Orange Bowl-bound and the future of the program
Georgia Tech is headed to the Orange Bowl with an 11-2 record.
Back in August, as I was driving back from a Falcons’ preseason game, I got a call from a national sports talk radio show that invited me to come on for a few seconds.
“What do yall want to talk about?” I asked.
“tech. My host thinks they are going to be the national champions,” the producer said.
“This year?” I asked.
“Yes” he said.
“Allright, I can see that,” I said.
And off we went.
Now, some 13-14 weeks later, the Yellow Jackets are the champions of the ACC.
But, let’s look back at the two losses. What would have happened had Tech not had three games in 12 days, with the last being at Miami? Would they have beaten the Hurricanes? Coach Paul Johnson said he watched film of the game a few weeks ago and that his players looked like they were running in quicksand they were so tired.
What if Tech had converted the fourth down against Georgia and kept its last drive going?
Ifs and buts, Ifs and buts. As Dwight Schrute says, “If ‘onlys’ and ‘buts‘ were candies and nuts, then every day would be Erntedankfest.”
I have no idea what that means, but we all get the point.
So 11-2 with two close losses. What does this mean for the future? Former Navy quarterback Chris McCoy, who played for Johnson, said he told folks that when Tech hired Johnson that they would win a national championship in three years.
What say you?
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172 comments Add your comment
wreckmaniac
December 6th, 2009
5:32 pm
I think the SEC, always the innovators (including the idea of the BCS), should form four divisions of three teams each. Let UGA go into a division with KY and Vandy and they would be SEC northeast champs every year !!! But wait, they might not beat KY again. Maybe Vandy and SC but I’m not sure about SC. Maybe Vandy and Miss State ? This has to be worked out. UGA has to have some sort of championship.
wreckmaniac
December 6th, 2009
5:33 pm
Bring O’Leary back as defensive coach.
Paddy
December 6th, 2009
5:34 pm
I really don’t believe CPJ needs to make coaching changes on his D staff. Not at all! He needs a couple more recruiting classes to get what he wants on defense. Some of you are just to quick to terminate someone when the “big picture” is what needs to be considered. We have no patience as fans. Thank God CPJ has an idea of what he is doing.
wreckmaniac
December 6th, 2009
5:35 pm
Tenuta would be an improvement but OLeary is better. He’s the equal to
Monty Kiffin.
Paddy
December 6th, 2009
5:41 pm
Little Mac….you must not be paying attention. CPJ likes it at Tech. He said just the other day he would like to stay a long time if they want me! When CPJ says something listen to him. He is a different breed of football coach. Take his words to the bank, pal. What a breath of fresh air in the college coaching ranks is CPJ. You probably don’t like his HS offense either?
macrotech
December 6th, 2009
5:42 pm
Little Mac, awwww shucks! ANYONE can win at schools glamour schools like USC, Notre Dame, BAMA and UF……it takes someone annointed to win at schools like GT and uga! CPJ is enjoying his quick success at Tech and seems confident that he can take us to the promised land of adding another crystal trophy to our trophy case…..he respects the challenge, but isn’t afraid of it! Give him time….AFTER he adds a few more trophies to our trophy case, MAYBE, he’ll want the GREATER challenge of winnin’ some in athens….afterall, he’s proven to be the type to enjoy challenges! Of course, at uga, all he’d have to do is beat UF and BAMA…..the rest seem to be pretty easy! Nice little conference you have there!
congrats bugs
December 6th, 2009
5:44 pm
nice year, great coach, u guys should compete for years to come. But -sorry- national title talk is just stupid. A state title 3 times per decade is a stretch. That said my son will be attending tech- and I believe it to be one of the best schools on earth.
killerJ
December 6th, 2009
5:49 pm
Enjoy The Swamp Land Pups, Were Heading To The Palace,As Clemson Fans Say “You Suck”.4 TO 1 Baby! Note* 5 & 1 in the orange bowl delight!
GTobserver
December 6th, 2009
5:51 pm
CPJ has an ego and likes the stage. He will be gone in 2 years to a really big stage….say OU.
louisville slugger
December 6th, 2009
5:56 pm
Interesting question… would PJ consider Jon Tenuta back at DC? I’m thinking he’s about to become available…
Whiney Dawgs
December 6th, 2009
5:57 pm
How bout them dawgs…going to a mid December in Shreveport. Highlight of the year…play over their heads to get by GT. Biggest winn in 10+ years. Doomed to 6-6 or 7-5 record for many years to come. GO JACKETS!!!
JB
December 6th, 2009
6:09 pm
If your Jr’s bail, you win 6 maybe 7, next yr.
We, on the other hand, should we have a QB win probaly 10.
The new streak will take it’s usual path. Another long one. Is what it is.
HBTD!!!
Madison
December 6th, 2009
6:11 pm
UGA is so green with envy they are going to make it their new color next year.
Solid Gold Dancer
December 6th, 2009
6:32 pm
OLeary probably wouln’t take anything lower than a head coachin job anywhere….especially at Tech. Tenuta? Maybe. Although there may be a pride issue (being passed over for the head position) and working for the great man who beat him out of it.
CONCERNED and REALISTIC Tech Alum
December 6th, 2009
6:36 pm
ESPN has updated their Class of 2010 rankings and Georgia is among six SEC teams ranked in the Top 15. The Bulldogs’ group is currently ranked No. 4 in the country behind No. 1 Florida (that’s right, in recruiting, too), No. 3 Alabama and ahead of No. 6 Tennessee, No. 7 LSU, No. 8 Auburn and No. 14 South Carolina. Tech is not even on the LIST!!! You can only win with talent, and 2 out of our 3 best guys (Dwyer, Morgan) go into the NFL next year. Like they say in the south, if you can’t run with the big dogs, you gotta pee on the porch (ACC) with the puppies.
joop
December 6th, 2009
6:37 pm
Have they announced who is going to beat Tech in the Orange Bowl yet?
JB
December 6th, 2009
6:42 pm
Do we wish we went 11-2 , this year? Sure. Are we envious of your long term prospects, or even near term? Ahhhh, no.
HBTD!!!
Thumper
December 6th, 2009
6:48 pm
No, Joop, that announcement comes on Fox Network around 8:00 p.m. Dumbass.
BS Patrol
December 6th, 2009
6:51 pm
CPJ will be at Tech longer than Richt will be at ga. “Book it ” as doggies w/ no money to back it up like to say.
Can someone pls kick the ball into the end zone? Starting on the 40 is killing our D.
Meanwhile: RAMBLIN’ WRECK!
droberson
December 6th, 2009
6:54 pm
Here’s something for you to mull: The ACC Coastal will probably be the toughest division of any conference in the country next year, regardless of who returns to Ga. Tech.
Virginia Tech, Miami and North Carolina return just about everyone.
And on the other side, Clemson returns most except for Spiller (that’s a big except), as does FSU.
BC was a good, albeit inexperienced team.
Could be interesting next year.
Some Sense
December 6th, 2009
6:58 pm
Guys, come on.
Let’s…UGA fans…don’t REDNECK up this blog.
GT is league champs and goin’ to the by God Orange Bowl.
Give ‘em a break and quit bein’ a bunch of horrible SaintSimonsesque REDNECKS.
Go dogs.
IndyGT
December 6th, 2009
7:00 pm
We need more than offense. We are the most one dimensional team in the country. Right now, if I were to grade tech – the Offense gets an A, special teams gets C (can’t we just kick the ball 5 yards deep into the end zone on kick offs?), defense gets a D (get one stop a game, that’s poor). We couldn’t stop the run against Vandy! I love CPJ more than anyone, but I can’t stand another year of defense like this. If we’re this bad next year.. Wommack needs to go. And no to Tenuta! How about Ted Roof??
Observer
December 6th, 2009
7:19 pm
Georgia fans are just a bunch of whiners! I’m a Tech fan but I’m on Georgia’s side when they are playing anyone other than Tech. Support your team and quit cry babying about Tech being good this year. Geez!
Triple Option
December 6th, 2009
7:21 pm
UGA sucks. You still didn’t beat us.
30 -24.
son_sir
December 6th, 2009
7:22 pm
I think Tech could be BCS contenders year in, year out. NC contenders maybe. One little break here and there makes all the difference. The good thing is, Tech can realistically set a NC as the goal. This was thought to be beyond the realm of possiblility a very short while ago.
It’s been proven that when the execution is there, this offense is as good as any. The weakness, as all see, is the defense. Tech’s front 7 on D was manhandled by LSU last year, by UGA and Miami this year, and pretty much by Clemson last night. The focus definitely needs to be there for Tech to contend at the top on a regular basis. Wommack gets a lot of blame and maybe it is justified. However, Tech’s undersized D is getting pushed around by bigger, stronger offensive lines. Tenuto tried to negate this disadvantage with a blitz or die attitude to make things happen. Often it worked and often it got the Jackets burned.
The return next year of those now injured should help, but Morgan will be playing on Sundays next year. T.J. Barnes has got the tools if he can get the motivation. I expected him to break out this year. Didn’t happen.
I hate to focus on the negative, when the positives of Tech’s program far outnumber the bad, but we’re talking NC aspirations. Here’s hoping some DL’s and LB’s get a lot bigger and stronger in the offseason. If they can get this fixed, the sky is the limit. If not, get used to more high scoring, nail biting finishes in the future. Lord knows there has been enough of them this year. It’s been a fun ride though. Go Jackets ! Bring back a big gold bowl full of oranges !
Whiney Dawgs
December 6th, 2009
7:23 pm
We beat tech…we are better than tech….4th rate highschool offense…we should play Tx in the NC…Whine, whine, whine, Whaaaaa Whaaa Whaaaa
Triple Option
December 6th, 2009
7:24 pm
GA Tech Student Wish List:
1. Not get robbed going to or from school
2. Beat UGA
GT fan...
December 6th, 2009
7:33 pm
Great game Jackets!! Orange Bowl, sole NATIONAL exposure for the program on 1/5/10 – very nice!
Lot of injuries on the D this season. Cooper Taylor played in only 3 games, and Kyle Jackson (the best LB) didn’t play in any. D-line got banged-up too. Giving up 3rd & longs so much this season is what bothers me. Changing the DC … maybe? But I wouldn’t bring in any of the people being mentioned on this blog. Mayber check into the TCU coaching staff???
For the “if GT was 13-0 right now” posts ….. if GT was 13-0 they would be NO WORSE than #3 b/c they started the season ranked higher than TCU, Cincy, & Boise. And the BS that is the BCS wouldn’t let a non BCS conference team be ranked ahead of a BCS conf team. They just won’t do it. It’s all about $$$$$, and their $$$$ is with 6 confs that don’t have TCU, Cincy, or Boise in them. Just look at it this season when Iowa jumped up to #4.
For the bitter GA fans that acutally think GT can’t win the NC, just get over it. If GT wins the Orange Bowl they will be ranked in the top 10 next season, if not the top 5, and should the Jackets win them all next year, I’d bet the bank on it that their 14th win would in the bs BCS NC game.
BUZZ LIGHTYEAR
December 6th, 2009
7:34 pm
Well, I can tell you this. Congrats to TECH for winning the ACC Championship. Wear those Yellow Jacket sweatshirts, jackets, hats & tee-shirts proudly. I’ll wear my UGA apparel proudly. And when we see each other, make no mistake on WHO RUNS THIS STATE.
Now, enjoy your championship, whatever it really means.
Suck a duck dawgs
December 6th, 2009
7:36 pm
Suck my A$$ you nasty, fat redneck dawg fans–enjoy your bowl game in the ‘best’ part of Louisiana. Texas A&M will rail you like a $2 w h o r e. LMFAOSUCKMEOFFBIATCH
Stay classy, Shreveport.
Tech is on the way up
December 6th, 2009
7:37 pm
Tech is definately on its way to becoming the premier college team in the state. They need to beef up lines, and work on defense.
Miami caught them at a good time… and Georgia played its best game against a Tech team that played its worst, and the game was still in doubt until the last minute.
The worm has turned in the state.. Dawg fans refuse to accept it, but I would be good money… over the next 5 years, the glory will be found in Atlanta… not Athens.
Whiney Dawgs
December 6th, 2009
7:37 pm
Stop picking on us nerds….we beat you fair and square…we deserve a BCS bid because we are UGA….we should take Fla’s place…whaaaa, wahaaaa.
GO TECH
December 6th, 2009
7:40 pm
First, win the Orange Bowl, then get a new Defensive Coordinator, hope Dwyer, Thomas and Morgan return, then beat Georgia.
Suck a duck dawgs
December 6th, 2009
7:40 pm
You whine just like your mom whined…after I stuck it in her. She enjoyed something a little different than some shriveled up redneck inbred pecker in her
ROY ROGERS
December 6th, 2009
7:40 pm
GT fan, Do you really think TECH can hold a candle to ALABAMA?? You, Sir, are truly delusional. After the LSU beatdown last year, and the UGA whooping, I’d have thought that was clear. Winning the ACC may mean that you could make it to the BCS national title game, but winning it is totally a different story. lol
Suck a duck dawgs
December 6th, 2009
7:41 pm
Suck my A$$ you nasty, fat redneck dawg fans–enjoy your bowl game in the ‘best’ part of Louisiana. Texas A&M will rail you like a $2 w h o r e. LMFAOSUCKMEOFFBIATCH
Stay classy, Shreveport.
Suck a duck dawgs
December 6th, 2009
7:42 pm
Suck my A$$ you nasty, fat redneck dawg fans–enjoy your bowl game in the ‘best’ part of Louisiana. Texas A&M will rail you like a $2 w h o r e. LMFAOSUCKMEOFFBIATCH
Stay classy, Shreveport—
Suck a duck dawgs
December 6th, 2009
7:42 pm
Look:
Suck my A$$ you nasty, fat redneck dawg fans–enjoy your bowl game in the ‘best’ part of Louisiana. Texas A&M will rail you like a $2 w h o r e. LMFAOSUCKMEOFFBIATCH
Stay classy, Shreveport.
Suck a duck dawgs
December 6th, 2009
7:43 pm
And one more time for &&&&& and giggles:
Suck my A$$ you nasty, fat redneck dawg fans–enjoy your bowl game in the ‘best’ part of Louisiana. Texas A&M will rail you like a $2 w h o r e. LMFAOSUCKMEOFFBIATCH
Stay classy, Shreveport.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
BUZZ LIGHTYEAR
December 6th, 2009
7:43 pm
Well, I can tell you this. Congrats to TECH for winning the ACC Championship. Wear those Yellow Jacket sweatshirts, jackets, hats & tee-shirts proudly. I’ll wear my UGA apparel proudly. And when we see each other, make no mistake on WHO RUNS THIS STATE.
Now, enjoy your championship, whatever it really means.
Dr DooLittle
December 6th, 2009
7:45 pm
((((((((((((((((((((30-24)))))))))))))))))))
Suck a duck dawgs
December 6th, 2009
7:45 pm
I make no mistakes…when I drill your mom….she’s meeting me on south beach after the orange bowl…she figured that would be a better time than shreveport. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Whiney Dawgs
December 6th, 2009
7:46 pm
Hell yes Buzz….we run this state….best academics…and best bowl game…I can hardly wait to feast on that buffet at the Sizzilin in Shreveport.
Coach Pa Jamas
December 6th, 2009
7:51 pm
Wow. ‘Suck a duck dawgs’, speaking of ‘classy Shreveport’ and your post telling DAWG fans to’ Suck my A$$ you nasty, fat redneck dawg fans’. Calling the kettle black, are we?
BUZZ LIGHTYEAR
December 6th, 2009
7:57 pm
Whiney Dawgs, I think you know what I mean, being a ‘TECH’ person, you at least have to be smart enough to figure this out, right??
Yeah, that’s what I thought.
Clint
December 6th, 2009
7:58 pm
An open letter to the “Bulldog Nation”. Trust us, we are not insecure about our program. We just sit and sometimes wonder how the state school with 35k students in the one of the best state high school football programs always recruits a top 5 class but consistently disappoints. UGA should be competing with Florida, USC, Bama, Ohio State, Texas, but somehow doesn’t. It’s called coaching down my good friends. Tech sits back and watches Salley with his 4 championship rings, Teixeira win a MLB championship, and our increasing number of standout NFL players- actually we pull for Stafford to throw to Calvin. We are looking forward to a number of years of watching Dwyer, Thomas and others in the NFL. We understand your high school bench press was a few kegs ago. We understand your feeling a little heat as more top recruits are heading our way. We are looking forward to Miami and for you seeing Favors in action soon. Anyway- hope this helped.
BUZZ LIGHTYEAR
December 6th, 2009
8:01 pm
Clint, WOW, you just cleared up things for us. Hey, while you’re at it, could you explain how the ACC champion loses to a 7-5 SEC team?
Thanks.
Sincerely,
BUZZ LIGHTYEAR
Joe Schmoe
December 6th, 2009
8:03 pm
TCU VS BOISE IN THE Fiesta
Starring Peter Graves as Capt. Clarence Over
December 6th, 2009
8:06 pm
Where are all the ones that were saying Clemson would stop Tech’s “high school” offense because they had played earlier this year? Clemson stopped Tech ONCE all night. They have seen the offense earlier & stopped it better the first time they played. BTW, Necks, Enjoy Shreveport for the SECOND time.
jack tech off
December 6th, 2009
8:08 pm
30-24 hahaha lozers.