Does Clemson D have something special for Tech?
Five burning questions as we head into the weekend:
1—What does Kevin Steele have cooked up for the Georgia Tech offense tonight? Steele is a veteran defensive coordinator who has seen just about everything. He spent the last two years at Alabama working with Nick Saban. He’s been the head coach at Baylor. He spent six years with Tom Osborne at Nebraska. He worked for Bobby Bowden at Florida State. The guy knows how to coach defense and can get very creative when the situation calls for it. Last week, for example, he went with a lot of six defensive back looks against Tony Franklin’s spread offense at Middle Tennessee. He didn’t play his base defense for one play, which made sure Tech’s offenses coaches had to reach back to Alabama to get some film on Steele’s scheme. It will be interesting to see if Steele has anything special for Georgia Tech. Defenses have to be very disciplined when they play Georgia Tech. “The thing about what they do is you have to follow your assignments on every single play. If you take one play off, they will break a big one on you,” said Steele.
2—Is Georgia going to “Man Up” and get ready to play South Carolina? I thought Mark Bradley made a great point yesterday when he wondered aloud if something—other than talent—was missing at Georgia. It’s too early to tell right now but after doing this for a while I do know what a team needs when they are facing a critical game like the one the Bulldogs have against South Carolina on Saturday.
Georgia needs an Al Wilson.
Every great team I’ve ever been around had a guy like Al Wilson, the former linebacker at Tennessee. On Tennessee’s 1998 national championship team Al was basically the enforcer. If guys weren’t putting in the work or were taking plays off, Wilson would deliver a basic message. Get your butt in gear or I’m going to start kicking it for you. And the guys on that team knew he would back it up.
Tim Tebow and Brandon Spikes play that role for Florida. Does Georgia have anybody who is in somebody’s face this week?
3—Will Jonathan Crompton get his revenge? Tennessee lost to UCLA in Pasadena, 27-24 in overtime. It never should have happened. Jonathan Crompton threw the ball 41 times (completed 19). Never should have happened. After that game things started going downhill for Crompton and at the end of the season coach Phillip Fulmer was relieved of his duties. Now UCLA comes to Knoxville and Crompton will get another shot at the Bruins. He is feeling better about himself after completing 21 of 28 passes against a bad team from Western Kentucky. Does he get his revenge and still feel good after Saturday’s game.?
4—Does Maryland need to look out for James Madison? I would say yes because apparently you just don’t mess with the Colonial Athletic Association, the future home of Bill Curry’s Georgia State Panthers. Last Saturday the Division I-AA conference had three wins over Division I-A teams. William and Mary beat Virginia, Richmond beat Duke, and Villanova beat Temple. Now James Madison, coached by former Georgia assistant Mickey Matthews, goes to Maryland, which got embarrassed last week at California. Keep an eye on that one.
5—Does LSU finally explode on offense against Vanderbilt? The LSU defense played poorly last Saturday at Washington, giving up 478 yards in an ugly 31-23 win over the Huskies. The net result of that bad defensive performance was that the LSU offense only had the ball for 48 plays in the game. Washington had the ball for 83 plays. Look for LSU to try and get the ball to true freshman Russell Shepard when Vanderbilt comes to Baton Rouge on Saturday. Shepard, from Houston, was supposed to get 10 or 12 touches last week but LSU wanted to protect the football when the Tigers found themselves in a dog fight on the road. Will LSU take it out on Vanderbilt in their home opener?
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175 comments Add your comment
Spike
September 10th, 2009
7:01 am
Tony, you are right, UGA better have the killer instinct this weekend and the rest of the season. Our enforcer? Rennie Curran.
I agree that Rennie should be...
September 10th, 2009
7:15 am
…the Enforcer – at least he came out and said in Tim Tucker’s article that this game is very important. And, why oh why, is he playing on special teams? He is a special player, but that is just dumb! They’re special teams are crummy with him, so they can be crummy without him and not risk an injury to him there.
And, no, Clemson will not have a special defense for Tech – no one will. The Clemson guys are correct – to stop Tech you have to play assignment football – but what happens is someone wants to be a hero, gets out of position, and bam, someone is gone for a long gainer. Plus, Johnson is very adept at reading the guy that is getting out of position and attacks that, even if he has to make up a play on the spot (they run the same play 6 times, giving the ball to Dwyer, or pitching to the A back, or Nesbitt keeps it around the end. Then, Johnson sees the weak side linebacker overplaying the handoff, and BAM, he tells Nesbitt to fake the handoff to the B back and follow him into the hole and cut back – he doesn’t tell anybody else so they block the same, just Nesbitt, and you got a made up play and a big gain. That is why you have to do your job every play in order to slow down Tech’s offense.
Where have you gone jim Bob Cooter ?
September 10th, 2009
7:18 am
Tony:
1) The Kitties better bring their “A” game. GT looked workmanlike in their win over Jax St. on Saturday ,but they know that there is very little room for error in the ACC this season. Tech wins a dogfight…
2) You are referring to senior leadership and the Dawgs don’t have it-Yet. In fact ,this team doesn’t really have much of an identity at all because you don’t just plug and play replacements for Matthew Stafford , Knowshon Moreno and Mo Mass. It will take time for leaders to emerge and the team to coalesce around whomever steps up .That is , if the nut fudge fair weather fans are tuned out by the coaching staff and they approach this year realistically – rebuilding.
3)Jonathan Crompton still has a LOT to prove. He seems to have put last year bhind him for the most part (like he has a choice),but we still saw some flashbacks to the nightmare that was ‘08 against WKU.One game does not a comeback make. When he straps it on against UCLA this week ,we will know a little more about his return from the valley of death.
4) Maryland cruises. JMU is good , but Ralph Friedgen is 10 time the coach that Al Groh is and he won’t let the snappers take JMU lightly.
5) Vandy’s defense is better than Washington’s. Vandy’s offense is unproven. (Hard to gauge success against a 1AA bottomfeeder). LSU will be much better at game management this week. Look for a pretty comfortable LSU win in bourbon soaked DeathValley.
Spike
September 10th, 2009
7:26 am
Tony, nice show last night. But what is tour take on the penalty against Reshad Jones in the OSU game?
optionoffense
September 10th, 2009
7:30 am
Georgia Tech will run on Clemson’s D. Clemson will be overly aggressie and then BOOM, Dwyer for 65 yards. I would say Tech puts up 300+ on the ground. Spiller may have a slight hamstring issue…and the freshmen quarterback for Clemson won’t be able to do much through the air, in fact Morgan Burnett gets pick number 2 tonight.
Tech 28
Clemson 23
Not Disappointed!
September 10th, 2009
7:37 am
Tony, great read.
I’m sure Kevin Steele will have something for the Jackets, but he better eat his Wheaties & all the Veggies on his plate. You can bet Paul Johnson will adjust. He has a second year team that was chewed out pretty good the last few days with “Killer instinct, Finish the job, etc! I still like my Jackets in a close one.
Curran is the man for pups on defense. He’s vocal, great players and should be the point man for the pups to man up agaisnt the Coach that “Everyone loves to hate!”
Tenn’s QB should have a better game and send UCLA back to west coast.
Ralph just don’t have the talent he had in the south; nevertheless, he always manage to get his team to rebound. Good luck Terps! “I thank you’re going to need it!”
LSU better get in gear! Vanderbilt isn’t the bottom of the basement anymore. They can give anyone a hard time.
Good football to all in the South. Even Clemson tonite, but not to win. Oy! Ramblin Wreck!
theTruth
September 10th, 2009
7:43 am
1) Tech wins but it’s a fight.
2) Backs against the wall, NOW, you find out how the ‘team’ concept is going.
3) No deep passes at all for Tn, all underneath stuff to pat the stats. No pressure on Crompton at all, and that is when he crumbles like a cookie. However, UCLA is an easy game, they won 4 games last year and got beat 69-0 by BYU. Easy win for the vowels.
4) The fridge’s days may be numbered.
5) Perhaps LSU was overhyped after only winning 8 games last year.
Jake
September 10th, 2009
7:52 am
Just happy there’s football on Thursday night once again. Oh,, the pigskin smell is in the air.
buck
September 10th, 2009
8:00 am
Is this the same Kevine Steele….who…1. Flunked out of Furman after paying someone to take his SAT? 2. Said he played at UT when he never did? 3. Got fired from Baylor? 4. Got B-slapped by K.Greene when he was with the Panthers? 5. Got run out of bama by Nick?……………………………………………………………………I for one am not worred……Go Jackets!!
David
September 10th, 2009
8:14 am
Tech will be looking ahead to Miami next week, Clemson has had this one circled since last November, and there will be no illegal formation penalty (6 men on the line) that cost Clemson winning touchdowns during the last two visits to Bobby Dodd. Clemson wins something in the neighborhood of 17-14.
Bass Pro customer
September 10th, 2009
8:14 am
Tony, I also do not understand the call for hard tackling…is that a new rule? Or a misinformed ref?
Hope Tech runs for 300 in the third quarter…again.
techgold
September 10th, 2009
8:19 am
David-
You UGA homer. You’re an idiot.
GT4Ever
September 10th, 2009
8:20 am
David…you’re nuts. GT will not be looking past CU. They know how important each and every game is to them. It will be tough but GT wears CU down in the end and goes on to a good victory.
Ryno
September 10th, 2009
8:21 am
God bless you Tony for referencing Al Wilson. His name is almost holy among Vol fans for all the reasons you mentioned. You pulled your weight and did your job and then some or you faced Al.
johnny reb
September 10th, 2009
8:23 am
LSU’s defense stinks. Go with Vandy and the points.
Me
September 10th, 2009
8:23 am
Their surprise? Those hideous purple uniforms….takes a while for your stomach to settle so you can play football. Tech prevails…..
Lewis Grizzard
September 10th, 2009
8:23 am
Please,
Tech & Clemson?
Like two mules wrestlin’ over a turnip, WHO CARES?
Baba O'Riley
September 10th, 2009
8:23 am
David,
Why would Tech be looking ahead to Miami? Is Clemson better than last year? Is that camera-hound still the head coach?
Baba O'Riley
September 10th, 2009
8:24 am
Lewis Grizzard- then why did you take time to address it?
Bobby Dodd
September 10th, 2009
8:24 am
Tech rolls, 400+ yards of rushing.
200+ for Jonathon Dwyer and 150+ between Roddy and Allen
Georgia Tech 42 Clemson 24
InstantClassic1
September 10th, 2009
8:25 am
Tony
When was the last time UGA started 0-5?
As a nuetral observer……..UGA is soft and plays like a PAC 10 team (CAL of the SEC)
FatJoe
September 10th, 2009
8:26 am
UGA 48
South Carolina 14
Joe Cox turns things around…300 yard passing and 3 TD’s
Dooley's Cardiologist
September 10th, 2009
8:29 am
I am a little concerned about the game myself. That is me just speaking honestly. We didn’t look as good as we should have last week, and made way to many mistakes. If we can keep the mistakes to a minimum and capitalize in certain situations, ie. 3 dropped passes that would have went for 6 points, we should be alright.
Runner
September 10th, 2009
8:30 am
Hey Fat Joe, you have a fat head. Georgia puts up 48? What are you smoking?
USC 17
UGA 13
GT 31
Clemson 21
Dooley's cardiologist's grammar teacher
September 10th, 2009
8:32 am
Son, since you furthered you education you should know that it is improper to say, “would have went”.
Gen Neyland
September 10th, 2009
8:33 am
Truth : Underneath routes a stat padder..? Not to sound condescending, but, ever heard of ball control and moving the chains..? It’s an important part of an offensive game plan and one that Tennessee failed at in 2008. Deep routes will be successfully run, by kingdom come. Ye shall bear witness to the fruit of da bomb in the coming days.
Jonathan Crompton
September 10th, 2009
8:34 am
I still feel good about myself.
nuetral observer
September 10th, 2009
8:34 am
uga has no one near the leader of Al Wilson, the dogs reflect their hc’s personality…soft.Cromp’s has a better oc this year so watch how he improves. He’s not all sec , but he is better than Cox.
Pablo Escobar
September 10th, 2009
8:35 am
I can see the mutts starting 0-3… man it should be fun to watch
Pablo Escobar
September 10th, 2009
8:37 am
What the hell am i talking about, I can see them starting 0-6 !
karma !
ED-Covington
September 10th, 2009
8:38 am
CPJ: “I got your ’something special’ for Clemson right here!”
Leaders are born, not made; any “leader” for uga would have stepped up before now.
Worst story in college football this year would be if that idiot Kiffen is successful at UT.
Ralph will eventually regret leaving Tech, I hated it when he left; but I’m glad to have CPJ now.
LSU’s defense will improve under Chavis, but they looked awful last week. Vandy may surprise them.
GO TECH!! CLEAN CLEMSON’S CLOCK!!
Sorry, FatJoe...
September 10th, 2009
8:40 am
…but based on last week’s analysis Cox could not throw for 300 yards if there was nobody out there but him and his receivers.
Baba O'Riley
September 10th, 2009
8:40 am
I look for a big day from the Burnett’s. Big hits by Julian and a pick or two from Morgan.
Geez, Ed Covington...
September 10th, 2009
8:42 am
…Ralph has been gone from Tech for what, 6 – 7 years? Why would he “eventually” regret leaving Tech when he has made millions by going home to his alma matre and being successful?
Atlanta Gator
September 10th, 2009
8:43 am
Test 1
ED-Covington
September 10th, 2009
8:49 am
Did you actually see the UMary v Cal game last week? You call that “successful”?
I believe it’s spelled “ALMA MATER”!
Joe Schmoe
September 10th, 2009
8:51 am
From what I am seeing on ESPN blogs and other sports blogs, you would see Clemson fans thinking they are going to walk out of Bobby Dodd with a W, and easily. Well I got some bad news for you Clemson fans, you are in for a rude awakening. The talking is done on the fiield.
Ron Mexico
September 10th, 2009
8:52 am
Gotta love when the person pointing out a grammar mistake makes one of their own.
FatJoe
September 10th, 2009
8:52 am
Who are you to insult our quarterback? Joe Cox is 10x the quarterback that Georgia Tech has. Book it.
Baba O'Riley
September 10th, 2009
8:52 am
I’m just thankful we’re not playing William & Mary tonight!
G Force
September 10th, 2009
8:52 am
TB,
1) It doesn’t matter if Steele pulls an all nighter trying to cook things up in the kitchen. Clemson doesn’t have enough for GT.
2) Georgia does need a leader to emerge, but USCe needs a talented quarterback even more. The battle of the anemic offenses ends with a Georgia victory.
3) There are some interesting x factors in this game. I’d hate to see Lame Kiffen come out on top.
4) Please don’t compare JMU to Cal. The Fridge and company take care of business — Fear the Turtle, JMU!
5) LSU’s sloppy, bend-but-usually-don’t-break, opening week defense should be better in week 2. Funny how it was the offense that had problems last year. This could be another dog fight, but the Tigers come out with the win.
Atlanta Gator
September 10th, 2009
8:53 am
Tony—-I don’t know why, but I am having a heck of a time posting my comments this morning. Have I been “blocked” for some reason?
Joe Schmoe
September 10th, 2009
8:56 am
Tony, what is your call on the game tonight?
ED-Covington
September 10th, 2009
8:56 am
All I’m saying was that Ralph would have probably succeeded O’Leary as Tech head coach, still been paid millions and met with much more success at Tech than at Maryland. Would have been better than Gailey, not as good as CPJ.
@ Atlanta Gator
September 10th, 2009
8:57 am
It’s a conspiracy.
hsf
September 10th, 2009
8:59 am
1) GA 30 SC 10
2) Now that Al Wilson is retired from the NFL, he has been back in Knoxville and re-involved with the TN program on a limited basis. If Kiffin is as smart as we think he is, he will put Wilson on the payroll as an assistant.
3) TN 35 UCLA 17
4) MD 48 JMU 7
5) LSU 28 Vandy 18
Geez, Ed Covington...
September 10th, 2009
9:02 am
…brilliant hindsight on Ralph and “probably would have succeeded” O’Liar. Instead he made millions ANYWAY at his alma mater (my bad initially – fingers faster than my brain) – and has been successful (did you see the LSU – GT game last year in Atlanta?) One game does not define success, but millions of dollars in the bank do help ease any pain!
Blackwatchdefense
September 10th, 2009
9:05 am
Fat Joe
You’re a complete moron. Joe Cos is 10x better than Josh Nesbitt? Stupidest statement of the day…so far.
Blackwatchdefense
September 10th, 2009
9:05 am
Cox
parker
September 10th, 2009
9:06 am
All the Crompton business aside. TN rolls… no true freshman QB is ready for his first road game against a MONTE KIFFIN D. That’s just not going to happen. Lot’s of folks seem to forget that he is in Knoxville and he is better than Chavis ever will dream to be. Vols win in another blowout!
InstantClassic1
September 10th, 2009
9:11 am
GT 34
Clemson 10
9 days till bozo takes his beating.
ED-Covington
September 10th, 2009
9:12 am
Wasn’t “hindsight”; everyone knew back then that O’Leary would leave soon for ND or Syracuse or the NFL (if a team got desperate enough); Ralph was the Asst. Head Coach and the obvious successor. But Ralph was offered the Maryland job and left first. How is that “hindsight”?
Geez, Ed Covington...
September 10th, 2009
9:17 am
It is hindsight since no one other than his alma mater even considered “Fat Ralph” for a head coaching position, and it is probable that Tech, too, would not have been able to look past the “fat” part – remember, Tech had a total dumb a$$ as its AD back then!
The Lone Trumpeter
September 10th, 2009
9:19 am
Tony, Clemson does have a special plan for GT tonight: Deqwan Bowers (sp). He will make them wish they had a more current offense when he holds them to UNDER 150 yards rushing. You heard it here first folks. 27-17.
Joe Schmoe
September 10th, 2009
9:21 am
See that is what I am talking about… The Lone Trumpeter, gotta show up first. Then we will see. Not even other opponets we lost to last year kept us under 250 rushing. Come back with facts.
#2 BAMA FAN
September 10th, 2009
9:21 am
Hey Pablo Escobar how are the guys during in hell these days!! Hilter,Mao,Stalin all of you fit are in!!!
Baba O'Riley
September 10th, 2009
9:25 am
Wasn’t me at 8:52, but I’m flattered that you picked my handle to pirate.
The Lone Trumpeter
September 10th, 2009
9:29 am
The fact is kevin steele used to work under tom osborne at nebraska, where they ran the option for years. The fact is that he knows that offense in and out no matter what “wrinkles” PJ sandwich puts in there. The fact is he is a better coach than you have faced in the acc in years. The fact is it’s going to be a long night in ATL 27-17 Orange guys.
Otto
September 10th, 2009
9:31 am
Not sure if Clemson has the DL and LBs to stop GT no matter what the scheme.
It is not up to the UGA player to man up. They did last week. It was the play calling by Bobo and Fabris that killed the game.
Pago Flyer
September 10th, 2009
9:31 am
Looks another rebuilding year for the DAWGS!
David Smith
September 10th, 2009
9:32 am
Crompton will have a good game and I think Tennessee wins 31-20.
Dawg fans need to get over it - Page 6 - VolNation
September 10th, 2009
9:32 am
[...] Is Georgia going to “Man Up” and get ready to play South Carolina? I thought Mark Bradley made a great point yesterday when he wondered aloud if something—other than talent—was missing at Georgia. It’s too early to tell right now but after doing this for a while I do know what a team needs when they are facing a critical game like the one the Bulldogs have against South Carolina on Saturday. Georgia needs an Al Wilson. Every great team I’ve ever been around had a guy like Al Wilson, the former linebacker at Tennessee. On Tennessee’s 1998 national championship team Al was basically the enforcer. If guys weren’t putting in the work or were taking plays off, Wilson would deliver a basic message. Get your butt in gear or I’m going to start kicking it for you. And the guys on that team knew he would back it up. Tim Tebow and Brandon Spikes play that role for Florida. Does Georgia have anybody who is in somebody’s face this week? Does Clemson D have something special for Tech? | Mr. College Football [...]
jonathon dwyer
September 10th, 2009
9:37 am
look we will win the clemson game in a blowout, i will be there to see it live, with spiller out with a hammy, they will be one dimensional and the pass d will go 3 and out the first 3 clemson poss. GO JACKET, AND THWG!!!!!!!
JWalker
September 10th, 2009
9:39 am
No pick in the Tech game, Tony? I’ll take your silence to imply that you pick Clemson but don’t want the Nerds to stop reading your column; thus, the silent treatment.
WB
September 10th, 2009
9:50 am
Tech wins 17-7
Ga sc goes to OT tied 3-3….the winner? your guess is as good as mine.
BankerDawg
September 10th, 2009
9:53 am
1) I don’t understand why people think D Coordinators have to “cook” something up, or come in with some never seen before scheme to try and slow down a spread option….
If Tech executes, it doesn’t matter what defense you are in, they will gain yardage. The defenses job is to not let it go for the BIG yardage. Folks use buzz words like “disciplined” and “assignments” as if by simply doing these things you shut it down. This is not true. You can defend the play perfectly, and still look up and you have given up 6-7 yards…that’s the beauty of the option.
Good defense, and not a bag of tricks can at least limit the offense.
That being said, Tech wins tonight by 10.
2) While I certainly hope some of our players step up in this area (Curran, Jones, etc), it would be nice to see CMR light a fire under somebody. Not necessarily an end zone touchdown dance, but something. All things considered, I believe we win on Saturday….USCe has more severe problems on offense than we do. Personally, I would love to see Caleb King step up and become what we all thought he would be out of high school. We’ll see.
3) UT > UCLA. As much as I would like to see Lane Kiffin in extreme pain and agony, this one will not be close. They will play Rocky Top early and often, and I will have the surround sound on mute.
4) UVA and Duke should just be flat out embarassed. Unbelievable how badly those two teams performed last week, to give the ACC yet another set of black eyes. However, I think Maryland rolls on Saturday. Flying cross country like that had to take it’s toll on the Terps against a very good Cal team….they never had a chance.
5) LSU looked lethargic against UW, and they probably were, again, given the distance they travelled to play the game. They will be much more comfortable in the friendly confines of Death Valley….I think they roll Vandy and look like what we think they are…which is a legit contender in the West.
Dooley's Cardiologist
September 10th, 2009
9:55 am
Dooley’s Cardiologist’s grammar teacher,
Sorry teach, I was on my way out the door to a meeting. I just typed fast and moved on. I will take more time in the future. I should have said “WHICH would have went for”…. I am still a dang good heart doctor though. I jump started Vince twice last week. Also, read YOU post again. I think I spot an error. The “YOU” should give you a hint.
Tech75
September 10th, 2009
9:59 am
Nice writeup on CNNSI this morning about CPJs offense.
Anyone interested in how to defend it should read the article.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andy_staples/09/09/georgia-tech/index.html?eref=sihp
I agree it will be a hard-fought game; we will see just how tough CPJs team is tonight.
However: Tech wins by 6+, gets 300+ rushing, 150+ passing; but will have to have better ball protection, as Clemson will be trying to strip on every play, as it will be their only way to stop the offense and get the ball back (other than on kickoffs).
Dean Wormer
September 10th, 2009
10:00 am
Spurrier is licking his chops. He loves beating the leg humpers. I bet he puts up 40 on that sorry UGAy defense… Joe Cox wets the bed (again)
SC 42 UGAy 14
DawginLex
September 10th, 2009
10:04 am
Clempson gives Tech a tough game but Tech should win.
UGA should beat SC but the PRESSURE is on Joe Cox. Win and keep playing. Lose and start that coaching career a year early.
UT will beat UCLA by 10.
Maryland will rebound.
Vandy will give LSU all they want. LSU’s D gave up a ton of yards and 3rd down conversions last week at UW. Jefferson better be on his game or this could be a shocker.
Otto
September 10th, 2009
10:09 am
BankerDawg I agree with the scheme comments. LSU didn’t beat GT with a new scheme or show the blueprint to beating the option. LSU had a better front 7 than GT and blew them off the ball. The spread option is nothing new it all comes down to the battle in the trenches. If you can get 2 to 3 guys behind the line of scimmage like LSU did it is all over.
Eric
September 10th, 2009
10:20 am
I pull for Georgia in every single game they play…against Alabama. The SC D looked pretty good to me. Thinking Ga will be 0-2 come Sunday. Tech beats Clem. UCLA embarrases UT. WGAS about MD. It probably won’t happen, but hoping for a Vandy victory. WDE!!
LowCountry
September 10th, 2009
10:27 am
Tech has a new defensive line and a few injuries. Clemson has Spiller back this year (DNP in last years game) and an improved defense.
Tigers 28
Nerds 17
Alphare
September 10th, 2009
10:30 am
Is it possible we will have 2 very odd SEC teams in Georgia and LSU? both have tons of talent and high recruit ranking, but neither can deliver in this year? Will find out in a few months.
Vol of reason
September 10th, 2009
10:31 am
1. GaTech is for real……in the ACC. Clamson will fail to meet expectations……again. StingBugs38 kittys 13
2. The team enforcer is so underrated. UT doesn’t win NT in ‘98 without Wilson. We’ll see if Curran fills that role.
3. Cross country travel is HUGE for any team not USC. Vols win by 2TD’s. The Norm Chow v Monte Kiffin battle will be interesting to watch.
4. From the way the ACC has fared against FCS teams this year so far, they don’t need to overlook anyone.
5. LSU fans are finding out what UT fans watched on defense for years with John Chavis. Solid D overall but horrible on 3rd and long and using the “Mustang package” at the end of games.
JB
September 10th, 2009
10:33 am
COME ON TONY….BIG NEWS OUT OF ATHENS…FOR REAL. GRAY TO START SATURDAY. COX HAS ” DEAD ARM”. 10:30 AM
CharlotteGator
September 10th, 2009
10:34 am
Hey Everyone,
Off topic and I apologize if I’m late to the game an you already knew about this. I’ve spent some time this morning reading the blog/site linked below and have really enjoyed it. Found it through the SI link that was posted above re: GaTech’s offense. The SmartFootball site is very interesting to say the least.
http://smartfootball.com/
Tuck Fech
September 10th, 2009
10:54 am
Dear Clemson fans……
REMEMBER, as posted before, BE ON GUARD on your walk to and from the stadium tonight. The Tech campus mugging forecast is very high tonight (as is the case every night). There is apprx. an 87% chance a gun will he held to your head, but so far nobody has been shot, so feel free to joke around with your mugger, and tell him what a great job he did. They are open to constructive critisism in order to perfect future muggings of wimpy little nerds in the NEAR future.
As always, you are going to notice a great deal of empty seats in the small stadium you will be visiting tonight. Feel free to move down to the front couple rows to improve your viewing pleasure.
Now, you may notice the University of Georgia team will not be in the stadium, nor do they have anything to do with tonight’s game. HOWEVER, you will hear lots of anti-UGA chants, and see lots of anti-UGA attire. This hatred and jealousy of their cross state “rival” is directly related to the abundance of empty seats in the stadium. (See, Georgia Tech has beat the University of Georgia 12, twelve, times since the year of 1965. and since they won a sloppy game last year they have visions of being undefeated or something like that this year. Just reference the rings they made for the victory last season)
Please do not show up tonight if you are in any mood to make asian or terrorist jokes. About 90% of the half filled stadium will likely take offense to said jokes. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
Please do not get frustrated if the game does not start on time. Of the 19 Georgia Tech season ticket holders, 7 are well known to show up a little late. They have priority and control of game times.
As always, we invite you to visit the Varsity to claim your free Naked or Chili Dog coupon on the back of your ticket. If you do not have a ticket, please knock VERY VERY hard on the ticket booth window. The non-english speaking arabic freshman running the booth is not used to selling tickets, so he may be asleep or listening to his orders on his terrorist cell pod-cast.
IF you are not car-jacked on your way out of the ghetto (10 blocks surrounding campus) we wish you a safe trip back to Clemson. Remember to celebrate when you get home, not on the road.
- Paul Johnson
Joe
September 10th, 2009
10:55 am
Joe Schmoe… BC, UVA, Gardner Webb, and LSU all held GT to under 200 yards rushing. Clemson held you to 207 last year as well.
D
September 10th, 2009
10:59 am
You don’t need big offensive lineman to run the trip option otto. Tech lost because of horrible special teams, turnovers, dropped open passes and penalties. They racked up almost as many yards as lsu. it was the things mentioned before that stopped them. not to take anything away from lsu but if that game was played without the miscues..the opening kickoff was a tone setter…it’s a totally different game.
G8R GRAD
September 10th, 2009
11:01 am
Not sayin’ I told you so, but . . . .
see:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/ncaa/09/09/olemiss-flu.ap/index.html
At least they’ll have it our of the way before they get into the meat of their schedule.
D
September 10th, 2009
11:01 am
Joe
BC was the second game of the year. Still learning the system. UVA we had key injuries. They played good defense too. Gard webb we had our third string qb who had never played before. you’ll see how this turns out this season. all too funny how nebraska won 2 titles last decade running the same offense. nfl was running the same style offenses then as it is now.
stoopid
September 10th, 2009
11:05 am
dont know if theres any truth to it.. but my coworker said he just heard in his car that logan grey will be starting for the DAWGS this weekend… anyone else hear the same????
D
September 10th, 2009
11:05 am
Oh and since you ugay fans love bringing up the lsu game, gt had 3 turnovers in the game to lsu’s 0. i think you realized last week when you turn the ball over much more than your opponent, you lose badly. second year under pj teams shows vast improvement. we have more weapons on offense with allen and nesbitts arm is much improved. i wouldn’t be surprised if we beat clemson by 3 td’s
Miles
September 10th, 2009
11:09 am
Kevin Steele…he’ll merely TRY to stop G-Tech. Clemson is to the ACC what Cal is to the Pac 10, i.e., a perennial dissapointment. Tonight will be no different.
Georgia will have to improve drastically in order to have an SEC winning record.
Crompton will get his revenge. UCLA has no chance.
Who knows what will happen with Maryland?
The LSU vs. Vanderbilt game certainly brings about many questions after LSU’s rinky dink play at Washington. Maybe this game will be close. Death Valley has it advantge, but Vandy has coach Johnson, i.e., the SEC’s most underrated coach.
Tuck Fech
September 10th, 2009
11:09 am
D,
is 5 fumbles against an Alabama High School team “vast improvement” under a second year Paul Johnson Team??
thought not……
THWGT
Joe
September 10th, 2009
11:14 am
Dear D,
and Clemson lost 6 fumbles against Tech last year.
D
September 10th, 2009
11:14 am
You idiot ga fan..do you realize on the back of every braves ticket they offer a free hot dog too. and a woman was kidnapped and raped off your campus last week. So STFU.
Tuck Fech
September 10th, 2009
11:16 am
Dear D,
I am sorry you and your terrorist roommate were mugged twice last week. I hope you only get mugged once this week.
Love, THWGT
SimpleDawg
September 10th, 2009
11:16 am
I heared ’bout Tech’s “White Out”. What’s a brotha ‘posed to do?
Do Jesse kno’ ’bout dis?
D
September 10th, 2009
11:19 am
Joe
No they had 2 fumbles moron. 4 ints. tech had 2. What’s more important is where you turn the ball over.
gthater
September 10th, 2009
11:23 am
the white out will be unsucessful boo jackets clemson is gonna take yall down
G8R GRAD
September 10th, 2009
11:24 am
Not to go too far off-subject (or beat a dead horse), but these quotes from Coach Meyer sound a lot like, “I think the spread offense will work just fine in the NFL and if you agree, I’m your man!”
G8R GRAD
September 10th, 2009
11:25 am
Sorry.
See:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_bianchi/2009/09/urban-meyer-retread-nfl-coaches-dont-have-chutzpah-to-try-spread-offense.html#more
D
September 10th, 2009
11:29 am
Nervous this week aren’t you? You should be. You got spurrier and if anyone knows how to exploit ga, it’s SS.
murfdawg
September 10th, 2009
11:33 am
Poor Clemson. they have had 25 years and two weks to try to stop Smug Johnson’s offense. what difference will Thursday night make?
Georgia’s leadership is in the NFL. If Stafford and Moreno were on the field in the 4th quarter last week, there is no doubt UGA would have won. But they are not here and the Dawgs will be like the Dawgs of 2006.
I wonder how tired LSU’s defense will be after the “long trip to Washington”. Vandy will be Vandy in Baton Rouge. LSU is looking toward Athens.
Atlanta Gator
September 10th, 2009
11:42 am
Clemson vs. Georgia Tech, UGA vs. South Carolina, Tennessee vs. UCLA, Maryland vs James Madison, and LSU vs. Vanderbilt . . . the common thread running through these five match-ups is that these teams are trying to turn a corner and fan expectations are high that they will show significant improvement this year (with the exception of James Madison, of course). But unanswered questions hang over each of these programs, which is what makes these five games interesting. I have no idea what the outcome or margin of these games might be, but we are going to know a lot more about the potential of these teams and, possibly the future of their coaches, after tonight and this weekend. Some of these teams may be passing in opposite directions . . . .
Tony Barnhart
September 10th, 2009
11:52 am
On the penalties on Georgia. I sat in a meeting in New York when the supervisor of officials of the Big 12 showed us a video and told us what they would be calling. This year they are going call any contact directly to the head…with a helment, a forearm or a shoulder. The coaches wanted to clean that up and that is what the officials are going to do. You will see a bunch of tough calls like that. Not saying that it’s right, but that is what they are going to call.
TB
The Lone Trumpeter
September 10th, 2009
12:05 pm
Why don’t we just take the pads off and make all contact illegal? That would be fun.
Cameron D-Sizzle
September 10th, 2009
12:09 pm
I don’t think Maryland will have to worry too much. Yes they got crushed by California, but Maryland lost over 30 seniors last year so both the offensive and defensive line are inexperienced. Cal’s veteran O-Line was able to create holes for Best to run through and their D-Line was able to prevent Maryland’s 1-2 punch running duo from getting anything started.
I gurantee that Ralphie will NOT let that loss go unnoticed. Maryland is a well disciplined team under Friedgen and he will set them straight for Saturday’s game. They have a great QB in Chris Turner who will deliver the ball to their numerous talented recievers. Alex Wuijack, who posted over 100 tackles last year, will shape up the defense as as a team leader and help insure Maryland’s victory this weekend.