How three points and one man changed football in Georgia
Paul Johnson exulted as UGA fell and the tides turned. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
Three points on a rainy day when 87 were scored. Three points that halted a seven-year run of losing for one side and induced an abject reversal for the other. Three points that changed the state of college football in a state that lives for college football.
Georgia Tech beat Georgia 45-42 on Nov. 29, 2008, and never has one skinny victory assumed such heft. Tech is now the champion of the ACC Coastal Division and has been ensconced among the nation’s top 10 teams for a month. Georgia has had its worst season under Mark Richt and could be bound for Shreveport. You can argue that a different result 12 months ago wouldn’t have affected anything that has occurred in 2009, but you’d be wrong.
We stopped seeing Tech as hopeless during the first seven minutes of that famous third quarter. The Jackets went from 28-12 behind to 35-28 ahead in the time it took you to say, “There goes Dwyer!” And when it ended, Tech having won for the first time since George O’Leary was coaching against Jim Donnan, this much was clear: Mark Richt wasn’t coaching against Chan Gailey anymore.
Gailey tried six times against Richt, lost six times. In 2006 he even had the better team. Didn’t matter. There was something about Gailey that made you believe he could go 0-for-100 against the Bulldogs. Paul Johnson needed only one swing. Paul Johnson, as we now know, is different.
The Tech booster (and former co-captain under Bobby Dodd) Taz Anderson tells the story: Not long after Johnson was hired, he and Anderson were playing golf. The format was alternate shot. Johnson stood over the second shot on a par-5 hole. Anderson said, “Might want to lay up, Coach.” Johnson said, “Oh, I don’t know.” And knocked the darn thing on the green.
Just as faint heart never won fair maiden (really old saying), a timid Tech wasn’t going to unhorse Georgia. Tech stopped being timid the day Johnson strode — PJ doesn’t so much walk as he strides — through the door. Here’s a man secure enough to use an offense that supposedly ran its course decades ago, secure enough to run an actual play on any fourth-and-you-name-it. Johnson doesn’t care what you think of him. He’s so secure in himself and his methods that he needs no endorsement.
Nor, to hear him tell it, does he necessarily need to beat Georgia. “I’m not making it out to be the Super Bowl the way you guys are,” he said at his media briefing Tuesday. “I’m not going to let one game define our season.”
And then: “I don’t want to leave the impression that it’s not important. It is important. But I’m going to get Georgia Tech to the point where our program is bigger than one game.”
It helped that PJ won that one game on his first try. (”Been there, done that,” he said Tuesday.) Richt was no longer the scourge of the heated series but the guy who’d lost to the guy with the high school offense. Willie Martinez was the coordinator who couldn’t stop an offense that completed one pass (that on the game’s first snap). Georgia was no longer mighty, Tech no longer meek.
Had Georgia won on Nov. 29, 2008 — the 2009 Georgia media guide, perhaps inadvertently, lists the score of the game as 42-42 — the Bulldogs would have rounded off a disappointing season by at least reasserting their in-state dominance. Instead they laid themselves open to question, and in the succeeding Richt has seemed to have no answers. The guy who works at North and Techwood has hijacked every answer.
And now PJ and his program move from strength to strength, while Richt is under heavy pressure to change something, anything. Johnson’s team could play in the Orange Bowl. Richt’s just lost at home to Kentucky. Johnson’s team is the rising power, Richt’s the fading light. Three points did all that. Three points and one cocksure coach.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
577 comments Add your comment
All Liquored Up
November 24th, 2009
2:13 pm
What are you going to write about if Georiga wins?
Stinger
November 24th, 2009
2:14 pm
Truth about UGA 7,
When he realized that Urban Meyer & Paul Johnson werent going anywhere,
it was just too much for the mutt to take.
So, he cashed in his dog bones for a one-way ticket.
Wade_Marquette
November 24th, 2009
2:17 pm
I like how all the cars in my town have tech tags and flags. howcome all the dawg fans jumped on the bandwagon this year? i hardly see any UGA stuff anymore. Go jackets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sonny Clusters
November 24th, 2009
2:17 pm
When we was playing ball we had a mascot but it wasn’t a real panther- just a band girl dressed up to look like a panther. Sometimes me and Jeff would have to walk with her to keep her from getting turned over by kids from another school. Turning over the panther was one of the favorite things they could do because the head was real heavy and she couldn’t get up on her own. If Paula Deen had been in that suit she could have got up because she took a 12-pound ham to the face and kept on her feet moving around. That’s the kind of player both these teams could use.
DawginLex
November 24th, 2009
2:19 pm
Nice try impostor idiot.
I’m leaving the blog for today. Anymore posts from me are from nerd impostors.
revwreck
November 24th, 2009
2:21 pm
bic doag eat meat
you are aware that even though they call them dawgs, they really aren’t, they are wounded kids that have no confidence in their team, coaches or QB..
KG
November 24th, 2009
2:21 pm
Shane needs a hug or something. You couldn’t play on my football team, sissy!
Sonny Clusters
November 24th, 2009
2:24 pm
Hillary Swank may be kicking for the Falcons according to D. Orlando Ledbetter.
“Swank, a former Wake Forest standout, has been with Philadelphia and Cincinnati.” – AJC
Scared of a mediocre team Tech?
November 24th, 2009
2:24 pm
Wade_Marquette,
You must live in the ghetto or the third layer of hell. I can just see all of the 5′5, 130 lb guys in your hood snickering and winking back and forth.
I'd love for one of you
November 24th, 2009
2:27 pm
effin NERDS to come up to me at a game and run your mouth about Uga VII. IT WOULD MAKE MY DAY…
Wade_Marquette
November 24th, 2009
2:28 pm
actually i live south atlanta which is not the ghetto. i see so much tech stuff on cars this year. And people wearing tech stuff in stores. its funny how the stupid dawg fans jumped on our bandwagon! Go Jackets!
Tech75
November 24th, 2009
2:31 pm
HeHateMe – I like all the smack talk, although some of it is just plain ignorant. Not ill-informed – ignorant.
There is a huge difference between Tech graduates and UGA graduates; not necessarily in intelligence or quality, or job prospects, etc.; all of those things are derived more from the individual’s capability and motivation than what the institution can imbue in them just by virtue of their attendance at a particular institution.
I can say that, almost without exception, every graduate of Ga Tech is proud of their degree, because of its quality AND what they went thru to get it. In my mind, that’s what Tech imprints on it’s graduates, and that’s why the degrees are coveted by students, and its graduates respected internationally – it’s the process, not the diploma.
And that’s the reason behind the attitude you see from Tech graduates – like Smith Barney, we’ve earned it.
Real Tech graduates do not define their lives by how well the football team does. That has always been an interesting side-light, more interesting some years than others. But it does not define us, and it never will.
UGA graduates, on the other hand, much more strongly identify themselves with the football program than anything else, having lost (or misplaced) your priorities and values regarding the role of higher education in society, and the student-athlete in particular.
So, live and die with the UGA program, hire and fire coaches, crucify plyers in the press – so you can vent your frustrations like children and perhaps feel a little more superior one day out of seven.
Please know that we don’t take ANY of you seriously – really, how can we?
Bust their a$$!
November 24th, 2009
2:31 pm
I am going to scream so loud at this game that it’ll wake up Uga.
GO JACKETS!!!
Richt is Great
November 24th, 2009
2:32 pm
What are you going to do “I’d love for one…”, smack him with your spatula?
revwreck
November 24th, 2009
2:33 pm
i’d love…not a problem, will you be the one with all the trash around your seat? Wait a minute, this will take some time
Richt is Great
November 24th, 2009
2:34 pm
“I’d love for one”…I’ll meet you in the Varsity Parking lot…right after your shift.
Eddie
November 24th, 2009
2:36 pm
It was one game. Georgia upset Florida two years ago by a huge margin, but that didn’t change the series momentum. Tech is having a great year, Georgia not so much. To paint it as this huge shift in power is simple minded and doesn’t consider the nuance and complexity that is college football. One game does nothing but add to your W/L column for that season. If for some reason Georgia is able to pull the upset, that won’t mean anything other than the Dawgs won.
jacket3
November 24th, 2009
2:37 pm
Yep MB you are stirring up a hornets nest and barbs are flyin’ high.
1. Anyone that has ever played a sport has been yelled at for some bone head move – if you didn’t you musta’ played in a church league.
2. Gonna be a gut check game on the Flats this year.
3. Neither coach of either team can win ‘em all or walk on water.
4. The team that wins – will want it the most.
5. There are a lot of division one schools that would love to be invited to a bowl to play – we just may have 2 on the same field Saturday – just enjoy the moment.
6.Some of you need to learn how to count.
7. Others need to learnt how to spell.
8. Have a nice thanksgiving with your families
9. Be extremely grateful that all we have to really worry about in most cases is a football score.
10. America is still the greatest country – God bless all our troops defending democracy everywhere!
SUPER DAWG
November 24th, 2009
2:37 pm
I am very optimistic about the Dawgs chances. They are a good team that makes mistakes. No mistakes on Saturday and tech is in for a long night. All tech got by having Ga fumble the game away last year was a big head and a severe butt whipping from LSU. Did you forget about that Mark?
I'd love for one of you
November 24th, 2009
2:40 pm
funny part is you NERDS would never run your mouths like that to someone’s face. Go hide behind your computers, DORKS.
Dean
November 24th, 2009
2:40 pm
There were some intelligent Tech posters earlier but they went away and left all the idiots behind. To the Tech posters who think that they are a better cut of human than us UGA graduates, I will pray for you. To judge the worth of people based on where they chose to further their education is reminiscent of judging people based on the color of their skin. It’s sickening and it’s this continuing mentality that will always make Tech second in the hearts of a mass number of Georgian’s who never attended either school. So you have a decent football team this year. So what, your arrogance is truly disgusting! Vulgar Vesparis indeed!
Ph.D. of Pigskinology
November 24th, 2009
2:40 pm
Once a nerd, always a nerd…
“weak ACC”?…
2009 NFL draftees broken down by conference was as follows:
1) ACC (85 draftees)
2) SEC (81 draftees)
3) Who really cares?
85>81…understand?
…or maybe you are a lot smarter than the guys who evaluate football talent for a living…not!
SUPER DAWG
November 24th, 2009
2:41 pm
Wade you are living in a dream world. Still hardly ever see tech anything on cars. After Saturday window scrapers will be at a premium in your area.
MV7
November 24th, 2009
2:41 pm
Ah dun kilt UGA VII.
Wade_Marquette
November 24th, 2009
2:45 pm
uga couldnt see anymore loses so it died before UK game. Go Jackets
Tech75
November 24th, 2009
2:45 pm
Amen, Jacket3.
There are many in far-away places that are “manning the walls of freedom”.
For them – all of them – I am thankful. Sometimes I wish I was 18 again and could volunteer.
I had my chance then, for another war, and was thankful for the choice I made, but I am ashamed of my country for the way they treated those who did serve in that war.
MV7
November 24th, 2009
2:46 pm
Ah mone git Stinger and Wade neks. Dey gawn down.
Wade_Marquette
November 24th, 2009
2:47 pm
See you all at the game sat! i will be wearing my tech shoes, pants and jacket with a beanie. i want to rush the field after the blowout win!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go Jackets 62-3
Tech75
November 24th, 2009
2:48 pm
Dean, so tell me, where am I wrong? Got anything to refute any of what I said?
It’s not arrogance if it’s fact…
SUPER DAWG
November 24th, 2009
2:48 pm
Hey PHD break down the first round for me by conference you A$$
Paul in RDU
November 24th, 2009
2:48 pm
Sonny,
I think that Hillary Swank would be a great pick up for the Flacons as a kicker. She certainly did some hellacious kicking in “Another Karate Kid”
Ph.D. of Pigskinology
November 24th, 2009
2:49 pm
One thing we can all agree with…
The best football is played in the South. Not only are the ACC and SEC numbers one and two respectively in numbers of players selected in the 2009 NFL draft, but, according to a Sports Illustrated analysis of football scholarships awarded by BCS schools for the years 2004-2008, the breakdown of scholarships per capita by states was as follows:
1) Florida
2) Alabama
3) Mississippi
4) Georgia
5) Louisiana
6) The rest of the country
Nice little stats to drop when the da** yankees and left=coasters start yammering about Penn State, Southern Cal, Ohio State, Boise State, Cincinatti, Oregon, blah, blah, blah…
Those teams the ESPN people love so much would be lucky to go 4 and three in conference if they played ACC/SEC teams.
THWG
Wade_Marquette
November 24th, 2009
2:49 pm
hopefully erin andrews is at the game and can witness the Tech Blowout. Go Jackets! To hell with GA!
revwreck
November 24th, 2009
2:51 pm
Dean
I disagree completely I have never been the one to say a word to any UGA fan, but I have been cursed in the mall by their fans for having on a tech hat, I have came out of a grocery store to see two men in their 40’s leaning in my car barking at my wife and 5 year old son because we had a tech magnet. I had a tech tag ripped from my car and it keyed in a funeral home parking lot..I will never be silent again, and if “I’d love for one of you ” thinks I wouldn’t stand up to any of them he is sadly mistaken. The days of me being passive are long gone, I have been a tech fan too long not to enjoy this year.
Ph.D. of Pigskinology
November 24th, 2009
2:51 pm
Hey SUPER DAWG, how about you bite me?
ACC 85 draftees, SEC 81 draftees…
Georgia PhD
November 24th, 2009
2:53 pm
At UGA, a PHD = post hole digger
jacket3
November 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
Tech75 – just wish and hope we have another flyover at 200 feet so we can feel those afterburners on a cold November night at the Flats.
G-Man
November 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
Cuz – good post. I too hope that no one gets hurt. I’ll go further, and say that I hope the refs play no crucial role in this one. SEC used to have the ACC beat hands down when it came to the quality of officiating, but now I’m not so sure. Given the screwups we’ve seen this year (a major SNAFU on the celebration penalty called on UAG in the LSU game, the “phantom” personal foul call on the Ark. player, etc), I have little confidence in the SEC. As much as I hate to say it, I anticipate 2 -3 chop block calls on Tech, probably when JD runs the 70 yard dive. I should say “phantom” chop block calls to be precise. Also, if you’re UGA, must worry about potential personal fouls. So let’s say that balances out, no one gets hurt and both teams play hard. Which they will. I like our chances, and agree with MB that there is clearly a change in mindset with Tech, it no longer fears the Big Dawg, but will still respect it. And I think conquer it yet again.
ps. Shane’s comments are rather silly. I like the replies put out by the parent whose son is in Afghanistan. As the song goes, “and if I had a son sir, I tell you what he’d do … .” i.e., CPJ could yell at my son; it would toughen him up and prepare him for life. What more could a parent ask? Go Jackets!
See ya WADE!
November 24th, 2009
2:56 pm
You forgot to add that you are going to be wearing your leather pocket protector Saturday along with your GT shoes. NERD
UGA Graduate
November 24th, 2009
2:56 pm
Tech 75, we only define ourselves by the football program on Fall Saturdays. I’m sorry that we have more fun than you do. I think that’s really all it boils down to with bitter clowns like yourself. You weren’t invited to the party. So you build yourself up by tearing others down and pretending that you are better than them. Its a classic defense mechanism of losers and I see it over and over again out of bitter Techies. You are not better than anyone because you are an engineer. You are a typical crybaby jealous Techie. Tech could win by 100 on Saturday (and may very well) but that will never change. Tech fans like you are arrogant condescending scum.
You said it yourself anyway. Its more about the individual than the institution. Is it your position that UGA graduates are not proud of their degrees? Is it your position that they only use their degrees for football tickets? I think there may be a few lawyers, doctors, politicians, teachers, and CEOs that might take issue with that you ignorant dolt. Of course, I’m sure you think you’re better than all these people because you know calculus. We all know that’s the true measure of a man’s worth. What a myopic clown.
If Tech fans were HALF as intelligent, wordly, and sophisticated as they thought they were they’d have cured cancer by now. LOL @ these self-absorbed idiots. Legends in their own minds.
Top Dawg
November 24th, 2009
2:58 pm
Oh, I thought you were talking about the 3 points Tech scored against LSU in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. My bad………..
Pi$$onaDawg
November 24th, 2009
3:01 pm
I thought PHD at UGA stood for Puttin a Hoe Down.
Tech75
November 24th, 2009
3:02 pm
UGA Graduate – I’m not an engineer.
And I’m not socially deprived, and I’m not jealous.
You people are hilarious, all you can do is call us condescending, but you really can’t refute anything said.
Again, (to use your words) YOU DOLT, it’s THE PROCESS not the diploma.
Why would I expect you to understand that? Talk about a waste of time…
DFWTX Dawg
November 24th, 2009
3:02 pm
Don’t you think your assumptions and conclusions within this article are a little hasty and premature Mark? Don’t you think Richt is capable of fixing the problems? This piece of journalism is unfounded and unwarranted and sounds like you are trying to fuel to the anti-Richt rhetoric. It sounds like you would like to see a coaching change in Athens, but I don’t think you want a change for the right reasons.
acc update from columbia
November 24th, 2009
3:04 pm
By PAUL STRELOW – pstrelow@ thestate.com E-Mail
Print
Reprint
Comments (29)
Recommend (0)
Text Size: tool nameclose tool goes here
CLEMSON – Dabo Swinney suggested he prayed hard for Clemson to reach next week’s ACC championship game because of what it would mean to former coach Danny Ford, who will be honored there as the program’s designated “legend” this year.
If it meant that much to Ford, imagine the significance should the 15th-ranked Tigers reach the Orange Bowl, site of the 1981 postseason triumph that secured the national championship and cemented Ford as a program icon.
On the flip side, imagine how this season’s Atlantic Division title breakthrough could lose its luster if all Clemson has to show alongside it is a berth in the Music City Bowl
Ph.D. of Pigskinology
November 24th, 2009
3:05 pm
Good thing Shane didn’t play for any of my former coaches!
Mark Bradley
November 24th, 2009
3:07 pm
I’m sorry I just love Paul Johnson!!!! I wonder if he is single?????
GTPHISH
November 24th, 2009
3:09 pm
Another great column, Mark.
I will never forget that day last November!!! What a second half!!
Wade_Marquette
November 24th, 2009
3:11 pm
This game is going to be better then beating Va Tech this year! i already got my tickets for dec 5th in tampa too!
John
November 24th, 2009
3:12 pm
Wow Tech beats us after losing seven in a row and have another good team this year and now all of a sudden that are the future and we’re the fading light. We have one bad year while tech has had 16 bad years in the past twenty. All this makes since. Mark this is why you write for the ajc and now a publication thats worth a sh**