It’s hard to see Georgia’s defense stopping Tech
Any chance Willie Martinez comes up with a game plan to upset Tech?
In 2006, when a 7-4 and unranked Georgia team defeated a 9-2 and 16th ranked Georgia Tech team, it wasn’t difficult to figure out why. The Dogs’ defense rattled Reggie Ball, the oft-rattled quarterback, who went 6-for-22 with two interceptions and a fumble.
“That was our goal from Day 1,” defensive tackle Ray Gant said afterward. “As soon as we started game-planning Tech, shake Reggie.”
The biggest reason not to expect an upset next Saturday when Georgia goes to North Ave? The Dogs’ defense seldom rattles anybody any more.
If this is another indictment of defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, so be it. We watched Kentucky score four second-half touchdowns Saturday night, and even though two of those scores were set up by turnovers, the game illustrated Georgia’s lack of ability to make a play when it matters.
Question: Do you see Martinez putting together a game plan and inspiring a defense to the point that the Dogs can either: 1) rattle Jackets quarterback Josh Nesbitt into making mistakes, or, 2) slow an offense that is among the nation’s per-game leaders in yardage (449.6) and points (36)? I don’t.
Here’s a stat for you: If you throw out the Vanderbilt and Tennessee Tech games, Georgia has allowed an average of 31.4 points in its other nine games. Martinez might want to keep that off his resume.
Can Georgia put up points against Tech? Yes. But as much as the Jackets’ defense has struggled this season, it also has shown an ability to make adjustments and make plays when it has had to. (Another stat: The Jackets have allowed only one second-half touchdown in the last four games). The Dogs probably had a better defense a year ago, when Tech torched them for 409 rushing yards and five offensive TDs.
I suppose there’s something to be said for this being a rivalry game and Georgia players wanting to finish the season (pre-bowl) on a high note. But it’s hard to imagine any breakthrough coming now.
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678 comments Add your comment
Jsmuga
November 22nd, 2009
5:11 pm
UGA alumni here there is no way this team beats tech the defense is horrible Joe Cox has not improved at all since beginning of season…..
1985phone man
November 22nd, 2009
5:11 pm
Techster your right –coach Bill would like to have his starters play into the second half
godawgs
November 22nd, 2009
5:11 pm
Miami beat Tech by running the ball for 180 yards, no turnovers, and 200+ passing. Tech looked terrible in that game.
If Ealey gets 25+ touches, Cox and Ealey communicate well, and Ealey has another EXPLOSION play or 2 like the one he busted for 55 yards against Kentucky, we have a shot. If Bobo calls a poor passing game, converts 1 out of 11 3rd downs in the second half again like he did vs. Kentucky, or has 3 or 4 turnovers like we have had in 4 out of 5 losses, yes, we’ll lose.
Tech fumbles more than almost anyone in the NCAA (chance for some turnovers IF WE GET SOME HATS ON SOME BALLS WHEN WE TACKLE) and their passing completion % is horrendous (who cares unless we get a lead?).
Everybody’s trying to blame Ga’s woes on our defense but what DC can win with 3 or 4 turnovers like Bobo has given up in 4 of our 5 losses?
Willie’s D did pretty good against Tech last year in 3 out of 4 Qrtrts. The Georgia –OFFENSE– had a complete MELTDOWN in the 3rd Qrtrt, and Willie’s D struggled as a BY-PRODUCT of that meltdown in the 3rd Qrtr. I don’t see us having a 3rd Qrtrt meltdown like last year.
Willie has not given up a single 100 yard rusher this year and out-coached the #1 ranked offensive OC in the game in 2007, 2008, Gus, in the Auburn game.
I’d like to see some Saban-like corner Blitzes to slow down the outside pitch options.
I’d like to see a HELMET ON THE FOOTBALL on every tackle–these guys fumble more than anybody. If they’re going to run, strip the ball, and put hats on the ball when we tackle. Shut down the dive and bring a lot of corner blitzes.
shenandoah
November 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
Saw in the ABH where Joe Cox placed all the Ealey fumble blame on Ealey. Way to stick up for fellow players, Big Joe. I guess he missed blocks on your interceptions also. One yard to go – should have been a simple dive hand off. Why did you go right when everybody else was going left. Did you turn the wrong way, or was it just dumb cutesy coaching?
Gordon
November 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
I’m a long time Tech fan, and I’ve seen too much to ever take the UGA game for granted. UGA can score on us, and if they play a complete game without turnovers and penalties they could beat us. I just can’t believe all the trash talk from some Tech fans, and I wish they would wait until after the game. And even then, if we win, remember that UGA is 33-12 against Tech since 1964 when Vince Dooley started with UGA. They really don’t have much to prove against us. This talk of 10 in a row is ridiculous – let’s win two in a row first.
Let’s just play a clean (no turnovers or penalties) game and we should win by 2 touchdowns. The good news is that I can’t see CPJ not having the team prepared. Like Dooley, he is good at winning the games the should win and winning a few he shouldn’t.
Alpharetta Dawg
November 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
Formula for UGA beating Tech…
1. Plays smart….no plenalties…better scratch that one
2. Win the tunover battle…not gonna happen either…but I have more
3. Rely on the smarter QB…this is no good either
4. Better senior leadership…no good either…see Evans & Cox
5. Better game plan…not a chance
6. Better halftime adjustments…not a chance in h_ll!
7. UGA interim mascot will be better than Buzz…I knew I could find one eventually!
The good news is all coaching changes or lack there of will be known before donations are due for next year!
Pi$$onaDawg
November 22nd, 2009
5:14 pm
HairyDawg I love the trash talking. Rivalry game does make some things change, but the fact UGA has a BAD QB and a BAD Defense is not going to change in a week. Run your mouth all week, but make sure you are back on the Blog Sunday to cry about what went wrong.
SEC FANATIC
November 22nd, 2009
5:16 pm
Here are the real reasons the Dawgs are having such a bad season: 1) It’s the refs. Everyone knows they are in it for Bama and Florida. 2) It’s Urban Meyer. Shouldn’t he be in South Bend by now?? 3) It’s Brandon Spikes. What an eye poking thug!! That’s what we should all be concerned about, not whether Georgia actually lost to Kentucky!! 4) It’s Tim Tebow. Yeah, we’re much more concerned about his concussion and his long term health and giving Meyer expert medical advice or whether he’ll ever amount to anything in the NFL than how our Dawgs are going downhill fast. After all, aren’t we nothing but an NFL farm team anyway???
boots
November 22nd, 2009
5:16 pm
These are dark days in Athens. We were at great highs for the past six years thanks to Coach Richt, but the past two years have been very disappointing for everyone. He is still a great coach and a great leader, but he needs to show some passion for the program and step forward to make the changes NOW. Living off past accomplishments is a bad way of living and coaching. Start tomorrow by making needed changes. What you are doing now, Coach Richt, is not getting different results.
SC Dawg
November 22nd, 2009
5:17 pm
Buy Willie a Van, fill it with Gas and tell him to get the H out of Athens. Brian VanGorder or Kirby Smart!!!!
FranktheFalcon
November 22nd, 2009
5:17 pm
Georgia Tech is well coached, Georgia is not! Georgia has 2 chances of stopping Georgia Tech’s offense: NONE and NONE! I am a long time Georgia fan of over 45 years and I will never pay for a ticket to see Georgia play again as long as Willie Martinez is the Defensive Coordinator. He is absolutely terrible! Willie, your secondary will take an a$$ whipping this weekend against a team that hardly even passes. That is how bad of a coach you are! Why, because they are not smart enough to play assignment football because the secondary is undisciplined and uncoached! WILLIE, DO YOUR BUDDY COACH RICHT A FAVOR, AND RESIGN!!! On yeah, good job against GT last year in the second half! NOT! They torched you and your secondary and you had no frigging clue what to do!!! Don’t say that you don’t have the athletes, you do! You just can’t COACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jacketnation
November 22nd, 2009
5:20 pm
GA TECH played the #12 toughest schedule and UGA played the #15. No excuses dawg lovers. We are 9-1 and 2-0 against the SEC. UGA can’t stop our offense. Nobody can or will. Tech should run for 400+ again.
TECH 45
UGA 31
TDone
November 22nd, 2009
5:20 pm
The fact of the matte is that in rivalry games, the best team usually wins, regardless of the emotion and cirumsgtances. In this case, Tech is the best team. It’s going to take Muttland a couple of days to get over the loss to Kentucky. While there is a thin line between rest and rust, Paul Johnson will make sure the Jackets are ready. Paul Johnson is an expert in rivalry games, unlike Gailey.
Go Jackets!!!
Alabama Jack
November 22nd, 2009
5:22 pm
Oh s&%t, word here is that the UGA roundball team was in Birmingham this week scouting out the dives and hip hop bars for the UGA football team when they come to the PappaJohns Pepperoni bowl next month.
FranktheFalcon
November 22nd, 2009
5:22 pm
What is a misnomer? When you call Willie Martinez, “Coach”.
JB
November 22nd, 2009
5:23 pm
Is that all you can come up with BOOGIE? I thought so. You were exposed on the other blog; your hatred for the Jackets is completely understandable when your Dawgs go down next week and the Tigers the week after that. Have another drink Boogie, it might get better for you after a few more. hahahahahaha
Jax FL State Barfoot
November 22nd, 2009
5:23 pm
When did Kentucky start a football program?
And like Cutty Sark says “back the train up and run over them again.
So beat them Bawgs and go Tech and the ACC!!!
Bulldog Joe
November 22nd, 2009
5:23 pm
WE ARE GOING TO GET SLAMMED. BUT……………….IF IT FORCES US TO MAKE CHANGES IN OUR COACHING STAFF, WELL, WE DAWGS FANS WILL JUST HAVE TO GRIN AND BEAR IT ALTHOUGH IT HURTS.
GOOD LUCH GUYS, YOU ARE GOING TO NEED IT.
jacketnation
November 22nd, 2009
5:24 pm
UGA adopts roll of toilet paper as official mascot
lostdog
November 22nd, 2009
5:24 pm
2010 will be very interesting. UGA will probably not be ranked and will be favored in very few games. UGA always does best when very little is expected of them. Does look like UGA should be below UF, UT, SC and KY next year. Another rebuilding year, but hopefully one where UGA plays smart football.
I'm Mark Richt and I Love Missionairy posotions
November 22nd, 2009
5:24 pm
Every time I see a closeup of Joe Cox I expect to see Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Ned Beatty and Ronnie Cox. Joe should have been a Vol.
GT90
November 22nd, 2009
5:26 pm
aarh-
GT has played 4 teams in the current top 25 (USA Today and AP polls) and beaten 3 or the 4.
UGA has played 3 teams in those polls and lost to all 3.
What unbiased observer would say UGA has a tougher schedule? Give me a break. The SEC ain’t what it was last year.
RAMBLE ON!!!
November 22nd, 2009
5:26 pm
haha, godawgs thinks you have a chance. Too rich.
How many “ifs” you got there?
GT biggest problem will be over looking UGAg for Clempson.
CPJ will let this happen Monday…Tuesday he will commence the fleabag beat down of epic proportions.
49-17
FranktheFalcon
November 22nd, 2009
5:28 pm
Willie could recruit the 11 best defensive players in the nation and he would still give up 40 points a game! LOL Coach Richt, it is time for a change at DC! Put Weird Willie on the road, he will land somewhere! I talked with Salvation Army and Goodwill about him, but they said they don’t want him. They said that they only took in people who had a chance to get better. They said he was hopeless!
Mullet Nation
November 22nd, 2009
5:30 pm
we was on our way to the kentukky game last night and was to look for the BIG DAWG TO EAT when the truck broke down but the tellyvison still works back at the doublewide so we was okay to still see the BIG DAWG EAT. Then the BIG DAWG did not want to eat and we was sad. And was sad also that the mascot died when he saw the BIG DAWG was not hungery cause we do like to eat but the BIG DAWG did not eat. The pitbull we keep back yard at the doublewide always like to eat and maybe we kin get us a new mascot pitbull so the BIG DAWG can eat again. Anyhows I never was thinking the DAWGS was not to win becase we are the SEC and we always beats the teams that are not the SEC so them kentukky coalminers was sure to lose but somehows they did beat the BIG DAWG. and now I am thinken why do we play the teams not in the SEC we should not play the coalminers ever again no more. But we do like to play the teams not SEC sometimes cause we do always beat them and they gots us a game down Atlanter way nex saturday ha ha ha that will be the end of them crybaby yella jakkets cause the BIG DOG WILL EAT on the yellajakkets sure nuff. And iffin we was to get one a them pitbulls for to be the mascot on the Atlanter game then the BIG DAWG will EAT and we will have a good old time down the bar at the croosroad. Now I am be thinken bout that bar down the croosroad and it is sunday but they gots the back door for the regulars so after church I am there. All of the bulldog nation can like this bar they got pixtures of UGA and the team and crown royal with coke cola too.
godawgs
November 22nd, 2009
5:34 pm
Ramble On-
Ok, here’s the 1 “If” key to the win. 0 turnovers.
Richt is UNDEFEATED 15-0 when he gets 0 turnovers.
It’s on Bobo, we’ll see. Has NOTHING to do with Willie’s D.
It worked for Miami too-they KILLED Tech with the same strategy. 0 TURNOVERS.
Fire All Three
November 22nd, 2009
5:36 pm
Hopefully, the georgia trustees fire michael adams, damon evans and mark richt—all three are incompetent morons, who are ruining the athletic department! The football team sucks, the basketball team sucks—-they are only good at tiddly wink sports like gymnastics, tennis and equestrian! What a #@#$$%$ joke! Start cleaning house right away!
BOOGIE MAN FROM HARTWELL GA
November 22nd, 2009
5:36 pm
MULLET= SICK ASS…………………… BUT I DID LAUGH….WERE YEW FRUM…TENNISSEE
RAMBLE ON!!!
November 22nd, 2009
5:37 pm
We were just tired when we played Miami. 3 games in 13 days.
Sorry godawg, no chance.
Heck, I’ll even spot you a turnover.
BOOGIE MAN FROM HARTWELL GA
November 22nd, 2009
5:38 pm
STILL LAUGHING…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…………..NO YEW FROMM WEST BY-GOD VERGENNIA
Snoop Dawg
November 22nd, 2009
5:39 pm
Yo Dawgs-
If Markt Recked said that if the administration wanted to fire him then it should, then I would appreciate it if someone could give me the number to Michael Adams. While we’re at it, let’s also get rid of Demon Evans and all the enablers to this miserable excuse for a University of Georgia football team. Here’s the deal:
Don’t give UGA any more money or order any more tickets until the Preacha Man and the Demon are permanently off the payroll of UGA. If you truly love the Dawgs and the university, it’s time for some tough love.
RK
November 22nd, 2009
5:39 pm
godawgs, I agree with your point that the defense was put in some terrible positions numerous times/games this year. (SC,Tenn, etc.) While they were far from proficient at making big stops when they needed to this year, they did show good effort when they weren’t worn out from being on the field the majority of the time. I had a good feeling about Cox at the beginning of the year but it sure seems that an alternative should have been given at least a fair shot. They sure seemed determined to make a change in the running back line-up, and I’m not sure they made the right decision there. Guess we’ll hinge our hopes this year on Saturday.
BOOGIE MAN FROM HARTWELL GA
November 22nd, 2009
5:40 pm
GOTTA GO………SEE YOU HATS NEXT WEEK…………. GOOD ENTERTAINMENT ON A RAINY NIGHT IN GA. ………………….GO DAWGS !!!!
Tom
November 22nd, 2009
5:40 pm
Scheduke strenght?
Sagarin SoS rankings updated today (for games played to date)…..
12. Georgia Tech
17. Georgia
HairyDawg
November 22nd, 2009
5:41 pm
Pi$$onaDawg – “HairyDawg I love the trash talking. Rivalry game does make some things change, but the fact UGA has a BAD QB and a BAD Defense is not going to change in a week. Run your mouth all week, but make sure you are back on the Blog Sunday to cry about what went wrong.”
Whatever. I aint smacker talking. Im truth telling. This year is just like 2006 when you went into game with the high ranking to losing 3 straights inclusing Wake Forrest (HaHa).
Now you got to play a real team and then Clemson goning to pays you back to. You probably be playing Noter Dame in a bowls and losing that also.
Tom
November 22nd, 2009
5:41 pm
Nice typing, Tom! LOL!….
Schedule Strength
Dave from GT
November 22nd, 2009
5:42 pm
Hairy Dawg, do you always come off as such an idiot!
I couldn’t believe my eyes when Cox threw that interception last night!
Oh, he threw more than one? Getting picked by a 300+ goon is really embarassing.
I really feel bad for Cox. I hope he plays well this Saturday, and a couple of the other GA guys blow up!
How’s that top 5 recruiting class working for you now.
Kind of like that Hope and Change!!!
GT Anchorage
November 22nd, 2009
5:44 pm
Wally Butts,
Look at what your saying! The strength of schedule is scewed more on the side of Tech this year. According to the Sagarin SoS, Tech is 12th in the country in strength of schedule, uga is much, much lower. In fact, no one in the SEC ranks that high in SoS.
Southside Drug Rep
November 22nd, 2009
5:44 pm
I’ll see you folks at The Varsity for a great ten hour tailgate. Who knows…maybe we pull one out. I’d like another zero turnover game. My over/under is Tech to score 17 points in the third. To Hell With Georgia Tech
Pi$$onaDawg
November 22nd, 2009
5:45 pm
HairyDawg TECH will win our next 3 games. UGA will lose it’s last 3 games to end your season.
Snoop Dawg
November 22nd, 2009
5:46 pm
How ’bout them Bryan Evans dreadlocks? ROFL! He’ll be panhandling in a couple of years outside of the restaurant you’re about to eat at. This guy’s a real roots rock reggae Rastafarian. Great role model for the young folks, wouldn’t you say Mr Demon Evans? How many touchdowns and Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalties has he amassed? Why is this thug allowed to play football in a UGA uniform? He obviously will not leave with a degree, except maybe in Rastaman Studies… You go dogg…
willie martinez
November 22nd, 2009
5:46 pm
folks, the loss last night is on cox and the offense. not me and my guys.
Ezekiel
November 22nd, 2009
5:47 pm
Gonna be a long, cold night for the trembling chihuahuas next Saturday. This is going to be the game that Tech pays back UGA for the 51-7. Gailey is gone, mutts, and next Saturday is “the morning after”! For more Tech football visit: http://www.bbuzzoff.com
Tiger10
November 22nd, 2009
5:47 pm
UGA is pathetic this year……..Ga Tech is having one good year and they think they are going in the right direction..Every dog finds a bone once in a while so get ready to go back to the crappy bowls again Tech after this year. I dont think UGA should even go to a bowl this year, also all coaches need to be let go and put a whole new staff in. Mark this all you Tech bandwagon fans…….Clemson will beat Tech in the ACC Championship bowl and make you like it!!!
Dave from GT
November 22nd, 2009
5:47 pm
Do you think the next UGA will be female.? Could be a plus for volleyball games – can’t see putting much effort into football or bball at UGA anymore !!!
gt_blume
November 22nd, 2009
5:48 pm
It was more then just tired…I think we were still living large off of last year’s tromping on the U.
MC
November 22nd, 2009
5:49 pm
I hope the bandwagon runs over and flattens all of you jump off fair weather fans when this thing turns around and your sorry azzes try to jump back on. You fit in better with all those bandwagon hoppers at Tech anyway.
Snoop Dawg
November 22nd, 2009
5:49 pm
Yo dawgs-
I heard from a homey that Bryan Evan’s a real playah on the UGA campus. Those hoes just luv those dreadlocks… He’s da mann…
Embrassed Dawg
November 22nd, 2009
5:51 pm
Stop Georgia Tech!! That is joke and this coming from Georgia fan.
Willie Martinez could not stop a group of high school cheerleaders on there way back to there cars after a cheerleading competition.
CMR getting upset at fans on his call in show .Saying “If the university wants to fire him let it happen. “. If this is how you feel about the University of Georgia. CLEAN out your office tonight .I will personally drive from north Georgia to help you pack!!!
If you, CMR get run out of town this year or next year, you sir have know one to blame but yourself. The University of Georgia football program has the best in the country: talent, facuality’s, and one of the largest athletic budgets among division I schools.
CMR your downfall will be as follows
Someone please let me know if you disagree.)
(1) YOUR lack of team disciple during games.
(2) YOUR absolute loyal blindness to soft zone Willie. (If no defensive adjustment Willie was at any other school in the country would he still is employed there?)
(3) YOUR lack of ability to motivate this team during a game.
(4) YOUR lack of ability or simply not caring at all. (Which both seem to be pretty debatable at this point.)College football is a business plain and simple. WE give money to the University and pay you millions a year. YOU win football games. Pretty easy to understand.
frustrated fan
November 22nd, 2009
5:53 pm
Any UGA fan that thinks we can beat Tech is really drinking the “cool aid”, or quite delusional. Holding Uk to 63 total yards in the 1st half was great, however letting them loose for 200 yds in the 2nd was not so great. Yes, turnovers did kill us, but not making plays when had to was the real killer. Give UK credit, they did not pack it in when getting trounced the 1st half, and when the opportunity presented itself in the 2nd half, they took full advantage of it. Penalties, turnovers, same old same old for the Dogs. And yes, according to Cox quotes in the ABH, he did blame Ealey for the fumble. Way to go Joe, pass your ineptitude on to the young guy! GA.Tech is a well coached, sound football team, and while their defense can be somewhat suspect, this person sees no way we can stay with them for four quarters. I shudder to think of it, but this could get ugly for UGA. Oh well, our battle cry, “wait till next year”. 6-6, and going to a bowl? Sad, Sad!!