Tech-FSU: A rising power against the ghost ship of football
Paul Johnson told reporters Tuesday he expected Florida State to react to the turbulence surrounding the program by “circling the wagons.” Which assumes wagon-circling can serve as a buffer against turbulence. Which it might not. But I digress.
PJ needn’t worry about Florida State. That ship — if we can graft a maritime metaphor onto a Western one — has sailed. This is now (more metaphor!) a Flying Dutchman of a program. It has a few good players but is woefully coached. It beat BYU, which says something about talent, but fell to South Florida and Boston College and nearly lost to Jacksonville State, which tells us Bobby Bowden has lost the plot.
We can argue at length over whether Georgia Tech’s offense can win a national championship, but we cannot argue that Georgia Tech isn’t a well coached team. Paul Johnson is among the finest football men working. He can fix what’s ailing. His team had a bad night in Miami but a very good one in Starkville, a place where it’s hard to have a good night without landing in jail. (John R. Cash had some thoughts on the subject. Ask DOB.)
Sad to say, Papa Bowden cannot fix anything anymore. He once was the best in the business; now he’s an old man who stayed five years too long. There’s already a coach-in-waiting, but waiting for what? To inherit a program that has fallen to fourth-best in its state? And if Jimbo Fisher is so great, why did his offense manage all of seven points against South Florida, which took guys Florida State didn’t want and whipped FSU in Tallahassee?
Nobody takes any delight in seeing Papa Bowden’s empire crumble. He’s a nice fellow. He’s famously accommodating to reporters. (He used to hold press conferences on the sideline after the third quarter of night for the benefit of those with tight deadlines.) But Jim Smith, the chairman of FSU’s board of trustees, had it right: Enough is enough.
This is big-time sports. There are millions of dollars at play. Bowden deserves full credit for building FSU from nothing, but at the rate he’s going he’ll leave Fisher (or whomever) with next to nothing. Even the nicest guy doesn’t get a lifetime pass. Bobby Cremins didn’t at Georgia Tech. Bobby Bowden shouldn’t at Florida State. He has to go. He has to go now.
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217 comments Add your comment
RobertNAtl
October 7th, 2009
1:06 am
First?
Ostrich Racer
October 7th, 2009
1:14 am
Bowden has always been great for the game, and so has JoePa, but it really is time to ride off into the sunset. They’ve become the Statler and Waldorf of college football.
BigSexyGT
October 7th, 2009
1:39 am
I really wish you would have written “If I were Paul Johnson I would be worried about F$U and Tallahasee”
Mark Bradley Sucks
October 7th, 2009
1:41 am
Cremins isn’t even on the same field as Bowden
ben
October 7th, 2009
1:43 am
Why not set him on fire at midfield during halftime?
Dannyboy
October 7th, 2009
1:56 am
I think Bowden is great for the game, and one day, when all this mess is over with, I hope FSU honors him the way he deserves to be honored. There is no FSU football without Bobby Bowden.
That being said, Bowden needs to realize the past 5-8 years haven’t been about FSU. It has turned into what FSU can do for Bobby Bowden. He has earned the right to leave on his terms, but ironically, it’s his past success that Bowden is being measured against. He is now being devoured by the very same monster he created. I hope he wins every game from here to the end of 2010 (except when FSU plays GT). That’s the only way Bowden and FSU can end cleanly. Unfortunately, that’s wishful thinking.
BS Patrol
October 7th, 2009
2:19 am
Since Tech left the SEC, FSU was beginning to emerge as a rival. I hate to see him leave for that reason. I guess Clemson & ga will remain.
Ted Striker
October 7th, 2009
3:33 am
Nice article. Loved the ghost ship reference. Only point I’d differ on — respectfully, of course — is that whether it’s possible to “argue at length” over GT winning a mythical national championship.
(On second thought, I’ve seen guys on here argue over whether a dead Erk Russell could outcoach a live Willie Martinez).
Never said I had good taste — just a taste for very good things.
George
October 7th, 2009
5:59 am
Who was the FSU coach before Bowden? Didn’t they have some guy who coached not from the sidelines, but the booth? Started with an “M” as I recall.
NoleFAN
October 7th, 2009
6:11 am
Bobby has this “Entitlement” mentality at FSU. He has been out of touch with that daily operations of coaching for 15 years. He doesn’t want to take the criticism for the losses, but he surely wants credit for the victories. It’s a shame that no one in the administration has the STONES to make him resign after this season.
This mess is setting them back in recruiting and most of all Fundraising, as Jim Smith acknowledged earlier this week. This is a “What have you done for us lately” environment and its simply time to close the chapter on the Bowden era.
ImADawg
October 7th, 2009
6:22 am
If HalfA$$U really wants to get rid of Bowden, they need to keep Michael Adams on retainer. He’ll give ANYBODY their pink slip. Don’t believe me? Ask Vince.
GoVols
October 7th, 2009
6:29 am
When did we reach the point where the “coach has earned the right to coach as long as he wants” mentality? I’ve always thought the Bowden clan was selfish with the exception of the one who coached at Clemson. I’m not saying he was a great coach, but he took his firing graciously. We had to hear how unfair Auburn was to Terry for years and FSU had to pay off the son to leave. I would have thought that guilt money was sufficient to hold Saint Bobby to a higher coaching standard.
And am I the only one who thought Bobby crossed the line with the woman interviewing him the other day? Or was he just being a mean-spirited, petty old man? Don’t get me wrong, he was a wonderful coach and FSU was such an intimidating program and can be again. But for goodness sake, move on – show a little dignity.
Top Dawg
October 7th, 2009
6:38 am
I’m just scared FSU will snare Jon Fabris, Mike Bobo & Willie Martinez from us at UGA.
Top Dawg
October 7th, 2009
6:38 am
Maybe I meant “snag.” I don’t know. It’s early.
Gordon
October 7th, 2009
6:40 am
“Even the nicest guy doesn’t get a lifetime pass. Bobby Cremins didn’t at Georgia Tech.”
But the man who followed Bobby, did get one. Paul Hewitt (who is a nice guy) won 2 ACC games last year and had a year added to his perpetual contract, which Tech can’t afford to buy out. But other than that, you’re right.
Hey George...
October 7th, 2009
6:43 am
It was Daryl Murdra, and before him Larry Jones, and neither of them could maintain what the legendary Bill Peterson had built in Tallahassee prior to his being hired to coach the Houston Oilers (yes, I am old).
And, you are correct that Murdra did coach some from the press box! Went something like 0-11 and 2-9 and then they turned to Bobby (almost hired Pat Dye from East Carolina, but Pat did not think he could win at FSU so he refused to interview) and the rest, as they say, is history!
zino
October 7th, 2009
6:47 am
“Fire Willie Martinez!”
“Fire Bobby Bowden!”
How about “Fire Mark Bradley!” Now that one makes sense!
SuperB
October 7th, 2009
6:55 am
It’s a shame Mark Bradley got sucked in by the Jim Smith Campaign. (You should have checked out this guy before jumping on his bandwagon.) Yes, FSU needs a new coaching staff and Jimbo Fisher needs to go too. But Bobby Bowden doesn’t deserve the punches he is taking from people like Smith– and now Bradley. Remember, some Penn State fair-weather fans wanted to send Joe Pa off to the home a few years ago.
Jim (not Mora)
October 7th, 2009
7:02 am
Enter your comments here
I was in my last year at FSU when Bobby Bowden took over from Darrell Mudra who somehow managed to lose every game one year and a couple the next before Bobby took over and turned FSU football into a winning program from the get go.
I remember seeing Bobby and his wife with his little boys in tow, coming into the Holiday Inn for Sunday brunch (I am sure after attending church). Yes, LITTLE BOYS in tow. That was a long, long, time ago.
Unfortunately, Bobby Bowden is like a major league pitcher or a prize fighter that just doesn’t know when..or maybe how…to let it go. And, also unfortunately, FSU hasn’t been able to tell him the time has come.
blackprix
October 7th, 2009
7:08 am
I’m sure what’s bothersome for FSU and their fans is that Bowden himself should know and understand IT’S TIME for him to retire. Because he’s 80 years old doesn’t mean he’s stupid. IMO, his staying on is more about him these days than it is about their program.
He seems to want to beat out Joe Pa for number of games won .. that’s what is hurting FSU standing in college football. Right now he’s a football legend who is hurting his own program and history.
bubba
October 7th, 2009
7:09 am
even better “dadgummit what happened to my teeth”
RogerDawg
October 7th, 2009
7:13 am
Bradley you pugdy hipocrite-
FSU is plenty good enough to beat a marginal Georgia Tech team. You, like the other Georgia Tech fans have been swept into the Paul Johnson is suddenly Bear Bryant mode. It’s laughable. Paul Johnson doesn’t know enough about big boy football to be the running backs coach for Mark Richt. I realize some of you idiotic Tech fans (and you too Bradley) will probably disagree. But that’s the truth. That’s the way most of the nation sees your beloved high school program. UGA would be 5-0 going into this game with the paddycake schedule Georgia Tech has. Mark Richt (yes, he DOES know how to coach) wouldn’t have lost to a Miami team that got blown out by Virginia Tech…just wouldn’t have happened. UGA would finish 11-1 with the schedule Tech has….losing to Virginia Tech. I’m so sick of this AJC paper bias towards Georgia Tech, led by Mr. Bradley. Keep sticking it to UGA Bradley…again, it’s laughable. We’ll have our revenge game in November and will swat you gnats back where you belong.
AZ Jacket
October 7th, 2009
7:13 am
This could be a trap game for Tech and CPJ knows it. I would bet the bank that the team has only seen film of the BYU game. Maybe GT is more talented at this point but football is a game of emotions and FSU will either come in to it higher than a kite and looking for blood or just lay down and take a beating, Let’ hope for the latter or somewhere inbetween.
DA
October 7th, 2009
7:16 am
And yet … after all the talk here, I bet Ga Tech finds a way to lose to Florida State on Saturday
AZ Jacket
October 7th, 2009
7:17 am
Please AD’s do not let them move the 2011 Tech/UGA game to the Kickoff classic. Please Please Please.
DA
October 7th, 2009
7:18 am
Besides, won’t Fla State then go after Mark Richt, another nice guy?
JB
October 7th, 2009
7:19 am
You guys at FSU need a narcissist like President Adams at Georgia to teach you how to dispose of a legend. He had to let it be known that there would be NO ONE bigger than him around the UGA campus !
Eddy
October 7th, 2009
7:20 am
I am a Nole but I have great admiration for Paul Johnson as a coach.He has a very clear vision and plan about what his teams will be and are. He’s the kinda guy who can take his team and beat yours and then take your team and beat his. Does not tolerate mediocrity.
There was a time when all of that could be said about Bobby but that time has long passed. I do hope that he and FSU can find a way to allow him to exit gracefully and with his dignity intact. He built the program so he is deserving of the recognition for this.
Saturday will be a very long day for the Noles!!
JB
October 7th, 2009
7:21 am
FSU might of come after Mark after 2007……………………………..I think they take their chances with Fisher after the last 15-20 games of Georgia.
Baba O'Riley
October 7th, 2009
7:27 am
Rejoice UGA fans. You now have your version of the poster known as m, and his name is RogerDawg. There’s one in every family.
Montgomery
October 7th, 2009
7:28 am
Georgia Tech has never beat FSU in Tallahassee,…the time is now! I don’t feel sorry for Bowdon whatsoever. I recall all the times Bowden RAN UP the score on Georgia Tech for style points .It is time for Tech to beat those Dad Gum Seminoles in their own back yard. GO JACKETS !
AZ Jacket
October 7th, 2009
7:31 am
RogerDawg, you are a bitter man. UGA would loose to Miami….hands down and you are an idiot if think different. Since CPJ has come to the flats all the UGA fans can talk about is the weak schedule Tech plays or that CPJ will not be there that long. I understand your concern but I have no sympathy for you. Comments such as yours are typical of the idiot fringe of the UGA fan base. UGA is a good program but it is not the elite of the SEC and never has been. Get over it and enjoy the competition and good luck against Tenn. Tech.
Glenn
October 7th, 2009
7:32 am
RogerDawg;
Perhaps Mark Richt and Company need to understand that if our players don’t have the basic concept of escorting recruits on official visits, they’ll have a difficult time grasping a college playbook, or following team rules.
Before you start making snide comments about GA Tech, their team, and their schedule, perhaps you need to be looking at our own house first. We have enough on our own plate to be concerned with right now. The Tech game will come soon enough, and at this point, we need all the time we can get to get straighten some things out.
SatchelBuzz
October 7th, 2009
7:38 am
Roger,…..here’s some good advice, book now for Shreveport.
THWG!
RogerDawg
October 7th, 2009
7:40 am
Glenn
While I understand differing points of view, I surely don’t need you to patronize me. I’ve been attending UGA games since the days of Ray Goff…and i’m not talking as a coach. Please keep your snide comments to yourself.
RogerDawg
October 7th, 2009
7:40 am
SatcheBuzz
Swat….damned gnat.
GT71
October 7th, 2009
7:42 am
As a Tech grad and Atlantan for 50-sometiing years, I HATE it when sports guys – even one I respect like Mr. Bradley – make these predictions. I smells like a jinx in the making. Be smart, lay low, be noiseless and just get into town, win the game and leave. THEN TALK! I know they must write about something, but for heaven’s sake, can this locker room wall stuff.
You are fired...
October 7th, 2009
7:44 am
Bowdens ship has sailed – he deserves to leave on his terms however. PJ will have the boys ready;
FSU still has excellent players with a lot to prove and they won’t go down without a fight.
Rogerdawg you are a tool – dawgs are unranked- suck it up and guess what? There might be a reaoson for it.
RogerDawg
October 7th, 2009
7:44 am
Glenn
You also don’t have a very good concept of Mark Richt nor his staff. It seems when something goes wrong everyone jumps on the same bandwagon. Willie Martinez is hardly a handicap. His defense has played quite well this year….Martinez and Richt both (I’ll leave out Bobo, as Richt still leads the offense) have done a good job this year of making halftime adjustments. This staff, gametime experience in champiionship games, etc…are head and shoulders above the experience Paul Johnson and his goofy staff have.
If ANYONE thinks Paul Johnson is a better FOOTBALL coach than Mark Richt…than you, are an idiot.
CW
October 7th, 2009
7:44 am
No employee of any company or institution has ‘earned the right’ to do their job poorly. This idea that FSU is negotiating a new arrangement with Jimbo Fisher where he’ll control all football operations but Bowden will remain as head coach is ridiculous.
It appears that all of this is about Bowden’s ego-driven desire to surpass Joe Paterno for the most wins. How pathetic that a coach that has preached ‘team first’ to his players for years is now oblivious to what his own team needs because he is so focused on his own individual accolades.
bamafan
October 7th, 2009
7:49 am
The whole situation is sad. With the FSU recent performance, there is no way Bowden will overtake Paterno. And for what purpose?……it doesn’t matter how many games Bobby or Joe Pa win………the gold standard will still be Bear Bryant. Don’t believe me? Check out Barry Bonds and Hank Aaron……..Denial is a wonderful thing. How many folks remember Bobby testifying that he truly invested that money with his son who went to jail along with former Bama QB Brian Burgdorf?
Reck-Ugag
October 7th, 2009
7:52 am
Hey Rogerdawg,
If you think the AJC is biased toward GT, which it is not, then probably think CNN is unbiased and Fox is part of the far-right wing conspiracy. Just because the AJC gives GT some coverage, they are biased? Come to Savannah where when GT wins handily on the road and they get barely a blurb and Ugag loses at home and gets three pages dedicated to them. I can not stand how ugag fans are so bent on the almighty Georgia program and are living off of a National chamionship from nearly 30 years ago. On the article note though, GT should be concerned about every team on the schedule. If they have not learned from the LSU, Miami and other games this year and last, is just about any team can beat another team if you do not execute and you take your opponent to lightly. I expect this game to be similar to last year, close with a big play at the end to preserve a win for GT or for FSU to take the lead and break our hearts, similar to how Florida does to Ugag every year.
JB
October 7th, 2009
7:53 am
My dawgs are last in the SEC in rushing at 98 yards per game. 105 th nationally. yikes, only 15 teams rush for less.last in punt return yardage, 10 th kick( in SEC) off yardage. Defense ranks close to bottom in ever category. Top 5 in NCAA in penalties, yet a top 10 class the last 6-7 years. ANYONE on here think this is just”BAD LUCK”? I know this is not subject, but just read the article on Ealey, and sometimes ONE guy can change a lot of things. Let’s hope so.
tom-vinings
October 7th, 2009
7:56 am
43rd! (who really wants to talk about Tech anyways?)
Shug
October 7th, 2009
7:57 am
Paul Johnson has a 13-5 record at Georgia Tech and is 129-48 overall.
Pretty damn good coach based on his record Rogerchow.
..
Shug
October 7th, 2009
7:59 am
Who wants to talk about teams not even ranked, whereas Tech is ranked tom-tom.
JB
October 7th, 2009
8:01 am
Imagine a Chairman of the Board showing up to a meeting with stock holders to a company losing money and his only statement is, ‘we’re working hard and hope the next Quarter is better”. Thank you for coming today. Is Football much different than Business ? I guess our players don’t get a check, but guess who gets$2,800,000 ?
PT
October 7th, 2009
8:02 am
JB, it all about having that talent in the right places in the right year. We are so young in so many areas, and when you throw in parity the talent and matchups on another team is there waiting to play ya. Remeber these rankings are not exact science. How do you know what a 6′6” 290 lb kid will do in 2-3 yrs or how he will mature. It will give you an idea that you will have a good team but not a great one. Most great teams have a bunch of seniors or a player like Tebow, Herchel, Bradford, Colt, R Bush. We evolved in 07 into a great team from Stafford and Moreno and this same coaching staff coached them, Last year the hype, injuries , and just plain ole lack of focus killed us. Now we are back to trying to evolve. It may not happen this year. We are not going in another direction as a program. We play in a league where there are 6 teams in the past 8 years that have been capable of or in BCS title talk on the last week end. There is no league like it. Georgia fans need to stay united and not let some dum arse Tech fan get in our heads. The PROGRAM is fine
JB
October 7th, 2009
8:03 am
Shug………………..come on, act like you’ve been there before…………..whoops, never mind
Psychology Today
October 7th, 2009
8:04 am
Rogerdawgie is an idiot.
Paul Johnson is 1-0 against Mark Richt, dumbo.