Can Georgia Tech avoid a Dog hangover against Clemson?
Paul Johnson's next challenge is helping Josh Nesbitt and others get past the loss to Georgia. (Johnny Crawford/AJC)
Paul Johnson told everybody who would listen last week that the Georgia game would not define Georgia Tech’s season. Now all he has to do is convince his players.
The Jackets won eight straight games and had a chance to finish the season with a top-5 ranking. But they blew that by losing at home to Georgia Saturday, 30-24, creating the ACC’s worst nightmare: a championship game between two teams, Tech and Clemson, coming off losses to pedestrian SEC teams. The ACC title game now matches No. 12 (Tech, which fell from seventh) vs. No. 25 (Clemson, which fell from 15th).
But the bigger issue for Johnson is making sure his players get past what just happened. This easily is the biggest defeat the Jackets must bounce back from since he took over. It’s bigger than last year’s loss at North Carolina, and the even the early season defeat at Miami.
Three years ago under Chan Gailey, the Jackets were 9-2, then collapsed and lost consecutive games to Georgia, Wake Forest (ACC title) and West Virginia (Gator Bowl) to close the season.
Asked about a potential hangover, Johnson said Sunday: “It’s always a concern. When you have a big game like that one and you come out on the wrong end, and certainly it was a game we all wanted to win and we took seriously, you have to turn the page. We talked about that for eight straight weeks [during a winning streak]. We talked about it in the locker room [Saturday] night. We have to move on. The regular season is over. We finished 10-2, and that’s better than a lot of people probably thought we could do. Now we have a chance to play for the conference championship. We’ve earned it. Now let’s go play.”
Those were the right words. We’ll find out about the actions soon enough. I’m inclined to think Tech will bounce back. Question: Are you confident the Jackets can avoid a collapse similar to the one we saw in 2006?
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565 comments Add your comment
Golly Gee!!!
November 30th, 2009
2:43 pm
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Nice and pathetic spin, Gee. Nez-2-bitts only missed two series. UGA controlled the ball all game long. It didn’t matter if he was there or not. Without UGA giving you a gift inside their own endzone, they would have won comfortably by two scores
Thug U
November 30th, 2009
2:45 pm
Trashy fans at their trashy school playing their trashy rap garbage so loud even the commentators said it was bordering on a penalty. KARMA!!!!
BuzztheKiller
November 30th, 2009
2:46 pm
Jonnytest- never said the UGA game does not matter. Of course it does. As much as it matters to you guys (maybe not as it seems to be the biggest thing you have done since 1980 based on the comments on here). I never want my team to lose to anyone, especially a state rival. But the biggest reason I don’t want them to lose is when Tech is in the BCS top ten and trying to get into those the two tops spots (was not happening anyway this year, but looking forward), you CANNOT lost late in the season, and the UGA game is always going to be last in the regular season. Sorry if too many words for you.
Norez
November 30th, 2009
2:51 pm
LOL!!!! Now the tool fans are crying about their crappy QB being out of the game for two series. What you morons should realize is that it’s a miracle he hasn’t been hurt before now. He’s playing in a barbaric system where the QB gets blasted nearly EVERY play. Hence why the triple O has become extinct!!
BuzztheKiller
November 30th, 2009
2:51 pm
TechGrad97 (yeah right)- if don’t like the program there is always room on the UGA bandwagon (even this week).
Cory
November 30th, 2009
2:53 pm
Funny how Techies have been hiding behind, and propping up, UF for two decades now, since the Gators have been doing what they couldn’t, but yet NOW the UGA game isn’t a big deal?
Just when you thought the nerds couldn’t get more pathetic……
fred preddy
November 30th, 2009
3:07 pm
We were totally out-coached two weeks prior to the game and all 60 minutes during.
Our big game next year:UGah. In 2015:Ugah, etc.Next WEEK:Clemson.
Recruiting, self-esteem,pride, ticket sales………that’s not rocket science.
I am a ‘59 alum and that “show” Saturday night (a repeat of last year’s Peach Bowl) was inexcuseable…’though credit the Dawgs for kicking our D’s butt.
Fire Johnson!!!!!
November 30th, 2009
3:15 pm
How he managed to lose to the worst UGA team in years is beyond me. Time to buy him out and his inept 2 minute offense!!!!
Hot Dogs and Cokes
November 30th, 2009
3:57 pm
Saint Simons, m, Yellow Fuzz, et al – I’d like to invite you to have intercourse with yourselves! (((((((((((30-24 baby)))))))))))))!! Glad it hurts so bad!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!
Did everyone enjoy their free cokes and hot dogs at the game on Saturday night? How many free hot dogs do you get for buying tickets to the A-She-She Championship Game?
DawgyDawg
November 30th, 2009
4:13 pm
So what will the Tools do for Cracker Jack rings this year???
GABULLDAWG
November 30th, 2009
5:03 pm
(((30-24)))
Tell yourselves whatever you want techies, you know that it hurts.
BTW, for those of you upset that DAWG fans will be posting this on yalls message boards for the whole year, you can thank yourselves and your fellow tech fans who posted on UGA boards all year long. Interestingly enough, I havent seen many tech fans on UGA message boards since saturday. Wonder why? GO DAWGS!
sidslid
November 30th, 2009
5:10 pm
Local Team Rankings:
Thrashers (look at the standings and you will see what I mean)
Hawks (ugly losses to inferior teams starting to sneak into the picture)
GT Basketball (ACC looks really down)
GT Football
Falcons (me thinks the injuries will cause ‘em to go 8-8 and thus the streak continues)
UGA Football (one game does not a season make)
Braves
UGA Basketball
Personality of the day: Chris Redman
ACC=All Cupcake Conference
November 30th, 2009
5:33 pm
GT311
The difference is that we can see when a team is average, GT is good for the ACC but they are not that good and wont win a NC with that offense, give the top teams that long to prepare and they will shut it down pretty easily.
UGA had a bad year yet GT got beat by that team, how can any GT fans still gloat? Oh wait, thats right, they are stupid about sports, thats how.
johnny weissmuller
November 30th, 2009
6:11 pm
ACC=All Cupcake Conference
You are 7-5 and you will get beat by Va Tech and end the season 7-6
You won the game, but you will be at home this saturday while GT is playing for a Title.
By Jan 1st, your bowl game will be played. GT’s bowl game will be afterwards.
GT BCS Ranking = #10 (The BCS knows that if Nesbitt plays the entire game, GT wins, that’s why only dropped 3 spots)
UGA’s BCS Ranking = NR in 2009 in the BCS
This is why GT fans can still gloat
Rest in Tech
November 30th, 2009
6:20 pm
AJC is like the Fox news, unFair and Biased, so your beloved Tech got ran through saturday, didnt see that coming did you? This state belongs to the men of Athens, always have always will.
Go dawgs
http://www.swarmhornetswarm.com
UGA LIVES ON!!!!
November 30th, 2009
6:33 pm
No, Rivalry games can NEVER be predetermined but……… as you all have brought on yourselves for comin on our blogs with all that trash talk HERE WE GO: 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24 30-24!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HAHAHAHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA……sucks don’t it!
UGA LIVES ON!!!!
November 30th, 2009
6:35 pm
Jus be ready for a year of this and MAYBE….JUS MAYBE…. it’ll be closer game, dont get me wrong, woulda,coulda,shoulda but didn’t!!!!
BOOGIES THE MAN FROM HARTWELL GA
November 30th, 2009
7:32 pm
CLEMSON WILL WHIP techs TEE-TINY BUTTS– BET ON IT
Paul Johnson
November 30th, 2009
7:37 pm
Man we SUX
Rhino
November 30th, 2009
8:03 pm
I don’t question PJ throwing the ball the last four plays. He had good odds of something good coming from it with Ga’s history and smaller players. Allen was open. PJ had all the confidence he could get a first down. How many times does Bea Bea drop that pass. He was wide open and the ball was there, it was the right play. It sucks we missed and droped and over threw, but given the same chance again I think you call the same plays and we win. I’ve researved judgement on our D. I think we have a problem. I didn’t think we played as good as we should have last year and we never did ajust to that cut back run. Clemson will see that film and if it happens again then PJ has some thinking to do.
Phil
November 30th, 2009
9:00 pm
What shocked me most about that game was that it looked like Tech’s defense was completely unprepared to defend against an I-Formation rushing attack. Yes Tech’s D-Line was getting mauled by Georgia’s O-Line, but it was much worse that that: Tech often didn’t have anyone in position to tackle.
What didn’t shock me is that outside of Derrick Morgan and Morgan Burnett Tech’s defensive talent is wanting.
30-24 We're just better than you.
November 30th, 2009
9:34 pm
We are just better than you. Embrace it.
45ACP
November 30th, 2009
9:41 pm
Yellow Fuzz – You guys are having a great season. Hell 10-2 aint bad.
A chance to win the ACC Championship game.
We will be pulling for the Jackets to bring the trophy home to Georgia.
GT Fan
November 30th, 2009
9:47 pm
The Dawgs fans are sooo hillarious!!! The weekend UGA played Kentucky and lost all the red flags were down, and nowhere to be found. Heck, I even saw a car parked right now to mine this past weekend that had brand new red flags on the car. Talk about a bandwagoner!! When UGA is winning all the bandwagon fans jump aboard, and when they lose it’s a whole different story. Also, you wanna talk about class? You UGA fans are just as bad as the Tech fans. I am a die heart fan win or lose for Tech, maybe you UGA fans should learn the meaning. UGA better than us?? LOL!!! UGA doesn’t even deserve to be in the SEC and they did that to themselve this year. Hell, without Florida or Bama this SEC wouldn’t be anything!
where is the option?
November 30th, 2009
9:48 pm
Mr Rhino and Keno, if the long pass odds were good, why did Tech not pass more often earlier?
I still think those three long calls were out of character considering time remaining. Just my opinion.
If one had been completed, Coach Johnson would have been considered successful/brilliant instead of just a gambler. He is still the Tech coach….I’m sure glad of that!
30-24 We're just better than you.
November 30th, 2009
9:49 pm
We own you.
Tech Grad in Vol Land
November 30th, 2009
11:07 pm
Nice win, Dogs. You kicked some arse on the lines. We were also out-coached. As the Tech win streak grew, the thought in the back of my head was, “how can this ranking be with THAT defense?” Yeah, the one that for several games only played one half well and didn’t play well at all vs UGA. Championship teams have a rushing attack and a defense. Tech’s D is young this year and will be much improved next year. If Wommack can find a way to stop CJ Spiller Tech wins the ACC. We’ll see what this team is made of this Saturday. Go Jackets!
Huh?
November 30th, 2009
11:47 pm
Asked about a potential hangover, Johnson said Sunday: “It’s always a concern. When you have a big game like that one and you come out on the wrong end, and certainly it was a game we all wanted to win and we took seriously………
So make up your mind. Was it a big game or not? Spiller will run for 400 on his own against that small, lame D.
The UGALY Truth
December 1st, 2009
12:38 am
What EVERY Dawg Fan KNOWS in their heart, but can’t bring themselves to say is this:
Every single one of them would have gladly taken a LOSS to GT on Saturday Night if it meant that today they would be:
1) Ranked #10 in the BCS Rankings.
2) Playing in a Conference Championship Game this Saturday.
3) Playing for a COVETED BCS Bowl Berth this Saturday.
4) Have a 10-2 overall, 7-1 Conference record.
So yeah, the loss hurt Sat night…But do you see WHY it doesn’t even “sting” anymore? We woke up Sunday morning to the above while the Dawgs still woke up to THIS:
1) NO BCS Ranking.
2) No Conference Championship Game this Saturday.
3) No possibility of a BCS Bowl Berth, strong probability of a Pizza Bowl in lovely Birmingham.
4) A dismal 7-5 overall, 4-4 Conference record.
Any Dawg Coach, Player or Fan who says they wouldn’t TRADE these 4 things for the Jackets’ 4 are either STUPID or just LIARS…But considering we’re talking about UGAY here, it could be both.
GT has what UGAY DOESN’T…And you can post on here non-stop until the season is over and NOTHING WILL CHANGE IT. Oops, forgot YOUR season is ALREADY OVER!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Buzzman
December 1st, 2009
8:08 am
I have to agree about Womack, if he doesn’t control his defense against Clemson early on in the game, then we will lose. If you go back in all of the games the defense only comes alive during the 2nd half. Clemson is not a pushover team, Clemson has one of the best defense in the ACC. If you don’t contain Spiller then it is all over. We have to win, I need bragging rights on the lake. I live only 5 minutes from Clemson, and I am sick and tired of reading everything about Clemson and how they are going to trash us. Even the coach said he can stop the triple option. GO TECH.
GT was sooooo OVERRATED!
December 1st, 2009
8:13 am
30-24!!!!!
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackettes were soooooo OVERRATED & still are!
Good Luck in the Consolation Bowl!!!! Where two teams that aren’t even the best in their state play for the championship of a second rate conference.
The ACC (third rate conference)
December 1st, 2009
8:16 am
NCAA conference rankings:
1-SEC
2-Big 12
3-Pac 10
4-Big Ten
5-Big East
6-WAC
7-Mountain West
8-Conference USA
9-ACC
10-MAC
11-Gulf States
The Georgia Bulldogs....
December 1st, 2009
8:18 am
….just the best team in the state of Georgia and better than any team in the lowly ACC.
30-24!!!!
30-24!!!!
30-24!!!!
30-24!!!!
30-24!!!!
30-24!!!!
30-24!!!!
30-24!!!!
30-24!!!!
30-24!!!!
30-24!!!!
Tech proves the BCS is a joke!
December 1st, 2009
8:23 am
The BCS continues to prove why a NCAA championship play-off is needed. Ranking an obviously way overrated team #10 is nothing but a pathetic joke on the NCAA and the history of college football.
Georgia Tech would be maybe the 10th place team in the SEC. The jackettes did squeak by Vandy and Miss. State in a scoring duel. NO DEFENSE!!!!
Football fans across America look at Tech as a prime example of being OVERRATED!!!!
Tech may very well win the ACC but Tech isn’t even the best team in their own state!
30-24!!!!!
30-24 We're just better than you.
December 1st, 2009
8:34 am
To always be better than gtu… it’s just the best feeling. Same song 60th verse.
Does Tech really want a BCS Bowl?
December 1st, 2009
8:45 am
I mean, gee, the Yellow jackets got totally manhandled by a middle of the pack SEC team. What will happen to Tech in a BCS Bowl? Maybe they will be lucky enough to play Boise State (a team comparable to those in the ACC) and will have a chance to win.
Everyone is aware of the fact that Tech was so very overrated and still is overrated!
Miami Hurricane
December 1st, 2009
8:47 am
We thought Georgia would whip Tech. We knew that GA Tech was grossly overrated.
Go Canes!
Gt4ever
December 1st, 2009
8:55 am
Like I have said many times……. Great teams have a well rounded team with both a Offense and Defense. IMHO, we haven’t proven ourselves on offense or defense. All the HOMERS will call me a bandwagon fan, but the proof is in the play….. We SUCK on Defense and our offense is very one dimensional when it plays good teams, and some bad teams…. UGA was a 6 and 5 team that was BAD, and we could not beat them. I don’t care how you slice it, we play in a SOFT league, and should have NEVER been ranked in the top 15. Maybe in a few years, IF the coach can recruit, this team will be better. At this point, we don’t deserve to be in the top 20. The ACCCG is a JOKE, and if we win, we will be set up for another embarrassment in the Orange bowl…..
Rob
December 1st, 2009
9:02 am
Stick a fork in the Jackets….they are done!
DawgyDawg
December 1st, 2009
9:14 am
It must suck to be a Jacket today, just like yesterday and the day before that….haha!!
Gt4ever
December 1st, 2009
9:14 am
And then there was Miami Hurricane…… Jeez Dude, how many times have you been beaten in the ACC…… If we are grossly overrated, then the Hurricanes are IRRELEVANT!
SWFLJacket
December 1st, 2009
9:31 am
Yep,
How about that LOSS to Kentucky, Huh?
You know, Kentucky, to Basketball School? Sit on that and rotate!
LizDawg
December 1st, 2009
9:38 am
30-24.Caleb King just bested through the line and ran UNTOUCHED for another 75-yard TD!
..and Coach Paul Johnson and staff had 2 weeks to prepare for UGA! LMAO! If they only had 1 week I guess the Dawgs would have had 600+ yards rushing!
We still have StarTrek!!!
December 1st, 2009
10:04 am
SWFLJacket,
Yep, UK did to UGA what the 7th ranked Jackets, playing at home, with two weeks to prepare, COULDN’T do.
How’s that rotation feel, tool?
BIG BEE
December 1st, 2009
10:23 am
Who are you playing next week GA.TECH IS A 4TH RATE TEAM?
Georgia Tech fans
December 1st, 2009
10:32 am
Georgia Tech fans are the first to abandon their team during adversity, the loudest most obnoxious when they win, the most hypocritical at all times and able to more than match anyone in low down trashy classless behaviour!
Yellow Fuzz, m, Burdell, Pi$$ on a Dawg, Stinger, Ramble On, Saint Simons, & the rest of the GT Turds...
December 1st, 2009
10:45 am
Where are you??!! You were always so faithful and deligent in showing up on any and every blog that had anything to do with UGA or GT.
Where are you COWARDS now? Can dish it out but can’t take it huh?
Just drop the “jackets” from your name and call yourselves:
The GT “Yellow” it would be more appropriate.
Also did anyone catch Sportsnite on CSS last night?
“UGA is the Husband and GT is the WIFE!” – Nick Cellini
(((((30-24)))))
Washaun Ealy is STILL running
Caleb King just scored AGAIN!!!!
TECH FANS: Don’t blame UGA Fans for all of this blame your fans listed in the title of this post. Thank them for not being man enough to face the music. Thank them for being total turds the past year.
BTW- THE BIGGEST JOKE is: ANY Tech Fan who says this game didn’t or doesn’t matter.
1. you had freakin RINGS made for a 3pt victory last year
2. the looks on your fans faces sat. tell a COMPLETELY different story!
Gimmick Offense
December 1st, 2009
11:10 am
((((((((30-24)))))))) HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
DawgVoiceofReason
December 1st, 2009
11:27 am
GSU Eagle 91,
What are you talking about, with the comment you posted (below)??? Did you watch any of the rivalry games or hear any of the outcomes? There were some great games and some big upsets where the higher ranked team either lost or barely won. Not least of which was the Dawgs over the Jackets in your own state. I could list lots of others but you can look them up online.
November 29th, 2009
8:13 pm
Rivalry weekend is not what is used to be…Or is supposed to be.
colrado90champs
December 1st, 2009
12:52 pm
No fans anywhere compare to Georgia Tech fans for whining, crying and attempting to come up with lame excuses!
That’s why they call it The Whiny Institute of Excuses…