AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSix & One and Ranked!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I regretfully missed this past weekend’s Clemson road trip, the first Death Valley trip I’ve missed in several years. The GT vs Clemson games in the past decade have largely been tightly contested matches between two quality teams. This weekend was no different.
Interim coach Dabo Swinney looked a little like a clown who had arrived at the wrong party, but the Tigers defense definitely showed up at the right time and place. More often than not the Clemson defensive line seemed to be blowing past the Tech offensive line and disrupting plays in the backfield.
Luckily for the Yellow Jackets, Josh Nesbitt was back under center and the Tech defense was able to grab some early points and slow down the Clemson offense long enough for Nesbitt to knock off the rust and get into a groove.
So now we sit at 6-1 and lead the ACC Coastal…ranked #21 in the AP and #18 in the BCS. These are heady days to be a Georgia Tech fan. Who would have thought we’d be in this position in the first year of Paul Johnson’s tenure on the Flats? I thought Tech would win seven or eight games this season but never expected a 6-1 start that is realistically three points from an undefeated 7-0 record and probably Top 10 ranking.
In my last blog I suggested that we’d learn a good bit from Virginia’s game against North Carolina. I’m not so sure that’s true, in retrospect. The Hoos trailed North Carolina for the entire game until evening the score with 47 seconds left in the game. North Carolina coach Butch Davis then elected to run the clock out and go into overtime rather than attempt reaching field goal range. That decision may have ultimately cost the Tar Heels the game as UVA held them to a field goal and then answered with a touchdown to win 16-13.
North Carolina owned an edge in both time of possession and yardage in this game. From my perspective, only three Heel turnovers prevented them from sealing this game and winning handily. The Hoos ran up less than 300 yards of total offense and were never able to establish a running game…yet still managed to hang around and steal a win.
Tech fans should have a good feeling going into the UVA game. Not only is it going to be Tech’s Homecoming, a game the Jackets typically win, but Josh Nesbitt will be back up to full speed and his timing will be much improved over the first half against Clemson.
I’m in the process of looking more closely at UVA’s stats this season and am curious to see what people think about Paul Johnson’s triple option offense against Al Groh’s 3-4 defense.
I’ll check back in with some numbers and a prediction before the game this weekend. For now, lets hear from GT fans who made the trip to Clemson. I wish I could have been there myself. How was the scene and the game. Anyone suffering from altitude sickness after sitting up in those high nosebleeds? Been there, done that…
Go Jackets!
THWG!
Comments
By TheCuz
October 20, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
I agree about Coach Dumbo . If thats their best option, they have a long hard road ahead. On TV, they made note of Clemson AD standing over him on the sideline. Probably a tough job right now, but ?Dabo? didn’t seem like much to me. Anyways, I think Tech’s year is turning out well, better than I expected. — Hey missed you in the ‘ville this weekend, it was a house full of Boggs
By jabster
October 20, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
I saw the UNC-UVA game on the tube and I thought they both stunk. UVA more in the first half, and UNC more in the second. UNC quit playing before the 60 minutes were up, and it took OT for UVA to seize the win already.
Somebody should have won this game in regulation, but they didn’t.
By jacketguy
October 20, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
The 3-4 is probably the worst offense to throw against CPJ’s offense. With only 3 guys always coming at our o line, the struggles there may be smaller. Four linebackers may make it hard for Nesbitt and our A backs to cut the corners on the outside. But with wide open splits on the d line, it gives 3 or 4 free yards on every carry up the middle. If UVA continues to stay in the 3-4, they will have to bring in the linebackers and maybe even the safeties to stop the dive. This may give us the opportunity to make some deep passes. I see us having an offensive performance much like we did against Miss St, who ran a similar defense.
By m
October 20, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
No one should be surprised at Tech’s performance. We could have and should have been just like this the last 6 years if we had had a coach worth a damne. Thank God we have a coach now that plays to win. And Thank God and Greyhound that the coach that destroyed our program for the last 6 years is GONE FOREVER.
By RAMBLE ON!!!
October 20, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
Well, I missed this trip due to some Octoberfesting and diverting to the coming soon Chapel Bump-in-the- road trip. Now, I have to plan on a trip to Tampa (thank you BC) and some Orange Juice…cause Michael Johnson says so. Been to Clempson, never been to Chapel Bump. I hear it’s pretty. Leaves are falling all around, it’s time I was on my way…. Since Fanny and Freddy has stolen my money, RAMBLING ON has to be prioritized.
ya ba dumbo dabo was a buffoon. Thinking about losing to that moron was a little sickening there for a few minutes. Especially after the quick bout of alligator arms.
I knew this was possible cause Paul Johnson is a BAAAAAADDDDDDD MAANNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!
What we need Saturday is BUTTS IN THE SEATS:
BIG BUTTS, LITTLE BUTTS, FAT BUTTS, SKINNY BUTTS, WHITE BUTTS, BLACK BUTTS, YELLOW BUTTS.
BUTTS, PEOPLE, BUTTS!!!!!!!!!!!!
21? We are as under-ranked as UGAG is over-ranked!!!
By Buzz29
October 21, 2008 5:50 AM | Link to this
I bought some tickets off EBAY for the Clemson game so I wouldn’t have to sit in the nose bleeds. It was my first trip up there and I was not disappointed! EVERYONE that sat around me were great (even the lady next to me whom I spilled my Coke on after the INT TD). The Tiger mascot gave me hell for a little while but in the end shook my hand (had on my Dwyer jersey).Then, to top off the day, we got to go onto the field and sing the fight song with the players. I jumped over the wall kinda early. Plus, I got to go UP the hill and rub Howard’s Rock because I gave 110% of yelling support all day! Great day to be a Yellow Jacket!!
By smitty
October 21, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this
i didn’t think dabo did all that badly in his debut in a tough situation…..he had fire and intensity and took some risks ( which backfired early in the game)……and, by the way, he had his team ahead of GT in the 4th qtr…… i would have taken dabo any day over chan……still alot of work to be done on the O line for GT but nesbitt is a playmaker who seems to find a way to win games ………..coach PJ has brought life to a great school and program and i am stoked……and GT’s defense is a story that keeps getting better………as a poster above stated, its amazing what can be accomplished with a real coach…….its nauseating and painful looking back on the chan era and those SIX lost seasons…..but I do feel for the NFL folks in KC who now have their own offensive genius with chan running the O for the One win chiefs……..go jackets
By weszilla
October 21, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this
Friend of mine’s son goes to Clemson and he invited me. We had awesome seats, right at the 10 yard line at the North endzone. It was a great game and the Clemson faithful I must say has some of the classiest and friendliest fans of College football. I kept a low profile but had to let my excitement take over when Tech won! Don’t ever miss a chance to go to Death Valley, you will not be disapointted. Go Jackets!
By gatechfan
October 21, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
My wife and I drove up as well on Sat. Bought tickets on the street for face value, sat on the 45 yd line, lower level, on Tech’s side. After 2 years ago sitting ABOVE the lights in the GT visitors section, we decided no more GTAA tickets on away games. Everyone around us was great as well and that stadium was electric and exetremely loud. Proud of our team for showing enough grit to gut it out, even though we were not firing on all cylinders. Breath of fresh air over the last regime…Go Jackets!
By Respectful?
October 21, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Wow, everyone is saying how respectful the Clemson following was! I haven’t been to death Valley in about 6 years, but it sounds like they’ve all had a complete change of heart! Back when I was in school and would go there in the early dcade, I never had so much vulgarities and beer thrown on me in my life. It’s nice to hear all these good things about them since I like to pride the ACC on having the most reasonable fans!
By jabster
October 21, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
I’ve been to 75 Degrees and Sunny Valley four times since 1985 (Tech’s 3 and 1 during these visits) and I have ALWAYS had a good time and the Clemson fans have always been nice. They come down to the Flats, and they are loud and proud (nothing wrong with that) but always nice when we host them as well.
Agree with Smitty that Dabo is better than Chan. If Bowden had been coaching that game, it would have been a romp. Tiger Nation needs to hold their heads high and I wish them luck against the rest of their sked (especially SC—go ACC!)
By LC
October 21, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
I’ll tell you who thought Georgia Tech could be 6-1 at this point… Hardcore Navy fans. We knew what Johnson could do with a losing team, and inferior talent. People boohooed Johnson and his schemes…told him it wouldn’t work in a big conference. I told my entire family that Georgia Tech would be a top contender for the ACC championship this first year. I also said they would beat the Dawgs. My future brother-in-law laughed at me. I remember telling a close friend, 5 years ago, that a coach named Paul Johnson would take Navy to its first bowl game in years…this followed a 2-10 season for Navy… he laughed at me too. Dawgs=overrated. Jackets=maximizingpotentialunderPaulJohnson.
By GT Man
October 21, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Well, Chan Gailey ws not that bad…. Anyone Remember Bill Lewis… Thats all I have to say. And Chan brought the talent that is showing now. CPJ is a better college coach by far and we are on a roll.
GO JACKETS
By m
October 21, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
GTMan, “Chan Gailey was not that bad”?????? What a load of horseshiiite!! You are exactly the kind of fan that made it possible for Chan to destroy our program for 6 long years. Thank God he is gone despite the ignorance of fans like you.**
By m
October 21, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
GTMan, “Chan Gailey was not that bad”?????? What a load of horseshiiite!! You are exactly the kind of fan that made it possible for Chan to destroy our program for 6 long years. Thank God he is gone despite the ignorance of fans like you.
By inveniojacket
October 21, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! m forgot to make his post BOLD
Loser…
By m?
October 21, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
M, you forgot to thank Greyhound. Isn’t it always “Thank God and thank Greyhound that Chan is gone?
By m fan
October 21, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
M, I love you. Don’t ever change.
By Tech82
October 21, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
m - you’re a moron and your act is getting old. We get it. You don’t like Chan Gailey. He refused to autograph your program one day. Get over it and go find another blog to bother.
By m has a tiny penis
October 21, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
sigh
By GT Man
October 21, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
**M
Moron, you should have been on the Greyhound with Chan**
By GT90
October 21, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
I’m coming in from NC for the Miami and FSU games but won’t be there for the UVA game. Family committments take precedence BUT for the first time in a while, I’ll be there for home games down the stretch. What CPJ wants, he gets b/c he’s made this season exciting and optimistic for the first time since O’Leary and Fatty Fridge roamed the side lines. Go TECH!
PS: Does anyone know where I could get Miami tix for that Thursday night contest at a decent price? Anyone planning on not going, please reply and we can take this offline. I’m in need of 4 tix w/ decent seating.
By desertdawg
October 22, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
CLEMSON?? hahahahahhaaha—SEE YA TURKEY WEEKEND FOR YOUR ANNUAL BEATDOWN BUGS. 8 IN A ROW!!!!
By South Ga Dog
October 22, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this
Hey Ramble on.. even you should be embarrassed by the paltry ticket sales. 11,000 tickets and the joint only holds 54,000? That really will impress the recruits on homecoming weekend.If Paul Johnson is asking for a packed house then maybe he should leave the extra tickets at the Varsity so the bums can help fill it up.Nov.29th will be a real packed house.see you then if you can afford a ticket.
By Hey, GT90..
October 22, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
…Just go to the Tech ticket site - there are still plenty of tickets left for the Miami game - show some support for your school and buy from them!
By Whaaat?
October 22, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
People crowing because they are going to respond to Johnson’s request to come to the game? All the way from NC, even from S. Georgia? Big deal. Ought to be doing it every weekend if you REALLY like college football - and not only when your team’s playing decently. Pitiful. It only takes 55K to fill it up.
By RAMBLE ON!!!
October 22, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
South Ga Dog, I’m glad to say, me and CPJ seem to be on the same page. The bias AJC fish wrapper has low-balled the projected attendance every game, so I’m not too surprised. The crowds will continue to grow under CPJ, just not fast enough.
If you hero’s Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi, and Chris Dodd keep stealing my money, I probably will not be able to afford a ticket. If that’s the case, I’ll just take one from the first fleabag I see drinking a PBR.
I wouldn’t miss the beat down we are going to be delivering you’re over hyped/ranked mutts to save my life. I probably help myself to some hedges while I’m there too.
desertdawg, what’s so funny? VANDERBILT. hahahahahahahaahaahaa very impressive.
By Jackgo
October 22, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
We’re the top team in the ACC, rated 18th in the BCF. AND THE COACH HAS TO GO TO THE MEDIA AND ASK TECH SUPPORTERS TO TRY AND HAVE A FULL HOUSE FOR HOMECOMMING! Clemson only had 70,00+ last week, with a losing season and firing their coach. Maybe we are a bunch of NERDS and deserve to play in a high school league, we might draw 3 or 4 hundrer supporters (all parents) Jackgo
By Jackgo
October 22, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
We’re the top team in the ACC, rated 18th in the BCF. AND THE COACH HAS TO GO TO THE MEDIA AND ASK TECH SUPPORTERS TO TRY AND HAVE A FULL HOUSE FOR HOMECOMMING! Clemson only had 70,000+ last week, with a losing season and firing their coach. Maybe we are a bunch of NERDS and deserve to play in a high school league, we might draw 3 or 4 hundrer supporters (all parents) Jackgo
By gregodawg
October 22, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Tech looks like the Falcons. Crap, becoming an honest to God Team ,before our eyes.Congrats-Dang, I miss Chan…
By Zell
October 24, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
I bet Grant’s Tomb still doesn’t reach capacity in spite of PJ down on his knees begging.
And RAMBLE ON! is still an idiot. Some things just never change do they folks?
By ............................................BuLLdawg
October 24, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
.
.
What CUPCAKE are the Nerds playing this week ?
Number 180 Jacksonville State.
.
Not Ranked Boston College.
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Not Ranked Virginia Tech LOST
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Number 88 Mississippi State.
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Number 54 Duke.
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Number 199 Gardner-Webb W 10-7. Nice.
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Number 73 Climpson Farmers w/o Coach Fired W 21-17.
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Number 48 4-3 Virginia.
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Number 25 before they lose next 5 in Row Florida State.
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Not Ranked North Carolina .
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Number 57 Miami of Florida.
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Your schedule has NOT 1 RANKED TEAM ON IT BESIDES UGA.
.
.
By Trigger
October 24, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
buLLdog……………….thanks for perpetuating what we knew all along. You can’t read. Both FSU and BC are ranked you moron.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
October 24, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Liar.
Georgia is the only opponent Georgia Tech plays all season long who is ranked today in the BCS Top 25, except for Florida State who is Number 25 prior to losing all their remaining games.