Georgia Tech-Clemson rematch could be a classic
So what did we learn over the weekend?
1. Georgia Tech should be concerned if it gets a rematch with Clemson: Clemson’s 14-10 loss to TCU at home (a game where Clemson had the ball inside the TCU 20-yard line with 1:55 left left) looks better and better. Clemson (7-3) can clinch the ACC Atlantic Division title with a win at home on Saturday against Virginia (3-7). Georgia Tech, which had to rally to beat Clemson 30-27 on Sept. 10, will really have to control the ball and keep it out of the hands of C.J. Spiller. Spiller is the hottest college football player in the country right now. Saturday against N.C. State Spiller ran 16 yards for a touchdown, caught a 34-yard touchdown pass, and threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Dye. It would be Clemson’s first-ever trip to the ACC championship game. With the excitement level at Clemson and Georgia Tech, the ACC championship game in Tampa will get its much-needed sellout.
2. TCU is for real: I had a chance to work Saturday’s Utah-TCU game for the CBS College Sports Network and trust me when I tell you that this team is for real. They are fast and athletic on defense. Defensive end Jerry Hughes reminds me to Dwight Freeney, the great defensive end at Syracuse who nobody could block. They played a good Utah team and made it look easy, beating them 55-28. It could have easily been 42-7 at halftime. This is a team that went on the road and won at Clemson. They will easily finish 12-0 with remaining games against Wyoming (5-5) and New Mexico (0-10). Can the Horned Frogs get into the BCS championship game? Not without some help. It’s a pretty sure bet that the winner of the SEC championship game will get one spot in the BCS championship. TCU’s best shot is for No. 3 Texas to lose in the Big 12 championship game to Nebraska or Kansas State.
3. Charlie Weis is done at Notre Dame: When Charlie Weis took Notre Dame to the Fiesta Bowl in 2005 it appeared he might have a good run. But now the Irish are 6-4 and will have to win one of its two remaining games against UConn or Stanford to become bowl eligible. Weis has not made a lot of friends in his time at South Bend and so he is not going to get the benefit of the doubt from the old line Golden Domers. His buyout is substantial but that won’t matter. Who will be the next coach? You know Urban Myer’s people will get a call and Notre Dame will make him say no. The next obvious choice is Brian Kelly, who has pretty much maxed out what he can do at Cincinnati. Kelly has told me he is prepared to stay at Cincinnati if the school wants to play ball at the highest level. They can’t afford to do that. The courageous call by Notre Dame would be to call Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson. Notre Dame needs to be running the option, given the realities of its situation (weather, recruiting). But I don’t think the folks who run things at Notre Dame are willing to think outside the box that much.
4. It’s soon going to be payday for Paul Johnson–again: Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson got a contract extension and a nice bump in pay (to over $2 million per season) after his first season. But is AD Dan Radakovich going to have to sweeten the deal again? Johnson took less money to come to Georgia Tech (SMU would have given him more) because, he told me at the time, “If we’re successful then that will take care of itself.” Georgia Tech is now 10-1, has punched its ticket to the ACC championship game, and has a good shot of beating Georgia for the second straight year. Georgia Tech is being talked about on a national level again with a combination of admiration and fear. In other words, nobody wants to play these guys. Johnson knows he’s got a pretty good gig at Georgia Tech but he also knows the phone is going to ring because he’s proven that his offense will work at the BCS level. It’s going to hurt a little bit, but Georgia Tech needs to lock this guy up with a nice raise and a contract extension.
5. The Southern Cal dynasty is over. The Trojans have gotten embarrassed in two of the past three weeks to Oregon (47-20) and Stanford (55-21). The Trojans are 7-3 and will soon see their string of Pac-10 championships end at seven. They will miss out on a BCS bowl for the first time since 2001. We know that the decision of Mark Sanchez to turn pro early put Pete Carroll behind the eight ball and forced him to play a freshman quarterback (Matt Barkley). But that doesn’t explain the total collapse of the defense, which gave up 394 yards rushing to Oregon and just got manhandled by Stanford. The longest NCAA investigation in history (or least it seems that way) continues to hang over the program. Could the stars be aligning for this dynasty to come to an end? Stay tuned.
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370 comments Add your comment
Slick Willie
November 16th, 2009
8:44 am
First!!
Troy fallen
November 16th, 2009
8:44 am
Tony,
What did you think about Harbaugh going for two late in the game when Stanford went up 48-21?
Dayum.
Slick Willie
November 16th, 2009
8:44 am
Again!!
Auburn John
November 16th, 2009
8:49 am
Help me out here; why does ND have to get to seven wins to be bowl eligible? They never played a D-1AA school, so that can’t be it. And even without a bowl tie-in, somebody would take ND at 6 wins.
TN fan
November 16th, 2009
8:50 am
I think Dexter is still running. Makes you wonder why Nutt didn’t play him more earlier in the season. Go Vols!
m
November 16th, 2009
8:52 am
Tony, your complete idiocy seems to know no bounds.
Tech has beaten Clemson 3 straight (with Spiller) and has won 5 out of the last 6 with Clemson. Tech has also owned Clemson for a 48-24-2 lifetime record.
Clemson is the one that ought to be scared of playing Tech. They were lucky to have caught Tech early…now Tech is hitting on all cylinders and will probably stomp Clemson.
And Spiller is good…but he is NOWHERE near the player that Jonathan Dwyer is…I know Tony that your idiotic sec and ugag bias prevents you from giving Dwyer his due…but come on!?!?
And don’t forget that TECH gets this week off before next weeks annual stomping of the dawgs!!! Mark it down.
Dannyboy
November 16th, 2009
8:53 am
Tony,
Paul Johnson already makes over $2 million. $2.3 million I believe, second highest in the ACC behind Bobby Bowdon. But, yes, I get your point and I absolutely agree. GT is going to have to pay if they want to keep CPJ from the “big boys”.
Hunker Down
November 16th, 2009
8:54 am
I wouldn’t say that the USC dynasty is over although it is looking very average right now. There are too many big time players there in waiting to assume the dominance is over. Charlie Weis is finished at ND and Tech fans should be nervous about Paul Johnson. Tech is a stepping stone for coaches not a final destination. Wouldn’t be surprised if Meyer left now that Timmy is on his way out. I would not want to play TCU right now. That team is loaded and hungry. The 2 best teams in America might be in Texas. Clemson is also flying high and I am going to predict them to win in Tampa- 31-27. Tech will end up in the Gator Bowl. Tech fans should worry about the game in 2 weeks. You can throw out the records in that one. Dawgs will be ready. GO DAWGS!
Mojacket
November 16th, 2009
8:57 am
I agree Tony, I am holding out hope that somehow BC wins the Atlantic. As for Weis, is at any surprise that this was going to happen? Everytime someone writes a book about the next great ND coach after one great season, he bombs!
Paul H
November 16th, 2009
8:57 am
I can’t decide which I love more – ND losing or USC getting hammered again. Probably USC.
SEC Fact Check .com
November 16th, 2009
9:00 am
UGA backers trying to promote a successful Tech coach again . . .
SC Dawg
November 16th, 2009
9:00 am
What about Georgia’s win over Auburn? Did Willie Martinez save his job? Or is it too little too late?
JP owns DJ
November 16th, 2009
9:01 am
Wawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Eagggggggggggggle!
Mojacket
November 16th, 2009
9:01 am
Enter your comments here
Miles
November 16th, 2009
9:04 am
Is Charlie Weis an idiot because he can not win at Notre Dame or can he not win because he’s an idiot? That is the question!
Things are getting really interesting at USC. Not playing Mustain reveals a lot about Pete Carroll’s character and arrogant pride.
Miles
November 16th, 2009
9:05 am
ESPN’s Gameday in Tucson…horrible!
collegeballfan
November 16th, 2009
9:07 am
If Notre Dame calls Urban Meyer he will go. He is losing the QB that has carried him for 3 years. His run at Florida is coming to an end after this season.
Not afraid
November 16th, 2009
9:08 am
yes GT should be concerned to play Clempson but not afraid. If GT can win with 16 freshman and sophomore starters that were able to go into Sanford Stadium and beat GA in 2008, they can handle Clemson again. CPJ already beat Clemson at Memorial Stadium in 08 as well. If you can beat Clemson 4 times, you can beat them again. And do not underestimate CPJ. He has more tricks in his bag than you think., He will just outfox you again. As Cuttysark says, GT will just back the train up and run over them again. Bring it on..already have the tix.
Ezekiel
November 16th, 2009
9:10 am
The ACC media always talks about FSU, Miami and VA Tech yet it is Georgia Tech that is bringing the conference national attention. Clemson vs Georgia Tech will be an excellent match-up particularly when compared to the snoozers with Boston College and Virginia Tech that embarassed the ACC. Talk more Tech football at: http://www.bbuzzoff.com
Stoops to Notre Dame? - Page 2 - VolNation
November 16th, 2009
9:12 am
[...] Charlie Weis is done at Notre Dame: When Charlie Weis took Notre Dame to the Fiesta Bowl in 2005 it appeared he might have a good run. But now the Irish are 6-4 and will have to win one of its two remaining games against UConn or Stanford to become bowl eligible. Weis has not made a lot of friends in his time at South Bend and so he is not going to get the benefit of the doubt from the old line Golden Domers. His buyout is substantial but that won’t matter. Who will be the next coach? You know Urban Myer’s people will get a call and Notre Dame will make him say no. The next obvious choice is Brian Kelly, who has pretty much maxed out what he can do at Cincinnati. Kelly has told me he is prepared to stay at Cincinnati if the school wants to play ball at the highest level. They can’t afford to do that. The courageous call by Notre Dame would be to call Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson. Notre Dame needs to be running the option, given the realities of its situation (weather, recruiting). But I don’t think the folks who run things at Notre Dame are willing to think outside the box that much. Georgia Tech-Clemson rematch could be a classic | Mr. College Football [...]
Can't outfox a fox
November 16th, 2009
9:13 am
Every week the GT fans have to read, oooooooooooooooooooooooooh your playing so and so, you have no chance and need to be afraid. Afraid of what? Take a look at the 08 GT-UGA highlights, do you see any fear on these freshman and soph. faces when they faced Ga in Athens? Now they are bigger and better. Freshman Roddy Jones outrushed you superstar Moreno and Nesbitt outplayed Stafford for cryiing outloud. Clemson needs to be afraid. Love it that everyone is prediciting CLempson to win. Our team needs to hear that. It will just fire them up that much more.
Sleeze
November 16th, 2009
9:17 am
I just read the comments by “M”. Most people just go ahead and use their full name but maybe he didn’t know how to spell “Moron”. Not a Tech or Clemson fan but saying “Spiller is nowhere near the player that Dwyer is???” Omigod.. M.. stay away from the mushrooms, buddy.. those things will eventually kill you..
Nu'Keese the bee bee gun gangsta
November 16th, 2009
9:17 am
WDE
Pretty sad when your offense makes the mutts look good on defense
Ralph
November 16th, 2009
9:18 am
Tony, don’t forget that GT had to use an illegal fake field goal play in their first matchup with the Tigers. They get flagged for cheating, and Clemson wins that one. Can’t wait for the Jackets to get their come-uppance.
BTR
November 16th, 2009
9:18 am
Tony – Huge fan of yours, but ND is not in a position where they need to run the option to be successful. They have several offensive players from a pro style system who will be drafted in the top few rounds (Clausen, Floyd, Tate, Rudolph). Recruiting isn’t the problem. Coaching fundamental college football on D and not thinking themselves into a box on O is the problem. Plenty of coaches could solve that problem, and ND could win with existing personnel now (or next year). 18 starters could return in 2010.
EW
November 16th, 2009
9:18 am
CPJ will stay at Tech. The alumni and fan base will demand he be compensated. There has been too much losing on the Flats in recent years and they aren’t going to let him go. Congrats to CPJ, team, and staff. Great season so far, the UGA GT showdown will be a classic. Yes Tech is going to be favored, but this game is always close.
As a fan, I would LOVE to see TCU play for the BCS title. A matchup between their D and Alabama’s D or Florida’s would be a great battle. I know nobody gives them credit, but TCU can run the ball and defend…and that recipe always keeps you in a game. However I will just be hoping bc I don’t see Texas losing. Maybe FSU will pull the miracle and beat Florida.
I was really bummed that the refs took the game over and reversed the call in the ND game. After all the blown calls this season that were held up after review bc they “lacked conclusive video evidence” to overturn, I thought for sure Clausen would have a chance to lead his team to victory. Guess not, too bad for Weis that it all came down to that.
AT LAST, the USC “dynasty” is over. Maybe they won’t benefit from being a media darling and preseason top 10 for the next decade. GT will see the benefit that USC has had with a high early ranking if they can finish this year strong. In the flawed system we have, your preseason rank carries a lot of weight.
Old Dawg
November 16th, 2009
9:20 am
I’ve always admired Paul Johnson and his offense. He won 2 national championships at Georgia Southern and had the Eagles in another title game. His work at Navy speaks for itself.
I’ve read that he enjoys the quality of life in Atlanta. And he’s done a fantastic job turning Tech’s program around. But if I was a coach who enjoys the college atmosphere as much as Johnson apparently does, I’d be more than upset with the lack of attendance at games … it’s beyond embarrassing!
This is a wild stretch, I know, but given the sellouts at Notre Dame, even when it struggles, that might be an incentive to go to South Bend. Even when Tech had championship teams under Bobby Ross and George O’Leary there wasn’t the fan support. And there have been a lot of empty seats at Tech games this year.
In a city of 2 million, that should never happen.
Ralph
November 16th, 2009
9:21 am
Hey Ezekiel,
I seem to recall a snoozer of an ACC title game a few years back involving the Jackets and WFU. Talk about poor attendance…the enginerds aren’t gonna do much better this time around. Chop, chop, chop. No ACC title for GT this year.
The only sellout of an ACC title game has involved the Hokies. Write back when you can say the same about the Jackets. Empty seats in Tampa once more…
Hunker Down
November 16th, 2009
9:22 am
Nesbitt did not outplay Stafford last year. He was pretty average. All he did was hand it off or pitch it. TCU will handle Tech even if they make it to Miami again.
Tech Fan Since 1950
November 16th, 2009
9:22 am
Dear Mr. “SEC” College Football:
Clemson had to rally to even get close to Tech on September 10.
Monticello Dawg
November 16th, 2009
9:22 am
I hardly think Nesbitt outplayed Stafford, considering Matt threw for about 400 yards. Stafford and Moreno did not cost Georgia that game. That ones on the D.
KR
November 16th, 2009
9:22 am
Congratulations to Georgia on their victory over Auburn. It was the best game I’ve seen UGA play this year. Not so much for AU. Our athletic director might want to rethink playing 11 games before scheduling an off week…
I have to say, as I was leaving Sanford Stadium, I was somewhat surprised at how unenthusiastic the UGA fans were after winning. I heard more griping about the team and the coaching staff than I heard happiness for a victory. It was pretty odd.
GT and Clemson both look worlds better than they did when the met earlier this year. Ought to be a good game.
kenny d
November 16th, 2009
9:24 am
Tony,
Clemson is do some respect for their improvement over the course of the year; however, the TECH offensive machine has also improved over the season. With CPJ on the TECH side lines you have to give the advantage to the JACKETS with a 38 – 21 win and on to the Orange Bowl.
Kenny D
m
November 16th, 2009
9:24 am
Ralph,
I thought the ACCC is in Pensacola?
RedKneckerson
November 16th, 2009
9:25 am
Do not forget about Phil Fulmer at Notre Dame. I’m serious, I think he is catholic, runs a clean program, can pu together a great staff,can recruit nationally,somewhat a conservative style that would go well in the Big Ten type approach that ND seems to like. Plus Phil has said all along that he wants to coach at a school committed to winning and a school that CAN win. ND fits that and Phil has been a winner for alot of years. Would not be surprised if he at least got a call.
Ralph
November 16th, 2009
9:25 am
What makes anyone think GT fans will travel to Tampa? They don’t even travel to their own stadium in the middle of Atlanta.
Go Jackets
November 16th, 2009
9:29 am
Ralph,
Don’t forget that Clemson had to use the same illegal substitution to get a touchdown with Spiller later in the game. Can’t wait for Clemson to choke again.
RoyAU
November 16th, 2009
9:30 am
Georgia isn’t that good. Auburn beat itself. At least the Tiger nation can take comfort in the fact we get to watch Georgia Tech lay a beat down on the “Dawgs”.
m
November 16th, 2009
9:33 am
The m at 9:24 is a crybaby dawg imposter
But Ralph…don’t worry…the stands will be full next week in Atlanta at the annual stomping of the dawgs.
GT76
November 16th, 2009
9:36 am
Tech will keep Johnson at least 6-8 years. The guy doesn’t want to move again. He has said he wants to finish his career with GT. That would be 10-15 years. We will be able to pay him enough.
He may get bored with the winning here though and want to start from scratch again somewhere else but that’s at least 5 years out.
Coach O
November 16th, 2009
9:37 am
Auburn John
November 16th, 2009
8:49 am
Help me out here; why does ND have to get to seven wins to be bowl eligible? They never played a D-1AA school, so that can’t be it. And even without a bowl tie-in, somebody would take ND at 6 wins.
Help is on the way. ND WILL play in a bowl game — the question is whether they will play in a BCS bowl. The answer is that they probably will not.
Tony Barnhart
November 16th, 2009
9:37 am
Concerning Jim Harbaugh going for two late against USC. I was reminded what Woody Hayes said when asked the same question: “Why did I go for two? Because I couldn’t go for THREE!”
Harbaugh, you may have noticed, is not a big fan of Pete Carroll.
GTman
November 16th, 2009
9:38 am
I hope we do play Clemson. It will be the only matchup that will give us a boost should we win. I hope Clemson wins out with a huge win against South Carolina. If Clemson can beat SC in Columbia and look more impressive than UF, it will give the ACC championship game some credibility (assuming we pound UGA that way we should).
I think too many unlikely losses have to happen for GT to get a chance at the NC game, but I can easily see a scenario where we end up in the top 3. IF Dwyer stays for his senior year (Morgan is gone and I don’t blame him – he is awesome), GT begins the 2010 year in the top 2 or 3 and will play for the NC game.
THWG! November 28th – the domination continues!
Coach Cool
November 16th, 2009
9:38 am
Clemson vs. GT in Tampa: the greatest rematch no one will witness… in person.
Tech Fan Since 1950
November 16th, 2009
9:41 am
Ralph:
You obviously have not been to a Tech game this year and do not know a thing about true Tech fans. Averaging 50,000 fans at Grant Field is not too bad this year, especially when Wake and Jacksonville State only brought a limited number of visitors. If you had been on the road at Mississippi State and in the pouring rain in Virginia, like I was, you would know that Tech fans in large numbers contributed to those local economies like never before. The reservations are already booked for Tampa, Miami and any points in between. If I were you I would work to have a concession stand along I-75 on the fives of December and January. Of course Delta may be ready when you are too. There is a new Tech in town and you are really living in a different world now my friend.
not so fast
November 16th, 2009
9:42 am
May want to take a look at who Clemson has lost to at home besides TCU in the last 4 years. They are known to screw up ast home. If TCU is that good, it is not because they beat Clemson on the road. Funny, GT did too in 06 and 08 but do not see you singing GT’s praises about that. Yes GT alum have money and can do what it takes to keep Johnson, he already signed an extension last year. You know you SEC writers and lovers need to make up your minds, up until a few weeks ago, you all run your mouths how the triple option cannot work and DIV1 footbaqll and now you have everyone picking up the phone calling CPJ to hire him. What a bunch of hypocrites honestly.
Buzz29
November 16th, 2009
9:43 am
Spiller is the Clemson offense. If he goes down they are in serious trouble. We’re balanced with O. Smith handling the kickoffs, J. Tarrant taking the punts and 4 studs (including Lyons) in the backfield. Plus, we have Thomas and Hill with single coverage. Spiller is one beast compared to our eight.
I’ll be there screaming for our boys and hopefully then it’s off to Miami after New Year’s! Go Jackets!
ReptilesRule
November 16th, 2009
9:47 am
Things that I learned this weekend…1) Auburn is an up and down team this season. Thought they would lose to Ole Miss, thought they would beat the Dawgs. 2) The Lane train has gone off the tracks. Both their O Line and Defense got exposed by the Rebs (and McCluster). Next years team will be extremely young and extremely challenged with a new O Line and QB. I think they will beat Vandy and Kentucky to finish 7-5 this year but look for another 5-7 or 6-6 year in 2010. The third year will determine Kiffins future. 3) Bama is playing the best ball in the conference while Florida’s offense continues to struggle. If the SECCG game is played today, Bama wins handily. 4) While it’s not exactly news, GT is the real deal and it will be fun watching them down here in Tampa. 5) And yes, Charlie Weis is in trouble but NO, Urban Meyer will not be going anywhere. Expect “someone else” to make the much shorter trip from Cincinnati to South Bend. And Kelly is such a nice Irish name!
McDawg
November 16th, 2009
9:48 am
1) Spiller can’t do much if he doesn’t have the ball
2) TCU is the best team in Texas from what i have seen
3) does not matter who coaches at ND-they punted a long time ago (too bad b/c Clausen, Tate, Floyd and Rudolph are very very good)
4) the C in CPJ stands for chop block
5) i shed no tears
SadDawg
November 16th, 2009
9:49 am
Tony is a Tech homer. Tony is a Tech homer. Tony is a Tech homer.
SadDawg
November 16th, 2009
9:50 am
Haha.
McDawg
November 16th, 2009
9:51 am
GTMan the domination continues????? is this a call for your mistress or are you predicting a GA win?
GeoffDawg
November 16th, 2009
9:52 am
As soon as USC’s run of BCS bowl games as over, count on the NCAA magically completing the Bush investigation and instituting scholarship reductions and post season bans.
Ohio State fan
November 16th, 2009
9:52 am
I live in the Tampa area – trust me when I tell you that nobody in the area gives a hoot about the ACC or the title game unless Miami was playing FSU.
That game will be another disaster for the conference.
baconboy
November 16th, 2009
9:53 am
While I’m a Gator fan, it seems to me that the other big piece of news this weekend was that SMU became bowl eligible for the first time since the death penalty. June Jones took a team that was 1-11 last year and has them at the top of Conference USA. I know it’s not the best competition, but for all the success of Paul Johnson and Patterson at TCU, I think that the best coaching job this year has been done by June Jones.
Coach O
November 16th, 2009
9:54 am
Dawg fans are having fun speculating whether Coach Johnson will make the move to South Bend. Tech fans should be proud that their recent success makes such a taunt appear reasonable.
That said, I would be shocked if they actually had Coach Johnson on their short list. The powers that be at Notre Dame will never admit that their program has fallen to the level that they can’t recruit players capable of running a pro-style offense. Les Miles (if he hasn’t already signed up for the gig at the Big House) is a more likely candidate for the ND job.
If they go after a coach with a non-traditional offensive scheme, it will be one that has already established a record for winning championships. That coach currently resides in Florida.
As for the earlier comments regarding Phil Fulmer, running a “clean program” and not getting caught are two very different things. The only reason that Coach Fulmer received immunity from the NCAA was the fact that he was integral to the sting operation being run against Alabama at that time. Now, Tommy Tuberville, on the other hand, I wouldn’t rule out as a middle tier short list candidate.
GeoffDawg
November 16th, 2009
9:54 am
KR – the griping probably centered around the fear that a few good quarters after a disastrous season defensively might spare Willie Martinez from the chopping block.
SadDawg
November 16th, 2009
9:55 am
You’re right about the ACC game being a sell-out Tony, but it will be like a home game for Clemson. Their fans do travel for bowl games. Seen them for years at the Gator Bowl and it seems like the entire state of SC shows up in Jax. It will be the same in Tampa. It won’t matter, though. PJ won’t allow the Jackets let up like the first meeting. I don’t think it will be close.
jumbeauxtiger
November 16th, 2009
9:56 am
The way Tech is playing right now Clemson will have to be at its best to have a shot. Should the Tigers beat UVa, the ACC championship should be an exciting game, unlike some in previous years.
If TCU wins out they would have a case for being in the big game. The Plus One model would be ideal this year to determine the national champion.
Weis is history. He has 3 great weapons in Claussen, Floyd and Tate and they are not in the Top 25 and this is his 5th year. I have heard that there are some ND big shots who want to go after Saban. I’m not sure how true this is but I think Nick is the one coach who, he if goes to a school that has big-time resources, is pretty much a guarantee of success.
Tech will have to pay Johnson more. This is the price of success in college football but a good problem to have.
Every big-time program eventually has a down year. Florida in 2007, LSU last season, UGA & OU in 2009 and now it’s the Trojans’ turn. They will be back.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
GeoffDawg
November 16th, 2009
9:59 am
Coach O – honestly, I don’t know if anyone can say that the spread offense is unconventional anymore. It seems that half the programs out there have at least some variant of it in their system. That being said, I would love to see Urban take the road north but Florida definitely has the cash to counter any offers. I’ve heard rumors that he’s getting a bit tired of the fanbase though so you never know. After losing Tebow and all that defensive talent next year, his stock will probably never be higher if he wants to make a move.
gatorrashad
November 16th, 2009
9:59 am
“Help me out here; why does ND have to get to seven wins to be bowl eligible? They never played a D-1AA school, so that can’t be it. And even without a bowl tie-in, somebody would take ND at 6 wins.” wrote Auburn John
The reason is ND doesnt accept Bowl games with only 6 wins…so thats why they need to win one more…
Nu'Keese the bee bee gun gangsta
November 16th, 2009
10:02 am
Why does everyone think Florida will beat Alabama?
Did you see the UF offense last Saturday?
Did you see the ALA defense last Saturday/
The End
dagnabit
November 16th, 2009
10:02 am
Three things. First: Georgia Tech cannot trust Notre Dame negotiations for our football coach. 2nd: I’m always thrilled to see Notre Dame lose in any sports event. Third: Is sleaze your full name?
gatorrashad
November 16th, 2009
10:02 am
Hey Tony, why would ND spin its wheels tryin to get Urban Meyer, when they got a guy in the region (B Kelly at Cincy) who is the hottest coach in the country and rebuild a program into a BCS contender…that seems a better bet to me….leave our Coach Meyer alone would ya….he aint goin to ND…
ND in ATL
November 16th, 2009
10:03 am
“The reason is ND doesnt accept Bowl games with only 6 wins…so thats why they need to win one more…”
Wrong. They went to the Hawaii Bowl last year with only 6 wins, and the Insight Bowl in 2004 with the same.
In any event, not sure they’ll go to a bowl game this season with an inevitable coaching change on the hortizon…
SC Rules!!!
November 16th, 2009
10:06 am
My how the sharks are circling! Yet when ‘Bama or MSU or UT or AU or UK or hell I might as well just say the SEC is under investigation by the NCAA which is… well ALWAYS y’all are crying in yer soup sandwhiches over how UNFAIR that is! Well after ALL this TIME if (and I mean IF) there really was somethign too y’alls claims then why wouldn’t the NCAA have taken action? After all we ALL KNOW THERE is a PRO SEC conspiracy TO MAKE SURE Y’ALL always play for the NC; RIGHT?!?
Coach Carroll will fix things, replacing nine starters from the most DOMINANT Defense in college football history, replacing coaching staff, etc… it was only a matter of time before they had one “down” year. I still like our chances in any bowl matchup against y’all! Any takers?? After all we are “so weak” right now; yeah, didn’t think so!!
Fight On!!!
K
November 16th, 2009
10:07 am
Why do people think recruiting is the problem at ND and they need to run an option? Their current problem isn’t lack of NFL caliber offensive talent/skill players…
"CJ Spiller...
November 16th, 2009
10:08 am
…is the hottest football player in the country right now”? BS – do your homework – he has been the hottest player in the country since the veryu first kickoff, in the very first game of his season, on the very first Saturday of the season, when he returned said kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown! And, he is actually the 2nd fastest guy on the team (se Jacoby Ford, defending national, 60 yard dash indoor track champion at wide receiver and who has also returned a punt for a TD).
Clemson did have to come way back against Tech to eventually take the lead in the first game, only to choke and blow it at the end. But they did come back, while basically shutting down GT from the middle of the second quarter until 2 minutes were left in the game.
So, it could be a great game, IF Clemson does not pull another Tommy Bowden like game and lose to UVA like the loss to MD! But I suspect they will still win the division via the backdoor since it is highly probable that UNC will beat BC, too. And they could very well lose to the ‘ol ball coach next week, too, thus really taking the luster off the ACC game in Tampa.
GeoffDawg
November 16th, 2009
10:10 am
Lol @ SC Rules. It’s always a little sad when delusional fans can’t accept their newfound mediocrity. At least we have the excuse that we’re trying to work through our downturn while playing SEC competition. Newsflash – Stanford just trounced you. That’s like getting humiliated by Duke West.
Coach O
November 16th, 2009
10:12 am
GeoffDawg,
I agree that spread formations are becoming much more commonplace. I just think that the selection committee at ND will be too conservative to make such a move without the pedigree that comes from winning National Championships.
With the salaries available at all levels of CFB coaching these days, the offer of big bucks just doesn’t carry the weight that it once did. Other factors have to be considered for a successful coach to make a move. When someone already makes more money than they could possibly spend in a lifetime, then a higher offer is only relevant to the coach’s ego.
Urban is a serious candidate for several reasons, one of which you mentioned. Conventional wisdom would indicate that Florida is due for a “rebuilding” phase after their recent success and the second year in a row of losing key players who set all-time records. Coupled with Urban’s own admission that the Notre Dame HC position has been his life-long “dream job”, he could be forgiven for entertaining thoughts of striking while the iron is hottest.
JoD
November 16th, 2009
10:13 am
Clemson did have to come way back against Tech to eventually take the lead in the first game, only to choke and blow it at the end. But they did come back, while basically shutting down GT from the middle of the second quarter until 2 minutes were left in the game.
?Huh? So are you telling me that GT put all those points back on the board with two minutes left. More like GT offense finally came back to life after a couple of minutes in the 4th quarter. Clemson could not stop the mid line read.
GACRIMSON
November 16th, 2009
10:15 am
BTR makes a good point Tony that ND has to many pro styles players already in house but you have hit on something that is right on point.ND is perfect for the triple option.It plays to their heritage as well as any school in America right now but I wonder if that transition is something the ‘powers’ that be are willing to wait for.CPJ has proven that the wait can be short but I wonder again if the players that stuck with him are not more suited to it than those in South Bend.All good questions thanks to you Tony.Good job.Roll Tide !
Yes, JoD...
November 16th, 2009
10:17 am
…Clemson came back from being down 24 – 7 in the middle of the second quarter to take the lead at 27 – 24 with about 8 minutes left in the game, only to see Tech tie it, then Clemson was driving with about 3 minutes left only to have a penalty halt them, with Tech taking over and driving for the winning field goal with less than 2 minutes left in the first game.
Ralph
November 16th, 2009
10:19 am
Tech Fan Since 1950, I’ve been to two games at Bobby Dodd this season. They were just like every other GT home game I’ve been to since moving to Atlanta. The upper deck of the North end zone was empty. You guys can’t fill your high school sized stadium except when UGA fans buy up all your extra tickets every other Thanksgiving.
SadDawg
November 16th, 2009
10:20 am
Why does everyone think UF will beat Alabama? Urban Myer is the answer. He is the best Big Game coach in the country. The bigger the game, the better his team plays. The Gators will win the SEC and the BCS games.
Dooley's Cardiologist
November 16th, 2009
10:27 am
UGA fans are so sad. It was funny to watch them get excited about barely beating a bad team… GT puts up 60 the Saturday after Thanksgiving… Mark it down.
GWJ
November 16th, 2009
10:28 am
I would not bet on a sellout for ACC Championship…not with Tech’s fan base. Maybe with Clemson’s following it might happen.
Sonny Clusters
November 16th, 2009
10:29 am
The Irish part of the Clusters family did us proud against Tennessee on Saturday. Cousin Dexter McClusters averaged 10 yards a carry against that old Kiffin’s defense. Back when we was playing ball in the yard at Thanksgiving and Christmas, ol’ Dexter carried the ball every time. Of course, against his kin, he didn’t do as well as he did against the Volunteers. All us Clusters and McClusters got game.
Sadly, I with ...
November 16th, 2009
10:32 am
…Dooley’s Cardiologist – and I am a UGA season ticket holder!
And, worst of all, Willie will still be back next year, unless HE does the honorable thing and resigns; but, he has $350K reasons to listen to his best friend and teammate!
2HLLWGA
November 16th, 2009
10:34 am
I would like to see CPJ get compensated for his success. I hope that we don’t give him teh same deal that Hewitt got…
For Tech to compensate him appropriately, Tech needs many more donations. It was interesting to talk to people at the game on Saturday who do not give to Tech! I do not believe that anyone has a right to complain about their school (or team, in UGA’s case) unless they give.
CrackerJacket
November 16th, 2009
10:34 am
Old Dawg – I’ve been to three games at Tech this year and all three were jam packed. Which one are you talking about?
Coach O
November 16th, 2009
10:35 am
Dooley’s Cardiologist
November 16th, 2009
10:27 am
UGA fans are so sad. It was funny to watch them get excited about barely beating a bad team… GT puts up 60 the Saturday after Thanksgiving… Mark it down.
DC,
Do you think they’d stoop to bragging about a come-from-behind victory over Vandy? Or would they have to crush a powerhouse like Duke to get your respect?
After watching the Georgia vs. Auburn game, I’d be just a little bit more concerned about a bunch of hairy dawgs spoiling my Thanksgiving holiday — if I was a Tech fan…
the real Old Gold
November 16th, 2009
10:36 am
GT was just getting warmed up on offense in the second week, and the defense has been terrible until they broke out against VT. “Dawgs” go down in two weeks and Clemson or BC goes down in 3. Is that oranges I smell?
uga_dawg_92
November 16th, 2009
10:38 am
“m” – the sixth post down is the “idiot”. since you like stats, lets quote you another stat “m” – GA leads the overall series 59-39-5….and, “don’t forget that TECH gets this week off before next weeks annual stomping of the dawgs!!!”…check another stat…wow, you win once in EIGHT YEARS and all of a sudden its an annual stomping. Go back to North Avenue and plug those stats into your slide rule!!
alpharettadawg
November 16th, 2009
10:38 am
Bobby Dodd will be full in 2 weeks because Tech relies on UGA fans to fill it up. A GT fan in my neighborhood got me 6 tickets to the game against UGA. Most Tech fans just don’t care.
Coach O
November 16th, 2009
10:40 am
Hmmm…
Orange flavored Kool-Aid smells remarkably similar to a bowl full of real oranges.
Just Sayin…
the real Old Gold
November 16th, 2009
10:40 am
“Ohio State Fan” the game will be packed with Old Gold and Orange.. these fans travel. There were around 10,000 of us in Nashville with 6,000 or so Vandy Fans and Clemson fans would drive to Alaska for this one.. they travel well too.
Dan
November 16th, 2009
10:40 am
We may have a high school stadium but what will it say about your team when they lose to the teah with the high school offense in the high school stadium? Does that make UGA a Pop Warner team?
Ohio State fan
November 16th, 2009
10:41 am
About Urban Meyer, I’m not sure why people continue to omit the fact the he chose Florida over Notre Dame the first time around. Why did he do it then? Probably because of the recruiting base and the commitment to football excellence – there is no other program in the country that will outspend UF (they are on the short list of programs with the most resources to offer), even Notre Dame.
Plus, have you guys actually seen the roster? That program is loaded to the gills with top flight talent. I think some of you guys think that his success end when Tebow leaves – you’re nuts! He won a national title in ‘06 with Chris Leak as quarterback. Plus, if they win another this season it might be in spite of Tebow instead of because of him – he hasn’t been stellar this year.
They look like USC east to me. He would be insane to leave UF for Notre Dame.
Coach O
November 16th, 2009
10:47 am
The way this game is shaping up, I’d say that the entire state of Georgia finally has a reason to get excited about football again.
Tech is the obvious favorite, making the game mean that much more for the Dawgs. This should be the game that brings back “Clean Old Fashioned Hate”. Tech has everything to play for. Georgia only has the prospect of bragging rights and the State Championship to help them lick the wounds that this season has given them.
I expect a classic slobber-knocker and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. It should be a helluva game.
Atlanta Gator
November 16th, 2009
10:48 am
1. Odds are Clemson will choke again, as they consistently have since winning their last ACC championship in 1991.
2. TCU does appear to be for real, but if any two of Alabama, Florida and Texas remain unbeaten, the Horned Frogs aren’t going to leap anyone into the BCS title game.
3. Charlie Weis is gone. Cincinnati’s Brian Kelly is an excellent replacement candidate. Urban Meyer will not trade a perennial contender for a team whose storied history effectively ended in 1993.
4. Paul Johnson has earned a raise, but the money would be better spent on better defensive coaches.
5. I hesitate to proclaim any program a dynasty, and then I hesitate to proclaim any declared dynasty “dead.” As for Southern Cal, in 8 seasons, Pete Carroll has 7 seasons with 11, 12 or 13 wins, and 7 Pac-10 championships. Despite consistently having the best talent in the country, Carroll’s teams have only won one national championship and shared another, and his teams have consistently lost one game per season which they should have won. If the NCAA hammer finally falls, the Trojans may find it difficult to sustain their recent success as young talent goes elsewhere.
another dawg in ptc
November 16th, 2009
10:48 am
Did anyone notice the long embracing hug that CMR gave WM after the defense stopped AU at the end of the game and the walk by hand slap by Bobo and CMR? My wife thought it was heartwarming. I thought it was more like Michael Corleone hugging Freddo and telling him he broke his heart and now he was going to kill him. Is CMR firing WM and saving Bobo or saving Bobo and firing WM?
Kerryb
November 16th, 2009
10:49 am
Tony, you got it right. Tech wants no part of Clemson right now. Clemson is playing a lot better than they are and should have gotten that win over Tech if it was’nt for a bogus holding call that could’nt be found on video. Not only the TCU loss that was close but, they beat up on Wake Forest two weeks before Tech had trouble beating them in OT. I believe that you Tech people are going to have another diappointing day in Tampa. And yes M I would take C.J. Spiller over Dwyer. I’ve seen the two of them play the last two weeks and Spiller looks better.
TCU is coming....
November 16th, 2009
10:50 am
USC, Iowa, Penn St., Ohio St., Notre Dame, Miami, LSU, Oklahoma St., and Oregon are complete jokes if they think they are better than TCU. When TCU beats Florida 55 – 20 in the BCS Title Game then you will see how nobody respects the BCS system and Boise St. and Utah were the real Champions of college football when they went undefeated too. Mack Brown can keep running his trash mouth but he dont stand a chance against TCU and is second fiddle to the Horned Frogs. Thanks Tony for recognizing TCU has #1 in the country in your poll I guess you finally seen the light that the SEC is way overrated again this year.
GeoffDawg
November 16th, 2009
10:50 am
Ohio State fan – I agree with you that he’s in a terrific situation at Florida but with coaches that have BIG time egos like Meyer, sometimes it’s more than just about salary and resources. He’s won two BCS titles (with a possible third on the way) and has had a player win a Heisman in his tenure so far so what’s he got left to prove? Honestly, he’s rich, successful, and nationally acclaimed so all he’s got left is the prospect of dealing with Florida fans and boosters with exaggerated expectations.
That’s not to say that I think he’ll leave because I don’t. However, it’s not as open and shut a case as you make it out to be.
DublDawg
November 16th, 2009
10:52 am
How has Paul Johnson “proven that his offense will work at the BCS level”?
I understand and concur that his offense has sufficed during the season and that Tech has won more games with it than before PJ arrived. But those victories got them into a bowl matchup last year with LSU, and with adequate time to prepare for the offense, LSU hammered Tech 38-3 which has to rank as one of its most embarrassing bowl appearances. Winning regular season games is obviously important, but one must win the conference championship games and bowl games to ultimately succeed. Oklahoma won regular season games with the option but abandoned it after losing the big bowl games to Miami in the mid 1980’s. OU came to understand that its opponents had time to prepare for it in that setting, and that is was not a winning offense in the long run.
I believe that we need to see Tech do what OU could no longer do–win the big bowl games–and int this case, BCS bowls–with the option before one comes to a conclusion that the offense works as the “BCS level.”
If Tech manages to get into conference championship games and bowl games only to see the offense is insufficient, there will be a cry for change in the offense. “Almost” doe not account for a lot for very long, even among GT fans who are accustomed to low level mediocrity.
Coach O
November 16th, 2009
10:53 am
Ohio State fan,
Nobody in his right mind thinks that Florida’s football program will go into the toilet after this season. That said, they face the prospect of other SEC teams rising up to challenge their recent domination of the conference. You can’t deny that this is Urban’s year if he does want to make a move. Only Urban knows if he wants to.
Tim Tebow hasn’t become a lesser football player this year. His relative lack of production this season has more to do with his surrounding team-mates than with his own performance.
Got 12?
November 16th, 2009
10:54 am
Actually, the game means a lot more for UGA than it does for Tech. Tech is already playing for the ACCC and Orange bowl birth. The UGA game has not affect on either. But UGA can seriously upgrade their bowl game with a win over Tech. That being said, Tech wins by 17.
Wait and See
November 16th, 2009
11:00 am
I’m glad all of the GT fans could remind me how badly GT beat Clemson at home earlier this year. I forgot how bad of a 30-27 loss that game really was, especially when GT did not get two gift TDs on special teams and a phantom holding call at the end of the game.
Ohio State fan
November 16th, 2009
11:06 am
I’m not sure that Florida’s fans are any more delusional than other highly successful program’s fans. Winning titles will do that to anyone. I’m a Buckeye, I know what delusions are all about – our fans as nutty as anyone’s! Success just breeds that kind of thing, and if he goes elsewhere and has the same level of success it will be the same. That’s part of the deal, IMO.
Percy Harvin was incredible, I guess we just didn’t recognize how good he really was at Florida. But I don’t see Tebow throwing the ball nearly as effective as he once did – he just holds onto it forever.