Quotes from Tech’s loss
SHREVEPORT, La. — Quotes from Georgia Tech’s 14-7 loss to Air Force in the Independence Bowl, courtesy of bowl organizers:
Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson
“Air Force played a very good game. I said before the game started that the team that won the turnover battle is going to win the game and that is what happened. The way the game was going I knew both teams were not going to have the ball many times and I knew that.”
“We started the second half and we put together a great drive and then we fumbled the ball on the 3-yard line. It was kind of a microcosm of our season. Then we come in and have a defensive series and hold them, fumble again, go out and hold them. Then fumble again. It is hard to overcome all of those mistakes.”
“It is very disappointing. At the start of the third quarter I thought we had the game right where we wanted it. They got a touchdown and go up 14-7, but to their credit we didn’t get it in. We fumbled the ball.”
“We had to go to our back up returner, and he didn’t have it. He misjudged the first one and then he probably lost confidence after that. He has been the back-up returner all year and it is just one of those things. We had our chances, so don’t lay the loss on him.”
Defensive End Jason Peters
“Sometimes things don’t go your way and at this point we should know how to grow and mature as a team and learn how to handle those things better. The situations that don’t turn out in our favor we need to learn how to turn it in our favor and have a better outcome next time.
“That is one thing we expected to do and we expected from the young guys and you see how they work in practice. We push each other and we push ourselves and we know that we expect that from the rest of them.”
Running back Anthony Allen
On fumble before halftime
“We are kinda used to having long drives and taking some time off the clock and driving down and grinding it in. It is kinda heartbreaking and frustrating when you drive all the way into the red zone and have a fumble. The momentum kind of turned around from there when they went and scored.”
On if reality has set in that he has played his final college game
“Oh yeah most definitely. This was my last game. I wanted to go out with a win and get Georgia Tech its first bowl win in a few years but that is the way the season went, it was very frustrating. We had opportunities to make plays and win games and we did not do it.”
Air Force coach Troy Calhoun
On first half:
“We were fair on our execution in the first half, and when we’re fair we don’t move the ball nearly as proficiently. Our guys were excited, had a great week of practice, but we just weren’t quite as crisp as we have to be.”
“I thought the drive that we engineered prior to the half time was huge. It just gave us a real good boost coming in. To be able to move down the field . . . we took some shots and we able to make good throws, and in the end were able to convert the field goal. That was a key drive.”
On the upcoming off season:
“We’ll start from scratch. There’s a good bit of building that will have to occur, but we aren’t starting from the beginning. When you think of all the guys you have to replace . . . I mean we’ve got guys that have started nearly 40 games . . . and so we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.”
On the passing game:
“Coming in we thought we were going to have to hit some play action passes. Coming into the game it was going to be the turnover margin that would be a key part of it and special teams, and, just, how efficiently you could throw would be a part of it too.”
“We’ve got a guy who’s a heck of a passer and we do a tremendous job with protection. We have some capable guys on the outside who are able to run routes too.”
On 4th down conversion attempts:
“Our guys are good enough to execute. That’s who you trust.”
On the field goal kicker getting “iced” at the end of the first half:
“These guys aren’t going to get too riled up. They love to play. You’re not going to be around guys who are any more passionate, any more disciplined, guys that have any more care or pride in them than these guys. Ask these guys what’s it’s like to go through a basic training at the Air Force Academy. . . There’s some poise these guys have—that’s why they’re going to be great leaders.”
Running back Jared Tew
“That first half our offense struggled a little bit, we only got six points on the board, and we came into the locker room at half time and, just, realized we have to put some plays together, we’ve got to execute better than we did in that first half, and basically, if we took care of our responsibilities and every person did their job we knew we could drive the ball, and that’s pretty much what we did.”
On his last TD:
“My number got called on the three yard line and coach SingIeton [] says you get the ball in the red zone you don’t get stopped. I got lucky enough to get my number called, and in my last name I was lucky enough to get a touchdown. It’s pretty cool to end like that.”
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455 comments Add your comment
KindaAfanoftech
December 28th, 2010
2:40 pm
Does anyone like watching the offence? It’s about my least favortie in college football. Or does anyone feel like CPJ does a good job of Modivating the Team? He comes across as out of touch with college students.
New Sheriff In Town
December 28th, 2010
2:44 pm
Paul Johnson’s offense=8 points per game in bowl games.
Too bad this isn’t baseball.
Dodd era Jacket
December 28th, 2010
2:46 pm
Coach Dodd’s bowl legacy has been destroyed.AF out-disciplined GT,no hair hanging out of their helmets,no grins on the sideline,etc.,etc.,etc.Tech has always had a hard time recruiting, but not winning.Four national championships came from great coaching (Heisman,Alexander,Dodd,Ross) and discipline.If he can’t recruit, CPJ should at least hold the player’s responsible for their effort on and off the field.
Axlrodes
December 28th, 2010
2:59 pm
I watched that game, and i would not say the problem is entirely Paul Johnson. The players representing Georgia Tech had absolutely NO passion or drive for that game.
Tech had more talent, size, and speed (especially defensively) – but the Air Force Academy had more heart. Tech didn’t want to be there, while Air Force was excited about the opprotunity.
Also, the QB missed a wide open WR along the right sideline at the end of that game. Underthrew him by at least 10 yards. That is an issue that needs addressed.
If Paul Johnson kept the same offensive, but found a way to EFFECTIVELY throw the ball 15 times a game, it could be lethal. but without a passing game, Tech will always be a sitting duck if they ever had to score the ball quickly or play from behind
good luck in 2011, but what happened last night was pathetic
Dadgum......
December 28th, 2010
3:02 pm
I don’t care what kind of offense you run. Tech will not win with the type of athletes they have and will not consistently be able to recruit top athletes running the triple option. Once DRad realizes this Johnson will be gone. Unfortunately this may take a couple more years.
Dadgum......
December 28th, 2010
3:07 pm
How can it be possible to lose a bowl game and end up with a losing season. Wow….that is when you know you have too many bowl games. I think in last year’s Gator Bowl both FSU and WVU were 6-6 but other than WVU and GT has any team ever exited a bowl game with a losing record? Damn can it get any more embarrassing for GT than that.
Hit a Single
December 28th, 2010
3:08 pm
Cam Newton’s daddy can get you a new coach. It will cost you $200,000. For alittle more he can get you a QB. And for alittle more he can get you a RB. You better hurry though because his holiday specials are about over.
Hit a Single
December 28th, 2010
3:10 pm
How great it was to see a football team that looked good, was disciplined, and stands for what this country stands for. It was great not to see hair out from under the helmets and tattoos all over the body. Go Air Force, Army and Navy!
Gtfan11
December 28th, 2010
3:39 pm
@Reality . If you know anything about football, you should know that turnovers and penalties are the result of poor coaching. Another mistake CPJ made was allowing McKayhan back on the field to field another punt. Another mistake was not kicking the field goal in the first half when they were clearly in range. Let’s keep going, CPJ is the head coach and has allowed the special teams to progressively get worse as the season progressed (save the field goal unit). Then you throw in the fact that when forced into a passing situation, he seems to think he can only throw it 30+ yards, instead of the occasional slant or 10 yard pass. But then again, what do you expect when so liitle emphasis is put on that NEW thing called “the forward pass”.
I watched Navy run HIS offense and it was very impressive to watch. I believe it can work in a BCS conference with a small mix of accurate passes much like Air Force did. But chucking the ball downfield 6-8 times a game completing 1-2 (hopefully) is a wasted effort and might as well take a knee.
His arrogance is writing checks his recruits can’t cash, but every week he blames it on their lack of execution. I’m losing faith in him quickly. He shrugs off 2 consecutive losses to GA (which I blame his playcalling for in both cases) and dismisses 3 consecutive bowl losses as if it were no big deal. Here’s your REALITY!
Paul in RDU
December 28th, 2010
3:40 pm
Dadgum… I agree that there are too many bowl games, but GT isn’t the first team to lose a bowl game to have a losing record. Last year Texas A&M lost to UGA to go 6-7.
Other teams who lost bowl games to go 6-7 in 2009 – Minnesota, Michigan State
As far as last year’s Gator Bowl is concerned, FSU won the game to go 7-6 but WVU was 9-3 going into the Bowl
wetblanket
December 28th, 2010
3:45 pm
OUCH!! You had to go to Shreveport and you LOST. I guess Kansas wasn’t a fluke
Comin' Down The Track
December 28th, 2010
3:57 pm
“[John Heisman] was a proponent of the legalization of the forward pass in 1906 and he originated the ‘hike’ or ‘hep’ shouted by the quarterback to start each play.”
-From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Heisman
That, for those of you who did not attend the state liberal arts university, is what we call irony.
CPJ WETS THE BED
December 28th, 2010
4:09 pm
PATHETIC AND SO IS THE COACH, THE SCHOOL, THE PLAYERS, THE FANS, ALUMNI, AND THE BEAT WRITER. GO HOME AND DON’T COME BACK.
Tech Stinks
December 28th, 2010
4:11 pm
PJ – Wasn’t that your team’s job last night?
CDAWG
December 28th, 2010
4:12 pm
Man, how embarrassing even for us dawg fans. GT gave that game away. CPJ needs to add to his offense. He runs the triple option, I call it the rec. league double wing. He has got to get more passing in to be successful. I could not believe the turnovers.
Dawglasville
December 28th, 2010
4:15 pm
NoFKNdog UGA doesn’t have the best looking ladies assembled in the world … but they’ll do.
Option
December 28th, 2010
4:15 pm
coach johnson needs to go back and coach at a service academy—that mickey mouse option offense doesn’t work against any team with speed. Tech fans will give him 1 more year and that’s it.
Get the ball inbounds
December 28th, 2010
4:21 pm
Its hard for any team to win if you continually turn the ball over. Players know that they are not suppose to fumble. I’m sure its talked about at every pro, college and high school practice.
Why some players do it and others don’t is probably a mystery to all coaches.
It obviously is the difference in winning and losing.
It will be interesting to see what type of team we have next year. We gained some playing time for some younger players which can only help.
At first glance it looks like we needs lots of talent on both sides of the ball. Next year is a new year.
CPJ WETS THE BED
December 28th, 2010
4:30 pm
@Get the ball inbounds. WE WILL STILL SUCK NEXT YEAR. TRUST ME.
True Dawg
December 28th, 2010
4:31 pm
I’m embarrassed by all the UGA supporters who have nothing better to do than spend their “valuable” time talking smack on a GT blog. If you really think they are losers what does that make you?
If you really think your own team is so awesome then get a life and show some class and let results of the games speak for themselves. Unless you’re a 12 yr old you just sound like you’re trying to compensate for your own insecurities by wasting your time beating up a lesser team.
And don’t bother writing one sentence if you can’t spell or punctuate or use proper grammar. You are an embarrassment and don’t you see you just add credence to all the dumb UGA comments.
TECH DOESN'T BLOW, THEY SUCK
December 28th, 2010
4:36 pm
‘enough said. Thanks for embarrassing the entire state of Georgia.
I LOVE PAUL
December 28th, 2010
4:55 pm
Man tech is so well coached that paul johnson sure is great! 0-3 in bowl games can’t beat georgia can’t sell out his own stadium. What a great coach! and a great program! GO TECH!
turnovers
December 28th, 2010
4:56 pm
You know what’s painful to watch? 77 yard drive, 8 min off clock, and FUMBLE at the 3 yard line. I’ve seen that happen one too many times this year…INCLUDING the bone head interception by Nesbitt which ironically ended his college career. I’m not embarrassed to be a GT fan just yet. But the end is coming. I can stomach getting whipped by 20+ points…but I can’t stomach beating ourselves time and time again. And…..we have NO RIGHT to give Gawga fans h-ll for being mediocre. Mediocre is better than Tech right now. Alot better than Tech right now.
Dawghater
December 28th, 2010
4:56 pm
Here some quotes for you CPJ and this comes from a GT Alum
- We are a undisciplined football team?
- Turnovers are killing us and it’s on the staff to fix it.
- The staff did not prepare a backup QB over the last two years in the event we needed one.
- We are unprepared to run a two minute or for that matter a 5 minute offense when Air Force showed you can.
- The staff’s failed to develop a passing game and it’s cost us games. And we’ve not taught our receivers to catch a simple pass.
- I hired an excellent defensive coordinator but failed to tell him I didn’t recruit the talent needed to make him successful.
See, unlike UGA fans we call it like we see and aren’t delusional. UGA’s in Memphis not New Orleans. It’s the Liberty bowl! Tech fans also aren’t so delusional we call for our head coach to be fired after every loss! We simply call it like we see it. Now go tell everyone if you beat UCF that UGA is in the National Title hunt in 2011!
surfrider
December 28th, 2010
4:58 pm
I have been a supporter of PJ from day one but adjustments are needed. First of a broader recruiting needs to be in place. Some of our best defensive talent can come from anywhere. Second, Fridge had the best offensive scheme at Tech (#1 in 1999/pass/run/option)…He had the FB, The TE, the pass and run and mobile QB. We should be able to use these A-backs more as slots and have at least an H-back option ala Whisenhunt in early 80’s. The mindset does’nt appear to be there in toughness. At least 4 games were winnable. Nesbitt no doubt is a winner but had experience. It’s hard for HC to be coordinators and keep in touch with all the details the game.
Dawghater
December 28th, 2010
4:59 pm
And I’ll remind the UGA fans, we ran all over your defense when Air Force was not allowing it. The same Air Force team that lost in Norman by 3 points.
Dooner
December 28th, 2010
5:03 pm
Why can’t everyone just get along with each other? There’s plenty of fish filets and creamy tartar sauce for everyone and all can look at Al’s ring. Air Force? BAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Hello----Glenn
December 28th, 2010
5:14 pm
Are you not tired of winning the rushing stat and still getting a loss?
If all you do is run, a team almost certainly will have a high number of …rushing….yards. Coach Johnson may already know his QB cannot pass efficiently and does not attempt many…but until Tech does pass effectively, that rushing stat still means little.
ABAC-North Doggies
December 28th, 2010
5:21 pm
Air Force was a quality opponent that Tech should have beaten and would have beaten if they don’t fumble it away.
Lack of speed at the QB position is a much bigger problem than the poor passing. Also seems the OL is struggling.
The defense needs improvement, but last night the fumbles lost the game, not the defense.
Nebraska should hired PJ or Sewak as their OC…. Both are great coaches, but neither are big time recruiters. Where’s Giff Smith when you need him most?
George Teate
December 28th, 2010
5:28 pm
To not win a single bowl in three seasons and give downright embarrassing performances in each of the bowls is unforgivable. Johnson just does NOT know how to prepare any team for a BOWL game. All he has done for the ACC is embarrass the conference. I can not see why GT would keep him another year. Good riddance. Go embarrass another conference.
NoFKNdog
December 28th, 2010
5:34 pm
I rest my case about dog fans. Thank you boys.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!
macrotech
December 28th, 2010
5:48 pm
superDawg, will you be around if the pups lose to UCF? Don’t bother answering….I already know the answer. I’ll be in Memphis….I’ll let ya know how it plays out. I’m a ‘giver’!
GT ATW
December 28th, 2010
5:55 pm
Fellow GT fans, please stop all the crying about CPJ and the 6-7 season. It happens from time to time to the very best programs in America. You really seen very spoiled after two good seasons and an ACC Championship last year. CPJ will win again at GT and eventually put a program together that will be consistent enough to have winning seasons every year with some championships mixed in. Yes, next year will be difficult until we get a more talented QB in the mix. But please, sick with your coach and the players and stop being spoiled sunny day fans. You sound like my kids who want instant gratification without having to work hard and suffer any setbacks along the way. After losing our 4 best players early to the NFL we knew this would be a tough year—and then our all ACC QB breaks his arm. I mean, come on, you don’t really think we have the depth and recruiting ability of programs like Alabama and Florida—do you? Not with the academic rigor of GT we don’t. But this is who we are in these modern times, a great academic institution who can still put together a good football team if we understand our limitations and let CPJ do his thing. The guy just needs a little more time and for God’s sake how about some support!!!
Mama Says
December 28th, 2010
6:08 pm
flagboy?
two things;
First I have to give you cudo’s for reading the ENTIRE board (since mine were early)
and Secondly,
If you are a true football fan you would have to agree with my statement about Nesbitt (you happy with the spelling now).
Anyone knows that a football team has to have a QB that is at the minimum a threat to pass. Nesbitt NEVER was a threat to ANY secondary (unless he was running through it). I don’t have to appologize for making a negative statement about that fact.
This offense that you leg humpers love to degrade has out gained your defense in every game so far. Yes you have won 2 0f the 3, however I would hope that you would admit to yourself that you were lucky to win ANY of the three.
You should also admit that if Tech had a QB that could throw the ball you would have never been in ANY of those games to begin with.
It is a simple statement Nesbitt cannot throw the ball and that is a fact. It has nothing to do with his toughness or heart it has to do with the fact that he was a QB. A QB in an offense that ran up 550 yards on the Dawgs—without Nesbitt. I hope as a true football fan you would be able to recognize that if you were never able to stop the high school offense when you knew it was run run run, you would NEVER stop it if you had to defend 10-15 well placed passes each game.
I know this is not as big of an issue when we play the Dawgs since we do what we want to on the ground but against a tough team we need a QB who can pass with accuracy from time to time.
Memphis Mike
December 28th, 2010
6:10 pm
Do any of you dawgie fans want to make a bet as to who will last longer as head coach in their current assignments, Mark Richt or Paul Johnson?
UGA89
December 28th, 2010
6:31 pm
UGA in the SEC East
2010: 4th place
2009: 3rd place
2008: 2nd place
2007: 1st place
…worry about your own mediocre team UGA fans
GT65
December 28th, 2010
6:34 pm
GT ATW wins the thread –this thread is closed. yes, that means you too U(6-6)GA fans
GT ATW
December 28th, 2010
5:55 pm
Fellow GT fans, please stop all the crying about CPJ and the 6-7 season. It happens from time to time to the very best programs in America. You really seen very spoiled after two good seasons and an ACC Championship last year. CPJ will win again at GT and eventually put a program together that will be consistent enough to have winning seasons every year with some championships mixed in. Yes, next year will be difficult until we get a more talented QB in the mix. But please, sick with your coach and the players and stop being spoiled sunny day fans. You sound like my kids who want instant gratification without having to work hard and suffer any setbacks along the way. After losing our 4 best players early to the NFL we knew this would be a tough year—and then our all ACC QB breaks his arm. I mean, come on, you don’t really think we have the depth and recruiting ability of programs like Alabama and Florida—do you? Not with the academic rigor of GT we don’t. But this is who we are in these modern times, a great academic institution who can still put together a good football team if we understand our limitations and let CPJ do his thing. The guy just needs a little more time and for God’s sake how about some support!!!
Hilarious!!
December 28th, 2010
6:48 pm
GTech is pathetic!! No support is needed. It’s not worth it. Most boring bowl game of the year!! Lame coach, lame offense, lame school, lame fan base, lame mascot, lame colors, lame cheerleaders. EVERYTHING GTech is lame right now. Find another favorite team. The rest of Georgia will understand.
superDawg
December 28th, 2010
6:53 pm
macriod I will be around.Leaving for Nashville in the morning to spend time with friends and on to Memphis friday morning to see the BULLDOGS play.Be careful in Memphis I graduated from SCO in 1983 Memphis is like being around the NATS.
Tech Fan
December 28th, 2010
7:06 pm
Paul Johnson should be on the hot seat he’s not getting it done at Georgia Tech the option offense sucks. Tech should give Paul Johnson one more year and if next year don’t go well he needs to go.
Rusty
December 28th, 2010
7:19 pm
There’s a new Sheriff in town. His name is Paul Johnson.
Dawgpile
December 28th, 2010
7:29 pm
UGA has their own problems and Tech can’t hold a candle to the issues that program has to juggle on a regular basis. Hopefully Tech will never sink that low.
Johnson lost control of his team. The coaches should have a greater awareness throughout the semester regarding academic progress and deficiencies. The help is there if they want it. Violation of curfew should never be an issue. All of them let the team down.
Dadgum......
December 28th, 2010
7:47 pm
It was flat wrong to bench players that were academically eligible by NCAA standards but not GT standards. Any sanctions should be administered either by Tech or NCAA in the next semester holding them out of spring practice or until they become eligible. Doing so for a bowl game cheapens the bowls etc. GT did not look good in any of this. Poor decisions are hurting the image of GT.
DawgGoneFishing
December 28th, 2010
7:54 pm
I’m obviously a UGA fan but I was rooting for Tech in this game. Seemed as if most of the players were out of shape, lethargic and didn’t give a _ _ _ n about the bowl. This was a great opportunity to start practice for next season but it didn’t happen; at least from my perspective. CPJ should seriously consider some other offensive sets and not put his offense into “high” risk fumble situations.I know 2 were by the second string punt returner but triple option offenses are very high risk.See you in Atlanta in November !!!!
We Own You
December 28th, 2010
8:02 pm
There’s a new sheriff in town. Barney Fife. Just like ol’ Barn…only has one bullet. Too bad football has scoreboards and not judges. You Jackettes would still be undefeated.
What!!??
December 28th, 2010
8:23 pm
Just heard the news that Georgia Tech SUCKS!! When did this happen?
crapsandwich
December 28th, 2010
8:57 pm
I love this 1930’s offense, Bradley kiss his rear, because that is where his brains are.
college football
December 28th, 2010
9:45 pm
the bottom line on the georgia tech blowflys is they flat out suck. What else can you say?
BUCKSUCKBELLUE
December 28th, 2010
10:20 pm
We’re JAWJA and we rule this state. Our vocabulary consist of these words, “playcalling stinks”. “fire tha coach”, “damn good dog”, “Its great to be a JAWJA dog”,”NERDS”, ” SEC champs every year”, No. 1 in the country 30 years ago”,” I bleed red and black”. ect, ect, boloney.
Observer
December 28th, 2010
11:05 pm
Sitting at Dantanna’s Monday night having dinner befor the Falcon vs Saints game and you would think it being a packed house, standing room only, that some Tech fans would show somw support. My friend and I couldn’t believe the cheers that went up when Air Force kicked a fieldgoal to end the 1st half. Dantannas is a sports bar in the CNN Center and no Tech fans.
Why don’t you Tech people support your team?
New Orleans must have brought 15 to 20 thousand fans to the Ga. Dome.
Now that’s support.
Couldn’t believe that many fans in 1 sports bar in the city of Atlanta rooting for the opposing team.
That’s truley sad.
Did Ga. Tech even have a sellout game at Grant Field this season? anybody know of one??