Tech wins, but pugnacious Paul plainly isn’t pleased
It started nicely. Note Paul Johnson in Jonathan Dwyer's wake. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
PJ was not pleased. PJ was, to borrow a term he used himself, another sort of “p” word. PJ could barely find anything good to say about a 20-point victory over an outmanned team, which isn’t to say he was at a loss for verbiage.
“I want to see some intensity and some fire and some fight,” Paul Johnson said Saturday. “We’re just not nasty enough. We’re too nice.”
That Georgia Tech was never in distress against Jacksonville State didn’t mollify the Jackets’ coach. If anything, it made him ever madder. Jonathan Dwyer scored on the game’s first snap and that, in PJ’s mind, “probably wasn’t the best thing that could have happened.” Because it didn’t give Tech cause to buckle down and execute. It didn’t give it cause to do anything except flail for the final three quarters.
Tech led 17-0 after 15 minutes but outscored the Gamecocks by only three points over the next 45. It managed three touchdowns over that span, one of them a punt return. It lost three fumbles, all three by quarterbacks. Said PJ: “Maybe we should have knocked the crap out of them in fall camp and they’d have hung on to the ball.”
Asked about his team’s passing game: Johnson said: “It was OK — about like everything else.”
His offensive line? “About like everything else.”
About his second-team defense, which yielded a touchdown on the game’s final drive: “If something like that had happened to me, I’m going to be ["p"-word here]. I’m not going to be smiling.”
Did he catch some second-teamers smiling after JSU’s touchdown? “No,” he said, without smiling.” If I did, I would have went and got ‘em. But I didn’t see anybody looking crushed, either.”
Johnson believes these Jackets have the capacity to be really good, perhaps better than good. “I’m trying to raise the level of expectations,” he said. “We could come in here and say, ‘We gained 500 yards [actually 497],’ but we didn’t play the way we needed to play to reach the level I want us to reach.”
On why Tech ran only 11 third-quarter plays: “Because we weren’t worth a crap. We missed every read on the option.”
On his displeasure over a missed PAT: “I don’t think you should be high-fiving each other when you miss a extra point that a junior high school team could make. I don’t think you should have a group discussion and sing, ‘Kumbaya.’ ”
We pause to reflect: Tech wasn’t awful. It was great in the first quarter, mediocre thereafter. Dwyer gained 74 yards on his first carry and only 21 more.
Loading ...And here we must also note: As teaching tools go, this game falls squarely into PJ’s wheelhouse. He has five days to prepare his men for an old enemy in orange, and those men had already gotten the message. Said Dwyer: “If we came out like this against Clemson [due in Thursday night], we’d get beat.”
The Jackets have had nine months to revel in beating Georgia, nine months to hear how much better they’ll be in Year 2 under PJ. Some teams can handle that. Others require some instruction.
Of his teams at Georgia Southern and Navy, Johnson said: “They liked to win. They fought hard. They played scared. We’re talented, but we don’t have that down-and-dirty part.”
PJ’s men might find some of that these next few days. There will be no “Kumbaya” moments before Clemson comes to town, no group harmonizing. There will be only the sound of one man yelling.
How might practice be Sunday? Said Dwyer, the diplomat: “I don’t think it’ll be any different.”
Said defensive end Derrick Morgan, the realist: “I think it’ll be different.”
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186 comments Add your comment
GTBuzzman
September 6th, 2009
12:23 pm
I think out passing game would have been even better with more passes to receivers instead of A – Backs. They seemed to be the ones dropping passes. I really wanted to see more balls go Stephen Hills way. I know that Bebe is a beast, I wanted to see what Hill could do on the next level.
techengineer
September 6th, 2009
12:43 pm
PJ nailed it when he said, “We’re talented, but we don’t have that down-and-dirty part.” In other words, no passion; no heart. I suspect that this may be a long season for Tech if they keep reading about their potential. I’ll guarantee you that GS and Navy teams PJ coahced were not finess teams but were scrappers.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 6th, 2009
12:57 pm
In all my years of following the Jackets and going to games I can’t remember any team that had what one would truly call a “killer instinct.” I have never understood why we have never fielded teams that showed week in and week out that they really WANTED to win. Chan took a lot of flack for inconsistency, but it goes WAY WAY further back than Chan. If you don’t believe me, look at the Wake game when Hamilton essentially lost his choice for the Heismann because the rest of the team didn’t show up. Look at the 1990 UNC game which Tech should have EASILY won, and yet had to come from behind to tie. And look at the Va Tech game from the same year that, as had happened the week before against UVA) was only won by a last second field goal by Scott Sisson. Tech teams have a LONG history for showing up for only some of the big games and few if any of the not-so-big games. I LOVE CPJ’s attitude. I just hope he can instill that into the team. I believe we have the talent; we just need to develop the desire.
morgwreck243
September 6th, 2009
1:15 pm
I’m glad Tech won, but not how they won.
The offense looked sloppy and when they had some good drives they would fumble it away. I just wonder how much of that was due to rotating players opening game “rust.” The good news is that a lot of teams make great improvements between the first two games. How they play against Clemson is going to tell everyone how this season is going to go. Here’s hoping they show that killer instinct that was missing against Jacksonville State.
I’m still worried about the defense because Jacksonville State, with their back up QB, was able to move the ball pretty well and converting 3rd Downs.
At least the Special Teams showed some improvement and with Tarrant returning punts things should be very interesting. I haven’t been this excited about a punt returner since Rhino’s kid was doing the returns.
On a side note, I’m glad they matched the pants to the helmets. It just looks a lot better.
Mark Bradley
September 6th, 2009
2:03 pm
Go Tech
Dragon*Con Commish
September 6th, 2009
2:30 pm
Nerds,
Glad you decided to come down to our little event and skip the game on Saturday. I know you feel like you are more in your element here than supporting your school team in that bright sunshine open stadium. Always remember mom has a spot for you in the basement. Love Darth
El Gato
September 6th, 2009
2:37 pm
Why the obsession with UGA game on the Nerd blog? Inferiority complex?
Saint Simons
September 6th, 2009
2:48 pm
Seriously, when are we going to get our rings for the game this week?
Yellow Fuzz
September 6th, 2009
2:51 pm
I just realized I was a nerd. I wonder what is going on over at the UGA blogs?
John Davis
September 6th, 2009
3:20 pm
I find it interesting that some of you nadlickers on here are ridiculing Bradley for being in Tech’s pocket when the last 10 years He’s be slob nobbing over the nadlickers.
I for one don’t think any of the paper media is worth a damn and that’s why I refuse to buy their rag. Bradley will be back in nadlickerville as soon as they upset some one writing about the run for the championship started today for next season.
Saint Simons
September 6th, 2009
4:17 pm
((((((45-42))))))) hahahahahahhahaha…… oh, sorry guys, wrong board. I sometimes go over to UGA boards and remind them of our win….you know those dumb dogs forget how we have owned them the last several years.
morgwreck243
September 6th, 2009
4:28 pm
Can’t believe I said that about the matching pants to helmet thing. How insignificant and petty of me, dorky too I guess. Damn quantum physics has me all in a flutter.
Jerry F. Smith
September 6th, 2009
4:38 pm
What difference does it make what Joe thinks about anything? I don’t think much about his ability to even evaluate the features about defensive end play. Especially his remark is off base about Scott Blair. Blair has done a great job. Looking elsewhere? Let me say “I think not.”
Done Deal
September 6th, 2009
4:38 pm
GT & UGA will both go 8 – 4 this season. Sad, but true.
Melinda
September 6th, 2009
4:45 pm
I assume dandydog got banned?
Still can’t figure out why some call this offense a “gimmick”… is the spread a gimmick too? I think UGA had 10+ games worth of tape from last season to prepare for the 2008 match-up.
From a scheme standpoint, I keep reading that perhaps CPJ and Coach Wommack did not want to tip anything off and give Clemson any ideas. I don’t think that’s in all likelihood the case. PJ’s attitude has always been, this is what we do… let’s see if you can stop it.
Supersize that order, mutt
September 6th, 2009
4:57 pm
I would rather have a “gimmick” offense that works than a Mike Booboo coached, Joe Cox led offense that doesn’t. LOL
juvenal
September 6th, 2009
5:03 pm
navy gimmicked osu pretty good..maybe GT players think too much, they need to imitate #40..
KillerBee
September 6th, 2009
5:47 pm
The Fat Farm Boys from Clemmons looked none too sharp themselves against Middle Tennessee. QB’s were combined 9 of 21. Tiggers were only 4 of 14 on 3rd down convs, and they also lost three fumbles.
Dabo will no doubt have them pumped for their tractor trip to the Big City, but if the Jackets rein in the the turnovers they should win …..
jakesdad
September 6th, 2009
6:52 pm
I was there/had season tix & been to nearly every home game since 98 & CPJ isn’t exaggerating – if we play like that against Clemson we’ll get embarrassed in prime time on ESPN! I’m still at a loss as to how we won that game by 20 pts…
Nate
September 6th, 2009
7:19 pm
Tech looked pretty good against JSU. Seriously, what is up with Scott Blair? We have to make those kicks. That’s going to cost us big if we don’t get him straight. Tarrant looked like a freaking beast returning kicks. It was by far the best returns I’ve seen from Tech in at least 2+ years. And for my fellow Jackets, yes Georgia lost, but stop giving them crap about it. Our team looks good, but we still have a long year ahead with a lot of crucial games including this Thursday. Which is why I came on here, I’ll be there Thursday and so should all Jackets fans that can be there! Let’s go Tech, we know CPJ will have them ready.
Scooter
September 6th, 2009
7:28 pm
Dandy Dog you’re a #1 idiot. But I will say I watched the Ga.-Okl. State game and that call against the Ga. safety taking the head off the OSU receiver was terrible. If a safety can’t make a play like that might as well put offensive players in diapers. Thats football baby. That play changed the game . I really thought UGA would come back until that penalty. And then later in the game the officials didn’t call it against OSU when it truly should have been called. What an ignorant rule change.
Scooter
September 6th, 2009
7:31 pm
Oh by the way Dandy Dog I’m a Tech fan, but a rare one that hopes UGA has a great season. But I won’t pull for them against Tech. Good luck the rest of the year.
GT Brad
September 6th, 2009
7:47 pm
Mark did you see any of the Navy Ohio st game? Sure makes me feel good about our coach and the offense we run. If it was GT playing osu yesterday instead of navy, we beat them by 20. I was shocked how a navy team came so close to beating the buckeyes. I bet PJ was smiling after seeing that result.
Ryan Williams
September 6th, 2009
8:13 pm
There were a few things that stood out for me. Nesbitt’s passes on the run. It almost seemed his accuracy improved when his feet were moving. It was when his feet were still that his passes seemed off. J Burnett, D Morgan, and M Burnett were the only ones that seemed hungry on Defense. Tarrant is fun to watch. I’m not sure if it was everyone else’s lack of effort that made these guys stand out or not though.
Prediction time
September 6th, 2009
8:54 pm
Tech 27
clempson 17
ugaly 3
sc 6
rofl
George P
September 7th, 2009
7:22 am
If it had been Tech playing Ohio State instead of Navy the Buckeyes would have won by 30. Navy played with intensity, and they executed the offense well. Tech did neither.
Saint Simons
September 7th, 2009
9:35 am
Did anybody see my funny posts on the UGA site? I really stick it to them over there. Reminds me of the time I blew up this cool kid’s locker at Glynn Academy. Mr. Carter was really mad.
GT For You and Me
September 7th, 2009
10:27 am
Watch GT Whip The Pups @ http://www.blogbats.com Blogbats will be a full grown GEORGIA TECH BLOG SITE coming very soon. Go Jackets! THWG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GT4Ever
September 8th, 2009
4:09 pm
Neither Gt or Clemson looked all that good Saturday. The difference in Thursday night’s game will be how Clemson’s Parker plays. He didn’t look good against Middle Ten. If we can get to him early and often then it shouldn’t be to difficult for us. CPJ will have these guys ready to play. Clemson’s a big rival so the guys shouldn’t have any problem getting up for this one. GO JACKETS!!!!!
bb
September 8th, 2009
4:30 pm
Where will all the ugag fans who are posting ‘play a real team’ be in November when uga plays Tenn Tech???? At least Jax St is a decent FCS team (ranked #19 and picked to win the OVC). Tenn Tech was 3-7 last year (JSU finished 8-3) playing in the same conference as JSU.
FWIW, I think uga should be commended for playing a decent OOC schedule this year. Of course, GT routinely plays decent OOC schedules, so no one crows when they have 3 OOC BCS opponents (it’s not their first time like it is for uga).
Tech Yech
September 9th, 2009
7:55 am
Of course Paul Johnson is mad. Football players at Tech aren’t real students and don’t take real classes. They are there to win football games for the glory of Tech football that used to be 100 years ago!
Starring Peter Graves as Capt. Clarence Over
September 9th, 2009
8:38 am
Mark: Didn’t that man that slapped the girl in Walmart look like Jim Harrick Sr.?
Mydir T. Turban
September 10th, 2009
2:16 pm
I’m convinced this guy is a Georgia Tech fan!
http://www.asylum.com/2009/09/09/norwegian-bus-driver-takes-pop-culture-inspired-name/
Mydir T. Turban
September 10th, 2009
2:17 pm
I’m pretty sure this chap is a Georgia Tech fan:
http://www.asylum.com/2009/09/09/norwegian-bus-driver-takes-pop-culture-inspired-name/
ACC THROWDOWN IN THE ATL : Just Cover
September 10th, 2009
2:56 pm
[...] Both teams enter the game after walking through a yawner against overmatched competition. Clemson upended Middle Tennessee State 37-14. It was a workmanlike opener, but now the Tigers fave their first hurdle of the season. Clemson fans have had this game circled for months and a school of thought exists that this game is a make or break for the Tigers true ACC hopes this season. Tech eased by Jacksonville State 37-17 in a sloppy contest that left Jacket Coach Paul Johnson in a pissy mood. [...]
Dawg Fud
September 11th, 2009
9:38 am
Georgia alumnus here…Tech showed grit and determination. You could tell Nesbitt was running on empty but he found a way to get it done. That showed heart and also is a direct correlation to sound coaching.
I think CPJ will be at Tech for a long time.
That was probably one of the most competitive games I had seen in a while. Great football to watch.
GO DAWGS!