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.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
892 comments Add your comment
hind tit
December 31st, 2012
9:17 pm
Amazing, this morning CPJ was an a%$ h^&$ and tonight he’s Tom Landry. Nah he threw the ball.
Ol'JacketFan
December 31st, 2012
9:22 pm
CPJ’s not going to be fired nor should he. All Tech fans are aware of the games lost and the games won. I am of the opinion the future is bright and the team is in good hands. I’ve watched the coaches at Tech since the Bud Carson days and I’m happy that CPJ is Tech’s coach. Having said that IF the team and coaches don’t build off this game, the efforts shown I will be very disappointed. Despite SCs record and coaching that is a team of very good athletes Tech beat today and it should be great starting point for 2013!
GFJacket
December 31st, 2012
9:25 pm
DogNole, sorry, I could not resist….in both cases Tech was outclassed talent-wise, but managed to win.
Nevertheless, Go Dogs tomorrow. Beat the Huskers.
Skeptic
December 31st, 2012
9:33 pm
GTAE70,
A paper reports and opinionates on whatever will sell the best. If AJC sports is biased, it would be because it figures there are few Tech people in it’s market. Tech grads are typically deployed globally (and as a fellow AE, I’m sure you’ll agree they’re galactic, also), so I imagine the AJC doesn’t focus on Tech much. Though a native, I have no problem with that.
The quality of print media Sports in 60s/70s, particularly columns like Bisher no longer exist. Now, everyone writes like a punk in order to get the most hits, which the advertisers pay for (you’re welcome, AJC). I assume your pard in Dallas enjoyed Bisher’s columns particularly, because he already had Blackie Sherrod to enjoy in the TX papers. Those were the days.
happy new ear
December 31st, 2012
9:34 pm
even in a win, johnson barks/screams/spits at his players. True to his form, make a mistake and
you sit. Why was Tech guys so hopped up with all those bad penalties at the end?
Jacket Time
December 31st, 2012
9:37 pm
Alright is May Day confusing Vad Lee with Justin Thomas? He said Vad is a true freshman and runs a 4.25 40. He’s a redshirt and i’m pretty sure he ran a 4.5 or something like that. Come on May Day do your homework!
Uncle Mike
December 31st, 2012
9:39 pm
My friends..we are on that era of things turning special!
Atlanta Mom
December 31st, 2012
9:44 pm
Interesting, Ken never did bother to check back in here. Gotta wonder
The Good Word
December 31st, 2012
9:51 pm
Hooray! Next cursed streak to end? …losing to UGA.
Flak Jacket
December 31st, 2012
9:54 pm
Those honeycomb uniforms with the extra wide Boston College numbers have got to go.
Messin with da Sasquatch
December 31st, 2012
9:54 pm
Nice of mayday and holtz to make excuses for their fav team SC. Why does espn always have to suck up to the lame kittens, et al?
Rick James
December 31st, 2012
9:55 pm
USC had no interest in this game and its shown all week..Hats off to Tech.
BS Patrol
December 31st, 2012
9:57 pm
Kelly giving credit to AG for all he has learned? This looked like a completely different D (credit USC’s QB).
As for Keith Jackson: Born in Carroll Co, turned Yankee, thinks USC v. Notre Dame & Mich v. Ohio State are the only games worthy of his Attention.
Rick James
December 31st, 2012
9:57 pm
@The Good Word
Hooray! Next cursed streak to end? …losing to UGA.
———————————————————————-
Not for the next five years..Or until CPJ is gone.
5150 UOAD
December 31st, 2012
10:03 pm
Look people KEN does a Great Job on the TECH blog. he is a father or 2 young children and he deserves to Spend some time with his family if he so chooses. He set the Table for the TECH Game Day meal and we ate not he doesn’t need to do the dishes too.
Highly Respected Southern Troll
December 31st, 2012
10:04 pm
@Supersize – If you think that Johnson deserves to still be Georgia Tech’s coach after his past three years then you’re either delusional or in utter denial about what’s going on at Tech’s program. Probably both.
Let me guess – you’ll be on here soon saying that Charles Kelly should be named Tech’s next DC.
...Take The Wheel
December 31st, 2012
10:06 pm
I’ll take that W!! Way to go out seniors!
If everything lines up as it should, next season ought to be pretty exciting!!
Mike S.
December 31st, 2012
10:12 pm
A win is a win, but lets face it…
1) this was a USC team minus Matt Barkley. If you think Barkley playing over the red shirt Freshman they started at QB wouldnt make a difference against our defense, then your kidding yourself.
2) This was also not a very good USC defense that got pretty much smoked in the PAC 12. Monte Kiffin is “retiring” because of it. We managed 2 TDs outside of the one where we were set up at the one yard line. That’s not very good, and points to the fact that this offense can be contained by pretty much anyone with more than a week to prepare.
Enjoy the win for what it is…a streak snapper. If you think this is “something to build on” or a sign of a bright future, we are in serious trouble haha.
5150 UOAD
December 31st, 2012
10:21 pm
P.O.A.Hater…………All the haters can go cheer for a SEC team of your choosing. Players Graduating & making the Dean’s List and we still made the ACC CG(even with other teams issues) and we WON our Bowl game……….P.O.A. Hater
GTJohn2
December 31st, 2012
10:22 pm
Mr. Rick James says:
“USC had no interest in this game and its shown all week..Hats off to Tech.”
Really? They got off a late flight and went to practice Wednesday. Tech arrived Wednesday but did not practice.
How long is a week in your world?
We are use to the disrespect and hateful trolling Mr. James. You are an excellent example of a worthless troll. You cannot say congratulations to a fine effort and win by Georgia Tech. Your smallness is showing.
I’ll still pull for UGA. I know too many decent UGA people that pulled for GT so I’ll take your comments for what they are. Worthless commentary from someone that hates blindly.
Good luck with your life Rick James.
Highly Respected Southern Troll
December 31st, 2012
10:24 pm
@Mike S. – Good post. USC was a bust this year, their head coach seems to be a cipher, and the backup QB they played was just lost.
The bad thing is that this win will be another excuse to keep overrated Johnson around.
...Take The Wheel
December 31st, 2012
10:24 pm
Geez Mike!
Way to rain on a parade. Our boys played damn good ball today on both sides of the ball. So just shut your hole! They not only overcame bad officiating, but beat a competitive team with ‘2 nfl receivers’ (
omg thought I might puke if the commentator said that again).
TWM
December 31st, 2012
10:29 pm
@Mike S.
Given Johnson’s contract and Tech’s financial position, Johnson isn’t going anywhere so I think it’s fair to say this is a big win. People tend to overreact to single games, but I’m really happy we can go into the off-season without the bad taste of another bowl loss.
GTJohn2
December 31st, 2012
10:36 pm
Just so I get this straight…
Tech was supposed to get blown out by USC. I believe I read that numerous times by dog trolls.
Tech beats USC convincingly. Now USC did not want to be there and played without heart.
Hmm? I understand the hate dogs but please explain?
I don’t hate UGA. I’ll be pulling for you. What is your thought process trolls? Mr.James, we will start with your idiocy.
Highly Respected Southern Troll
December 31st, 2012
10:39 pm
@TWM – Just the bad taste of a fourth consecutive loss to Georgia, a fourth consecutive loss to Miami, a third consecutive loss to Virginia Tech, a blowout at Clemson, and a loss to Florida State.
FalconUGAFan
December 31st, 2012
10:48 pm
Congrats Tech!
GTJohn2
December 31st, 2012
10:53 pm
Ken, what’s the point in this? Leave the thread open so drunk dogs can trash Tech? I know it sells advertising but you alienate Tech fans. If this is what is the norm just post your columns under UGA. We will all stay away.
5150 UOAD
December 31st, 2012
11:00 pm
The BOYS are Back in Town and ready to have a PARTY…….
Chaz Cheeks
41 seconds ago via mobile ·
I just got back from Mexico time to turn up!!!
5150 UOAD
December 31st, 2012
11:05 pm
Refs Screw CLEMSON with no call on Pass Interference with 1:27.
5150 UOAD
December 31st, 2012
11:11 pm
come on Clem&sons get in FG range.
5150 UOAD
December 31st, 2012
11:12 pm
Clem&sons looking like they got the shot at the FG to Win it.
5150 UOAD
December 31st, 2012
11:14 pm
I would have stopped the clock with 8 sec on 3rd down. I hope it is a good FG
5150 UOAD
December 31st, 2012
11:17 pm
SEC SEC SEC………………….Got beat by the ACC ACC ACC ACC ACC…………crying Cajuns in the ATL. The Saints lost to the Falcons and now Clem&Sons do it to the LSwho kitty cats.
...Take The Wheel
December 31st, 2012
11:42 pm
@Highly respected
You need a fact check. I believe we beast Miami and VT last year. Please review …
Highly Respected Southern Troll
January 1st, 2013
12:39 am
@…Take The Wheel – Georgia Tech hasn’t beaten Miami since 2008 and they haven’t beaten Virginia Tech since 2009.
Pretty much all PJ supporters are numbskulls.
awesomeb
January 1st, 2013
4:25 am
@Mike S. – In regard to you comment, “….this offense can be contained by pretty much anyone with more than a week to prepare”, does that include UNC who we scored 68 on? They had 2 weeks to prepare. Would you call that containing the offense? For real, would you.
GT Fan
January 1st, 2013
1:02 pm
3. If Tech gives up 35 points, the team will have the highest points-per-game allowed average going back at least to 1948.
————————-
Where has this D been the past 2 seasons????
28 total pts over the past 2 games vs 4/5 star talent (FSU, USC) … 7 pts in the past 6 qtrs. WELL DONE, Defense! WELL DONE!!!
I think Charles Kelly might have won the DC job………
GT Fan
January 1st, 2013
1:06 pm
awesomeb ….
Don’t forget back in 2008 when preseason #1 UGA had 2 weeks to prepare for GT what happened then too. Most points GT has posted vs UGA under PJ.
Dawg fans are funny, in sad way, with their ability to “spin” anything in UGA’s favor.
GT Fan
January 1st, 2013
1:09 pm
GT just beat a more storied program (USC) than UGA has since……the last time the Dawgs beat Bama. And NO, UF is not a more STORIED program than USC!
Suck on it, DDFs! (Delusional Dawg Fans)
...Take The Wheel
January 1st, 2013
1:18 pm
I may stand corrected on the losses last year but I’m far from a PJ supporter. None-the-less he called a decent game yesterday. Our boys got the W against a highly respected program -so have a seat southern troll.
GT Fan
January 1st, 2013
1:37 pm
Does USC have a roster with as many 3 star players as GT’s?
Does GT have a roster with even ONE 5 star player?
How many more 4 star players does USC have than GT?
GT 21 USC 7
Future NFL players got their butts kicked by a “high school offense” and a D with 2-3 star talent.
Buzz 2011
January 1st, 2013
11:25 pm
@Tevin’s stats… GT 21 USC 7 …. GT 21 USC 7 You idiot……………