Jackets’ response to critics suddenly gives them title shot
Tech freshman linebacker Chaz Cheeks is carried by fans after win. (Johnny Crawford/AJC)
Few took them seriously at 6-0.
Everybody piled on when they lost two straight.
This is what happens when a sports team operates in a world of around-the-clock analysis and hyper kinetic Tweeters.
Georgia Tech is a good football team, one that, as improbable as it seemed a few days ago, suddenly has a chance to go back to the ACC title game for the second time in three seasons. When Virginia Tech comes to Bobby Dodd Stadium on Nov. 10 – assuming the field and maybe some fans have been resuscitated by then following an unscheduled, late-night Saturday block party — the Yellow Jackets can all but assure themselves of the ACC Coastal Division title with a victory.
There is a pretty good chance they will be home underdogs again. But if this bunch of 18-to-21-year-olds has proven anything this season, it’s that they seem to operate better after most have already drop-kicked them into third-tier-bowl oblivion.
Tech fans hadn't celebrated like this since 2009. (Johnny Crawford/AJC)
“We’ll probably be an underdog,” said the quarterback, Tevin Washington. “That’s OK. It’s just motivation. I prefer it that way, because when nobody gives you a shot you can go out and prove them wrong.”
About that chip on Paul Johnson’s shoulder: His players appear to have inherited it. Whatever works.
Tevin Washington rushed for 176 yards, a Georgia Tech record for a quarterback. (Johnny Crawford/AJC)
The Jackets had lost consecutive games at Virginia and Miami. They looked lost and Washington looked shaken. The option offense, which Johnson cherishes like offspring, had produced only three touchdowns in the previous 10 quarters. But against previously unbeaten Clemson, the Jackets rambled again, totaling 383 yards rushing, 443 in total offense and four touchdowns.
Tech upset the BCS’s No. 5 team, 31-17, in a game that actually wasn’t even that close. This came a week after the 24-7 loss to Miami. But the Hurricanes followed up that win with a 28-21 loss at home to Virginia on Thursday night.
Don’t try to make sense of it. Your head will hurt.
When it was over, Tech fans celebrated like they hadn’t since winning the ACC championship two years ago. There hadn’t been a scene at Bobby Dodd like it probably since the Jackets upset No. 4 Virginia Tech that same season, when fans tore down a goal post and carried it to the school president’s house.
(Campus officials have learned something since then: They took down the goal posts after Saturday’s game before fans could get to them.)
“I got into [the post-game celebration] a little bit,” Washington said. “But I tried to get off the field — it got a little crazy when the fans rushed the field. It’s a great feeling. Our team had been down in the dumps the last two weeks. So to come back like this and win is great.”
Yes, direction can change again. But the view in the ACC just got significantly better. Virginia (2-2) isn’t likely to run the table (remaining opponents: Maryland, Duke, Florida State, Virginia Tech). The Coastal title probably will come down to the nationally televised game between the Jackets (4-2) and Hokies (4-1) a week from Thursday. Tech’s only other conference game is at Duke. Virginia Tech plays North Carolina and Virginia.
The Jackets’ defense has steadily improved. (Clemson, which had been averaging 42 points in the conference, was held to a field goal in the first half and 17 overall.) But it’s the bounce-back by Washington and the offense that changes everything. He ran for a 176 yards and a touchdown, including carries of 46 and 56. It helped that everybody around him played better, but he looked more in control. The offense had a rhythm again.
Johnson also is learning what buttons to push with this team. Washington said he reminded them during the week that, “Everybody wrote us off.” The Jackets played with an edge that they hadn’t all season.
When it was over, the coach told the assembled media: “Let us finish the season before you do our tombstone.”
They’ve earned that.
By Jeff Schultz
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235 comments Add your comment
Jay
October 30th, 2011
10:12 pm
I don’t see why VT would be favored at all. They haven’t looked that good at all. They barely beat duke and if duke made fg’s they would have lost. I think tech will be a 3 point fav.
Memo to dogtards on here
October 30th, 2011
10:14 pm
Clemson has a much better offense and defense than you. If we play with the same intensity against you as we did against clemson, the result will be similar. And they have all the reason in the world to play with that intensity.
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:16 pm
Carolinajacket — Defensive?
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:17 pm
Darian — Even idiots deserve a response. Not that I’m calling anybody an idiot, mind you.
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:17 pm
Scrap — I think I’m in the top 50 percent! … Hey I can’t win the Hawaii trip anyway.
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:18 pm
IL Jacket — Thanks.
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:18 pm
SuperDawg –Who’s this “Main Man”?
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:21 pm
Bob — Just so I’m clear, are you saying I should let people call me dumb and not say anything? … Yeah, Denver over Detroit was a dumb pick. I didn’t think Stafford was going to play, that was my excuse.
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:22 pm
Dread (and all of your other names) — you’re banned.
5150 UOAD
October 30th, 2011
10:26 pm
Jeff really can’t you talk to the AJC about getting 1 blog name per email address?
AFDawg
October 30th, 2011
10:26 pm
Memo to dogtards on here, Are you in grade school? According to the most recent FBS rankings, Georgia’s defense is 8th in the country against the rush, 13th against the pass, and 7th overall. Clemson is 89th, 19th, and 66th respectively — it’s not even close. Now go back to bed — it’s past your bed time.
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:27 pm
Top Dawg –”Sorry to bust your bubbles but there are NO real power teams in the acc AND beyond Bama & LSU there’s not much in the SEC either” <<<< You’re right about that, but you can say no other real powers in the whole nation, IMO.
5150 UOAD
October 30th, 2011
10:29 pm
AFDawg I love your numbers, but I don’t buy them. look who UGA has beat. It is not like they are stopping any real great teams with that Defense.
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:29 pm
AFDawg — Gone into hiding? I love when comments who post behind double-secret screen names suggest I’m hiding. I picked Florida to win. Guilty as charged. Repeating, this time with feeling: Don’t care who wins, just make picks for fun on Friday’s. It’s really that simple. Congrats to Dogs.
AFDawg
October 30th, 2011
10:30 pm
Jeff, Oh good — you’re on-line. What do you think about the Dawg’s defense this year?
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:31 pm
5150 — I believe there’s going to be some new guidelines involving commenting in the future but I’m not sure if multiple screen names will be involved. Not sure when it begins however.
Alamo
October 30th, 2011
10:32 pm
What’s really nice is we had some big recruits at the game. Next class should be very strong.
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:32 pm
AFDawg — You are correct: Clemson’s defense is awful, Georgia’s is getting better every week.
AFDawg
October 30th, 2011
10:32 pm
Jeff, What is a double secret screen name? My last name and initial are clearly visible in my e-mail address. It’s been that way for years now.
AFDawg
October 30th, 2011
10:34 pm
Yeah — I’ll get off your back now.
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:34 pm
AF Dawg — Part II on UGA defense: Florida obviously was handicapped by an inability to run and Brantley’s limitations with injuries. But Gators had opportunities late in the game to win it and couldn’t get it done, so that’s where Dogs and Grantham get credit. Other games, I’ve been torn, like Vandy: Good for most of the half, then struggled late. But overall they’ve been good.
Jeff Schultz
October 30th, 2011
10:38 pm
AF Dawg (part III): If your email address is real, kudos to you. Most aren’t that way. But it’s the point of anonymous commenting with screen names. I don’t have a problem with it, but it’s funny that a lot of readers will say, “You’re hiding behind your computer” when everybody knows who I am and how to reach me — readers, athletes, coaches, general managers, athletic directors, owners. I talk to them every day. But obviously readers with screen names aren’t in same situation. Readers get anonymity. That’s fine. But that’s all I was talking about.
AFDawg
October 30th, 2011
10:43 pm
5150 UOAD, Georgia’s defense this year has been extremely effective at cutting off the edge. They also have size and strength up the middle. Didn’t Florida end up with negative rushing yards — and that is with speed (Demps & Rainey). Sorry to burst your bubble — but it isn’t looking too good for the Jackets against the Dawgs this year. This year’s Dawg defense is drastically improved over last years — that is why we are winning the games we are supposed to win. Remember last year we didn’t even win the games we were supposed to win — somehow we managed to beat Tech last year. Not bragging — just stating fact.
this dawg want hunt!!
October 30th, 2011
10:47 pm
Who cares what schultz or whatever the hell his name is cares. He is about as insignificant as Tech and Clemson. No one really cares what he says, or what Tech and Clemson do. All 3 are pathetic losers, and they all have one thing in common. No one cares what they do, and only the pathetic fans of Tech, Clemson, and the 5 loyal readers of his blogs. Tech and Clemson are UGA’s little brothers, and they have been for the past decade or longer. Any team that gets it’s ass kicked by the worst coach in the SEC, should just go and hide. Yet, here is Tech, and the loser AJC writer bragging about a big win over another UGA whipping boy, clemson. My God, it must be getting harder and harder to sell this fish wrapper paper, especially on Sundays when all the free coupons are available. It doesn’t matter what Tech and clemson do, they will always be UGA’s little sister or brother, and it doesn’t matter what the hell this clown Jeff Sch—– says or predicts, his days are limited, just like this pathetic paper called the AJC.
joeygt
October 30th, 2011
10:48 pm
these ga mutts are delusional… to think uga has a good defense is a joke they padded their stats against the last 6 very week opponents the bottom of the sec teams which have a combined record of 21-24…uga has beat noone of merit
AFDawg
October 30th, 2011
10:49 pm
Jeff, I see what you’re saying. By the way — Vandy gave number ten Arkansas a run for their money Saturday. Vandy has a very athletic team and will win some more games this year. Truth be told, none of Georgia’s games this year would have been close if not for the horrendous special teams play (and we probably would have beat SC). If Georgia’s AD and coaching staff aren’t convinced they need a full-time special teams coach by now, then they’ll never be. I have never seen the UGA special teams look this bad in my entire life. They had better get it the problem fixed before Auburn and Tech.
Flounder
October 30th, 2011
10:52 pm
@this dawg want hunt!! …
Good Grief, you need therapy kiddo. Go get another bowl of cereal, because somebody obviously pi$$ed in your cheerios.
joeygt
October 30th, 2011
10:54 pm
again,these ga mutts are delusional… to think uga has a good defense is a joke they padded their stats against the last 6 very week opponents the bottom of the sec teams which have a combined record of 21-24…uga has beat noone of merit
5150 UOAD
October 30th, 2011
10:55 pm
Flounder that is the special flavor he likes in his Cheerios.
EDIMGIAFAD
October 30th, 2011
10:57 pm
@ James – The ACC Football Championship game is going to be in Charlotte for a long time. They got 73,000 last year and there is no way the ACC will ever draw 73K here – this is SEC country.
AFDawg
October 30th, 2011
10:57 pm
joeygt, Break down Georgia defensively position by position — at every position they are big, strong, and fast. As these athletes continue to mature it will be remarkable to see how many of them get drafted into the bigs. Now take a look at the depth on the defense. Key players have been out this year but it really didn’t matter. It is an intimidating defensive unit. You will see soon enough my friend.
joeygt
October 30th, 2011
10:58 pm
man, someone actaully puts up a true post and the uga mutts shut up …meaning you afdawg
joeygt
October 30th, 2011
11:00 pm
yah uga is alaways big strong and fast..but you know and i know and all know uga has padded there defensive stats in the last 6 games against team that have bad offenses the first 2 opponents you play ed were good teams and your defense got smacked….
Habersham Dawg
October 30th, 2011
11:00 pm
Congratulations Tech on a well played and executed game against Clemson.
this dawg want hunt!!
October 30th, 2011
11:02 pm
Hey Jeff, at least you don’t hide behind your name, but maybe you should change your name to Paul Johnson or at least his wife’s name, if the loser even has a wife. Fact is, your love for Johnson is so pathetic.He beats a Clemson team that gave up 400 yards to Wofford, and now he is a God again. You two losers will get your asses handed to you again when UGA with the worst O.C., and head coach in the SEC, totally dominate Tech’s mickey mouse offense. UGA’S front 7 will man handle Tech’s undersized O.L. Just so Jeff and his lover Paul Johnson understand what is about to happen to them, let me give them a newsflash, UGA held Florida and Tenn. to minus rushing yards, and i hate to burst your bubble Johnson and Schultz, or whatever the hell your name is, but Tenn. and Florida both have better O.L’s than Tech. So, brag all you want about Tech beating another mediocre ACC team, but the reality is Tech and Clemson are both a joke, and both are UGA’s little brothers, always have been, and always will be.
joeygt
October 30th, 2011
11:03 pm
even though uga has basically owned us the last tens years your defense has never stopped our came close to shutting gt offense down.. so we will see a awesome game between uga and gt nov 26th
joeygt
October 30th, 2011
11:04 pm
this dawg want hunt.. what are you doing on a tech blog running your mouth.. shoulndt you be on your own blogs???
joeygt
October 30th, 2011
11:06 pm
i never understood why uga fans always want to get ob our blogs talking trash… they need to worry about their own house until it is uga vs gt week until
AFDawg
October 30th, 2011
11:07 pm
joeygt, I think you already said that. You act like nobody has been able to shut down your offense this year. Beware the Junkyard Dawg — he’s coming to get you!
AFDawg
October 30th, 2011
11:09 pm
joeygt, I explained and apologized (but also handed out complements) about why I was on this blog tonight. I was hoping to chat with Jeff — which did occur. So, as we say in the Air Force, mission accomplished — signing off.
N
October 30th, 2011
11:46 pm
Ga’s defense isn’t good. they haven’t played anyone. Our defense is just as good as theirs and our offense is better.
41-27 sounds about right
Whopper Dawg
October 31st, 2011
12:25 am
Jeff, nice job of making chicken salad out of chicken ****
Dawg's Dawg
October 31st, 2011
1:00 am
I think UGA fans are cracking on Schultz because his only recent article on the Dawgs was a prediction that UF would beat UGA again, and no mea culpas or congratulations are forthcoming from this writer, who is noted for his anti-UGA slant. It’s not an intended slight of GT’s tremendous upset of Climpson, who most Dawg fans despise as much (if not more) than Jacket fans. As a UGA alumnus, I congratulate Tech for putting a stop to the national championship nonsense that the Kool-Aid drinkers in Clemson were talking. Hopefully, we’ll both be 9-2 going into our game. It can only help the winner and won’t hurt the loser too much as far as the polls go.
one win since 1990
October 31st, 2011
6:22 am
tech has one LEGAL win against the DAWGS since 1990. A three point win in nasty weather in 2008. No wonder the tech writers want CMR gone.
I pic GT over Clemson
October 31st, 2011
6:42 am
Well I’m sure it was my heart that picked a Tech win but now just keep that mojo going and don’t let up and whatever you do beat the dawgsnot out of UGA at seasons end. Thumbsup!!!!
GT
October 31st, 2011
7:10 am
Don’t start assuming wins again. Va. Tech has Frank Beamer and Duke is not a given either. These teams are much better than reported and it will take more than showing up to beat any of them. Va. Tech came close to losing in Durham last week. They ACC has started going back to having great coaching like it did in the 90s. We kind of did the Georgia thing for a while hiring coaches for their recruiting ability instead of their coaching ability. The parity in the NCAA will not allow a mass production recruiter anymore you actually have to coach and to be able to hire talent. Why Mississippi let David Cutcliffe go is beyond me but the man is dangerous and has taken Duke back to at least division one. No game for anybody except maybe Alabama and LSU is a given and after watching LSU play Tenn. that theory doesn’t work either. I love what Vandy is doing, great coaching and a great talent in Rogers. Close games and luck are getting Tech and Georgia by and any cockiness is point on the scoreboard for the opponent. These coaches know how to sucker a cocky out of control player at the right moment in a game.
GT
October 31st, 2011
7:15 am
No game is a given stop laying that out there. Duke will be tough even if we are lucky enough to win two national televised games in a row. The ACC is back to great coaching and not a mass production recruiter and any given Saturday or Thursday we can lose, but we can win too Cocky players are suckers for good coaches on the other side.
Rolling Along
October 31st, 2011
7:49 am
Don’t like to get into Old Fashioned Hate this early in the season, but with the Dawg trolls prowling a Tech blog and beating their chest over a narrow win over the worst UF team in at least a decade (or more) and with a crippled QB to boot. Seriously ?! I don’t think you really want to win the East and get Bama or LSU. Now that would be ugly. Hit your knees and thank the good Lord fate kept them off your schedule this year.
Back to Tech. When the Jackets come to play they can play. Very simplistic comment, but true. VT will be smarter than Clemson on defense, but Tech’s D is getting better and better and seem to finally be gelling. Hopefully the offense is completely over the mid-season funk. Saturday was the first total TEAM win for Tech. Heck, even special teams did OK. The Jackets need the rest this week to get ready for the home stretch. It’s good that VT is coming up after the break and the Coastal is on the line. It should help keep the kids grounded and focused after such a big win. It’s also a great point in the season to fine tune some areas that need the work. Relax and take a deep breath this week Jackets. Then get ready to get your game on. Go Jackets and THWG !!
Northern Sympathizer
October 31st, 2011
8:15 am
Congrats to Tech on their win. It remains to be seen if they keep it going against Va. Tech. UGA successfully got the gators out of their heads by beating them Saturday. It remains to be seen if GT can do the same about UGA.
NoeBeeEss
October 31st, 2011
8:15 am
The ACC and the SEC East are both fun to watch this year, because you just never know who will win from one week to the next.