbow of colors on The Flats. Just to reemphasize, Georgia Tech’s colors are Old Gold and White. Someone please tell the merchandise peddlers this also !! Somewhere along the line, someone came up with the idea that navy is the dominate GT color. I know about the navy jersey’s from 1990 and they looked good. However, that wasn’t supposed to mean navy gets to replace the gold. Someone must have thought so. UP WITH THE WHITE AND GOLD Dress and buy appropriately ! It’s all about tradition and unity !
By Observer
September 14, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
Great job Chris. Your commentary is spot on. I can’t go to the game Saturday but I hope to tune in and see a sea of GOLD (yellow if you must) in the stands at Bobby Dodd Stadium. This should be a great game between two very good teams. I just hope Tech has some surprises in the passing game that they haven’t revealed yet.
GO JACKETS!!!!!!
By Hooray Old Gold!
September 14, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
I’m GT’s #1 fan! WOO! I’ll say, though, that in my going on four years as a GT student, I’ve sat down once at any football game except for halftime. That one time was last week when we had 5 minutes left in the game. It was hot, and I was exhausted. It’s important to stay standing up and cheering. I don’t think there’s ever been a game where my voice wasn’t completely shot to hell by the end of it. I love cheering, and everyone else should, too.
As for wearing Old Gold, SGA did a damn good attempt at fixing our problem last fall when they were giving out free GT t-shirts that are Old Gold to all students who paid their fees. Hopefully they continue to do so until there’s a sea of that beautiful, beautiful color in BDS @ HGF.
THWG!
By gte578e
September 14, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
I know this is blasphemy when talking about the #4 ranked rushing defense and offense, but are either “that good”? I don’t think either one is really proven. Don’t get me wrong, I think we’re going to really get after it all year on both sides. I think our depth offers at least some proof for GT. But, can BC continue to provide great run defense when two of their front seven are out for the game?
By Ramble ON!
September 14, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Good call on the colors there Chris…as for the game, I think a huge part will be the kicking game, punting and FG’s. If we can make Ryan drive more than 80 yards on most possessions, he’ll be bruised and beat QB come 4th Quarter. Durant is the man. I think this will be the true test to see if Bell has got his head on straight again.
Time of possession must be GT’s otherwise, we could be in trouble. I like our chances.
GT 27 BC 20
By CrackBaby
September 14, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
CB - Nice write-up. It would be nice to see the stands filled with one color (Old Gold).
About BC - Tech’s biggest test so far, but BC is not a great team. They certainly have talent at skill positions - QB, WR, TB and the D secondary.
Tech will win by 10+. BC’s run D is WAY overrated. D line is young (3 Sophs). Tech will rush for over 200 yards and keep Ryan off the field.
Tech’s special teams must play well and John Bond needs to call a good game to keep pressure off Taylor Bennett.
Jackets Roll 31-16.
By Chris
September 14, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
One thing I think we can take comfort in is that BC’s receivers aren’t going to burn us deep. They’re sure-handed and run great routes, but they aren’t that fast. They’re 7-15 yard “posession receivers”. So it won’t matter that I could beat Pat Clark on a deep route, because there likely won’t be many. They won’t have the chance to burn him, so if our CBs can stick on their man and keep a hand in there, we’ll be ok.
Matt Ryan is a QB that won’t get rattled. We can force some mistakes, but he’s not going to take 60 yards in sacks like Evan Sharpley did in the ND game. He’s going to check down his receivers and find the open man or throw it away. If we can keep constant pressure on Ryan and simultaneously keep them from hitting home runs with the running game, we will win.
By Vick's Disciple
September 14, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
NICE FREAK-N-VENT!! I wish the game started right now… where the heck is my gold shirt??
By THWG
September 14, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
My Whole Family Will Be goin and Dresin out in all gold!!! I hope everyone learns a lesson from this article……. Learn your school colors!!
Go Jackets!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PS. Great article Chris
By THWG
September 14, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
My Whole Family Will Be goin and Dresin out in all gold!!! I hope everyone learns a lesson from this article……. Learn your school colors!!
Go Jackets!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PS. Great article Chris
By JB
September 14, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
How early can we expect pizza ready ?
By THWG
September 14, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
My Whole Family Will Be goin and Dresin out in all gold!!! I hope everyone learns a lesson from this article……. Learn your school colors!!
Go Jackets!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PS. Great article Chris
By Jacket 4 Life
September 14, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
I have been to all but 4 home games since 1990 and the only time I have ever sat down was during halftime and when I needed a little coverage while pouring another beverage. Thank goodness there are still sections where standing up during the entire game is not looked down upon. Go Section 121!! Stand, Be Loud and proud of your Gold!!! Yes, even you in the West Stands!
By gt45
September 14, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Let’s get it on! I don’t need anymore pep talks. I’m fired up and ready to go make a statement. I don’t won’t to hear any crap from naysayers and Ugagamaggots, just want to mix it up!
By Crack Back
September 14, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
crack some pads boys. Let’s go hunt some Golden Eagles!!!
By JamieDAWG
September 14, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Well, well, well…dont know what colors to wear at the game? Well, that doesnt suprise me. I mean athletics arent exactly “your thing”. Shouldnt you be getting ready for the Dungeons and Dragons convention instead? I dont blame you Bug fans though, I wouldnt want to wear some p** yellow crap either.
By Britney Spears
September 14, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Great blog, Chris. I want to have your baby.
By JamieDAWG
September 14, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
I really find it hillarious that I takes an internet blog to get you nerds fired up. The only thing more lame that a squad of nerds are UT fans. But hey, look at the bright side, without you there would be no losses to the DAWGS.
By Erin
September 14, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
As a cute kid in a Disney commercial once said… “I’m too excited to sweep!!!!” Tomorrow is going to be awesome. Tech is going to bring their A game as it seems like we are clicking on all cylinders for once. If the O line can protect Taylor, he should be able to go long to Johnson to step up our running game. I didn’t even go to Tech but my boyfriend did and I bleed gold through and through now. This is going to be the most exciting game in 3 seasons… GO JACKETS!!!
By Erin
September 14, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
As a cute kid in a Disney commercial once said… “I’m too excited to sweep!!!!” Tomorrow is going to be awesome. Tech is going to bring their A game as it seems like we are clicking on all cylinders for once. If the O line can protect Taylor, he should be able to go long to Johnson to step up our running game. I didn’t even go to Tech but my boyfriend did and I bleed gold through and through now. This is going to be the most exciting game in 3 seasons… GO JACKETS!!!
By Erin
September 14, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
As a cute kid in a Disney commercial once said… “I’m too excited to sweep!!!!” Tomorrow is going to be awesome. Tech is going to bring their A game as it seems like we are clicking on all cylinders for once. If the O line can protect Taylor, he should be able to go long to Johnson to step up our running game. I didn’t even go to Tech but my boyfriend did and I bleed gold through and through now. This is going to be the most exciting game in 3 seasons… GO JACKETS!!!
By Alabama Jack
September 14, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
A note for Jamie Dawg -
Gamecock - One A* Kickin’ Chicken
By Ramblor
September 14, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
JamieDAWG, we have decisions to make about what clothes to wear because our closets have more than just camo in them.
By JamieDAWG
September 14, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Button up plaid shirts and pocket protectors dont count, geek. Thanks for playing. Maybe you should get some camo so you can hide come the annual november beatdown UGA will put on the bugs.
By Ramble ON!
September 14, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
I think Jamiemutt needs to worry about finding a way to beat Vandy this year. That will be a HUGE game, after all, the loser finishes last in the SEC East.
By Thorpe
September 14, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
Go BC.
By Ramblor
September 14, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Oh, Jamie, you’re just so tough. All big and bad sitting behind that keyboard. All 5’ 6” of you wouldn’t match up with half the people on this blog. So, now, little guy, go run along and play in the street.
By jabster
September 14, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
JamieDog: Troll often?
The only thing we care about about UGA is beating them one day a year, just like everyone else on the sked, and just for that day. As far as your irrelevant opinions on attire and other diversions go, we really don’t give a flying fornication, so STFU.
JB: You tell us when the pizza will be ready. You’re the one cooking it, right?
By JamieDAWG
September 14, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
Flying fornication? Please tell me you just didn’t say “flying fornication”! That is the gayest thing I have ever heard. And you wonder why dawg fans think the bugs are such douchebag nerds.
By Ramble ON!
September 14, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
Jamiemutt there’s not a GT fan in this world that cares what a dawg fan thinks. Why would we, you’re a bunch of idiots.
By gator jacket alum
September 14, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Jamiedawg: You should keep your mouth shut ‘til after halloween. You can run but you can’t hide; the Gators are coming to get the DAWGS (again). CHOMP CHOMP
By jabster
September 14, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Whoa, whoa, oh, Jamie’s crying…
“Flying fornication” may be the gayest thing you’ve ever heard, but it’s not the gayest thing I have ever seen: http://i12.tinypic.com/4vskpl5.jpg
By Ramble ON!
September 14, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
jabster words can’t describe how funny that is. You deserve a pat on the back, but not butt. I wouldn’t want you to think I was a UGA QB.
By BC Fan
September 14, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
BC’s defense is missing its best lineman Raji (academically ineligible), one of its two best linebackers Toal (medical redshirt) and another senior lineman Larkin (injury). GT should be able to run. (I suspect my brother in Atlanta will be rooting for them.) Throwing against BC could be a huge mistake.
The key for BC is Matt Ryan and his pass protection. If he has time, he can pick any secondary apart.
By gt45
September 14, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
I heard Steve Spurrier was arrested this morning-cruelty to dawgs!
By shivas
September 14, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Please be nice to JamieDawg. He was just laid off from his job when they automated the deep fryer. I am about to burst waiting for this game. I think everyone is feeling that same excitement, that this year is much different. This team plays with passion and the expectation of success. Sorry JamieDawg, I did not mean to embarress you by mentioning the word success. THWG.
By gogt
September 14, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
I really wish you georgia fans would get the hell off these blogs. seriousley, you worry about your own buisness you rednecks!!!!!!!!!!11
By WhatsTheGoodWord?
September 14, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
GO JACKETS! Great column. I enjoyed reading it, and I totally agree about the color thing… I encourage everyone to be a true fan and go out and get some hideous yellow pants that you only wear to cheer the brave and bold!
Tech 31 BC 24
By Ramble ON!
September 14, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
where did jamiemutt go?
Sometimes a picture’s worth a million words!
By ben
September 14, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this
1990 Citrus Bowl- Tech vs. Nebraska. My brother (Tech Grad 1969) has on a freakin’ RED tee-shirt. I pulled him aside and told him I had an extra gold tee for him. His first question was, DOES IT HAVE A POCKET????? It didn’t and he wouldn’t (wear it that is).
1998 Gator Bowl. Tech vs. Notre Dame. I’m yellin’ GO JACKETS!!!!!!!!!!! at the top of my lungs because (1) the Tech Defense on the field wants us to, and (2) Notre Dame fans behind us are trying to drown us out. In front of me a man and woman wearing Tech hats turn around and tell me to SHUT UP, I’m too loud. GIMME A BREAK. Tech fan forever. (ps. can ya’ll please run spellcheck or something prior to your post).
By Dooley
September 14, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
Jamiemutt?? I think JamieLegHumper is more appropriate.
By Fred B.
September 14, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
jabster, i’m still laughing at that one
By HardStinger
September 14, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
I think JamieLegHumper is another pick-up truck UGAG alumnus who never set foot on the campus, like most of the UGAG fans.
By BillyJacket
September 14, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
While we Jackets are picking our clothes for winning a game, the Dogs are licking themselves — remember Carolina; wait for Florida and Rocky Top!
By jacketnation
September 15, 2007 6:23 AM | Link to this
Wear Gold, be loud, except when our Offense is on the field. Taylor needs to prove himself tonight with his arm. This will open it up for Choice and Dwyer.
By Jim 70
September 15, 2007 7:14 AM | Link to this
Blank owns the ATLANTA Falcons - so why does Home Depot/Glidden paint list the “official Ga Tech” colors as blue and gold?????
By TechWreck
September 15, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
Jamie mutt is so much cooler online…
By mtraininjax
September 15, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
You want to compare us to Clemson? Crow eating, horseshoe tossing Clemson? Cow town Clemson? Take off the white and gold, you are not worthy to wear it.
You should worry more about SELLING OUT THE STADIUM, than what color the person 2 seats down is wearing. Sell out the stadium first, then sell your white and gold T-shirts at the Edge building.
By not disappointed
September 15, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Wear your white and Gold!!!! Go Jackets!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By jabster
September 15, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Jim70:
Home Depot probably doesn’t list white because white is white. It’s not like it’s a particular shade of white with its own Pantone number…
By ramblin reck
September 15, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Go JACKETS U ROCK JACKETS WILL WIN BY 50 POINTS! JACKETS DEFENSE WILL BreaK Matt Ryans BONES!!!!! Tashard FOR HEISmAn!
TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!!!
By ramblin reck
September 15, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Go JACKETS U ROCK JACKETS WILL WIN BY 50 POINTS! JACKETS DEFENSE WILL BreaK Matt Ryans BONES!!!!! Tashard FOR HEISmAn!
TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!!!
By ramblin reck
September 15, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Go JACKETS U ROCK JACKETS WILL WIN BY 50 POINTS! JACKETS DEFENSE WILL BreaK Matt Ryans BONES!!!!! Tashard FOR HEISmAn!
TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!!!
By Thorpe
September 16, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Jackets defense will break matt ryan’s bones?
Choice for Heisman?
Sorry tech, thanks for playing.
Go BC!