ACC Coastal: Can Georgia Tech rebuild the DL?
Virginia Tech won another ACC championship during a rebuilding year in 2008. Georgia Tech was the surprise team in the Coastal Division in the first season under Paul Johnson. Miami made some baby steps back towards its old form. North Carolina continued to progress under Butch Davis. Duke made significant improvement in its first year under David Cutcliffe. Virginia struggled for a host of reasons.
Those were the story lines in the ACC’s Coastal Division in the fall of 2008. What will be the stories in 2009? Now that spring practice is over, let’s take a look at what we still don’t know about the ACC Coastal.
This is list is in alphabetical order. We’ll project the order of finish later on this month. If you want to pick the winners now, be my guest.
DUKE
Last season: 4-8, 1-7 ACC.
Starters returning: Offense 5, defense 5, kickers 2.
Coach: David Cutcliffe, 48-37 overall, 4-8 in one season at Duke.
What we still don’t know: Can Duke find some stability on the offensive line? The Blue Devils are set at quarterback (Thaddeus Lewis) and are excited about the return of RB Re’quan Boyette, who sat out all of last season with a knee injury. But neither will get a chance to show what they can do if the offensive line doesn’t come around. Only two starters (C Bryan Morgan and LG Kyle Hill) return. Duke will miss OT Cameron Goldberg, who had 35 career starts. Can somebody step up to replace WR Eron Riley? The Savannah native had 40 career starts and led the team with 61 catches for 693 yards last season. Duke has a couple of good sophomores in Johnny Williams (30 catches) and Donovan Varner (25). But somebody has to make plays like Riley. Who is going to help Vincent Rey (109 tackles in 2008) at linebacker? Marcus Jones and Michael Tauiliili combined for 66 career starts and they are gone. Adam Banks, Damian Thornton and Abraham Kromah have a little experience. It’s time for them to step up.
First game: Sept. 5 vs. Richmond.
GEORGIA TECH
Last season: 9-4, 5-3 ACC; lost to LSU 38-3 in Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Starters returning: Offense 9, defense 8, kickers 2.
Coach: Paul Johnson, 116-43 overall, 9-4 in one season at Georgia Tech.
What we still don’t know: Will the new guys come through on the DL? Only DE Derrick Morgan returns from a defensive line that sent three guys (Michael Johnson, Vance Walker, Darryl Richard) to the NFL. It looks like junior Robert Hall will handle the other end while sophomore Jason Peters and redshirt freshman T.J. Barnes will handle the tackles. Morgan will be a star this season but will these young guys give him enough help? Can the offensive line finally get healthy? Center Dan Voss (shoulder), guard Cord Howard (hand) and tackle Nick Claytor (back) missed all or most of spring with injuries. This area looks a little thin, even if all these guys make it back. Can Scott Blair’s load be lightened? Blair handled punting, placekicking and kickoff chores last season and was just okay. He averaged 38.9 yards per punt. He made 12 of 19 field goals but was 0 for 6 from 40 yards or more. He needs to hand one of those jobs over to someone else.
First game: Sept. 5 vs. Jacksonville State.
MIAMI
Last season: 7-6, 4-4 ACC; lost to California 24-17 in Emerald Bowl.
Starters returning: Offense 8, defense 8, kicker 2.
Coach: Randy Shannon, 12-13 in two seasons at Miami.
What we still don’t know: How will Jacory Harris handle being “The Man?” As a true freshman in 2008 Harris showed that he could lead this football team. But now that Robert Marve has transferred and Mark Whipple has come on as offensive coordinator, how will Harris handle being a full-time starter on Day One in 2009? Shannon had high praise this spring for Harris and his ability to control the huddle and learn Whipple’s offense. How many true freshmen will have an impact this fall? Miami signed another Top 10 recruiting class in February and six of them enrolled in school early and took part in spring practice. CB Brandon McGee looks like a lock to be a backup despite a hand injury during spring practice. Veterans Javarris James and Graig Cooper lead the way at running back but freshman Mike James is pushing to get some carries. “Right now there are 56 freshmen and sophomores on this team,” Shannon said. “We played a lot of freshmen last spring and did it again this spring. You can see them starting to grow and develop.” There are more good freshmen to come in August, including quarterback A.J. Highsmith, the son of former Hurricane great Alonzo Highsmith. Can the defense start forcing some turnovers? Miami had only four pass interceptions last season, two of those came from defensive backs. WR Sam Shields was moved to cornerback this spring in an effort to get some play-making potential on that side of the ball. John Lovett takes over as the new defensive coordinator.
First game: Sept. 7 at Florida State.
NORTH CAROLINA
Last season: 8-5, 4-4 ACC; lost to West Virginia 31-30 in Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Starters returning: Offense 6, defense 9, kicker 1.
Coach: Butch Davis, 63-33 overall, 12-13 in two seasons at North Carolina.
What we still don’t know: Who is going to catch the ball? With the exit of Hakeem Nicks (68 catches, 1,222 yards, 12 TD), Brandon Tate and Brooks Foster, the Tar Heels’ leading returning receiver is fullback Bobby Rome (31 catches). Of the 21 touchdown catches North Carolina had last season, the players who accounted for 19 of the scores are gone. Sophomore Dwight Jones, freshman Joshua Adams, and junior Greg Little, a former tailback, look like the guys. Who will be the kickers? The Tar Heels did not have a scholarship punter in the spring but incoming freshman C.J. Feagles, son of former NFL punter Jeff Feagles, will get a shot at the job. Casey Barth made 10 of 15 field goals last season but is being challenged by Jay Wooten, who has a stronger leg. Who will replace Trimane Goddard at safety? Goddard is one of only two starters not returning on defense this season. Da’Norris Searcy, a junior, and senior Melvin Williams are still locked in a very competitive battle for that position.
First game: Sept. 5 vs. The Citadel.
VIRGINIA
Last season: 5-7, 3-5 ACC.
Starters returning: Offense 5, defense 6, kicker 2.
Coach: Al Groh, 82-84 overall, 56-44 in eight seasons at Virginia.
What we still don’t know: Virginia has completely committed to the spread offense by hiring former Bowling Green HC Gregg Brandon as its offensive coordinator. So the Cavaliers are going to throw a bunch of passes. But who is going to catch them? The top four receivers from a year ago are gone and nobody really stepped up in the spring. Virginia still hasn’t settled on a quarterback. Vic Hall, a converted CB, spent all spring at quarterback. Jameel Sewell started 13 games in 2007 when the Cavaliers won nine games and played on New Year’s Day. He sat out 2008 with academic issues and is back. He seems perfect for Brandon’s offense but hasn’t won the job. Marc Verica, a classic drop back passer, started nine games last season but threw 16 interceptions. Will the special teams improve? Former Kansas State head coach Ron Prince, a former Groh assistant, returns to Charlottesville to head up the special teams. Both kicking and punting were spotty in 2008. There is a lot of room for improvement in this area.
First game: Sept. 5 vs. William & Mary.
VIRGINIA TECH
Last season: 10-4, 5-3 ACC; beat Boston College 30-12 in ACC championship game; beat Cincinnati 20-7 in Orange Bowl.
Starters returning: Offense 8, defense 7, kicker 1.
Coach: Frank Beamer, 219-112-4 overall, 177-89-2 in 22 seasons at Virginia Tech.
What we still don’t know: Who is going to back up QB Tyrod Taylor? Taylor, a junior, is clearly the starter but he was in and out of the lineup last season due to injuries. The coaches are concerned about the No. 2 QB position should Taylor get hurt. Redshirt freshman Ju-Ju Clayton won the job in the spring but the coaches are not entirely comfortable with his ability to run the offense. Will another linebacker step up? The starters are pretty much set as sophomores Barquell Rivers and Jake Johnson will join returning starter Cam Martin. But Virginia Tech DC Bud Foster wants to be six deep at the position and he is still looking for a backup to Johnson. Sophomore Quillie Odom and redshirt freshman Lyndell Gibson are the likely candidates. Is this team good enough to beat Alabama? The Hokies will be in just about everybody’s preseason Top 10. Alabama, the defending SEC West champs, is rebuilding its offensive line. It’s going to be an interesting chess match between Foster and Jim McElwain, Alabama’s offensive coordinator.
First game: Sept. 5 vs. Alabama (Georgia Dome, Atlanta).
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161 comments Add your comment
Carolina Jacket
May 12th, 2009
8:27 am
I believe that the improvement of Tech’s linebackers and dbacks the defense will be fine. The dlinemen that are coming in are all quite capable. I just hope that the oline holds up. That will be crucial.
jablonski
May 12th, 2009
8:37 am
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ…..
Tony,
You should really just cover the SEC.
Huh?
May 12th, 2009
8:41 am
I’m such a sore loser, I’m still crying about 45-42.
Tony, please tell me that same offense isn’t coming back for GT!
RAMBLE ON!!!
May 12th, 2009
8:45 am
jablonski, you have the police blotter if you want to read something about the SEC.
m
May 12th, 2009
8:46 am
Thank God & Greyhound I found my Spock ears, thought I lost ‘em Friday night! You guys suck.
Frank
May 12th, 2009
8:56 am
Even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and then!
Kid Ray
May 12th, 2009
9:02 am
I think Duke and VT take a step back and UNC wins division. and their fans skip the ACCCG to watch a bball practice.
swampjacket
May 12th, 2009
9:05 am
HOW ABOUT COMMENTING ON TWO TECH SIGNEES WINNING TWO INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN TRACK AND FIELD. STEPHEN HILL(you know the guy uga “didn’t want”) SET A NEW STATE RECORD IN THE LONG JUMP 25′8″ AND WON THE 300 HURDLES(HE AND MILLER GROVE ALSO WON THE TEAM TITLE IN TRACK AND BASKETBALL, HE WAS THE BACK COURT MATE WITH TECH’S POINT GUARD SIGNEE) AND DANIEL DRUMMOND WON BOTH THE SHOT AND DISCUS FOR FLOWERY BRANCH(and he’s coming to play running back). BODES WELL WHEN YOU RECRUIT GREAT ATHLETES FROM WINNING PROGRAMS.
William Casey
May 12th, 2009
9:16 am
I always wonder how many seasons bloggrs here actually coached football at any level? 20 years of high school here.
Not Disappointed
May 12th, 2009
9:18 am
The D back should be able to assist the D-Line while they find themselves. It should be a good year on the “Flats!” Ramblin Wreck!
JB
May 12th, 2009
9:28 am
Tech will win 9 or 10 games……the offense is pretty good, but when it doesn’t click, it doesn’t click.
Stumpy's Bear
May 12th, 2009
9:37 am
VT is the reigning power in the division and needs to be knocked off their mountain still, but I don’t get the preseason top 10 love they are getting. Taylor is a good QB, but beyond that where’s the names? Who is going to be so talented for them? Do you feel they even have a top 3 ACC backfield? Dline? They don’t return as many as FSU or TECH either.
Great points about UNC’s receiving corp, I had no idea they lost so much. I feel much more comfortable facing them now, although they have a very talented QB.
Lastly, I didn’t know UVA had gone spread and also hired Prince. Very interesting.
yellowblood
May 12th, 2009
9:38 am
I see Tickle Pile as far as the eye can see. It’s going to be a great year!
Huh?
May 12th, 2009
9:40 am
VT still the team to beat in the Coastal and the entire ACC. Basically, they screw up the least and are the least inconsistent team. That’s what wins you ACC Championships. The bar is absurdly low.
GT Rich
May 12th, 2009
9:51 am
I thought GT was bringing back 11 starters on offense? They lost Gardner and AJ Smith 2/3’s of the way through the season and I can’t think of any other seniors on the O at the end of the year. In any case, VT and UNC are the main competition. UNC lost their offensive weapons and GT has them early. This really means that VT vs GT is THE game for the coastal.
Opiner
May 12th, 2009
9:56 am
Va. Tech looks like the only interesting thing to talk about since they are the only really good team in the whole conference. Should be a great game between them and Bama to kickstart the season. It would be more interesting talking about that one game then the rest of this conference put together.
buckblue
May 12th, 2009
10:01 am
Tech sould be fine this year as long as they have uga on their schedule and do not have to play LSU again….
Stumpy's Bear
May 12th, 2009
10:01 am
GT Rich, I think you are right, that should be 11, but basically everyone since Gardner and Smith didn’t finish the season.
ACC Fan
May 12th, 2009
10:05 am
2008 Season can be summed up this way: HUGE over-achievement at ALL levels using a complete patchwork roster on both Off & Def. In 2009, GT will be lethal on both sides of the ball.
GT O-Line massively over-achieved in 2008 based on the long list of injuries, loss of Gardner, and Freshmen having to play. A much improved O-Line combined with all the backfield weapons GT has, and the GT offense is going to look like a steamroller at full-speed running downhill. Just consider, in 2008 GT still was #4 in rushing in the nation. This Fall, the GT Offense is going to be a JUGGERNAUT!!
As for the defense, GT Secondary will be THE BEST in the ACC, and will lead the nation in INTs. Take that to the Bank!! Burnette lead the nation all by himself in 2008. He’s gonna get lots of help this year. D-Line will be very good. LBs will be a stand-out. In 2008, LB corps had lots of injuries, and many Freshmen having to play.
GT will CRUSH Clemson and Miami back-to-back in September to start the season.
OH NO!
May 12th, 2009
10:06 am
Yet you took time to read this column Opiner. Why don’t you crawl back to the UGAG blog where you can check up on all the inmates in Clarke County. You and the rest of the Rednecks need to open your eyes and see that the “MIGHTY SEC” is not the only conference in College Football. Every single team in the ACC in competitive. Just because they don’t have teams like UF, LSU or bama doesn’t mean they are “boring”. What happened to Tennessee and Auburn last year? They sucked. Duke could had beaten them.
Check yourself before your Wreck yourself!
Huh?
May 12th, 2009
10:09 am
The bar is soooo low, I can’t get over why UGA can’t beat an ACC team.
…I’m such a sore loser, or am I just a Loser with a capital L?
ACC Fan
May 12th, 2009
10:09 am
Can’t wait til the “GTGs’” come up with a new 2009 Video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aI6EAsKvgg
snooooozer
May 12th, 2009
10:10 am
ACC= Almost Competitive Conference
North Ave Dude
May 12th, 2009
10:22 am
Defense will be rock solid this year. The offense will score 35+ EVERY SINGLE GAME. GT is going to R-O-L-L this year.
Got 12?
May 12th, 2009
10:25 am
I’ll give the nod to VT. They will start off a little shaky but Beamer will right the ship in time to make the ACCCG, as usual.
GT GRAD
May 12th, 2009
10:28 am
Good article.
I hope the ACC continues to improve. I really want GT to represent the coastal division and then top it off with a win in the ACC Championship game and a dominating win in the BCS matchup of course! I would also like to see less biased opinions from the numerous “sports reporters” and commentators; will they ever give a little love to the ACC? Maybe this year will be the start and the ACC will be considered one of the Top Three conferences by the so-called “reporters”. All of the facts suggest the ACC has been Top 3 for the past 3 years; any saine and reasonable person would agree if they conduct a fair and unbiased comparison of the BCS conferences (Top-to-Bottom).
Go GT!
DawginLex
May 12th, 2009
10:33 am
It would seem to me that Tech needs to worry about beating VT, UVA and UNC, 3 teams they lost to last year before worrying about UGA.
be honest
May 12th, 2009
10:42 am
Techie’s, the loss of your D-line wont be replaced that quickly. In coming freshmen wont be good enough or experienced enough, they never are. The linebackers and secondary partly looked good last year because OF the D-line. The lack of Pressure this fall will be a tougher test for your secondary.
MiltonDawg
May 12th, 2009
10:45 am
The D-line issues will hurt Tech this year. Will not be able to stop the run, might become a bigger issue. Secondary does look good as well as offense. VT will still be the top dog to beat.
sec
May 12th, 2009
10:47 am
UGA is 9-1 vs the acc in the last 10 meetings
JB
May 12th, 2009
10:53 am
speaking of no love, Mark Richt has the best winning percentage in the SEC in the last 8 years and wins 10 games a year, but because Florida and LSU have National Championships, We sit at the little table with the media, and rightly so. I say this to Tech fans because it’s all about the The hardware. You gotta win the ACC to get respect. Ask us. Most national press folks have us losing to Florida and LSU for sure before the season even starts. Winning 9-10 games will not put ya’ll on a national stage. Your goal ought to be to win the ACC this year. Good seasons puts you in the waiting room, with us…………………..Go Dawgs
North Ave Dude
May 12th, 2009
10:54 am
GT patchwork roster lost close very games to VT and UVA. UNC game, GT ran up over 420 yds of Offense, with an all-freshmen O-Line, and Nesbitt going out, and two awful TO’s late. All 3 games were mostly lost on GT turnovers.
As for the Mutts, no worries. UGA is clearly headed for its worst season in 10 years. UGA will be nothing but roadkill after FL game. Then, GT will mop the field with whatever is left.
Remember, UGA had 2 full weeks to prepare for 2008 GT game. ROTFLMAO.
JB
May 12th, 2009
11:03 am
North Ave Dud……….In that line of thinking, take away Stafford’s dinky pass into the gut of a Tech player for an easy six, I think we win by 4. Just making the same comparison. If were talking about coulda, woulda, shoulda’s. Also. i think our roster was more than a little “PATCHWORK” last year.
If, We’re making the same comparisons ?????????? If we only had wings, I know we could fly !
Gator Growl
May 12th, 2009
11:11 am
Looks like Miami has a few starters coming back but unfortunately so is their coach. With the talent they recruit you would think they would dominate their division but they don’t and they won’t. Personally, I hope Geprgia Tech runs the table in the ACC and KILLS FSU and Miami. But sorry GT fans, when it comes to GT vs UGA, I gotta root for my conference.
Gator Growl
May 12th, 2009
11:13 am
Sorry about the mis-type on the Georgia Tech…no disrespect intended.
man's gotta know his limitations
May 12th, 2009
11:19 am
———-
William Casey
May 12th, 2009
9:16 am
I always wonder how many seasons bloggrs here actually coached football at any level? 20 years of high school here.
———-
Guess we all know your limitations Willy, not only can you not put a sentence together, but also apparently you were not good enough to get to the college level, so don’t try and tell anyone on here about college football.
409
May 12th, 2009
11:21 am
Hey JB, Roddy Jones just scored again.
RW
May 12th, 2009
11:21 am
VT will be very good this year and their game at GT will decide the Coastal.
Why are sec fans so insecure? Good Lord what a bunch of whiners
Otto
May 12th, 2009
11:22 am
Thanks Gator Growl and I hope what you say comes true. This is one UGA fan who wants GT to win the ACC and then get run over by UGA.
CMR’s worst season we’ve heard it before and if you keep track of the program 2006 looked much worse and IMO ‘09 looks better than ‘08. Keep hoping you’ll stay #1 in the state for anything more than a short period of time.
2009 and beyond
May 12th, 2009
11:23 am
My my, just look at the dawgies here on the ACC board. Tech wins two, three more in a row against UGA. Tech will continue to get better, UGA had it’s best team that it will have in a while last season and basically could in no way stop Tech.
RAMBLE ON!!!
May 12th, 2009
11:26 am
Wow JB, that was pretty nice. You feeling OK?
Let’s not forget our guard who turned tight end and thought he was a Barry Sanders instead of running straight for a first down. GT had to settle for a FG instead of a first and goal.
Who took a knee to end the game. Do you really think that defense would have stoped GT if we had to score late in the game?
2BT
May 12th, 2009
11:26 am
Tony, the ACC coaches and officials are holding their meetings this week right? On one or two occasions, Paul Johnson made comments that he was looking forward to putting on a ‘clinic’ to show these ACC officials what is and isn’t a chop block. My understanding is that meeting is taking place this morning. (No truth to the rumor that Les Miles was going to be in attendance to argue) Any scoop you can give on that ‘clinic’ would be appreciated. My guess is that only NAVY might’ve been flagged more for ‘illegal chop blocks’ last Fall!
Reality Check
May 12th, 2009
11:27 am
Sure GT should have a good offense next year, but defense wins championships. Just ask Virginia Tech, who always has a great defense and has actually won the conference over the last ten years. Losing three defensive lineman to to pros will hurt more than most people are ackonwledging. At least with the offense you should be able to outscore most unless you turn the ball over.
VT is still the favorite until you beat them.
Gator says congrats to UGA
May 12th, 2009
11:27 am
Congrats to UGA for being ranked #1 pre-season last year, having the #1 pick in the draft @ QB, having a stellar RB, having a great coach, a great program, and most of all congrats on winning the BCS championship.
…oh …woops …49-10 …nevermind.
G man
May 12th, 2009
11:31 am
Florida Gators: 2008 National Champions
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: 2008 State Champs in Georgia
Georgia Bulldogs: 2008 Pre-season #1
G8R GRAD
May 12th, 2009
11:33 am
Jeez.
Tough crowd.
stoopid
May 12th, 2009
11:43 am
Hey G Man, howd that bowl game turn out for you??
And for all the lame tech fans sayin this is gonna be the worst year UGA has had in awhile, and that we’ll be awful for years to come, UGA just had another top 10 recruiting class, one of the top 3 QBs in the nation coming outta HS is already enrolled and learning the system, AJ will be here for atleast 2 more years, along with Marlon Brown. Both lines are made up of freshman, soph and a few Jr’s… IF anything, we have yet to see the best UGA team take the field. Your gimmick offense will be exposed by every opponent you play this year! maybe stephen hill will be the savior you think hes gonna be! hahahahah! keep it up with the 45-42 cause its gonna be a looooooooooong time before youll be posting another score.
2BT
May 12th, 2009
11:54 am
Stoopid, the only thing that was ‘exposed’ last year was your program’s inability to win big games with top-level talent! And why are you are on an ACC blog? Wouldn’t your time be better spent on the Athens-Clarke County Jail log looking to see who’s next? Will it be another announcer or football player?
North Ave Dude
May 12th, 2009
11:58 am
See the link: http://www.bulletin.uga.edu/MajorSpecific.aspx?MajorId=157
I don’t know whether to ROTFLMAO, or cry, at the colossal waste of tax-payer money. I mean really, a whole major dedicated to the Study of Feminism?? This passes for a college education??? What a bunch of BS.
With the current undergrad enrollment stats showing 65% Female and 35% Male, it seems clear that the “G” stands for Girl. It’s no wonder UGA degrees come in single and 2-ply rolls.
Saint Nick
May 12th, 2009
12:02 pm
GT fan,
The honeymoon with your “gimmick” offense will be over this coming season!!!! Pass the ball this season 20+ times this year or you lose 5 or 6!!!!!!
stoopid
May 12th, 2009
12:04 pm
Original 2BT. i just like to read all the insane things tech fans think are gonna happen with their team this year. Give me a good laugh when i have down time at work.
North Ave Dude
May 12th, 2009
12:05 pm
As for Gator fans, this is an even bigger joke.
No wonder Urban sent his daughter GT.
See this link: http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/programs/courses/women.html
I mean really….Gay and Lesbian Studies, Eco-Feminism, etc. ??? WTH??
ROTFLMAO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Exactly HOW LOW is the acadmic bar set at Florida???
With that curriculum, Gators will be National Champs for the next 30 Years. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
GT Rich
May 12th, 2009
12:05 pm
JB, there is a lot more to it than just having wings. Less body fat, hollow bone structure and some serious fast twitch arm muscles. Oh, and you are right to bring up the pick-6 for Tech’s win. The same could be said for the missed opportunity pick-6 in the 2007 game (same player both times). Every game that is decided by less than a TD has its share of shoulda, coulda, woulda….
stoopid
May 12th, 2009
12:07 pm
Have you seen that 65% women population?? Ill frikin major in feminism if i get to hang with talent that UGA has to offer. You nerd would know nothing about that though. Looks more like Bangkok on North Ave.
stoopid
May 12th, 2009
12:10 pm
Damn right the “G” stands for girl!! Have you seen the talent that walks around our campus?? no, you nerds wouldnt know what to do with a real girl if she jumped buck-necked into your arms! Youre “ROTFLMAO” because of the hot tail we have on campus?? you paid for any kisses lately??
Reality Check...
May 12th, 2009
12:15 pm
Florida fans make it so easy to get along with them…..NOT!!!! Its great to be a gator hater!!!
JQDogUNC
May 12th, 2009
12:17 pm
Hey snoozer, the poster who told opiner to “check yourself before you wreck yourself” gave you a hint. My question last year and this is why do all the mighty SEC fans have to drift over to an ACC blog to try to denigrate the conference? Oh I know, you want to actually read what college grads have to say. I’m aware the classroom is not that important in the MIGHTY SEC so you get it here! Just kidding, but you get my point. All you ACC bashers enjoy it while you can cause the pendulum is going to swing in our favor real soon. Of course, we will win it the right way, just like we did in basketball. The day I’m worried about losing players is coming to an end in football. I’ll be on the Flats in September for our second straight over Tech. And snoozer, SEC = Sure Everyone Cheats. UNC & the rest of the ACC will win the right way! I can’t say the same for the SEC. By the way SEC fans, ACC = All Champions Conference!
GO HEELS! ACC CHAMPS IN ‘09!
Huh?
May 12th, 2009
12:20 pm
“The same could be said for the missed opportunity pick-6 in the 2007 game (same player both times). Every game that is decided by less than a TD has its share of shoulda, coulda, woulda….”
There was no pick 6 in the 2007 game and Georgia won by 2 touchdowns. You are helplessly clueless my friend. There is no shoulda, coulda, woulda about that.
Reality Check...
May 12th, 2009
12:21 pm
Now I know, GT fans aren’t talking about education? The Board of Regents and the Hope scholarship has levled the playing field years ago. On a football note, I for one want GT to go undefeated until they play UGA. The loss to UGA will hurt even more. GO DAWGS!!
Miles
May 12th, 2009
12:26 pm
The Hokies will win the ACC Coastal Division.
SEC
May 12th, 2009
12:28 pm
Hey tarheels.. the only team in Georgia that has been cheating is Tech. 98,99,00′ (3 of the 4 wins tech has in 18 seasons vs Georgia) they played ineligible players. and we dont need to talk about the felony drug dealer.
Oh and newsflash.. Joe Hamilton still cant formulate a complete sentence
Hey ACC!!...
May 12th, 2009
12:30 pm
There is a new Star Trek convention coming to the World Congress center..
put in your membership applications immediately!!
RAMBLE ON!!!
May 12th, 2009
12:32 pm
I see Quincy is in the news again. If he had not chased the Escalade key chains and went to UGAg, he’d be a productive member of society now.
This is what happens when everything is given to you.
He should have stayed at GT and earned his degree. I feel a little sorry for him.
LOL
May 12th, 2009
12:34 pm
Exactly Ramble On!!!, Quincy should have gone to GT and become a fine citizen such as Joe Hamilton. Oh woops, nevermind.
Jumbotiger
May 12th, 2009
12:44 pm
Anyone happen to notice the 4 opening opponents for 4 of the 6 Coastal Division schools? The Citadel, Richmond, Jacksonville State and William & Mary. Wow!
East Carolina
May 12th, 2009
12:58 pm
VT/ACC champs lost to East Carolina who Kentucky beat in the bowl game
Tide rising
May 12th, 2009
1:05 pm
Va. Tech is clearly the class of the conference having won 3 of the last 5 ACC titles. Always a great D and special teams and this year they return as much experience on the O-line as anyone. It all starts with the O-line so I think VT will be really tough. Interesting factoid. VT and USC are the only 2 teams in the country to post 4 straight 10 win seasons.
Would love to see Georgia Tech give VT a run for the division which I think they will. I love option football so I’ll be watching a lot of Tech this year and pulling for the against the Hokies.
North Carolina- It’ll be real interesting to see how far along Butch Davis has brought this team. He is a recruiting master and has this team loading up on talent. I think they make it an exciting 3 team race between themselves and VT and Ga. Tech.
Miami- Sorry but I just don’t think Randy Shannon can coach. He is a fine man and a great role model if you read his bio but I just don’t think he can get it done despite all the talent at UM.
Virginia has fielded decent if not average teams over the last few years. Seems like they are 7-5 every year for 10 years except last year. But a new system and a shaky qb situation makes them irrelevant at least for this year anyway. Once they get settled into the new offense who knows though. They may pull an upset later in the season.
Duke- Irrelevant. Need I say more.
GT_Buzz
May 12th, 2009
1:10 pm
Reality Check: Board of Regents and Hope may have leveled the entrance level years ago, but not the actual get an education and graduate. I don’t know if they still do this at Tech, but during my freshman orientation, they said, “Look left, look right, only one of you is going to graduate from Tech.” There are very few schools that have that kind of level of academics, and UGA is definately not one of them.
GT Rich
May 12th, 2009
1:14 pm
Dear Huh?: The could, shoulda, woulda in 2007 is that it was a 14 point swing. Burnett fumbled away his chance at a TD, UGA got back the ball and put up 7 points.
Huh?
May 12th, 2009
1:17 pm
“Look left, look right, only one of you will have an intimate experience with a member of the opposite sex before you graduate.”
I think they still do that one too.
macrotech
May 12th, 2009
1:18 pm
stoopid, i don’t think i want to see a girl with a bucked neck! if you’re going to use the name ’stoopid’, AT LEAST KNOW THAT IT’S NAKED….NOT NECKED ;0)
The Jackal
May 12th, 2009
1:19 pm
North Ave: from an unbiased opinion, Florida is perceived nationally as a better university academically than UGA. I’m not a fan of the school, but they are the only public SEC member of the AAU. Ironically, even GaTech is not a member, though most feel they should be (the ACC publics are UVa, UNC, and Maryland). Not trying to fan any fires, but all debate should probably extend beyond the small frame of arguing women’s studies programs in a football blog.
Huh?
May 12th, 2009
1:28 pm
UGA put up 7 points after driving 80 flippin’ yards to get to the endzone. Your defense was more than welcome to stop us. Don’t act like it was some fluke TD that you gave us. 2007 is in no way similar to 2009. You’re lucky that 31-17 score wasn’t alot worse. If everyone’s minds hadn’t been on what Tennessee was up to it probably would have been.
JB
May 12th, 2009
1:31 pm
HUH…..good one
Baba O'Riley
May 12th, 2009
1:35 pm
That is also in Richt’s preseason speech. “Look left, look right, at least one of you will have an inmate experience while you’re here”.
AltamahaDawg
May 12th, 2009
1:42 pm
You should all listen to Coach Casey.
gtfan
May 12th, 2009
1:48 pm
ok ugagers you guys can mention joe hamilton all you want to but anybody who reads sports knows the real scoop.
yes we have had a few sa’s get arrested over the years…. hamilton etc. which school hasnt? the real issue is in the ‘how often’.
compared to ugay that is a mere drop in the bucket.
i will wager any bullfrawg fan a beer that reverend richt has had more players arrested on his teams over the last 5 years than gt has had arrested in the last 50.
not only that but ugay players keep on giving. how many times has quitsy been arrested? how many times has tony cole been arrested? havent both been in prison various times? those two alone rival all the arrests gt has had in 50 years.
so to all you goats i say……
go bahhhhhhhhh k to your own blog and worry about your own players and the law.
bahhhhh bahhhhh bahhhhhh.
Reality Check...
May 12th, 2009
1:51 pm
Baba O’Riley, the same thing can be said about GT as well. LOL.
GT_Buzz, after that last NCAA report, your quote still holds true. LOL.
GT Rich
May 12th, 2009
1:51 pm
The past is always woulda, coulda, shoulda. Tech won in 08, UGA won in 07, 06, … Who cares, wins, losses — ALL in the PAST. This blog is meant to be about the future and more importantly about the ACC coastal. VT is the team to beat and GT has the best chance of knocking them off. GT is loaded at the A- and B-back spots, plus decent at WR >> Roddy Jones, Dwyer, D. Thomas, Marcus Wright, Lucas Cox, R. Watson, Stephen Hill, Ant. Allen, Peeples. Allen is my pick for the biggest impact new addition. GT will score a lot more this year, but the new D-line will likely be the overall weak link, resulting in lots of high scoring shoot outs. To all UGA fans, we’ll talk about your D-line, QB and lack of a front runner at RB next week when the SEC is on topic…
Reality Check
May 12th, 2009
1:56 pm
All this talk about GT has won 1 game in a row and UGA and now is going to dominate once their freshman and sophomores get more experienced. The fact is that in football you have always been the red headed stepchild in the the state and will continue to do so, winning odd games here and there. And whats funnier is the need to always fall back on the superior intelligence because we are GT routine. One game, even a blind squirrel can find a nut once in 8 years.
A no, even though I am a fan of UGA I am not a graduate, although I did graduate from one of the state’s public universities, which means I am not as smart since I did not go to GT.
jgarseeya2
May 12th, 2009
2:11 pm
This half of the conference will show to be much improved, but what folks don’t realize about VT is that they might murder teams who can’t stop the run. The offense will be as aggressive as any year yet behind an experienced line, TT, Greg Boone, Ryan Williams, Darren Evans…..pound you in the mouth!
stoopid
May 12th, 2009
2:12 pm
I feel that I represent our alumni & fan base very well.
Georgia
May 12th, 2009
2:14 pm
its ok Tech, we can talk about them now. UGA’s D-line in the middle will be as good as anyone in the country with the 2deep back. The defensive ends that were top ranked recruits two years ago will show up this summer. Joe Cox will be behind a much better and healthier offensive line/2 deep at every position.. UGA’s offense will actually be better with this group blocking for several backs who are waiting there turn to start. Very solid depth at fullback.
The only freshman position UGA will need is at TE.
Stephen Hill will be a non-factor for Tech. Even if he comes in as good as you guys think. His speed doesnt really help in blocking the outside option toss. If he wanted to catch passes he should have went to Georgia
Baba O'Riley
May 12th, 2009
2:29 pm
So Georgia…what you are trying to say is that when UGA falls flat on its face against competitive opponents,you have no excuse. We get it.
stinger
May 12th, 2009
2:35 pm
I am gay and love tickle piles and giving rusty trombones:)p
Sunshine
May 12th, 2009
2:37 pm
Who wants a fat Krystal’s Chick from Athens-Clark County anyways?
RAMBLE ON!!!
May 12th, 2009
2:44 pm
good one Baba.
Reality Check...
May 12th, 2009
2:47 pm
Bablin O’Really, needs a reality check…. What happens when GT falls flat on its face against competitive opponents? Do you guys have any excuses for the last eight years? Something about God and Greyhound?…LOL…..
Reality Check...
May 12th, 2009
2:47 pm
Ramblin…..Combat….Con…
reservoirDAWG
May 12th, 2009
2:50 pm
Good one Reality
Baba O'Riley
May 12th, 2009
2:51 pm
The difference, RC is that I’m not a rival conference’s blog saying how deep my team is and how much better they’ll be after losing most of our offense.
Gator Growl
May 12th, 2009
2:55 pm
The Jackal…thanks for pointing that out. Fact is, Florida would fit right in there with the Academic powers of the ACC. Yet it MAY have the best overall Athletic program in the country! We are truly embarrased by the riches…
Baba O'Riley
May 12th, 2009
2:55 pm
One would think that after last year’s #1 ranking and underachievement, the fans would show some reserve.
PTC Jacket
May 12th, 2009
3:01 pm
Um…”Florida would fit right in there with the Academic powers of the ACC”? No way in hell.
Reality Check...
May 12th, 2009
3:14 pm
Gator Growl, please stop with that. Your statement makes no sense.
Reality Check...
May 12th, 2009
3:18 pm
Baba If you think UGA underachieved with all of those injuiries, then you are a real GT fan. Because only GT fans believe that bull. And we will show reserve when yall show some reserve. It ain’t going to happen. We hate each other that much.
Huh?
May 12th, 2009
3:19 pm
UGA = 10 wins is “underachievement.”
Georgia Tech = 9 wins and they are god’s gift to the game of football and deserve rings.
That should tell you all you need to know about the entirely different universes that these programs are in. Georgia Tech football, most notably their big mouthed fans, is a sad pathetic joke.
Otto
May 12th, 2009
3:21 pm
Most fans knew the ‘08 team would have a hard time living up to the ‘07 team that finished so hot. Afterall it was the press not the fans that voted the team #1.
Georgia is correct the ‘09 team is looking better than ‘08.
Baba you’re on a roll don’t fumble it away.
Atlanta Gator
May 12th, 2009
3:32 pm
PTC Jacket—-Sorry to drain your “buzz,” but the University of Florida’s academic credentials in 2009 are objectively stronger than those of Clemson, Florida State, Maryland, Miami, NC State, Virginia Tech, and Florida is competitive with Boston College, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and Wake Forest.
For the last 10 years, only Harvard, Princeton and Texas have had more National Merit Scholars in in any given year, and Florida typically ranks second annually in total numbers of National Merit Scholars enrolled (more than any ACC school).
The University of Florida is one of the top 50 national research universities (public and private), and one of the top 20 public universities, and it maintains its academic standards while its student body is nearly twice the size of the largest ACC schools (nearly 3 times the size of Tech and 8 times the size of Wake Forest), and it offers nearly twice the number of academic degree programs of any of the ACC schools.
Not sure where you get your information, but I suggest you spend some time with the most recent US News & World Report College Rankings.
BTW, Florida has a pretty decent athletic program, too. If you think Georgia Tech’s football or basketball teams are up to the challenge, I understand Jeremy Foley is ready to take your athletic director’s call.
The Jackal
May 12th, 2009
3:38 pm
Florida maintains an academic name for the amount of research they crank out(and subsequent research dollars they are able to reel in through grants). Part of it has to do with a large student body and the mission of the school to prioritize research. They are very similar–from an academic standpoint–to places like Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio State, and Penn State. Not quite the brand name, across-the-board academic qualtiy of UVa, UNC, or Michigan, but much further along than most of the other SEC state schools. GaTech is more closely aligned with the quality of the UVa/UNC/Mich group while UGA is trying to break into the research subset of the larger schools (trailing only Florida in the SEC). But you are correct in that what florida has been able to do in terms of dual academic / athletic success over the last 10 years has been incredible, putting them alongside Texas (who is arguably still the benchmark only bc they have been doing it for 50 years and Florida is still new to the party).