Tech secures a bowl but doesn’t exactly leave UGA cowering
With this swoop, Mario Butler takes Tech from behind to ahead. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
The goal, cornerback Mario Butler said, was to keep from becoming the first Georgia Tech team since 1996 to be bowl-ineligible, and that mission was accomplished. And if the Jackets entered Saturday’s game with the ancillary aim of rendering Georgia overconfident for next week’s collision … well, they managed that, too.
Upcoming in Athens: The most impressive 5-6 team in the land — that’d be Georgia — will face the least imposing 6-5 aggregation. Tech won Saturday for the first time since Oct. 16 and needed all the aid and comfort Duke could supply, which was a lot. Some will point to this tepid regular season as a massive comedown from the high of the 2009 ACC championship, and in its way it has been. But this comedown could well have been a nosedive.
The Jackets didn’t have much except Joshua Nesbitt when this season commenced, and now that the indomitable quarterback has been lost they have next to nothing. Their offense mustered but two touchdowns — one of them coming on a pass completion, of which Tech likewise had two — against Duke, which ranked last in the ACC in total defense. The Tech defense, meanwhile, yielded 443 yards to an opponent conspicuously lacking a talent on the order of, say, A.J. Green.
The first half was vintage Tech 2010: A touchdown run overridden on a penalty; a fumbled Duke kickoff uncovered; a fumble lost inside the Duke 10; a failed fourth-down bid that led to a Duke field goal three seconds before halftime. “We had a chance to bury them early one,” said Paul Johnson, the Tech coach, “but we couldn’t get out of our own way.”
Tech trailed 13-6 at the half. It drove smartly enough on its first possession of the third quarter but was held to a field goal, whereupon Duke drove smartly and was within 14 yards of establishing an 11-point lead, whereupon Butler made two plays. The first resulted in a 6-yard loss. The second netted seven points. Butler broke on the only pass thrown by Brandon Connette, who is Duke’s running quarterback for a reason, and took it 85 yards to score.
“I just jumped it,” Butler said, speaking of the pass route. Then: “When I cut across [the field on his lung-bursting return], my hamstrings were about gone.”
Tech would build a 10-point lead. Being Tech, it came close to handing it back. Duke missed a tying field goal with 9:20 left. Three snaps later, Stephen Hill outfought a defender to snatch a Tevin Washington pass from the air. The 79-yard touchdown was the sort play of the departed Demaryius Thomas authored weekly last season but that Hill, considered the heir apparent, has seldom made.
“Coach Johnson wants playmaking receivers,” Hill said. “[I've] had a bad little year. But the year’s not over with.”
Said Johnson: “We didn’t accomplish a lot of the goals we set as a team, but our players know they’re going to play two more games.”
Tech’s next game will be of great local interest, and it’s hard to imagine a team that needed 3 1/2 quarters to put away Duke at Bobby Dodd Stadium going to Athens and actually winning. But say this about these Jackets: They’ve somehow won more than they’ve lost, the key word being “somehow.”
Jonathan Dwyer gained 1,395 yards and scored 14 rushing touchdowns in 2009; Anthony Allen, the new feature back, surpassed 1,000 yards with Saturday’s grinding performance but has scored only five times. Derrick Morgan had 12 1/2 sacks in 2009; the 2010 Tech team has 16. The aforementioned Thomas caught 46 passes for 1,154 yards and eight touchdowns in 2009; Hill’s numbers this season — 13 catches, 244 yards and three touchdowns.
When Nesbitt suffered a broken arm against Virginia Tech 2 1/2 weeks ago, the fear among Tech fans was that their team wouldn’t win again. On Saturday it won, if haltingly, and now the Jackets will play in a bowl, albeit an off-brand one. That’s actually pretty good value for a team almost devoid of playmakers, and you Jacket backers should try to hold that thought. Because what happens in Sanford Stadium might not be pleasant for the ol’ White and Gold.
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
497 comments Add your comment
Racer X
November 21st, 2010
1:47 pm
GT has no offense, a crappy defense and is a penalty-prone undisciplined team. UGA had a disappointing season but Tech’s was worse (Lost to Kansas, last minute win over horrible Wake, needs an 85 yd pick to beat Duke..etc.etc ) Only decent win was NC who is also 6-5. UGA will release a lot of pent up frustration this Saturday night, and the game won’t be close.
Woodstock Dawg
November 21st, 2010
1:49 pm
UGA had a very disappointing season but GT’s was worse. In a very weak ACC, GT had one decent win (NC who is 6-5 as well). It will be ugly Saturday night. UGA releases a lot of pent up frustration. Poor Techies.
Tech's Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054
November 21st, 2010
1:49 pm
Yellow Fart
What are you going to do when you lose? Hmmmmmmmm
Here are some suggestions
#1 Finish picking up our trash after the game, Sanitation Engineers
#2 Wash the graffiti off the walls of the North Ave campus
#3 Begin door to door begging to sell season tickets for next year
#4 Come on the UGA blog and talk about how great (though no one cares) a Tech education is
#5 Come back to the blog and continue to post the score of your one victory of the decade
#6 Try finishing your Sanitation Engineering degree so you can become productive Trash men
Woodstock Dawg
November 21st, 2010
1:53 pm
Tech has no offense, a crappy defense and is a penalty-prone undisciplined mess. Both GT and UGA had disappointing seasons, obviously, but this game won’t be close. UGA will release a lot of pent up frustration this Saturday night.
Abe Lincoln
November 21st, 2010
1:55 pm
Become an Engineer? We don’t make nothing in this country anymore. And no money for roads or bridges with fifty percent of the population on the dole. Yeah Tech!!! We’re smart.
Woodstock Dawg
November 21st, 2010
1:57 pm
Tech has no offense, a crappy defense and is a penalty-prone undisciplined mess. This game won’t be close. a lot of pent up frustration will be released this Saturday night. It’s gonna be a beat-down..
Ben Franklin
November 21st, 2010
2:00 pm
Early to bed
Early to rise
……….
Why even waste this stuff
On you little yellow guys.
Cobb Dawg
November 21st, 2010
2:01 pm
MiddeGeorgia, you’re just like the rest of the pathetic Awbun fans, disillusional. Everywhere I turn I hear “WDE, baby”! This surprises me for AU fans to be beating their collective chests when they are under investigation from every side. And, even if they do win out, it will all be for naught. AU’s cheated many, many times before and got caught, and they’re cheating now. It will be found out and the season will be negated. So please Barners, for your own sake, keep it quiet so that you’re not so embarrassed when the findings come out. K?
George Washington
November 21st, 2010
2:01 pm
I can not tell a lie. Georgia Tech is going to get sh!t stomped!!
How bout them BEES!!!
November 21st, 2010
2:06 pm
Tech’s Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054, You better hope a tech student get that sanitation engineering degree so you and dumb ass UGA fans like you will have a place to work.
Tech's Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054
November 21st, 2010
2:20 pm
How bout them BEES!!!
No we wont have a place to work thanks to Tech
Tech students send all the sanitation jobs to foreign countries because most of the students are foreigners
Foreign countries are finally coming to realize the hazards of not having proper waste management
How bout them BEES!!!
November 21st, 2010
2:22 pm
Cobb Dawg, I think you may have meant delusional not disillusion. you said disillusional. I don’t think that’s a word, but your a UGA fan, it’s expected.
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
2:27 pm
Hahahaha. Talk it up dogs. Talk is all you have. See you AH’S on game day when it counts.
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
2:32 pm
CobbDawg:
disillusional- no dictionary results
It’s OK. We understand and are more than used to it corresponding with you dogs.
Hairy Dawg
November 21st, 2010
2:33 pm
We goning to beat pointy heading bugs like a bunches of nerds because we running states to display dominants. Gimmickry high schooling offense of arrogant fat slob is figured out and Grantham not Wet Willies. Dawgs unloading whooping can on pestky bugs to show we owns state as best with SEC talents and speeds. Go Dawgs! Bugs Stinkys!
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
2:34 pm
DR Dearth:
It wasn’t a “vacation”. It’s called “keeping your word”.
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
2:35 pm
Hairy Dawg
November 21st, 2010
2:33 pm
We goning to beat pointy heading bugs like a bunches of nerds because we running states to display dominants. Gimmickry high schooling offense of arrogant fat slob is figured out and Grantham not Wet Willies. Dawgs unloading whooping can on pestky bugs to show we owns state as best with SEC talents and speeds. Go Dawgs! Bugs Stinkys!”
I will remind you of this little man!
Tech's Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054
November 21st, 2010
2:38 pm
Yellow Fuzzy
You come to our blogs week after week talking your crap
Yet you want to tell UGA fans to keep talking it up
Yea we will see you Saturday, you a beat down, and many gold broken hearts
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
2:39 pm
Tech’s Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054:
Bet we play in one before you do!
Hahahahahahahahahaha
How bout them BEES!!!
November 21st, 2010
2:39 pm
Hairy Dawg, Are you a English professor at UGA, or are you actually a Hairy Dawg? just asking.
Tech's Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054
November 21st, 2010
2:43 pm
Yellow Fuzzy
I know what Tech will do if they beat UGA
Tear up hedges and other property because they don’t know how to act since its rare they beat a quality opponent.
I never could understand why Tech did that a couple of years ago until I realized the depravity of the North Ave neighborhood.
Tech's Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054
November 21st, 2010
2:48 pm
Nope Im not the typical UGA/Tech delusional fan
I expect next year we will have at least 4 losses
But we will be in a BCS bowl before your in it again (Unless you get another coach) and Richt makes no changes with his coordinators
There is one thing for certain we will have many more BCS appearances by then than Tech ever will
Stay Thirsty My Friend
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
2:50 pm
Tech’s Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054
November 21st, 2010
2:43 pm
Yellow Fuzzy
I know what Tech will do if they beat UGA
Tear up hedges and other property because they don’t know how to act since its rare they beat a quality opponent.
I never could understand why Tech did that a couple of years ago until I realized the depravity of the North Ave neighborhood.
LIttle man, WE know how to act. We played in a BCS bowl game last year (while you were in Shreveport), and we won a National Championship in 1990 (your last was 1980). And we beat the number 4 ranked team in the nation last year, and the last time we were in Athens, we beat your preseason number one (your best preseason ranking in school history) azzes after spotting you 16 points at halftime. So, save your breath little man.
Tech Man
November 21st, 2010
2:55 pm
I hope we can hold Georgia under 50 points. This is going to get ugly in a hurry. This Tech team is the worst I’ve seen in many years. Please have mercy on us CMR.
richcat
November 21st, 2010
3:02 pm
It don’t matter who wins..Both Schools are playing for the CRAP BOWL…………If Crap beats crap its still crap..
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
3:12 pm
The fact of the matter is that georgia MUST beat Tech to avoid a losing season.
HAHAHAHA.
They have the talent but I personally believe that they lack the fortitude.
I think Tech messes with their minds and kicks a field goal to win as time expires.
45-42 (again)
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
3:16 pm
I personally want to see the dog nation swallow a losing season.
Tech's Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054
November 21st, 2010
3:18 pm
Yellow Funny
Calling me little man, wow!!!!
Boy you made that resume look pretty spectacular, but lets take a closer look shall we
#1 This decade we have gone to 3 BCS bowl games, Tech has gone to 1 (their 1st in 40 yrs)
#2 When has Tech ever been ranked preseason #1 (probably when the smoke settled from Shermans march to the sea)
#3 You finally get to go to a BCS bowl no thanks to an automatic bid for that sorry ACC conference (which I might add you had to leave the SEC because it was getting to tough for you) and stunk it up against Iowa (Come on Iowa)
#4 Your national 1990 Title was a UPI the rest of the nation gave it to Colorado
#5 Tech has never won an outright national Title anyway
#6 Yea you beat us the first time in 7 yrs against one of the worst defensive coordinators in CFB (but I guess you will relive that just like our stupid fans like to relive 1980)
Its time you revamp your resume little bug, we are going with a stronger canidate for this job
Stay thirsty my friend
GT
November 21st, 2010
3:19 pm
This would have been bad for the program if this poor play had happened the first year for Tech. It didn’t for the first two and I don’t know if anyone has noticed it but Tech seems to play better this year away from home. Maybe a little fear helps Tech, sorry we couldn’t share a little with Georgia but we need all we can get for this game, thanks Mark for helping.
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
3:34 pm
Tech’s Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054:
Talk to me NEXT Sunday, little man
Tech's Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054
November 21st, 2010
3:45 pm
Be glad too
But will you be man enough to come on here
Oh and by the way this we be the first time since Jim Donnan that I actually wont be sad if we lose
Its a win win situation for me if we win great i guess but if we lose even better because I know that finally the delusional 10 win UGA supporters will get mad and changes will have to be made
If only Tech though like that, you would get you a college coach not a high school coach and Tech actually might do something again
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
3:47 pm
Tech’s Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054
Hahahahahahaha.
Yada, Yada, Yada…….
Hahahahahahaha.
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
3:49 pm
Tech’s Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054:
blah, blah, blah,
blow, blow, blow,
STFU and I’ll talk to you again NEXT Sunday, little man.
Chan Gailey
November 21st, 2010
3:50 pm
Next year 6 and 5 will look great. No high school recruit of consequence wants to play in this type of offense. Techies GET USED TO IT!
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
3:52 pm
I’d rather be 7-5 than 5-7 like you’re soon to be!
We
November 21st, 2010
3:52 pm
Yellow Fuzz – Your posts do crack me up, but if I recall you dribbled the same stuff last year and we all now how that turned out…..
We
November 21st, 2010
3:53 pm
UGA 63 Bugs 3
Tech's Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054
November 21st, 2010
4:11 pm
Poor Yellow Feller
He is at a loss for words
I bet ol Yellow Feller has been studying all year to write 10 pages of blog crap if Tech wins Saturday
He’s about to pee in his pants he just cant wait poor little bee
Stay Thirsty my friend
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
4:52 pm
Tech’s Next BCS Bowl Appearance 2054:
Have a good week. Type with you again next Sunday.
Keep swallowing and quench your thirst little man!
Over Early
November 21st, 2010
4:53 pm
Ga gets a big lead early and coasts to a sweet blowout win. This Dawg D is going for a shutout over that bad tech offense. Ga 37 Tech 6! Mark it down!!!
Cobb Dawg
November 21st, 2010
4:58 pm
Yellow Fuzz, I have to give you credit for running your mouth as many times as we’ve smacked you down. And it’s not a rivalry for us, it’s just a chance to blow off some steam at the end of a very subpar year for us. Wouldn’t be for you bugs though. And to think that you’re running your mouth after squeaking by mighty Duke. I think that’s a sign of instanity, immaturity, or both.
JetBuzz
November 21st, 2010
5:16 pm
GT faithful – I’m as disappointed as anyone about our season, but I will defend CPJ on the point of accountability. He repeated yesterday in post game comments (what he’s said for several games now) that he and his coaches obviously aren’t doing their jobs well in preparing the team. He actually took most of the heat himself, saying numerous positive things about the players.
He’s definitely in territory now much different from Annapolis, Honolulu, and Statesboro, and he knows it. The stage, player mix, recruiting, competition, stakes, etc., are much more dynamic. He’s also transitioning from Chan’s recruits to his, not to mention a major D changeover with Groh and the 3-4.
I for one haven’t given up on his leadership. He’s a tough competitor, with a successful and diverse resume to prove it. I think the smart money gives CPJ, CAG, and staff two more years to bring it together.
Just sayin…
Go Jackets, and THWG!
Dr. Bostwin
November 21st, 2010
6:19 pm
If any of you need to discuss your anger issues when you have sobered
up, give us a call. We take all kinds of patients. Won’t even hold it against you for drinking when you wake in the mornings. Just take a moment and then go ask your parents to call our offices.
GT Rising
November 21st, 2010
6:45 pm
Wolley S., you are a dumb muffin and a sunny day fan for sure. CPJ is the best thing to happen to tech in a long, long time. Have some faith and stick with the plan, tech’s future is brighter than it’s been in a long time and CPJ is here to stay.
Sugar Hill Dawg
November 21st, 2010
6:56 pm
Pet Peeve time:
You’re – a contraction. (You are – “Yellow fuzz, you’re a moron if you think Tech will win in Athens this weekend.”)
Your – possessive. (Yellow Fuzz, your sorry excuse for a team should have lost to Duke!”)
sasquatch
November 21st, 2010
6:57 pm
coach rich will also once again survive by beating the bees. what else could you spend 2.8 mil on and still be frustrated. and MB i agree uga is a good 5-6 team in 2010. but then they are always a good team underachieving in an unforgiving conference. but bees, don’t be messin with sasquatch…….
Yellow Fuzz
November 21st, 2010
7:11 pm
Sugar Hill Dawg
You won’t say that to my face little man.
Chia Pet Hewitt
November 21st, 2010
7:43 pm
Who really cares about the unspectacular records or bowl eligibility at this point? Tech wants to beat hell out of UGA, and UGA wants to whip Tech. Tired of the petty insults and pre=game taunting. Only losers taunt and brag BEFORE “toe meets leather!” That goes for GT and UGA fanatics.
Hairy Dawg
November 21st, 2010
7:46 pm
Bugs is pointy heading loosers and that why Dawgs is more Christian for winning. Bugs is so dumb that there not able to learns the NFL and college plays and have to running the high schooler offense. Dawgs know how to play big man SEC football and not chumps ACC. Dawgs goning to mashing bugs and then reloading to be champs in next year. Were young this year but learning to win and Murray is brights future. Go Dawgs!
Simple Techster
November 21st, 2010
7:47 pm
You know…..I wonder what the puppies are thinking about the fact that CMR is on Colorado’s top 3 list of replacement coaches………?