AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 02
Friday, November 2, 2007
No excuse for this
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well…not much to say at this point…we’re now 5-4 on the season and when you consider that we ended last year with three straight losses (UGA, Wake, WVU) it makes us 5-7 in our last 12 games.
That’s bad…and there is no excuse for it.
For the past several seasons I’ve spent a large amount of energy arguing with the faction of the fanbase that seems more intent on bashing Chan Gailey than supporting Georgia Tech.
During those past seasons I’ve had legitimate counter points and examples of progress and success…which allowed me to win most debates and maintain a positive and supportive attitude towards Gailey’s tenure.
But after last night…Chan hasn’t left me with a leg to stand on. Any attempt to spin this season’s results would be gold tinted homerism of the highest degree.
We came into this season with a redshirt junior quarterback, the best running back in the conference, the best fullback in the conference, a veteran offensive line, and plenty of talented guys in the wide receiver corps.
I don’t care who is coaching the offense and calling plays…when you return the offensive weapons that Georgia Tech has access to…you move the ball and score more than this 2007 team has been doing.
Defensively we’ve taken 2 steps back despite fielding potentially the best defensive line talent we’ve had in a decade and a solid linebacker corps. Don’t waste time telling me where we rank nationally…I’m well aware of it. It doesn’t matter. Our defensive philosophy remains a one trick, gimicky pony that we’ve ridden into the ground so many times that its become a tired old nag that can’t get the job done when it counts. I’m sick and tired of throwing everything but the kitchen sink in repeated blitzes that leave our corners outmatched deep so badly that we have to give everyone a 10 yard cushion.
The only good things I’ve seen this season have been great special teams improvement and a high level of effort from the players on both sides of the ball. Our guys may not be playing well and winning, but they are playing hard. They haven’t quit or given up and that speaks to the quality of the young men wearing the uniform. They honestly deserve better from the coaches at this point.
Chan Gailey only really has one option at this point…win out or step aside.
Winning out would result in a 8-4 record with a victory over arch-rival UGA. The four losses would be a pair of tight road games and a loss to #11 VT and a national contender in Boston College. The wins would include Notre Dame, Clemson, Miami, and UGA. 8-4 would be less than I expected this season…but it would be endurable considering our struggles and challenges. Most importantly UGA’s streak would be broken and we’d also find ourselves in a nice bowl game on this side of the Mississippi that GT fans could travel to and enjoy. The seniors would be able to go out in style.
But…I’m gonna say it (against my better judgement)…a loss to Duke, UNC, or UGA should result in a change in leadership at the end of the season.
Chan has to somehow go 8-4 and beat UGA. That’s it…nothing more to discuss at this point.
