UGA

By Wil Walton

December 10, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

It should take Johnson a few years to build the kind of team that he wants. However, he should have an immediate impact on recruiting in the state GA, especially for RBs, due to his connections to GA HS coaches while at Ga Southern. I think UGA will have an even harder time getting the best RBs out of GA, to along with the fact that they will be set at RB for at least 5 years.

By Seven Straight

December 10, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Know what the new Tech coach and the old Tech coach have in common? neither has ever beat Georgia. Tech got exactly waht they said they didn’t want…a boring middle-aged white guy. I think Johnson is a good coach and will do about as good as anybody can do at Tech—given the midiocrity of its program (facilities, resources, etc.) and the lack of overall support from its fan base—-and that is win about seven games a year while going to mid-to-bottom tier bowls—-with an occasional 8 or 9 win season and a trip to a slightly higher tier bowl. In other words—business as usual on the Flats.

By Out of Town

December 10, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Is this the Ga. Tech blog?

By Aloha Dawg

December 10, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

I told everybody on here all year long that Hawai’i was the real deal and now y’all are gonna see it. Mahalo in advance FOUR all the accolades I shall receive due to my insight. The Warrio’rs would kill tec’h. Aloha means goodbye.

By UGA fans are inbred

December 10, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

We will beat UGA cause this guy is more creative with play calling and is willing to take more chances

By uga95

December 10, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Johnson is a good hire. But as a dawg fan, I’m more concerned about whether Tenuta is going to stay. His defenses have done a pretty good job against UGA the past few years. Has anyone heard whether he’s staying or going??

By JS

December 10, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Good, solid blog. Emotion removed, and common sense.

By 7_In_A_Row

December 10, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

While Tech’s tapping of Johnson is a solid choice, ask your self this question - who is a better proven coach - CMR or Johnson? CMR has been to 3 sUGAr Bowls in 5 years. This year the team was young and still they were co-Division champs and once again headed to the BCS. With Rodney Gardner’s recruiting and CMR’s leadership I don’t think the talent flow will change that month. As SevenStraight said Tech still has mediocre facilities, rarely sells out games, and Johnson seems to have the same boring personality as Chan. We’ll see, but I wouldn’t bet against EIGHT IN ‘08

By Jay

December 10, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

I think the earliest impact will be the recruiting. He will no doubt have a better repoir with the recruits in Georgia than Chan ever had. His success and his offensive reputation will undoubtedly gain respect from not only the RB’s but the offensive lineman. I mean imagine recruiting an offensive lineman and telling him on 60 to 65 percent of the plays he will be doing the hitting instead of the other way around. Obviously it will take time for Johnson to succesffully fill his roster. So the immediate impact will be on the RB’s and OL in and around Georgia. The long lasting impact will be a difficult opponent who will cause teams to change their whole practice week for the offense. Another effect will be don’t look for the Jackets to be any comeback team of the year. With this offense is Run or Die. If ever find themselves down they may be out of the game by half.

By Fort Worth Dawg

December 10, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Sorry to be the grammar nerd. Effect. Affect is a verb. Do what I would do and claim it’s just a typo.

I expect multiple offenses, none of which will be like a pro style. I would not be surprised to see some variation of the spread being used. Tech gets a pass of 2 years as Johnson must be allowed time to recruit his style of player. If I were a wide receiver or a pro-style QB (like the kid who has already bailed) I would not have Tech on my short list unless necessary. While the Tech alumni are sold on Johnson I wonder if the 17 year old kids are.

Talent: For Tech to our-recruit UGA I would expect either UGA to have a horrific year or for some anomaly like the last go-round where UGA was forced to load up on OL’s. Question I have is if UGA is backing off of Juco’s after picking up a few last recruiting effort. Overall, UGA has a better-known coach, better facilities, plays in the SEC, has gone to significantly better bowls, has a better win-loss record in a tougher conference, has a stadium that seats 40,000 more, is televised more (quantity and quality), and sends more players to the NFL - that’s a lot for any new coach to overcome in a short amount of time. On a plus note, Tech is off of probation so it picks up a few more scholarships. This may be Tech’s stealth advantage over the past few years, as the increase in scholarships allows Tech to get more skill players and possibly find a diamond in the rough.

By TDone

December 10, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

To 7 Straight, keep on believing what you want to believe.

And to Aloha Mutt, learn to spell.

You got to love it.

By scooter11

December 10, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Johnson is obviously a good catch. Might have some impact in recruiting after a couple of years, but prep players need to see what kind of offense unfolds and what types of players fit the system (for defense, too, if Tenuta leaves, but he’s a little overrated anyway). The real issue for the insects is whether they can ever get enough good players to play a 60-minute game. Depth is the key in the SEC (that’s why Ole Miss, Vandy, Missy St., SC, KY can’t sustain anything over the years). It’s likely that way in the acc, although few teams over there seem to have it as shown against better out-of-conference opponents.

By Ben

December 10, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

He is a pretty good coach, but I don’t see him as a huge upgrade from Chan Gailey. He is going to lose a ton of recruits because of his style of play, not that Tech has been tearing up the recruiting trails anyway. His teams have always been terrible defensively (hence, giving up 44 to a terrible ND team). I don’t see them competing for any titles anytime soon.

By Ben

December 10, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

He is a pretty good coach, but I don’t see him as a huge upgrade from Chan Gailey. He is going to lose a ton of recruits because of his style of play, not that Tech has been tearing up the recruiting trails anyway. His teams have always been terrible defensively (hence, giving up 44 to a terrible ND team). I don’t see them competing for any titles anytime soon.

By mark

December 10, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Why would I admit that this was a solid hire?? Every “known” coach who was talked about for the job turned it down or didn’t even consider it! You hire the coach from Navy and I’m supposed to be scared????? The only thing he’d have to do to revive this rivalry is to beat UGA every 6 years!!! Everybody was exicted when Chan Gailey was hired and look what happened!! Face it, Tech is destined for 7-5 or 8-4 every year. Why in the %^$*#& would his hire have any effect on UGA’s recruiting?? Trust me Richt and the boys will get who they want 9/10 times.

Oh, by the way UGA beat Southern by 20+ points!!!! The only reason it wasn’t worse than that is because we had our 2nd and 3rd string play the whole 2nd half!!!!!! Bring that weak a$$ option crap and see what happens baby!!!!

By Gene

December 10, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Chip, I think that you mean “effect.”

By NC dawg

December 10, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Solid hire, won’t make much of a difference against UGA, tech will get lucky every so often and win one, but other than that, it will be business as usual. Tech has always recruited good RB’s, so not sure this really makes a difference with that. Agreed about Tenuta, that guy is a pain in the arse, hope he goes.

By gdawginkalamazoo

December 10, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

uga95, LMAO! Yes for 7 straight years he has taken care of business. I am worried about him leaving also.

We might lose a recruit here and there. The Ga Southern connection will definitley help keep some kids in state. Other than that I don’t think it will hurt us too much the next 3-4 years till he gets it up and going. Of course by then he may be on to somewhere else.

Aloha Dawg, what is your thinking on the Sugar bowl? Shootout, dawgs shot down, or dawgs roll?

By dawgxian

December 10, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

if the triple is so effective, why doesn’t everyone run it? I did see a couple of good questions on it: 1. how many receivers decide to go to a school because they will be blocking more than going deep? 2. the triple option usually seems to be run at schools in conferences without SEC caliber defenses. The exceptions being Fl and W. Va. It’s interesting to note that Tebow was injured during the Ga game and White was injured during the Pitt game. That QB might have decommitted to Tech because he didn’t want to go to his death. But, in answer to your question, Ga may have a hard time stopping it.

By Dawghead

December 10, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Johnson is a young 50 and he’s not boring. I think he will elevate that program. We are in good shape. I want us to compete in the SEC every year and I think the UGA program is on an upswing. And while I want to beat GT every single time, I like the thought of GT being a power in the ACC. That would invigorate our rivalry. I’m all for it and hope Johnson does great things there.

By mcdawg

December 10, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Imagine Reggie Ball in Johnson’s sytem (tee-hee)

By DawgNLville

December 10, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

IMO - Dawgs cruise in 2008. In 2009 it becomes more of an even series. Good point above about the in state RBs. But one advantage King and Moreno have over Dwyer - they don’t have to pass calculus.

In general, I think Tech got the best man available to them. I don’t think Johnson was their ideal hire - younger coach may have been better, especially when thinking long, long term. But Muschamp and Strong are assistants. Tech clearly wanted a proven head coach.

This Dawg thinks they got one.

DnL

By Clemson Mania

December 10, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

His team gave up 44 to a terrible Notre Dame team and 62 to an even worse North Texas team. I don’t think UGA should be “shaking in their boots.” Not really an upgrade!! Tech is in TROUBLE. The ACC just got a little weaker.

By George

December 10, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Chip I would like to know why the dawgs continue to be one of the most overrated teams in the country year in and year out?

By Yellowblood

December 10, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

The one thing we all know is that there will be at least 7 great tickle piles a year with PJ. I am so excited about the Tickle Pile situation.

“I got my spud tickled in Boise!” Tickled Blue 2007 Dec. 29, 2007 Boise, Idaho

By Learn before you opine

December 10, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Navy had a crappy defense this year, that’s true. But the only TWO returning starters on D were hurt in the first game. All they had were freshmen and sophomores. Many programs would have gone O-12 with that situation. Navy still won eight games. The ACC just got stronger, idiot.

By RugbyDawg

December 10, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Chip It has me concerned. Tech will be better right off the bat. I was hoping he would land in Nebraska which would have been a perfect fit,I’ll bet they will wish they had hired him in a couple years. Like Tony B. said he is the real deal and our tough schedule just got tougher. go DAWGS

By Kevin

December 10, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

George, you’re an idiot!

By Ramblin Wrecker

December 10, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Personally, I don’t think it will take even a season to see an impact of Paul Johnson on GT. GT has been in the majority of games they have lost the past few seasons. I feel as though Johnson’s offensive scheme can at least add 7 points per game on their scoring average which for example would have won them the final three games of the season a year ago. Not to mention the grinding, clock eating that will keep GT’s defense off the field and fresh, thus increasing their effectiveness.

A lot of uninformed Dawg fans (and some GT ones too) will undoubtedly say, “it’ll take him a season or two to get the roster full of HIS type players”. Blah, blah, blah. A real GT fan (or an informed Dawg fan) already knows that GT has all the ingredients on the current roster to make one helluva Paul Johnson offense. Josh Nesbitt at QB. Jonathan Dwyer & Roddy Jones at RB. Mike Cox is graduating, but his younger brother Lucas Cox is a sophomore on the roster, and if he’s anything like his brother, he’ll be a star in PJ’s offense. GT’s WR’s are big and physical and work hard in blocking in the run game. Remember, Chan Gailey wasn’t exactly June Jones when it came to passing the ball. He kept it on the ground most of the time, to great effect. PJ’s offense however, is more efficient and will increase the reliability and effectiveness of the passing game, unlike Gailey’s. GT’s offensive line has become a strength of the team, even though they will replace some starters next season, they have backups who got plenty of playing time due to injuries. GT should be ready to go with Paul Johnson’s new offense and I predict they won’t experience any growing pains from a roster standpoint.

From a recruiting standpoint we may have a hiccup or two (like the Sean Renafee kid) from either the QB position or WR position this offseason. But already having the key piece of Nesbitt in place along with a group of young physical WR’s like Demarius Thomas & DJ Donley (who will only be soph. next year) helps offset any losses there might be to the perception surrounding PJ’s offense. Then PJ will have next fall to showcase what the GT version of his offense will look like, and I imagine they won’t have any trouble getting QB’s or WR’s to give GT a look.

By Rob

December 10, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

For Tech, I think it’s a good hire. I want Tech to be competitive with us again, as it only increases our strength of schedule. I love that we’ve beaten them so much lately, but I can’t say Tech is that big of a rival for us anymore, as soundly as we’ve beat them for 7 years. Kind of like Florida was to Georgia. It won’t turnaround over night, but Tech has good reason to be excited again.

By noyellowinthisblood

December 10, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Paul Johnson will do a better job than Chan. I think it was a great hire for tech. As far as the Dawgs go, we need to continue to recruit well and coach up those recruits. When GSU came to Athens several years ago and “gave us fits”, I ask you if you don’t think the players and coaches might have been looking ahead to the cocks the following weekend?

By West coast

December 10, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

We get our share of the student athletes produced in the state of Ga. However the state produces more good athletes than “good student athletes” that is where UGA has the advantage. Hence,the rivalery will continue to be lopsided.

By JeffO

December 10, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Paul Johnson was the Offensive Coordinator and play caller at Navy. To evaluate him you need to look at the points scored by Navy and not how many were given up. Navy averaged something like 275lbs on the offensive line, but averaged 40+ points a game. On the flip side, Navy didn’t have a Defensive Lineman over 300lbs. and got smoked on a regular basis. To peg the Defensive struggles of Navy on Paul Johnson is short sighted and wrong. As a Navy fan Paul Johnson made me a believer in him. Now I am a GT fan because I think Paul Johnson has the goods to be something special. And I don’t think it will take more than a year to make a believer of GT/UGA fans out there either. Watch out…

By Michael

December 10, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

If he runs the strict spread triple option the he’ll have problems recruiting at every offensive potion except RB. I suspect you’ll some other stuff mixed in. One thing to take note of, when he was the OC at Navy & Hawaii there was more of a passing element to his offenses. However since becoming a head coach he’s gone away from that. Could it be the head coaches insisted on a passing element when he was OC. If the rumors are true that he’s bringing in Mike Sewak to help run the offense then that points towards more of a option attack with very little passing. If he expands his offense to mix in some of the spread option game in like WV & Oregon run then that’ll really enhance his ability to recruit offensive playmakers. On defense, if he keeps Tenuta along with changing up his O then they could be really dangerous. If Tenuta leaves GT will still need a great DC especially if Johnson is planning on just running the option. To sum it up: If he tries to stick with a basic flexbone approach then I’m not too worried. If he opens it up a little to include some spread option & passing then that worries me a lot because GT will be running a version of an offense that is all the rage which could help them in recruiting & possibly cost UGA some commitments.

By dmoney

December 10, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

The Georgia Bulldogs are NOT co-divisio n champs. You guys have an even conference record with Tenn. and they beat you. They hold the tie-breaker That makes them the division champs. That aside, Richt is an excellent coach. Now Tech has a great coach as well. It will be great to see this matchup be more competitive.

By GT

December 10, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

I think you will see a little of the future in Hawaii. The offense is going to drive a good team crazy, like a junk ball pitcher. I think it will be just the opposite than most people are expecting. Tech may win a few while Georgia gets use to this odd ball offense then they will get tired of losing and spend some time figuring it out. A loss to Tech doesn’t mean as much as a win against Georgia. Once Georgia sees it a few times the talent of Georgia will overcome the left-handed offense. Then Johnson will have to be inventive which I think he will be, which was very different from telegraph Gailey, but once Tech starts getting on Georgia’s nerves enough the winning will stop.

By reebok

December 10, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Johnson is a winner. He has won at every level. He won at Navy with weak talent. Johnson has the recruiting chops to recruit well in-state. No, he won’t beat Georgia in ‘08, but he will definitely restore the rivalry.

By allenlaw

December 10, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Who knows? There are many coaches who do well at 1-AA or at smaller schools (with weak schedules), who do not do well at BCS conference schools.

To say he has been “wildly successful” everywhere is a bit much. He has made Navy competitive, which is a major accomplishment, but Navy lost this year to Delaware and Ball State, last year to Tulsa. He has been a good coach and we will have to see how he can do at this level, with this program.

Most important, who will his assistants be?

By Wozzo the Wonder Dog

December 10, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Reggie Ball may have done better under Coach Johnson but Calvin Johnson would never have signed with Tech under Coach Johnson. I think that with some rivalry games it does not matter who the coach is (Florida beats Georgia with Zook; Georgia Tech plays much better against Georgia than most other teams; etc.). I am curious as to how much Coach Johnson is getting paid. GT’s AD has made it clear that finances are key. GT is paying Gailey $4 million (was that lump-sum?). GT likely had to match or outbid deep pockets at Duke and SMU. GT ticket sales for 2008 will be hurt at some level by the inability to bundle sales with Notre Dame and Georgia tickets. Some GT ticketholders quit buying tickets when GT added the surcharges and those fans may not come back no matter who the new coach is.

By Villa Rica DAWG

December 10, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Congrats to the nerds on a good choice in Johnson. Too bad Richt is better.

By Chris

December 10, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Tech beat Georgia in 1998 and 1999 with that “weak option crap” when Joe Hamilton was the QB. I fully understand that was many moons ago, but I’m just putting that out there.

And for the nine thousandth time, just because he’s had run-oriented schemes at Navy and Southern doesn’t mean he’s going to do it here too.

He’s got access to the skill position players here to run a successful spread option just like Oregon or West Virginia. Would you want to face Oregon (before Dixon’s knee went kaboom) or a healthy West Virginia?

Maybe Renfree doesn’t like the idea of having to put his body at risk running the ball (even though scout.com has him at a 4.5s 40-yd). I think he could thrive like Chase Daniel at Missouri has, but maybe he doesn’t see it that way.

I think Tech has to give it a season or so with the new scheme to let the recruits see how his system runs when he’s got access to better athletes.

By noyellowinthisblood

December 10, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

dmoney The same division record most assuredly makes the Dawgs co-champs. UT won the tiebreaker by beating us. How many more times are we going to have to explain this to people like you. Go to the SEC website.

By AlphaDawg

December 10, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Johnson will be an upgrade over Gailey - more tenacious, more aggressive, more fire in the belly. This will probably generate more wins for the gnats, maybe over us on occassion. I think we have a clear lead in recruiting, reputation, conference, etc. so I don’t think much will change in the shorterm. However, I don’t think you will see that much of the triple option next year. It will be used primarily to keep defenses honest, but I think the scheme will be closer to WV. If so, this will present some challenges when combined with the option. biggest concern though is Tenuta, who seems to know how to defend us well.

By GSU dude

December 10, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

OK, I’m going to say this once, because it’s already been pointed out MANY times. Johnson’s offenses at Ga. Southern, both when he was OC and HC had very effective passing games. Yes, the run came first, but it was a very exciting run game of misdirection plays covering 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 yards. Plus, it was fun watching the Eagle offense line up and light up opposing defenses, while looking unstoppable. It’s because they were unstoppable. I’ll have great fun next season watching all the “it won’t work,” morons eat their words.

By George

December 10, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Everyone else turned them down… I am glad they didn’t get Muschamp or Hatcher….2 young coaches with a VERY bright future in coaching. As a UGA fan, you should be excited. This hire was great for the future of Georgia.

By Desert Dawg

December 10, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Johnson will make a difference at GT.

What he did at NAVY was remarkable. Remember, he is working with athletes that must serve 5 years of service obligation before any chance of a professional career. Plus, there are no “basket-weaving” courses offered at any of the service academies. Imagine what GA, LSU, AU, etc would have done under similiar restraints.

I hope Johnson has great success at GT and makes the GA-GT rivalry a huge game for both schools. The DAWGS welcome the competition!

By Ob

December 10, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

I want to know everything about the other superman “Colt Brennan”.

Let’s hear how great they are. Tell us everything about their defense. Their run defense, pass defense. How their defense matches up against our offense. How does their offense match up against our defense.

How will they match up to Georgia on a position by position basis?

Tell us about their depth. Can their depth handle ours? How good is their depth. Can they match us man to man for four quarters. How ‘bout three quarters?

I believe we should take them very seriously. How seriously do you think we need to take them.

By GT for me.

December 10, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Tenuta is a great DC, but he doesn’t know how to make adjustments. The reason Tech got picked apart was twofold: first of all Tenuta’s defense, while dangerous, has poor protection on the short passing plays (that the mutts love using) and secondly, Gailey and bond’s offense didn’t put up points because of gamecalling that was too conservative. Also, to blame PJ for letting Notre Dame score 44 on them is silly. He’s not the defensive coordinator. When it came to HIS job, the offense delivered.

I believe that next year will see significant improvements. He has a history of having an immediate impact on wins/losses and you can be sure that he’s not as wimpy and conservative as Gailey. Add that to the fact that we are extremely deep at running back and most of our recieving corps will be back and I think we have a good year in ‘08.

WHAT’S THE GOOD WORD?

By Yellowblood

December 10, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

The excitement has built up so much around North Ave. and Techwood. In anticipation of all the great Tickle Piles, I have gone ahead and lathered my scrot in oil and whipped cream. I hope that my genitals can touch the head of a nice strapping young lad or perhaps a 33rd degree warcraft dragon slayer. The tickle pile is without a doubt the best tradition of all at Tech”wood”.

“I got my spud tickled in Boise!” Tickled Blue 2007 Dec. 29, 2007 Boise, Idaho

By EagleDAwg

December 10, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Johnson will do well. As an Eagle alum and a Dawg fan it will be hard to hate him - but I will. FOR THE RECORD: As for GSU vs. UGA, when Johnson was there (2000) GSU struggled to move the ball, scored their only TD very late and would have had NO SHOT to get a 1st down if not for Peterson. The offensive shootout was in 2004 and Sewak was GSU’s coach. Also for the record, if you think GT will line up in the Hambone and run the triple option next year exclusively, you know nothing about Paul Johnson or about college football.

By TTech

December 10, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Ramblin Wrecker you’ve said it all. Your comments were exactly what I was going to write before I read your post. Having read it I concur wholeheartedly. We will be competitive right from the start. PJ has all of the pieces he needs already (as long as Cox’s little bro is cut from the same cloth as his older brother). I can’t wait till next year. I only wish that PJ was coaching us at the Smurf Bowl to try out his scheme with Nesbitt, Choice, Cox % the rest of this year’s staff. We would have been awesome.

By HedgeHead

December 10, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Face it Dawg Fans, its going to be a bi+ch having to go up against the triple option on the last game of the year, every year. Congrats Nerd Herd, you got yourselves a good coach.

By Dawg95

December 10, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Great blog! yellowblood, please move your antics to the Tech board if you must - just don’t identify yourself as a Dawg.

dmoney, don’t worry about us being div champs in the SEC - be more concerned about the all crappy conference you’re in.

Don’t think you can compare Johnson strictly upon the flexbone or his Navy experience. He seems to be more versatile than that. No matter what, he want have the talent that UGA has so we can count on continued dominance.

By WhiteAndGold

December 10, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Ahem…noyellow…there was no tie in the division. UT beat you head to head therefore they are the CLEAR CUT eastern div. champ. Your argument is like LSU saying, “We really were undefeated since we didn’t lose either game in regulation.” You are SEC eastern div. runner-up and most likely Sugar Bowl champ. That in itself is something to hang your hat on. You don’t need to go grasping for “co-champ” superlatives to make yourselves look better.

By dmoney

December 10, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Ok, I’ll give you the co-champion thing. But it’s weak.

By JMar

December 10, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

If he continues to run the same offense, it could be a problem, as the Dawgs don’t see an offense like that all season. All season long watching Tech it was clear to me that they were more of a force with Nesbitt, so I think it will all start with whom he makes his starting quarterback.

By Dorsey Hill

December 10, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

With respect to the supposed heightened academic standards at Tech can someone point to where Tech requires MORE than the NCAA minimum for admission of athletes?

The very same kids that get into Georgia as football players can get into Tech as football players. The problem is that most people just don’t want to go there for obvious reasons:

1)city setting 2)over run with geeks 3)losers 4)ugly women 5)8 to 1 women to men ratio

That’s just for starters. I know it makes you Techies feel better to believe that your inability to compete is linked to academics, but that just isn’t the case.

Face it, you just suck, period.

As for Johnson, practically everything in college football is talent. Coaching, schemes, etc… can help on the margins but 85% to 90% of games are won by the team with the better football players. As they say its “not x’s and o’s, it Jimmys and Joes.” Right now there is a big gulf between where UGA is and where Tech is when it comes to talent. Until that gap closes substantially the series will remain lopsided.

By Hatcher Backer

December 10, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

I am amazed at how many people think PJ is going to coach Tech just like Pepper Rogers did: run, run, run. The man knows the game and he knows he’ll have to have a good mix with the passing game to succeed in BCS college football. Figure it out.

And, all you UGAg fans pretending to be unconcerned while assuming the “Dogies” will win for ever: I am sure that back when Tech won eight in a row, there were fans who crowed that UGAg would never win again. (wrong)

College football fortunes and trends come and go. Tech will beat the Hedge Hogs again, probably sooner than later, and they will probably win a string of games in the future.

Unless you’re Vandy or Duke (which Tech isn’t), no one beats you forever.

So, sweat it out Pups! And keep thinking the way you do.

P.S. Ask Mark Richt if he thinks the Tech game means an automatic “W” every year. He is a great and wise coach and he’d call you a fool for thinking that way.

By NW Dawg

December 10, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

hey BOZZO THE BLUNDER, your questions are stupid and you sound more like an insect than a Dawg. The answers to your questions have already been discussed elsewhere. Use Google for a change and stay off your momma’s PC. I do agree with one thing you said - I don’t think Calvin Johnson would have come to Yech if PJ was there.

By bdawg

December 10, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Hey George, how does starting the season outside the top 10 and ending the season inside the top 5????? (even if, and that is one hell of an if, we lose to Hawaii, we’ll still likely finish higher than we started. Remind me GEORGE, HOW ENDING HIGHER THAN YOU STARTED EQUATES TO BEING OVERRATED??????

YOU MY FRIEND ARE A COMPLETE IMBECILE!

By michaelgee

December 10, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Where will these BiG MOUTH dawg fans be hiding after Hawaii wipes the floor of the Sugar Bowl with them on the 1st?

CPJ wil probably watch the Sugar to see how well the “system” disassembles them Bulldawgs.

Then in September Chris Hatcher wil bring his next group to town to also do a Hawaii on the dawgs.

And we just listen to them RANT today, where will they all hide after the 1st?

Just look under the dawg house, that is where they will be.

Sting ‘em CPJ!

By gt45

December 10, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

If any of you can remember back that far, when Tech had a creative offensive mind with Fridgen, we handled ya’ll pretty well. The thing about Fridge was he ran so many different offensive sets in a game, the defense never knew what was about to come. Ga always recruited a lot stronger then, so it was done with “lessor” talent. Chan was as predictable as day follows night. Anyone who follows Tech could call plays before they happened. This is the reason I, for one, am excited about PJ. I hope we can keep Tenuta. I would like to see how our defense could play with points on the board and less time on the field. I know we won’t be ya’ll all the time, but I sure would like to see this streak snapped. Who knows, maybe PJ can become like your guy.

By Pat

December 10, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Talkin about HOPE! They said he beat ARMY 6 times straight. Now that’s HOPE!

By Singindablues

December 10, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Tech doesn’t compete with the dawgs in head to head recruiting as much as some people think. While Johnson should help some in-state, academic requirements (freshman calculus! - are you kidding!) are enough to eliminate many players which the dawgs will recruit. Tech will never have as many top notch skill position players as the dawgs but as long as they get a few and get some creative, innovative coaching (which I think they now have), the future tech/dawg games should be competitive and exciting.

By FLA DAWG

December 10, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

I think Johnson is a class act and has a successful track record. Having said that I believe he will be as hamstrung at GT as he was at Navy by recruiting. I don’t know why a guy like that would take the GT job considering the limitations placed on it but I wish him success (except against The Dawgs) in any case.

By noyellowinthisblood

December 10, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

WhiteandGold, I’m not grasping. Go to the SEC web page. That is how it is listed. I am fully aware that UT drilled us and they represented the East in the SECCG. The league sets that up. On another note, congrats on Tech’s new coach.

By techsux

December 10, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Johnson was the safe hire. The other names in the mix would have been better hires, but a little more risky. If Tech’s AD really wanted to hire someone that was going to add some fire and buzz(a pun dare I?) Johnson would not be the man. But, thanks Nerds, mediocrity will again reign over the flats!

Oh, one more thing, Seven Straight, Nerds!

By Yellowblood

December 10, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

The euphoria of the anticipation of the tickle pile situation is just too great for me to contain! im free ballin and twirling it like a helicopter! Break out out the chocolate syrup baby! This is better than Zelda!

“I got my spud tickled in Boise!” Tickled Blue 2007 Dec. 29, 2007 Boise, Idaho

By Chip Towers

December 10, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Almost forgot a couple of “housekeeping” items. Several have come on here and asked me to remind everybody to vote for Mark Richt for Liberty Mutual coach of the year. Here’s the link: http://coachoftheyear.com

…

Also my buddy Matt Stewart over at CSS wants y’all to be aware of the season debut of “In the Huddle: Recruiting Edition” on Wednesday at 7 p.m. on CSS (Comcast / Charter Sports Southeast). Join Scout.com Recruiting Expert Jamie Newberg and Matt each Wednesday night as they break down the top recruiting stories, update viewers on commitments and evaluate the recruiting classes… .

I’m not going to get into a debate about the SEC East co-championship. It’s a fact, not an opinion… .

And remember, I asked that everyone please be objective and try to keep fanaticism out of the discussion. Guess all I could do was as.

By Jason Oxentine

December 10, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

I think that it is a great hire. He averaged over 30 points a game against bcs teams with kids with lesser ability. Once he is allowed to recruit the type of athletes that are in this area and acc caliber players he will do even better. Also lets remember his hawain passing back ground and the reason he diddnt throw the ball as much at navy. Due to time restrictions from the school for practice.

By Michael

December 10, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

GSU dude: What should we expect Johnson’s offense to look like if GT is down by 21 in the 4th? Being effective in the passing game is a great thing & works when you can focus on the running game then use play action. When it comes to a passing attack it needs to be good enough to be the focal point of an offense if they’re forced out of there normal game plan. I don’t know enough about Johnson offense to know if there capable of that. From what few games I’ve seen & what I’ve read about Johnson it doesn’t seem like it.

By Exley DAWG

December 10, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Johnson will elevate Tech to a point where they win the games they are supposed to win (Clemson, Wake, Duke.) Unfortunately, the DAWGS aren’t one of them. And the pain continues on…………….

By ODELL THURMAN

December 10, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Yo Dawg, what do objective meen?

By Think about it

December 10, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Would you rather be sitting where UGA is with Richt, his players and his recruiting class - or Paul Johnson ,his players and his recruiting class. Hands down the Dawgs have the upper hand for a long while.

By noyellowinthisblood

December 10, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

and when i state they(the SEC) set that up I am referring to the co-champ versus tiebreaker to play in the championship.

By awesome

December 10, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

For all of you guys that call PJ boring, let me tell you a quick little story.

In a game at GSU, the GSU slot back (that’s what they’re called btw) was hit very late on the GSU sidelines right where PJ was at. PJ was so p** about what he felt was an intentional shot at hurting his player, he ran to the opposing player as he was getting up and told him, “go over there and tell your coach we’re about to light this scoreboard up.” And as they usually did, they scored over 50.

And one more thing. Look back at the 1985 NC game, GSU had over 400 yards passing. Any idea who the OC was, running the same exact offense he had at Navy? (hint: PJ is his initials)

Yes, Georgia Tech will beat Georgia and Erk Russell will roll over in his grave because he for one knew what a great coach PJ would be. After all, he hired him as a 23 year old from a jr college and had the wisdom to let him try this “left-handed offense” (as you mutts call it). Georgia should have hired him 6 years ago. They’d have 2 or 3 perfect seasons now (not going to say NCs because the BCS has a way of screwing things up miserably). But, I’m glad you UGA fans are happy losing 2 or 3 a year. The difference now is that GT will consistently be one of them.

By NASCARfan

December 10, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Chip, please get some face time with Coach Felton so you can express to him that profound gratitude and pride that many of us have in him and the way in which he’s turned around what was a corrupted basketball program, placing character and responsibility above field goal percentage and talented, but troubled, players.

I know many people here are football only guys, but as a student here, I try and support as many of the sports I can. I’ll be honest, that mostly means the big two sports, but I saw the NCAA Tennis Championships live, and I’m hoping to be able to catch a golf tournament or two. Regardless, Coach Felton should be held up by ALL of Bulldog Nation and praised for the job he’s done.

Chip, please let him know how proud he’s made many of us with his addition to the Bulldog Nation, Big Dance or not.

As for Bugland hiring Johnson to run their apathetic program, I’m sorry, but I’m scared of him or his offense. I haven’t talked to many of Bulldogs Nation that I know who is.

Chip, this is what you have to understand. As long as Mark Richt is the coach of this team, and I’m thinking very long-term (like 30 total years), then the top-5 recruiting classes will continue to roll into Athens. Bugland simply cannot compete with that. Also, no matter what Johnson does, it doesn’t change the fact that Bugland still won’t be selling out their stadium on a consistent basis. They still won’t do a good job of reaching out into the fickle, and lets’ face it, terrible Atlanta sports fans. Look at the Falcons. Atlanta sports fans are frontrunners, pure and simple. If Bugland really tries to target those fans, they’ll have a real shaky foundation that’ll topple with the first three game losing streak.

Johnson is a nice guy. Gailey is a nice guy. Johnson won a secondary level Championship. So did Gailey. While the AwfulCC is not worthy of being called a BCS Conference, they’re still better than the competition that Johnson faced at Navy. And at Bugland, Johnson won’t have the kind of committed players with the kind of heart he’s used to at Annapolis. He’ll have to deal more with players’ egos and parents and negative recruiting.

And he’ll have to deal with the fact that Dave Braine was right. Bugland is not capable of consistently winning 9 games a year, let alone that prized goal of 10. They’ll get to 9 wins, and maybe 10 wins, about once out of every 5 or 6 years. They’ll win their division maybe once or twice a decade, and maybe they’ll luck into an AwfullCC title maybe once a decade.

Bugland people are just as delusions as Arkansas people and Clemson people. Arkansas people think they can be LSU, Georgia, or Florida. They can’t. They don’t have the instate talent to be like those teams. The same goes for Clemson people. Bugland lives in a talent-rich state, but they get maybe one of the recruit superstars every five years or so when that recruit superstar would rather live close to his mommy than win football games. And by the way, that recruit superstar who Georgia had no trouble stopping for three years is finding life a little harder than most people thought (most people who aren’t Bulldog fans) in the NFL. Do I smell a bust?

Big time recruits don’t want to go to Bugland. The awesome instate Georgia talent wants to go to Georgia, Auburn, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, SoCarolina, Clemson, and heck, even Georgia Southern, before they want to go to Bugland.

And that’s the way it is. Paul Johnson is never going to change that. It’s not the 1950’s anymore, Notre Lame fans. It’s not the 1950’s anymore, Buglanders.

Know who you are!

By surfrider

December 10, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Good blog. I for one am impressed with the program Mark Richt is running at UGA which has’nt been the case in much of the previous regimes. Maybe I should’nt blog on this but I like the hire of Johnson for many reasons. One is he is innovative and adaptive on offense. Tech use to run Ga. fits with Dodd sometimes with less talent. It was coaching that evened the play up. Tech will pass more than many think and will remind people of Fridge’s offensive option pass schemes but even better. In state recruiting should get much better (could it get worse?) and national recruiting will be much better. There are a lot more option QB’s out there who can throw slightly above average than pure Stafford type Qb’s. In a nutshell Tech’s recruiting unviverse just got much bigger. The key will be the defense and the passing game Johnson implements. Don’t discount Hawaii’s passing game. GA. the last three years or so have won the Tech game based on Tech’s inability to convert three to five plays a game. That will change immediately under Johnson. So I expect an annual Dawgfight.

By gdawginkalamazoo

December 10, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

noyellow, don’t forget Tech is somewhat experienced when it comes to being a “co-champion” but they don’t know the SEC. Although it is not a big deal to me we are officially listed as East Division Co-Champions with the note that UT went to the dome on the tie breaker. Co-champs because we drilled UF and UT got drilled by UF. We beat Bama and UT got drilled by Bama. Head to head we got drilled by UT therfore they got the dome trip. Same records in division. We don’t make the rules or give ourselves the listings other people do.

By WhiteAndGold

December 10, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

It appears that is the case noyellow. I think its pretty silly. Its like saying, “hey look at me, Im the bridesmaid.” Anywho, the Sugar Bowl is definitely a fine achievement. I would much rather say that I am “Sugar Bowl champion” than I would “co-SEC East champ”.

Exley, out of the three teams you mentioned, only one of those is a should be win for Tech. Clemson has a fine football team and overall program. Tech does well just to be competitive with them. I think you’ll see them match up with Auburn very well. Jim Grobe has elevated Wake to a pretty stable position. They are not the same Wake of old. There are only a few should be wins in the ACC for us.

By WhiteAndGold

December 10, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

wagisgay, please, please come back and talk to me when Colt Brennan throws 10 td passes on you. You suck at life and you should think about quitting sometime soon.

By decatur dawg

December 10, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

awesome, you freakin’ tech nerds just kill me! Yes, PJ is a good hire, not a great one, but solid and safe. To think that if he were at UGA he would be better than CMR, and that NOW, Yech is going to beat us now?!? What a joke! You act like Bill Belichick just took the job!

I guess every 5-6 years, you losers can at least dream of being good. So, you know what, go ahead, dream!

Eight Straight in ‘08!

By ODELL THURMAN

December 10, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Hey Gee, by boz TONEY COLE tell me what objective be meaning. It’s like crack or cocaine wehich be better, or do the nasty with dis hole who want’s it, or da other hole who be sayin no when she really do. Either way they gonnaa get the ODELL and TONY TREATMENT, ahhh yea!!! WOOF WOOF

So, I be thinkin dis sucka PJ ain’t worth me getin out of my escalade, ain’t da rite DAWG NAYTION!!!! WOOFF, WOOF. WHO LET DA DAWGS OUTTTTT!!!!!!

YOU GEE, Dis suka tryed gettin me to play for NAVY…SHHH$$tt, U think I be gettin on top of da water. I heard too, if u get caught smokkin da crunk, u gettin kick outs of shchool. Das why I be luving Coach Righteous, he just want let play da frist games against the easy teams I not wanting to palyin anyway.

Shout out my BoZ COACH RIGHTEOUS.

By PTC DAWG

December 10, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

GT will beat UGA again, and the world will not end. But as long as Richt and Co are in charge in Athens, they won’t come close to dominating the series.

Actually, the only time they have won since ‘90, brought probation and shame to GT. Playing flunkies is not something the Ncaa smiles upon.

By GSU dude

December 10, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Michael, the offense has quick strike capability and can shift to full pass mode to make a comeback if needed. It’s rarely been needed, but as awesome pointed out, in GSU’s first title game, they had to come back against Furman and did so through the air (400 yards passing). Paul Johnson is going to run his offense and it is going to score lots of points. And, I, for one am going to enjoy it.

By CapeCodDawg

December 10, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Johnson’s only chance for success is if he implements the spread option that Fla,Oregon and others currently run. I love the wishbone and we ran it way back when i was in high school (1986),but if he comes with that type of offense Tech will be crushed regularly and with great prejudice. The recruiting will fail them because that type of offense does not translate into NFL bucks. If however, he adds a little something..a twist of sorts to the Urban Meyer offense,well then he’ll only get crushed by the Troys and the Citadels of college football. Either way The DAWGS will get deep in them guts for the foreseeable future GO DAWGS

OPERATION BLACK-OUT IS IN EFFECT!!

By CockoftheWalk

December 10, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

NASCARfan you must be on drugs. No talent base in SC? Hahah, well the genious, why do ya’ll bring your mangey a*******es over here to recruit then? It appears that us and Clemson are doing quite well with the talent from “over here”. I cant wait til next year when ya’ll come to Columbia so Spurrier can kick your redneck a*******es back to that backwoods, BFE Georgia trailer park.

By BjohnDawg

December 10, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

God I hate Georgia Tech. But it we are going to talk about it, well what the heck.

I like Johnson. Have since Georgia Southern days Johnson is a good hire. But it will be probably 2010 before he can put any fear into UGA.Now I will have to hate him.

Dawgs are two loaded in 08 and 09.And it will take some time before his team can get use to the new offense.

I say we go 9 or 10 straight before we are at risk of losing to the Bugs.

Go Dawgs!And to hell with Johnson and the North Avenue Boys.

By bellyseries

December 10, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Johnson was a winner at Navy. This means he is not just a scheme coach, but also a motivator who can get superior performances out of inferior football players. Chan has left some excellent football players at Tech, better than any PJ has ever had. he’ll go to town with them.

By NASCARfan

December 10, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

typo: that should read I am NOT scared of Bugland hiring Johnson…

By Wozzo the Wonder Dawg

December 10, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Hey NW Dawg. I asked two questions, neither of which are stupid. I took your advice and tried to Google the answers. I cannot find Paul Johnson’s Tech salary. Can you? I also could not find if Coach Gailey was paid $4 million in a lump-sum payment (although I suspect it was). If the answers to my two questions are posted elsewhere (as you say), please provide the link.

By RAMBLE ON!

December 10, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

DENIAL IS A RIVER THAT RUNS THROUGH ATHENS NO DOUBT. Your pi$$ing in your over-alls (especially that moron NASCARfan…did anybody read half of what she says?). Clearly she must work for a GT Graduate with al the jealously. BLOG VOMIT is the best you can do on here with the small exception of a few…WHERE’S BUCK IN THE NW BEEN?

By NW Dawg

December 10, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

NASCARfan = stupid UGA student Go do your book reports and stay off a serious blog. No one cares about basketball on this blog you moron.

By Ken Morrison

December 10, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Not a Georgia Tech fan but a PJ fan and if you think that all he is going to do is run the triple option then you have already lost the game. Even though Navy gave up 44 points to ND they still won and if I remember the winning TD did not come from the option. Also remember that players in the trenches for ND out weighed Navy players by nearly 100 pounds but the end reslt was still the same Navy Won the game. I expect PJ will show the ACC a thing or 2 next year and I am sure every one in GA will take a step back and say “Wow this guy is good”. People want to play for this guy and trust me with a decent QB the sky is the limit for his offense.

By awesome

December 10, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Nope - not a GT fan. I’m a GSU/PJ fan (grew up a Dawg fan watching Willie McClendon, Matt Simon, Meat Clever Weaver, Pulpwood Smith, and of course Herschel). But built a serious hatred for UGA when Dooley called Erk a liar.

Honestly, this man’s gonna bring you something you’ll wish you never saw.

And, someone asked why no-one else is running this offense (if it so good). Truth is, PJ makes the offense good. No one else has really been able to achieve his success when they followed behind him. Stowers did good under Erk but faltered once Erk retired. Sewak couldn’t mimic his success either. There are a couple of former PJ assistants at VMI not doing very well with it (we’ll see what happends at Navy). It’s just PJ. He is like a great general, he sees things the ordinary coach just doesn’t see. He is always watching and adjusting - he has seen everything a defense can throw at the offense he invented.

Honestly, I can’t tell you that PJ will beat UGA every year or even every other. But, if it can be done, he’ll do it - that’s guaranteed.

By wes gt fan

December 10, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Well, he couldn’t possibly do any worse than Gailey.

By noyellowinthisblood

December 10, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Zoo, what are your thoughts on HI. I think it will be close for the first half and believe it or not low scoring. I say this because I’m looking for about 80/20 run/pass. Then we wear them down in the second. If we can get pressure with the front four I like our chances.

By gdawginkalamazoo

December 10, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

whiteandgold, I agree with you I would rather be “Sugar Bowl Champs” also.

Greg Blue update. He is now playing for Detroit. Played a few downs yesterday and absolutely drilled Marion Barber a couple of times at the goal line. Recovered a fumble. Hitting like he used to. Might see more game time in the weeks to come. Since Detroit can’t win might see some good hitting.

By RAMBLE ON!

December 10, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

gdawginkalamazoo “Although it is not a big deal to me we are officially listed as East Division Co-Champions”…Offically listed in what? Your right for once, it’s no big deal. (except to the fleabag nation). Being runner up to the runner up is a big deal…GOOOOOOOOO MUTTS SIC’EM!!!

By WhiteAndGold

December 10, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Theres no denying UGA’s success this year. Our time will come. For the next few seasons Tech will be in transition. There should be two awefully good teams in the State of Georgia in a few years.

By gdawginkalamazoo

December 10, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Ramble! Offically listed in what? By the SEC that’s all. And like beating you guys for 7 years running, no big deal.

By RAMBLE ON!

December 10, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

gdawginkalamazoo WHERES BUCK IN THE NW. Has he changed names on me, I’m worried about your fellow fleabag, have you heard from him?

By noyellowinthisblood

December 10, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

RambleOnhometomidtown as I stated earlier go to the SEC website and check. We don’t call the shots a*******clown.

By uga95

December 10, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

RAMBLE ON: Buck in the NW passed away about a month or so ago….may god rest his bulldog soul!

By NASCARfan=Idiot

December 10, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

NASCARfan, you are a typo. Go away. You apparently haven’t figured out that NASCAR vehicles go around in a circle. Why don’t you try real ROAD racing where there is some skill in making BOTH left and right hand turns. Idiot.

By Bob

December 10, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Jim Donnan said on the radio this morning that Tech had an advantage over UGA on non-qualifiers because they can come in for summer school and then play as freshmen. He says they have to sit out the season at UGA. Anybody know what the deal is?

Paul Johnson is a good hire. As a UGA alum, I believe that he’ll win some games off of us with talent a notch or two below ours. As far as recruiting in-state, if you watched the GHSA semi-finals over the weekend. you saw that more schools are playing Johnon’s style of offense than not.

By CockoftheWalk

December 10, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

NASCARfan, errr dude: Like all of this hard studying of shapes and colors here at UGA has given me the freakin munchies. Dude, like I gotta go to Little Italy and get me a radical grinder. Yooooooooo, that sounds freakin sweet…maybe I get a couple of my stoner friends from down the hall to go. Yeah, maybe like we could burn a dube on the way down…yeah, dude, like way cool. Dude, you posers just wouldn’t understand how UGA peeps roll…duuuuuude.

By JustMe

December 10, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

The truth about Johnson’s impact on ugay….

First, he will immediately impact the recruiting of kids in the State. Gailey helped, but Johnson, having established his relationships with schools already while at GA Southern, will easily pick up the ball here.

Second, Johnson (hopefully) won’t be as predictable with his play calling. Richt and the ugay mutts won’t be able to sit back and know that it’ll be Choice up the middle every play.

Third, I really hope that Johnson finds a way to stop the refs from making such bad calls against Tech. I realize that the ugay fans will remember calls from years ago, but the recent years have certainly gone completely the way of ugay. When even the announcers make a big deal of the phantom pass interference calls as they did in this last game, you know it is obvious. And, these calls always seemd to go ugay way at the critical times. Yeah, late in the game once the scoring was set, the refs finally made a few Tech calls to make it ‘seem’ fair.

Why don’t we have officials from a third conference do these games?

Finally, NASCARfan (and other ugay fans) why are you even here? This is a Tech blog. Your continuing posts here with your ignorant comments only shows how much you people are concerned about Tech!

By RAMBLE ON!

December 10, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Looks like another fleabag got NASCARfans panties in a wad…too funny when fellow fleabags start fighting each other. How many PBRs does that take?

I’m convinced you did go to school there now. Do you think your GT Boss doesn’t know all you do all day is blog or are you trying to get unemployment (probably already on it, huh)?

By 12-Buck Chuck

December 10, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

If the UGA football program continues to operate as it should, there will be little impact. UGA has better facilities, a nicer campus, a larger fan base, a ton more money, and more academic offerings. This is too much for GT to overcome.

By RAMBLE ON!

December 10, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

uga95 thanks for the update…so sorry to hear. He was a class act!!

By NASCARfan

December 10, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Okay, I was censored. I get it.

It doesn’t change the fact that NW Dummy was far out of line to say the things he said about me and about me praising Coach Felton, who is a great man who is restoring pride in a sport which is a part of the whole athletic department, whether or not NW Dummy wants to be a true Dawg and root for them.

It doesn’t change the fact that NW Dummy is no true member of Bulldog Nation, is a football fan only, and isn’t worthy of being called a Dawg fan, or including the word Dawg in his handle.

It doesn’t change the fact that NW Dummy is a dumb, ignorant, SOB.

By ToccoaDawg

December 10, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

TEN IN A ROW NO PROBLEM BUT MIGHT BE TO TECH MAY GO LONGER IF THE BEES CANT KEEP UP IN THE RECRUITING

By DC

December 10, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Why does it really matter….I heard a GA guy Sat say he would rater go 1-10 with the 1 being tech vs 10-1 losing to tech and playing for SEC/NC…I don’t get it. tech has one rival..us….They should worry more about the ACC..that is what keeps a coach employed. Yea I know the rival talk but it has lost it’s appeal and the law of averages would tell you that if Tech kept the status quo, they would win every few yrs or so….with a new coach I am not sure thigs change from a GA-Tech game perspective…maybe in the ACC which should matter more

By uga95

December 10, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Just Me- scroll up to the top of this page. This is a UGA blog.

By midnight rider

December 10, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

As much as I love the Dawgs, I have to say that Tech made a great hire in Paul Johnson. I’m a Georgia Southern Graduate and was really impressed by the success that he had while there. In fact, no other coach at Southern had near the impact on it’s program as did PJ with the exception of the late, great Erk Russell.

People who haven’t followed him will soon come to understand that he’s a competitor and a winner. He recruits great athletes, and he plays to the strengths of those that he has available to him.

I wish Tech and Coach Johnson all the success in the world……..except for that one Saturday following Thanksgiving.

By Bob

December 10, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

“JustMe”, the blog was on the Georgia page. Probably on the Tech page. It specifically asked what effect the Johnson hire would have on Tech’s success against Georgia. Let’s try not to be so childish.

By gdawginkalamazoo

December 10, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

JustMe, We are here because Chip Towers is the Bulldog beat reporter and he ask the question as to how PJ’s hiring might effect us. You are the visitor. I think you guys have a fellow by the name of Winklejohn or something like that. I think his most recent column is “FSU inks Rose” written in 2006. Didn’t read it though.

By Alabama Jack

December 10, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Regarding Coach Johnson’s offense, Tech never has sent that many players to the pros - those in line for that route go to the football factories like uga, Texas, Southern Cal, Michigan, etc, anyway, so I don’t think its that great of a loss. On the other hand, if you look at the success of Tebow and McFadden and even our own Choice, maybe some variant of this offense can be effective. Now if we can only persuade Coach Tenuta to stay, we would have the best of both worlds.

THWG.

By Rob

December 10, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

All this talk about the spread offense by Tech fans amuses me. On the whole, it won’t work against the speed and power of the SEC. Even if it does work, it may get some of your players seriously maimed. If Johnson is any good, he’ll be able to adapt when he faces those fast and powerful teams, which are a large part of the SEC’s contingent.

By toemeetsleather

December 10, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

hated to see the chanster go but coach ‘j’ is already throwing fear inTO them puppies…HE WILL BRING THE HERD BETWEEN THE TWIGS AND WREAK HAVOC…2008…YEAR OF THE JACKET!!!!YELLOW FEVER RULES!!!

By gdawginkalamazoo

December 10, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Noyellow, I am not sure about Hawaii. I will be a tough game. We better come out ready to play because that is a quick strike offense and if we aren’t careful we could find ourselves in a Knoxville situation Jan 1st.. I saw a little bit of the Washington game and Brennan throws it on the money. Better check the receivers at the line on every play and try to do something to their timing. What, I don’t know because he completes at a 70%+ rate. They have some hugh chick running the ball too. Like 290 lbs. Saw a play against WA where she took off running and a roll of fat popped up and knocked the ball loose for a fumble. Hard to tackle something like that. If we are fortunate to get a lead better keep building on as much as possible. No sitting back killing a clock. I don’t care what people say about Hawaii’s schedule this is a timing type of offense and it can work against anybody, anytime. Better have the D backs in place to knock some receivers down or it won’t be pretty for us. Somebody posted we have stopped one Heisman winner and one hopefull (KY). Hope we can stop a third Jan 1st.

By gamecockgary

December 10, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

steve was just teasing ya this year[still prevailed between the twigs]…next year gamecocks RUN THE TABLE….NATIONAL CHAMPS!!!..COUNT ON IT…puppies will be rolled in bryce stadium!!!!!!!

By bh

December 10, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

i am glad to see some peole start being afraid of Tech’s new hire by venting their stupid opinions on the blog they don’t belong to.

By Help for Christmas

December 10, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

I was Christmas shopping Saturday and went into the sports memorabilia store at Lenox mall to find a UGA National Championship banner for my little Billy. The store had Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan, Tennessee, Ohio State, Nebraska, and even Georgia Tech but did not have a single UGA banner. I was disappointed and asked the clerk why there was not a UGA banner and was told “We can’t get them since they (UGA) only have one championship. See (pointing to all the other banners), all of these have multiple championships listed on them.”

I guess Billy will have to change his allegiance to a school with a “football tradition” if he wants a banner like that…..

By Jack

December 10, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Johnson is a class act and will win at Tech but he will be no more likely to get the top talent out of the state than those who came before him. And he will have no advantages over Richt as far as coaching goes. The rivalry will be re-born though. If you can win at Navy you can win at Tech.

By Only the AJC......

December 10, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Chip said “So try to keep your UGA bias in check and let’s explore objectively the affect Johnson’s hiring could have on the Tech-Georgia rivalry.”

What he didn’t say was - We’re going to have links to this blog from both the Tech and UGA pages……

By NASCARfan

December 10, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Umm, help, you might want to do a little research before you create false stories about how many National Championships that UGA has.

We claim 2 National Championships in 1942 and 1980 because we don’t count other three that we share with other teams in 1927, 1946, and 1968.

Every time I’ve been to that college sports store at the Mall of Georgia, I’ve had no problem finding one of those Georgia National Championship Tapestries.

Seriously, you should ask yourself, if Bugland only claimed the titles that they won outright, how many would they really have?

Moron.

By Uncle Dave

December 10, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Johnson will do a nice job… but he will have zero impact on UGA. The Jackets are too late. They could have gotten a lift and some buzz while Georgia was still a collection of unsure blue chips. Now they know they are good. They know they can beat anybody. The poor guy is taking over on the Flats at the high point of Mark Richt’s tenure in this state. At the same time, Florida and Tennessee still grab their share of talent from the local programs. He better keep Tenuta if he is to have any shot… and it remains to be seen if he can orchestrate an offense at this level… Hawaii, Navy, and Ga. Southern operate in the kiddie pool compared to going up against Va. Tech, Clemson, Florida State and Georgia every Year.

By Turn Left - Again

December 10, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Um Nascar fumes,

1942 was shared with Wisconsin and Ohio State so I guess that means you should only claim one

By RAMBLE ON!

December 10, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Ohio St. received more National Championship awards for 1942, than the fleabags did that year and probably ever will. They are the National Champion’s for 1942

You should use other resources than the DAWG book of Football.

Funny stuff…you guys can’t count for one, if you could you’d count the two a$$ whipping GT gave you in the 40’s, that you won’t put in the record books.

Yea we played you, but…

You need to keep to watching cars go round in circles for 4 hours instead of trying to be a knowledgeable football fan.

By Terry Williams

December 10, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Look, Muschamp’s friends correctly informed him that the Tech job was a “Coaching Graveyard” ( a small step above Duke). Smart idea to wait for a place with Division 1 facilities where one could stay AND WIN. There’s nothing worse than having a mismatch between reality and expectations (see Alabama….though they Do have the facilities…and the money to get it done). Paul (not Jimmy)Johnson is a bright Coach and will no doubt be very successful….by Tech standards. Congrats Tech….now go kick Duke’s butt in overtime.

By Grandpa

December 10, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

I get a kick out of the comments about Paul Johnson’s age … he’s 50, Mark Richt will soon be 48 … does that mean Coach Richt will be a “grandpa coach” in 2 years? Maybe it’s the “dog years” vs. “human years” thing.

By Help for Christmas

December 10, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

nascarfan,

I was relaying my experience so I didn’t create a false story. My research was done at the store.

I am so sorry that you have to sign your posts “Moron”. Can’t you use your name or something else instead of calling yourself a moron?

By godawg

December 10, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

COME ON PEOPLE! Let’s try and do as Chip asked and be adult and objective about this.

Paul Johnson is probably a good hire and Tech should be proud to have a new Johnson, er, I mean, Coach. Eveyone should be happy to have an outstanding Johnson, er, coach of Paul’s character. I mean, a Johnson with such a sterling reputaion… ahhh…screw it!

Tech’s always been a bunch of johnsons and will always be a bunch of johnsons, but NOW they’re Johnson’s johnsons! LOL!!!!

By Rod

December 10, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

Chip, do you think the AP poll would vote another team, maybe Goergia #1 after the bowl games? If LSU and Ohio State play a sloppy game like the SEC Championship and Georgia blows out Hawaii like 44 to 0. We could have a split national champion with both teams from the SEC. LSU would be the BCS Chanmpion and Georgia would be the AP Champion. If the AP did that it might make the Presidents do something about a playoff? Because they way things are there is not a true national champ anyway you look at it.

By shane #1

December 10, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

paul johnson should be a good hire for tech and he will put tech in posistion to win the acc if given time.patience will be required because the tech program must be rebuilt from the ground up.first step,improve the strength and conditioning of the players.tech seems to fade late in tough games,depth plays a part in this,but conditioning is most important.as lombardi said,fatigue makes cowards of us all. the next step must be improved recruiting,three star players will not make tech a champion when fsu,miami,and clemson are signing four and five star players.johnson knows south ga,he should be able to sign at least some of the prospects there.fsu,clemson and auburn are now getting the players that uga doesn’t sign.tech has ignored this hot bed of talent during the gailey years.o linemen appear to be a priority to me,look at the tech o line recruits for the past two years,and only one commitment so far this class.then johnson should try to focus the tech fan base on winning the acc,not just beating uga.tech will not go to the bcs simply by beating uga,winning the acc will mean a big bcs payday,as in the orange bowl.that is 17 million bucks folks,and tech needs the money.tech is certainly capable of upsetting uga,but frankly just does not have the talent to beat the dogs on a consistant basis.with the young talent uga has,and another highly rated class coming in,the dogs will be loaded for another 5 years.we are looking at a five year program here tech fans,will you hang in there and support youe team?i am an old bulldog but i have tried to be unbiased and have stated the facts as i see them.

By GTVegas

December 10, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

You are all idiots. Access to this blog is on BOTH the UGA and TECH page. It is both a UGA and a Tech blog or, at best, neither a UGA nor a Tech blog.

I really wonder about humanity sometimes.

As for the topic at hand, I think Johnson is a great hire. He will make going to the games fun again. A great football coach is measured by wins and respect. A great football coach does not get to be a winner by not being able to adapt. Johnson will adapt. The series should be fun again.

I think some of the UGA responders are just jealous of our “Johnson”. I’m sorry, I could not resist the pun.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again, I hope that both teams meet with unblemished records come the day after Thanksgiving. That benefits both programs and will assure national recognition, exposure and, hopefully, respect.

By buzz off

December 10, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

gt sux

By Larry The Cable Guy

December 10, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

NASCARfan Your bio, now that’s funny stuff, I don’t care who you are! Git R Done

By shane #1

December 10, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

chip,i forgot this in my last post,which was to long anyway.i would like a report on the uga red shirts.i have heard there were 14 of them,but i am not sure.how about a list of our redshirts,and an update on the progress of each one of them.thanks,shane

By Dawg Pound

December 10, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

PJ is a very good coach and motivator. He will most likely win some of UGA, the law of averages will have to catch up at some point. He will have a difficult time recruiting at GT. First he will have to contend with UGA for the top athletes in the State. Second, Auburn, UF, UT, USC all look to Georgia to recruit heavily. Third, the type of athlete will be much different from the ones he is used to at Navy. FB players at Navy are highly motivated individuals in life, not just sports. The players, at Navy are all very intelligent. They go to Navy to earn some pretty lofty degrees and to serve their country, they put others ahead of themselves. The bottom line recruiting will be very different for him at GT than at Navy. This would be the same if he went to UGA, Nebraska or anywhere else. He will also have much more competition for the players he wants.

Given time, PJ will make a fine coach for GT and win more than he loses. He will have difficulty with some of the schools such as VT, FSU in the ACC. He will also have difficulty with any SEC school he plays simply because of the overall depth in the SEC.

His offense really doesn’t mean a thing. The speed of the players he will face on defense will balance that out. Additionally, he is stepping up in a coahing position, which also means the coaching he faces will be better, both defensively and offensively. Defending his offense is simply playing assignment ball, making tackles and the defensive line controlling the line of scrimmage. Sounds very similar to what you have to do against any offense.

Short term GT will struggle against UGA. Long term he could make it a rivalry again.

By NW Dawg

December 10, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

If NASCARfan is a student at UGA, then why isn’t he doing something productive? It appears he will be as much of a failure in life as he is on these blogs. Sorry, dude, Dawg fan here but you’ll get no love from me for what your provoking.

By Heeldawg

December 10, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Paul Johnson will win at Tech.

No question about that.

But he will not consistently win against Georgia as long as Mark Richt is head coach. There’s a program difference between the two schools now, and it runs deeper than a win or two every few years. Georgia is in a position to be a national power year in and year out (example: Tech’s 9-5 season last year was a “good” year. Georgia’s 9-4 record last season was a disappointment). The next two or three seasons will only cement that position.

Johnson is good. But Richt, and Georgia, is better.

By Ga

December 10, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

There are things being mentioned here that make no difference. 1.Eastern Conference Co-Champs(Who cares?) 2.No NC(Who cares) We are 10-2, in a BCS Bowl with a chance to win 11. Anyone from GA would have taken that at the start of the year. Anyone from Tech would take it any year. Quit splitting hairs, it has been a great year that we were not supposed to have. Spurrier got lucky. Fulmer had his back up against the wall and beat the crap out of us. If there are any TN people on the Board, you are Morons for wanting to fire him. Who you gonna get that wants to play his schedule?

By godawg

December 10, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

FOC Members, although Chan is no longer coach at the trade school off North Ave. nothing shall diminish our admiration and support of this great man. However, like bug fans everywhere we must move on.

I would like to make a motion that we go ahead and develop new bylaws and organizational materials in anticipation of our newest efforts. I believe Paul Johnson needs to be placed on a probationary period of one year. However, he satisfactorally fulfills qualifying requirements set forth by our organization, then we shall officially launch PALS OF PAUL and carry on the great Bulldog tradition of support for coaches whom are able to meet and sustain the high standards set by Coach Chan. Do I have a second?

By Top Dawg

December 10, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

CHIP: What will be the best way to control Hawaii’s offense? Should we blitz a lot? Either way, CWM will have his work cut out for him in designing schemes to slow them down.

By Dealwithit

December 10, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

UGA - 20 for 2020,40 for 2040,59 for 2060-crap we lost one !!

By NASCARfan

December 10, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

NW Dummy, you’re as much of a Bulldog as I am an Ag Major.

Now that’s really funny, because I’ve never seen a cow, let alone artificially inseminated one.

But like the rest of the Bulldog Nation has done, I’ll leave this particular blog which was written by Chip Towers, the UGA Beat Writer, which still says UGABlog, to the Bugs and Lamecocks who seem more interested in trashing Georgia than talking about their own teams.

Could it be because there is nothing to talk about their own teams, even if one of them has a new, uninspiring coach?

NW Dummy, you support the football team, but that in no way makes you a member of Bulldog Nation. We support all the teams in the athletic department, and we don’t disparage other Dawgs for supporting those teams. Dude, you’re an idiot. And no Bulldog. You’re a football fan, pure and simple.

As to Georgia winning the title in 1942, y’all can check any source you want. It’s there. Chip has spoken on this in the past, as well. We won the 1942 and 1980 titles, and we also shared titles in 1927, 1946 (in which we were undefeated), and 1968.

If y’all are so retarded that you’re going to create fictional reasons to try and slam Georgia, I say y’all should really stick to your D&D, Klinkon language lessons, and finish writing that Star Wars fan movie.

Keep up all the witty repartee.

Chip, you can have these retards until your next blog.

By jg

December 10, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Johnson is going to win a ton. I am a gsu grad and a dawg for life but think about this ,the same team that held wva to 9 points pitt , gave up 45 to navy .He has much less talent than every team he has played since he has been there (except army).Did wva have better talent than ga in 2005 ,hardly.was Nebraska 40 points more talented than fl in 95 or app st, did they have better talent than mich this year .This guy invented the spread 22 years ago,he can run it better than meyer or rich at wva in his sleep. you wan’t to make money .bet on tech each game next year and esp in year 2 : you’ll be able to take dec off

By Chip Towers

December 10, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Top Dawg: The best way to contgrol Hawaii’s offense is with Georgia’s offense. I look for the Dogs to run the ball at least 40 times in this game… .

Shane: Duly noted on the redshirts. We’ll do… .

Rod: I very much could see a split champion being named this season with the AP going a different direction than the BCS. But I don’t see how Georgia could be in that position.

By Dawgbyte

December 10, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

If Johnson can get the talent to Tech he will be competitive against UGA and others. If he cant, well… What is different?

By Mike T.

December 10, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

Ohio St. received more National Championship awards for 1942, than the fleabags did that year and probably ever will. They are the National Champion’s for 1942

Six different polls voted Georgia NC’S in 1942.

By Erk fan

December 10, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Write this down. In three years, Paul Johnson will be recognized and celebrated as one of the best 5 coaches in college football. He will beat Georgia in 2009, and 2010. It’s easy to foretell this, having seen his teams play over the years. PJ recruits and plays smash mouth football players, those who don’t mind a lot of blood, and a few broken bones. On the other hand, Georgia, commencing with Goff, through Donnan, and continuing with MR, recruits prima donnas. That’s why they lose at least two games every year. If they can use a gimmick, or get a ref’s break here and there, they win 10 games, but they never whip a team physically. Paul Johnson’s teams do that regularly. You will see that with his teams at Tech. The good news is that Tech will reap the benefit of a coach who has not been given a chance until now; the bad news is that after the success of three years, some of the “big money” schools will want the perfector of the option offense. I’ve been a Bulldog fan a long time, but Georgia made a mistake not hiring Erk Russell when Dooley quit. The disrespecting of Erk Russell angered the football gods, and now UGA will pay for its transgressions. And Erk will be watching, remembering that he is the one that gave Paul Johnson the chance to run that “weird” offense that will drive Georgia’s DC nuts. I can’t wait.

By godawg

December 10, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

NW Dawg, while I appreciate Dawg fans of ALL stripes, I respectfully request that you change your handle.

As you may or may not know, Buck in the NW formerly used NW Dawg as his handle and later changed it when he realized his condition was terminal and wanted everyone to know his name was “Buck” Price Cochran.

We will always remember and honor Buck’s memory and I, for one, will forever remeber him as NW Dawg.

I would appreciate your consideration to change your handle slightly in respect to this GREAT FAN. Maybe something like LeftCoastDawg. Thank You!

By TJ

December 10, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Did you ever stop and think that the series might end after next year’s game?

The contract is up and my school will demand a couple of MAJOR changes before a new contract is signed.

The arguments for the changes are too logical. Most fans (both schools) do not like change so I will not go into the specific changes. If you think about what has really changed from the Dodd Era to the Richt Era you will be able to figure it out.

Ladies and Gentlemen, there is a change agent involved and his name is Dan Radakovich.

In order:

The Head Football Coach

The Flagship Radio Station

The GT/UGA series

The Men’s Basketball Coach

Dan, great job with Coach Johnson!

By son_sir

December 10, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

The key to early success is going to depend on how fast the Tech QB’s can learn the reads neccessary to make the offense effective. Timing is everything in this offense and repetition is where you get that timing. That’s why it is almost impossible for a scout team, thrown together in one week, to replicate what you are going to see on game day in terms of the speed at which it will be seen on game day.
Some people above have a misconception about what this offense is all about. First of all, the best RB will be at the FB position. Not the Mike Cox type (not a knock on The Bull because he has been outstanding as a blocker). The slotbacks tend to be smaller and a little quicker and you’ll see motion used in multiple variations. I see Roddy Jones at one of the slots with his quickness.
Also, some people have the old triple option of the 70’s in mind. That’s way off base. There will be lots more passing than you think provided Nesbitt has “the touch”. Anybody who has followed Georgia Southern knows, there have been QB’s who could sling it (Tracy Ham) and those who couldn’t. If you have the dual capability as Ham did …..look out ! That can wreak havoc !
Speaking of Ham, he is in the Atlanta area and could be a great asset in recruiting for Tech if needed). He knows his offense, is a great “people person”, and would relate very well to the type of athlete needed for this offense. Not suggesting he replace Giff Smith, because Lord knows we need his recruiting skills to stay on The Flats. Ham would be a GREAT consultant if he is willing. The challenge for the defense in this system is that you have to sacrifice some ‘D’ time to give the ‘O’ live situations. Time that isn’t spent on what you will be facing on Saturdays.
The up side at Tech is that they will have much more speed and quickness than say, Navy or Air Force. If a QB can be developed who can make the reads and can throw it as well, it will be very hard to stop. A one dimensional QB who can run it will be hard to stop also, but nothing like if he can throw it also. I haven’t seen enough of Nesbitt to know if he is a dual threat. He for sure looks like he has the speed and quicks to handle the running part. He’ll get the reads with the reps he will get from CPJ. Who knows ? Booker might be the man initially. Sadly, Taylor Bennett doesn’t fit the mold here. One thing is for sure, it’s going to be very interesting. I can’t wait until the spring GT game to see how it’s all unfolding.

By ga_tech_92

December 10, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Coach Johnson is absolutely a winner, period. He will do what it takes and get the most from the young men at Georgia Tech. Will we win every game? Of course not, it doesn’t usually work that way, even at UGA…however…I do think we will play with pride and feel like we CAN win any game…including the UGA game. Hopefully we can make the rivalry more competitive. I’ve not seen this much excitement for many years on the Flats. Just what we needed…a bolt of energy…let’s go get those dogs and the ACC men!!!!! I’m buying extra tickets, this is a new beginning and everyone I talk to, including Dog fans, are excited for Tech. Welcome Coach Johnson, you are home!

By boots

December 10, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Chip, I think the rivalry will always exist for sure: Which Varisty is better? Which business school is better? Which schools SAT scores are higher? Who has the better basketball team?

However, the football rivalry will not be there for a while… maybe five to ten years. By then, Johnson will be 61 years old, so, Tech fan’s, hold on til 2017. Change is coming!

Some other areas where there is NO rivalry: which school has prettier girls? (does Tech even have women there?) Which school has less crime? Which school has more graduates not return to Asia? Which school has the better football coach? Who recruits better?

Paul Johnson might have been a good academy coach. He might even be a good ACC coach. *But… he is NO MARK RICHT. *

By Priority Uno

December 10, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

First and foremost, I’ll continue to enjoy EACH of the last SEVEN. What’s the point of guessing about ‘08. I’m just loving all this conjecture. IT DON’T MEAN JACK, nerdy ones!

By SoFlaDawg

December 10, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

7 in a row your comment of with rodney gardner recruiting is he the only coach that goes out and recruits..he dropped the ball on 3 recruitslast year allen bailey from mcintosh for one. and his 2 best players on the d-line where he coaches owens and atkins were recruited by jancek and martinez. and so everybody knows it is not a rivalry unless you win more than once in ten years just ask the dawgs they need to beat florida again next year for it to be considered a rivalry

By Mike T.

December 10, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Man all this anticipation over a coach thats been coaching against U Mass,Central Michigan,Army and finally beat Notre Dame in the worst season in their history.They act like Georgia has never seen the option before.If he had lead Navy to a few top 10 finishes and maybe a few undefeated seasons then we would have cause to worry.

By Mr.Wrestling #2

December 10, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Coach Johnson or Coach Gailey the truth is the two programs are not equal. Johnson may win against Georgia a few times but he, like every Tech coach since Bobby Dodd will leave with a losing record against Georgia. Even O’Leary with his three game winning streak left with a losing record against Georgia. Its simple the two programs are just not equal.

By michaelgee

December 10, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Hey UGA fans, thank you in advance for all of this motivational bulletin board material. May we requote your braggadacio before game time? ooooooooooooooo, we are so scared, LOL! ROTFLMAO!

By Mike T.

December 10, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

it is not a rivalry unless you win more than once in ten years just ask the dawgs they need to beat florida again next year for it to be considered a rivalry

Uh Georgia won in 2004 and 2007,do a little research before you put up inaccurate posts.

By S.E. Dawg

December 10, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

All I can say is just look at the film. UGA has the talent and we’re only going to get better. I think coach Johnson has his work cut out for him and I have all the respect for him. As far a recruiting in state Coach Richt is a straight shooter and doesn’t sugar coat anything. I’m not sure about coach Johnson style of recruiting. Tech fans better hope he doesn’t shoot from the hip.

By rob

December 10, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

As a Navy fan that has followed Coach Johnson closely, Georgia Tech is in good hands. Air Force dominated Navy until he arrived. Note that this season Navy lost all starters from the previous year. His offense was still very productive and he is one of the best on field coaches in the country. Also, he did not have the option of bringing in transfers and as such had to “coach” players into winners. He did the same thing at Georgia Southern. Finally, I think college football needs a running QB. Seems to work well for Florida and Oregon. Leave the pocket passes to ND.

By godawg

December 10, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

This is GOOD STUFF

My bad. Here it is again.