Tech loses bragging rights, chance for something special
Look a little different than the end of last year's Tech-Georgia game? The Jackets lost to the Bulldogs, 30-24, and they won't soon forget this. (Brant Sanderlin/bsanderlin@AJC)
Signs of change were everywhere.
Bobby Dodd’s stands weren’t half-red. Thus, the game didn’t have the usual neutral-site feel to it. Bowl officials didn’t jam the press box. What for? Georgia Tech’s future was fairly simple, and Georgia’s was fairly depressing. The Jackets could be headed to the Orange Bowl, a game with history. The Bulldogs could be headed to the PapaJohns.com Bowl, a game with anchovies. The Dogs even had a temp-Uga on the sideline.
But if the Jackets feel like they just got knocked back in time, there’s a reason.
A year ago, they stunned Georgia at home and tore branches off the sacred hedges. On Saturday, with an eight-game winning streak and a fantasy season unfolding, they fell behind early to the Bulldogs 17-3 and fell short in a comeback. They lost 30-24.
The 12 months of bragging just kicked off from the other direction.
It doesn’t mean Tech can’t win the ACC title. It doesn’t mean the Jackets can’t play in Miami and finish 12-2. But this one will sting for a year because this is one most expected they would win. They were playing a mediocre Georgia team coming off a loss to Kentucky, and it doesn’t get much worse than that.
Tech coach Paul Johnson downplayed the significance of this game earlier in the week. He believes everybody should focus on the big picture, and that picture includes conference championships and competing for BCS bowls, not just bragging rights over big brother from Athens. “I don’t want to leave the wrong impression because I do realize that the game is important and I know for a lot of our fans that this is the game they want to win,” Johnson said. “[But] we want to get to the point where our program is bigger than one game. We want to win the game, but we want to do some other things that just beating Georgia won’t do for you.”
And Johnson’s right. Tech’s season is about more than beating Georgia. But beating Georgia ranks pretty high.
Bottom line: This was the Jackets’ chance to take charge, and they failed.
Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt left the game in the first quarter with a sprained ankle but returned later. (AP photo)
This won’t do much to boost morale in the ACC’s offices, either. The conference’s two championship game entries, Tech and Clemson (to South Carolina), both closed the regular season with losses to SEC rivals.
Tech trailed 17-3 at halftime. It clawed back to within 30-24 in the fourth quarter after a touchdown run by Josh Nesbitt, who keyed the comeback when he returned from an ankle injury. When Georgia’s Blair Walsh missed a 55-yard field goal attempt with three minutes remaining, it gave them one last chance. But a dropped pass by Demaryius Thomas at the Dogs’ 35 ended the final threat.
There was a general consensus that this would be a high-scoring game, with the game’s two defensive coordinators, Georgia’s Willie Martinez and Tech’s Dave Wommack, taking turns absorbing blows like those old inflatable clowns that keep bouncing back up after being punched. (In Martinez’s case, there’s no guarantee he’ll be bouncing back up after the season.)
What nobody figured: At halftime, Tech would be trailing 17-3 and its run-dominated offense — one of the top units in the nation — would be outrushed by Georgia 204-80. (On second thought, maybe it’s Wommack who won’t be bouncing back up.) That kept the Jackets’ offense off the field.
Not only was Tech limited to four possessions, it lost Nesbitt, who might as well be this team’s transmission. When he suffered a sprained ankle with 1:03 left in the first quarter, every projection about this game changed. He tested the injury on the sideline, eventually went into the locker room, presumably for a wonder cure, and returned during the second. But backup Jaybo Shaw ran the next possession and threw an interception, which the Bulldogs turned into a touchdown and the 17-3 halftime lead.
But Nesbitt played Tech’s final possession of the half, not looking full-speed, and then returned strong in the third quarter. He led the Jackets to touchdowns on their first two possessions of the second half (including a 77-yard scoring pass to Thomas). But the Dogs’ responded with touchdown and field-goal drives and held a 27-17 lead. If nothing else, it had turned into the game most expected.
But the end wasn’t what Tech players or fans expected. Last year was about getting attention. This year has been proving their worth. It can still be a great season. But not nearly as great it could have been.
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
1,802 comments Add your comment
killerJ
November 28th, 2009
11:52 pm
To Woof,Woof Woof,No But I Did See A SEC Ring For Sale On E-bay.
Paul H
November 28th, 2009
11:52 pm
((((((30-240))))))))) WHERES’ OUR RINGS? OH THAT’S RIGHT, WE AREN’T LOSERS LIKE TECH AND THE ACC WHEN IT COMES TO WINNING A REGULAR SEASON GAME
Cuz
November 28th, 2009
11:52 pm
Since we beat Tech by twice what they beat us last year, can we make rings and retire Caleb King’s number.
Yellow Fuzz, glad that it hurts so bad. Change your name idiot. You m and St. Simons caused all this grief on the Jacket Nation.
Coach Richt 2. Coach Johnson 1.
lazedog
November 28th, 2009
11:52 pm
Jackets: Congratulations on a fine season — 10-2…..Wow! Good luck the rest of the way.
By the way, I suggest you run right upstairs and clean your rooms, cuz YOUR DADDY JUST CAME BACK HOME.
go dogs
fear Russ
45ACP
November 28th, 2009
11:52 pm
outrushed by Georgia 204-80.
Saint Simons
November 28th, 2009
11:53 pm
http://www.firepauljohnson.com
Michael
November 28th, 2009
11:53 pm
I just want to know why CPJ decided to heave it down the field on three consecutive downs during the last possession. They had plenty of time. First downs stop the clock in college (second quarter of the UNC game notwithstanding).
Hondo
November 28th, 2009
11:53 pm
The bad news is that there is a lot of bad Tech fans like “m” , the good news is there aren’t many Tech in the whole wide world.
Sanford Drive
November 28th, 2009
11:53 pm
**waiting for yellow fuzz to show up**
ORDER RESTORED
November 28th, 2009
11:53 pm
Tech, you are back where you belong…..beneath us. We will always be superior to you. You had a little moment of glory last year. But now things are back as they should be.
Our Turn
November 28th, 2009
11:53 pm
30-24
seve
November 28th, 2009
11:53 pm
St. Simons stick you nose up you a$$ because don’t know what it takes to win out right time after time!!!!!!!!!!
Mike S
November 28th, 2009
11:53 pm
I guess South Carolina and Georgia should be playing for the ACC championship considering these 2 SEC also rans just PWN3D the ACC two best teams.
Florida 37 FSU 10
South Carolina 34 Clemson 17
Georgia 30 Ga Tech 24
Now, what was all this talk about ACC ‘dominance’ lately????????
((((30-24)))) hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Aint Simons
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
I just peed my pants,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,again
IlliniDawg
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
Gee Jeff, WTF with all of your anti-UGA crap?! I’m happy mostly because this undoubtedly pisses you off royally. Can’t wait to see how you spin this one.
Yep
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
((((((30-24))))) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!! Yes sir!!!!!!!!!!!!! WoooooooohhhH!!!!! Feel it! for 12 months!!!! sucka!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAH! Where you at St.?????? WHERE YOU AT??!?!?!?!?!?
john from darien
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
this is to saint simmons will you please print 30 to 24 for a whole year
mmm, mmm, mmm Barack the LIAR Obama
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
…and which conference championship game is UGA going to? The one is Shreveport?
GWH Rich
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
I can’t understand why Coach Johnson didn’t utilize his timeouts with 1:10 left in the first half, and then to make it worse, why he chose to pass on an entire drive once the Jackets reach the 46 with about 2:00 left. First time I’ve questioned his decisions.
Congrats UGA fans. You beat us at our own game tonight, while we got away from ours.
Still, Tech looks to be in fine shape heading into next season, while UGA will still be looking for Matthew Stafford’s replacement. It may be another great year for Tech and another long one for UGA, and for the next year, you lay claim to the bragging rights.
Hondo
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
The bad news is that there is a lot of bad Tech fans like “m” , the good news is there aren’t many Tech fans in the whole wide world.
Skydawg
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
All I can say is I told you so, I told you so, I told you so.
Triple Option
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
30 -24
Say what?
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
St. Simons, M, YellowFuzz, God & Greyhound, and all you who have pointed to this game and how you now own the Bulldogs. You all said that there was no way that UGA would win. That Paul Johnson and his team were only one victory in on a new lop-sided series with Tech winning all of the games. Up to this year, I have not hated Tech – but you all changed that. So I get to say to you now: SHUT THE HELL UP!
Now, crawl back under your rocks until next year. I thought this off season was going to be awful. Well, its not gonna be as bad as yours…
30 – 24…. 8-1…. Once a Dawg, Always a Dawg, How sweet it is!!!!
john from darien
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
Enter your comments here
rex
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
nerds, nerds, nerds, nerds, nerds, nerds, nerds, nerds, nerds, nerds, nerds, nerds, nerds, nerds
Buzz Jizz
November 28th, 2009
11:54 pm
How bout them yellow nerd losers!!! and with a week off to prepare. now they get to go to the aCC championship against Clemson. WOW can SC and UGA take your place??? Hey M and Saint Simaon s do you have your tickets to the ACC championship game?? they should be easy to come by!!!!
Johnson Sucks!!!!
November 28th, 2009
11:55 pm
Fire Paul Johnson and Dave Wommack. Terrible play calling on the bombs you idiot. Do you think it is a big game now PJ? YOU SUCK and I dont want to see you back next year.
southern star
November 28th, 2009
11:55 pm
Good season GT, but it came down to our line was bigger and stronger than your line. Tough drop by your reciever, just wasn’t your night. All dawg fans… show some class. Good game, see you in Athens. …………….. Go dawgs!
Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah
November 28th, 2009
11:55 pm
PJ is a genius. He knew his bugs could not beat Georgia! He just wanted to win the second rate ACC. More important than any in state rival. ACC sux. Check out the day’s scores as a brief reminder! Good luck next week Tech, against a loser to an average SEC team. Should be a good game for two SEC wanta be’s.
WW
November 28th, 2009
11:55 pm
Georgia taught us that we need a few more big athletic DTs, and a few more Chamblee High School football players, like Roddy Jones. If we end up an elite team next year, we can look back and thank Georgia for showing us our weaknesses. Thanks Georgia; your the scrimmage we needed to get ready for the big games.
AltamahaDawg
November 28th, 2009
11:55 pm
SOGADAWG, Do they still sell that bulb over in TyTy called the tech? It blooms once every 8 years.
Cuz
November 28th, 2009
11:55 pm
Time for m, yellow fuzz and St. Simons to go and clean Bill King’s rain gutters.
DAWG A
November 28th, 2009
11:55 pm
Looks like Jeff S. is hiding !!!!!!!!! Cat get your tongue?
The Other St. Simons
November 28th, 2009
11:55 pm
30-24. ’nuff said nerd.
Silent Dawg
November 28th, 2009
11:55 pm
I have been holding back all year because our defense and offense has played so poorly and I have refrained from making comments about our DC and OC, even though they need to go. But for us to have such an aweful season and Tech to be the class of the ACC, we sure just whipped your butts! The score was close but statistically, we drove the ball down your throats!!
I have just one question…where are Saint Simmons, RAMBLE ON, jacketfan, etc. now? You know the ones who have been on the UGA blogs all year talking crap!!!!
The worst year of Mark Richt’s tenure and the best year Tech has had since 1990 and we still beat the No.7 team in the country!!
And what about No.8’s big choke??? He’s no AJ Green for sure!!!!!
30-24 Hahahahahaha!!!!!
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CBI
November 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
Congrats to the Dawgs and Coach Richt. You guys would be crazy to let him go. Dirty play on Nesbitt’s injury. Poor play calling by Tech in the end when UGA was gassed. No need to go up top three straight times. Another classic game, and it pains me to say again, congrats to the Dawgs.
bigdawg88
November 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
st simons where are you? 30-24 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
you nerds were smart to leave the sec Who really wants ANY acc school in their bowl this year? Bet you guys will have a few eligible teams left out this year!
SEC RULES!!!!!
Good ole Russ is a DAMN GOOD DAWG!!
Some Sense
November 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
O. K. guys, what do all you redneck bloggers think of Willie and Mike now?
Those guys are winners…champions.
How’d you like to play against UGA’s offense next year?
God bless the Georgia Bulldogs.
Cuz
November 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
Alt, glad to see you. What is that smell, the smell of victory.
Fierce Dawg
November 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
(((((30-24)))))) HAHAHAHAHAHA!
i’m glad it hurts SO HARD!
SEC! SEC! SEC!
45ACP
November 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
The ACC champs are limping into the Championship game after getting beat by two SEC teams.
paul johnsons brain...
November 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
i think i’ll try to pass cuz im stoopid. aw shucks.
i am stoopid.
wtf. go dawgs i say.
UGA VII
November 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
Who won the GA-Ga.Tech game? 30-24. ACC isn nothing compared to the SEC.
The only reason GA. Tech was ranked 7th is because of the weak ACC. Go Dawgs
SockDawg
November 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
Wow can’t wait to watch the ACC Championship next week. Two loser teams from the ACC, that just got beat by two mediocre teams from the SEC.
Russ
November 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
PJ just realized his conference is a joke. ND????
NXS
November 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
Tech turds tumultuously tumbling towards terrible town. 30-24, rotate on that losers!
PAUL HAS A SMALL JOHNSON
November 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
PETA JUST ARRESTED BUZZ FOR GETTING CHUMPED BY UGA VII’s BROTHER
Eddy Merckx
November 28th, 2009
11:57 pm
god I hate Tech. AYTSMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dale in newnan
November 28th, 2009
11:57 pm
if you cant run with the big dawgs you keep your chihuahua ass on the porch
j
November 28th, 2009
11:57 pm
Hey bluehole- Martinez outschemed CPJ!