T-Day game thoughts

Greetings, all-

I think this is going to be quick, because it appears I’m the last one in Bobby Dodd Stadium and I’d like to get home. But, anyway, a few takes from the T-Day game.

1. Don’t get too worked up over Tevin Washington’s performance. True, it was pretty lousy. He threw three interceptions and led the offense to one touchdown in 10 possessions. First, he’s played better over the course of the spring than he did Saturday, and he was, as Paul Johnson put it, running for his life. If you were at the game and got on the Synjyn Days bandwagon because of the way he played, there’s probably a pretty good chance you would have been of a 180-degree different mindset last Saturday.

It doesn’t say very hopeful things about the quarterback position that the two top guys swapped dreadful scrimmages in consecutive weeks, but, as I said, Washington has been better than he was Saturday.

(I don’t think this means that Vad Lee should start, by the way. As I’d mentioned before, he’d have to be pretty spectacular in fall practice, and really in just the first couple weeks of it before they start preparing for Western Carolina, to win the job, and that doesn’t seem likely. Possible, certainly, but not likely.)

Johnson said something interesting after the game after saying those two and the two incoming freshmen, Lee and Demontevious Smith, will all have a shot in the fall.

“Sometimes winning the game is not losing it, being able to manage it and do those kinds of things.”

2. Johnson likes the B-backs. Preston Lyons ran 11 times for 50 yards, Richard Watson ran hard with 6 carries for 48 with a touchdown, David Sims was 7 for 33. Charles Perkins seemed to have the misfortune of running smack into the line multiple times and was 7 for 11.

But, as he’d said the other day, Johnson thinks the B-back spot is the deepest and that any of them could play.

"O.K., fellas, let's make sure we get our share of the calls today..."

"O.K., fellas, let's make sure we get our share of the calls today..."

3. Inside linebacker Quayshawn Nealy doesn’t look like a backup. He was, to me, the most impressive player on the field Saturday. He had 7.5 tackles, a fumble recovery, a sack and he tipped a Washington pass that was intercepted. He is playing behind Daniel Drummond and Julian Burnett, though. Defensive coordinator Al Groh said it’s a little early to say he’s ready to be a capable backup, saying that Nealy relies too much on his speed and needs to learn to take on and defeat blocks.

“But he’s really bought into it and certainly done better with it and seemed to have some success with it today,” Groh said.

Non-sequitur fact: Nealy said he was named by his aunt, who got the name from a television show. He and I are sort of similar in that way. I think my mom named me after W.S. Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan fame. No joke. (My first name is Gilbert, which, as I like to say, is why I go by Ken.)

4. Kicking game – not so hot. Justin Moore missed from 49, David Scully from 47 and Andy Elakman from 28. Last week, Moore, the only kicker on scholarship, missed two inside 40. I asked Johnson if he learned anything new Saturday about his kickers, and he said no, which I don’t take to be a good thing. It sounds like Moore and Scully will be competing for the job in the fall. No preferred walk-ons are coming in as freshmen, by the way.

5. A link to Johnny Crawford’s excellent slideshow.

Were you there? What do you think?

117 comments Add your comment

juvenal

April 24th, 2011
3:07 pm

did not get why #2(o yds. AC) played, & Sims did not-also, anybody note we have only 6 on D-line? Ken, think we’ll have any O-line move to the D?

FullMetalJacket

April 24th, 2011
3:09 pm

Turnovers and sloppy passing can not be tolerated because they can not be overcome in the course of a game with even the best offense. I am glad the B-backs are coming on strong, but without better blocking and the threat of an occasional SUCCESSFUL pass play the running game, like last year, will not be sufficient to defeat opponents who are our equal or better.

Rodney Dangerfield

April 24th, 2011
3:35 pm

Lets see:

UGA fans telling Tech fans how they suck *check
UGA fans obsessing on Tech *check
UGA fans hanging their hat on a 5star RB with the intelligence of a bulldog (but he can run!) *check
WREX all down on Tech *check

Yep, another day on the Tech blog.

Ron

April 24th, 2011
4:00 pm

There is such a difference in coaching abilities between Al Groh and Paul Johnson. I am continually more and more impressed with Al Groh. He has a plan and he knows exactly what he wants to achieve with his defense. CPJ just seems to be “Hum Ho” about getting that unstoppable offense.

Take a look at the difference in the way the two talk to the media after the T Game:

CPJ Post Game
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsH5QHvWpR8

Ron

April 24th, 2011
4:01 pm

Wes Durham's Gigantic Bottom

April 24th, 2011
4:31 pm

I have a large dumper.

Stinger

April 24th, 2011
5:17 pm

Old Blind Dawg you really show your ignorance by talking about the talent at UGA, yet UGA is and has been the door mat of the SEC for the past 2 yrs. That doesn’t speak highly of your coaching staff if you have all these wonderful players. The truth of the matter is your coaching staff sucks and your players are the most over rated in the country. Put all this together and it equals (LOSER). LMFAO !!! UGA hasn’t won anything since 1980, what a joke your program is. Get ready for your beatdown in baseball this week. I can’t remember the last time UGA beat us. Do you still have a team? It would be more competitive if you would send your girls softball team to Turner Field to play us. I hope you’re proud of your new recruits. They only broke into players lockers this time. Next time it will be the coaches office. The next time it will be a bank after they flunk out. OMG what a wonderful program you have. You must really be proud. UGA wins 4 games this year at tops. Unfortunately this will be Richt’s last year. I really hate to see him go before he gets your program the DEATH PENALTY !!!! LMFAO. IS YOUR JAW STILL SORE? IF NOT, I’LL PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE AGAIN.

Old Blind Dawg

April 24th, 2011
8:13 pm

Oh my Stinger I am just devastated by your come back. Your wit is astounding your complete ignorance is dumbfounding.

UGA hasn’t done anything since 1980 except beat the stuffing out of the bee’s.

Baseball – you moron this is a football blog.

For the record: The two baseball teams have met 345 times since 1898. Georgia Tech has 148 wins, Georgia has 195 wins.

Back to your mom ma’s basement right this minute Stinger.

gt4ever

April 24th, 2011
8:57 pm

Our only saving grace, is that we have a very easy schedule….. If this team wins more than 6 it will be a miracle…

Dawgs 6 wins

April 24th, 2011
9:39 pm

WNE is talking about stars from our ga tech players!! The Dawgs get all the stars, but what do they do with them??? How many stars did ealy and king have for yall great rb? The dawgs will stink again this year!!!!

gtfanfrom1951

April 24th, 2011
9:51 pm

By the time we play Kansas the QB question will be overwith. The defense is going to be the strength of this team.

Old Tech Dude

April 24th, 2011
10:09 pm

GT4 I see a few games I just don’t see us winning and a few that will be close (coin flips). If the OL comes around I see those coin flips becoming more manageable but by no means guaranteed wins. We could be in for another tough year on the flats :-(

I’m more concerned with down the road – like two or three years. We are just not getting the same quality players that VT, FSU, UNC, Clemson and Miami are landing. Anybody that thinks our talent level has gone up under this coach is not tuned in and doesn’t understand the level of play in D1.

sports

April 24th, 2011
10:46 pm

bunch of losers

Dawg48

April 24th, 2011
10:59 pm

So who do you think will be the starting QB at tech this year?

William Casey

April 24th, 2011
11:28 pm

Let’s wait and see. It’s only April. For those doubting Coach Johnson’s offensive ability: GT led the nation in rushing last year in spite of losing the starting QB for last four games. Hung 400+ yards rushing on UGA. I’ll take that. Short of hanging anyone who fumbled, I don’t know what else CPJ could have done last year.

GT fan...

April 25th, 2011
1:47 am

Old Blind Dawg is just plain stupid people…and you can’t fix stupid.

So let this spineless excuse for a man continue posting, ON A GT BLOG, and maybe one day he’ll run out of “intelligent” things to say.

GT fan...

April 25th, 2011
1:58 am

Simple solution for GT in 2011 …… Cut down the turnovers…win more games!

I know it’s easier said than done, but if the Jackets can cut 2010’s 27 TOs (20 fumbles, 7 ints) by 10-15, then the good guys will win NO FEWER than 8 games in 2011. And if they cut them by the higher number, or 2 to 3 more, they’ll win the Coastal Division and play for the Conf Championship again.

GA & Air Force were lost b/c of TOs … there’s 8 wins right there in 2010. LIMIT YOUR TOs JACKETS…WIN MORE GAMES IN 2011!

Option Cautious

April 25th, 2011
8:05 am

If the triple option is so good, shouldn’t we see plays like this over and over and over again?…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqkagxaTmSk

JW

April 25th, 2011
8:57 am

Well, theoretically this should be our capability. The problem is blocking. I can’t wait for our true freshman to come in this Fall and show a burning to start. It should elevate the level of play – one way or another….

Jackets21

April 25th, 2011
9:13 am

Really like what I’ve seen this spring from the b-backs, but the OL and QBs scare the day lights out of me and still don’t have any WRs. Best we can hope for this year is a dominant D, play the field position and time of possession game with a grind it out, power offense, but for that to work you have to have good Ks and looks like we have zilch in that area. Best I think we can hope for is six wins and a 3rd rate bowl in 2011. Just keeping it real.

JW

April 25th, 2011
9:20 am

I completely agree with Jackets21. I am really worried about the OL and QB position we are in. Our offense should be hanging major drives on any opponent. As for the kicking situation, this may very well be the last nail in the coffin for the 2011 season…

JW

April 25th, 2011
9:24 am

Another thing that scares the pants off me is something CPJ said in the post game. He referenced our strategy this year as “winning games by not losing games.” To me that goes against the very meaning of the concept of offense.

Old Blind Dawg

April 25th, 2011
9:42 am

What a glorious day in the making. I have gotten under the skin of a few techies simply by pointing out the obvious.

You clowns need to pay more attention to the wise techies on this blog, some of whom see the truth, GT is spiraling down much like a jet without wings.

I love the thought process some of you use. Our D will carry us based on what they did in the spring game. LMAO the D looked improved because the O truly sucks has no line, no QB’s, no WR’s and less than average RB’s.

I can’t wait for the next football season as it looks very promising. Techies on the other hand enter the next season with a deep sense of dread.

Another Perspective

April 25th, 2011
9:49 am

If you take a look at the 1st string offensive performance this past weekend, the O-Line actually gave Washington some time to throw. Unfortunately, Washington doesn’t have the skills to make the big plays with his arm. BUT, fortunately, if Vad Lee were in this situation with time to scan the receivers, he’d make big plays with his arm.

To me, having the true ability to hang big passing gains on the opponent, is the only way we can be successful in 2011.

Ken Sugiura

April 25th, 2011
10:02 am

Juvenal – David Sims played with the gold offense at b-back, subbing for Richard Watson. I thought he looked alright.

Ken Sugiura

April 25th, 2011
10:06 am

JW – I’m not sure Johnson referred to the entire offense, but more to the quarterback position. I think what he was getting at was he wants a quarterback who will run the offense and not fumble.

David

April 25th, 2011
10:22 am

Ken,
What’s the scoop on the offensive line? All we have gotten so far is generalized reviews of an underperforming unit. Who’s hurt? Who is going to play left tackle? Will J.C. Lanier ever see the field, or is he a bust? Isn’t Uzzi a potential ALL-ACC performer? Are any of the red-shirts going to contribute? How about some details?

juvenal

April 25th, 2011
11:11 am

Ken, just saying if #2 can get some snaps, give Sims a blank jersey(who was that? don’t think i’ve ever seen that before)& let him have a series,its not like white was doing that well-& will we EVER see any shotgun? Napoleon had a great offense, but Wellington figured it out…….

Old Tech Dude

April 25th, 2011
11:24 am

David I think the current scoop on the OL is that it is not up to the task. All one needs to do is look at our OL recruits – not impressive if you want to compete at the D1 level.

This staff needs to shift gears and start getting some OL help. Without an influx of serious talent we are doomed to the mid tier in the ACC. Frustrating to say the least.

I like PJ but his stubborn approach is starting to wear on me. Kids want to have a chance to advance to the next level – option teams limit that possibility.

old school

April 25th, 2011
1:02 pm

I was really impressed with B.J. bostic, he scored the games first touchdown and completed about a 30 to 40 yard halfback option pass that lead to a touchdown, He played quarterback in high school for 4 years and they ran a spread offense i mean with that speed of his i am just wondering if cpj has any thoughts on giving him a chance at qb also i was impressed with his cousin Chris Crenshaw at defensive end he was in the qb face all day re going to buys aboth of these gon a few plays he had to be double teamed.

Another Perspective

April 25th, 2011
2:30 pm

Juvenal:

I agree with you. How about another formation. Seems like a no brainer to me. Heck, if not the shotgun, perhaps the pistol. This is what Vad Lee ran in high school. CPJ could still run option plays out of the pistol and it would give Vad a easier transition to our offense this season.

GT Wide Receivers

April 25th, 2011
3:36 pm

I can assure you that our Wide Receivers are begging CPJ to give Vad Lee play time next year. Otherwise the ball will never even reach their hands on those long passing attempts…

GT65

April 25th, 2011
4:03 pm

UGA finished 6-7 last season and lost to Central Florida in a bowl game.

Old Blind: TECH won’t win the ACC in the next 10 years? I doubt that. What I don’t doubt though is that your second-tier SEC East Dawgies won’t win, not only and SEC title, but an SEC East division in the next 10 years.

Honestly, Tech will be in another BCS game before UGA will –if nothing else, because of the strength of the SEC compared to the ACC. I like our chances more than yours.

Old Blind Dawg

April 25th, 2011
4:42 pm

To each his own GT65. I would like to put some money up against all of your assumptions. Time will tell which of us is more astute :-)

Tech Fan 76

April 25th, 2011
4:54 pm

UGA pukes saying Tech can’t win ACC. They shoud know: They have only won the SEC THREE time in the last THIRTY tries. UGA no loads go the the cesspool and crap into your dawg bowl. Tech will be fine!!

Tech Fan 76

April 25th, 2011
4:57 pm

GT65: Yes, 10 years! That is their average. Check the records: 3 SECs in 30 years! Correct me if I’m wrong doggies (assuming that you know how to).

Tech Fan 76

April 25th, 2011
5:01 pm

UGA remember: You are the football school in the mighty SEC. Why can’t you win the SEC; not to mention the Nat Champ? Get off our blog until you can figure that one out.

Tech Fan 76

April 25th, 2011
5:06 pm

Hey guys: Every year we worry about the O line. It will be fine as PJ always makes the yards one way or another. What is exciting the the Defense! Last year we lost because of Fumbles and defense (not including Nesbit that stuff just happens). 20 fumbles; cut that to 10 and a better 3-4 and we will do fine.

Stinger

April 25th, 2011
8:24 pm

This is the scores of the last 5 baseball games between GT and UGA. No wonder Morons like Old Blind Dawg do not want to talk about baseball even though it is baseball season STUPID.
W 6-5
W 25-6 (No,this is not a football score)
W 6-4
W 15-6
W 5-3

Now back to football. That weak GT offense had 600 yds offense with a backup quarterback on your pathetic defense. Your season will be over after the first game Boise State 64 UGA 3. All 3 tailbacks including the thug freshman will be in jail before the first game. You guarterback is a midget and will suck this year. You have no recievers and all your linemen have torn ACL’s. Door Mat for you guys again.

Stinger

April 25th, 2011
10:39 pm

Our football team will be fine. We looked 10 times better than we did 2 yrs ago during the spring game and we won 9 games and ran the dawgs into the ground. There goes Roddy, he’s still running. Our defense looked much improved and we all know that if we eliminate the turnovers we will have a great offense again. It doesn’t matter who plays. Paul Johnson is a winner. His offense will score points. No one can stop us but ourselves. If our defense makes 3 or 4 stops per game, we will win 10 or 11 games and are guaranteed to defeat the hound dogs. Georgia has no receivers, no running backs, no lineman, no defense, and no kicking game, but the root cause of all their problems is NO COACHES. LMFAO

wetblanket

April 26th, 2011
10:18 am

I was wondering if GT won this game

Old Blind Dawg

April 26th, 2011
10:23 am

You know things are bad with GT football when Stinger brings up baseball. Stick to the subject kid. Oh yeah Stinger hangs his entire football argument on ONE victory over UGA in TEN YEARS LMAO.

We LEAD the world in rushing is another empty boast. Who cares? That is a measure for losers. Running up and down the field is not the purpose of the game. For you thick skull-ed techies the purpose is to out score your opponent. You accumulate a lot of yards running because that is ALL YOU DO. How about TOTAL YARDS? How about POINTS PER GAME.

Stinger if you insist on talking baseball give this a thought. UGA’s commanding lead over GT baseball is cast in stone. How many decades will it take for GT to reverse that?

UGA has no kickers – now your ignorance is really shinning through. No running backs LMAO those slugs you see ran for so many yards against the techies they needed oxygen.

I really hope you are around in November and I hope you have an explanation for the beat down UGA will put on GT. Let me guess our QB was hurt or we fumbled which is the one skill Turkey Neck has perfected or we dropped the game winning pass or ……………………

But you do have those high academic standards to point to…………. oh wait GT has NEVER had a higher APR than UGA. Did Reggie complete his degree in mathematics……….you know the degree in which you master 1+1+1+1 = 4 not three God how we loved the math wizard Reggie.

Yup UGA football sucks we lose to GT once every freaking decade. Think about that – let it sink in – once every decade – now that is truly funny.

404

April 26th, 2011
12:43 pm

WnE:
Thanks for caring so much about GT and spending so much time on a GT blog.

Old Blind Dog:
Kind of pathetic for a dawg fan to also spend so much time on GT blog.

404

April 26th, 2011
12:45 pm

What are the odds of Ugag winning the 2011 Fulmer Cup?

Stinger

April 26th, 2011
2:45 pm

I know that I have done my job when I can keep a retarded dawg fan on our blog all day every day. Old Blind Dawg is so obsessed with us that he can’t stay off our blogs. All he can talk about is the past. What have you done for me lately son? No championships, no winning seasons, and another loss to Tech Baseball team tonight. LMAO

Old Blind Dawg

April 26th, 2011
4:14 pm

404 do you know anything about the “Fulmer Cup”?

I have a great deal of free time. I retired at age 42 (waiting patiently for your inane comments) and golf was not an option this week.

I do care about GT first and foremost you are our rented mule. Second I have a brother, a brother-in-law and 4 nephews that graduated from the nerd school. The rivalry runs deep :-)

Stinger accusing me of being obsessed LOL – what about your constant gibberish about baseball on a football blog.

I come here because the UGA blog only offers sound reasoning and optimism for a promising football season. I have this keen desire to see how the cellar dwellers deal with no hope and no change :-)

Stinger

April 26th, 2011
5:11 pm

Another POT SMOKING LAW BREAKING Dawg !!!!!!!! Need I say more. It just never ends. Dawg fans must really be proud. LMAO

Stinger

April 26th, 2011
5:13 pm

I am sorry to hear that you got fired at the age of 42 Old Blind Dawg, but not surprised. You did say fired didn’t you?

Old Blind Dawg

April 26th, 2011
9:57 pm

Hey Stinger – Justin Houston did something dumb – the same exact same thing Calvin Johnson did. You do know Calvin failed his combine drug test don’t you?

UGA thugs LOL should we now discuss Reuben Houston or Jerrad Terrant or Robert Hall or Joe Hamilton? Yup same level of thuggery as driving on a suspended license.

For the record I think cannabis should be legalized but that is a different topic.

Based on your ignorant comments I surmise you are not a GT graduate or student. I would guess based on the stupidity of your typing the closest you have gotten to the GT campus is a booth at the Varsity while munching on a chili dog.

Carry on knucklehead.

Stinger

April 26th, 2011
11:19 pm

Oh, I must have hit a nerve Old Blind Dawg. You did get fired didn’t you, you friggin moron. Now get off the Tech blogs before I whip your azz again you butt licker.