Without Joshua Nesbitt, is Tech’s season over? Nah, I say
A tough break, literally and figuratively. (AP photo)
Watching from afar, my first two thoughts were:
1. Without Joshua Nesbitt, Georgia Tech won’t win again.
2. Mark Richt’s job is now safe for this year. (Weird how I made that leap.)
But then, after 30 seconds’ reflection, I’ve changed my mind. I don’t think Tech will lose its final three games, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jackets and Tevin Washington — and Paul Johnson — don’t give us a finish to this regular season. Because Paul Johnson can really coach.
We saw it again last night. With his team a two-touchdown underdog on a rainy night in Blacksburg, Johnson saw to it that his men got the required fast start and kept them playing after the one indispensable Jacket had been lost to a broken arm before halftime. When inevitably Virginia Tech pulled ahead, Tech and Washington managed to re-tie matters.
When the Hokies ran back the subsequent kickoff for a touchdown, darned if the visitors didn’t muster up another drive. And had they scored another touchdown, I’d convinced myself PJ wasn’t going to mess around with overtime. He was going to go for two and steal the thing in regulation.
No, Johnson’s team didn’t win. But it gave a winning effort both with and without its MVP. It stacked 426 yards on Bud Foster’s defense, which is saying something.
And now I’m thinking Tech will, even without the great Nesbitt, contrive to win at least once more and render itself bowl-eligible. I’m also thinking Georgia shouldn’t be overconfident.
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291 comments Add your comment
Red Panties Rick
November 5th, 2010
12:27 pm
Georgia might better be worried that Tevin will have a few games under his belt and can throw the football……
Cuttysark
November 5th, 2010
12:29 pm
Georgia Tech will have to learn very quickly how to play without Joshua Nesbitt for the rest of the season. After last night’s tough loss at Virginia Tech it looks like they understand that Tevin Washington will have to be the person to lead them through the rest of the schedule. For more Georgia Tech Football articles go to http://isportsweb.com. Thanks for all of your hard work and heal up Joshua. Go Jackets!
rogeriter
November 5th, 2010
12:30 pm
You say Georgia shouldn’t be over confident against Tech. Shoot, I’m a Georgia fan an I don’t think they shoud be over-confident against Idaho State!
5150 P.O.A.D
November 5th, 2010
12:30 pm
Junior Varsity
UGA only plays 1 FCS team and it is the 1-7 Idaho St.
Tech plays only 1 FCS team and it is 6-2 South Carolina St
UGA played La Laf FBS 2-6
Tech played MTSU FBS 3-5
UGAs OCC teams have a record of 6-18
GTs OCC teams have a record of 11-13
3-5 Colorado plays 2-6 Kansas this weekend too.
Vick=Dog killing thug
November 5th, 2010
12:31 pm
Hate to see any player get hurt, even one of the bugs. Tough break Josh and good luck to you.
I do think this will help GT for next year. Consider what level of play Aaron Murray would be at today if Joe Cox had broken his arm the same time last year?
5150 P.O.A.D
November 5th, 2010
12:32 pm
SecWASTE
You are a fool.
Sven Ottke
November 5th, 2010
12:32 pm
I find it odd yet sad that UGa fans come to this blog to gloat when the other team’s starting QB is hurt and out for the rest of the season. Talk about no class.
Delbert D.
November 5th, 2010
12:36 pm
SECWasteManagement – I picked Maryland to beat Miami on Sack Schultz. The ‘Canes massive OL has resembled giant columns of Charmin.
Dawglasville
November 5th, 2010
12:38 pm
I feel bad for Nesbitt. The Washington kid was impressive. His arm and speed are great. Once he catches up with the rhythm of the first offense he will be fine. The only unknown is his durability.
rogeriter
November 5th, 2010
12:38 pm
Have you ever thought that it works both ways. If you doubt it, read a Georgia blog sometimes. But have you ever thought, also, that some of us Georgia fans are also Tech fans. I pulled for Tech since 1955, but I am primarily a Georgia fan. For every classless Ga fan there is an equal number of jerks from the Tech side. Trust me!
Sorry about Nesbitt!
DuluthDawg
November 5th, 2010
12:39 pm
Get well Nesbitt, from a Dawg fan. You hate to see someone with that much moxie and toughness have to leave the game and end his season with an injury. On a selfish note I think that helps my beloved Dawgs later this month but I also think it will pay dividends for GT next year with the added experience. Go Dawgs!
SECWasteManagement
November 5th, 2010
12:39 pm
Haha I like that pick Delbert, and it’s not like out-thinking Schultz is that hard.
gt45
November 5th, 2010
12:40 pm
Johnson said he wanted Tevin to pitch on that fourth down. He knew Vt would be cracking down to stop the dive, and felt the pitch man would have scored.
Tech loses but...
November 5th, 2010
12:51 pm
Tech loses the remainder of their games except maybe Duke. UGA and UM simply will have too much overall talent for them. As a Dawg fan that still tivo’s Tech games to compare the two teams…Johnson is the better coach of both UM and UGA but he certainly gets far less talent. Would anyone on Tech’s D start for either UM or us??? NO Way! Offensively Allen and maybe Nesbitt would play for UM and UGA but nobody else. Just shows what a good coach can do. Tech finishes 5-7 with an outside shot at 6-6. UGA finishes 7-5 and yes…we will beat Auburn.
Old Gold
November 5th, 2010
12:52 pm
It was over with him!
TechFan
November 5th, 2010
12:52 pm
One thing Tech has going for them is they play in probably the weakest conference in the ACC this year. Problem for Tech though, when you live by the run, you die by the run. I believe Tech will finish 6-6, the same as UGA
SOUTHGADAWG88
November 5th, 2010
12:53 pm
Bad luck for Nesbitt…kid is a warrior
If Mark Richt would have went for it, you would say he is done
November 5th, 2010
12:53 pm
CPJ blew that game last night, going for it on 4th down at mid-field with his backup QB in the game and really struggling with the timing. Oh by the way, the GT defense was playing well. Mark, I was wondering if you saw Virgina Tech’s D last year get diced for 400 plus yards. GT played well last night but lets not blow smoke up CPJ’s ****. As a dawgfan, I’m super glad we did not get Foster – who got diced by Boise State to start the year and then lost to James Madison. VT overrated on both sides of the ball every year, period.
Jacket Dad
November 5th, 2010
12:54 pm
Very sad about Joshua’s situation – he’s been such a rock for us. However, I’m proud of how GT started and stayed in the game. This is the first game of the year where we actually had some spark from the beginning. We still have issues and much to work on. But it was not the blowout I expected.
I do think this will actually light a fire under many of our players that simply have not had it this season.
SOUTHGADAWG88
November 5th, 2010
12:55 pm
Bradley…GT vs VT was not worthy of a live game blog?Budget cutbacks at the AJC?
Georgia
November 5th, 2010
1:00 pm
Most of you techies just dont understand football. VT was running up and down the field on your defense just like you were doing to theirs. TTaylor threw a gift INT in the endzone and they gave you a dropped punt etc. The game ended about as expected with or without Nesbitt who by the way is an absolute terrible passing qb. Tough as nails runner, but thats it. Maybe your Tevin Washington is a better passer actually and a little faster, just not as tough.
Paul Johnson, “great coach”? why do we keep hearing that? 4 losses now, starring at at least one more with a senior qb and experienced offense in 3rd season in a weak conference? Not seeing it. So if Richt beats Johnson again who would be the “great” coach?
Alabama Jacket
November 5th, 2010
1:00 pm
Coaching….what a joke!!
Trade School Fools
November 5th, 2010
1:00 pm
Judging by some of the grammar displayed by the Techies in this blog I think most of these “I’m your boss” Tech people are really just nerds living in their parents basement spouting off in their free time from playing World of Warcraft.
I don’t know what’s more pathetic. A mediocre QB is now GT’s ALL TIME leading rusher. Or that the trade schoolers thought they were any good to begin with.
reebok
November 5th, 2010
1:03 pm
Tech showed a lot of heart last night…maybe Groh’s D is starting to ‘get it.’ Here’s a thought…if Aaron Murray gets injured against Auburn, Tech and UGA will both be playing inexperienced QB’s when they meet in Athens…the game will probably end 3-0 in the 1st overtime period!
Who's Your Daddy
November 5th, 2010
1:05 pm
From a Dawg fan last nights game showed a good game plan from coach PJ and good game played by the Jackets. To their credit they didnt fall apart when Nesbit got hurt (that kid’s as tough as they come).Was hoping they would score a TD and go for 2. That seems to be the PJ style.
Delbert D.
November 5th, 2010
1:05 pm
SECWasteManagement -
Miami’s OL -
1st team – 318, 310, 330, 330, 300 Avg: 317.6
2nd team – 300, 300, 315, 315, 330 Avg: 312.0
Virginia was #114 against the run when the played Miami last week. The Cavs outrushed the ‘Canes, 185 to 179.
Both Jacory Harris and Damien Berry (142 carries for 690 yds) are out.
Paddy
November 5th, 2010
1:10 pm
td….the gd from CPJ bothered you? Guess you have never been on a sideline in any sport. Don’t ever go to a hockey game and sit near the benches or penelty boxes, you might start to cry!
Gtfan11
November 5th, 2010
1:12 pm
Trade School Fools – Obviously you must care about Tech to be on it’s blog, or maybe you didn’t have any lawns to mow with the rain and all today.
The rest of this blog goes to those who are more intelligent than the ground they stand on: Tech played its’ best game last night. I gave them the same odds to win as I did Nesbitt completing a pass to one of his teammates. I hate that Nesbitt got injured, but I was very impressed with tevin’s performance as well as the defense. This offense can be very dangerous if we have a legitimate passing attack. Lose the stupid penalties, play some special teams, and I see us winning out.
All Bark And No Bite
November 5th, 2010
1:13 pm
Looking forward to Nov. 27th. Dawgs have to back up all their hot air in order to become bowl eligible. While a 7-5 Tech may be headed to Shreveport, Dawgs at 5-7 aren’t going anywhere (except maybe back to Athens-Clarke County lockup). Maybe you should change your nickname, now that UGA VIII on the sidelines. You’d rather be the brachycephalic ball washers than the lesser of the Bulldogs in the SEC, wouldn’t you? Let’s see if there’s any bite left at all after Cam Newton leaves cleat marks all over Rambo and the other poodles you’ll try to spy him with. What’s the line on that game? Auburn by 24? At least you’ll have an off week to get the clumps of grass out of your facemasks…
Comparing losing Nesbitt to injury on the field and losing AJ Green to suspension for selling a jersey to an agent for some quick cash is like comparing Tom Brady breaking his leg and being out a season to Roethlisberger’s suspension for extracurricular activity in Milledgeville. Brady is much more important to the Pats than Ben is to the Steelers, both in terms of production and in terms of providing leadership and character. Nesbitt means much more to Tech’s offense than AJ does to the Dawgs’ in terms of production alone. And in terms of character and leadership, there’s not even a comparison. How could you even think to compare a guy like Joshua Nesbitt to a kid like Green who cares so little about his team that he would rather have a thousand bucks than a reminder of his college playing days in Athens? Are you really going to defend that comparison? How about when the season is over and AJ jumps off the burning ship for the NFL?
All that being said, we’re still going to beat you this year. I’ve ordered a couple hundred pairs of red panties and I’ll be distributing them to the most obnoxious tailgaters I see. A lucky few will also receive a “Get Out of Jail Free” Monopoly card that can be redeemed by the bearer on behalf of any UGA football player they choose. If the past year is any indication, you’ll have lots of opportunities to use it. Limit One per Player per Season.
Oh, and in case you forgot, Nesbitt scored no points in 2008 and I seem to recall us doing just fine.
Erk
November 5th, 2010
1:14 pm
At least Washington gives Tech a passing threat.
I don’t think Georgia would be overconfident at 4-5 & Washington will be a better QB by that time.
jarvis
November 5th, 2010
1:21 pm
Nobody reads long posts.
jarvis
November 5th, 2010
1:24 pm
The thing I don’t get, isn’t 8-4 a bad season?
I know the standards aren’t low at Tech anymore. So how can you say the season isn’t over when the best outcome is 8-4? They should expect more than 4 losses in a year.
Tech75
November 5th, 2010
1:25 pm
You dance with the woman that bung you, as they say. The offense for 3 years has been tailored to Nesbitt’s strengths and weaknesses, as have been the game plans.
Now, with what I saw last night, defensive coordinators have a lot more to think about – an accurate passer.
All due respect to Joshua… and knowing there will be growing pains with Tevin… but I am VERY excited about the next three games!
I see no dropoff in the rushing offense… in fact, it may be even better, as CPJ, knowing Tevin’s game, will start game planning a bit differently. Game plans with Nesbitt were a snap; just run the ball until they force us to throw it.
Now? I see us mixing it up a bit more, which will make the running game a lot more explosive~!!
Personally, I can’t wait for the Miami game….!!
Oconeedawg
November 5th, 2010
1:29 pm
It is no doubt about it!!! MARK BRADLEY IS MORE THAN AN EGG SUCKER!!! He is an idiot, does not know anything about football but will make “idiot” statement. Especially about the “trade school” on 10 th avenue.
Dr. Bradley get a life. Stop negative comments and do your job report what happens in sports. good – by.
gt
November 5th, 2010
1:32 pm
I think it is not desperation that lead Tech to go for it on 4th, it is the absolute mind set that we are not going to do anything predictable. I actually saw some defense played last night. There is something about a Tech team coached by Johnson. They come into a very hostile environment, were not intimidated, lose their quarterback and never ask for nor give quarter. I literally would rather watch a team of character like this lose than a lot of better teams win and with that kind of character they won’t lose too many.
Ogeechee Dawg
November 5th, 2010
1:34 pm
Bugs – good game – showed a lot of heart. Could have won the game and CPJ is a very, very good coach.
I guarantee you – we will not be overlooking you this year. Washington will improve and looks very capable.
Beat Miami!
Delbert D.
November 5th, 2010
1:34 pm
@jarvis – “So how can you say the season isn’t over when the best outcome is 8-4?”
Because there are 3 games left on the schedule, I suspect would be the answer to that.
Reality Check
November 5th, 2010
1:35 pm
The team that GT gloriously obtained a “Moral Victory” last night is the same team that lost to division 1-aa James Madison on the same field. The only thing that VT has won all its ACC games means is that the conference is horrible, and we knew that after last years SEC east mediocre teams beat both ACC division winners. This GT team is mediocre with no good wins just like UGA, and the AJC hacks continue to talk about what a great coach CPJ is.
GTBob
November 5th, 2010
1:42 pm
@Trade School Fools, Nesbitt is not GT’s ALL TIME leading rusher. If you are going to troll, at least do a little research first.
possum
November 5th, 2010
1:45 pm
Disappointed to be going back to the season records of just a few years ago again.
Fun while it lasted I supppose…
Delbert D.
November 5th, 2010
1:50 pm
There is no 10th Avenue.
Slide Rule
November 5th, 2010
2:00 pm
I’m going to invent an I.Q. Interlock blogging device for my fellow dawgs. Some of you on here are just cannon fodder for the Tech people.
Navigator
November 5th, 2010
2:02 pm
I was impress with Washington after he got over his stage fright. He definitely is an accurate passer as every throw was on the money (even when the receivers dropped it or failed to block out the defense in the final interception). The game was going nowhere until the passing began, and just like that the offense began to click and defense couldn’t put 9 men on the line. Whether they win any more this year, next year has more potential than this year ever did. Nesbitt can’t pass, and the offense played horribly against any good team they played. Now if macho Johnson stops giving the game away by going on 4th down at the 50 yard line, this team shows some new dimensions. Will Johnson ever understand you have to pass, no matter what offense you run?
skip
November 5th, 2010
2:03 pm
Tech’s special teams coach, whoever he is, should be fired. I’ve lost count of how many big plays they’ve given up this season.
surfrider
November 5th, 2010
2:05 pm
HOpe Nesbitt recovers and gets a shot at the CFL, Europe or NFl at a position. In less than three years he leads ACC in rushing and put up some passing #’s. That said I like what I saw in Washington overall. A fluidity in running the offense and touch in the passing game. Experience will come. Tech has a few qb’s it can win with or at least be competitive, be in the game. These 4 losses most have been close.
Coach Grohbo
November 5th, 2010
2:06 pm
Tevin Washington will end Mark Rich’s career in the same way George Godsey ended Jim Donnan’s.
RiffRaff
November 5th, 2010
2:07 pm
Tough loss. Plus losing your star QB doesn’t help. Duke is the only game that is a lock. Miami and UGA?? Better lay off the PBR, Mark.
cattledawg
November 5th, 2010
2:11 pm
I hate to see Nesbitt go out like this. He is a good team leader that will be missed by you guys. I will add that Tevin looked like he could throw a good ball. What year is tevin?
Be afraid. Be very afraid. « Get The Picture
November 5th, 2010
2:25 pm
[...] yet, with all that in mind, Mark Bradley’s advice to Georgia is not to get overconfident, because “Paul Johnson can really coach”. [...]
Not drinking PJ Kool Aid
November 5th, 2010
2:29 pm
Washintons passing stats were 2 for 7 80 yards and 1 interception, longest completion was on busted defensive assignment. His technique is poor and has a weaker arm than Joshua. We just lost our best player and to a team that lost to James Madison. Great coach.