LIVE BLOG: Tech vs. USC
Some thoughts and notes. Game starts 2 p.m. ET on CBS.
1. I think Tech will enjoy considerable support from the Sun Bowl crowd, which is largely made up of locals. After the 16,000 tickets allocated to the participating schools, the other 34,000 are sold to the El Paso community. As you may have read, USC stirred up controversy by showing up late for a Sun Bowl dinner and with two tweets sent by players criticizing the city of El Paso, which I’m going to guess has not sat well with residents. Further, Tech’s coaches and players have done nothing but rave about how welcome they feel and are enjoying the experience (which I think is genuine).
2. Weather: It’s sunny and very windy. The forecast calls for winds 20-30 mph, and it certainly feels like it. The wind right now (12:30 ET) is blowing briskly to the south, I think. Left to right on the television, at any rate.
Watching warmups, David Scully and Chris Tanner had trouble hitting from 45 going into the wind. Scully, at least, has range probably 10 yards longer than that. He crushed one from 55 with the wind.
3. If Tech gives up 35 points, the team will have the highest points-per-game allowed average going back at least to 1948. The 1999 team, which went 8-4 in Joe Hamilton’s final season, gave up an average of 30.3 points. Tech’s average through the ACC Championship game is 29.9.
4. There are two current Jackets who share Tech bowl records – Tevin Washington (completion percentage, 11-15 against Utah, tied with Shawn Jones in the 1991 Citrus Bowl) and Quayshawn Nealy (longest interception return, 74 yards, against Utah, tied with W.P. McHugh in the 1947 Oil Bowl)
5. Tech will wear blue jerseys, gold helmets, white pants.
6. The line is down to seven or 7.5 points in favor of USC. It had opened around 10. I’d guess Matt Barkley’s being ruled out played a big part in the drop.
7. Interesting – at 7-5, USC is still No. 20 in Sagarin ratings, presumably because their strength of schedule is ranked 13th. Tech is 63rd. Strength of schedule is 55th.
8. Tech marching band is here. Hopefully the altitude won’t affect the brass section.
Thanks for reading. Enjoy the game.
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892 comments Add your comment
Jacket Detective
December 31st, 2012
6:22 pm
Happy New Year all fellow Jackets, even the ones I argue with all the time.
And to all classy Dawg fans.
Watch out for the idiot drunk drivers if u go out tonight.
TTT
December 31st, 2012
6:22 pm
Another thanks to the UGA fans posting their congratulations.
White&Gold
December 31st, 2012
6:22 pm
Graphite, last I checked Rod Sweeting hasn’t been arrested during his stay at Tech unlike a quarter of your roster. Also if you’re suggesting that your football team doesn’t have any players that have trouble with the English language, than you’re sadly mistaking.
Tmgotech
December 31st, 2012
6:23 pm
The Tech game has been over for a couple hours now and this POS newspaper/site has nothing more than a running blog of the game? Is that what passes for journalism these days? I’ll wager that within 30 minutes of the Dawgs getting Corn-holed, we’ll see half a dozen write-ups on the game, the poor officiating, forecasts for next year and a Q&A with Coach Mark Richt.
Lee
December 31st, 2012
6:25 pm
Great job Jackets! And thanks to the Dawg fans for the positive comments.
White&Gold
December 31st, 2012
6:27 pm
Sucks that Orwin can’t qualify as the ACC’s all time leader in YPC. Only needed two more carries! It was having him with us. Great player and leader.
Uncle Mike
December 31st, 2012
6:27 pm
Best Defense since the late 90’s I support CPI!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NYJacket
December 31st, 2012
6:30 pm
Great win for GT. Give Kelly the DC job. Best tackling I’ve seen from a GT team in years. With the exception of stupid penalties late in the game, the game would have made Dodd proud.
Congrats to the entire team and especially the seniors. They will remember this for the rest of thier lives.
Topp Dogg
December 31st, 2012
6:30 pm
Hats off to GT,good game overall, i only hope we can do the same.
Erk Russell's Dog
December 31st, 2012
6:31 pm
@Tmgotech
It is a royal shame the way your hometown newspaper treats your football team. The beat writer was likely watching the game in the Lobby of the El Paso Comfort Inn waiting for the airport Shuttle to get him back to the ATL to cover the Chicken Filet Bowl tonight.
Stinger 1
December 31st, 2012
6:32 pm
Will someone who knows please answer this question:
Since GT has a waiver from the NCAA to wear white jerseys anytime it choses, why did they wear blue today?
Thanks to anyone who can answer.
5150 UOAD
December 31st, 2012
6:32 pm
Graphite
December 31st, 2012
6:19 pm
@White&Gold…….. The truth of your thugs hurts doesn’t it ?
==========================================
What THUGS………a kids said S..t? He didn’t hit his girlfriend. He didn’t Roll and Egg the QBs house. he didn’t get busted smoking week and an illegal gun with no serial number. he didn’t have hash browns in his underwear. He wasn’t a cross-dressing prostitute professor.
david
December 31st, 2012
6:32 pm
WHAT A GREAT VICTORY TODAY OVER A GREAT TEAM
Tmgotech
December 31st, 2012
6:34 pm
Hey Erk’s dog,
I would not be surprised if the blogger left El Paso a day or two ago.
Pathetic.
5150 UOAD
December 31st, 2012
6:35 pm
Stinger that ONLY happens IF the other team agrees to ALLOW tech to wear Home White.
Skeptic
December 31st, 2012
6:37 pm
For those bitching about the lack of light-speed responsiveness of the paper, why don’t you just get off the damn computer/phone, get drunk, and buy a paper in the morning?
The sports section is a much better accessory in the crapper than an ipad
Erk Russell's Dog
December 31st, 2012
6:37 pm
Come on guys we are here to celebrate a Tech Bowl victory not argue the short comings of our football players.It might be another 7 years before we celebrate like this again.Lets go fry up some fish and ring in the New Year.
Just a fan
December 31st, 2012
6:39 pm
Unwatchable game. USC may have the worst backup QB since Kim McQuilken. The Kiffens, father and son, are over-rated busts. The Trojans might as well have stayed home. Tech had this game won before they got off the bus. The streak is over but Tech shouldn’t crow too much over this one.
Erk Russell's Dog
December 31st, 2012
6:40 pm
Skeptic
I used to be a loyal reader of the daily AJC ,but the brainiacs at the paper stopped distribution outside the metro area a few years ago All we have is this crappy online site.
Red Stick
December 31st, 2012
6:42 pm
Congrats on a big win!! Very impressive and gives you momentum going into next season.
Geaux Tigers
Uncle Mike
December 31st, 2012
6:42 pm
TECH WINS!!!!!!!!!!!!
HELL YEAH!
Flamboyant Sun Bowl
December 31st, 2012
6:43 pm
Happy New Year
DawgNole
December 31st, 2012
6:45 pm
Ol’JacketFan
December 31st, 2012
6:18 pm
@DawgNole. I was just having that same conversation about Kelly
_____________________
I’m almost afraid to respond; Hayseed Dixie might think I’m obsessed. But yeah, seems like Kelly’s had a pretty good audition these past couple of games.
Skeptic
December 31st, 2012
6:45 pm
The answer to any earthly question–even about jersey color? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Stinger 1
December 31st, 2012
6:46 pm
5150: Thanks for clearing that up.
Buzzman
December 31st, 2012
6:46 pm
Had to say, Tech didn’t deserve to go to a bowl game or play in the ACC game, but at least they did break the losing streak of 7 years. Congrats to the players and to CPJ. By the way, the defense played great, keep our defensive coordinator.
John Wayne
December 31st, 2012
6:48 pm
What a game, what a game. Great win Tech! Now where are the white flag throwing Tech fans at? So proud of this team. Let’s carry this into the Spring and Fall 2013. Go Tech, and THWG all year long and forever!
BL
December 31st, 2012
6:48 pm
Coach Johnson,
Hire Coach Kelly for defensice cordnator. He peoved it today ( that he can do the job ).
5150 UOAD
December 31st, 2012
6:48 pm
Well at least the B1G refs didn’t have a chance to let USC win. They tried early and often but it didn’t happen.
It was a fun game and win. I hope the people of El Paso will P.O.A. Trojan player after the way they have acted all week.
Footballrules
December 31st, 2012
6:51 pm
Who was coaching USC, the UNABOMBER??? Sure looked like it.
Skeptic
December 31st, 2012
6:52 pm
ER’s Dog
I didn’t realize it, that’s crummy. I suppose you mean they don’t deliver. I was able to buy a paper in Dahlonega when I was home for Christmas, but had to drive to a store to get it.
tired from all the frustrations of being a yellow jacket
December 31st, 2012
6:54 pm
Any one out there calling for Johnson’s head needs theirs examined. He knows football as well as anyone. Since he has been at Tech for the entire duration Tech leads the nation in rushing. Get off his ass and appreciate what a real genius we have.
DawgNole
December 31st, 2012
6:55 pm
5150 UOAD
December 31st, 2012
6:32 pm
What THUGS………a kids said S..t? He didn’t hit his girlfriend. He didn’t Roll and Egg the QBs house. he didn’t get busted smoking week and an illegal gun with no serial number. he didn’t have hash browns in his underwear. He wasn’t a cross-dressing prostitute professor.
______________________
Looks like you about covered it there–at least I hope that’s it.
Erk Russell's Dog
December 31st, 2012
6:56 pm
Skeptic
I am down in Savannah ,we used to buy the daily AJC in newspaper boxes but that stopped a few years back. Can subscribe but would get the paper a day or two after it is published.
HighTech
December 31st, 2012
6:56 pm
Ads
December 31st, 2012
1:52 pm
Nope the line didn’t move after MB was announced he wouldn’t play. It was known throughout he wouldn’t. It has fallen because of the injury to their top receiver and arguably the best in the game. I still think usc will crush gt. they will be mad they are at this game and take it out on gt. Anyone else notice triple option teams, af navy have done terribly in bowl games. I think this offense is now easy to contain for teams with a decent defense.
USC 38 GT 20
———————————
Ads, your new name is Nads.
Great win for the Yellow Jackets!
SouthGADawg
December 31st, 2012
6:57 pm
All GA Tech fans, Damn good game. The Tech defense finally showed up. Good luck with recruits and look forward to watching Tech play next year. Again damn good game, Got after that arse. Represented GA well.
North Ave Killer Beez
December 31st, 2012
6:57 pm
Well I
OldGold1964
December 31st, 2012
6:58 pm
Game plan. Focus. Execute. See what can be accomplished when those three come together…
DawgNole
December 31st, 2012
6:59 pm
tired from all the frustrations of being a yellow jacket
December 31st, 2012
6:54 pm
Any one out there calling for Johnson’s head needs theirs examined. He knows football as well as anyone. Since he has been at Tech for the entire duration Tech leads the nation in rushing. Get off his ass and appreciate what a real genius we have.
_________________
Don’t believe anyone’s seriously questioned the rushing attack. Just need to mix in a little air game.
North Ave Killer Beez
December 31st, 2012
6:59 pm
Recorded the game so I could FAST FORWARD every TW series, thank the heavens his eligibility exhausted. Nice win by the DEFENSE, who would have thunk it? Go Jackets!!
Uncle Mike
December 31st, 2012
7:01 pm
Today gets a HELL YEAH!
The Big Pill
December 31st, 2012
7:01 pm
I think I am correct in stating that since 2003, Tech has defeated three Preason #1’s: Auburn in 2003, Muttland in 2008, and USC in 2012. I think the only loss was to ND in 2006 and we should have won that one.
The Big Pill
December 31st, 2012
7:03 pm
By the way, I am thing neither Mark Bradley or Jeff Schultz were in attendance at the game. I wonder why?
Highly Respected Southern Troll
December 31st, 2012
7:05 pm
@tired – No, they’re just people who have been paying attention. Don’t get me wrong – I’m happy that Tech won today and think it was a good victory for the program. But, it doesn’t change the fact that Paul Johnson is 1-4 versus UGA, 1-4 versus VT, 1-4 versus Miami, and 1-4 versus bowl opponents. Since Tech clinched the ACC Coastal Division in mid-November 2009, Johnson is 22-21 with a combined record of 3-15 against UGA, VT, Miami, Clemson, and bowl opponents. Four consecutive losses to Georgia! That’s horrible.
Georgia Tech could and should do better.
Ol'JacketFan
December 31st, 2012
7:08 pm
@DawgNole, it seems that since the 2nd quarter against your Noles that the light came on for the D. You look at the positional play on the last 2 series today the LBs were in position to make plays and they did. Kelly seems to have the kids in the proper position to make plays, I’ve said all along the talent level was good enough for a solid defense, it now seems as if they are being properly coached. I lay that at the feet of Coach Kelly and feels he deserves serious cosideration.
whewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
December 31st, 2012
7:08 pm
dear Skeptic
that was funny
whewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
December 31st, 2012
7:09 pm
Skeptic, that was funny
jmonty
December 31st, 2012
7:10 pm
Best defensive showing of the year. Coach Kelly had the players ready. Well coached and seldom out of position. CPJ would be dumb NOT to hire him. Shutting down USC with their 2 great WR’s is an awesome feat. Regardless if they had the starting QB or not. The defense was well coached. This game made tech’s appeal worth the effort on the NCAA. Finishing 7-7 considering how bad the year started is a victory in itself. No one. and I mean no one really gave GT a chance in this game. I am so glad GT made them look wrong. So happy for all the players.
All 4 ittt
December 31st, 2012
7:13 pm
Those blue jerseys worked fine during 1990 season – perhaps, they still have some luck in them.
Overall: decent game. End of year success, leads to starting new year on right footing. Would like to have seen over 300 yards rushing day, but like the defensive stops and about time GT got our share of turnovers. 73 offensive plays to 59, very good: take away the stupid late penalties and USC has only 7 first downs, and couple drives stoppe and the play total differentil would have been wider.
GT FAN
December 31st, 2012
7:17 pm
FEAR THE BEES………GO JACKETS……..THWG