Middle Tennessee 49, Georgia Tech 28: What’s left to say?
These are the Blue Raiders. They won. By 21 points. On the road. (AP photo by Rich Addicks)
Were Georgia Tech outrageously lucky, all its fans would be as circumspect as Dave Miller of Atlanta. Miller, a 1977 Tech grad, sat above the South end zone as Middle Tennessee was driving to Points No. 43-49 on Saturday, whereupon he rose without ceremony and moved toward the exit.
“We’re just young,” Miller said. “We had some injuries on defense. And Middle Tennessee is a good team.”
Miller’s summation: “We’ll get better.”
Not 20 feet away, another Tech fan watched the same game end and drew a different conclusion. “This was ugly,” said Jerry Kenney, also of Atlanta. “No pass rush, no tackling. I’m sure Clemson [Tech's next opponent] will be licking its chops.”
Kenney was asked if this had just been a bad day for the home team. “It’s not one bad day,” he said. “It’s two bad days in the week [the first being the overtime loss to Miami], and hope is going out the window.”
Here we offer the boilerplate disclaimer: In sports, things are rarely as bad (or as good, for that matter) as they seem. Indeed, that’s a pet phrase of Paul Johnson’s. That said …
Favored by 27 points, Paul Johnson’s team lost to Middle Tennessee. By 21. At home.
“Probably the worst,” Johnson said, speaking of losses his teams have suffered. But this coach only arrived in December 2007, and this was the worst defeat Georgia Tech has known since Sept. 17, 1983, when Bill Curry’s Jackets lost to Furman 17-14. (Three years later, another Curry team would be tied by the Paladins.)
Yes, Middle Tennessee is a Sun Belt team, and yes, the Sun Belt is an FBS conference. But still: On Aug. 30, the Blue Raiders opened their season by losing at home to McNeese State.
“Embarrassing,” Johnson said. “I don’t think there’s any other way to describe it.”
Chan Gailey’s teams were infamous for alternating stunning victories and stump-the-band losses, but Gailey never lost to Middle Tennessee. (Did lose to Duke, though.) Heck, even Bill Lewis — known around Tech as He Whose Name Must Never Be Mentioned — never lost one like this. (Did lose to Duke, though.)
It would have been bad enough to lose to Middle by a point on a 65-yard field goal that glanced off a pigeon and bounced through the uprights. But Tech lost to Middle on a day when it led the 27-point underdog for all of five minutes, nine seconds. A week after yielding 42 points and 609 yards to Miami, the Jackets were gashed for 49 and 510 by the Blue Raiders.
Said Johnson: “As bad a game tackling as I’ve ever seen.”
Said linebacker Quayshawn Nealy: “In the first half we missed 25 tackles.”
Johnson again: “It was like we were running in mud.”
Tech has played five games, losing three. It already has lost twice at home, marking the first time the Jackets have lost on consecutive weekends at historic Grant Field/Bobby Dodd Stadium since 1988, which was Bobby Ross’ second season. And now we have to ask What This All Means for this abashed coach and this humbled program.
Check the schedule, and you’ll see more than a handful of winnable games remaining. But Miami looked winnable, and Middle Tennessee was deemed a given. By losing both, Tech has fallen to 2-3 with games at Clemson and Georgia to come. By losing both and looking helpless on defense, it makes us wonder if Tech has either the scheme or the personnel necessary to prosper in the ACC, a conference it ruled not so long ago.
Will defensive coordinator Al Groh be in place tomorrow? (For this game, he was moved upstairs to the press box, and those 49 points and 510 yards suggest that perspective isn’t the issue.) Middle’s first five touchdown drives spanned 75, 78, 88, 68 and 75 yards, and here we have to pause to ponder the first part of the sentence.
Middle’s first five touchdown drives. The first five of seven. On the road. On a day when it was a four-touchdown underdog. Against an opponent from a Big Six conference that has graced a bowl for 16 seasons running and was the ACC champ (since vacated) in 2009.
Whatever was working for this program works no longer. Johnson’s prized offense can’t score enough to override his defense, which looked stout at Virginia Tech on Labor Day night but has fallen to pieces. And the excuse made after the Miami game — that Georgia Tech was two plays from being 4-0 — no longer holds currency. There are no excuses when you lose by 21 points at home to Middle Tennessee.
Said Jerry Kenney, the Tech fan: “There was a basketball player named Micheal Ray Richardson, and he once said, ‘The ship be sinking.’ ” He nodded toward the field.
By Mark Bradley
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561 comments Add your comment
dose of reality
September 29th, 2012
11:48 pm
i dont know why you tech fans are saying you EXPECT and DESERVE a better team. the most embarrasing thing about the game wasnt on the field, it was your half empty stadium. if you want your team to be passionate and fired up you have to give them a great atmosphere and a loyal fanbase. there is a reason that tech plays better on the road.
Goldenrod
September 29th, 2012
11:51 pm
I gotta confess. It is TOUGH to be a tech fan. I am SO disgusted with this coaching staff and team that I refuse to spend one penny attending games of any sort the rest of this season.
We put an inferior product on the field, meanwhile the leghumpers are 5-0 and rolling. It’s just not fair.
Al Groh MUST go!
StanHolloway
September 29th, 2012
11:52 pm
Can you say Kirby smart…….pay him what it takes and get your house in order
dose of reality
September 29th, 2012
11:55 pm
there is no way smart goes to tech from bama. are you guys crazy its not about money its about being set up for failure with the most talentless team tech has had for years. you no pro style passer, no defense, no gamebreaking players no fanbase(that shows up). why would he go to tech when he could atleast get the arkansas job?
garcia
September 29th, 2012
11:56 pm
I see a lot of posts lamenting the lack of support Tech fans give their team. Really?
Football is entertainment. Put a good product on the field and you will get butts in seats. Why would anyone invest four hours to see this kind of garbage year after year? Who wants to see subpar players? Answer: Nobody.
Stanford has higher academic standards than GT. Other successful programs, like Michigan, Wisconsin, Northwestern, and Vandy seem to recruit quality players. Why should the bar be set so at GT?
Jacketattack
September 29th, 2012
11:58 pm
The only thing that looked good was special teams play
. Offense gets a c- defense gets a F and coaching gets a middle finger. GT is now worse than Duke!!! Garbage in and garbage out!
Delbert D.
September 29th, 2012
11:59 pm
Augusta Jacket , and DawgNole – Midway in the 3rd quarter, I was thinking about walking on as an OLB.
Malcolm Mackey, Jr.
September 30th, 2012
12:04 am
What a joke…it’s the perfect option…..GT should just play club football….pitiful and embarrassing……what a bunch of nerds and sissies.
dose of reality
September 30th, 2012
12:07 am
and there is no way tech fires johnson. you guys are still paying hewitt. you have no talent thats the problem. im so tired of you techies saying recruiting rankings dont matter just because no top recruit will even visit your campus. johnson is wrong im not saying that the rankings are perfect but more times than not, the dude is going to be atleast decent. i garuntee you i will bet everything i have that if tech had a coach who recruited good players you would have a good team. heres an algebraic equation for you: Good players=Good team.
Delbert D.
September 30th, 2012
12:13 am
The UNC chancellor announced yesterday (I read it on ESPN or si.com, can’t remember which) that are going to make big changes to the academic practices and requirements for athletes next year. The details will be given next spring, but they are increasing the minimum GPA for recruits to 2.3, getting rid of the athlete-only classes, and the professors will determine who is in their classes. Also, he said that they currently have 53 special qualifiers, and that they are going to curtail that practice drastically.
DawgNole
September 30th, 2012
12:18 am
garcia
September 29th, 2012
11:56 pm
Stanford has higher academic standards than GT. Other successful programs, like Michigan, Wisconsin, Northwestern, and Vandy seem to recruit quality players. Why should the bar be set so at GT?
___________________
Vandy’s a successful program? Vandy seems to recruit quality players? Tell me you’ve got someone to call 911 for you, because you sure as hell need some help!
TXJacket
September 30th, 2012
12:21 am
Who do all you experts think would be a better coach? Our recruiting classes have more talent than in the last 20 years except maybe 2. (Dwyer, Johnson etc…). Whose coming here with the challenges of GPA, SAT/ACT, Small Degree programs etc…. The offense has scores more than enough points to win win every ball game. Somehow we have to get the “D” to play with the confidence we saw againist VT and Virginia and of course Presb.. Not sure why the guys are playing for CAG??? I know CPJ is ultimately responsible!! Who comes ine if and when CAG is gone???
TXJacket
September 30th, 2012
12:29 am
DawgNole! Stanford standards are only higher in certain programs. All the schools you listed have all the same majors as all the SEC, BIG 12, PAC, there football factories and thats it, with the exception of NW and Vandy and I wouldn’t call them successful programs. A good win every few years and that’s it.
DawgNole
September 30th, 2012
12:35 am
TXJacket
September 30th, 2012
12:29 am
DawgNole! Stanford standards are only higher in certain programs. All the schools you listed have all the same majors as all the SEC, BIG 12, PAC, there football factories and thats it, with the exception of NW and Vandy and I wouldn’t call them successful programs. A good win every few years and that’s it.
_______________________
I didn’t list a damn thing. You’ve got my post mixed up with garcia’s.
wrecked again
September 30th, 2012
12:37 am
The great offense scored 7 second half points against MTSU.
GTMike14
September 30th, 2012
12:39 am
I’ve been watching football long enough to know that these boys quit on their coaches. There are reasons we may never hear for this but the fact remains. Great teams have great head coaches. It’s a known fact that PJ is not a pleasant person (not able to be more specific and still get this posted) and as previously stated Groh must go with PJ a year or two behind him. I feel sorry for Vad Lee and Justin Thomas. PJ, get a recruiter in there and start throwing the ball like teams these days do. Duh! Defensive call by (insert any team here), OK guys, it’s a run up the middle!
DawgNole
September 30th, 2012
12:40 am
Delbert D.
September 30th, 2012
12:13 am
The UNC chancellor announced yesterday (I read it on ESPN or si.com, can’t remember which) that are going to make big changes to the academic practices and requirements for athletes next year. The details will be given next spring, but they are increasing the minimum GPA for recruits to 2.3, getting rid of the athlete-only classes, and the professors will determine who is in their classes. Also, he said that they currently have 53 special qualifiers, and that they are going to curtail that practice drastically.
____________________
Is the UNC chancellor speaking for his school alone? If so, they won’t stand a chance competing against all the others, who continue to rank speed above academics in assembling their men’s football and basketball programs.
Beau
September 30th, 2012
12:40 am
@George Stein, spend your time getting Michael Turner out of his DUI and not defending a high school team trying to compete in the ACC.
Delbert D.
September 30th, 2012
12:42 am
That’s because MTSU was busy with drives and the occasional long run or three. The defense was terrible, and Washington made some really bad decisions. Johnson has to give the other QB a chance to show if he can do the job.
DawgNole
September 30th, 2012
12:43 am
Troubling times for Tech, and I hate to see it. I was a big CPJ fan because of his ability to win consistently with an unorthodox offense.
Looks like I was wrong.
Da Man
September 30th, 2012
12:44 am
We should stop comparing CPJ to Chan and start comparing him to O’Leary and Friedgen. Those should be our benchmarks.
In that light, CPJ should be canned.
DawgNole
September 30th, 2012
12:52 am
Da Man
September 30th, 2012
12:44 am
We should stop comparing CPJ to Chan and start comparing him to O’Leary and Friedgen. Those should be our benchmarks.
In that light, CPJ should be canned.
____________________
True enough.
Max Headroom
September 30th, 2012
12:53 am
Besides the fact that Al Grogh hates GaTech and wants to see it lose every game (an old Virginia thing) and teaches flag football arm tackling to the defensive backs, and beside the fact that MTS has more scholarships to give than GaTech, it was an even game EXCEPT for the 12th “man.” Not the home crowd, but the home grass. The GaTech running backs and receivers had 4 unassisted tackles by blades of grass that reached up and drug them down without even the need of arm tackling. If the boys can work on chewing gum and walking at the same time this week, then they might be able to hold a football and run next week. Just a maybe, mind you. Maybe a big one.
CPJ - great coach - just ask him!
September 30th, 2012
1:19 am
The FACTS speak for themselves:
CPJ is 1-4 vs. Virginia Tech, 1-4 vs. Miami with 4 straight losses. 1-3 vs. Georgia with a terrific ass beating coming up in November to drop to 1-4, 0-4 in bowl games.
After an amazing 19-4 start with Gailey’s players, CPJ is 17-17 since and 4-8 in the last 12.
If you don’t like these facts, go punch someone in the face!
OldSchool
September 30th, 2012
1:35 am
This Tech team quit in the fourth quarter. That’s right. Q-U-I-T! And they sure as blazes flat out quit on that last MTSU drive. I watched the game up close and personal and I closely watched the play of the middle of Tech’s defense for much of the second half. Absolutely embarassing. Tech’s #90 went half-speed much of the time and took himself out of the play time and time again as he came off the ball in slow motion and carried himself out of the running lane in a clearly half-hearted effort as if he was in a half-speed practice. Time and time again! And he was not alone is his pathetic effort. Not by a longshot!
Most of his teammates were not much better. These so-called major college players were out-muscled and run over by a bunch lower rung FBS players. Huge, gaping holes were quickly opened and # 2 was made to look like the reincarnation of Herschel. But give the kid credit—and to all of the Blue Raiders for that matter—because they played extremely hard, while Tech’s players went through the motions and were an embarassment to themselves and certainly to their supporters. Did you hear the boos?
There was absolutely no excuse for what occurred on Grant Field—sorry, at Bobby Dodd Stadium. To get upset by a less talented, albeit inspired team is one thing. But to get crushed and humiliated is quite another!
I have chastised Dawg fans for ranting about Richt in recent years—and as I write this I feel as if I am being eerily similar to their members of their Lunatic Fringe. But yet, with the exception of Central Florida— one of the stronger lower D1 programs— they have not been humiliated like Tech was by MTSU.
My first Tech game was as a 13-year old in 1962 when Tech upset #1 ranked Alabama/Bear Bryant/Joe Namath 7-6 on Grant Field. That was 50-years ago. The Lord willing I will still be a Tech fan another 20-30 years, long, long, long after Paul Johnson and Al Groh are gone and are only single lines of agate type in the Tech media guide. But I will hopefully never see an embarassing, humiliating debacle like I witnessed Saturday afternoon. Give an uninspired effort like I saw against MTSU against Clemson and it will make this loss look like a nail-biter. And as for the Dawgs, Lord have mercy!
And as for Radakovich’s postgame comments. What a total dumb-ass thing to say. I would have settled for a “no comment” to that garbage. That is his insight into this travesty? You gotta be kidding.
In closing, to Paul Johnson et al, all of you owe Georgia Tech the Institute and all Yellow Jacket fans a public apology for your pathetic effort.
BTW, just watched the clip of CPJ’s press conference. Have never seen the man so humbled and so, well, for the lack of a better word, “un-smug.” No, smart-a comments or sarcasm. Very quiet. Yep, very humbled. Maybe he has finally realized —in what he seemed to say was his “worst defeat” in his coaching career—that it maybe takes more than “smarts” and a “unique” offense
to really coach up a team.
1969 Graduate
September 30th, 2012
1:39 am
…of UGA, and also a graduate of MTSU.
And, I’m sorry to see the state of affairs in the GT program. A once fine program which brought credit to the state, GT probably couldn’t beat either Ga. Southern or Navy now. I don’t know why.
As a Georgia fan, I think it the obligation of GT to at least field a team which won’t cause UGA to sink in the rankings when we beat you by 75 points in November.
Seriously, what a shame.
Under The Bleachers
September 30th, 2012
1:51 am
Mark,
Everyone in the English speaking world knew that Paul Johnson would blame the defense. That is what Head Coaches do when they are too stubborn to see his players have quit on him and his system is not working, and his players are no longer buying into the program he is selling.
I do think his job is in major trouble and the support for Coach Johnson is now at the level of athletic boosters wanting him out.
BiggDawgK
September 30th, 2012
2:09 am
Is it true that gt would still owe cpj 12 million if they booted him?!! That is just wrong and despite it being obvious where my love and loyalty lies, I don’t see any fun or reason in pileing on with cruel comments.
Tiredofhighschooloffenses
September 30th, 2012
2:39 am
“Paul Johnson is a great coach but his team
is folding on him and do not know why.
The option is great when it is well, but it
has been sick a lot. We have major problems
winning in overtime and when an opponent
has two week to prepare. Paul has got to
start recruiting better horses to win in Division 1
or find a school like Navy or Ga Southern.
Not ready to give up but need a “W”. Come
on Paul lets Roll.”
JP you are stupid!!!! This offense doesn’t work at this level! It may have the first season but teams are getting it. They’re prepared for it. If they’re not prepared for it, it’s because for some stupid reason they can’t figure out it’s one dimensional. It’s option! It’s assignment football! MTSU of all teams figured it out and DESTROYED Tech….once teams get off assignment football Tech starts gaining massive yardage. PJ’s “I’ve got it all in my head” bull crap has to go!! He’s too arrogant to know his offense isn’t working and never will again.
GT Fan
September 30th, 2012
3:45 am
Tiredofhighschoolblahblahblah ….
I’m not sure you understand football. MTSU scored 49 pts against GT’s DEFENSE not its “high school offense”
400+ yards and 28 pts is enough offense to win many games. But accompanied by a D that gives up 500+ yards and 49 pts it makes it tough to win.
GA Tech is a 4th rate high school team
September 30th, 2012
4:48 am
Nuff said
MatOg
September 30th, 2012
5:26 am
This team should just do a make-over!!! The offense is from the 1950’s and the D is just horrible, how can the AD, Pres and Board allow the main money maker of this great university, look like this? This team just isn’t competitive and nor will it be as long as they aren’t fighting for top recruits against UGA, Clem, FSU, Bama, Tenn, SC, Fl and so many more. No they are fighting against Furman
Al
September 30th, 2012
6:04 am
My forecast for GT football. Decline.
The BOR has decided we are a Research Institute. Name me one top HS athlete who wants to play for a research institute? Maybe d3 football.
Georgia Tech University
September 30th, 2012
6:06 am
Need a diverse curriculum. Athletes don’t do engineering anymore.
papadawg
September 30th, 2012
6:12 am
GT fans were critical about the DAWGS cupcakes on their schedule so what do you think about the cupcakes on GTs schedule.
68Cougar302
September 30th, 2012
6:39 am
Defense wins championships so let’s start with Groh’s scheme. Tech cannot recruit the right players to run a 3-4. To run a 3-4 you need 4-6 280 to 320 pound down lineman. Grantham can recruit that athlete @ UGA — not even possible @ GT. Also the purpose of those down lineman are to be double teamed and keep the lineman off the linebackers — if the three down lineman fail to hold the o line, it is all over. MTSU’s lineman were all over the linebackers. Additionally, it looked like the lineman play the C gap alot — if the nose guard is contained by the center and the guard, the tackle simple turns the down lineman in the c gap outward, the full back hits the hole and takes the line backer and the running back is in the secondary. MTSU ran that all day. Finally, the slants that both Miami and MTSU threw consistantly occurred because the line backers had the fill the gaps in the d line thus taking them out of that zone that the route is run. Guys, it all starts with that line of scrimmage and our athletes can not run the 3-4. We must have 4 down lineman since we can’t get the athlete to play three dwon lineman. Sorry Al – you either adjust or you gotta go!!
"" HOT SEAT ""
September 30th, 2012
6:44 am
Enter your comments here
"" HOT SEAT ""
September 30th, 2012
6:46 am
The Al Groh experiment has FAILED!
De'Rick Dooley
September 30th, 2012
7:00 am
You Technerds are a sorry bunch…just sorry as all helle. Lol.
Honey boy
September 30th, 2012
7:07 am
This is easy: triple option…really? Who wants to come here and not play a pro style offense? Recruiting takes a serious hit for years, credit Paul Johnson. No more Chan Gailey players here anymore.
3-4 defense? …really? Haven’t got the athletes not the size to run it. Need a big plug in the middle, ain’t there. Al Groh? Never had a winning team…see NY Jets.
Finally, zero team heart…the coach has to instill fight, but can’t strap on the helmet…a sickening display of gutless performance.
Like Clint Eastwood said, “If he’s not getting the job done, it’s time for him to go!”
Lose Johnson, bring in a pro styled offense and recruit some winning attitude players,!!!,
Rick Day
September 30th, 2012
7:13 am
Frankly, I’m glad they are losing. Leaves more parking for my customers…my PAYING customers. 4 home games in a row? Do you have any idea what that does to a business that loses it’s parking to tailgaters? Can’t you guys get better and play in the Dome? You have outgrown the neighborhood.
I just wish the City of Atlanta would enfore the open container laws here. One of my patrons walks down the street with a beer and we are BOTH going to jail.
Karma, you are getting it in spades.
GTAlbany
September 30th, 2012
7:13 am
I think it has something to do with the uniforms.
Sugar Hill Dawg
September 30th, 2012
7:15 am
“Fun on the Flats?” Really? I’ve been a fan of Paul Johnson since his days at Georgia Southern. Perfect fit for the Naval Academy, but I wondered if his system was gonna work at a legit D I school. After 2009, I think everyone had the answer: SURE! What hasn’t happened, apparently, is the continuous influx of legit D I talent. I don’t know if its the system CPJ runs that turns kids off, or if its the ACC’s tarnished rep, or if kids look at Tech’s still somewhat limited curricular options (not being critical – hard to argue with Tech’s mission), or what, but Tech simply hasn’t been able to get the kids Chan Gailey used to get. As a UGA alum, of course I’m enjoying Tech’s troubles, but as a life long Tech fan (not so much after I enrolled at UGA, but still a fan) it bothers me. I hope the Jacket Nation stays strong and united – that empty stadium looked pretty pathetic on the tube.
75tranzam
September 30th, 2012
7:21 am
Can’t wait to play you guys!
Signed,
The UGA offense.
Nativebird
September 30th, 2012
7:23 am
The head coach is the head coach of the offense AND the defense. This is not Al Groh’s fault. You cannot coach HALF a football team. cPJ has attempted this from the beginning. He does like nor want the defense. Well coach, THIS is your result. FBS, Div I, ACC big time college football requires more tech fans. This guy HAS to go. We need a new direction.
De'Rick Dooley
September 30th, 2012
7:27 am
The best part of Gtu football is eating at the Varsity.
MFranklin
September 30th, 2012
7:31 am
GTAlbany – A agree… somewhat. The GT fishnet design looks really cute but fancy unis don’t make a team. Besides that, football builds traditions. Heck, the NFL have teams that wear throwback unis, but those Nike Pro-Clown costumes that look like something from a ’70s era roller derby.
Get back to the basics…
FormerCPJsupporter
September 30th, 2012
7:38 am
Today’s headline – Blue Raiders Blue Falcon Yellow Jackets!
Call Bobby!
September 30th, 2012
7:45 am
Tech’s AD needs to dump johnson and hire Bobby Petrino—he can win big at tech with a pro offense. Just make sure he stays off his hawg with his girlfriend.
Woofy One
September 30th, 2012
7:50 am
Yesterday the team quit, the coaches failed and the fans quit. A very sad day.