Through two games, what’s been learned?
Georgia Tech is 2-0, largely on the strength of big, big plays.
It’s easy to say that big plays aren’t always going to happen, but it’s also easy to point out that Tech had 67 plays of 20+ yards last year.
So, what is known so early in the season?
First, defensive end Derrick Morgan is a beast again this year with five sacks already.
Jerrard Tarrant is a one-man wrecking crew on special teams, producing two touchdowns this season on punts. He’s also played pretty good as a cornerback.
Speaking of cornerbacks Mario Butler isn’t too bad, either.
The offensive line’s pass blocking has improved. Zero sacks allowed this year.
The team has enough weapons on offense that Jonathan Dwyer can have a bad game and it not be the deciding factor.
That the interior of the defensive line is still an unknown. Both Clemson and Jacksonville State fell behind so fast neither worried about running the ball a lot.
That no one is taking any pressure off Derrick Morgan from the other side of the line. Coach Paul Johnson said after Sunday’s practice somebody needs to step up, and that Anthony Egbuniwe showed some signs on Thursday.
Demaryius Thomas is still Josh Nesbitt’s weapon of choice, as he should be. It’ll be interesting to see if Nesbitt starts looking for other dudes, like Kevin Cone or Stephen Hill.
Speaking of Nesbitt, his passing is still under review. He looked great against JSU, and had moments against Clemson. Other times, though, he overthrew receivers. But he showed his toughness, as if it had been questioned, in the fourth quarter against the Tigers, leading them on two big drives to win the game.
Scott Blair kicked a game-winner, but has still yet to hit one longer than 40 yards. He missed his one chance so far this season. At some point, a game is going to come down to him and that distance.
Fans, well the joint hasn’t sold out yet, and strangely there a few gold seats open on the east side of the stadium against Clemson.
What say you? What have you learned about your team through two games?
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142 comments Add your comment
m
September 13th, 2009
8:02 pm
The main thing that everyone should have learned by now is that it sure is fun to watch TECH now that they are not coached by chan gomer gailey.
Thank God and Greyhound thta he is gone forever.
gtpanic33
September 13th, 2009
8:04 pm
Great win on Thursday. Clemson will prove to be a force this year. Under the old regime we don’t win that game. Let’s learn from the 3rd quarter and come back strong against “da U”.
Starring Peter Graves as Capt. Clarence Over
September 13th, 2009
8:24 pm
1) The Jax St win looks better in light of what they did in Tallahassee last night.
2) More depth at B-Back behind Dwyer.
3) CPJ has a lot of film to show to keep players grounded.
4) Busted coverages & missed tackles led to big plays by Clemson.
5) Defense stepped up in critical situations.
Remember, you can’t spell THUG without the “U”
juvenal
September 13th, 2009
8:46 pm
m, gailey was a fair recruiter, but 9 wish he had gotten more line men his last 2 yrs, & Josh was not recruited to run this o;he is a work in progress..maybe the plan was to wear Clemson out with a lot of deep throws while improvising points on special teams with “Paul Ball”..
Ed-Covington
September 13th, 2009
8:51 pm
Let’s see: FSU scored 34 (should have been at least 41) on the “U” ’s vaunted, fast and hard-hitting D. Then FSU was lucky to score 19 on Jax State,(last 7 on fumble recovery). Tech will expose Miami’s D Thursday night.
GO TECH!! PUNISH THE ‘CANES!!
t
September 13th, 2009
8:53 pm
I think we need to work on short passing game to get the completion rate over 50%. I know that is not CPJ style, but the low third down conversion rate concerns me.
wigdad
September 13th, 2009
8:58 pm
m. give it up on Gaily, the past is gone, you should be looking at the future and forget all your hate and anger. I think by now everyone knows how you feel about Chan Gaily. Tech has had many football coach mistakes since Bobby Dodd. What’s wrong with you? Do you drink a lot? Anyway no one pays any attention to you.
Ga Tech Old Timer
September 13th, 2009
9:05 pm
I’ve learned: 1) That Coach PJ might want to think about throwing the shorter pass over the middle or out in the flats rather than always going for the bomb. 2) That, while D Thomas is the primary receiver, there are burners out there besides him and to keep the defense honest, the ball needs to be spread around to different receivers as well as distances. 3) That the team needs to learn to play flat out with a “killer” instinct for all 60 minutes without looking at the scoreboard – it will take care of itself. 4) That the defense has been better than expected and will get better yet. 5) That the defense has leaned that the offense can not carry the team alone. 6) That the special teams are MUCH improved over last year in every phase (including the punting Thursday PM). 7) That the fact that we didn’t fumble one time Thursday PM was extremely encouraging and the future looks brighter in that area.
That the QB needs someone who can catch the ball – and consistently (WR or Backs). 9) That the coaching staff might think about doing more to “fire up” the team during the game when they see the performance dropping such as sitting players who aren’t willing to give their all for four quarters.10) That we have the makings of a potentially great team depending on the attitude of the team and the determination to win.
Joe Schmoe
September 13th, 2009
9:12 pm
First, im glad we have CPJ as the head coach as he would never be satisfied we won a game close that we should have blown the opponent out (ie CMR over USCe.) As I said before the season started the D would be good, but the DT spots were of concern. That has come true, some one needs to be it, or we need to just leave TJ in for runs, and the others for pass situations. I also dont like any of our B backs past Johnathan Dwyer. We might be putting Allen or true freshman Perkins back there if Dwyer leaves. The fans were loud on Thursday and our section (132) did not sit for any of the game. We had some complainers about standing, but its freaking clem(p)son for heavens sake… Get off your butts and stay loud.
Ed-Covington
September 13th, 2009
9:16 pm
CPJ kept trying the long pass against Clemson to get the safeties back off the line. They stayed in the box all night because we couldn’t complete a pass downfield. Every other defense we see will do the same thing.
GO TECH!! BEAT the CANES!!! (CANE the BEATS??)
Ed-Covington
September 13th, 2009
9:20 pm
Joe:
You’re judging our B backs by Clemson? JD couldn’t run on that D; I wouldn’t expect a back-up to do any better.
Burdell
September 13th, 2009
9:20 pm
It may not have been a sellout, but it was pretty close. Aren’t those lower east stands lettermen seats? One of my highlights of the night was how freaking loud that place got. We’ve got nothing to be ashamed of in terms of fan support. It’s going to be a great year to be a Yellow Jacket.
Ed-Covington
September 13th, 2009
9:25 pm
No, I am judging from both games… but none we have impress me. I just dont see it with Lyons or Watson.
Joe Schmoe
September 13th, 2009
9:26 pm
Sorry Ed, I ment to put you in the body, and not hijack your handel.
Joe Schmoe
September 13th, 2009
9:29 pm
I would like to see allen or cox line up there in relief so we can bring some of our speedsters such as wright or peebles onto the field. Speaking of Wright, that kid has not gotten much reps.
Minnesota Jacket
September 13th, 2009
9:34 pm
What I saw at the game that I think will really help loosen up teams putting 9 men in the box like Clemson was doing in the 3rd and 4th quarter is to have those drag routes from Roddy, and Anthony for a 15 yard completion that is really easy for Nesbitt to throw to and get him comfortable. This will also allow him to not put as much pressure on him early in the game.
What Miami is going to do is exactly what clemson did and MAKE Nes complete passes, if this happens we will end up running all over Miami, if this doesn’t happen it will be a defensive battle.
eastmanjacket
September 13th, 2009
9:36 pm
The red zone offense has to start scoring TD’s instead of FG’s. The offense has to learn how to score a TD without relying on the big play. Sure, big plays are great and we will take them, but there are times when we will have first and 10 at the 18 and we need to be able to punch it in.
Ed-Covington
September 13th, 2009
9:44 pm
Concerning other games today, including GB v Bears now:
We’re either seeing a lot of awful QB play or great defenses. Ryan sure looked a lot better than 90% of the other QBs. Jake, Rogers, Cutler, Orton, Leinhart(?) etc. have had problems galore.
Ed-Covington
September 13th, 2009
9:47 pm
Please excuse that comment. I am posting on both the Tech and Falcon blogs and got confused.
GO TECH!! GO FALCONS!!
GOLD PANTS
September 13th, 2009
10:11 pm
I agree with the people who believe we should throw more short or medium passes rather than the bomb all the time. They should be easier to complete and would help Josh’s percentage for his confidence in the future. Also, JOSH, please take off that Darth Vader helmut you are wearing and get a regular one so you can see where you are throwing. I don’t know how anyone can see the whole field with one of those on, particularly 50 yards downfield on bombs.
Don
September 13th, 2009
10:18 pm
After 2 games we’ve learned that we’re not only ranked higher but also better than Georgia, that is a good start. We’ve also learned that we can not play our best and still win. Like to see the team play 60 minutes of football Thursday night. For more info on Georgia Tech football visit: http://www.bbuzzoff.com
StraightJacket
September 13th, 2009
10:52 pm
We’ve learned about 3 areas to improve: (1) A-Backs need to better their blocking grades. This will improve because we are deep at the position, and if CPJ can’t get better success from A-Backs at the top of the depth chart, we’ll be seeing a different rotation there. (2) Josh needs to improve his “batting average” on his DE reads. On the midline option on our last two drives, Clemson made it easy on Josh by automatically having the key DT take Dwyer, so all Josh had to do was follow in the hole. His reading on the triple is getting better, but we’ll need a higher percentage of correct reads as the season goes on. (3) Need a little more from the DE’s opposite Morgan. Morgan will be doubled from here on out, so we’ll may need to experiment with DE’s on the other side. Maybe put Julian Burnett at DE on 3rd and long situations. That could be fun to see him as a speed rusher.
I think it would be an upset for us to beat Miami on the road, but it is certainly possible. Toughest games to me look to be Miami and VPI&SU.
Should be fun…. -SJ
JACKETfan12
September 13th, 2009
10:56 pm
Josh wears that big facemask because he gits hit so much… I would rather him be protected when getting nailed on option plays than have a traditional helmet…
Concerns:
- Our 3rd down conversions arent that great… Throwing shorter passes (Anthony allen and roddy on slant routs through the middle) more often would help… Roddy had a huge first down and possibly TD that he dropped… Probably had something to do with his cast.
- Josh has to make the right throws… A lot of his passes were off target… He has got to set his feet and make accurate throws for the longball to be effective. We do have a lot of single coverage if you watch them line up on most of the plays, but it doesnt mean anything if Josh underthrows them.
- Defense has got to stop the big plays. Period. Enough said on that aspect. Defense was great thursday minus the two 50+ yard touchdowns we gave up…
- WE HAVE TO GO 100% ALL GAME. THE MAIN TWO AREAS WHERE WE SLOWED DOWN ON THURSDAY WAS OVERALL DEFENSE AND BLOCKING ON OFFENSE.
If anything, the first thing we need to take care of is playing intense for the entire game.
Besides all that, we had a win over Clemson. That is always something to be proud of as they are our in-conference rivals and always have a good team.
GO JACKETS
Da U
September 13th, 2009
11:00 pm
The streak is over, your goofy O is about to get busted by the U!
et
September 13th, 2009
11:05 pm
I’ve learned this team has a lot of heart. MOST teams who gave up a 24 point lead and get behind lose. What is even more impressive is the defense stiffening in the fourth quarter after being on the field so long against bigger Clemson players. GT isn’t a top 10 team but we are a lot better than last year.
Da U
September 13th, 2009
11:08 pm
What does Jacksonville ST vs Fla ST have to do with Miami? Come up with something better than that. That’s like saying Houston is better than Georgia because they beat OK ST, but OK ST beat the crap out of Georgia.
AlabamaRamblinwreck
September 13th, 2009
11:09 pm
1. If Egbuniwe is our 2nd best pass rusher, he should be in the game on the other side of Morgan.
2. Along with throwing shorter pass routes, Josh also needs to look at other receivers, like Stephen Hill.
3. The A-Backs must not whiff on their blocks. I noticed on watching the replays that they missed several. Of course, this also goes for our O-linemen.
4. Defensive backs need to keep the opponent’s speedy receivers in front of them.
5. Cooper needs to play better. He does not look like the same guy from last year. I am not sure why.
6. Mostly, our tackling has been good. It can always be better, but I have been pleased with the few missed tackles we have had thus far.
7. We need to run wheel route to Allen and/or Dwyer a few times every game.
Go Jackets!!
Ed-Covington
September 13th, 2009
11:10 pm
Da U:
Your “D” got “busted” for nearly 40 by an FSU team that was lucky to put 19 on Jax State! See U Thursday night!!
GO TECH!! CANE the CANES!!
hmm
September 13th, 2009
11:12 pm
Da U – are you also that dirty sp1c “el tigre” that was on here last year before you got your sh1t pushed in?
AlabamaRamblinwreck
September 13th, 2009
11:13 pm
“Da U
September 13th, 2009
11:08 pm
What does Jacksonville ST vs Fla ST have to do with Miami? Come up with something better than that. That’s like saying Houston is better than Georgia because they beat OK ST, but OK ST beat the crap out of Georgia.”
Exactly. That is exactly what we are saying. JSU is not even a FBS school, and they beat FSU for 59 minutes, held them to less than 80 rushing yards!! Miami’s defense will be shown to be a fraud come Thursday night, Mr. DA U!! LOL
Go Jackets!!
Ed-Covington
September 13th, 2009
11:13 pm
DA U:
You made my point: Houston IS better than uga!
GO TECH!!
misterwax
September 13th, 2009
11:27 pm
well, with all these suggestions, one must conclude that the coaches know better then we…. and will be working on a few improvements that can sustain the team through the season….I do look for a few trick plays however….it is in Coach Johnson’s nature to be daring and gamble….when he percieves a lack of focus on UM’s side, look for the tricks.
GOLD PANTS
September 13th, 2009
11:31 pm
Jacket Fan— I have seen defensive players wear those helmets with the dark lenses but I don’t recall seeing a QB before. Just seems vision would be impaired, maybe even fog up from all the sweat and exertion. I see your point, though. Just a theory, maybe he sees just fine.
Da U
September 13th, 2009
11:32 pm
Nope, wasn’t me. This is the first time I have ever heard of this paper nor would I normally post a comment if it was for some of your comments making it to the Miami Herald. Not sure who posted them, but they mentioned this paper. All in fun, but just remember, this is a different U team, one that has had 10 days to prepare and watch film ala LSU. You should be proud, you made it to the MH but those posts are now on the walls of the Canes. Just be ready Thursday night.
go tech
September 13th, 2009
11:44 pm
I’ve learned there are 4 ACC Coastal teams ranked, and zero ACC Atlantic division teams ranked; the Coastal is the class of the conference.
Ed-Covington
September 13th, 2009
11:55 pm
WOW, We are scared. Those posts are now posted on the walls of the Canes, along with the pictures of “The Rock”, Beau Bock, Richard Simmons, Snoop Dog, Rosie O’Donnell(?), Roseanne Barr, Ellen DeGeneres, Snoop Dog, Jimmy Johnson, Flava Flave, Tila Tequila, Bea Arthur, Arnold (as the Terminator” and from the “Predator”)and Oprah.
We ARE scared!!
Metal Jacket
September 14th, 2009
12:03 am
Need more short passes over the middle to JD. This is going to be a great year for Tech. Sorry about that Dawgs. THWG
BS Patrol
September 14th, 2009
12:04 am
Da U, Houston IS better than the doggies.
GTer dunn!
September 14th, 2009
12:53 am
Ed, don write checks Paul’s boys can’t cash. Morgan is the only one with a push, and canes1 is right. This isn’t the same Miami team as last year.
Ed-Covington
September 14th, 2009
1:02 am
GTer dunn!
This IS the “U” team that let FSU put up 34 and nearly 500 yards of offense, while JAX State held ‘em to 19 and under 100. See “U” Thursday night. The only “canes” they’ll remember is the ones they need to walk with!
RE: the empty "Gold Seats"...
September 14th, 2009
6:58 am
…those “Club Seats” are SOLD OUT (trust me, I tried to get some) but are really a bane to the TV camera since most of the time a lot of the ticket holders are no shows. Frankly, I was surprised that as many of them were used on Thursday night as there were – guess the sun in their face all afternoon on day games keeps them from coming to the Saturday games.
GA Tech Insider
September 14th, 2009
7:10 am
Personally, I think everyone needs to give Clemson more credit. They came back and paid some great ball; and no one’s mentioned that the team they beat last week easily beat the team played Ole Miss tough for three quarters the week before.
I think Tech needs to consider moving Dwyer to A-Back every once in a while, just to shake things up, giving him a chance to get outside without taking the automatic pounding in the middle of the field. Switching things up could also add some confusion to the defensive alignments and cause them to start to play more honestly on the edge, not knowing where Jonathan might line up on any given play. It may end up being a moot point, though, if Anthony Allen and and Roddy Jones keep breaking those long runs, but Jonathan needs those blows as well as his body will need the break from the constant barrage.
Alabama Jack
September 14th, 2009
7:32 am
I’ve had confirmed that CPJ can out-coach anyone else I’ve seen in the game currently. Reminds me of a guy named Dodd that used to hang out at the Flats.
misterwax is correct...
September 14th, 2009
8:16 am
and Coach Johnson probably understands his football team better than most bloggers. So perhaps Tech will make some changes. Ya think?
Are some of these suggestions so obvious they do not merit publishing? Perhaps!
HEY DA U
September 14th, 2009
8:35 am
You a joke dude. How many times in a row has tech beaten you now? Why are you on a tech blog like anyone cares what you have to say given that tech has been your DADDY the last few years in a row! Talk smack when you have proven something besides having to go back to the start of this decade! All that matters now is where these programs are at this moment. Your defense sucks and fsu almost lost to jax st. The same fsu that should have beaten you last week. Tech will put it all together this thursday and wax you just like last year. You are like yesterday’s news down there, nobody cares about the u. We can win this game easy if we just come to play with a chip on our shoulder. there are 3 other games on our schedule that concern me a heck of alot more than this one. Tech wins 30-14 at THE U and hangs 30+ on the board yet again on an average at best miami defense!!!!!!
GO JACKETS!!!!
GT45
September 14th, 2009
8:38 am
We got a kickoff time for the NC game, yet? Everybody needs to put their tail in a seat, and let’s sell out this game! Go Jackets-
blazer
September 14th, 2009
9:03 am
LEARNED-WE NEVER THROW TO THE OTHER SIDE FROM D. THOMAS.
THROW ENOUGH SHORT ROUTE PASSES TO A BACKS-ALLEN DID HAVE A GREAT ONE.
NO SUBS ON OFF. LINE EXCEPT VOSS.??
IT WAS STILL A W !!!!!! BEAT THE CANES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MJ
September 14th, 2009
9:10 am
Rested and confident Miami at home vs. no passing offense whatsoever and bewildered GT who almost blew a 24 pt lead at home 4 days ago. I think I will go w/ the Canes by 2 TD’s on this one. If Miami stops the run, which they should do, and force Nesbitt to pass, GT is in for a long night. Not sure GT even knows the meaning of forward pass.
Trade School Junkie
September 14th, 2009
9:18 am
Hate to say it, but…I TOLD YOU SO.
(8) weeks ago I said FSU & Miami are not “BACK.” I also said ACC-A would be either NCSt or Clemson. Anyone wont to doubt that now ??
Granted, FSU may have been a little gassed b/c they played a late Monday night game and had to turn around and play a Saturday night game. But hey, it was against D1-AA JaxSt.
So, as for Thursday night, GT & MIami return almost the exact same rosters from 2008. The 2008 game was GT 41-10 before CPJ called off the dogs. 472 yds rushing, and the game wasnt even THAT close. Dwyer didnt even play the 2nd half of 2008 game, and GT wasnt doing any passing.
After watching Maimi’s dreadful Pass D last Monday night, GT may not even have to RUN THE BALL…and can PASS the whole damn way, to light Miami up.
I expect GT to win E-A-S-I-L-Y.
As for FSU, is there ANYONE…SOBER…that doesnt think FSU is
gonna get SLAUGHTERED by BYU next Saturday??
juvenal
September 14th, 2009
9:21 am
2 yrs in a row, Clemson concentrated on stopping JD, & 2 yrs in a row Dabo lost-in as far as it it a game, if CPJ was playing chess, i bet he’d be pretty good..
Geori
September 14th, 2009
9:30 am
301 rushing yards vs Clemson = 500+ rushing yards vs Miami
Here’s to our fifth win in a row against Miami!!!
DawginLex
September 14th, 2009
9:31 am
trade school,
I don’t think anyone is ready to crown you nostradamus quite yet. NCSU?
The article is about what has been learned. Not much D being played right now on either side. All of a sudden, UT WANTS to exchange QB’s with UGA. Nesbitt needs to work on his passing. UGA needs a new DC.
Spurrier still can’t beat Bowdens or any of his disciples. Arkansas has to be looking to throw it 50 times Saturday. Don’t discount the heart of Javory Harris but Tech should still win. Maybe Tech caught a break that Perilloux was suspended?
2-0 vs South Carolina. Glad we could hold up our end of the deal.
BTW, my Joe Cox fried crow tasted good Saturday night washed down with my Joe Cox kool-aid.
Gotta go do some work.
mtraininjax
September 14th, 2009
9:52 am
Is this a GT thread or UGAG thread? Nuff about them, back to us.
GT has some work to do with Nesbitt passing, his 3-14 passing showed, some drops, but mostly his lofting of the ball or errant passes (ducks), over the receivers head, which to me shows he needs to work on passing more with real time pressure in his face. If our D cannot do it for him, none will. He needs more than 1 receiver and more than 1 option out of the backfield. If Peeples drops another ball in the flat, use krazy-glue on his hands.
The secondary can be beat when a team uses crossing routes and Cooper Taylor is not as speedy as we once thought.
ForTheRecord
September 14th, 2009
9:59 am
Good post on most of our strengths!!! But here are some areas of concern:
1. Kick return game appears worse than last year. Smith looks slow and hesitant and may lack the downfield vision for the job. Will R. Jones or even Tarrant be put here instead? Jones did terrific late last season and Tarrant certainly appears terrific on punt returns.
2. Passing, passing, passing…Nesbitt take a breath and just throw the ball. Looked hesitant to release on Thursday or resulted in throwing while scrambling and overthrowing the receivers. Must get better in this department or Dwyer and company will have it tough.
3. 3rd down efficiency! Except for the very end of the game against Clemson we did not convert a single 3rd down through over 3 quarters of play. That will get you beat! In an option attack (and any other for that matter) 3rd downs are crucial. We did not play well in the clutch until the game was on the line.
4. Is this because we lack a killer instinct? We could have put both of the first two opponents away early. Not doing so is the reason we are mostly stagnant in the polls.
5. We have some great surprises against Clemson! But they had a wrinkle or two as well. The tailback running the sideline route really hurt us once and it should have again but the QB simply missed them. Is this simply blown coverage, a mismatch for the opponent or what? We will certainly see more of this until we prove we can contain such plays.
6. Misdirection hurt us once (Spiller) but it was there mostly all night! Our DE’s had better learn to stay home or look for offenses to exploit their aggression.
Da U
September 14th, 2009
10:18 am
I thought you GT fans were smart? Why all the Jax ST. vs Fla ST references? Who cares what Fla ST did against them, it’s what we are going to do against U! Hears a stupid GT stat for U. Last year you lost to Virginia and V.Tech, we beat both of them. Does that matter, heck no! You still beat our tails. Just remember, be ready to be on this board come Thursday night, because after we light you all up I’m going to light this board up!
Da U
September 14th, 2009
10:42 am
And remember – You all scored 21 points against Clemson in the 1st QTR, but not a TD after. And two of those TD’s were a kick return and a fake fg. Gimmick plays that won’t work against the U. And you let Jax ST. score 17 on your great d?
collegeballfan
September 14th, 2009
10:46 am
This offense requires that the defensive tackles be blocked.
That is not happening.
Gold Club Seats
September 14th, 2009
10:50 am
Don’t forget that the CLUB section has a nice lounge with LOTS of TVs and did I mention 2 free cups of beer/wine with every ticket! Chances are that the people not in their seats are getting premium food/beverages in the lounge.
I, for one, have club seats but bring a flask and stay in my seats the whole game.
Go Jackets!
CLJacketbirmingham
September 14th, 2009
10:50 am
What about letting Tarrant touch the ball on offense once or twice?? Maybe run some version of the wildcat. Kid is a playmaker. He also played some great cover corner vs. Clemson.
bb
September 14th, 2009
10:55 am
I wouldn’t put too much stock in the FSU-JSU game. FSU was playing on 5-days rest and we all know how difficult that is. At least, both Clemson and GT were playing with the same handicap; not so for FSU and JSU. That probably had more to do with FSU’s performance than anything.
That said, I think we will see the normal 2nd game improvement THIS week for GT due to the short turn around between the 1st 2 games. Same for Clemson and FSU. A 5-day turn around didn’t really give them a chance to catch their breath, much less make improvements.
Jack G.
September 14th, 2009
11:10 am
I have been hearing all year how CPJ’s teams improve in the 2nd year.—-I’m still waiting tor the improvement. So far they have looked a little inept.
Buzz Belle
September 14th, 2009
11:22 am
Da U – you have made some very good points. The Miami game scares me a little bit after watching my Jackets last Thursday night. I think we are still going to pull this one out, mainly because we have some really good athletes and what I think is the best coach who will make sure past mistakes are not repeated! Thanks for joining us on the blog for a little fun. But, your going down Thursday night on National TV.
THWG
Trade School Junkie
September 14th, 2009
11:49 am
I beleive CPJ knew CU was gonna be a big challenge. He could look at their O & D Lines and could probably see that CU had a size & experience advantage vs GT’s O & D Lines.
Thats why I think CPJ was prepared to gamble early to put pts on the board with the fake FG. Plus, as the game went on, wanting to keep going down the field on pass atempts, maybe get some big catches, maybe even some Pass Int calls. Plus, going down the field kept the coverage back away from the line, opening up the QB option which Nesbitt ran successfully in 4th Qtr.
I think we’ll face a very similar challenge against UNC next week.
UNC’s D is as good or better than CU’s…at least on paper.
What the GT-CU game showed was:
1. that while most defenses can defend MOST aspects vs the GT-O, most defenses cant defend EVERY aspect.
2. that its almost impossible to keep GT from moving the ball on the ground.
2008: GT:21 CU:17
2009: GT:30 CU:27
Both scored about (10) more points in 2009 compared to 2008.
2008: GT:41 U:23
2009: GT:51 U:33 ????
I dont know, but we’ll see on Thursday.
WWJD
September 14th, 2009
11:50 am
Since PJ is God now maybe he can also play QB. Nobody could be a worse passer than Josh Nesbitt.
Tech82
September 14th, 2009
11:50 am
Da U – Correction, Jax St. scored only 7 points against our starters on defense. You don’t get to use “mop up” points to downgrade our D. What Clemson did to our D is another matter all together.
Tech has shown in two games an ability to come out strong and then lose focus once they get a nice lead. That scares me. Here’s hoping that Miami is talented enough to stay close to us early. Maybe that will enable us to stay focussed for four quarters.
Eric
September 14th, 2009
11:52 am
I find it funny that some of you are comparing FSU vs JSU to Miami vs FSU. Hmm, 5 days turnaround in an emotional game that FSU lost and a sloppy field? I think there were other factors involved, and I wouldn’t be surprised if FSU wins their division. I think Miami will do much better on d this year than last year (healthy linbackers and better d tackles) and Ga Tech is going to have to find a way to stop a Miami offense that put up points against FSU’s defense. Is the secondary going to be able to stop Miami’s receivers??
Sam
September 14th, 2009
11:55 am
If bigger D lines continue to stuff Dwyer, it will only get worse from here on out.
Eric
September 14th, 2009
11:56 am
Oh, and FSU put up points on Miami through the air and couldn’t get it done on the ground, how exactly is Nesbitt going to do that when Telemaque and Hill return to Miami’s secondary? Got to remember that two starters were out for Miami’s secondary for that FSU game that will be back on Thursday. Its gonna be a good game, no way Tech puts up 50 points TSJ
Sam
September 14th, 2009
12:00 pm
Talent to stay with you early Tech82? Miami’s across the board talent goes way beyond what GT can put on the field. What you better worry about is a Miami now settled at QB putting points on Tech’s sorry D and GT having to play catch up. If so it could get ugly for Tech. Then Miami focuses on stuffing Dwyer and making Nesbitt do things he can’t. If Miami beats GT it is going to be a long long year on N. Avenue.
Tech82
September 14th, 2009
12:06 pm
Sam – You may be right, we’ll see. I seem to remember a lot of the same trash talk from the ‘canes prior to last year’s game. The biggest advantage Miami has is the extra three days to prepare. The question is will that be enough. We’ll find out Thursday. It should be a good game.
MJ
September 14th, 2009
12:16 pm
Tech 82 that was the funniest thing I have read all year…does Miami have enough talent to stay w/ Tech?!?!? I am still crying it was so funny and stupid at the same time. Miami will have more talent on that field Thursday than GT will have in 10 years. And seeing as we are talking about Jax St, lets all remember Ryan Perilloux did not play against GT but did play in the FSU. If I would have to guess, I would say there’s a very large drop off in talent at the QB position for Jax St, from QB1 to QB2. Not saying they would have won, but lets say they probably score more points than 17. The GT defense, especially the seconday, is a joke and will not be able to handle the Miami WR’s. And the fact is, against Clemson, GT scored really only 13 true points, the rest were from garbage gimmick plays. Miami by 2 TD’s, this thing is over early.
m
September 14th, 2009
12:34 pm
Even chan gomer gailey, the sorriest coach in the history of the world beat Miami. Paul Johnson stomped the crap out of Miami in 2008 and will do it again in 2009.
Miami sucks so bad that they are in the chan gomer gailey class of sucking. Thank God and Greyhound his gone forever.
Trade School Junkie
September 14th, 2009
12:49 pm
Clemson has better O & D Lines than Miami.
Clemson’s QB is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY better than Miami QB Harris.
Clemson has as good or better skill players than Miami.
Did a 5-day turn-around have an ipact on GT? Probably.
Will GT be better on Offense, and especially in Passing game? Yep.
Will GT be better on Pass D. Yep.
I like Cooper Taylor(#22), he’s a player for sure. But, Clemson put speed (Spiiler) on him and he couldnt keep up. Thats why Tarrant was covering deep on the very last CU drive, and batted down the deep pass.
I frankly dont see Miami as being better than Clemson was
in ANY aspect.
So, I dont expect GT to have much trouble against the U.
A GT loss to Miami would be a COMPLETE SHOCK.
MJ
September 14th, 2009
1:03 pm
Well be prepared to be “shocked” trade school. HAHAHAHAHA!!! Be prepared for a beat down is more likely. In reality, Miami should have no problems handling GT and the 1940’s Army offense.
Is GT overrated? Yep!
Is GT going to get throttled in Miami? Yep!
Does GT have no girls and a bunch of nerds at their school? Yep!
Does GT still play 2nd fiddle to GA in the state of GA no matter what GT does? Yep!
Am I going to come on this blog on Thursday after Miami wins and make trade school eat crow? You bet I will!
Da U
September 14th, 2009
1:11 pm
Miami’s weak spot is the secondary, but as Eric stated above we have two starters back (Telemaque & Hill) that did play in the Fla ST game. And remember the name Telemaque, he is the hardest hitting player on the team. The other weak spot was the DE, we started a freshman and sophmore, but it was just reported today that our 5th year senior starter Eric Moncur is back and will play. The key to the game is Miami stopping the run and making GT pass, and GT stopping Miami from scoring early and often. If Miami can’t stop the run, it will be 6 straight. If Miami makes GT a passing team then Miami will win.
Miami 37 GT 31
Da U
September 14th, 2009
1:16 pm
that did NOTplay in the Fla ST game…….ooppss
TO DA DUMMY U GUY
September 14th, 2009
1:20 pm
And who else on your schedule did tech light up that you didn’t?? Think before you post moron. The question will be, where will you be thursday after the game? 4 in a row jokeass!! It will be 5 after this week. You have 1 good player at qb and thats it. We have playmakers on both sides of the ball and way more talent, better coaches and after we pounded you last year with the run with the same players, what’s going to change this year? (crickets)…..Hey maybe if you brought back ken dorsey,fore and shockey, i would worry! Tech will focus on your passing game, and if it gets shut down, you guys will get run out of your new joke stadium by halftime. Just come back and see thursday, i will be back on here to say, “i told you so”!!!!!!!!!!
Joe Schmoe
September 14th, 2009
1:25 pm
Its funny how all these Dog fans only hope on here is that another team beats us. You canes fans were on here talking trash as well… Guess what it doesnt matter what we say, the guys on the field play the game. It is pretty much the same teams in growth that is coming back to play this year. Please God, let these Miami folks keep thinking they are going to steam roll us!
DawginLex
September 14th, 2009
1:40 pm
Joe Schmoe,
for the record, I predict Miami to lose to Tech.
Not all Dawg fans have predicted a loss.
Now UNC, I believe they have the D line to stop the option.
Sam
September 14th, 2009
1:40 pm
Miami could have no secondary and Josh Nesbitt couldn’t exploit it. The guy can’t complete 50% against air.
East Cobb Hokie
September 14th, 2009
1:42 pm
Da U, Thursday night depends totally on whether your D “flys to the ball” or not IMO. Fly and you lose since the ball won’t be where you flew to, like last year. Play a rotating disciplined D and it will be a game.
Sam
September 14th, 2009
1:50 pm
Tech needs to be a little concerned about that D line of theirs getting pushed around.
Sam
September 14th, 2009
1:53 pm
And maybe it’s just me, but with the exception of one big run against Jstate, Jonathan Dwyer has been a non factor. If teams keep stuffing him like in the first two games it can’t be good news for Tech down the road.
Joe Schmoe
September 14th, 2009
2:00 pm
Sam, Jdwyer only played part of jsu game, and Clemson commited their interior to stop dwyer. They paid the price doing that by opening up the midline option for Nesbitt to run right through.
surfrider
September 14th, 2009
2:00 pm
Great start and comeback ability after being ahead. The pass completion ratio needs to improve through easier to hit passes and on the long passes maybe a slightly improved loft could allow our wr’s to run under pass and catch it hopefully. As for the previous regime, I think Ball, Bilbo, and some of the others could fit in well with this scheme. Tech over the years had an option component going back to Pepper as far as I can remember…Curry, Ross, etc…But this option is a level to itself and interesting to see. Thought we only had big plays then look at stats and see we had 300 yards rushing. It was’nt too long ago where 200 + yards rushing and 150 + yards passing were good days. Hopefully the D can force more 3 and outs.
1Jacket7
September 14th, 2009
2:00 pm
The thing I have learned about GT in the first two games are the following:
1) Tech’s OL is the key to the success of the rest of the season. When they figure out how to sustain blocks the offense will be better.
2) Nesbitt needs to get his reads down, when he does the offense will open up. It is not totally the opposing defenses. It is funny to hear so many people thinking they are stopping us. We are stopping ourselves. The question is why is it so hard for him to get it?
3)I believe the defensive line will get better every week as well as the Offensive line. It is game reps that get you better. Staying healthy is key. The Defensive line needs to learn how to fight maintain their positions, clog up the holes and get to the QB. Game experience will help.
4)The only person running their routes hard from start to finish is Bay Bay. The others run less then full speed until the ball is thrown their way. That is why the balls seem to be over thrown. And we have to catch the balls. Again, we will be better Thursday on this then we have been.
In conclusion the problems we have can be fixed and it will come with film and game experience. We just need to win the games until we get it right.
1Jacket7
September 14th, 2009
2:01 pm
UNC is a Noon game on Raycom.
Joe Schmoe
September 14th, 2009
2:03 pm
I agree with you DawginLex, I think the NC game will be the toughest D we will face against our offense all season. I rank NC,Clemson,VT as our toughest defense that we will face all season against our paticular offense.
Louisiana Jacket
September 14th, 2009
2:07 pm
Another noon game…I could hardly have guessed….two top 25 teams and still noon game, I mean how am I supposed to be sober when I don’t have a nap to rely on in the middle of the day haha…
1Jacket7–> Agree whole heartedly only one addition is that I think Nesbitt is still getting comftorable sitting in the pocket thinking he needs to throw to BayBay. If he can understand that the crossing routes from Roddy and Allen we will be in good shape.
Louisiana Jacket
September 14th, 2009
2:07 pm
Joe disagree–> VT is always one of the best D’s Ill give you NC as second though
Joe Schmoe
September 14th, 2009
2:08 pm
Ughhhm, I hate noon games… I will have the sun right in my face in 132. great!
Joe Schmoe
September 14th, 2009
2:16 pm
Louisiana Jacket, I know they are one of the best D’s, but that is not what I stated. I said the best D against our offense. I believe NC D is going to be more stingy than VT’s D.
Louisiana Jacket
September 14th, 2009
2:24 pm
Hummm….I see what you are saying but I think VT is more disciplined and thus will be a better defense against us. North Carolina only looked good last year against us because of how many fumbles we had haha.
Hayseed Dixie
September 14th, 2009
2:33 pm
Three things.
CPJ is as good as advertised.
Nesbitt needs to get better at passing, else the option will be defended far more easily.
The defensive line needs to step up the pressure.
If Tech does those things consistently well, everyone else is in trouble. This team has the heart.
Joe Schmoe
September 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
Yea, your right about that. We did fumble the ball a lot that day. When we did drive, it was all for a fumble. I know against VT last year they had some pretty big DT in the middle, but those guys are gone to the NFL. We didnt start to click as an offense untill the late third and whole fourth against VT.
Da U
September 14th, 2009
2:50 pm
Joe S. Sam, Jdwyer only played part of jsu game, and Clemson commited their interior to stop dwyer. They paid the price doing that by opening up the midline option for Nesbitt to run right through.
Every team that plays GT will load the box and try to stop Dwyer, if it wasn’t for the trick play and punt return Clemson would have easly won this game. GTs O did nothing all night, except for the 1st series of the game. OUR D-Line doesn’t worry you? Actually, it should.
AdMan
September 14th, 2009
2:51 pm
Tech is an at best average football team. They are one dimensional, with a QB that has an average throwing arm. Their defense is weak in the middle and going forward in the season good teams will exploit this weakness often. Tech will lose this week. Miami has twice the athletes that Clemson had and will run and throw the ball effectively throughout the game. I’m afraid that Tech is in for a long night on Thursday and will limp back to Atlanta with a loss and plenty of excuses. Get used to it Tech you have yet to play any good teams on your schedule and when you do they will expose to you and everyone else that your team is average at best.
1Jacket7
September 14th, 2009
2:52 pm
Remember guys. It is hard to throw the underneath routes when there is 8 or 9 people in the box. We need to better at the deep routes they were there for TD’s last week. Can you imagine the damage we would have inflicted if we converted those. Lord, I pray that we get better at that. Then we will be unstoppable. Yes, we need to spread the ball around its just that Bay Bay has been getting separation and is open. Wouldn’t you throw to him? When Josh sets up to throw he needs to put the ball where it is supposed to be. i.e. On the outside shoulder when fly routes down the sidelines not down the middle for the safeties to come across and make the INT. As I stated earlier, Nesbitt will get better at this. I look at all the games closely on my DVR and we just need to make our blocks. It is incredible to see Navy do so well with smaller lineman than we have. We just need more aggressive play from our O-LINE.
Sam
September 14th, 2009
2:59 pm
So what Joe Schmoe. After the long run he got 21 more yards on the next six carries. And Clemson stuffed him all night long. Rationalize that. What do you think VT and UNC will do.
GT Que
September 14th, 2009
3:01 pm
AdMan
GT has things to work on (on both sides of the ball) granted, but your analysis is offbase. GT will win 9-10 games again this year (one of which against UGA as well)
Keep your negativity off of this board, if you REALLY want something negative to talk about, go the UGA blog….No love lost to the dawgs, but THEY’VE got some serious issues from the top down
Sam
September 14th, 2009
3:03 pm
Joe Schmoe…get on the phone and call PJ. He’ll tell you that Dwyer is the key. Nesbitt can’t carry the water every game. And ask any DC what the key is. Stopping the B back.
GA Tech Insider
September 14th, 2009
3:06 pm
An observation from an old Tech man;
GA Tech and Clemson play tough almost every year; this is regardless of where they play, whose coaching, what the weather conditions are, what the teams are ranked, etc. These two teams just always seem to play close games. For some reason, and I don’t think anyone can really explain why, maybe it’s just the rivalry, these two teams just get “up” for each other almost every year at some point during the game and make it down right exciting until the very end.
Looking at the FSU versus Jacksonville State game, regardless of whether FSU had just a few days less to prepare than Jacksonville State, you normally would have hoped that the level of athletes between the teams alone would have pushed the Seminoles over the edge, but if everyone remembers a couple a years ago what happened to Michigan with App State, great athletes, alone, don’t win games, even if they’ve had all summer to prepare for a game. Tip your hand to Jacksonville State for a game well played and giving FSU their cold dose of reality early in the season. Maybe, now, they’ll be ready for BYU.
Getting to GA Tech’s game against Miami Thursday evening, I’ve been reading a lot of comments about how there is now a “blueprint” on how to stop Tech’s spread/triple option – crash the offensive line and attack the QB and dive (Jonathan Dwyer) quickly. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I watched the Southern Cal game against Ohio State on Saturday, and noticed that Ohio State’s defense looked pretty stout against one of the more highly touted offenses in the country. Well, the week before, Navy sliced through that same defense like a hot knife through butter, even though Ohio State had a whole summer to prepare for them. I guess what I’m getting at is that you can have these big, strong defenses that say they know how to play the spread/triple option every day of the week, but if it’s executed correctly, like Navy did against Ohio State, it will still work.
Granted Navy’s players have been in the system a lot longer than our boys, but on the other hand, our guys are a tad bit more athletic than the Midshipmen in many areas, so if we can get that one crease, we might be able to break a longer run.
I would also say that Paul Johnson on our sideline is an asset that Miami cannot compete with, regardless of how many new coordinators they bring on board. Besides being a great offensive strategist, he is a super motivator for the team; something I haven’t seen from Miami’s coach. Our boys would walk through walls for Paul Johnson; he’s proved himself in less than one year.
Randy Shannon has time and time again, even as recently as a few weeks ago, and their team has underperformed consistently under his watch. If it comes down to crunch time, like many of GA Tech games have under Paul Johnson since he’s been on campus, you can just feel that the boys know that they will find a way to win. I’m not sure that Miami’s players would feel the same way.
Finally, I think it will be very important for GA Tech’s defenders to keep Miami’s QB from scrambling and running for yardage on Thursday. I think that they saw how FSU came back on GA Tech last season with the scrambles so it will be important to keep containment and even have some zone rushes to take care of screen/bubble passes Miami will try to use against GA Tech’s rush. I would drop back a lineman and rush a linebacker or wolf (as an example) to try to confuse the linemen and qb.
Again, just one old man’s perspective.
1Jacket7
September 14th, 2009
3:06 pm
Da U. There is nothing trick about lining up for a fake kick and executing. That is great coaching. Seeing on film what you can do and doing it. I can also say that if Dwyer hit Bay Bay down the sideline he would have scored. If Dwyer would have tripped he would have gone 69 yards for another TD. I think the game will be a good one on Thursday but ADMan you are crazy to think all you want that our offense is one dimensional, because it isn’t. If you are referring to pass and run then the best any team can be is two dimensional. Our offense consists of an Option attack with multiple options every play and a Run and Shoot style passing offense that is developing. Put them together and you have a offense that has produced 498 yards of offense in the first game and 418 in the second game. That sir is no small change. There are plenty of offenses that run pro style spread, etc. that have not had that type of production. Running on all cylinders GT scores 62 against Jacksonville St and 50 against Clemson. The great thing about all of this is this type of offensive power is coming. It’s coming… It’s coming. Be afraid be very afraid, why? It’s Coming!!!! Next Up, The Miami Hurricanes. Shhhhhhh, its coming (whispering loudly)
Stephen
September 14th, 2009
3:08 pm
Paul Johnson please do more screen passes and short dump passes like you did to Allen at the end of the clemson game. You have a RB open on nearly every play if you would use them for a quick short pass. Build up Josh’s confidence with this. This will confuse the defense and allow the option to open up more holes. Then you can try a deep pass.
AdMan
September 14th, 2009
3:10 pm
GT Que, If I thought that you knew anything about college football I’d probably take you a little seriously…however you are obviously blind when you watch Tech play and only see what you want to see. Tech will lose Thursday night..count on it. As far as the rest of their schedule…Tech has no chance against Va. Tech, Florida State, Vanderbilt and as many flaws that Georgia does have they have plenty of talent to take care of Tech when they meet.Do you really think Tech is goning to beat Georgia two years in a row?Do you really think Georgia is going to let that happen? I don’t care if they’ve only got two wins when they play Tech…Georgia will beat Tech…its going to happen!You Tech fans are really delusional when it comes to your team. Your not that good.
logan
September 14th, 2009
3:14 pm
Da U -
Hey moron….Tech ran for 476 yards last year on your pathetic D. The last thing you need to be doing is coming on here now and talking about how Miami is going to shut down Georgia Tech. You’re obviously an idiot with limited football knowledge. You don’t think it’s revelant to point out the FSU-Jack St game…but you’re basing Miami being better this year on your game with FSU…makes no sense.
You’re just another moron that won’t be found on this board come Thursday night about 11 PM.
Packerman
September 14th, 2009
3:16 pm
Strong words from a Miami fan at 2:51. Miami played a weak FSU, who almost lost to Jacksonville State. The same Jacksonville State that Tech beat by 20. I’m not saying that Miami doesn’t have a shot, because they clearly do. But I think it’s getting ahead of yourself saying that Clemson is weak and Miami has a great defense.
Clemson has one of the best defenses in the ACC. Meanwhile Miami’s D gave up 34 points to FSU’s offense, got gashed by the running game and destroyed through the air. Miami’s players have always had an ego problem. That’s just the kind of talent that school attracts. That ego problem leads to poor discipline, and poor discipline leads to big plays for the GT offense.
Miami will have had 10 days to prepare for GT, so it’ll be interesting to see what they will do to stop the option attack. I’m more interested in the other side of the ball though. I want to see what Tech’s defense can do against Miami’s significantly improved offense. I really want to know how Derrick Morgan will do against a top OT, and I want to see the secondary take on Jacory Harris and those lightning quick receivers.
JimJacket
September 14th, 2009
3:18 pm
I don’t see that “second year improvement” the media has been hyping. Partially my fault for listening to the media. After 2 games, what’s been learned:
1. The blocking at the line was no better than last year. Gardner-Webb anybody?!
2. The quarterback decisions were worse than last year. If Reggie Ball played QB in this system, decision made during the Clemson game are what I would have expected. Come on Josh, nobody wants to be compared to Reggie Ball (best player in the history of UGA football).
3. Cooper Taylor needs to forget about last year’s FSU game, and wake up.
4. Why is it that the other teams start their offensive series at the 40 yd. line, and we are starting at the 15-20 yd. line?
5. If someone doesn’t step up on the defensive line, Derrick Morgan will only have 5 sacks at the end of the season (for those not paying attention, he has already gotten those 5 sacks in the first two games).
6. The linebacker play has been great.
7. Defensive backfield was fair considering they were on an island all night with no help from a pass rush.
GT FAN PA
September 14th, 2009
3:18 pm
You know DA U- you could say if in your game as well- IF THE FSU player had not dropped the ball ya’ll would have not won the game! I recall very well last year the cane fans screaming were back!!!Where did that get you? And if notice from last year your players kept reacting to the Player instead of the ball. Go back and watch Randy over and over telling the players ya’ll went right to the player instead of staying home. Yes the Jackets have work to do…and with a little more tweaking they will be there-look at the plays this last game..almost looks like the old scissor cross-mis direction- they will continue to add with formations-just like on the last two drives-Clemson did not know how to react- as one post said earlier–CPJ is thinkng like a chess player sitting you up for later and it showed. I will not sit here and say the Jackets have better players as Miami as I think you match up better in some positions better than the Jackets and the Jackets match up better in some over Miami- it will come to discipline and that I have to give the edge to Tech. Your team is about being the Hero and that is where the option will get you! We can talk the talk that is why they play the game….See you on Thursday! I would say Good Luck-But I would be lying so I’ll just say may the best team win! THWG!!!
logan
September 14th, 2009
3:18 pm
Adman-
Adman the idiot. Oh yes…we should “mark it down” that Tech will lose to Miami. Pretty sure you said we should “mark it down” we lose to Clemson as well. And Georgia won’t “let” Tech win this year? That’s a Tony Barnhardt voice of reasoning if there ever was one. Georgia won’t have any choice but to “let” Tech beat them..if Tech executes, Tech wins…they are the better team. You UGA morons need to worry about that huckleberry Arkansas team led by the idiotic coach that is going to take ya’ll to the woodsheed. Mark it down.
GT Que
September 14th, 2009
3:20 pm
AdMan
You lost all credibility when you said GT has no chance against FSU
Nuff said, you clearly didn’t watch their game on sat
Quite possibly the most asinine comment ever on this board
Tom
September 14th, 2009
3:23 pm
Is it true that unc coach Davis said the fake field goal play was illegal? It was legal. That guy is a jerk. I hope we beat them and run up the score like they did to us last year.
juvenal
September 14th, 2009
3:28 pm
um has had better atheletes the last 4 yrs…
East Cobb Hokie
September 14th, 2009
3:29 pm
GA Tech Insider – good comments, but I think you missed a key point re opposing Ds. IF they try to “quickly” stop the O positions you noted, that will result in big GT plays, al la UGA last year. IMO Miami will “fly to the ball” with their speedy athletes. That is just what CPJ wants them to do. Randy Shannon is doing a great jon at UM, but does not yet fully have the attention of his youngsters yet IMO. I predict Miami will be chasing GT ball carriers down the field many times Thursday night.
logan
September 14th, 2009
3:31 pm
juvenal-
so? has it helped them?
juvenal
September 14th, 2009
4:09 pm
logan-exactly
Joe Schmoe
September 14th, 2009
4:17 pm
Final score Sam… Final score.
Joe Schmoe
September 14th, 2009
4:30 pm
Yea, what as the “U” been doing with all those recruits all these years long?
RyanGT
September 14th, 2009
4:48 pm
Hey Doug, great post and mostly agreed. The offensive line right now is a huge enigma. I was extremely impressed with the pass blocking but wholly underwhelmed with run blocking. I’m not sure how that dichotomy can exist, but it seems like some half-step draws or run-pass options would have fit well. Does CPJ have those in the arsenal?
Of course, to have good pass blocking means nothing if the passing game is suffering. I think Josh Nesbitt is in danger of becoming another (dare I say) Reggie Ball if his efficiency does not improve. Part of the magic last year was that Nesbitt was not afraid to use his feet to make plays, and turn negative yardage situations into positive ones. Besides designed QB keepers, we haven’t seen that at all.
The defense as a whole should get some love. Where they found their second wind in the fourth quarter, I don’t know. One of the biggest advantages a team can have is the opponents defense being worn down late. Our defense played the entire game and yet somehow overcame that.
One more shout out to our defensive secondary. They’ve really stepped it up from recent years and besides one or two blown coverages (against CU), they are playing great.
Overall the sentiment for the season, albeit two games in is that either we are a good (and appropriately ranked) team in need of a few adjustments – or – this is an average team who got lucky beating Clemson. I do have to agree with a previous commenter that unlike the previous coach, Paul Johnson is not going to grab defeat from the jaws of victory. We’ll win the games we’re supposed to.
blah
September 14th, 2009
5:15 pm
UM is favored by 4
Sam
September 14th, 2009
5:35 pm
Ok Joe Schmoe. Miami 38 Tech 24. Your D is pitiful. Your O becomes more vulnerable with every week that passes. Eventually with that horrendous D you have all a team has to do is slow down your O and GT takes some azz kickins. And I guess you’ll get through every game with no fumbles ala Clemson huh Joe? Take off the rose colored glasses.
Louisiana Jacket
September 14th, 2009
5:36 pm
I agree that the defensive secondary is about as good as it has been since way back in the day. I do think that the defensive coordinator will need to start blitzing a little more since other than Morgan we are not getting much pressure on the QB only rushing 4.
Nesbitt will be better than I think we can count on, this was the first game he had pressure and backs that could change coverage on him. PJ will chew him out then try to help him with slightly different routes, that will motivate Nes for this upcoming week.
Other than that I do agree that the middle of our o-line needs to step up the movement of the d-tackles.
superDawg
September 14th, 2009
5:37 pm
I have learned that tek just thinks that no one can beat them.Well here we go the bandwagon is about to be vacated due to a beat down from MIAMI.
G-Dog
September 14th, 2009
5:37 pm
Respect it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOQFs5qqWG4
Louisiana Jacket
September 14th, 2009
5:39 pm
Joe I am confused about our pitiful defense? So let me see other than 3 big plays by clemson (2 big passes where one coop got caught flat footed, the other 2 guys missed an easy tackles, and a special team play) Clemson moved the ball yes but Tech held strong most all of the night. So yeah if you are saying that Miami is going to throw the ball as far as they can and pray that our secondary runs into each other again then yes I agree our defense is miserable. Other whise you won’t be able to run the ball and will be hoping your quarterback can carry the running and passing game on his shoulders.
joetgt
September 14th, 2009
5:43 pm
i think last year miami took gt lightly and thats why gt pounded them and its could of been worse if coach johnson did not take the starters out. this year miami will not take gt lightly bc of what happen last year, but im very confident gt wins 38-17 over miami. miami has shown us how undisiplined they can be on defense and the tripple option offense only needs one mistake to take it to the house for a touchdown.john dwyer runs for 12 carries 180 yards and bebe thomas 6 cathces 150 yards. close game at half but tech pulls away in the 3rd quarter. tech could possibly finish 11-1
superDawg
September 14th, 2009
5:51 pm
Miami will score at will against your sorry D.Good luck and that will not help either.
Sam
September 14th, 2009
5:54 pm
Have it your way Tech fans. Every time you guys get those heads all blown up out of proportion GT gets hammered. That’s your history and in Tech’s case history always repeats itself. And by the way Louisiana Jacket Kyle Parker picked your secondary apart. Have him confused with Nesbitt do you? And that poor Cooper Taylor is dead meat. Every OC you play will be putting mismatches on him. The guy runs like he’s in cement.
superDawg
September 14th, 2009
6:46 pm
come on you guys,when you squeez one out you shut up when you play a patsy you are going to win the acc.whats up chicken miami got you scared.
Sam
September 14th, 2009
7:15 pm
joegt “John” Dwyer gets stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey. Dwyer for Heisman? Who came up with that one? Rueben Houston…with help from Joe Hamilton?
Can you dig it?
September 14th, 2009
7:34 pm
GT Que and logan sorry it took me so long to get back to you after your comments concerning my thoughts about your bugs.The only asinine thing on this blog is your refusal to clearly see that Tech’s football team is average at best. A great team with aspirations of winning the ACC does not let a team like Clemson come back from 24 points down and nearly win the game.You two clowns are typical Tech fans…still living in 50’s and 60’s when Tech had a team that was relavent in college football….your team will lose at least four games this year…get used to it…but please continue to paint your body yellow and wear the yellow wigs to your home games, its the only thing that makes Tech football fun to watch..
Sam
September 14th, 2009
7:39 pm
I like guys, especially those soft guys from Overtown! So soft! Better yet I like those dark brothers in Liberty City, preferably the pork n beans…. I am so soft!
Can you dig it?
September 14th, 2009
7:41 pm
Sam, how come you dont love me… is it that I am too rough for U? I like soft guys too!
Sam
September 14th, 2009
7:41 pm
Good point GT Que. UGA fans know their team has issues. They scream for Willie Martinez’ head every day. Tech fans aren’t that smart. They are either too stupid to see that THEIR team has huge issues on both sides of the ball, or just not man enough to admit it. Tech’s issues become more apparent each week that goes by. Weak undersized O line. Weak undersized D line. Secondary not good enough to compensate for it. A quarterback that can’t complete 50% of his passes against air. Just the fact that Paul Johnson is having to resort to trick plays to compensate for all his teams apparent flaws speaks volumes. And just think. The fumbles haven’t started coming by the bushel yet either. When Tech gets into the meat of their schedule it’s going to get ugly for them at times. And by the way. GT is the only school in the NCAA with a place kicker thats a better passer than the QB.
Joe Schmoe
September 14th, 2009
7:50 pm
Lord, Please keep letting these UM fans think they are going to run all over us! They are in for a good suprise.
JollyGoodFellow
September 14th, 2009
7:56 pm
45-42
DDT
September 14th, 2009
8:06 pm
JollyGoodFellow? Is that code for Gay?
Tom
September 14th, 2009
8:22 pm
You ga fans on here are pathetic. You talk trash on here when your own team has a world of issues. YOU scored 10 against osu..who gave up 45 to houston AND lost. You barely hung on to beat a crap sc team and gave up what, 37 to them? You are underDAWGS again this week. And you talk about giving up a huge lead as being an issue. Tell me what school has never done that. It happens all the time. It’s called complacency. What is important is THEY WON. And YOU DIDN’T.
So get lost losers. Oh and check out those rankings. You won’t ever see the top 25 when you get pounded by Ark this week. And come November, with that sorry offense and defense you have, gt will beat you down easily again.
Better go back to your own blogs and continue your whine fest babies.
AdMan
September 14th, 2009
8:52 pm
Tom.wife not giving you any? Why all the hostility? You Tech fans act like you won the NC. You still can’t get it through your heads that your team is average…get it…. average. You will not win the ACC and definitely will not play in a BCS Bowl….but will lose four games with one of them being to Georgia regardless of what their record is at the time Tech plays them. You only beat Georgia by 3 points last year…3 points…not 33 points.Come back to earth Tech fans your team with the gimmic offense is not that good.
Sain't Simons
September 14th, 2009
9:03 pm
Joe Schmoe-I really like the way you write. You are so creative. So witty and tricky with your incredible insight. Please enlighten this board some more with your vast football knowledge. You are so fun. I hope to see you at Atlanta Eagle, again tonight? Let’s play reverse role tonight…you play catcher and I’ll be the pitcher XOXOXOXO
DDT
September 15th, 2009
12:01 am
Tom I bet you’re the biggest puzzie that ever strolled down North Avenue.
DDT
September 15th, 2009
12:05 am
Tom needs to take his boyfriend’s panties off his head. They are keeping him from seeing clearly how mediocre GT really is this year. GT goes 7-5 in 09 and finishes no better than 3rd in their division.