The Hot Button: Where would Tech finish in the SEC?
There's a difference between ACC speed and SEC speed. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
It’s clear – to me, if not to C.J. Spiller and Dabo Swinney — that Georgia Tech is the class of the ACC. But the ACC is often described as the least of the six BCS leagues, and another conference in the neighborhood is regarded as the best. So now, today’s question:
Where would Tech rank in the SEC?
My first inclination is to say the Jackets would finish wherever Mike Slive’s refs got together and decided they should be, but that’s my little joke. Getting serious, I’d say …
Second in the East behind Florida. Third in the West behind Alabama and LSU. Fourth overall.
That wailing you hear are the cries arising from the confluence of North Avenue and Techwood Drive, but hear me out. As good as Tech is — and it is very good — there’s still a difference between the personnel of a top-shelf SEC team and of everyone else. (Ask Jim Tressel.) This doesn’t mean Tech couldn’t up and beat Florida or Alabama or LSU on a given Saturday; it simply means that, on most given Saturdays, talent would prevail.
We’ve seen the difference between the SEC and the ACC three times in this city in the past 15 months. Alabama beat Clemson in the 2008 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic and then whipped Virginia Tech in the 2009 installment. LSU beat Tech 38-3 on Dec. 31, 2008. Three games on a neutral field, three emphatic SEC victories. Anyone who says there isn’t an imbalance between leagues, at least at their respective summits, isn’t dealing in reality.
On the other hand, SEC zealots are wrong to suggest the Jackets would finish far up the track in that famous league. Tech is better than Ole Miss, better than Auburn, better than South Carolina, better than Arkansas … yes, better than Georgia. To be placed below Florida and Alabama is no great failing, for those are two of the three best teams in the land, and to be deemed less gifted than LSU is no demerit, given that the Tigers have lost only to the Gators and the Tide.
Loading ...(And yes, I have noticed that Tech beat both Mississippi State and Vandy by one more point than did the mighty Gators. Whatever that means.)
Since you asked, I don’t think it’s a question of Paul Johnson’s offense not working in the SEC. It’s an issue instead of the SEC’s Big Three having superior defensive manpower. Nobody else in the ACC has the speed to keep up with Dwyer and Nesbitt and Roddy Jones; certain teams in the SEC do.
OK, there’s my take. Feel free to call me an idiot — pretty much everybody does — but know this: I do speak from observation. I’ve seen Tech and Florida and LSU in person both this season and last, and I saw Alabama in the imposing flesh twice in 2008. And I’m not trying to denigrate the Jackets, who might well be the nation’s fifth-best team. (After Florida, Texas, Alabama and LSU. Though I’m not suggesting LSU, with its two losses, should be ranked ahead of Tech in the polls.) I’m just telling you how I see it.
You’re now free to express yourselves on this weighty matter. Why do I feel you won’t need prompting?
And now, because fair’s fair: Where would Georgia rank in the ACC?
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901 comments Add your comment
Dennis
November 11th, 2009
11:31 am
I dont agree with your premise, but, What would be UGA record if they played Miami, Clemson, FSU, VA Tech and played three teams from SEC Vandy, Miss State, and pick another for the UGA replacement, say Ole Miss. I would say they would be five and four and no different than they are now.
Tech82
November 11th, 2009
11:33 am
Kumar @11:14 – Paul Johnson had nothing to do with the schedule Tech has played under his tenure. Schedules are set many years in advance. He just plays (and beats) the teams that are on the schedule.
Paul’s Johnson @11:15 – Forget career numbers. Stop living in the past. There are three SEC quarterbacks that have higher passer ratings THIS YEAR than Josh Nesbitt. Unfortunately for you, Cox isn’t one of them.
Tell it like it is
November 11th, 2009
11:33 am
Tech would finish high in the SEC.UGA would have trouble in the ACC with teams like VA Tech Miami Clemson GA Tech and posibly wake and duke.So that mite be the ultimate question, how would UGA do in the ACC?
middle tennessee state
November 11th, 2009
11:33 am
i think we beat an acc team too, don’t forget about us!
The Riddler
November 11th, 2009
11:34 am
Answer me this. How come you never see any Tech athletes on campus at Georgia Tech? Because they take all of their classes at Georgia State.
bertha
November 11th, 2009
11:35 am
As usual, the ACC has proven to be the weakest BCS conference in the nation. Another example of why their automatic BCS bowl bid should be stripped. 5 teams currently below .500 and they play disgraceful OOC games. What a joke.
Otto
November 11th, 2009
11:35 am
GTinJC, Thanks for the history class on 1920s football.
The Riddler
November 11th, 2009
11:35 am
Tech82, at least Joe Cox can read and write unlike your boy Nesbitt.
tech rules
November 11th, 2009
11:36 am
get over it dawg fans, Mark Richt can ‘t beat us!!
Johnny Weissmuller
November 11th, 2009
11:36 am
BJohnDawg
Glad to know that you think beating Notre Dame 33-3 in South Bend is considered ‘barely beating a team’
I guess UF just barely beat you guys this year when the won 41-17
Ben Derover
November 11th, 2009
11:37 am
Tech would suck in any league. That will be proven when a terrible Georgia team beats their azz.
The Answer
November 11th, 2009
11:37 am
You really think Tech athletes would fair any better taking classes at State? They’re actually at Morehouse and Atlanta University. Very sad state of affairs at the Trade School.
jdawg14
November 11th, 2009
11:37 am
The Dawg D stopped GT the first half last year and gave up the second half. This year Willie’s boys finish the drill and Dawgs win 34-17……GO DAWGS!
tech rules
November 11th, 2009
11:37 am
and leave notre dame out of it we were alot better than mighty Navy
wiley
November 11th, 2009
11:37 am
Crimson nation…any FCS school is a cupcake…but lets keep in mind that Richmond was the FCS national champion and dominated FCS football last year by a large margin…they beat duke. The argument he is making is this…the ACC’s best team(GT) played one FCS school Jville State(6-3), and the SEC’s best two schools (Alabama and UF) play 3 cupcake schools each like Troy, FIU(2-7), North Texas(2-7), Chattanooga(5-4), and Charleston Southern(4-5). The OOC schedule for the SEC’s elite is pathetic…but thats not by design. Alabama has a good OOC slate for the next few years and will start a series with GT in 2013 and 2014…cant wait to see what PJ and Saban have accomplished by then.
cherokee
November 11th, 2009
11:38 am
tech rules
November 11th, 2009
11:36 am
get over it dawg fans, Mark Richt can ‘t beat us!!
What is 7-1 record if he can’t beat you
Ben Derover
November 11th, 2009
11:38 am
To all you Tech idiots. This is the same LSU team that waxed your azz last year. Ypu are the same GA Tech team. Enough said.
dap01
November 11th, 2009
11:38 am
On Techs best year they would be only an average SEC team.
They belong in the ACC. If UGA don’t change, perhaps they should change to the ACC.
SEC 4 of last 6 bcs titles we rule!
November 11th, 2009
11:39 am
GTinJC,
You can’t fathom that the acc has 4 teams in the top 25 while the sec only has 3. Here’s one for you . The sec has 3 teams in the top 10 while the acc only has 1 team in the top 10. Stick that in your pipe tough guy. One other note also. Spots 15-25 change constantly. Don’t be surprised if the the acc teams in spots 15-25 lose and drop out in a week or so while 1 or 2 sec teams like Auburn or Ole Miss jump back into the top 25. Spots 15-25 are fluid and when its all said at the end of the season the sec will have more teams in the top 10 as well as the top 25, more bowl victories as usual, and another bcs championship as usual.
root4au
November 11th, 2009
11:40 am
Not sure GT would beat UTK. I think UTK would stop GT’s running game while UTK’s offense is good enough to score on GTs weak D. Also, AU/GT would be high scoring. Neither D is that good but both O’s would have a field day. Bottom line, GT would fall somewhere between 4th and 6th in the sec.
jdawg14
November 11th, 2009
11:40 am
Dawgs win 34-17. GO DAWGS!
luby
November 11th, 2009
11:40 am
I have a theory as to why Tech students are getting mugged everyday. I don’t think it’s the fact they’re necessarily getting mugged, persay, I think when the see the likes of thugs like Burnett, BeBe, Tarrant, Thomas, Jones and Nesbitt walking around, they just decide to empty out their wallets and purses and run.
Jared
November 11th, 2009
11:40 am
Jackets dont have the Defense right now to compete against the upper tier teams in the SEC.
I wouldnt be so worried about them “shutting down” our offense, though. Even the LSU game, a decisive trouncing, was more a product of the special teams game than anything else.
Just don’t forget that this is only year 2. The recruits will be very comparable in the skill positions (probably better at QB), and the OL will be better in the next couple of years. We have been recruiting the defense very heavily so I look for that to bounce back in the next 2 years as well.
PTC DAWG
November 11th, 2009
11:41 am
Big Dawg fan here, and as others have said, I’m not so sure GT wouldn’t beat LSU this year.
tech rules
November 11th, 2009
11:41 am
georgia’s chances on the 28th ..zero..notta..none…no way..notgonna happen!!!!!!!
Ben Derover
November 11th, 2009
11:42 am
PTC Dawg…. Tech didn’t beat the same LSU team last year.
Tech75
November 11th, 2009
11:43 am
Riddler – it hurts to be totally ignored, doesn’t it?
Of course, you wouldn’t be ignored if there was anything even remotely factual about your posts.
tech rules
November 11th, 2009
11:43 am
tech may bypass the bcs title game and play in the SUPER BOWL!!!!
jdawg14
November 11th, 2009
11:44 am
WILD DAWG ! DAWGS BEAT TECH 43-17…GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Johnny Weissmuller
November 11th, 2009
11:44 am
luby
Funny that all of those players you mentioned are african-american
Pi$$onaDawg
November 11th, 2009
11:44 am
I don’t know where Tech would be in the SEC. I do know I would like to play the games and let THAT stand. I do know Tech did pretty good in the SEC when we were a memember. Good Not Great but that was then and this is now. Tech is 9-1 now and lost to LSU last year. Tech’s record against the SEC as of the past few years(2000) is Pretty Damn Good. Tech against UGA is not good but other than LSU no SEC team has beat TECH so think about that Dawg fans.
Johnny Test
November 11th, 2009
11:45 am
Mark, I disagree. I think Arkansas would pass Tech silly and win. I think Tennessee could beat them with defense. Vanderbilt and Miss. St combined for 8 turnovers against Tech. That’s how they won those games. Anyone in the SEC with a decent defense and the ability to throw the ball could beat them.
tech rules
November 11th, 2009
11:45 am
Mark Richt never really beat tech, we gave him those seven games , he is a terrible coach with a terrible record!!!!!!!!!!!!
jdawg14
November 11th, 2009
11:46 am
WILD DAWG RULES! WILLIES BOYS PREVAIL. DAWGS BEAT TECH 34-17. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
November 11th, 2009
11:46 am
I’m not sure Tennessee could score enough to beat Tech. I’m not sure Arkansas would stop Tech even once.
revwreck
November 11th, 2009
11:47 am
hey Ben 11:38….I like the way you think, this is the same Tech team that kicked your butts last year…but this year you are missing your qb, rb and the receiver that caught all your passes last year..according to you we would then win again right?
tech rules
November 11th, 2009
11:47 am
the dawgs have always been a second rate program compared to tech, especially mark richt’s teams!!!!!!!!!
wiley
November 11th, 2009
11:47 am
This is not the same LSU or the same GT teams from the bowl game last year. GT lost 3 NFL d lineman, and NFL O lineman, and a cornerback. LSU lost people also to the NFL…not the same teams…not the same game. Look at our offensive numbers this year…of the charts compared with last. Defense got worse…offense got better…I would love to play an SEC team on any given saturday. No fear from this Jacket fan.
Crimson nation
November 11th, 2009
11:48 am
Wiley,
Be for real dude. Everybody plays cupcakes. Everyone has 4 noncons and speaking for us we played 2 time defending acc champ VT and pounded them in a game that wasn’t nearly as close as the score. Sure, the other 3 teams were cupcakes but who the hell doesn’t play at least 3 cupcakes. Tech does. They play Jax state and the 2 worst teams in the sec. The 2 worst teams in Vandy and MSU are only marginally better than and FIU or North Texas. And why isn’t you didn’t schedule a middle tier sec team like an Ole Miss or Ark instead of the 2 traditional doormats?
Show me one program that has a non con schedule of teams like Ohio state, USC, Texas, etc. Nobody in any conference does that and for good reason.
Also, we play Penn State next year. Do you play a noncon next year against a team that has been best or 2nd best in a bcs conference the last few years?
Tech plays the bottom 2 cellar dwellers in the sec and then brags about beating them. Big deal.
The acc ooc scheduling is just as pathetic if not substantially worse than the sec. Just look at some of the teams on their schedules. Its horrific.
Last, trying to play up Richmond is a joke. They may be the best of the double a teams but you know what? They are still double a.
jdawg14
November 11th, 2009
11:50 am
tHAT’S WHY RICHT KICKED YOUR ASS 7 OUT OF 8 YEARS THERE tech rules.
Paul's Johnson
November 11th, 2009
11:50 am
Tech82:
“Paul’s Johnson @11:15 – Forget career numbers. Stop living in the past. There are three SEC quarterbacks that have higher passer ratings THIS YEAR than Josh Nesbitt. Unfortunately for you, Cox isn’t one of them’
Those ratings are the same for both QB’s for the 2009 season and yes Cox does have a higher rating than Nesbitt. As a QB, I think Cox is terrible and I think Nesbitt is probably worse as a passer, better arm strength but worse in accuracy.
Get the facts next time Einstein.
Ben Derover
November 11th, 2009
11:51 am
revwreck you may be correct. GA Tech may beat GA. That is not the question. The question is where would Tech finish in the SEC. I say it is like this.
Florida/Alabama
LSU
South Carolina/Tennessee
Arkansas
Georgia Tech
So Tech would be around 7th.
Dawgdad
November 11th, 2009
11:53 am
Mark, I know columns have to be written, but can’t we wait awhile before cannonizing the Bumblebees. There are a few more games to be played. You don’t get to heaven before the end of your life and they haven’t beaten the Dawgs yet. This column will look really funny in hindsight.
The Bees are in the Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Miss St, range of the SEC. The Dawgs belong there as well, this year. Hopefully it will turn out to be a rebuilding year and not a trend. The All Crummy Conference continues to underperform most every year. Yes, the Bees are one of the best of these weak sisters. Remember how the ACC imported Miami and FSU to improve their sorry lot, only to have those schools play down to the level of the weak sisters.
Tech75
November 11th, 2009
11:53 am
Crimson Nation – have to call you out on your logic here.
“who the hell doesn’t play at least 3 cupcakes. Tech does. They play Jax state and the 2 worst teams in the sec.”
So – does that mean that you actually have 5 cupcakes on YOUR schedule (your 3 D2 cupcakes plus MSU and Vandy)?
You can’t have it both ways.
wiley
November 11th, 2009
11:54 am
Crimson nation im not denying that fact or attacking Alabama and UF for scheduling those teams. GT has played some scrubs in the past as well…its part of college football. I was just clarifying a point that was made by a previous poster. Why schedule tough teams when it can only hurt you…look at UGA. If they schedule 3 cupcakes this year they may actually look like an average team. Im not attacking saban or the team…they dont make the schedule.
Sautee
November 11th, 2009
11:54 am
Apples and Oranges AGAIN, for the second straight blog.
Dadgum Bradley, you’re getting to be as lame as ESPN Nation. It’s a worthless argument.
Yes, you got lots of hits form the tech and uga faithful, but how about a blog discussing something from REALITY and not merely conjecture?
In case you can’t tell, I’m no fan of “reality shows” either. Sports have great appeal because they are unscripted.
I think you are a pretty good writer, as I’ve told you through the years. But how about some reality in the blogs.
Johnny Weissmuller
November 11th, 2009
11:55 am
Ben Derover
You are delusional if you think Ark, Tenn, or Carolina are better than GT
Ark’s defense is ranked 56th – GT would hang at least 40 points on them
Tenn was beat at home by UCLA team that is 4-5 playing in the Pac-10
Carolina barely beat NC State who is 4-5 as well
You are very delusional
hatfieldgeoff
November 11th, 2009
11:56 am
Hey JacketNation,
Who were those players buying their weed from Rueben Houston? Yes, Ga. Tech has its own criminal element. Ninety-nine percent of UGAs “criminals” are immature young men who don’t get their license renewed, drink underage at a frat party or ride scooters on closed streets and a few more serious incidents like DUIs (ala John Dewberry, remember him Tech fans). People that live in glass houses … you know the rest. JacketNation what a pompous A$$ you are. That’s the real problem with Tech football gaining respectability, all of you fair weather tech fans start scurrying out of the woodwork like roaches, where were you hiding the last 7 years.
revwreck
November 11th, 2009
11:56 am
wasnt responding to the question….mostly being called idiots…but I dont care where we are in the SEC as long as UGA is below us
Ramblin Wrecker
November 11th, 2009
11:58 am
Mark Bradley,
I think you miss the point when you try to make this about conferences. The reason GT is behind Florida, Alabama and LSU is because everybody else in the country is too (at least Florida and Bama, most everybody is behind LSU). GT isn’t behind those programs because they reside in the SEC. It’s because those programs are historically predisposed to be good, because of tradition and excellent recruiting bases and they took it the extra step by adding the best head coaches in the game. Now I’d not say Les Miles is among the elite coaches, but he’s at least good enough to keep what Nick Saban built in Baton Rouge above water. Saban and Urban Meyer have elevated their programs to the top of the mountain. I’d like to think Paul Johnson is doing the same thing for GT. Hell, it’s only year two and we’re at #7 in the BCS and if not for the unusual season we’re having with 6 unbeaten teams in November, they’d be higher. Give Paul Johnson another season (with Nesbitt, Dwyer, Thomas, Burnett and DMorgan) and he’ll be beating Urban Meyer or Nick Saban for the national title.