Bradley’s Buzz: ESPN likes Tech in Coastal, but not Ga. Tech
On her ESPN.com ACC blog, Heather Dinich makes three predictions regarding Georgia Tech. First, that the offense will be even better. Second, that junior Jonathan Dwyer will turn pro after this season. Third, that the Jackets, even with this upgraded offense and with Dwyer on his farewell tour, won’t finish first in their division. Virginia Tech will.
To be fair, most people pick VPI — we old folks still remember Virginia Tech as the Virginia Polytechnic Institute — to win the Coastal. I’m not among them. (Then again, I’m often wrong.) I’m picking G-Tech over V-Tech because V-Tech plays at G-Tech on Oct. 17. But Ms. Dinich offers a compelling reason for her forecast: The newness of GT’s offensive and defensive lines.
“It’s the most glaring weakness for Georgia Tech,” she writes, “and one that only time and game experience can overcome. Having to replace three of four starters on the defensive line will be no easy task, and the offensive line continues to be a work in progress. That’s something the Hokies shouldn’t have to worry about this fall.”
Elsewhere on her blog, we find a rundown of V-Tech’s defensive front and her ranking of the ACC O-lines. The Hokies are No. 5, the Jackets No. 7.
Loading ...But here are two points I’d make in the form of (mild) rebuttal: Yes, G-Tech lost three of its front four on defense, but the one who returns — defensive end Derrick Morgan — is the best of the bunch. And last season’s offensive line had to learn a new and exotic way of playing. This year’s bunch already knows where to stand, which is no small thing.
And I just don’t believe in Virginia Tech’s offense. I do, however, believe in Paul Johnson’s. On Oct. 17, make it G-Tech 23, V-Tech 16. And pencil in G-Tech for a date against Florida State on Dec. 5 in Tampa. (Plenty of good seating will, I’m sure, be available.)
And another dissenting view: Writing for Sporting News Today, Dave Curtis makes the case for Georgia Tech going — pause for effect — undefeated. Writes Curtis:
“Virginia Tech has emerged as the popular pick to join the 13-0 club. But the Hokies come to Atlanta in October, by which time Paul Johnson’s triple-option attack should be thriving as the nation’s No. 1 rushing unit. Nice knowing you, VT. Georgia comes to Atlanta, too, and there’s not much evidence the Bulldogs will be able to tackle Tech any better than they did last Thanksgiving weekend. Look for Tech in the Orange Bowl with a Top 5 ranking.”
Speaking of Jonathan Dwyer: According to Monday’s live chat at RamblinWreck.com, he sleeps with his eyes open. Which is totally the opposite of me: I work with my eyes closed. Like right now.
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128 comments Add your comment
John
July 21st, 2009
5:39 am
As long as there are no injuries leading up to Oct 17th, that game will be the biggest regular-season ACC game at Bobby Dodd Stadium in years. It will be a bowl-like atomosphere.
And….waiting on the usual insults hurled Tech’s way by ignorant, trailer-trash UGAg fans in 3………2………1…….
Way to go John...
July 21st, 2009
6:42 am
…the injury bug has already started!
Jeff Lawson
July 21st, 2009
6:58 am
Keep waiting John….. It’s the ACC – we don’t care.
Dobearsbare
July 21st, 2009
7:01 am
The whole “learning a new offense” thing is over. And GT-VT (or VPI, if you will) is the seventh game. By that time, experience issues won’t be issues at all. I suspect the Jackets will have lost to either UNC or FSU by that point, and if that happens, they’ll be in desperation mode. I’m picking the Hokies.
Hagood
July 21st, 2009
7:01 am
Oct 17th will not be a bowl-like experience. There will be more people there than at a GT bowl game. Heck it won’t even be like an ACC championship game!
Nerds!
Mr. Skynyrd
July 21st, 2009
7:03 am
Let’s see if I can get all the normal UGA crap out of the way for them:
High school offense, high school stadium, fluke win last year, 7 of the last 8 (never mind the streak record is GT’s), ghetto campus, terrorists, no girls, muggings, free hot dogs, the ACC will never compete with the SEC. I tried but I might have missed one or two.
And by the way, injuries are part of the game.
No excuses. Just get it done.
Steve
July 21st, 2009
7:03 am
GT… Who Cares…
Ken
July 21st, 2009
7:05 am
The Buford Wolves, a high school team would beat the bugs. John, the garbage mouthing from the Tech geeks is much worse on the UGA blog. (Not to mention the spelling and grammer)
T-Rav and the Eastside Grainger
July 21st, 2009
7:12 am
Ken…..its grammAr. You f’ing moron.
T-Rav and the Eastside Grainger
July 21st, 2009
7:17 am
Jeff and Steve…..I suppose thats why you’re on this blog reading and posting then? Please STFU.
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
7:21 am
Buford has a fine program. But it wouldn’t beat Tech. Come on.
Willie Coyote
July 21st, 2009
7:23 am
“Not to mention the spelling and **grammer**.” I needed that laugh.
Scott Petway
July 21st, 2009
7:29 am
“GT… Who Cares”
- as in who cares what the second half score was betwixt the hedges last November?
- or who cares how many wins Coach PJ exceeded expectations by despite the bowl blowout?
- or who cares that VPI was only VICK-torious over the Jackets last year in Blacksburg because of the big, bogus personal foul flag?
Just want to clarify. Thanks for the genius and original contribution to this blog, Steve!
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 21st, 2009
7:36 am
Ken, and that is the reason no one goes to Buford for an education.
GTpak
July 21st, 2009
7:36 am
I think Heather is right about the O Line. I hope they have spent a good bid of time in the weight room, especially after LSU man handled them.
Should have a competition between the O line and D line in the weight room so both will get stronger.
dd
July 21st, 2009
7:41 am
no matter how you cut it, slice it or dice it
tech has ugly women
Adam
July 21st, 2009
7:43 am
The difference in this game will be Tyrod Taylor. GT has always had trouble with the mobile QB (i.e. Woodrow Dantzler). You combat this threat with rangy outside linebackers and mobile DE’s. As much as I like Derrick Morgan, his weakness seems to be lateral quickness. There’s no doubting when he gets a full head of steam he’ll collapse a pocket but he needs to show more agility. If we get the LB’s moving around more and can clamp down with our young DB’s, we’ll be some kind of good. We have WAY too much size and depth in the middle to allow RB’s to gouge us. If we’re able to take Taylor out of his game and keep him in the middle of the field, we’ll be successful. GO JACKETS!!!!!
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
7:45 am
Georgia Tech indeed played Virginia Tech very well last season at a time when the former was still finding its footing. Let’s not dismiss that, either, as Scott Petway suggests.
And I’m old enough to recall the real Scott Petway. Sixth man on a six-man team that won the ACC championship and reached the East Regional finals and played then-defending-champ Georgetown within six points.
reebok
July 21st, 2009
7:45 am
Love that photograph. Nice to see a coach who actually cares, after years of being subjected to Chan Gailey and Paul Hewitt.
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
7:47 am
Chan Gailey cared. He just wasn’t a yeller.
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
7:48 am
And Paul Hewitt yells all the time. Mostly at refs.
UGA 13'
July 21st, 2009
7:51 am
Nice blog i hope Tech does well..mayb we can win more games then the UF/FL ST tandom…but come November 28..u guys are assed out
mmjhokiegirl
July 21st, 2009
7:58 am
Oh please, this is pathetic. Va Tech routinely plays in one of the loudest stadiums in the nation. It’s a crazy atmosphere. Playing at Ga Tech is like playing at the sandlot. Two years ago we played on a Thursday night, it was on ESPN, should have been an exciting game. We won 27 – 3. The Ga Tech fans are pathetic – I know quite a few that sell their tickets when they play UGA at Bobby Dodd because they can’t handle the atmosphere. We will annihilate them.
mtraininjax
July 21st, 2009
7:58 am
No Stafford, No Moreno, No Massa(whatever)….5th year backup QB, I mean, UGAg will be lucky to field a decent JV team. Forget Grant Field in Novemver, UGAg is going to get crushed in Jax.
Jeff Sanchez
July 21st, 2009
8:01 am
The big question: Will the Joke by Coke be sold out for the “big” game against the Hoakies?
Can they do it without giving away food?
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
8:03 am
I’ve lived here since 1984. I figured I’d heard every Tech-Georgia insult. But Jeff Sanchez — pretty good DB, as I recall — sprang a new one on me. “Joke by Coke” — is that one I just missed all this time?
Brent
July 21st, 2009
8:03 am
Tech can’t beat Buford, but they whipped, make that WHIPPED the dogs, so does cmr team make the AA playoffs? With that defense I’ve gottem a 7 point “dog” to Calhoun.
On a serious note, does anyone have a copy of last years “Bludgeoning Between the bushes”? Mine is worn out. I’m Serious, I want another copy.
john
July 21st, 2009
8:15 am
Hokiegirl: I agree that VT has an incredible atmosphere. And GT has a long way to go to catch up. But..in regards to the game two years ago, please remember we were having a disappointing season and Chan Gailey was on his way out. He had two weeks to prepare for VT and basically stunk it up.
He got booed and the fans were sick of his “playing not to lose” mentality and since Tech hired Paul Johnson, the excitement has returned to The Flats.
Paul Johnson is the real deal, folks. All the crap being thrown by the redneck UGAg fanbase shows how worried they are. A first year coach comes in and rallies from a big deficit to beat UGAg in Athens is cause for worry.
I look forward to a great season and a great game on Oct 17th.
Hammer
July 21st, 2009
8:17 am
It is sad that these blogs degenerate into profane childish exchanges. It is obvious that most of the UGA bloggers, whom likely never graduated from the school, equate their self-worth with how the Dogs do each season. My son is a collegiate, full-ride football scholarship player which is a great thing, especially for my wallet, but we must remember this is a game. We can all pull for our team, but to get in the gutter everytime on these GT/UGA blogs is really old.
VDAWG
July 21st, 2009
8:27 am
Dawg fan here. GT beating us last year was an accomplishment. GT beat us, a better team. A fluke, no, GT wanted it more and came after it and got it. I think it is rediculous how it is over celebrated and put into remembrance by forging rings, but a great win for GT all the same. I don’t look for a repeat this year. As far as VT. I say GT beats them. I think GT has the right coach and I think Georgia’s second best NCAA team is better that Virginia’s first. Smooch on that a while Poindexter.
David
July 21st, 2009
8:29 am
I’m an Auburn fan,..but this blog isnt about UGA. The GT UGA feud aside and stick to the topic. I also see GT beating VT. As stated their offense is more potent and its second year under Coach Johnson. ok,..for UGA fans…you guys will suck majorly this year. But, you have been continuing to get amazing prospects daily this year as well. once you get a QB and some experience may have national title hopes once again. As for AU…well..this is a GT blog and I will keep it that way.
Yes, Mark...
July 21st, 2009
8:30 am
…you have missed the “Joke by the Coke” reference all these years! That saying has been around as long as I can remember, and I am an Atlanta native who has been around for 50+ years!
m
July 21st, 2009
8:30 am
Mark Bradley…shame on you. “Chan Gailey cared?????”
All chan gomer gailey cared about was collecting a big paycheck and getting the game over so he could be home in bed in his jammies watching Little House on the Prairie reruns.
And Mark, it was complete tools like you that sat back and watched him dismantle all that George O’leary had built up and you didn’t even utter a word of protest.
chan gomer gailey is the worst coach in the history of football. Thank God and Greyhound that he is gone forever.
Paul Johnson is one of the very best football coaches. He is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. Picking Virginia Poly over the real TECH is just plain lazy and lacking in the understanding of what Paul Johnson is building.
ThaMan
July 21st, 2009
8:33 am
If a high school could beat Tech, then it would stand that a middle school would beat the fleabags. Congratulations though, for holding Tech to under 500 yards rushing last meeting!
Bubba
July 21st, 2009
8:39 am
Profane childish exchanges are what make sports talk in the South so enjoyable. Funny how the acquisition of an education is viewed as a weakness. God forbid a Dawg would actually earn a degree. Get one? Sure. Earn one? Cries of, “Boy, what in the hell is wrong with you?” ring the the savannas of the South.
Good to see the rivalry get some teeth again.
TommyP
July 21st, 2009
8:41 am
Mark: Yeah, the “Joke By The Coke” has been used ever since I’ve been a Georgia fan in the mid 80s. You missed that one. Might need to get out with the masses, my friend.
My suggestion: tailgate at a Georgia game and do a live blog. That would be priceless. 
As far as Tech is concerned, you make a great point about them having to replace their entire offensive line. They did the same thing last year as far as the learning curve. So with that said, why is everyone suggesting the offense will be BETTER?
m: First off, extremely witty and creative handle. Especially the “lower-case” version. Wait a minute? That’s a variable, isn’t it?
Paul Johnson “is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers?” Get over yourself. Paul Johnson is a good coach but that’s an absurd statement. Was he lacking a few rooks and pawns in the bowl game?
I think everyone is picking Va.Tech because of their track record, the talent they have coming back, and they have fewer questions surrounding them than other teams have. The last one is the biggest piece of logic used by preseason mags.
Speaking of the Joke...
July 21st, 2009
8:43 am
…by the Coke, the best story I heard about Coke had nothing to do with GT, but with the venable institution tied so closely to them by location, and that is The Varsity Drive-in. Seems that way back when Mr. Gordy, the owner of The Varsity, had a brother or cousin, or maybe it was himself, who owned Gordy Tire Company,, located near The Varsity and Coke headquarters. Gordy tire company had a contract to service the entire Coke fleet of vehicles. One year the powers that be at Coke decided that they could get a better deal at another local tire shop; when Mr. Gordy of The Varsity found out, he called the powers that be at Coke and said he would be cancelling his Coke contract and would commence selling Pepsi products.
As you know, The Varsity STILL sells Coke products to this day, so you see who had the most pull in these parts, and how much Coke product The Varsity sells.
And, you can ask Nancy, Mr. Gordy’s daughter who currently owns and runs the downtown Varsity, if this is gospel or urban legend!
The Wishful Dawgs
July 21st, 2009
8:45 am
Are the Dawg Nation still using the phrase “wait until next year” for a National Championship? I have heard this quote thousands of times. I am still waiting for that allusive Title for the Dawgs.
MightyQuinn
July 21st, 2009
8:46 am
I’m a native Atlantan who grew up in the ’60s going to the Thanksgiving JV game that was a benefit for the children’s hospital between the Dogs and the Jackets.(”Strong legs runs so that weak legs can walk.”) But I had never heard “joke by Coke” either Mark.
MightyQuinn
July 21st, 2009
8:47 am
Thats “run” not “runs”. Thought I’d better correct that before the UGA fans go nuts.
??
July 21st, 2009
8:49 am
Why is everyone saying Tech has a new offensive line? The only starter we lost off that line was Andrew Gardner who didn’t even play the last half of the season. What am I missing here? There absolutely nothing “new” about our offensive line. They will be much improved, as will the backs and WR’s since the entire unit is returning.
The Varsity
July 21st, 2009
8:51 am
I heard that The Varsity sells more Coke than any other eating establishment in the world. So I believe your story.
MatthewH
July 21st, 2009
8:51 am
A win over VT on Oct 17th and then a win over UVA on OCt 24th? That would be great! It will be so much fun coming to work here in Virginia. I’m not sure that the Hokies offense is that scary. The receivers are young (all freshmen and sophmores-except for one senior who is coming off an achilles tendon tear), and so are the running backs. So, I’ll put GT’s young defense against VT’s young offense all day.
SuperB
July 21st, 2009
8:52 am
Dave Curtis of The Sporting News picks the Jackets to go 12-0 this year. He affirms what everyone has always said about his paper: “Stick to baseball.” TSN has an anemic record on forecasting college FB.
Curtis says GT will again top UGA because there is “no evidence” the Dawgs can tackle any better this year than last. How in the Hell would Curtis know this and make that statement? One missed tackle cost the Dawgs that game But GT yielded 42 points and their tackling was just as poor.
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
8:54 am
So: The worst coach in college football history never had a losing season. Gotcha.
Paddy
July 21st, 2009
8:58 am
What am I missing? Help out here. Even though GT’s line was C for average last year, were they not like 2nd in the country in rushing? They had to be blocking folks at a rather good rate. Granted everyone on the field is required to be a proven blocker in CPJ offense. IMHO those lineman are being sold short. I like their chances this year after intense weight room work and 12 months to get better at this difficult blocking plan. It’s rather scary to think what may be coming out of that huddle this season.
m
July 21st, 2009
9:00 am
Mark…try not to be such and idiot.
chan gomer gailey took over a program that had been built up by George O’leary and had finished in the TOP 25 for 5 YEARS IN A ROW.
chan gomer gailey took over and MEDIOCRED TECH to death and NEVER finished in the TOP 25.
SO….YES…chan gomer gailey is the WORST coach in history….and apprently Mark…you are the chan gomer gailey of journalists (sic).
Thank GOD and Greyhound that chan gomer gailey is gone forever….he should have take you with him.
TommyP
July 21st, 2009
9:03 am
MatthewH: “The receivers are young ….. and so are the running backs” referring to VT. Uhhh….if that’s what you’re going to hang your hat on, be my guest. Wasn’t their “young” running back a 1,200+ yard rusher last year?
Oh yeah….VT is a running team. Tyrod Taylor will even run for a 1,000 this year at QB. I don’t think the WRs are that big a concern in Blacksburg.
ThaMan
July 21st, 2009
9:03 am
dd – Tech has ugly women? dd stands for “digs dudes”, so you haven’t been looking anyway.
TommyP
July 21st, 2009
9:05 am
m: “…such AND idiot?”
Priceless.
Sting 'em Buzz
July 21st, 2009
9:07 am
mmjhokiegirl, You didn’t annihilate them on you own field with the offense still new. I doubt you will annihilate them this year either.
Since Bobby Dodd retired in 1968(69)...
July 21st, 2009
9:11 am
…GT has had what – 9 coaches (Carson, Fulcher, Rogers, Curry, Lewis, Ross, O’Liar, Gailey and Johnson)? And you think “Gomer” was worse than Bud Carson, Bill Fulcher and Bill Lewis?
m
July 21st, 2009
9:11 am
TommyP…it is known as a typo.
But thank you for being so anally retentive to point it out.
45-42….glad it STILL hurts so bad.
HokieJim
July 21st, 2009
9:11 am
2 words for you…BUD FOSTER! Once again, Bud Foster will destroy a GT offense. He has done that all but 1 year since VT has been in the ACC and that year was all Calvin Johnson. Hell, Bud was able to stop the GT gimmick last year with 7 guys making only their third career start. Assignment football will stop Paul Johnson’s offense every game. You may rack up 350 yards against the Hokie defense, but I bet you won’t score more than 2 touchdowns and you will have at least 3 turnovers.
DawginLex
July 21st, 2009
9:11 am
The wishful dawgs guy obviously went to Tech since he talks about UGA going for the “allusive” title.
May I suggest a recently released computer program:
SPELLCHECK FOR NERDS
ga_tech_92@yahoo.com
July 21st, 2009
9:12 am
Go Jackets
GT EE '93
July 21st, 2009
9:12 am
Another entertaining article Mark. Appreciate an objective positive outlook on Tech FB.
Heather’s outlook is somewhat of a disconnect.
GT’s offensive line is by no means weak. Top 5 in the ACC. If it wasn’t, Dwyer and Jones wouldn’t have had the success they did last year.
Also, if Dwyer goes pro after this year, it will be because he had (another) fantastic season— translation, Tech wins 9-10 games.
Agree with you about VT’s offense. Watching that unit makes me want to close my eyes….And apparently I’m not the only one.
The officials closed their eyes last year when VT had the ball, in the bogus late hit call, that gave the game to VT.
GT EE’93
GT EE’93
MatthewH
July 21st, 2009
9:15 am
TommyP- You are correct that Darren Evans rushed for 1200 yards last year. Maybe counting on him to fail is too much to “hang my hat on”. I don’t thnk it will happen again this year, especially since their O-Line is in transition.
m
July 21st, 2009
9:15 am
Under the circumstances, and with the caliber of the program when chan gomer gailey took over…it is NOT possible to have done a worse job than he did.
THEREFORE…chan gomer gailey is the WORST coach in the history of the world and any TECH fan or any journalist (sic) that tolerated chan, or heaven forbid, supported him, (and you know who you are) you SUCK to the nth degree…just like gomer.
Thank God and Greyhound that chan gomer gailey is gone forever. Halllleeeedamloooyah for Paul Johnson.
Wes
July 21st, 2009
9:18 am
Hey Mark, this might have been discussed above, but with your comment about Dwyer’s “farewell tour”, are you that certain he’s jumping to the NFL after this year? -@wbarker
HokieJim
July 21st, 2009
9:21 am
MathewH – you need to do some research before making statements like our “O-line is in transition”. By all accounts, this should be VT’s deepest and most talented O-line in the last decade. Our O-line has absolutely killed us the past 3 years, but everyone in Blacksburg is confident those issues are behind us. VT has NEVER had the kind of talent that it will have this upcoming year. Hopefully it will show in the field.
GTDhoo
July 21st, 2009
9:22 am
Both teams are pretty much the same this year as they were last year as far as personnel goes. And GT almost beat VT (and arguably would have had it not been for a suspect call) despite having virtually no clue how to run the offense yet. I think we’re in for one heck of a game on the Flats this year with GT edging VT in a high scoring game.
As far as UGA goes, they’re getting all their preseason hype based on reputation. When you look at the keys they lost last year, there’s no reason to believe they’re going to be a top 15 team. Of course we should be used to bogus preseason rankings by now. Last year at this time UGA was #1 and Tech was only going to win 3 games. This is year UGA is 14 or 15 and we’re one or two spots behind them. I like our chances…
College football notebook: Michigan lineman who ripped Rodriguez was… | Betting Football Coaching Club
July 21st, 2009
9:27 am
[...] Bradley’s Buzz: ESPN likes Tech in Coastal, but not Ga. Tech On her ESPN.com ACC blog, Heather Dinich makes three predictions regarding Georgia Tech. First, that the offense will be even better. [...]
Otto
July 21st, 2009
9:27 am
VT offense was just hitting stride last year against GT. IMO both teams are improved but VT has fewer questions on defense.
RB
July 21st, 2009
9:31 am
M, O’Leary was mediocre. He only beat Uga when Freigen was here. If the Tech AD had been smart, he would have kept O’Leary’s pay low so he would leave and Freigen could be promoted before Maryland grabbed him.
Chris
July 21st, 2009
9:35 am
I’m pretty confused by saying that Tech wont be able to stop Tyrod Taylor due to their inability to stop QB’s like Woody Dantzler. Given that Woody played against George Godsey. I’m pretty sure there is absolutely nothing similar about our 2001 Tech team and the current one. I don’t doubt your comment, just back it up with something more recent than Woody Dantzler.
Dang, m...
July 21st, 2009
9:35 am
…does “gomer” owe you money or something?
If he never had a losing season, even if he did “under coach” while the players “under achieved” then, yes, he could have done a worse job, much worse, to be exact. But, hey, don’t let the facts get in the way of a good rant!
MatthewH
July 21st, 2009
9:36 am
HokieJim:
Here is why I said what I did about an O-Line in transition:
Sergio Render (left guard) had off-season shoulder surgery and will be playing left guard this season after being moved from right guard. His back-up (Nosal) has played both guard and tackle. Warren will be starting at center to replace Shuman who has departed. Warren is a Jr who has started all of 3 games. His back-up is a redshirt freshman.
The stating right guard (Brooks) has started one game -the Orange Bowl, and his back-up is another redshirt freshman.
How’s that for research?
m
July 21st, 2009
9:36 am
Otto….what????
VT offense wasn’t hitting stride. They had lost to East Carolina and immediately did an about face on Tyrod’s redshirt. They were struggling like crazy. But it was early in the season and Ga Tech was just learning the offense and turned the ball over 3 times and got the worst home-cooking call in the 4th quarter that LITERALLY gave Poly the game.
This year the game is at the real TECH and, although it should be a great game…for anyone to assume that Virginia Poly is going to just show up and win is CRAZY.
Sting 'em Buzz
July 21st, 2009
9:37 am
By no means did our Jackets whip the Bulldogs. It was a 3 point win. A win yes, but not a whipping.
I bet m...
July 21st, 2009
9:37 am
…voted for Obama – facts are for “spinning”!
m
July 21st, 2009
9:43 am
RB….O’leary inherited a team that had gone 1-10. He built TECH up to FINISH the season in the TOP 25 for 5 YEARS IN A ROW. He also beat ugag 3 YEARS IN A ROW. And he was smart enough to hire good assistant coaches.
gomer inherited a TOP 25 team and then NEVER EVER finished in the TOP 25 and NEVER EVER beat ugag….and hired mostly lousy assistant coaches.
So what was your point again???
HokieJim
July 21st, 2009
9:54 am
MathewH:
With all due respect, those are things that just about every single team has to deal with every single year. Considering that we play you all in the 7th game of the season, I hardly consider that an O-line transition. By the time our game with you comes around, Warren will be at least on par with Shuman and there’s no question that Brooks is already an upgrade over Marshman (as was evident during the Orange Bowl). Render and Wang should have monster years and BDC should be much improved after his freshman season last year. The good thing about our line this year is that we have depth on the O-line like we have never had before. A lot of that depth is untested but I feel a heck of a lot better about them than I have many of our starters for the past couple years.
An O-line transition is what happened to our O-line over the past 2-3 years. We weeded out all of the fat arses who couldn’t move in favor of smaller more mobile O-linmen. Now that this is complete, the VT offense will be greatly improved.
Huh?
July 21st, 2009
9:58 am
Dinnich hit the nail on the head. VT is the more complete team. Its not about that one game on October 17th. Its about the whole season. Georgia Tech doesn’t have the horses to play at a consistently high level all year long and that’s what wins champoinships. They’ve got a flashy offense and that’s all it takes to get the clueless media goobs like Mark Bradley on the bandwagon. Soon he’ll be trying to bet back on Georgia’s bandwagon, but I’m not sure we will be able to make room for you this time around. There’s only so much bandwagon hopping we can take before enough is enough.
GT is the real deal
July 21st, 2009
10:02 am
HokieJimmies, you’ve forgotten about your precious Hokies having home field ALMOST EVERY YEAR against GT. All but one of your wins were in Cracksburg. And the one win in Atlanta was brought to you compliments of Sham Gailey. We were pounding the Hokies and Chan came out with his ultra-conservative play not to lose strategy in the second half.
You also don’t have the refs on your side like you did last year in Cracksburg. That helmet to helmet call was a joke.
MatthewH
July 21st, 2009
10:06 am
HokieJim-You may be right, and the depth is something that the Hokie fans are talking about. My original point was to respond to GT’s young defense to say that VT’s line will be just as young and inexperienced, and to say that Evans probably won’t get 1200 yards this year.
But hopefully, by the 7th game it won’t matter on either side of the ball. Thanks for bringing facts rather than just emotion.
PMC
July 21st, 2009
10:12 am
GT should beat Va Tech if only to equalize that BS that happened on thursday night several years ago at Grant Field when Brian Randall and co scored 24 unanswered in the 4th quarter when Reggie Ball decided to back his way out of the end zone. GT OWES them one for that.
That game and the one they gave away to NC State also on thursday night are two of the worst losses Tech has experienced at least in giving games away… at least this is the new regime so we should expect better.
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
10:13 am
I’m not certain Jonathan Dwyer will leave, Wes. Just a guess.
Oh, and I’ve updated the post to include Dave Curtis’assertion in Sporting News Today that Georgia Tech will go undefeated. (Even I’m not willing to go that far.)
Otto
July 21st, 2009
10:15 am
m, Exactly IIRC Tyrod’s redshirt came off and they were just getting started on the new offense. VT’s offense will be better just as GT’s will be but VT will have the better defense.
Chris
July 21st, 2009
10:17 am
Is ‘mediocred’ also a typo or a new verb?
Otto
July 21st, 2009
10:19 am
m, UGA has been in the Top 25 in atleast one poll since ‘97. The only year in that span UGA didn’t make both polls was the ‘06 coaches poll.
Tenuta wasn’t lousy.
RB
July 21st, 2009
10:20 am
Oh I get it.
M is O’Leary’s son.
Ok,ok he was the greatest ever.
How’s he doing at Central by the way.
Otto
July 21st, 2009
10:20 am
I can see mediocred as verb in the same sentence as GT but that would imply that they had been something more than mediocre since Bobby Dodd.
Bob
July 21st, 2009
10:29 am
“Paul Johnson is one of the very best football coaches. He is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. Picking Virginia Poly over the real TECH is just plain lazy and lacking in the understanding of what Paul Johnson is building.”
Are you kidding??? Checkers and Chess?? The last guy that said that was Al Groh when he came to UVa in 2001 when touting his defense and NFL experience. Guess what….Al Groh is 1-7 against VT.
VT’s offense will be much improved. (Better OL…more experienced WRs…addition of RB Ryan Williams [and maybe some other freshman like Logan Thomas, DJ Cole and David Wilson. 4 & 5 star offensive talent.] GT’s offense will be better too. (A full year under a new scheme. Remember experience counts both ways.)
The biggest question mark is some key positions in VT’s defense. GT’s scheme requires a defense to play very displined and mistake free defense. VT has some new and inexperienced LBs coming in. Very talented…but unproven. To me…thats the key of the game.
VT is confident (right or wrong) because we won the ACC last year [for the third time in 5 years] with arguably our worst team in many years. Certainly the worst offense in more than 15 years. VT returns 18 starters from the OB game.
Despite the confidence, VT fans universally feel that GT will be VT’s most difficult ACC game.
HokieJim
July 21st, 2009
10:29 am
GT is the real deal :
VT has actually traveled down and beaten GT in Atlanta twice. 2004 and 2007.
And by the way, say what you want about the helmet to helmet call. The game was tied so who knows how it would have ended up had the call not been made. You all still had a chance to win and couldn’t do so.
Sting 'em Buzz
July 21st, 2009
10:31 am
Oh if Dave Curtis is right….please be right
just pointing out
July 21st, 2009
10:42 am
I need to point out that untill GT wins the ACC again, a feat the Hokies have accomplished a few times in the last five years, VA. Tech is “The Real Tech”, you kids are just the jackets.
Melinda
July 21st, 2009
10:53 am
I look just like that when Tech is losing!
Huh?
July 21st, 2009
11:05 am
So just to summarize, Georgia Tech should beat Virginia Tech this year if Chan Gailey, Reggie Ball, and the refs don’t steal the win from them. Those pesky head coaches, QBs, and the rule book are always stealing well deserved wins from the poor Techies. Its such a sad situation.
Tuesday (7/21) reading « The Chapel Bell
July 21st, 2009
12:01 pm
[...] also says Georgia Tech will win the ACC Coastal Division, a pick I have to agree [...]
GTBee
July 21st, 2009
12:28 pm
Nice job Mark. GT will win this one. VT better wins against Bama or their season will be over before it even began. Nice job on the sewer dawgs. Crap coming out of Athens. Nothing new.
Go Jackets!
Bradley's Buzz: ESPN likes Tech in Coastal, but not Ga. Tech … | Georgia Today
July 21st, 2009
12:44 pm
[...] See the original post here: Bradley's Buzz: ESPN likes Tech in Coastal, but not Ga. Tech … [...]
Bob
July 21st, 2009
12:51 pm
GT Bee….why would VT’s season be over if we lost to Alabama? In 2007, we lost (badly) to LSU to open the season and still won the ACC.
If we come out of Sept. undefeated (Alabama, Miami, Neb. and Marshall), VT will have a lot of Mo.
n
July 21st, 2009
12:56 pm
m is the Chan Gailey of blogging. Where the hell is that Greyhound when we need it?????
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
12:56 pm
Thanks, GTBee.
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
12:59 pm
By the way, “MatthewH” is indeed Matthew Harrison, who did such a fine job as Guest Blogger last week. I thank him again.
Jimmy the Tech Fan
July 21st, 2009
1:32 pm
Mark Bradley, overall I agree with your article. The bit about good seating made me laugh. However, if you are predicting FSU to win the Atlantic, then that most certainly will not be true. If they can fill Doak Campbell, then they can fill Raymond James.
just pointing out
July 21st, 2009
1:34 pm
How would losing the opening game f the season, to a top ten team end Tech’s season? They will probably lose to Bama, but once again, win the ACC.
Bob
July 21st, 2009
1:46 pm
Jimmy…FSU didn’t fill Jacksonville’s stadium in 2005. (Thats with many VT fans in attendance). Lots of empty seats and scalpers giving away tickets. 1 week notice is a tough thing. Charlotte, NC would be a better site for the game.
Dwyer for H
July 21st, 2009
3:04 pm
VT is gonna get waxed by Alabama, once again embarrassing the rest of the conference..
just pointing out
July 21st, 2009
3:15 pm
VT will probably get waxed by BAMA, but still win the ACC.
Dwyer for H
July 21st, 2009
3:45 pm
just pointing out – yes, further embarrasing the ACC
Not Disappointed
July 21st, 2009
4:11 pm
I don’t recall VT being that good on Offense last year…..
So, let me understand a few things……..”Mark, our new friend, believe the Jackets will beat VT, but lose to Vandy? Oh boy, Mark, you make me more nervous than my wife & flaming decorater downstairs remodeling our kitchen. “I’m sure the BUDGET IS SHOT!”
I do appreciate Mathew H as well. Ramblin Wreck & Go Jackets!
East Cobb Hokie
July 21st, 2009
4:15 pm
enough of the smack talk, self included. GT and VT offenses should be improved. But the late hit call (legit or not) last year was and is not the issue. In that same game GT put the ball on the carpet 3 times. Hopefully, CPJ can reduce the turnovers this year. If so game on. Then it becomes a matter of how the 2 improved offenses (both of which were strugggling in Sept 2008) stack up against the opposing defenses.
juvenal
July 21st, 2009
4:47 pm
if uga was1/2 as good as they thought they were, & tech 1/2 as bad, then uga ever losing would be footballs greatest upset, & all of uga should consider seppeku
Not Disappointed
July 21st, 2009
4:49 pm
I will give you that “East Cobb Hokie!” If memory serves me right, it was two calls within the same series. OY! It should be a good game, East Cobb Hokie and I’m pulling for Georgai Tech!” Ramblin Wreck!
East Cobb Hokie
July 21st, 2009
5:17 pm
Not disapointed… I pull for the Jackets 11 games a year. What I would like to see is the GT fanbase get behind their team. I believe that is more of the previous problems that what any GT coach has or has not done. These comments complaining about a zebras call, blaming the lack of fans in the stadium on the national distribution of alumni, competing with falcons/Braves/hawks/Thrashers. ATL traffic congestion, academic rigor, etc is all bogus IMO.
Look how Clemson, Alabama, Tennessee, etc fans in their down years still support their team. Just get behind your team, show up and cheer loudly regardless of how they do. Be part of the success, don’t create the problem.
HokieJim
July 21st, 2009
5:48 pm
Hey Dwyer for H – had you not gotten absolutely waxed by a bad LSU team in the Chick-fil-a bowl, you could talk about embarrassing the ACC. But because you got destroyed, you would be best suited not evening mentioning embarrassing the ACC.
PS – if you thought that LSU’s defense gave Paula Johnson fits, wait utnil Bud’s boys hit the field!!!
Blue Ridge Hokie
July 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
VT could lose two close games in Atlanta and still win the coastal and the ACC; in fact, I think that’s what will happen. But, if we win one or the other it’ll be a great season. VT knows how to play the GT offense; take away the inside run; hit the QB hard on every play; make him pitch a lot; GT will break a few big plays outside but they will have to pitch under pressure and turn it over a few times as well (where that happens on the field will be the difference) Somebody has to pick the QB up in the 3rd and 4th quarters after each play.
PhiladelphiaVT
July 21st, 2009
11:08 pm
East Cobb Hokie is correct about the need for greater GT fan support at home games. Yellow Jacket fans (with the help of VT fans) need to fill Bobby Dodd on Oct 17 for what should be the ACC game of the year. BTW, how is it that UGA can fill a 90,000-seat stadium located in the small remote city of Athens while GT can’t fill a 55,000-seat stadium located in a city with a metro population of three million? Georgia Tech represents the ACC in the very heart of SEC country, so c’mon GT fans, show the nation that Atlanta is also ACC territory!!
GT babe
July 22nd, 2009
8:27 am
I hope the entire world predicts Va Tech to win the Coastal and the game at Ga Tech. I do not want to see GT predicted as the favorite from any media source whatsoever. Oh by the way, every year Clemson comes out every season with some running back that is suppose to be the premier RB of the ACC and Heisman hopeful and every year, the GT backs end up with better results. LOVE IT! Dwyer for Heisman …I cannot see how the Jackets will be anymore fired up that the VT game so GAME ON
Not Disappointed
July 22nd, 2009
8:53 am
East Cobb Hookie, you’re alright in my book! Ramblin Wreck!
juvenal
July 22nd, 2009
12:29 pm
according to the new york times, quoting payscale,in grad salaries, GT#32, VT#65, UVA#68, uga…#219
East Cobb Hokie
July 22nd, 2009
2:28 pm
GT babe…..no way the Jackets fly under the radar this year. The question is, how will they respond with a target on their back?
GT Falcon
July 22nd, 2009
3:10 pm
At FSU is the game to really worry about.
GTTerrific
July 22nd, 2009
8:15 pm
Mark, Nice blog! Enjoyed the read and the comments!! It’s getting close to the real deal!!!
Tech fans, can we not make excuses for getting beat @ VT last year. It wasn’t the refs that cost us the game. It was us not getting it done. VT won the game! Take it as it is!
Think this VT/GT game should be a great one. VT is the team to beat in the ACC. Any fan that doesn’t think so hasn’t been around. This has the makings of a GREAT VT team. They should be solid everywhere by the time they meet up with us. The only ? I see is if Taylor goes down.
I feel GT will be better on offense and defense. Our ? is on special teams. Big unknown there, and we all know how good VT is.
It’s still early to see, but it’s fun to predict. Feel this will be one heck of a ball game.
If GT is looking to play the same team they played @ VT last year, they’ll be mistaken. If VT feels they’re playing the same GT team they played last year, they’ll be mistaken. Both these teams should be much improved.
The most improved team wins. That’s why I’m picking GT!!!
GO JACKETS!!
BTW. Dang M, It’s getting really old.
GTTerrific
July 22nd, 2009
8:26 pm
As a GT fan I certainly want VT to kick the crap out of Bama in game one!
VT has been a great program for many years before they came to the ACC, and they’ve certainly been a great addition. Their record speaks for itself.
You’re going down in game 7, but PLEASE BEAT BAMA!!
GT9
July 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
Went to Blacksburg for the first time last season and for people who love college football – there is no other experience like it. Right before the team takes the field the entire stadium becomes one ecstatic energy force which reminded me of the time I saw an Apollo liftoff in person at Cape Canaveral. God bless the Hokies. You can see mountains from the upper deck. It’s really beautiful. (Don’t go if you’re vegetarian, you’ll never see more turkey legs being grilled in your life.)
Bud Foster is an excellent defensive coordinator.
I hope that VA Tech is undefeated when they come to Grant Field this season. It could be a really good game.
George P
July 22nd, 2009
8:39 pm
I’m glad I’m not the only one that still calls the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University “VPI”. While the “VT” logo on their helmets goes back to the beginning of logos on helmets, their fight song and their “Hokie” cheer call the school “VPI”, so that’s what I go with.
GTTerrific
July 22nd, 2009
8:50 pm
GT9, Was there last year as well. It’s a GREAT college football experience!! Was beyond sad at the outcome, but had a great time up there. Some VT friends invited me to join them and got me a ticket. The tailgate was awesome. I was the only GT fan at the tailgate, and their fans really treated me well! Awesome time up there. They know how to do it on Saturedays!! There is definately a different overall passion for their team at VT on game day!
GO JACKETS!!
Trade School Junkie
July 23rd, 2009
2:50 pm
Bradley, for the record:
I have been saying GT goes 12-0 for the past 2 months !!
As for VT, GT is gonna pound them this year.
In 2008, VT beat UNC…ONLY…becuase UNC QB Yates went down, and UNC back-up QB was AWFUL. UNC was winning…handily…until Yates went down.
The week before GT routed Miami, Miami beat VT, and UVA was one bad pass from upsetting VT in the last game. If GT had played VT in second half of season, GT would have CRUSHED VT. GT gets VT on Oct 17th. We’re gonna crush’em.
The two ACC games that will matter the most for GT will be the Miami and UNC games. The UNC game will likely be the most important. It will likely determine the ACC-Coastal champ. In GT’s favor, UNC plays NCSt and the end, and NCST DESTROYED UNC last year.
VT got VERY lucky last year against GT, UNC, and UVA. That same luck wont appear this year.
Oh, and BTW, as it regards, Chan Gailey. No, he didnt care. It was obvious to the fans. He was arrogant, rude, abrasive, and insulting…TO THE FANS. Way too many personal Gailey encounters to detail those facts.
It is well known that the GT team was split along the Off & Def lines, with each “calling out” the other about not doing “their” job. There were reports of Off & Def player confrontations in the locker room. There were reports of Off & Def coaching “stand-offs.” The entire team unity had completely dissolved. That would have NEVER happened if, as you say, Gailey card.
He didnt, and EVRYONE knew it.
Trade School Junkie
July 23rd, 2009
3:20 pm
The most glaring weakness in the GT coverage by Heather Dinich…is Heather Dinich.
Her “journalism” is below medicore, WAAAYYYYY below mediocre.
Dinich was among those media outlets that totally drank the Clemson kool-aid.
Hell, those that followed the ACC knew Bowden was incompetent as a HC, and that QB Harper was a complete pretender. And, an ALL FRESHMEN O-Line. C’mon. They were gonna get creamed right fromthe start of the season.
Jim
July 23rd, 2009
4:01 pm
Go Jackets!
Georgia Tech: 45
Georgia: 42
“For those who care”
Trade School Junkie
July 23rd, 2009
4:51 pm
I look at that picture of CPJ and think…now THAT’S a coach !!
Last year, after the Jax State game (the FIRST game of the year), there was an AJC picture of CPJ who had Embry Peeples by the front collar of his jersey, chewing him out, and I thought…
CPJ is a BAAAAAADDDDD MAAAAAAAAANNNNNNN !!
Yeh, we DEFINITELY hired the right guy !!
ATTITUDE! ATTITUDE!! ATTITUDE!!!
North Avenue Dude
July 23rd, 2009
5:00 pm
VT is not better than Miami or UNC. Werent last year, wont be this year.
Everyone is gonna be REEEEEAAAAAALLLLLL surprised when VT finishes 4th in ACC-Coastal behind:
1. GT
2. UNC
3. Miami
4. VT
5. Duke
6. UVA
If GT beats Miami and especially UNC early….then we are going to
absolutley C-R-U-S-H VT in October.
Why? VT barely beat GT(early) and UNC last year, and lost to Miami. And, VT has to play NCST, who IMHO, will win the ACC-Atltantic.
GT will beat NCST in ACC-CG.
Big Bee
July 23rd, 2009
7:39 pm
HEY, HUH!!! On July 21st were you describing GT’s team or UGA’s team. Seems your comments fit either team. And for you UGA people that want to know if you go to a game at grant field, I guess it depends on who your date is to determine if you need to take protection!!!
Bradley's Buzz: ESPN's Dinich likes Clemson over Tech | Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2009
12:30 pm
[...] this for Heather Dinich of ESPN.com: She’s consistent. She didn’t pick Georgia Tech to win the Coastal Division, and she’s not picking the Coastal champ to win the ACC [...]
copy games – Latest copy games news – Game PR and You: A Comprehensive Overview | How To Copy Video Games
December 28th, 2009
10:02 pm
[...] Bradley's Buzz: ESPN likes Tech in Coastal, but not Ga. Tech [...]