GT’s path to the ACC title game wide open
Earlier in the day, I posted a bunch of game-after quotes, the lazy-man’s blog.
However, that was before Clemson defeated Miami in Miami. Now, Georgia Tech needs to only win its two remaining ACC games, against Wake Forest and Duke, no less, and it’s headed to Tampa to play for the ACC title.
Who would they play, you ask? Right now, it would be a rematch against the Tigers. Clemson and BC are tied atop the Atlantic, but the Tigers have the tie-breaker thanks to the beatdown they administered to the Eagles earlier this year. Remember that one? BC had 54 yards, I think, in the game.
I think of all the teams from the Atlantic that Tech would not want to play, Clemson would be at the top of that list. The Tigers seem to have gotten things figured out on offense now, and freshman quarterback Kyle Parker, for all the mistakes he made against Miami, still led the the Tigers to the win in a tough place to play.
Plus, the Tigers have the experience of already playing Tech’s offense once this season. Of course, CPJ has the experience of playing them, as well.
———–
Now, back to what I had earlier:
Georgia Tech Player Quotes
Junior Running Back Anthony Allen
On winning in Charlottesville for the first time since 1990:
“Coach gives us all the motivation we had a lot of firsts this year and this has to be one of the biggest ones.”
On wearing down the Virginia defense:
“When we had that 11 minute drive as A-backs, we are rolling in and out.
We are staying fresh as we’re coming in looking at the lineman across from us. That dog tired. We knew we had them right then.”
On the difference makers between this season and last season:
“We are just playing as a team. We are trying to finish. We are practicing hard, getting ready for our games better we are just playing as a team a lot better this year.”
On the effectiveness of the triple option:
“I was just going to my assignments, but with the triple option they have to stop three valuable assets to the game they have to stop the dive, they have to stop the quarterback, and they have to stop the pitch. Sometimes you can tell that they get weary going to stop one part while they are trying to get to another part.”
On the success of the pitch:
“With the 3-4 defense that they run, they have the second man on line which is usually the guy we pitch off of and he was coming up and trying to play the pitch and the quarterback, but he had to determine which one he wanted.
“He was taking the quarterback and then sometimes he couldn’t get out.”
On the significance of the win:
“We came into the locker room at halftime and we knew we were playing for the championship. We were playing to go into first place. We had to come out in the second half and take it home. We had to play smash-mouth football and that’s what we did.”
Georgia Tech Head Coach Paul Johnson
On the win:
“That was a good win. We didn’t play very well in the first half and you have to give Virginia some credit. They showed up and played hard. I thought we played much better in the second half. We controlled the game on offense, and once we got in the red zone on defense, not to give up a touchdown was big. As long as you do that, you’re going to win a lot of football games.”
On Georgia Tech’s defense:
“We didn’t give up any big plays and that was key. If you don’t give up a big play, you have the chance to snap it again and make another play on defense. When you hold them to nine points, that’s pretty good.”
On Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt:
“He’s way better now than he was a year ago. The more you do things, the better you’re going to get at them. I think the game has slowed down for him. Last year, the game was so fast for him. He has a better feel for what is going on.”
On the Georgia Tech team:
“They believe in themselves and what we are doing here. They’ve worked hard.
When they come to play, they feel like they are going to win. Everyone keeps doubting them, and they keep coming back and trying to answer the call.”
On winning at Virginia for the first time since 1990:
“I talked to them about it before the game. I told them that Georgia Tech hadn’t won here since 1990, and that they could be the team to break that streak.”
Junior Running Back Jonathan Dwyer
On field conditions and effects:
“I wouldn’t say it was difficult to cut. It was difficult to burst felt like you had 20-pound weights on your feet. That was kind of unusual. I wasn’t used to that since high school.”
On intensity:
“I guess a lot of guys on the team were challenging me to go full speed and go all out throughout this whole game and take every opportunity that’s given to me. I was trying to make a play to get the team fired up.”
On breaking tackles:
“My position coach [Brian] Bohannon keep telling me on the head set, ‘Keep plugging, keep plugging. You’re going to break one sooner or later. So just keep playing.’ That was my mindset throughout the whole game.”
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276 comments Add your comment
Old fashion hate
October 24th, 2009
10:33 pm
bring lipstick the pigs are coming.tuck fech!
Ezekiel
October 24th, 2009
10:37 pm
Tech has a great opportunity now and the way they are playing and with their dedication no reason why they won’t win the ACC. The media has always gushed on Florida State and Miami and Virginia Tech. Now they have to finally acknowlege Georgia Tech. To talk more Tech football join us at: http://www.bbuzzoff.com
Old fashion hate
October 24th, 2009
10:38 pm
pucker up for a big ass whipping,nov.28.
Mark Richt
October 24th, 2009
10:39 pm
Coach Ray Goof just sold me 1 of his chicken shacks. Please come by for 2 for 1 wings, a free test drive in a Ford pickup.
Jim
October 24th, 2009
10:54 pm
Thanks to Clemson we can go to Tampa if we win out. However, the opponent there may be Clemson who is still steaming about their loss in September. So we better calm down a bit hope that our defense keeps improving.
Pi$$onaDawg
October 24th, 2009
11:04 pm
Thanks to CUZ and 45ACP for enjoying all the GAMES with GT fans. You pulled for TECH to get the games they needed if for nothing better than to pull for UGA to UPSET TECH, but you are 2 class acts. Tech fans CUZ’s daughter BAYLIE needs your prayers for a healing and a GREAT life. Please add BAYLIE–CUZ to your church/ sunday school prayer list for her healing. Red& Black or Old Gold & White CHILDREN are not something to be overlooked.
GTMike
October 24th, 2009
11:11 pm
I agree with Jim… I would much rather play Boston College than Clemson. I’m confident that we could beat them again, but if given the choice I’d prefer to never have to play against a team with CJ Spiller and Jacoby Ford.
TML
October 24th, 2009
11:11 pm
GT is the ACC’s best team. Has been, is now, and after Dook and Wake get dispatched, the Jackets will prove it in Tampa.
The streak is broken. The Jackets have won in Scott Stadium. Get your own “copy” of the last win at Scott Stadium – 1990’s 41-38 triumph on the way to the 4th national title. “Toe Meets Leather” at http://www.stinGTees.com!
macrotech
October 24th, 2009
11:15 pm
Squashedbyabug, I am saddened for your plight in this world. Hope you get promoted to fries soon….THAT’S when the big bucks start rollin’ in!!! Gooooooooooo Yellow Jackets!!!
To all the classier Dawg fans…get that train back on track so that we can ALL look forward to a great game in Nov.!
Pi$$onaDawg
October 24th, 2009
11:18 pm
CMR wher can I buy a RAMBLIN WRECK MODEL T FORD to run over and over and over my dawg? I want to ask UGA VII if he wants to let me run over him in privite or does UGA VII just want to drink the ANTIFREEZE straight from the WRECK before the game.
Pi$$onaDawg
October 24th, 2009
11:21 pm
I would like to again say PRAYERS for CUZ and BAYLIE people it is above football.
Flowery Branch Yellow Jacket
October 24th, 2009
11:31 pm
Do you realize that there are only two teams in the country (Iowa and Alabama) that have won more games than the Jackets this season?! I was optimistic before the season … but who would’da thunk it? I know there are still more games to play, but I also know that our toughest opponents (at least on paper) are already behind us. If we can avoid stupid mistakes (turnovers, penalties, etc), then we have a very realistic chance of finishing the regular season with a record of 11-1 … exceptional! Another win over Clemson (or whomever the Atlantic champion might be) would have us going to a BCS bowl with a record of 12-1. IF we could win that game too, then this team could do something that no Tech team has ever done … win 13 games in a single season! I believe the next couple of months are going to be lots of fun!
gTa oLdSchOOl
October 24th, 2009
11:32 pm
i really really really hate to say this but GT needs Florida to lose next weekend!
so i wanna pull for UGA but at the same time i dont!!!!!!
Flowery Branch Yellow Jacket
October 24th, 2009
11:34 pm
Old School … I don’t know why we need Florida to lose next week. I believe their best chance to lose will be against the old ball coach in Columbia on November 14. In the meantime, I hope they can find their offense again next week … at least for one game!
K with a K
October 25th, 2009
12:05 am
It’s all in front of us boys!!! 3 goals I had for the season can all still happen
1: Undefeated at home
2: Go to the ACC Champ game
3: Lead the Nation in Rushing
GO JACKETS!!
Pi$$onaDawg
October 25th, 2009
12:45 am
Who WOULD be better to play for the ACC title than the 2 last ACC TEAMS(before the reconstruction) to win National Championships? 81 Clemson and 90 Ga. Tech. I think that will sell TICKETS to TAMPA. Just Check how long GT and CU have been playing. You have heard the there is the GOOD–GT The Bad—UGA and The UGLY—CLEMSON. I wnat to get to play AUBURN with a LAKE again.
macrotech
October 25th, 2009
12:45 am
CUZ, has bailey had a set back? Continued prayers!!!
Pi$$onaDawg
October 25th, 2009
12:49 am
I just I foundout I am a daddy. My girlfriend just crapped a UGA VIII. CALL sonny in savannah he has the best chance for UGA to win on the Flats and my girl just made it happen after a night of eating Mexican food.
Pi$$onaDawg
October 25th, 2009
12:52 am
MACRO thanks for knowing Baylie is in need of our UGA and GT prayers. SHe is bigger that the football crap talking. CUZ said she went to school only 1 day last week and they are gitting some type of home school help.
Ryder
October 25th, 2009
1:21 am
Tech may go higher than Iowa even with the close victory. We have to hope that TCU, Boise State, and Iowa fall at least once the remainder of the season, and it Tech finishes the job with only one loss and an ACC Championship, it will be very interesting to see where they are placed going forward.
HuskerRed
October 25th, 2009
2:00 am
Hell of a win GT. Option ain’t over folks, it’s alive and well and kicking the crap out of teams in the ACC. Hopefully you guys starting getting some respect from the national media. F’n awesome!!!
macrotech
October 25th, 2009
2:09 am
Pi$$onaDawg, I’ve been praying for that little girl since Cuz shared the news with us. I’m a HUGE fan of prayer and it’s effects on situations in our lives…. I’m a Tech fan, afterall! In light of her health concerns, a Tech National Championship will ALWAYS be small in comparison to a little girls struggle with life. Prayers are the least one can offer! GO TECH!!!
T.O.S.S.
October 25th, 2009
6:42 am
Great win nerds. Now please, enjoy it… I know a few of you are more interested in Georgia’s bad season than your great one (see: any UGA blog and subseqent comments for proof). Don’t be that guy… enjoy it.
Yellow Fuzz
October 25th, 2009
6:42 am
Go DOGS
Always happy to put georgia in their rightful place. Second
T.O.S.S.
October 25th, 2009
6:46 am
Pi$$onadawg, your class is exceptional… nice win, now act like you have been there. Perhaps you should let go of your anger and enjoy the great seaon you are having. You talk more about your hatred for the Dawgs than you do about Tech’s magical year. Lame.
T.O.S.S.
October 25th, 2009
6:47 am
Enjoy it while you can Yellow Fuzz… very good year. Congrats. Does a losing record vs. UGA over the last 10 years make you second?
Yellow Fuzz
October 25th, 2009
6:54 am
T.O.S.S.
I am not “more” interested but I am interested. It almost feels as good to see you guys publically eat crow as it does to see Tech win.
And it was a georgia fan on a Tech blog that said he hoped they spoiled “our” season on November 28th. What a difference a year makes, huh?
Yellow Fuzz
October 25th, 2009
6:55 am
TOSS,
Does a losing record vs. UGA over the last 10 years make you second?
No, but 45-42 does
yellowjacket82
October 25th, 2009
7:03 am
Great win Jackets…take care of business and it’s on to Tampa.
Hey TOSS…you talk about having class, but have none. You can help us enjoy our win by staying off our blog.
snapshot
October 25th, 2009
7:07 am
Several times last year I said that Paul Johnson would turn the football program into something special and it looks like he is well under way. I have been a Navy fan and a fan of CPJ for some time and this is the most exciting offense in football. I have also been a Tech fan for many years and can tell you this for sure, the excitement it back at Georgia Tech. I just hope CJ will stay around for a while.
Go Yellow Jackets!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THWG
Yellow Fuzz
October 25th, 2009
7:14 am
TOSS & Go Dogs,
Talk to me again when the new polls come out this afternoon. If georgia is not in the top 25 you have nothing to say to the Tech Nation. It’s time for you guys to learn your new role.
T.O.S.S.
October 25th, 2009
7:39 am
Like I said, nice win.
Leonard Post Toasties
October 25th, 2009
7:46 am
Great effort against UVA,,OK,now there is ONLY Vandy.What happens at any other school,at any other game,in any poll,the following weeks is irrelevent.We do what we are supposed to do and let the talking heads sort it all out.Win THIS week. PERIOD
big dog
October 25th, 2009
7:47 am
There is no doubt about it, if Tech stays focused on one game at time, they could wind up im Pasedena. Right now they are playing as well as any team in the country. The performance against VT and V in the rain was damn impressive!! But Any let downs, and the ACC title will be lost.
GT Rules State
October 25th, 2009
7:52 am
Sat down w/ coffee and find it amuzing that we still got dawgs barking up GT blog. Their biggest game this year will try to be the spoiler in GT’’s year. TOSS, your only as good as your current record … sorry dude, but you’re in the past. If I may however, just been 20 years since GT had a national title and 30 for UGA. Look whose closer. Go jackets.
snapshot
October 25th, 2009
8:03 am
I was hoping that MS would take care of Florida last night but it did not happen. Now for the first time in my life I will pull for those (fill in the blank) from athens. We need all of the teams in the poles that are ahead of us to loose.
Go You Hairy Yellow Jackets!!!!!!!!!!!and THWG for now.
BankerDawg
October 25th, 2009
8:05 am
Great win yesterday for you guys….congrats.
Regarding playing Clemson in the ACCCG, remember, you have CPJ and they have Dabo….it’s not even close.
You guys should win your next three and be sitting pretty (although am I crazy or does Duke look like a difficult game for you guys?) when we come to Bobby Dodd at the end of November.
See you all then!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS!
Supersize that order, mutt
October 25th, 2009
8:08 am
Pi$$ or macro, can either of you, or anybody else, please fill me in on cuz and his daughter? I know he is in Augusta, as I am, and apparently lives relatively close to me. But I don’t know him, and I guess I missed all the earlier exchanges about Bailey. Since we are in the same town, it would be nice to mention him at my church for prayers in some way other than just a guy from online with a sick daughter. Can anybody help???
Yellow Fuzz
October 25th, 2009
8:21 am
Big Dog,
WE don’t need YOU to tell us how to prepare OR play a game. Thanks anyhow.
Georgia
October 25th, 2009
8:21 am
too many teams ahead of Tech won….Also Clemson is the last team we want to face right now..they are LOADED with talent
GTRich
October 25th, 2009
8:24 am
Miami in 10th spot was the only top 10 team to lose. Oregon which is in front of
Tech may claim the 10th spot, Tech moves to 11th (BCS), I think.
Yellow Fuzz
October 25th, 2009
8:25 am
I’d say Coach Johnson and his staff are right on schedule with their gimick high school offense
1. Dethrone georgia (45-42-2009)
2. Get to and win an ACC Championship Game (December 4th 2010)
3. Compete for BCS title (2011-2102)
Gary
October 25th, 2009
8:28 am
UGAg to get spanked by UF this week…and Georgia Tech after Turkey Day….Life is good, and CPJ could kick CMR’s A$$.
juvenal
October 25th, 2009
8:35 am
don’t hate anybody, just wanna party like it’s 1990…go daugs, beat tha gatas…Predator #18 & #1…
Ed
October 25th, 2009
8:50 am
No discussion of great GT quarterbacks is valid without including Billy Lothridge. Remember going to a big bowl game and defeating UGA almost every year? Number three in Heisman his junior year?
GA Tech Insider
October 25th, 2009
8:54 am
Well, my friends, I think I mentioned that Paul Johnson and the boys had a great week of practice and wanted some “Hoos” for lunch yesterday! I guess you can imagine it was a rather fun flight back from Charlottesville.
If you think Vandy’s going to be taken for granted; the coaches are already in the film room breaking down their team this morning.
The mantra for Paul is that this coming weekend’s game is the most important game of the year, and yesterday’s game is history. He’ll find enough that went wrong to be able to keep coaching the boys up, I can assure you. I can also tell you, that the team has really bought into what Coach Johnson and the staff are preaching; they’ve come to realize that when the coaching staff’s not satisfied, and they have found things that can be improved upon, they are really taking it to heart. I think you can see it start to play out on the field.
Finally, a couple of comments on the Georgia fans on this blog. To those UGA fans who have made the comments of congratulations – you show a lot of class for yourself and for the program you support. I know that it’s hard recognize a rival sometimes, and the fact that you’ve done so is quite commendable and makes for us to have a great game come this November without the nastiness between the fans. On the other hand, we see some other Bulldog fans on here who, I guess, are so bitter that their own team is doing so poorly that it makes them feel better by trying to hurl insults at their rivals’ fans.
Obviously, their juvenile antics are not going to change the outcome of any game, and all that they’re going to accomplish is to provoke similar responses from the GA Tech faithful in return which, I might add, will also have no affect on the outcome of any game.
With these two sets of children playing paddy cake on the blogs, normal sports enthusiasts who are interested in actually discussing games, etc. are left with sifting through their babble to get to the actual discussions that were the intended purpose of the lead of the blog. If you think about it, it’s almost comical how these children are allowed to hijack these blogs from the AJC writers. It’s like lunatics running the insane asylum.
Johnboy
October 25th, 2009
9:01 am
”It’s hard to play against them because they have all those different options,” Virginia defensive lineman John-Kevin Dolce said. ”One player, and the next, and the next.”
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/gameflash/2009/10/24/40620_recap.html?xid=si_ncaaf#ixzz0Ux5rAIQR
Get a free NFL Team Jacket and Tee with SI Subscription
BuLLsh**t
October 25th, 2009
9:12 am
yes, you have noticed i’m a little obsessive/complusive….a bit of a retard.
I am prone to hours of research to produce meaningless stats to post on blogs where no one cares.
While I try to point out GT is inferior to Ugay, i’m clearly obsessed with GT and its program.
Because my football program is spiraling towards mediocrity, I must find other things to focus on.
I am unable to deal with the fact that CPJ is one of the best coaches in the nation, better than any other college football coach in the state of Georgia.
I will now go do some further research on the merits of preseason national titles and how UGAy has more than GT.
Edman
October 25th, 2009
9:29 am
Dawg fan here. Tech is having a hell of a season and I offer my congratulations. The dawgs are having an off year and Tech is rolling along winning games and setting themselves up for a great season. Good luck the rest of the way, with one exception.
son_sir
October 25th, 2009
9:52 am
Nice for Tech to finally be able to control their destiny. Thanks Clemson. The fact that GT is near a championiship of any kind so soon after Chan was shown the door is pretty remarkable. Are there any doubters that the Flexbone can be successful at this level now ? What idiot at Georgia Southern decided it was time to can this offense ? The Eagles haven’t sniffed the playoffs since.
Playing in the ACCCG looks likely, not just possible. A top tier bowl is well within reach. The Dawgs are by far the most talented team left on the schedule. Good thing the Jackets have the open week before the game this year. The Jackets need the time to work on covering A.J. Green. A loss to someone else is very possible, but I doubt CPJ will allow that kind of letdown to occur.
Looking at the national picture and schedules of top ten teams, any significant move up in the polls looks very difficult. There’s a good chance there will be a gaggle of undefeated teams after the regular season and the BCS arguments will be as loud as ever. Nonetheless, 7-1 in year two of a new system with a young team is pretty incredible !