What’s the key

What’s the key to tonight’s game?
And it’s not as easy to decide as you may think.
Because both teams feature so many weapons all over the field, it’s hard to single out just one area.
So, how about by elimination at a few key positions or position groups.
Dwyer and Spiller cancel each other out.
Ford and Thomas cancel each other out.
Sapp and Morgan cancel each other out.
Nesbitt gets a significant edge over Parker.
The rest of Clemson’s defensive line gets a slight edge over Tech’s.
Tech’s offensive line gets a significant edge over Clemson’s because of experience.
Georgia Tech’s secondary gets an edge over Clemson’s.
Clemson’s special teams get a slight edge over Tech’s.
So, what to make of this?
It’s going to be yet another close game between the two teams for the 11th consecutive year.

132 comments Add your comment

Toe Meets Leather

September 10th, 2009
8:22 am

What’s the key? Showing your school spirit and pride in your school’s football history! Pre-order “Toe Meets Leather”, the commemorative t-shirt of the 1990 41-38 win over Virginia…only at http://www.stingtees.com!

Savannah Jacket

September 10th, 2009
8:24 am

Tech needs a great showing tonight. Wear your WHITE and get out to support your team tonight on national TV.

I believe that GT is a little deeper and a little more experienced than Clemson. If they come out fired up don’t loose momentum and protect the ball. It should be a good game for the Jackets.

RAMBLE ON!!!

September 10th, 2009
8:31 am

Doug, you forgot the factor that made the difference last year.

Paul Johnson vs. Ya ba da dabo

VegasGT

September 10th, 2009
8:39 am

This should be a close, hard-fought game just like many in the past between these two teams.

What is the “key” ? FOCUS and EXECUTION.

If either team demonstrates a lack of either, they will lose.

need2fish

September 10th, 2009
8:42 am

I think defensive line play and special teams (kick offs and punts) are the big keys tonight. Contain Spiller on those (and don’t put the ball on the ground 5 times) and I think the Jackets will look real good on National TV.

Joe Schmoe

September 10th, 2009
8:44 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.

Keys for GT: Only one I have is to hold on to the ball and you will be alright. Turnovers is what prevented us from being in a bcs bowl last year.

Midstate Jacket Fan

September 10th, 2009
8:47 am

For Paul Johnson to prove that he has taken GT to the next level, he has to win these types of games. You can’t expect him to always beat Florida State & UGA but you have to win all of the low level and mid level conference games. If we had done this last year then we were looking at ACC Championship & Orange Bowl.

Don

September 10th, 2009
8:55 am

There’s 2 keys to this game: Josh has to play well and hang onto the football. If he hangs onto the football and distributes we put up big points. The other key is Dab Swinney’s play calling. If he is patient and runs between the tackles they can do a lot of business against our defensive line. But with Spiller he may try and get cute, taking the ball outside and that would play right into our hands. For more info on tonight’s game visit: http://www.bbuzzoff.com

GA Tech Insider

September 10th, 2009
8:59 am

Paul Johnson versus Kevin Steele – Advantage GA Tech
Billy Napier versus Dave Wommack – Advantage GA Tech
Time to Prepare for Opponent – Advantage GA Tech
Team Discipline – Advantage GA Tech
Team Depth/Experience – Advantage Clemson
Overall Team Speed – Advantage Clemson

Joe Schmoe

September 10th, 2009
9:09 am

The other area I am intrested in seeing is if we put TJ Barnes in more this game to fill the gaps to make Spiller bounce outside. I said last week I was concerned after seeing the DT play. I think we will see more TJ Barnes.

Lunatic Fringe

September 10th, 2009
9:22 am

I would like to see them get to Parker’s head. He is a young inexperienced QB, and I would like to see us rattle him a little. Turnovers alos need to be kept down.
Midstate Jacket Fan –I have to agree with you about these type of games. They are the ones that Gailey (and the team) would struggle with.

JoeV

September 10th, 2009
9:27 am

How, exactly, does Tech’s secondary get the edge?

Melinda

September 10th, 2009
9:27 am

Line play and special teams. Steele is a good DC and I’m concerned that we will see multiple fronts/schemes on D and Josh might be in for a long night making good reads. The reads just might not be there or he might be forced into a mistake. Clemson is good.

The key

September 10th, 2009
9:28 am

will be the lack of Tech fumbles.

JoeV

September 10th, 2009
9:33 am

Midstate Jacket Fan,

Low-level, mid-level games? What an arrogant comment. Was it low-level in 2006? 31-7. Was it low-level in 2003? 39-3. Clemson has more ACC Championships than any other ACC team and you are calling us low-level? God I hope we destroy you.

blazer

September 10th, 2009
9:34 am

GRAP THEM BY THE TAIL EARLY AND DON’T LET UP!!!!!!

IF THEY FOCUS ON J.D. -WE GOT ALLEN, RODDY,MARCUS ETC.

MIDDLE OF D-LINE GOT TO STEP UP BIG!!

JoeV

September 10th, 2009
9:35 am

GA Tech Insider,

“Time to Prepare for Opponent – Advantage GA Tech
Team Discipline – Advantage GA Tech”

explain please.

logan

September 10th, 2009
9:40 am

Clemson wins a close one too much pressure from sapp and bowers. CU21 gt 17

Calvin Johnson

September 10th, 2009
9:42 am

Is Jeff Rigsby playing for Clemson tonight?

Joe Schmoe

September 10th, 2009
9:43 am

JoeV, how do we not have an advantage on secondary; Morgan Burnett, Jerrad Terrant, Mario Butler, Coop Taylor… And a whole lot of depth.

mtraininjax

September 10th, 2009
9:48 am

The only way Tech loses this game is by turning the ball over and Clemson capitalizing with points. I don’t see the Clemson offense beating Tech. Our D is too good for that to happen.

I also hope that our special teams do not play a critical factor in the game, as I have no real faith in Blair to score points, which could cost us a game at some point this season.

LET THE BIG DAWG EAT!

September 10th, 2009
9:50 am

IF YOU WEAR WHITE TONIGHT DOES THAT MEAN YOU GET THE 4 COKES, 4 HOTDOGS, 4 TICKETS AND THE FREE CAR WAS AT HALFTIME DEAL? CLEMSON 31 TECH 17.

JoeV

September 10th, 2009
9:50 am

Joe Schmoe,

Chris Chancellor Gr., DeAndre McDaniel Jr., Marcus Gilchrist Jr., Crezdon Butler Sr. 2nd team includes a Gr. and a Jr.

In 2008 Clemson was 10th in the nation in Pass Efficiency Defense, 13th in Scoring Defense, and 18th in Total Defense.

In 2008 Georgia Tech was 43 in the nation in Pass Efficiency Defense, 28th in Scoring Defense, and 25 in Total Defense.

TechGrad08

September 10th, 2009
9:51 am

Assuming that Clemson’s secondary is as experienced from top-to-bottom as Tech’s is, then Tech gets the edge because of All-American Morgan Burnett, who is a beast of a player and picked Korn off twice last season. I’m interested to see Parker play this season, I hear he looks pretty good on the field

GA Tech Insider

September 10th, 2009
9:52 am

JoeV;

Regardless of the fact the Clemson took some time during the Spring and Summer to prepare for GA Tech’s Spread/Triple Option, they spent a majority of their time the past several weeks preparing for Middle Tennessee. Because GA Tech’s Offense is so radically different than anyone else’s that Clemson will be facing this Season, and Clemson’s base Offense and Defense aren’t, the short turnaround is an advantage for GA Tech.

Regarding the Team Discipline advantage for GA Tech; if Clemson’s Defense doesn’t execute correctly on every play, then GA Tech has the chance to break longs runs or passes. Therefore, Clemson MUST be disciplined or they’ll get burned.

On the other hand, Clemson’s Offense will be more “vanilla,” mainly because of your Freshman QB. Rattle the QB, and there will be ample chances for turnovers, regardless of the speed of Clemson.

GA Tech Insider

September 10th, 2009
9:55 am

JoeV;

Passing Efficiency from previous years doesn’t count for this Season, my friend. This year, Clemson is breaking in a new QB and GA Tech has begun to bring in new passing components of their Offense. As an example, currently, GA Tech is ranked # 9 in the Country in Passing Efficiency…Where is Clemson ranked?

GA Tech Insider

September 10th, 2009
9:57 am

I guess what I’m saying, JoeV, is that statistics from previous Seasons aren’t worth a hill of beans this Season. That’s why they play the games.

JoeV

September 10th, 2009
9:59 am

GA Tech Insider,

I didn’t realize that you were on the Clemson coaching staff?!?! How exactly do you know what Clemson has been preparing for the past several weeks? You are pretty naive if you think that Clemson hasn’t been preparing for tech for a majority of the past few weeks.

“…and there will be ample chances for turnovers…”

You guys had 5 fumbles in your first game…I think we will see some opportunites for turnovers.

JoeV

September 10th, 2009
10:02 am

Statistics from last season matter when comparing the secondaries after only 1 game this season. If the same players from last year are playing how is it any different?

logan

September 10th, 2009
10:09 am

None of GT defensive backs would even start at CLEMSON

White Out???

September 10th, 2009
10:11 am

I hope the back of the seats are white at your little stadium this year or there is no way the white out will have the look you want.

JoeV

September 10th, 2009
10:12 am

By the way, thanks for the reasonable discourse guys; its nice to keep things civil. I wish you the best of luck tonight.

reebok

September 10th, 2009
10:13 am

Turnovers are the key….I respectfully disagree w/ an earlier poster who believes Clemson has better team speed…I definitely think that Tech’s QB and coach are better than their Clemson counterparts…but if we put the ball on the turf 5 times like we did against Jax State, we will lose by 20. TECH FANS – SHOW UP WEAR WHITE AND BE LOUD!!!!

juvenal

September 10th, 2009
10:14 am

big daug-there were 53K at a 61K stadium for the okies;the key, as always, keeping Tech’s players heads in the game, this type of game was trouble long b4 chan, we do better when not favored…

logan

September 10th, 2009
10:14 am

The all white will be a nice back drop for all the ORANGE please wear all white GT fans

MyGoodness

September 10th, 2009
10:16 am

Joe V:
Clemson’s defesive stats were based on playing in the Atlantic and South Carolina. Anyone could have great defensive stats against such competition! The only offensive power on that side is FSU and Tech played them as well. Tech played UGA with three NFL studs on offense versus Clemson playing USC with none. Tech also played Miami, VT, and UNC which were better offensively than anyone you played.

Thus your defensive stats are skewed and why such standings really dont mean a whole lot. Schedules are not balanced leading to mediocre teams appearing better than they really are. Not saying CU is mediocre by any account but they were certainly no better defensively than GT last year. I doubt they will be this year either and certainly not in the secondary.

GT Rich

September 10th, 2009
10:16 am

Spiller isn’t built to run between the tackles. If he were, then James Davis would’ve been a 2nd stringer. Spiller will try and bounce everything outside. Gladiator, Ced Griffin and Cooper Taylor will be there to pop him. If Spiller’s foot and hammy aren’t 100%, you can expect him to come up lame after a few good hits. I watched the Clemson-MTSU game replay, the Tiger offense was weak against MTSU. Big plays in GT’s passing game will be the difference between this year and last. I see this going like the Miami game last year…

White Out???

September 10th, 2009
10:18 am

I just read that a techie said that “our defense is too good”. Are you talking about the defense that gave up 17 to the worst offense they will face this year? Your D SUCKS and you will find out tonight!

yellerjacket

September 10th, 2009
10:20 am

Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. Let’s all remember how close last year’s game was without Spiller and with the best D-line Tech has had…maybe ever. It should be a dogfight to the end, but as a Tech fan I am hoping that PJ’s coaching, Nesbitt’s experience, and our stable of stud running backs wears down our friends from ClemPson.

JoeV, for a blog invader, you’re not half-bad yourself. Unless you like those all purple uniforms…I had enough purple during four years at Furman to last me a while.

To the goon who said Morgan Burnett and Cooper Taylor wouldn’t play at Clemson: this coming from the school who offered Jeff Francouer a scholarship as a DB? Please.

logan

September 10th, 2009
10:24 am

Check the Depth chart at running back for the Cleveland Browns at Running back J.Davis is listed at #1

JoeV

September 10th, 2009
10:25 am

My Goodness,

Eh hem…I would hardly call 7-6 Miami, Duke, Virginia, and UNC VASTLY superior to the equally lame Atlantic Division. We also played (if you can call it that) Alabama. I wouldn’t say you had a schedule that was THAT much harder than ours.

JoeV

September 10th, 2009
10:28 am

Thanks yellerjacket. I am here reading all the time, but don’t feel the need to comment unless we are playing each other. I see how annoying it can get around here when other teams fans show up. Not a fan of all purple, but like the purple as a trim color because its unique. Morgan Burnett would start at Clemson, don’t kid yourself. Any self-respecting Clemson fan would agree.

Again, best of luck tonight!

blah

September 10th, 2009
10:32 am

“logan – None of GT defensive backs would even start at CLEMSON”… thats because they would have transferred after being on such a let down of a team for so long

Hayseed Dixie

September 10th, 2009
10:32 am

I predict Morgan Burnett will will welcome this QB to the flats the best way he knows how, and he buys our offense enough time to assert itself.

Barring stupid turnovers (and that’s a big *if*), Tech wins by 14.

yellerjacket

September 10th, 2009
10:34 am

Same to you, Joe.

On a side note, if there are any fellow Tech “fans” out there who are still on the fence about whether to go the game or study in the prison of a library at the top of the hill, I will personally kick your rears down the hill to the stadium if I see any of you streaming in to the library with book bags bigger than you tonight. It’s college for crying out loud!!! Get a grip.

No wonder we can’t fill up our own stadium…wear white, leave your calculus books in your dorm, and get rowdy. It’s not cricket, but American football is fun to watch…I promise.

logan

September 10th, 2009
10:37 am

yeller jacket you guys also offered francouer a free ride as a DB. DUH

yellerjacket

September 10th, 2009
10:40 am

logan, then it sounds like we have comparable DB situations then, huh? Or do I mean “DUH”

juvenal

September 10th, 2009
10:42 am

clveland is predicted to win 2-3;people go to Tech don’t care if they are like everybody else-i saw plenty of orange at clemson last year…

logan

September 10th, 2009
10:46 am

yellerjacket you called me a goon and then made a comment about francouer so who is the goon me are you.

Although my kid goes to Clemson...

September 10th, 2009
10:47 am

…and I will be wearing orange tonight, I sill say Clemson is not man enough for GT and GT will roll 42 – 6! Just too much Dwyer and Morgan Burnett, and lots better coaching!

logan

September 10th, 2009
10:48 am

im kidding guys i am the goon

logan

September 10th, 2009
10:54 am

Thats dirty pool yellerjacket is that the way you do it down there

yellerjacket

September 10th, 2009
10:56 am

juvenal, are you defending tech students who don’t go to their own school’s home games as a sign of individuality? I don’t think going to football games at a school with a good football team means you care about being like everyone else. I think it means you like to have fun.

logan

September 10th, 2009
10:56 am

thats dirty pool yellerjacket

logan

September 10th, 2009
10:59 am

yellerjacket you lose and so does tech

yellerjacket

September 10th, 2009
11:00 am

logan, the DB comment and the “dirty pool” comment were mindless trash talk. Act like a goon, get called a goon. If you want to have an intelligent discussion about Tech’s team versus Clemson’s team, there are plenty of people on here who would be game. Give it a shot.

SatchelBuzz

September 10th, 2009
11:03 am

JoeV,…I guess we don’t stand a chance, but please don’t be offended if we show up anyway.

GO JACKETS!!!

JoeV

September 10th, 2009
11:08 am

SatchelBuzz,

I never said that. I think this game will be another close one that really, at this point in the season, could go either way. I’m quite concerned, as a fan, about the outcome of this game because I know what Tech brings to the table. Here’s to a great, injury-free game!

logan

September 10th, 2009
11:11 am

this time tommorrow yellerjacket will be known as yellerback. Go TIGERS

yellerjacket

September 10th, 2009
11:17 am

One m, two r’s, logan. One m, two r’s.

macrotech

September 10th, 2009
11:19 am

This is going to be a great game! Tech wins by more than the usual 3 points IF they keep the ball off the ground….if not, Spiller has a huge game and Tech only wins by 3.

For the record…. In high school, Franceour was better at football than he was in baseball. He’d have made ANY team better on defense! That guy was a beast!

yellerjacket

September 10th, 2009
11:22 am

Agreed, Francouer was a stud at football and baseball in high school. I don’t blame him for taking the money and playing baseball. I’m sure he would have been a good player at Clemson, but not sure he was an NFL talent. Any time I can get a shot in at a Met, I’ll take it. Just trying to ruffle logan’s feathers. Looks like it worked.

Not Disappointed!

September 10th, 2009
11:23 am

11:22am and butterflies are alive in well in my stomach. I guess it’s several hours until game time. I look forward to seeing my Tech brothers and sisters wearing white.

It should be a close game. I’m so tired of hearing we have tech’s offense figured out. Well, Paul Johnson knows how to adjust as well. I do believe Clemson has something to prove, but so does Tech.

Joe Hamilton said it best, “Nothing like playing football on the Flats on a Thrusday nite ESPN! To look up and see the Midtown Skyline. Man it’s awesome!” Partial quote from Joe on CSS sportnite a couple nites ago.

Have fun tonite all. Even JoeV, but not to much.

Ramblin Wreck!

Last time Clemson had a good D

September 10th, 2009
11:23 am

Jeff Rigsby blows the snap, jackets get the ball.
Reggie Ball to Calvin Johnson in the endzone. Again.
Tech wins!
For those of you who would like to see it again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JL6YQsw7Y4

Go Jackets!

logan

September 10th, 2009
11:25 am

yellerjacket one o and one e YELLOW

Jeff Rigsby

September 10th, 2009
11:26 am

Boy I hate that video!

GTSteve

September 10th, 2009
11:33 am

Hang on to the ball, and Tech should be ok

Trade School Junkie

September 10th, 2009
11:33 am

CPJ has already stated that the GT-O is WAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY ahead of where it was this time last year.

2008 score (without Spiller): GT:21 CU:17

2009 prediction: GT:38 CU:23

juvenal

September 10th, 2009
11:34 am

yellerjacket, any given sat theres more students in the library than at the game-that’s why the 1st stu protest since foever was whae they tried to close it sat afternoons-it is wut it is, a free country, thankfully,we have a business school-we are ALWAYS in the top 10 as an istitution of higher learning-40 yrs, i’ve missed a handful of games-

logan

September 10th, 2009
11:39 am

logan better known as the goon to yellerjacket is now leaving the Great State of S.C to the crime Capital of G.A. to see CLEMSON DESTROY ga.tec in its own back yard.

yellerjacket

September 10th, 2009
11:39 am

juvenal, agreed. see you at the game tonight. get loud.

yellerjacket

September 10th, 2009
11:40 am

logan, you’re cute. wanna share a soft pretzel at the game tonight?

Jefferson

September 10th, 2009
11:57 am

A win is a win, go Jackets.

blazer

September 10th, 2009
11:57 am

WORRIED ABOUT THE HOT DOG THING-SHOULDN’T THEY BE WORRIED ABOUT

THE CHICKENS FROM S.C.?

GT45

September 10th, 2009
12:02 pm

Where are the UGagers? Waiting in the shadows, like the roaches they are, hoping we lose! Seven thity won’t get here fast enough! Be loud and proud, and GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO JACKETS-

Saint Simons

September 10th, 2009
12:12 pm

Looking forward to the game…really looking forward to the tickle pile!

Tiger Fan

September 10th, 2009
12:19 pm

Tigers are going to show up big time tonight for some payback. We are going to show you girls in the ATL how to play football. Gooooo Tigers!

Trade School Junkie

September 10th, 2009
12:32 pm

The ONLY way GT loses this game is turnovers.

No turnovers and GT rolls…BIG.

GT-O just has too many Offensive run & pass weapons for CU to handle.

GT Secondary will have at least 2 INTs. Bank on it.

And, as a general rule, all other aspects things being “equal,”
you dont bet against the MORE EXPERIENCED QB.

Nesbitt is a “battle-tested” Junior.

CU QB Parker is a good baseball player, but a Freshman QB with ZERO career starts.

A HUUUUUUGE disadvantage that will get exposed.

macrotech

September 10th, 2009
12:33 pm

logan is going to be disappointed to find that the odds of him getting mugged in the ATL are as good as the ones that have the little tiggers beating the Yellow Jackets….you’ll be PLENTY safe!!! GO TECH!!!

Stinger

September 10th, 2009
12:38 pm

Usually Clemson fans have been pretty nice. I see we have a few idiots trying to act like Dawg fans this year. Based on your ignorance and arrogant attitudes, I am aking Coach Johnson to take off the gloves. The score will be 41 to 17 Jackets. You will be totally focused on trying to stop Dwyer and Jones, Allen, and Nesbitt will eat you alive. This will be another Miami game.

JoeV

September 10th, 2009
12:43 pm

Hey Trade School Junkie…

Kyle Parker started last Saturday. Just sayin…

RAMBLE ON!!!

September 10th, 2009
12:58 pm

ENOUGH OF THE WHITE OUT!

not gonna do it.

NO turnovers and we roll.

CW

September 10th, 2009
1:03 pm

Hope I’m wrong, but too many of the Tech fans above think this is going to be a cake walk. The keys to the game are cliched, but 95% of the time accurately predict the winner of the game: Turnovers and 3rd down conversions.

Tech had certainly better take better care of the ball than last week. And, the D needs to shut Clemson down on 3rd downs and get the ball back in our offensive team’s hands.

I would guess that Clemson’s new D coordinator didn’t spend summer camp getting ready for last week’s game. I’m certain they were preparing for our option. Josh and Bay Bay need to burn the Tigers deep when they crowd the box.

I think Tech will win, but this game will likely be in doubt until the final two minutes.

Lunatic Fringe

September 10th, 2009
1:10 pm

JoeV
Parker did start last week, but against who??? And he only complete 9 passes, though I understand there were a few dropped balls. Did he play the whole game?

GT Que

September 10th, 2009
1:11 pm

GT Brill

September 10th, 2009
1:20 pm

I am one who doesn’t think this will be a cake walk. Clemson is going to be damn tuff.
Repeating what everyone else is saying, Tech wins if we don’t turn the ball over multiple times.
Plus, Tech gets Roddy Jones back, that has to open things up offensively.
Plus that Anthony Allen kid is going to be great, he can do it all.
GO JACKETS !!!

AlabamaRamblinwreck

September 10th, 2009
1:21 pm

I’m very nervous about this game. I would be more nervous if I were a Clemson alum, because they have an unproven head coach. But the head coach doesn’t play the game, but he does greatly impact the performance. So, in summary, I am very nervous because I think Clemson is very talented and could cause our d-line/o-line some issues, but I am very glad that CPJ is on our side!!

Go Jackets!!

Clempson

September 10th, 2009
1:35 pm

WE GOING TO SPANK WHITY

Ryan

September 10th, 2009
1:35 pm

Clemson gets it done on the road. 28-10!! OUCH!!

Stephen

September 10th, 2009
1:40 pm

You will all be surprised. GT wins this easily. It’s obvious. New qb for clemson. Spiller hurt but playing. Dabo..nuff said.

Tech 31
clem 17

Ramblin Wrecker

September 10th, 2009
2:09 pm

The defensive key for GT is pressure on the QB. Last week against a first time starter, GT wasn’t all up in his face all the time. That needs to change tonight against another first year starter. I think GT has a great secondary and with the emergence of Julian Burnett at LB, I think they have an active hard hitting LB corp. Derrick Morgan is a star and showed last week, that despite being keyed in on with double/triple teams, he can still disrupt. Robert Hall, Jason Peters, Ben Anderson, TJ Barnes et al, need to make a difference tonight.

The offensive key for GT is Josh Nesbitt’s health and ball security. If he can play close to the level he did last week, GT wins walking away. He made very good reads in the option and was accurate passing the ball. If he gets nicked up or fumbles the ball GT might be in for a long night. But Nesbitt has a way of willing his team to success. We saw it in several games (including at Clemson) where he just took over when it mattered and got it done. As long as he is in the game and has the ball (meaning not dropping it), GT will win.

Clemson has the same problem with GT that GT has with Virginia. They just can’t get it done against the Jackets. They’ve lost 4 of the last 5, and the last time Clemson played on the Flats, they didn’t score a TD. CJ Spiller is electric, but he’s never been their every down back. I have doubts about him carrying the load for them. He’s already got a hamstring issue. I could be wrong.

Ramblin Wrecker

September 10th, 2009
2:23 pm

Also, I don’t know about anybody else, but I’m just about fed up with this comparison between CJ Spiller and Jon Dwyer. Spiller is a return specialist who plays some running back. He’s made some plays as a RB, but he is not a load carrier. He couldn’t beat out James Davis to be the starter the last three years. James Davis was so good he wasn’t drafted until the 6th round in the NFL draft. Guys with Heisman potential don’t sit behind 6th round picks for three years.

Dwyer is a load carrier. He was a center piece of his offense as a true sophomore. He’s an ACC Player of the Year, an All-American and a first round NFL draft prospect. I just don’t see there being such a huge comparison between the two. Sorry, I just don’t.

juvenal

September 10th, 2009
2:33 pm

let’s just play..

JoeV

September 10th, 2009
2:38 pm

You need to take off the gold-colored glasses Wrecker. James Davis is a STARTING NFL RB! Good grief.

I’m guessing you fail to remember the night in 2006 when C.J. Spiller made your defense look like a high school team? You wont find too many Clemson fans that think Dwyer isn’t a premier back; but for some reason hardly any Tech fans want to give CJ any credence even though he lit you up as a freshman and is now a senior that is in the top 20 in the nation in 12 different categories. Among active players with at least 1,000 yards he is second in ypc at 5.96.

Frank Wren

September 10th, 2009
2:40 pm

Arent you guys worried wearing white with all those free hot dogs?

Id say the key is not to get too much mustard on your shirt when Spiller scores his 4th TD of the night.

FREE COKES FREE HOT DOGS !!!!!!!

juvenal

September 10th, 2009
2:41 pm

better free coke than joke diploma

dap01

September 10th, 2009
2:56 pm

Dang it! I just filled up my Gremlin at the BP and I forgot to get my Tech tickets. I was distracted because of the “pocket protector display”.

Seriously, to all Tech Fans, let’s all show up tonight and support our team. Our goal is 40,000 screaming fans. Let’s go Yellow Jackets!

dap01

September 10th, 2009
2:57 pm

The diplomas must not be that good, no one can afford those low priced tickets!

saint simmons wannabe

September 10th, 2009
2:57 pm

Hey I have an idea, all 12 people going to the game tonight wear white. That will intimidate the tigers. Look around campus and see if you can find a girl to go with us. Then tomorrow I will wait until ajc opens a thread about UGA and I will talk about how cool we are.

m

September 10th, 2009
3:23 pm

If you wear orange you can’t come in our tickle pile. See you guys after at Bulldogs.

Saint Simons

September 10th, 2009
3:37 pm

Then I will not be in orange. I love my tickle piles.

1Jacket7

September 10th, 2009
3:41 pm

TECH, Just Win Baby, Just WIN!!!!

NORRIS

September 10th, 2009
3:46 pm

TECH SUCKS. THEY WILL LOSE TONIGHT BY 2 TOUCHDOWNS. TECH WILL FUMBLE AND THERE WILL BE TICKLE PILES ALL OVER THE PLACE FOR SAINT SIMONS. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA TECH STINKS. NERDS NERDS NERDS.

pocket protectors r us

September 10th, 2009
3:52 pm

over rated nerds will loose by 21 points.

Saint Simons

September 10th, 2009
3:55 pm

They let me out for the pillow fight.

GT All Day

September 10th, 2009
4:10 pm

The key to this game will be TURNOVERS. GT hangs onto the ball, they will easily move the ball downfield and score. If the fumble problem has not been corrected, then GT will be in for a long night. This series have always been close except for a few games. At the end of the day, I expect GT to pull out with a win. 24 – 21

Joe Cox

September 10th, 2009
5:05 pm

you are uninformed if you think morgan burnett, dominique reese and rashaad reid wouldn’t start at db at clemson. reid was 1st team freshman all america and burnett was first team all acc and second team all america while reese was 1st team acc all freshman

coachmeeks55

September 10th, 2009
5:28 pm

You forgot the coaches as one of the “keys of the game”. PJ is much more accomplished than Dabo. That the real reason GT wins 26-20.

NVAJacketsFan

September 10th, 2009
5:32 pm

The difference maker for this game will be the sideline. PJ against Dabo. Me, I’m thinking PJ has a little more experience and a little more football knowledge than Dabo. Clemson has a world class recruiter for a head coach, do they have a world class Head Coach?

no.ave robber

September 10th, 2009
6:59 pm

i aint got nothen white to wear.iz warin black ifin yoz sez me giv me yo money or yo hot dog.

Dawgfan

September 10th, 2009
7:23 pm

A white out, how original !!! Go Tigers !!

Greene Hornet

September 10th, 2009
7:55 pm

Ooooooo…1st play = interception. Maybe Tech should have praticed against a real team last week…

SRF

September 10th, 2009
8:00 pm

you were saying smart-a$$ ?

NORRIS

September 10th, 2009
10:23 pm

HAHAAHAHAHAHAHAAHA CLEMSON IS GONNA WIN!!!!

Jason

September 10th, 2009
10:36 pm

Wow…….the kicker is the leading passer for the Jackets.

DC Dawg

September 10th, 2009
10:48 pm

Yo! Where are all the bumble bee fans?? Where’s the trash talk now??

Kicker for QB

September 10th, 2009
11:34 pm

The key…was no Tech fumbles. Glad Tech won…I surely had problems with two ref’s calls against Tech and loved the game saving holding call against Clem. (man, they almost knew the the thrill of victory but experienced the agony of defeat)

College Football, truly a game of inches!

DC Dawg

September 10th, 2009
11:56 pm

College Football, truly a game of referees!

chad

September 11th, 2009
8:05 am

Yeah DC bitch just like the holding call on Tech at the end of the game. Tech’s lineman pancaked him and they call holding. Sorry arse sniffer try again. It is great not to be a tiger or nad licker. Football is going to be fun this year.

Stinger

September 11th, 2009
8:36 am

All the dawg fans had nothing to do but watch our game last night and once we got behind, thought we would lose. Wrong, our team has heart unlike you losers. You should already realize that from last years 45-42 come from behind. Long year for you dawgs.

Techster

September 11th, 2009
8:47 am

Gimmick plays, fake punts and bad calls by the refs are our keys to victory. Just call us Boise State East. Take away the long run on the first play of the game and our offense sucked !

Referees Win Game for Teck

September 11th, 2009
9:06 am

Teck defensive lineman falls flat from exhaustion, Clemson called for holding after making first down at teck 25 yard line. It helps to have home cooking. The unstoppable offense looked pretty stoppable except for one play and that Nesbitt is one excellent passer. Better hope you never get behind. Pretty soon CPJs luck is gonna run out. Like next week vs Miami.

ED's Eagle

September 11th, 2009
10:35 am

You still won Tech.

Nesbitt has got to hit the open man. He also has got to learn to read his blockers better. Your QB is holding back the offense. Tech should have scored 40+ points last night.

Frank Wren

September 11th, 2009
11:36 am

Tech got extremel lucky to win. Refs bailed em out.

The “gimmick” is almost over boys. enjoy

South GA Dad

September 11th, 2009
11:40 am

Hopefully the offense will show up for the Miami game or we could be in for a big let down but hey this was a conference win.

GO JACKETS!!

Frank Wren

September 11th, 2009
11:47 am

Fake field goal and gimmicks = Smoke and Mirrors

Not gonna last much longer.

Its funny . Tech won and people are still jumping off the bandwagon in droves.

hardmanb

September 11th, 2009
12:13 pm

By the end of the third quarter, both benches were obviously fatigued, with heaving chests and gulping air…what’s going on? Were both teams unconditioned?

Also, by end of third the much larger offensive and defensive linemen of Clemson started wearing down the lighter and quicker Tech lineman, and the Tech blocking was less effective. I’m glad the game ended when it did.

Interesting… on the Paul Johnson show, PJ said Tech (and Clemson) only had two days of practice before Clemson, and that affected both game planning and preparation…and conditioning.

hardmanb

September 11th, 2009
12:18 pm

@Wren
“Tech got extremel lucky to win. Refs bailed em out.”

Lucky? After falling behind by 3 in the fourth quarter, the Tech Defense stood up and kept Clemson scoreless, while the Tech offense made two drives and scored two fieldgoals…one to tie and one to win. I call that character, not luck.

As to calls, I thought the calls were not biased, and the pass reception calls and reviews were really accurate. I did disagree with three holding/roughing calls…two on Tech and one on Clemson…when players were just falling or touching someone, with no intent to hold or rough.

CC

September 11th, 2009
1:27 pm

I love Tech, but if they play like that against any other team accept Duke, they will get drilled everytime. The offense needs some serious work, I must have seen 15-20 missed blocks last night, but they do have character, just like against UGA they never gave up.

Saint Simons

September 11th, 2009
2:40 pm

That was one heck of a tickle pile:)

Stinger

September 11th, 2009
3:37 pm

Frank Wren is very dilusional. No Tech fans are jumping off the bandwagon. How many times have you read where we want our head coach fired, or we want another quarterback, or we want a new defense or offense coordinator? We are 2-0, UGA will be 0-2 after tomorrow night. I guarantee that your stadium will be half empty by the start of the 4th Qtr. I can already hear the excuses, the refs made 5 bad calls, if we had not fumbled, if Cox didn’t throw another interception, if we had not missed the field goal, if the frog had wings, etc. UGA is in for a very long season. 45-42; 24-10; and 30-27 Ha! Ha! Ha!

GT9

September 12th, 2009
6:57 am

Good game, Clemson and logan, Ryan and Joe V. I really do hope you guys win out.
For the people who say that we got a home-cooking call on the holding penalty, Clemson got called for holding last year at Clemson late in the 4th quarter after a long completion. There might be something about Clemson’s coaching technique on pass plays that figures in on this.