Heat Index: Warm moments for Tech, UGA and the Richts
Todd Grantham gives Mark Richt a manly handshake. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
The Heat Check returns a day late after a two-week hiatus, but hey … a return’s a return! And we begin with those who’ll be involved in a game of some interest come Saturday noon.
Georgia: Champion of the SEC East, the winner of nine in a row, the author of a rebound season. Think back to August: Would Georgia fans have taken all that and been happy? Sure they would. Heat Index: Mark Richt has gone from sitting atop the ol’ Hot Seat to sharing a warm moment with Mrs. Richt in front of 90,000 friends and neighbors.
Georgia Tech: Ranked in the Top 25, the winner of eight games after getting stuck on six last season, the author of a rebound season. Think back to August: Would Tech fans have taken all that and been happy? Yes, with a caveat. Heat Index: No Tech season can ever be ruled a complete success if the Jackets lose to Georgia.
Atlanta Falcons: They went to the no-huddle against Tennessee and looked great for three quarters. They wound up winning by six points. They’re 6-4, which isn’t bad. But there’s a caveat here as well. Heat Index: When was the last time we could say, “The Falcons really played a great game today?” When last did a postgame Mike Smith briefing not include a line about “things we need to fix”? When might those things get … well, fixed?
Atlanta Braves: Frank Wren hasn’t made a trade in a while. This isn’t like Frank Wren. Heat Index: “Nurse, could we take Mr. Wren’s temperature? He doesn’t seem himself.”
Atlanta Hawks: They’re not playing, which means attendance might actually go up. Heat Index: I have to confess I stole that line from occasional colleague Jeff Haws.
The team formerly known as the Thrashers: The Winnipeg Jets are fourth in the five-team NHL Southeast Division and 13th in the 15-team Eastern Conference. Heat Index: You can take the team out of the country, but making it win is another matter.
Local college basketball: The four area men’s teams — Tech, Georgia, Georgia State and Kennesaw State — are a collective 8-8, and the Bulldogs (3-1) lost their first real test Monday night to California by 24 points. (Georgia was outscored 48-21 over the final 25 minutes.) Of the four, the best win belongs to Tech, which beat 2011 Final Four participant VCU on Friday. Then the Jackets turned around and lost to LSU, which had lost to Coastal Carolina. Heat Index: I say again — this figures to be a chilly winter, hoops-wise.
By Mark Bradley
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190 comments Add your comment
headley lamar
November 22nd, 2011
11:52 am
Florida is awful. Time to accept it.
So is Tech and the ACC.
Its been time for you guys to accept that but you never do.
And Florida would absolutely 100 percent be favored over Tech.
Gator
November 22nd, 2011
11:54 am
Tech would be awful playing Floridas schedule. Get real tech would be 9th in SEC, hell your 7th in the ACC.
GTBob
November 22nd, 2011
11:56 am
You know it would be a HUGE deal for Tech.
What happens if we win? We might go to Champs Sports bowl instead of the Belk bowl or Sun Bowl? We can post in our yearly preview next year that we won? Tell me, what is the huge importance of this game? At least in the UGA-Florida game it usually has some influence on the SEC east. Our game has no influence on anything.
headley lamar
November 22nd, 2011
11:58 am
Another question for the Tech fans.
Will you continue to support CPJ if he goes to 1-7 in bowl games and against UGA ?
He is 1-5 and I would say its a distinct possibility he will be 1-7 in his biggest games after this year is over.
Its an honest question. If he is 1-7 after this year will you still support CPJ ?
Paul in NH
November 22nd, 2011
11:59 am
GTBob
You protest too much. When you have only won 1 of 10 over your arch rival a win is a BIG DEAL. If GT were to win on Saturday it would be in the top 5 wins for GT in the last 5 years (up there with UGA in 2008, VT and Clemson on 2009).
GTBob
November 22nd, 2011
11:59 am
And Florida would absolutely 100 percent be favored over Tech.
Florida isn’t favored against Florida St and the game is at Florida. What makes you so sure they would be favored over Tech?
GTBob
November 22nd, 2011
12:00 pm
If GT were to win on Saturday it would be in the top 5 wins for GT in the last 5 years
This is completely insane. If you actually believe this then you have a serious inferiority complex.
Delbert D.
November 22nd, 2011
12:07 pm
headley – “If you are going to run that offense and pitch the ball all over the place then you are going to turn it over and fumble. Its inherent to the system.”
Ball security has been much better this year. In 8 ACC games, Tech lost 7 fumbles: Duke 2, Clemson 1, Miami 2, NC State 1 and UNC 1.
headley lamar
November 22nd, 2011
12:10 pm
If GT were to win on Saturday it would be in the top 5 wins for GT in the last 5 years
Name me 5 bigger.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 22nd, 2011
12:11 pm
GTBob, it very well could be in the top 5 wins in the last 5 years……UGA 2008, the 2nd Clemson win in 2009, VT in 2009, FSU in 2008 and 2009. It would either replace one of those wins or at least be 6th. Can you name me any other wins in the past 5 years that would be better?
Supersize that order, mutt
November 22nd, 2011
12:12 pm
damn, headley, we actually came close to agreeing on something. LOL
headley lamar
November 22nd, 2011
12:13 pm
Ball security has been much better this year. In 8 ACC games, Tech lost 7 fumbles: Duke 2, Clemson 1, Miami 2, NC State 1 and UNC 1.
Good for Tech.
Point I am making is when you pitch the ball allot you are going to fumble allot.
Same as a passing team. If you throw allot of passes you are going to have more INT than a team that doesn’t.
It comes with the territory but Tech fans always use the fumbles as an excuse as to why they lost.
Well if you don’t want to fumble don’t pitch the ball so much.
Gator
November 22nd, 2011
12:13 pm
Florida isn’t favored against Florida St and the game is at Florida. What makes you so sure they would be favored over Tech?
Talent
George Stein
November 22nd, 2011
12:16 pm
Who freaking cares if we would beat Florida. I have no bone to pick with them. Beat Georgia!
GTBob
November 22nd, 2011
12:16 pm
Can you name me any other wins in the past 5 years that would be better?
All 8 ACC wins in 2009 because they actually meant something.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 22nd, 2011
12:17 pm
headley, we have fumbled less on pitches this year than on hand-offs or just not securing the ball when it’s in their hands.
George Stein
November 22nd, 2011
12:17 pm
Any offense has risks involved, headley. We may fumble more but we get intercepted less.
George Stein
November 22nd, 2011
12:18 pm
Fumbles are largely random anyway.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 22nd, 2011
12:19 pm
George, I’m sure, as probably you are too, that most of half-way decent SEC teams would be FAVORED over Tech, but that’s not saying they would actually beat us. I don’t really care what the prognosticators say about a game; in fact they seldom come even close in their predictions…..EITHER WAY
Fleming Island Dawg
November 22nd, 2011
12:19 pm
Keep hearing how we couldn’t stop them last year. From what my feeble old mind remembers is we won!!!!
Supersize that order, mutt
November 22nd, 2011
12:20 pm
Fleming, yes, you won,but you didn’t win by stopping us; you won because you capitalized on our mistakes, and because our defense sucked
George Stein
November 22nd, 2011
12:21 pm
Keep giving up 500 yards of offense and tell me how often you win.
Ted M
November 22nd, 2011
12:23 pm
I like the trade Wren did NOT make…Prado for Delmon Young.
GTBob
November 22nd, 2011
12:24 pm
For those arguing that this would be the best win in Tech’s history, answer me this. What changes if we win? What changes if we lose?
Paul in NH
November 22nd, 2011
12:25 pm
Heck – in 2010 GT had fumbles on C-QB exchanges and you have that on every single play
StingerSplash
November 22nd, 2011
12:26 pm
But Mark, have you seen the Winnipeg Jets unis? Sweet.
How long before they’re referred to as Loseipeg again? And who are these Hawks of whom you speak?
Your Friend on FB
November 22nd, 2011
12:26 pm
Got to take over the NERD Stadium like every other year. Spread some of Larry’s ashes there as we own Bobby Dodd field.
Ted M
November 22nd, 2011
12:26 pm
For the last 5 years Gregory’s record has been, at best, average.
Lets hope he keeps the seat warm for Bruce Pearl as he returns from purgatory.
Mad Dog One
November 22nd, 2011
12:26 pm
gtbob A win over UGA would stop the need to come on a blog and talk trash that has not been revelant for 20 years. In the early 90’s against Goof & Quick Money but when CMR came to UGA you”ll have not had a lot to crow about. As for beating FLA. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA in your dreams. As always GO DOGS & GATA
PS Thank youall for giving ERK the letters to come up with GATA it is almost as good as THWGT.
Paul in NH
November 22nd, 2011
12:28 pm
There you go again GTBob. You seem to be looking for an argument. I haven’t seen a single person (either UGA fan or GT fan) argue that this would be the best win in Tech’s history.
Delbert D.
November 22nd, 2011
12:28 pm
headley – “Well if you don’t want to fumble don’t pitch the ball so much.”
There has not been a routine problem with losing the ball on pitches. 1 fumble was on the C to QB snap (ACC officials admitted they missed not calling offsides against Clemson), 1 on a punt return, 2 on a FB dives, 3 on QB keep/sacks (1 by the backup QB). These were in ACC games. Counting all games, there were 10 total lost fumbles.
Your Friend on FB
November 22nd, 2011
12:28 pm
One thing is for certain Paul Johnson will do something stupid b/c of his arrogance.
crackbaby
November 22nd, 2011
12:28 pm
Interesting drivel here – NOT.
The keys to this game do not include the Georgia D or CTG. The keys are:
1) Turnovers
2) Tech’s D. If GT gets 2 or 3 three-and-outs per half against Georgia’s offense, it will be difficult for the Dawgs to prevail. Failing that, Tech will need to put pressure on Murray and “cover somebody at least a little bit” as CPJ says. Coach Groh has a lot on his shoulders to prepare his troops for UGA.
3) Special teams. Any mistakes or big plays will factor heavily. and lastly,
4) Trick plays. Both coaches will try to sneak something in – more likely of function of guessing “when they least expect it”.
Course that’s just my opinion and everything I know about football can be typed, in capital letters, on a flea’s ass.
Looking forward to attending the game.
GTBob
November 22nd, 2011
12:35 pm
Paul in NH, please tell me why this game is so important to you personally. Help me understand.
1eyedJack
November 22nd, 2011
12:36 pm
“…yes, you won,but you didn’t win by stopping us; you won because you capitalized on our mistakes, and because our defense sucked..”
Sounds a lot like our game plan this year.
George Stein
November 22nd, 2011
12:37 pm
Uh, because they are our rival. Period.
GTBob
November 22nd, 2011
12:41 pm
Uh, because they are our rival. Period.
That makes the game more important, but I hate the attitude of some Tech fans who seem to think this is the only meaningful game we play when it has very little influence on anything. Whether we win or lose, nothing is going to change. I would love to win, but let’s not pretend a win is something it isn’t.
Gorilla Biscuit
November 22nd, 2011
12:42 pm
A dozen bowl committees are frantically trying to figure out how NOT to invite GT. They know nobody would show up.
George Stein
November 22nd, 2011
12:46 pm
Believe me. I get it, Bob. But there’s an emotional aspect of this game that others don’t have. I don’t know how else to explain it.
JB
November 22nd, 2011
12:47 pm
I’m just hoping that Johnson will go for it on 4th and 5 near or around mid field like he does on everyone. Ball possession is real important to him ( code for he trust his offense more than his defense). That will not bode well for Tech Saturday. Tech will get yards….I just hope not more points.
Delbert D.
November 22nd, 2011
12:49 pm
GT Top Rushers through Nov. 19
QBs
849 – Washington – 4.1 ypa 14 TDs
220 – Days – 5.2 ypa 4 TDs
BBs
662 – Sims – 5.4 ypa 6 TDs
198 – Lyons – 5.2 ypa 1 TD
96 – Perkins – 3.6 ypa 1 TD
ABs
570 – Smith – 10.8 ypa 10 TDs
394 – Peeples – 10.9 ypa 2 TDs
366 – Jones – 8.9 ypa 3 TDs
86 – Zenon – 5.7 ypa 0 TDs
WRs
27 – Hill – 9.0 ypa
Total yards
3,559 – 5.9 ypa
Burdell 90
November 22nd, 2011
12:51 pm
Bradley…I recall you being an idiot!!
Gorilla Biscuit
November 22nd, 2011
12:51 pm
What time is Tech’s game Dec. 3rd?
Burdell 90
November 22nd, 2011
12:52 pm
Mark, remember to swallow when you pull your bottom lip over your head!!
UGA = Yawn
November 22nd, 2011
12:55 pm
Georgia scored on 3 turnovers by Tech last year in a game they won by only 8. Play clean error-free football GT and you will win . . . .year after year after year! THWG!!!
UGA = Yawn
November 22nd, 2011
12:56 pm
Gorilla…if it were up your butt you’d know what time it was!
UGA = Yawn
November 22nd, 2011
12:56 pm
But that place already taken by your bf.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 22nd, 2011
12:57 pm
GTBob, it DOES have an effect on recruiting, although 2 or 3 wins in a row would have a more pronounced effect. Do you live in Georgia? If not, then perhaps you don’t find yourself CONSTANTLY subjected to snide remarks about the Jackets, and I don’t just mean on these blogs. I live in Augusta, and both the newspaper and the TV stations here give virtually no coverage at all to Tech. Unless Tech is playing Georgia or sometimes Clemson, the newspaper relies SOLELY on AP wire coverage of the games. The TV stations have an interview every week with Richt and members of the UGA team, but they have not had a single one with Johnson or any of our players the entire season. What does beating UGA mean to me personally? It means I and other Tech fans in the area can shove that win in their faces and say Tech has the best team in the state of Georgia, whether you choose to ignore that fact or not. Would it be the most important win in Tech’s history? Hell, no. But it would be the most important win since 2008….at least to me.
Gorilla Biscuit
November 22nd, 2011
12:57 pm
UGA = Yawn, what in the hell does that mean?
bugsquacher
November 22nd, 2011
1:02 pm
Belk Bowl? what? whahahahahahahahahaha…..way to go Nerds!