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
Jake
September 29th, 2009
12:15 pm
Wow didn’t realize that MSU had 4 turnovers against LSU. LSU has 0 turnovers. And they still should have lost. And they are ranked 4th? What a joke. Ga is in a bs no lose situatiuon. If they win, it’s over a crap bs highly ranked team. And if they lose, they will say well they are the 4th ranked team.
Big Mike
September 29th, 2009
12:15 pm
Can I borrow $20 and one of your cars to get to the stadium this week?
DogGoneGaDawg
September 29th, 2009
12:17 pm
JacketFan: Could it be seven, maybe eight football players of the 95 in the engineering program with the vast majority of them in the lame management program. Let’s face it. The dean of the engineering college will not compromise his standards (to his credit) and the only way Tech fields a competitive team is to have this lame program. Oh, and by the way, do they continue to allow players to take classes at Morris Brown and transfer the credit back to Tech?
Willie Martinez
September 29th, 2009
12:17 pm
I’m taking my secondary over to CMR’s house to play ping pong. Anybody wanna come? There’ll be free cokes and all you can eat chee-tos!
BigMike Said...
September 29th, 2009
12:18 pm
Lets see, S.E.C. Defensive and Offensive players of the week, First pick in the draft helps team win since 07, Knowshon 97 yards on 21 carries last second win against ASU.. Sounds like a good week in DAWG Nation.
Tampa Wreck
September 29th, 2009
12:19 pm
It’s anybody’s guess right now who will be better the Saturday after thanksgiving. Both teams have major issues, but I also think both teams have some upside. I thibk Tech’s simplifying their defense will help. They won’t shut down a strong passing team, but hopefully can at least slow them down. On offense, they just need to execute. I am confident that will improve as the year goes along. I thibk getting Shaw back is going to help us. He won’t challenge Josh for the starting spot, but having a reliable backup for a couple of series a game to give Josh a break could be huge.
As for the dags, they’ve shown that if they can just eliminate the turnovers, they can put some points on the board. Their wide reciever is the real deal and will be a top 10 NFL draft choice or maybe higher when he’s ready to go (hopefully next year). If Cox can eliminate the mental mistakes and their backs can learn to hold on to the ball, the offense will be OK.
They have pretty good talent on defense, but they will never show it under Willie M. Any decent offense is gonna hang 30+ on them. I’m looking for a real shootout in November. Wouldn’t surprise me at all if both teams were in the 40s again.. Should be fun
Go Jackets and THWG.
Yellow Fuzz
September 29th, 2009
12:20 pm
((((( 45-42 ))))) hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Just the begining!
Steve McGarrett as Chin Ho's Leader
September 29th, 2009
12:21 pm
Hey Jack as Steve, get a new handle as I was here first and where is Kam Fong? As for Denver Dog, when was the last time you were on GT’s campus? Atleast is was not covered in TRASH like it was around Sanford & Son stadium. Also, GT is 4th in the state of Georgia in academics? You are one of the dumbest people on this blog because GT is ranked in the top 5 in most of the different programs in the country. Hey Butch, most of the crime is around the campus of GT, not on the campus. The arrest were made by GT police and not the city of Atlanta PD. Get your facts straight.
Toates
September 29th, 2009
12:21 pm
ChrisinIndy, how do you do in life? Are you always right? Or are you talking out your a$$? Sorry, but until GT can learn to throw the ball, your program will not get to the next step. It will win games, hence me indicating you win up to 9 games, but you will lose your share. Heck, look what Miami did to you. I see a similar fate with VT, but that is why you play the game. You never know.
I mean, Clemson, of all teams, shut you down once they caught their breath, and came up just a bit short. And they are not good! You will see that throughout this year, so don’t tell me GT is back, not without a passing attack to balance it out. Because if a team as poor as Clemson can do that, so can some of the other teams in the ACC. Lose one more, say to VT, and lose to UGA, there is your 9 win season..
Oh, and I forgot, speaking of coaches, has your coach learned to control his emotions at all?
Anyway,
BigMike Said...
September 29th, 2009
12:22 pm
Big Mike would let you, but since my girl is a lousiana Redbone from a little town outside of Baton Rouge, headed that way Friday… wanna roll?
Toates
September 29th, 2009
12:25 pm
Bogalusa here I come!
ChrisinIndy
September 29th, 2009
12:26 pm
Anyone who ends their post with ‘Anyway’ is either
A) 14
B) A girl
C) Living on daddy’s money
D) All of the above
Clayton
September 29th, 2009
12:28 pm
UGA Fan (yeah right I am way too intelligent for that) Hmm, maybe you should learn how to spell before speaking about “Intelligence” Sanford Stadium. Very good!! As for the teams, its still too early to tell. Need to see how UGA does with LSU and how Ga Tech handles Va Tech. This article shouldve been written after the Va Tech vs Ga Tech game
MoDawg
September 29th, 2009
12:30 pm
AZ Jacket calls me an idiot, yet he spends his day trolling blogs. How many responses, retorts, pointless points has AZ Jacket made on this one blog??? You count them…I don’t have the time.
Way to set the bar, AZZ Jacket.
Yellow Fuzz
September 29th, 2009
12:30 pm
Facts are stubborn things:
Afraid to use your real screen name LexinLace boy?
Yeah, especially seeing that we are the defending state champ (45-42).
Where did you play and who did they beat homo?
What contribution have you ever made to one of georgia’s games? Besides barking at fans on the opposing team.
lol. Maybe you can start by helping pick up 70 tons of trash this weekend.
BigMike Said...
September 29th, 2009
12:32 pm
and….
Roll Tide Roll
September 29th, 2009
12:37 pm
Don’t really care about either program but I wonder when the next blackout is?
Google
September 29th, 2009
12:38 pm
Yes and lets compare those african american studies classes to management. Or sports management where one class you learn which conference each team is in. at least with a ind mgmt degree from tech you can find a job.
J Dog
September 29th, 2009
12:38 pm
On paper, Georgia recruits better, and should because of that be the better team. See Scout or Rivals team rankings over past 5 years to confirm this. Don’t be fooled though, I’m sure the seperation between the teams as far as talent is concerned is not as far apart as one might think. As far as coaching is concerned, Tech leads hands down. Coaching is the equilizer in this case. That’s why Georgia is playing below it’s talent level and Tech is playing above it’s talent level. Richt at some point will figure out that coaching is like everything else in life. Some people excel at what they do, they are natural born leaders, and some are not. Johnson just needs to expand his offense beyond the triple option, maybe use the spread? Toss it a around a little more.
Hillbilly Deluxe
September 29th, 2009
12:40 pm
At this point, I’d take Tech but neither team is very impressive so far.
how2fish
September 29th, 2009
12:42 pm
Lets see if UGA beats LSU this week Jeff’s column next week will feature how badly Tech will get mangeled Nov 28th..face it the French play better defense than either team. So far this year Tech has run the ball better then UGA, and UGA has thrown the ball better than TECH…due to the RECORDS and the RANKINGS of remaining schedeule for both teams UGA clearly has a tougher row to hoe…that being said it all really boils down to the NOV 28th game when Tech goes the way of Yellow Fuzz and his tickle pile mates and GOES DOWN 31-17…
Toates
September 29th, 2009
12:44 pm
ChrisinIndy… that was an oversight, as you see, there was a comma. There was more that I deleted and that remained. But because you listed three options and every single one of them is incorrect, I stand by my reasoning that your prediction of the Dawgs demise due to a lesser quality of athlete because UGA’s tie has come, is flat out wrong.
And, if on was going to end a post with “anyway”, the more than likely would have written it this way, “Anyway…”.
So, my apologies for posting before proofreading. As for your options, you forgot, “None of the above”. But nice try, though.
Toates
September 29th, 2009
12:47 pm
Damn my lack of typing skills.
UGA Fan (yeah right I am way too intelligent for that)
September 29th, 2009
12:49 pm
Clayton – I know how to spell Sanfurd stadium – I just figured that was the way for you dumb rednecks to sound it out – BTW I am unfortunately a UGA grad
how2fish
September 29th, 2009
12:57 pm
UGA fan?? your a UGA grad??…as the Duke would have said “That’ll be the day”
DawginLex
September 29th, 2009
12:57 pm
No, yellow f@ggot, I’m SMART enough to not use my real name on a blog. Anytime you want to meet in person, you just let me know pollock boy. You will regret the encounter, I guarantee it.
barneyb
September 29th, 2009
1:02 pm
You’re joking, right? I wouldn’t take either of them. While Paul Johnson and his staftt right now can coach circles around Richt & Co., UGA has far greater talent. When running on all cylinders, unfortunately is not often, UGA will kill Tech.
Not Disappointed
September 29th, 2009
1:02 pm
What did I miss DawginLex? You’re usually a cool blogger? What gives?
Ramblin Wreck
carrollton dawg
September 29th, 2009
1:03 pm
Jeff, did you bump your head in the rain in Athens, Georgia is a much better team, Tech has no defense, did you see the Miami game. Georgia’s defense has stunk againist the pass expect for the last game and guess what tech can not pass. Georgia is really good againist the run, so barring any injuries Georgia should beat tech and not be close, but who knows Georgia likes close games so it might be but Georgia wins.
Not Disappointed
September 29th, 2009
1:04 pm
Chill bloggers! Keep it classy!
UGA Fan (yeah right I am way too intelligent for that)
September 29th, 2009
1:08 pm
Sure am – Graduated in December ‘06 from Franklin College of Arts and Sciences – born and raised Yellow Jacket though…I hate UGA and their fans though (and I hide my diploma in my closet, but I have to admit it has helped my resume and career)
Slide Rule
September 29th, 2009
1:12 pm
Well, both Tech and UGA are 3-1 now. I think what it will come out to is this: Tech’s staff knows how to see problems and make adjustments. Georgia’s staff doesn’t seem to be able to figure things out. Bobo could possibly do a better job with the defense than Martinez. He has to study defenses every week.
DawginLex
September 29th, 2009
1:13 pm
me and yellow fuzz got a little back and forth thing going. He is a tool of the highest order and keeps requesting to whip people’s arse. I’ve informed him that I am willing to accept his offer. He was STUPID ENOUGH to put his real name on a blog along with his section number in the stadium. He then criticizes others who aren’t as dumb as him.
He and m must be cousins.
The south GA redneck that loves to fight rears its ugly head when dealing with idiots like yellow fuzz.
Rectal bleeding
September 29th, 2009
1:16 pm
You hillbillys amuse me.
Techie Since '59
September 29th, 2009
1:17 pm
how2fish –
Great comment on “the French play better defense than either team.” That one goes in my “keeper” files!
SagaciousSamDawg
September 29th, 2009
1:18 pm
Jeff, such a question invites nothing but conjecture to answer. One could choose either team and would enjoy about a 50% chance of being correct, which is simply a matter of guessing.
Countdown cleansing: Mora, Bowden and Wrestlemania! | Jeff Schultz
September 29th, 2009
1:18 pm
[...] Until this morning’s blog on long term projections of Tech and Georgia football, I hadn’t blogged since the Georgia game Saturday. I was off Sunday and then it was a [...]
DawginLex
September 29th, 2009
1:18 pm
I should go back to my plan from a couple of weeks ago and just ignore him.
As one of the Bama bloggers said, “don’t try and argue with an idiot, they will take you down to their level and beat you with experience”
uga_dawg_92
September 29th, 2009
1:19 pm
Jeff…..HOW can UGA be a 3 point favorite over LSU????????? Did I miss the newsflash that half the Bayou Bengals had gotten the Urban Meyer-virus??? What does Vegas know that Bulldawg nation doesn’t……I’m a DAWG but also a realistic optimistic skeptic??? Enjoy your view from the not so far side.
I can already see you on Thursday taking the Tigers and the points and lamenting how the Georgia will need the “ole hair of the dog” to get over the “eye of the tiger” or some similar comment.
SagaciousSamDawg
September 29th, 2009
1:20 pm
As a matter of pure guessing based soley upon loyalty to my alma mater, I think UGA will be the better long term team. I could be wrong.
Not Disappointed
September 29th, 2009
1:21 pm
Dawginlex, I went back scrolled up. You guys have me and my brother, (He’s the dawg of dawgs) laughing. Chill man. Yellow Fuzz chill dude!
You know this is just a blog. I allow my employees, some are pups to blog, but when they stop answering the phone. I’m like I need to see what’s going on myself.
DawginLex, when Logan going to have a chance to play?
DirtyDawg
September 29th, 2009
1:25 pm
Damn AZ…I was all set to blister your butt over something or other and you say that. You’re obviously a wise man – even if you are a YellerJacket.
yellowjacket82
September 29th, 2009
1:26 pm
It’s very simple…Tech controls the ball and therefore controls the game. UGA’s defense won’t be able to stop Tech’s running game. Joe Cox is an adequate passer, but Tech doubles up on Green when they have the ball…which will not be very often.
Spike
September 29th, 2009
1:28 pm
Hey, nice crowd you guys had at the big game last week. How many officially were there? 12,000?
DawginLex
September 29th, 2009
1:30 pm
i’ve named him “one play Logan Gray”
DawginLex
September 29th, 2009
1:35 pm
gotta go back to work boys. Later to all.
The fries are burning………………
Not Disappointed
September 29th, 2009
1:41 pm
That’s not good to name him “One Play Logan Gray!” Lets hope you’re not serious.
The last comment was a funny one! You know, I attended the spring game with my brother. We actually went to both. Most of his pup buddies know me. I like the back up for the pups.
You know, my brother and I have office across the hall from each other. We both have our colors accordingly. We pull for each others team until late November. I wonder why? I think my brother is loose in the head. He just thinks I’m plain Nuts! Considering I was raised 42 miles from Athens off Hwy 78 towards Augusta. Maybe my brother is right.
But, I’m ramblin wreck for life.
Ramblin Wreck!
Aeschylus
September 29th, 2009
1:47 pm
yellowjacket82: Arkansas also tried to double-team Green quite a bit and that didn’t work too well. It opened up the other passing lanes not to mention the run.
Neither UGA nor GT has exhibited any predilection toward really stopping anyone so far this year though UGA improved against ASU (though that is a bit smoky: not sure how good ASU is offensively). Tech looked woeful against UM. Only time will tell. If “it” happened this weekend, I’d predict a very high-scoring shootout/last team scores-wins kind of affair. It doesn’t though: UGA-LSU does. Both of those teams have much to prove: both have raised huge question marks.
Obviously this report was good for banter (ill-natured and some not-as-ill-natured); however it’s not even quite mid-season yet. That said I guess based on the number of comments Mr. Schultz had a “successful” story….signing off
Ken
September 29th, 2009
1:49 pm
I think it is to early in the season to predict that Tech will handle the Dawgs later this year. Injuries will play a big part down the line as Tech is very thin at offensive and defensive line.We will have a better idea in November.
David
September 29th, 2009
1:50 pm
Jeff you are an idiot! no shot against LSU???? are you serious??? Georgia has a very big shot to beat LSU this weekend! did you not see the LSU Miss State game???? Mark Richt is not gunna make the dumb mistakes that Dan Mullen made and im pretty sure Georgia is a much better team that Miss State and lets not forget this game is between the hedges and LSU has not looked very good on the road so far this season so im predicting Georgia will upset LSU and win it by at least 10 points!
GO DAWGS!!!!