For Richt, change will be tough; for Johnson, it won’t be
PJ isn't a man to disappoint. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
Having witnessed Mark Richt’s media briefing Tuesday in Athens, I was struck — not for the first time, and surely not for the last — at how resolutely positive this man is. No, things aren’t going well, he conceded, but his Georgia Bulldogs “are battling as hard as you can battle.”
And I thought, again not for the first time, that Mark Richt would be a mighty fine boss to have: Loyal, circumspect, unwilling to assess public blame.
Then I read the transcript of Paul Johnson’s concurrent media briefing at Georgia Tech, thoughtfully provided by ace publicist and fellow Vinings dweller Dean Buchan, and this passage fairly leaped off the computer screen:
“There’s no doubt about it. We have to get better [on defense]. In my mind, when you play the way we played on Saturday, everyone is accountable. The coaches, the players and I’m accountable because I’m the ultimate guy. I see guys not playing fast and not flying to the ball.”
And I thought to myself, “Paul Johnson might not be the greatest boss, but he’s exactly the sort of man you’d want running your business.” He didn’t candy-coat the Florida State effort by saying his guys made the stops when stops were needed. He said: “We have to get better.”
Again, I’m not trying to suggest one style is better. Mark Richt has won two SEC titles at Georgia and was part of two national championship teams at FSU. He’s a fine coach and a fine fellow. But this much I do know:
Mark Richt will have a hard time shuffling his staff no matter how this season plays out because that’s the kind of guy he is. Paul Johnson won’t find it so difficult to make changes if he determines change is needed. Because that’s the kind of guy he is.
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376 comments Add your comment
jason
October 15th, 2009
12:47 pm
Otto, True. I think it might be a combination of all three. That is depressing. When has UGA not been able to run the ball? Maybe the OL was just good as advertised and Moreno made them look alot better. Once in a generation RBs will do that. If you are not running the ball, the defense has no need to crowd the box thus leaving double and sometimes triple coverage on AJ forcing predictable play calling along the lines og quick hitters and screens. By Cox seeing this he then forces passes down field and has some picked off. Also, without sound pass protection, Cox is not having alot of time to set up and go deep as much as he wants.
jason
October 15th, 2009
12:49 pm
Why is AJ not put in motion more? Bobo and CMR both said they would move AJ around to find ways to get him the ball.He lines up to the wide side, to the short side, in the slot, but you never see him in motion. That is what CAR has to do with Steve Smith to find holes for him to catch the ball.
Gen Neyland
October 15th, 2009
12:51 pm
Slide Rule : I think she would have made a hellava football coach.
Slide Rule
October 15th, 2009
12:56 pm
An earlier comment had the Bowden quote about whether Mark Richt is “too nice to be a head coach”. Football is a war game, similar to other games throughout history in other cultures. I will not criticize Richt on his religious beliefs, but in war, the roles of chaplain and commander are separate. The commander must drive his charges to be prepared for battle, mentally and physically strong. Tough training and demanding performance are required. The chaplain’s role is to support the psyche. Should Coach Richt try to separate himself from his base personality? Could he?
Otto
October 15th, 2009
12:57 pm
Last year Bama fans commented on how Julio had a shortened play book and only learned one position. Seems Marlon Brown could do the same.
Auburn runs Kodi in all sorts of plays. Gray has been in the program and should be able to run a good percentage of the playbook. Preseason talk was he would have a package but he has not thrown the ball. Thomas could be used as Percy was at UF. Is he going to block as Caleb or Samuel? No but he can slow them down and create another weapon the LBs have to cover.
Use some common sense
October 15th, 2009
1:00 pm
UGA fans need to use some commons sense…never mind.
Slide Rule
October 15th, 2009
1:04 pm
I have not yet seen a UGA running back this year who uses a spin move on first contact like Moreno did regularly, especially behind the line. I don’t think the first two RBs have the quickness, even if that is a coachable move. Ealy seems to be much quicker to the line.
BAMA STAN
October 15th, 2009
1:11 pm
12 NATIONAL TITLES – 21 SEC TITLES!!!
b.davis – I respectfully disagree with part of your 12:04 post regarding talent.
Tech just might have better talent than UGA.
Both teams appear to be very athletic – but do not judge talent on rivals and scout rankings – we all fall for this.
Yes these kids may be 4 or 5 star in highschool – but can they make the adjustment and “grow” into high level college players?
Look at UGA’s safety – #9 – Jones. Rated the #1 safety in the country out of HS. But did not see significant playing time until mid-redshirt Soph season. Kid is athletic – but had a hard time adjusting to college and is quite frankly – no superstar. An average safety at best – would not start for Alabama, Florida, LSU, Tennessee or Auburn.
Now look at the tailback during Richt’s first year – Haynes – the kid that caught the hobnailed boot pass. He was playing for Western KY or some small school and transferred to UGA. He grew as a player and played several years in the NFL.
See what I am saying about ratings?
GT has as much talent as UGA – and has better coaching since last season. This is based on results – expectations – and head to head competition.
Also – as much as I hate saying this – I believe Lane Kiffin is correct. I seriously doubt he will lose to UGA while he is at Tennessee. UT has won 3 of the last 4 – and UGA is in bad shape – next year – breaking in a new QB – and huge holes to fill in on the defense.
Kiffin wants to replace Carroll at USC or get back into the NFL. He will be gone in 5 years.
Kiffin took over a team that has talent – but low self esteem – and is builiding it up while taking some early lumps along the way. Richt did similar – but is not settling in as a mediocre SEC team. Truely – this program peaked under Richt in 2005 – and I think is pretty much settled back to a Donnanesque #3 spot in the SEC East – trying to fend off SC for the #4 spot.
For 2010 season – here is an early prediction:
– UGA will be the SEC #4 team – ahead of KY and Vandy.
– UGA will lose to SC by two touchdowns – another beat down by TN and by FL. Florida will not miss Tebow as much as we all think. Brantly may not be the runner – but is a better passer – and Urban has won a NC with Chris Leak.
UGA in 2009 is UT in 2008. If Richt has a couple of more seasons like this – he will be gone in 3 years – if he does not take the FSU job.
I invite all UGA fans to root for BAMA as your second choice SEC team – or favorite SEC West team. Maybe we can stop the Urban Meyer train …. or at least derail it for one game.
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!!!
Slide Rule
October 15th, 2009
1:15 pm
Gen Neyland – Yes, truly a woman of conviction, able to overcome adversity. A coach who reminds me of those traits is Bobby Dodd, who learned from a true master. Dodd pulled Ga. Tech out of the SEC rather than accept what he viewed as an egregious rule that allowed SEC teams to void the scholarships of surplus freshmen recruits to get down to the required limit, essentially tryouts. The vote was 6-6, and the rule stood. Dodd announced the withdrawal from the SEC at the SEC meeting after the vote.
BugKiller
October 15th, 2009
1:23 pm
BAMA STAN…
… see, these kind of things are where your short-sightedness comes shining through.
Rashad Jones WOULD start for EVERY other SEC team out there right now and be BETTER than he is right now.
Why?
COACHING, dummy!
Thsi is a kid with all the talent in the world who is being coached-down by the terrible Willie Martinez.
Under BVG, Jones would be another Thomas Davis.
Dude, like most of the Bama fans that I know, and many of the Dawg fans, and exactly like Coach Richt, you have an inability to see the BIG PICTURE.
You just go for the easiest, most convenient explanation, and refuse to dig a little further for the truth.
Be smarter than that.
jay
October 15th, 2009
1:25 pm
hahahahah. paul johnson hasn’t won anything yet. the only “big game” he’s won has been, admittedly, against the dawgs. what’s funny though is that the uga-tech game last year had little national significance. every big national game johnson has had at tech, his teams have faltered. here’s another shot at a national win this weekend with the hokies – one my money says the nerds won’t get.
regardless, richt has won sec championships, the bugs cant even win that JV league they call the ACC. this conversation should end right there – the rest is irrelevant speculation.
Macho Man
October 15th, 2009
1:30 pm
Attention Tech Fans
Saturdays game “IS FANS PLEASE SHOW UP FOR ONCE AND FILL BOBBY DUDD STADIUM DAY”
The first 55,000 fans recieve a slide rule, Geometry for dummies book, free library pass, and a bottle of JACK DANIELS to help erase the memory of the beat down comming from VA TECH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UGA Class of '73
October 15th, 2009
1:40 pm
It pains me to say it but when I see UGA play and then watch GT, the GT players have more discipline than the UGA players. For example:
1 The GT players toss the ball to the ref and run towards their bench when they score rather than celebrating like they have never been in the end zone before.
2 The GT offensive line players block their assignments and open holes. UGA linemen look confused as to whom to block.
3 The GT defenseive backs stay with their assignments. UGA defensive backs were barely in the picture when UT recievers made Crompton look like Johnny Unitas.
4 The GT players stay with their units and their position coaches on the sidelines getting ready to go back into the game. I saw UGA players dancing for crowd behind the bench in one game this year.
5 The GT players seem determined to win. The UGA players look like they are playing scared and are hanging on.
6 The GT players do not make many penalties. The UGA players make stupid penalties that cost them wins.
It is all poor coaching. Coaching preparation for this season should have started with conditioning drills last February. Also, Evans needs to quit loading the schedule. The coaching staff needs to get the players on the same page with improved position coaching and an actual game plan for the week’s opponent.
Has success made the coaches and players at UGA lazy in their preparation and play? They sure do not appear focused enough to win. And that is on the head coach. I love him, but he needs to get their attention and if that means getting pissed off then that is what he needs to do.
The coaches are not his friends. They are his employees. The players are not his friends. They are student athletes that need to be taught the self discipline and position techniques to compete on the field.
ricky
October 15th, 2009
1:42 pm
Bugkiller,”indisciplined” is not a word.
Dr. Charles Herty
October 15th, 2009
1:46 pm
It’s going to tear Mark Richt up to fire Martinez. Let’s let him stay one more year at least.
Slide Rule
October 15th, 2009
1:48 pm
Bama Stan –
I think your big picture is plausible. I won’t go as far as predicting actual dates or scores. I watch Bama games when they are available on TV. I’ve gotten over most of my anger over the 1961 Darwin Holt cheap shot on Chick Graning of Georgia Tech. Bryant is no longer with us, but Holt is (strong Saban supporter, I hear).
Your assessment of UGA’s situation is supported by my 11:00 am post on this blog which very much ties to Saban. You’ll like it, I guarantee.
Tech has a home-and-home with Bama in 2013 and 2014. I am eagerly anticipating that. To be the best, you have to play the best.
Slide Rule
October 15th, 2009
1:56 pm
UGA Class of ‘73 -
Third to last paragraph, I disagree. I’d say “Evans needs to quit loading the schedule” UNLESS the other statements in the paragraph are followed to the letter.
takedowndawg
October 15th, 2009
1:57 pm
UGA class of ‘73 amen, and amen. That is were we are.
BAMA STAN
October 15th, 2009
2:00 pm
12 NATIONAL TITLES -21 SEC TITLES!!!
QB SITUATION – Joe Cox is a good leader – and not a bad QB. Lack of running game is what is killing the offense this year.
With that said – UGA needs to be patient (yes, this is funny coming from a Bama fan) until after the Florida game.
Here are my thoughts:
Let Cox run the team vs Vandy – have a week off – play against Florida.
If UGA turns the ship around and competes well against Florida – then stay with Cox – as he is your best chance to win against AUB, KY, and GT – and a potentially and 8-4 season (not bad for a down year).
If UGA get’s totally hammered by Florida – mix in Gray or even burn the redshirt off Murray. Get them ready for 2010.
NATIONAL RESPECT
UGA has never been considered one of college footballs heavy weights like a USC, Notre Dame, Michigan, Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, or BAMA – this is college football royalty……. and how Florida is now repsected due to the last 20 years or so with Spurrier building a CONSISTENT WINNER – and now has the arguably the best coach in college football with Meyer HAS PUT THEM in this group. But it took 20 years (yes Zook was in there for a few years – but give UF credit – they fixed that problem in short order).
Also about Florida – while Dooley may have won a ton of games against Florida – UF was the better overal program based on head to head competition the last half of the century – posting a 28-22-1 record against UGA from 1951 to 2000. So this nonsense that Florida was a weaker team up until Spurrier is just not so.
I travel the country and talk a lot of football to people up north – midwest – west coast – and college fans DO recognize how deep the SEC is. UGA is considered one of the better SEC schools (obviously) – that makes noise on occasion – but along the same lines as Auburn, or a Clemson, or a Michigan State or IOWA or GT (usually a better B10 team – but no Michigan or Ohio State).
My point is this: UGA fans should love their school and it’s unique history and tradition – but keep in perspective. UGA is not considered in the elite for a reason.
Dooley had his Hershall years – Butts had Trippi. Richt has brought UGA to the cusp of longer term national recognition with his run – but since 2005 – this team is IOWA, AUBURN, Clemson, FSU as far as the rest of the country is concerned.
In 2008 – the team rated #1 – and UGA lost the goodwill of the media and college football fans as far as national respect and recognition. The 2008 team was not ELITE – by a long shot – and BAMA and Florida both hammered UGA – and UGA was able to get by team like AUBURN and KY – but lose to GT in an embarrasing manner.
UGA is viewed as a team trying to break out of a competitive pack – and does so on occasion. But not a total program that stays in front of the pack – the benchmark. And history is proving itself again.
UGA is back to it’s roots and historical position – not a leader in the conference – but a team trying to stay ahead of the pack and deperately seeking National Respect and Attention. Best of luck for the rest of the season – don’t see UGA beating Florida – but I am hoping you guys can make it to 8-4 – with a bowl win 9-4 would be HUGE! However, with current state of running game and defense – just do not see it happening.
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Slide Rule
October 15th, 2009
2:04 pm
Enter your comments here
Slide Rule
October 15th, 2009
2:08 pm
Oops..thought I hit “refresh”. Not to waste it: Bama Stan – Your thoughts about Arkansas and Miss. State (Mullen impact)?
man
October 15th, 2009
2:11 pm
hey Richt, there is a reason no one is coming to try to hire away your assistants because they suck!
F-105 Thunderchief
October 15th, 2009
2:16 pm
C’mon Bama, you’re crawfishing. Your post clearly states that teams “with enough talent” to run pro style offenses do, the obvious implication being that Tech’s talent is somehow lesser. I’m just stating facts that its not. Tech has three backs, a QB and a WR who could start on any team in the country, no matter what offense they are running.
That may not be what you mean’t but it’s dang sure what you wrote. Maybe you should read your posts before you hit submit to be sure you’re clear.
Otto
October 15th, 2009
2:16 pm
BugKiller does have a point on Rashad. He was offered by UF, LSU, and Auburn. He would play at Auburn if no other reason than they don’t have much depth. Coaching maybe able to get him to the next level.
Stan you have some valid points. However, you blame the coaching staff and then say UGA does not have the talent. The talent may not be showing because the coaches are not getting it out.
The coaching staff had some valid reasons for not winning the SEC last year but there is no excuse for what happened in Knoxville and all 3 phases of the game have problems. Stan I do not think this lasts 3 years. If CMR does not make changes and the season repeats I think he is gone after next year. If some changes are made and UGA shows moderate improvement then there will be a discussion at that time.
Also Bama is tied for 4th in teams I’d like to see win the SEC. Auburn comes after UGA. Ole Miss was next this year, I loved the Grove and they have had a long time away from greatness. Bama is 4th. UT (under Lane) and UF are fighting for last. At this point in the season Roll Tide, I hope you run the tables and bring 4 in a row home to the SEC.
Otto
October 15th, 2009
2:18 pm
GT’s QB could not start on any team in the country.
F-105 Thunderchief
October 15th, 2009
2:21 pm
See, I can be guilty of hitting submit too soon, too. I should say could start for any program in the country. For instance, if he’s at Texas, Nesbitt probably sits behind McCoy. But then again, maybe Mark Ingram sits behind Jonathan Dwyer. See what I mean? Tech isn’t running an option to make up for anything.
Slide Rule
October 15th, 2009
2:35 pm
Otto – That statement doesn’t make sense. None out of 108 or whatever programs?
SOUTHGADAWG88
October 15th, 2009
2:37 pm
Mark Richt is a man that has experienced nothing but success as a coach look at his career.The 10 years he spent at FSU were one of the most dominate runs in college football history.As an OC and QB coach he won tittles,coached Heisman trophy winners at QB and was considered one of the very best recruiters in the nation.When he left FSU they were in the NC championship game and they have never been the same.He came in and restored UGA ’s confidence and elevated the program to heights unseen since Hershel Walker.This man one of the best at his craft so I have no doubt order will be restored and UGA will remain an elite program.There are some issues to deal with moving forward sure but we have the right guy at the helm.What ails GA?Everyone has beaten the coaching angle to death so far but I’m more of.. a talent tells the story..type of guy.We have done well in recruit rankings under Richt and the program has been impressive in it’s record of sending kids to the pro’s.The out of state talent has been excellent which is a testament to the appeal of our coaching staff’s track record of getting kids into the NFL.The thing that has changed over the last several years IMO is the lack of GA kids as leaders on our team.I mean DJ was the last GA kid we’ve had as a star on the team.Remember the 1st 5 years?Our stars were mostly instate kids…Green,Pollack,Davis,R.Brown,Stinchcomb,Sullivan,Boss Bailey,C Grant,Sean Jones,Blue,Golston,Pope,Thurman,Wansley,T.Edwards,Lumpkin,Ware,Brown,C.Johnson and more than a few other good ones…all GA kids…to me that’s when we were at our best..now our best kids are from out of state and it’s been that way since DJ left.It is time for our GA kids to step up and play to their potential it’s not all on the coaches because these out of state kids are coming here and out playing them point blank.Maybe it’s just a natural cycle of talent in GA…there was a high number of pro caliber players for a while and it tapered off some..or perhaps we let some good ones get away…whatever the cause it is becoming more pronounced now.It’s not all gloom and doom though..Curran,Boykin,Smith,Rambo,Tyson and eventually ONE of these RB’s are ball players but we need more kids to step up to the plate and start delivering.The 10 class has some instate studs ..Olgletree,Garrison Smith,Rogers and Stripling could all end up as 5 stars before signing day.. so I see it getting back to what we had become accustomed to.I just don’t see an entire staff forgetting how to coach all a sudden.Let’s see how we do in the 3 big traditional games Fla-Aub and GT before we pass judgment on the staff…I will admit Willie and his co-coordinator are hanging by a thread at the moment.
BAMA STAN
October 15th, 2009
2:45 pm
12 NATIONAL TITLES – 21 SEC TITLES!!!
Hey Slide Rule – enjoyed your 11:00AM post.
Alabama owes a couple of apologies to GT. Which used to be a very fierce and respected rivalry.
Many BAMA fans are aware of the Holt / Granning incident. Which was an embarrasment to Alabama and college football. Also, Coach Bryant’s response was also an embarrasment as well.
Also – Bryant and Vaught changed their vote after Dodd made his “leaving the SEC” statement. Before hand – they both ensured Dodd their support. I was told that UGA backed GT and Dodd – and wanted them to stay in the conference.
Also – Dodd later revealed that he never should have pulled GT out of the conference. This was something he resented as he realized that it hurt GT.
Regarding GT and the SEC:
Many of us wish GT were still in the SEC.
With Atlanta being the true college football hub – imagine the press and focus if GT had regular home games with Tennessee, Florida – and rotated Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, etc. Atlanta would support these games – and GT would compete!
The GT/AUB, GT/ BAMA, GT, TN, GT/FL rivalries were huge in their day.
GT needs to be in the SEC!
I – along with many SEC fans would go to these games! GT would fill and probably need to expand the stadium.
I say less put KY in the SEC WEST – ARK to the B12. Iowa State to the B10. OR swop with the ACC – GT – South Carolina.
No offense to the ACC – but doe GT/NC STATE, GT/VA, GT/NC, GT/VT, GT/BC, GT/DUKE, GT/MIA really get you fired up?
Slide Rule – if offered – would you like to see GT back home in the SEC?
Looking forward to GT/BAMA renewing it’s rivalry – should be great for both schools!
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Slide Rule
October 15th, 2009
2:46 pm
SOUTHGADAWG88 -
Well, let him take over the offensive play calling and start from there. But…at FSU, he was not responsible for the “nice” vs. “tough” attitude of the team’s overall coaching. That’s what Bowden was getting at when he said he wondered if Richt was too nice to be a head coach.
Fire Willie Now
October 15th, 2009
2:50 pm
BAMA STAN go away!!You are becoming boring with the ALA is royalty crap.Bama wont make it 3 years with out being back on probation!Did you see what the NCAA had to say about good ol Bama recently?The NCAA Committee on Infractions called the University of Alabama a “serial repeat violator” with an “abysmal infractions track record” and an “extensive recent history of infractions cases unmatched by any other member institution in the NCAA,” in responding to the school’s textbook appeal, according to documents released today.Sounds to me that not everyone looks at Bama as royalty.Mind your own house or the chickens will be coming home to roost soon!
Otto
October 15th, 2009
2:53 pm
Stan, Yes UGA has had down times but was a far more regular SEC title contender than UF. The stats could be swayed anyway you want, if you pick the dates right. Historically UGA is 3rd in the SEC in wins and winning percentage. UF was only in contention for a handful of SEC titles before SOS. Stan you’re including the Griffith era in that stat against UF. Butts owned UF until he started to slide in the mid 50s, However from ‘38 to ‘52 Butts was 12-2 against UF. 53-63 was rather dark for UGA with the alte Butts era, Griffith for a short period. Dooley picked it up again. UGA had SEC titles in the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. UF did not have a claim to one until the 80s which is not counted because of probation, and SOS won their first official championship in the 90s.
UF became CFB royalty thanks to SOS by dominating the SEC and beating Bama in SECCGs. UGA is not which is why Evans has UGA playing Okie St and Az St. They are media games. A good AD and HC can get UGA to that level. UGA fans know that and want that.
My point is fighting for a competitive season is not UGA. 2006 and 2008 teams will happen but problems in all 3 phases is not UGA. UGA was not 3rd or 4th in the SEC last week. Further much of the UGA fan base does not see a path to be able to compete with the top teams.
Arkansas is next
October 15th, 2009
2:57 pm
I will keep off football for a minute. I have had encounters with both of these coaches and they are polar opposites. These encounters have been off campus. Mark Richt is a nice man who treats people with respect and has a nice personality. Paul Johnson is cold and doesn’t treat people with respect and has no personality. True story, no reason to lie I am a Gator fan. How bout’ that defense, 5 Games = 2 Touchdowns Allowed, 32 Points Surrendered.
Otto
October 15th, 2009
3:01 pm
Fire Willy Now, Bama sure did make it up the ranking quickly last year. Obviously many voters feel Bama is royaly. I owuld not count on that probation. Bama has a better staff and the SEC has a better front office to deal with the NCAA. Is any team 100% clean? No Does the NCAA like Bama? No but I owuld not put many on a scholarship being removed.
As for 3 years until they’re on probation? They’re on probation now. I would take from your own post and have your house in order before calling out others.
Otto
October 15th, 2009
3:02 pm
*would not put money on scholarships being removed.
Fire Willie Now
October 15th, 2009
3:08 pm
Otto after vacating 21 wins there is nothing left but to start back taking scholarships.Bama has a long history of cheating and getting caught period.It will not stop…they are like the Mafia of the SEC…they feel entitled to break the rules…3 years and they will be punished by losing scholarships …I said it and stand by it!
Nashville4UGA
October 15th, 2009
3:11 pm
So Tech has exactly 1 win vs a BCS level team with a winning record and has lost the only game they’ve played vs a top 25 team and Paul Johnson is the second coming of Vince Lombardi? Richt who is for the first time going through some hiccups with a VERY young team vs arguably the toughest schedule in the nation and people want to run him out of town?
Tech fans, dont throw stones in glass houses. The Tech D is just as if not more porous than UGA’s right now. VT is going to put the Jackets out of the top 25 this Saturday, you can mark that one down.
I will admit some changes need to be made at UGA in the coaching staff, but firing Richt is not going to solve the problems. We do need a new DC and special teams coach, but keep Richt.
Otto
October 15th, 2009
3:12 pm
Stan, putting GT in the SEC would be tricky. They belong over Ark. and Ark. belongs over S. Car. S. Car was in the ACC at one point.
The trick with putting GT in a SEC division is their Top 3 rivals were UGA, Auburn, and Bama. Auburn had the wreck Tech parade. Dodd had the big blow out with the Bear over the late hit. We all know what the good word at GT is? THWG. It would be interesting.
Ark. had rivalries with several SEC teams while in the SWC. S. Car had next to none with UGA being the lone team that they played regularly.
Otto
October 15th, 2009
3:15 pm
Fire Willie from your screenname to post, you sound like a jealous hater that does not look past the surface. LSU was not put on probation after Saban.
Fire Willie Now
October 15th, 2009
3:21 pm
Otto my screen name tells how I feel about WM.Saban will use the same argument when Bama gets caught again…’look at my track record it aint me it’s the culture here.I can’t control that”The school has a reputation for cheating and it goes beyond who happens to be coaching at the time.Save this post because in a couple of years it will be prophetic!
jason
October 15th, 2009
3:23 pm
BAMA STAN, Your 2:00 PM post is accurate and sad to say, it is true. Think that could be why people are on the blame game with CMR, myself included.We all were under the illusion that since CMR has been here we have reached that National Prominenve. No, bot a MNC, but capable of contending for one annually. That is not the case. We are still trying to fend off USCe, UK, Ole MS. AUB, and now ARK just for legimecey inside the SEC. It doesn’t help to maintain national reconnigtion with losses like last SAt to a rebuilding TENN team. Also the losses of the embarrassing nature to your Tide, the Gators and Tech hurt even more. It is not the losses, but in the way we lossed. The black out that wasn’t. The UF redemption for the celebration, and the list goes on. Simply put, when UGA is on a stage to prove their National worth, more times than not we lose in GRAND fashion. On the rare occasions that we do win, we don’t show the opponet the proper respect for a hard fought game.
Slide Rule
October 15th, 2009
3:25 pm
Bama Stan -
Thanks. First, I was demoralized when Tech left the SEC. The rivalries with Auburn and Tennessee particularly were affected, and UF was a prominent rivalry too, when Ray Graves was coach. Dodd and he had a lot of mutual respect.
Dodd also canceled remaining games with Bama on the schedule. He actually did have agreement with Bryant on his vote against the scholarship rule, but Bryant did not show up at the SEC meeting. Instead, the Alabama President did and voted against Dodd’s group.
I was glad to see Tech get into a conference with some semblance of competitiveness, but even after the four new schools were added, it is not nearly the SEC.
I can say with some certainty that the upcoming games with Bama, Auburn, Tennessee and Ole Miss will fill Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Georgia game does, of course. SEC fans by and large are notorious travelers, and that’s one reason they are so popular with the bowls.
Honestly, the only ACC teams I get truly fired up about are UNC and UVA. Too many of their fans that I’ve personally met seem to have an antiquated plantation owner mentality. I’ll give VT props for having an outstanding military school, as I once attended one of their counterparts in select group of Essentially Military colleges. And, they usually have been very competitive in football.
Arkansas-Texas used to be a big rivals game in the Big-8, second only to Texas-Oklahoma. As to the Big-10, they are an entity that simply can’t be moved. They are nowhere near the level of the SEC. Lately, teams within their sphere of influence have been stealing away talent, to wit, Cincinnati, plus Central Michigan and a few other MAC schools.
I’m glad Tech has Dan Radokovich as AD, who listens to fans and alumni as to who they’d like to play. Bring it on!!!
Fire Willie Now
October 15th, 2009
3:26 pm
And for the record I am not some young kid…I am 45 years old and have seen Bama’s history of cheating first hand.
Otto
October 15th, 2009
3:27 pm
We get it you’re 40 and you’re a man
jason
October 15th, 2009
3:27 pm
Bama Stan, wanted to say that your 2:00PM post was dead on the money. Sad but true.
jason
October 15th, 2009
3:29 pm
Otto, too funny. “I’m 40 and I’m a man!!!!!!!!!”
Otto
October 15th, 2009
3:30 pm
Ark and Texas were both in the SWC. OU was in the Big 8.
Fire Willie Now
October 15th, 2009
3:30 pm
I have an opinion and I stand behind it…it’s not like I am making anything up.
WhiteandGold
October 15th, 2009
3:36 pm
Take Nesbitt over Cox any given day!
Mark Bradley
October 15th, 2009
3:41 pm
Nesbitt is a better quarterback for what Tech does than Cox would be, but I’m not sure Nesbitt would be as effective in a pro set. Apples and oranges.