Take Tech over Georgia right now in the long run
The Jackets have issues, but Jonathan Dwyer created positive foreshadowing in last game.
Sometime today, Mark Richt and Paul Johnson will speak at their weekly news conferences and assess for the world their respective football teams to this point. And if either has actually figured them out, that puts them ahead of the rest of us.
I’ve covered two Georgia games (Oklahoma State, Arizona State) and two Tech games (Clemson and Miami). I saw most or all of the other ones on TV. Both teams leave me thoroughly confused. Also somewhat dizzy.
Loading ...Tech has extended its personality changes from half to half (vs. Clemson) to game to game (awful vs. Miami; great vs. North Carolina). So I guess that’s progress. At least it leaves a week between games for therapy and makes for easier billing with the insurance company.
The Dogs can’t seem to figure out what they want to be: a solid defensive but offensively inept team (Oklahoma State, Arizona State), which makes it easy to dump on Mike Bobo or Joe Cox (or both). Or a relative video game (South Carolina, Arkansas), built for thrills and maybe the WAC, which makes it easy to dump on Willie Martinez.
Bottom line: Both have issues. Neither looks like a BCS bowl team. But if I had to take one over the other right now, I’ll take Tech. Here’s why:
♦ The Bulldogs are too erratic, too sloppy (minus-nine in turnovers) and still take too many penalties to lead me to believe they have any shot at beating No. 4 LSU this week, or certainly upsetting Florida. Two other games that once looked like gimmes — Tennessee on the road and Auburn at home — now look like potential landmines. And Tech has to be favored to win the last game of the season at Bobby Dodd.
♦ For Tech, I’m assuming the Jonathan Dwyer we saw before the North Carolina game was an aberration, and the one from last week is the norm. The defense is not great and probably won’t get a lot better. But if the Jackets run the ball, that keeps opposing offenses off the field. Further, Tech doesn’t have a can’t-win game on the schedule. The toughest opponent is No. 6 ranked Virginia Tech but that game is at home in a few weeks. The next most difficult game on the schedule is at Florida State, which just lost to South Florida.
The Jackets could always blame fatigue (three games in 13 days) on their worst performance of the season at Miami. I’m not sure what Georgia blames its worst moments on, other than just not being very good. (If Cox had the flu in Game 1, what did he have in Game 4?)
Right now, it’s looking like Tech will be the better team at season’s end. Agree or disagree? I’ve put up a poll if you want to vote, as well as comment.
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503 comments Add your comment
Butch Carpetmuncher
September 29th, 2009
7:44 am
The only thing Tech leads in is campus crime statistics. What a waste of land and tax payer money.
71 Dawg
September 29th, 2009
7:46 am
Stafford made the throws and JC cannot. He can be a great QB if he will just let go of the ball sooner. Stafford threw the ball before the receivers made their moves and with his arm strength it got there in a hurry. That’s just not the case with JC so far. Receivers have had to make plays after waiting for the ball, especially on deep patterns. Don’t read this as me throwing Joe under the bus and giving him all the blame for poor play – he still has us 3-1 with a lot of ball to be played. Another thing, these teams we’ve played are not pushovers! ASU is one of the leaders in several defensive categories in their conference and nationally – and I don’t know when I’ve seen a better tackling team. Their linebackers seemed to be everywhere last Saturday. We will probably lose again but I’m not down about this season – look at all the youth who have starring roles on both sides of the ball!
Cosmo
September 29th, 2009
7:46 am
Jeff, is your house still standing? Wow, it took some real guts to write that article in this state. From what I have seen of the UGA defense they still can’t stop the run and the offense refuses to be dedicated to it despite having 2 “Great *****” backs. On the flipside, Tech showed a stouter D against UNC, but will give up some yards and points through the air. Tech needs to run the ball like the last UNC series: 8 minute drives keep Green, King, & co on the sideline. Tech wins against UGA and more overall games.
amusedtiger
September 29th, 2009
7:46 am
Georgia fans wanting what Tech has. Let’s further examine this. Don’t want to play in the ACC. Don’t want to run a high school offense. Don’t want a quarterback incapable of passing to win a game. Don’t want to lose to in-state rival the vast majority of the time. Don’t want to be a lifelong virgin. Yep. They really want what Tech has. Although, I did stop at Tech once to visit a friend. I got back to my car to find a Tech diploma. Didn’t want that either, but it made great toilet paper.
m
September 29th, 2009
7:49 am
You ugag fans sure are stupid…..i guess that IS redundant.
Tech will stomp ugag this year….stomp.
And I will never stop laughing at you stupid dawgs…I know…redundant again.
45-42…glad it still hurts so bad…and it is only the beginning.
ChrisinIndy
September 29th, 2009
7:49 am
I still don’t get UGA fans that call GT’s offense ‘high school’. I mean, its the same offense that dragged your defense all over the field between the hedges last year to the tune of 409 total rushing yards. Go ahead and call it a high school offense but that would mean that your defense is somewhere around junior high…and with all those 5-star recruits, too. What a waste of talent…
To further illustrate how out of touch UGA fans are, UNC’s defense (yes, the one Tech just dominated) is ranked 14th in the country in total defense (look it up on NCAA.com), while UGAs defense is ranked 67th after playing juggernauts such as Arkansas and Arizona State.
More stats: UGAs offense is ranked 74th in the country in total offense. Heck, even Central AND Western Michigan are ranked higher than you!
Great pick, Jeff. Can’t wait to hear the UGA fans crying even more after they get dominated by LSU and UF. Gonna be a long year, UGA!!
AZ Jacket
September 29th, 2009
7:51 am
MoDawg…still an idiot.
DawgsRule
September 29th, 2009
7:51 am
That tech win last year was a total fluke. Ga was flat and overconfident, didn’t show up, and tech got all the calls from the refs. This year, UGA will shut down that high school offense and win easy—mark it down! GA 33 Tech 20
PT
September 29th, 2009
7:52 am
Thats why you are a writer. This Ga team is very similar to the 06 and 07 teams. They should be erratic with the youth and the #6 schedule todate in America.
SimpleDawg
September 29th, 2009
7:53 am
AZ Bug,
Where in the hell did you come from, and what makes you think that other people give a $#!+ about your stupid opinions….just how many posts have you burdened us with this morning?
I hate that Best Buy closed….now all of you little electronics geeks have nothing to do but annoy the rest of us on sports blogs.
As for “coveting what Tech has”….just what are referring to that is worthy of desire? The close proximity to the Varsity is the only thing that comes to mind.
FloridaDawg
September 29th, 2009
7:53 am
It’s hard to say who will win now, but I do predict UGA will rush for 200 yards against GT and will pass for 250 yards.
But we will have 450 yards in penalties that will negate everything.
AJ Green will block a last minute field goal and we win with no time on the clock to finish the year ranked #19. GT will be ranked #20 so it will be close.
Sautee Dawg
September 29th, 2009
7:56 am
AZ Jacket
Not whinning AZ Jacket, just stating the facts. Tech’s the one who left the SEC in search of an easier path. UGA will stay where their at i’m sure. Besides playing in the Orange Bowl in front of 2000 fans don’t seem all that exciting.
Furthermore my post was addressed to Jeff in case you didn’t notice.
georgiadawg1970
September 29th, 2009
7:56 am
Tech did not win last year, Georgia lost. LSU showed what a real SEC defense is like.
ChrisinIndy
September 29th, 2009
7:57 am
High school offense = 429 total yards on your cesspool field last year.
High school offense = ranked 50th in country this year in total offense compared to–oh wait, let me keep scrolling down….74th?
ChrisinIndy
September 29th, 2009
8:00 am
Tech = full of 3-4 star athletes that know the value of playing as a team.
UGA = full of 5 stars that are already looking to the NFL and constantly play beneath their capability due to poor coaching
AZ Jacket
September 29th, 2009
8:04 am
amusedtiger – just read all the “If we” statements in the UGA blog. Any time I see “If we had” it relates to want. I make no excuses for Tech….A second year coach who has done more in his tenure than the last coach could do in 6 years. We may have second tier athelets but ask CMR if he would like to have Burnett, Dwyer, Hill (Which he recruited), Morgan, Thomas, or Jones I think he would jumb at the chance. We will win our share of games. Will we dominate UGA, no, nor will UGA dominate us. When we are better we will beat you when we are equal we will beat you (Coaching). I am proud of the degree I received from Ga. Tech…it has enabled me to find employment at an exceptional salary and my skills are in demand. Your comment about a GT diploma shows your ignorance….you should have taken it to your boss. Wait, you don’t need a degree to deliver pizza.
RDM
September 29th, 2009
8:05 am
Who knows what these teams will look like come November. At the rate that GT is going now, your QB will never make it thru the season. Your offense promotes the QB getting killed. The couple of games I have seen, your QB can barely pick himself up off the grass come 4th qtr.
AZ Jacket
September 29th, 2009
8:10 am
Sautee Dawg, know your history about Tech. Did not leave the SEC for easier path. Left the SEC for reasons of scholarships and at the time financial issues with SEC. Tech continued to play the SEC during their time as an independant. Always scheduled Georgia, Ala., Auburn, Tenn.. Took on ND in their prime. Don’t talk about things that you do not know my friend. Joined the ACC because it was not in their best interest to go as independant. Joining a conference is about the money my friend not about who your play or when you play them.
Sautee Dawg
September 29th, 2009
8:11 am
Enter your comments here
SickandTired
September 29th, 2009
8:11 am
Wow Jeff you hit the nail on the head…Ole “smile on his face” Mark Richt is really up against it this year and he knows it. LSU is gonna expose them once and for all what they are. They are a bunch of cocky athletes with no concept of team and a coach that lets the inmates run the prison. There are serious, let me repeat serious problems in Athens which will become more and more apparent in the coming weeks. The burner is officially going to be on the rear end of Saint Mark after this coming stretch of games. Georgia, the Wisconsin of the SEC.
ChrisinIndy
September 29th, 2009
8:11 am
So to recap…
UGA’s defense is worse than last year
UGA’s offense is MUCH worse than last year (you lost your two most important positional players to the NFL–and yes they left before they got their degree)
And you expect this year’s game to be any different?
AZ Jacket
September 29th, 2009
8:13 am
RDM, your point. He can take the hits. One hit on JC could end his season. Football is a contact sport.
UGA89
September 29th, 2009
8:14 am
No doubt Gt beats UGA again this season. I was in the cesspool known as Athens GA for the ASU game and UGA looked terrible. the only reason UGA won that game was because ASu had terrible play from it’s corners –and ASU is not even a good football team. UGA is lucky to be 3-1, they could very well be 1-3 or 0-4.
GT has found it’s footing –with the exception of the kicking game– and is about to hit the toughest stretch of it’s schedule, four road games in five weeks, with the home game VT. It GT escapes October with a 3-2 record then they will wrap up with a 3-0 November, to finish at 9-3 and wrap a very good season.
Gt defeats UGA again –as i stated at the end of last season, look for Gt to win 4-5 in a row in the series with UGA. Gt finished 9-3, UGA 7-5.
GTJay
September 29th, 2009
8:19 am
Georgiadawg1970 quipped:
“Tech did not win last year, Georgia lost.”
Nice rationalization. If that kind of illogical denial helps you to cope, then you perhaps will be able to console yourself when UGA loses again this year that at least Tech–with it’s ‘high school offense’ and assortment of ‘nerds’ and ‘foreigners’–will not have ‘won’.
AZ Jacket
September 29th, 2009
8:20 am
UGA89, you will be called ugly names by the UGA faithful in this blog for using common sense in your comment. Not sure that either team will see a long streak in the series. Injuries could play a big part in the remainder of the year…Tech cannot afford to loose anyone they only have depth at RB.
Required Reading | Hard Knox Sports
September 29th, 2009
8:21 am
[...] Which program is in better long-term shape, GT or UGA? [AJC] [...]
AZ Jacket
September 29th, 2009
8:22 am
Hey Jay, you know that a team never wins..the other team always lost. They teach that at UGA in Football 101.
Gordon
September 29th, 2009
8:24 am
As a Tech fan, all I can say is it’s nice to be part of the conversation. For most of the recent years, we weren’t. I don’t know what will happen the rest of this year, but there is no question we are heading in the right direction. We may or may not be UGA this year, but I will be surprised if they pull off 6 or 7 game winning streaks against us if both coaches stay put. The good thing about Johnson is that I think he will make adjustments when something isn’t working, and that includes coaching changes. I’m not so sure Richt will, but I’ll worry about Tech and let the UGA fans worry about Richt.
Carlton Powell
September 29th, 2009
8:24 am
Gutsy column, Jeff. At this point in the season I DO see your point. The sad thing is that UGA has a ton of talent, it simply is not being actualized. That comes from coaching. I had a conversation Sunday evening in which the question was asked whether the GA program had “peaked” under Richt. Think it’s pretty common feeling that CMR HAS the potential to win at a big level and even compete for a MNC. BUT, it will NOT be with this current coaching staff. The fact that UGA is “winning” while constantly shooting themselves in the foot is pretty amazing. As TB said in his re-cap yesterday, if Joe Cox throws a couple of gofer balls, and UGA has a fumble or two they will be crushed by LSU. Can’t put a real read on the Jackets. They looked pitiful against the “U,” and UNC is still at least a year away, especially on offense. Currently, the pretty much suck. Taking all the emotion out of the equation, no one I know thinks Willie Martinez is in Athens for the long haul. And that pretty much goes for the rest of the assistants, save the OC.
ChrisinIndy
September 29th, 2009
8:24 am
No, AZ, they teach that at the ‘Ray Goff School of Leadership’ at UGA…
Starkermann
September 29th, 2009
8:24 am
I’m a big Dawgs fan, but my question is how can a team that has reeled in a national top 5 recruiting class every year for the past five years be so mediocre and inconsistent? The answer is that we have lousy coaching. Any idiot could field a winner with all the resources the State of Georgia and UGA have to attract quality football players… We will be lucky to end up with a winning record this year.
Starring Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett
September 29th, 2009
8:25 am
DawgsRule: So UGA did not show up last year. I remember UGA led 28-12 at the half. Good teams are supposed to put you away. Your junior high defense got TORCHED in the 3rd qtr. Keep living in fantasyland about last year being a fluke, moron.
truth
September 29th, 2009
8:28 am
sec is sooooooo overated
Sautee Dawg
September 29th, 2009
8:29 am
AZ Jacket
The financial issues you mentioned are still true today. Can’t fill up a stadium that only holds 50,000 fans. The scholarship issues, Tech couldn’t give a scholarship away in those days.
As far as joining a conference, Tech obviously chose the Basketball conference. Joing a conference and being Independent don’t seem to have hampered Notre Dame as far as raking in the big bucks. Your excuses for leaving the SEC for the easier path sound like something you and your fans have dreamed up so it won’t feel so bad about it. Don’t worry though basketball is just around the corner, then your ACC can have some dominance in something.
booger
September 29th, 2009
8:29 am
45-42 x 2
rok dawg
September 29th, 2009
8:31 am
Jeff:
Some facts to ponder.
Vs. OKie State, UGA did not have Caleb King or Justin Houston and Cox was coming off the flu. UGA was -2 on turnovers. (Loss)
Vs. S. Carolina, UGA did not habe King or Houston. UGA was -2 on turnovers. S. Carolina had two extra days to prepare. (Win)
Vs. Arkansas, UGA was -2 on turnovers. Arkansas had an extra week to prepare. (Win)
Vs. Arizona State, -2 on turnovers. Arizona State had an extra week to prepare. (Win)
All four games have been against tough BCS opponets.
UGA is 3-1 even though they are -8 in turnovers!!!
Imagine what you would be saying if UGA was just even on turnovers.
This has the potential to be a very explosive UGA team if they can just cut down on the gifts.
Carlton Powell
September 29th, 2009
8:32 am
Steve McGarrett above, you are exactly right. I have asked many a fan if they actually thought a Urban Myer or Nick Saban team would have fallen apart like the ‘Dogs did against the Jackets. Don’t think so. That game was essentially a three down game. Stop the Jackets deep on their side of the field on their first 2d half possession, and the game is probably over. The ultimate defensive meltdown. UGA does not inspire confidence.
ChrisinIndy
September 29th, 2009
8:32 am
Long-term success…
I believe that GT has the better long-term program and here’s why:
Paul Johnson has clearly made it his mission to build a program from the ground up. Look at the improvements to the stadium that are still being completed. Look at the support he’s getting from Dan R. All of these things are designed to get more fans, which means more money for the program, which means more exposure/fan base etc etc etc. Also, CPJ has made it a point to get more kids from GA to play there. We already know that his system works, so all of the ‘behind the scenes’ stuff is just gravy adding to the program.
On the other hand, we have UGA…a program in decline. With UGA, you have a fan base that is generally only satisfied with the best, so they grow restless very easily. Mark Richt’s program is built on the quality of athlete rather than how well they play as a team. It is my belief that this has been exposed, even with recruits, and that the quality of athlete that will commit to UGA is declining. This may be due to the fact that they never live up to expectation…it could be the fact that GT is making inroads into UGA’s recruiting core. Whatever the cause, UGA’s basic quality, being able to get great athletes, is taking a severe hit.
coastal dawg
September 29th, 2009
8:32 am
Schultz is a Putz,go ahead and take Tech and enjoy the MEINEKE BOWL.Tech has played a very weak schedule,every team Georgia has playrd would have beat Tech.The ACC is by far the weakest Conference this year and looks worse every week,and Tech will not even be in their Conference Championship.
Brenda's Husband
September 29th, 2009
8:37 am
Brenda, honey. I told you, loyalty isn’t taken into consideration by any of the polls. I still love you, dear.
Dooley's Cardiologist
September 29th, 2009
8:42 am
I agree with you on this one Schultzie, however I feel that next year will be a different story. But, that is why they play the games.
Yellow Fuzz
September 29th, 2009
8:48 am
Tech people have a lot of frustration built up from years of georgia’s verbal and physical abuse (from football). They want to beat georgia more than georgia wants to beat them. Tech players are not afraid to get bloody and georgia players are afraid to lose.
Tech’s coaches get far more out of their talent than georgia (except in equestrian and gymnastics).
Tech has ALWAYS owned georgia in the classroom, and now that that is carrying over to the football field, the dog nation must relive their 1980’s to save their sanity.
They are scrambling and we are loving it!
Are you that Stupid?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
September 29th, 2009
8:48 am
Wow, just maybe the torrential downpour during most of the game had something to do with either team’s ability to pass last Saturday night.
BCS is all about the money
September 29th, 2009
8:52 am
UGA will probably sell more tickets so they’ll get the better bowl.
Denver Dog
September 29th, 2009
8:54 am
It should be a great game down at Dudd stadium; Grunt Field; on the concrete campus. Right now they look like two different teams playing two different games. I’d say the only two teams left on the Tech schedule that should give them a go are UGA and Va Tech. They should handle the rest, espeically if they are as great as the press clippings say they are.
UGA can’t stay on the field with anybody on its schedule. They have not had any tests yet, and they are terrible on the road. I guess that is the gist of what you are saying here.
I’ve said this all along. Turnovers and Special teams are what makes this team. If you find away to fix those, you will be well on the way to a good season, if you don’t, then who knows?
At lease we are out of the extended week preparation for a while.
All those games which you have cited, as video games or ugly, UGA has won. They lost to Ok State, That is where it is right now. Let’s measure at the end of the year. The goal is to win, and improve each week as a team. Looks like we have seen that from UGA so far. This weekend is the big test.
hayesn3
September 29th, 2009
8:55 am
I guess you point is somewhat understandable, but I think most would agree Uga fields more talent every year..that being said, let me ask you a question…why did detroit, atlanta, baltimore, and the new york jets field rookie quarterbacks in the last two season? because they know that they have more talent! In detroit, Stafford may throw a few picks every now and then, so why did they start him? because daunte culpepper can’t win a game for you..all he is going to do is not lose one…I think in the LONG RUN the penalties and turnovers will cease and georgia’s talent will show: immaturity is showing now…but we all know they will gain expierance…tech is always going to be a mediecore program..do you really think they can be a national championship contender with that offense?
Dooley's Cardiologist
September 29th, 2009
8:57 am
I believe “coastal dawg” is a moron. Obviously he just watches SEC games. Hate to tell you that UF is the only great team in the SEC. Two other good ones in Bama and LSU, and nine bad teams. If Bama and LSU end up with two losses this year, the SEC will be the PAC-10. I think UGA would be the UCLA of the SEC. Always getting spanked by the Trojans (Gators).
Tech sucks
September 29th, 2009
8:58 am
Dawgs are going to destroy Tech. It’s going to be hilarious.
BuzztheKiller
September 29th, 2009
8:58 am
Interesting that the Dog fans are harping on Tech’s schedule being weak. The only weakness is that it includes the three weak sisters of the SEC: Miss St, Vandy, and you got it…..UGA.
AZ Jacket
September 29th, 2009
8:59 am
coastal dawg – Excuses, excuses, excuses…you should always blame the other teams schedule.