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
SupremoDawg
November 5th, 2010
2:34 pm
Real Old Gold-% has nothing to do with throwing and everything with drops? REALLY, then Josh needs to tell VT defenders to drop it when the hits’em right in the mitts at the goal line to KILL a potential TD scoring drive. I think his THROWING had a little to do with that pick!
Joshua Barlowe
November 5th, 2010
2:35 pm
Nesbitt was a tough SOB, but couldn’t pass. It was refreshing to see a QB set his feet and throw an accurate pass. I think we’ll be fine with Tevin or David Sims in there.
Honky Talkin'
November 5th, 2010
2:36 pm
All I want for Christmas is for Tech to beat Georgia on CMR’s last game of his career in Athens. The Dawgs have been an embarassment to the state.
Chris
November 5th, 2010
2:38 pm
Miami will be without Harris against us. Tevin can pass. Once he gets in a good week’s practice with the first team, he will lead us to victory. And did I mention he can pass?
Stephen Hill
November 5th, 2010
2:38 pm
Enter your comments here
SupremoDawg
November 5th, 2010
2:39 pm
PJ Kool aid-You are so right. The Washington kid is a decent runner but that offense has got to go. When it works it’s great, but when it doesn’t, it’s UNBEARABLE! Whenever they get a turnover or penalty they are REALLY behind the eight-ball trying to hit a homerun with the option, especially from behind and no clock to work with.
dawgfan
November 5th, 2010
2:39 pm
Techies are secretly relieved that Nesbitt went down. They’ve got what the #1 thing that they always want: An excuse. Like I’ve said on here many times, Tech fans don’t care about wins. They just want everyone to feel sorry for them. They will be demanding everyone’s sympathy because of the horrible calamity that has befallen them from Nesbitt’s injury. If they don’t get it they will start kicking and screaming and start talking about how smart they are and how much money they make like a bunch of overgrown children.
That’s Techies in a nutshell right there.
collegeballfan
November 5th, 2010
2:48 pm
I agree with some others that the pass play on 3rd down from the 7 was a bad call. Johnson should have been ensuring at least a field goal.
Most coaches would have done that. But Johnson is not most coaches. He is different. And in the end that is one quality that makes him refreshing in a world of plastic coaches.
JacketLady
November 5th, 2010
2:49 pm
I was proud of the way Tech came back after Nesbitt went down. It’s funny that when some other teams lose they want to banish their QB to the bench even when he throws for over 300 yds and go on and on about what shoulda, coulda, woulda happened if this that etc. happened. Tech though just goes out and plays with what they have and the next guy in line takes over and does his job. We lost, it’s not the end of the world and today we begin preparing for the remaining games this season! GO JACKETS and THWG!!!!!
Nativebird
November 5th, 2010
2:51 pm
Finally, maybe Tech can move forward now and join the rest of college football and incorporate some semblance of being able to pass a football.
If
November 5th, 2010
2:54 pm
If Demaryus, Morgan B and Derrick M didn’t leave, who would beat us this year? We would be ranked 3rd.
Music City
November 5th, 2010
3:00 pm
Looks like the bowl we may go to. Could be Miss St or Fla or Sc
Ga probably going to Alabama bowl. LOL
Jacketforlife
November 5th, 2010
3:04 pm
sorry dawgfan, your comment could not be more wrong. Sorry. And don’t bother with some witty reply as I have no interest in arguing with you over something that can’t be proven. that was simply your opinion, but it is wrong. Actually, it does sound like the attitude of a lot of fans from this school located to the northeast of Atlanta. HMMM
papadawg
November 5th, 2010
3:04 pm
I’m a full bloodied DAWG fan but I’m truly sorry for the jury to Nesbit and hope for a full recovery
I Could Play WR for Tech
November 5th, 2010
3:08 pm
Can we talk about how unbelievably bad Stephen Hill’s hands are? He has been hit in the face mask, hands, and sternum how many times now with passes and caught NOTHING. He sucks. How he got recruited as a DI wide receiver is baffling…..
messin with...........
November 5th, 2010
3:14 pm
tevin is a better passer. we may have a better chance with him.
Glass Half Full
November 5th, 2010
3:17 pm
I’m not as optimistic as Mark. Still, there’s a chance to beat the thugs and jailbirds in Athens.
GDBurdell
November 5th, 2010
3:18 pm
Techies are secretly relieved that Nesbitt went down. They’ve got what the #1 thing that they always want: An excuse. Like I’ve said on here many times, Tech fans don’t care about wins. They just want everyone to feel sorry for them. They will be demanding everyone’s sympathy because of the horrible calamity that has befallen them from Nesbitt’s injury. If they don’t get it they will start kicking and screaming and start talking about how smart they are and how much money they make like a bunch of overgrown children.
That’s Techies in a nutshell right there.
+100,000
On a related note now PJ has all of “his players” and plenty of great excuses to choose from after a beat-down in Blacksburg. Nesbitt’s focus should now be on the draft.
GDBurdell
November 5th, 2010
3:20 pm
“tevin is a better passer. we may have a better chance with him.”
better chance to do what?
last in passing, first in rushing – I thought nerds were smart? hahahaaha
SRF
November 5th, 2010
3:34 pm
GDIdiot – Nesbitt was the one that was last in passing – so if Tevin is a better passer – we have a chance to do better passing – really simple logic. I am sure you can figure it out.
Coach Sleepy
November 5th, 2010
3:41 pm
So, now I have no win game against GT just like FL.
D
November 5th, 2010
3:43 pm
dont get too cocky now tech fans, remember James FREAKING Madison beat VA TECH at va tech.
gtbob45
November 5th, 2010
3:45 pm
The one thing I was encouraged by last night was the fight of the Yellow Jackets all game long. They played with a lot of emotion ,which has been lacking all season long. I don’t believe in moral victories ,Tech lost but I am damn proud of their effort. GA fans look at your team and realistically say how many games were you proud of your team’s effort.Georgia has top ten recruiting classes every year and they might have a losing season just think about that.HBTD. GATA,WTF.
faultline
November 5th, 2010
3:52 pm
don’t expect more big yards in passing game.
Old Coach
November 5th, 2010
3:52 pm
Bradley, It just gives you another excuse if Ga. beats Tech. Why not let him play with the broken arm. Oh! then you would have another excuse. How can you not see that TECH made some of the same mistakes that cost the DAWGS three games. Why don’t you and Schultz attend some of the High school coaching clinics. This might help you understand the game a little better.
UGA=YAWN
November 5th, 2010
3:52 pm
Snap Snap the hedges GT in a few weeks!!!!
Jacketforlife
November 5th, 2010
3:58 pm
Yes, we jackets finally have an excuse for losing, since we have no interest in winning. The way we played last night after Joshua went down is all the evidence you need of that. Just rolled over and died. And we are all over these blogs today talking about how elated we are that we can now lose our last three games and have an excuse. Idiots!!!!
Spizzerinctum
November 5th, 2010
3:59 pm
It is amazing how Mr. Bradley is such a Paul Johnson fan! It is also amazing how, at every opportunity, he tries to bash Mark Richt. At least you are consistently biased.
Turkey Neck
November 5th, 2010
4:02 pm
More of the same from Mark DB Bradley. Keep stirring the pot pal. I’m starting to suspect you’re smoking it now. What’s Captain Fish Fry’s record over the past twelve games? How about versus the last 6 ranked opponents? What’s the recruiting scenario for Mr. Unstoppable O?
paul has a small johnson
November 5th, 2010
4:08 pm
GT lost to a team that lost to James Madison.The joke by Coke hahahahaha
GD
November 5th, 2010
4:13 pm
I can’t believe that coach Johnson would dare scream GD on T.V. No Tech coach would scream go dogs.
Nesbitt is a man among boys and will really be missed. His passing is always mentioned but this years receivers ( especially Hill- even last night) can’t catch.
The new QB looked o.k. after a few series but he won’t be near the runner as Nesbitt and will probably get nicked up just running the offense with out having to carry the ball very much. With the new kid running the ball most of the carries will go to be backs. He does seem better at passing though. Now Johnson will have the ability to offer more of a passing attack. The defense actually manned up last night. They played good enough to win. I didn’t think they had it in the physically. I thought they were just soft. Maybe they are just young. Its hard to keep up with who is going in an out all the time.
I find it interesting that some of the itty bitty dog fans have the nerve to even show up on the blog. They are not too bright. Last I looked they got beat again by Florida. I don’t think they are still in the race for the SEC( Sometimes Everyone Cheats ) Championship are they? Do you have to win any games to win their Championship? Its hard to believe another high profile SEC football player is being accused of accepting hundred of thousand of dollars to play foozball.
I hope the Georgia coach never leaves. He is a very nice person.
The game against Georgia this year is the same as it is every year. Our winning depends on how many Georgia players are in jail that weekend. We will just have to see. Hopefully they will have enough players to field a team.
It Johnson had the same players as Richt has…Tech would win the National Championship every year.
The Georgia QB looks like he is really going to be good as he gets some experience. Seems to be a quality kid. Why did he go to Georgia?
Football
November 5th, 2010
4:16 pm
Georgia won’t win anymore Football games this year.
Tom Mustin
November 5th, 2010
4:31 pm
As a Va Tech graduate I can say we feel very fortunate to have come away with a win last night. GT should be very proud of the way they played. Had Nesbitt not been forced to leave the game, we probably would have lost. My brother went to Navy, and I watched coach Johnson’s Mids year after year out coach and out hustle supposedly superior opponents. GT has a lot of those same qualities, only with vastly superior athletes.
Keep your chin up Jackets! You’re a class program and you get us next year in Georgia. Get well soon Josh. We’ll see you next year.
A Denver Hokie
Football
November 5th, 2010
4:37 pm
I find it hard to believe that Georgia Fans dare come on this blog. Have they not looked at their record? Don’t they know they lost to Florida AGAIN. Their league is smeared with another scandal. Great league guys.
If Johnson had the players that Georgia had Tech would win the National Championship. The only problem he would have to have a bail bondsman on his staff.
The new young QB looked O.K. for his first game. He won’t be the runner that Nesbitt was. Nesbitt was a man among boys. The young QB looks like he can pass a little better. Just got to pass it to the right guy. He will learn though. He doesn’t look very durable though. Johnson won’t ask him to run as much though because he will get killed. He is a bit faster and hopefully can pass better and one day we can all hope our receivers hold on to the ball. The defense actually played well enough to win and would have won if Nesbitt hadn’t went out of the game. Just to think of all the hits he took and he brakes his arm on such a average attempt to make a tackle. Weird.
I see where Georgia is playing another top 10 team this weekend. Only problem is they are in the top 10 in the grocery industry! Maybe the Dogs can come back home with some french fries.
SuperB
November 5th, 2010
4:49 pm
The ACC is weak and that includes Virginia Tech. You are the journalistic equivalent of the ACC, but your may be demoted to Conference USA.
possum
November 5th, 2010
4:53 pm
I’m sure who/what sprinkled all of the happy dust over a large group of our fans. We played an average team that is likely to get exposed pretty badly as soon as they meet up with some stronger competition. TW did an ok job under the circumstances, but people are making it out to be like we are looking at the second coming of Tommy Frazier, Eric Crouch, or Jamel Holloway. 2011 is going to be no better from my vantage point than 2010 was for probably different reasons. Our line play will get better, but we will be breaking in all new skill positions most importantly the QB.
DYNAMICBIGBOY
November 5th, 2010
4:58 pm
Enter your comments here
Paul in RDU
November 5th, 2010
4:59 pm
Before the game started last night I expected GT to get blown out by VT, lose to UGA, possibly beat Miami and definitely beat Duke – 6-6 finish and playing in a poor bowl. Midway through the 2nd quarter I thought GT was going to beat VT, Duke and Miami and possibly beat UGA. At the beginning of the 4th quarter, I thought GT was going to lose the last 4.
Now – with Washington having shown some moxie in a tough game, I’m back to 6-6 or 7-5 with a win over Duke, maybe over UM and a loss to UGA
DYNAMICBIGBOY
November 5th, 2010
5:01 pm
The bumblebees were in the game because of stupid play calling by VT. They were running on Yeck at will but for some reason decided to pass and the QB was not having a good night throwing the ball. The bumblebees will lose out the year and all you bumblebees will get a preview of what next year will look like without Nesbitt. CPJ stumblled into a very good athelete in Nesbitt but there are no more like him at the high school stadium on North Avenue.
StingerSplash
November 5th, 2010
5:07 pm
Tevin brings a few more tools to the table — he’s quicker than Nesbitt and he may be a better passer. But Nesbitt’s toughness, mental and physical, can never be understated. Besides, at his size, when the Jackets need a yard or two, he’s the guy to get it, and in the case of last night, and then some.
In 1997, PJ lost his starting quarterback at Appalachian State on the third play of the game to a broken hand. The redshirt sophomore he had to put in struggled mightily. But in the remaining weeks of the season, the offense, with a vastly faster runner at QB, took off.
Both PJ and that frail yet fast quarterback were both inducted into the GSU Athletic Hall of Fame last weekend.
cheshire
November 5th, 2010
5:09 pm
What’s so stupid about the current BCS system is that with the exception of just a few teams currently in the top 10, pretty much EVERYONE’S season is over.
Rockdale Jacket
November 5th, 2010
5:15 pm
Mark: GT season was “over” when they lost to a very weak Kansas team. If not then, after losses to NC State (CPJ said it was not a blowout) and a medicore Clemson team. Actually the VT loss was the best game they have played. This will be a 6-6 season if they don`t give the Duke game
away with mental blunders,bad special teams play and poor coaching decisions. Pitiful season.
WTH
November 5th, 2010
5:21 pm
Cheshire, since only the top 8 teams (at most) would qualify in any proposed playoff system I’ve ever read about, the season is still over for most teams. We’d still need something like the BCS rankings to seed the playoff schedule.
Stinger
November 5th, 2010
5:21 pm
I hate to lose Joshua; however Tevin is good enough to beat our next 3 opponents. I have been impressed with him since the spring game of 09. He can make plays and I think he will be a very good passer. No doubt he is better than that loser Murray at UGA.
HitaSingle
November 5th, 2010
5:24 pm
I really feel for Nesbitt. I hope he can go to the NFL and be successful as an athlete. Cheshire is right about the season being over for most programs. Everybody wants to win a NC, but you have to be realistic and there is too much emphasis on the NC. If you don’t win it, it is not a successful season. In the old days, you have a good year and win in the bowl game and it was fun and a successful season. The NC was not talked about that much. Now with all the TV coverage it is mentioned every day and night.
HitaSingle
November 5th, 2010
5:25 pm
Enter your comments here
Rockdale Jacket
November 5th, 2010
5:29 pm
Stinger: You may be right about Tevin being or becoming a good passer. But will CPJ allow him to throw the ball
enough to make passing a significant part of the GT offensive scheme?
Tech Buzz
November 5th, 2010
5:33 pm
The Jackets will upset georgia in athens—mark it down! Ga’s going down, ruining their bad season even more. Ga: 5-7 record and no bowl game!!!!!!
Delbert D.
November 5th, 2010
5:37 pm
Rockdale Jacket – You did watch the game, didn’t you? He will pass more when it is a) necessary and/or b) effective. The opening play was a pass, something that Johnson has done several times before.
GTman
November 5th, 2010
5:45 pm
Why can’t CPJ find someone that can kick the ball into the endzone on kickoffs? Every Friday night I see high school kickers kick the ball out of the endzone (from the 40). Why can’t a college aged man kick the ball into the endzone from the 30? VT kicker sure as heck did. We should not be using Blair on kickoffs. You do not need an accurate kicker (which he is) for kickoffs. Come on CPJ, get involved with the special teams and use some common sense!
Also, use real football players on the kickoff team. Alabama uses Trent Richardson on the kickoff team because he is fast enough to track down the other team’s returner. Saban plays the game to win. Maybe CPJ will too some day.