Can Georgia Tech ruin UGA’s season? (Video added)
The dynamics changed Monday morning. With Miami’s decision to exclude itself from postseason play, Georgia Tech claimed the ACC Coastal Division title. So now, for the first time, Tech and Georgia will meet with both having, to borrow Paul Johnson’s pithy phrase, bigger fish to fry. Win or lose Saturday, both will play for conference championships a week later.
But these two division titlists are not equal. The Jackets are 6-5, and the best they can do is to play in the Orange Bowl. (Not that the Orange Bowl, given that Tech just nosed above .500, would be a bad deal.) The Bulldogs are 10-1, and with two more victories they will play for the BCS crown. Georgia has much more to lose. The Jackets are 14-point road underdogs against an opponent they’ve beaten once since George Godsey ran through Jim Donnan’s crew of NFL-caliber defenders in 2000.
If these teams met 10 times, Georgia would win nine. But the Jackets have only to beat Georgia once to make their season and royally roil the Bulldogs’. Lest we forget, the signature victory of Johnson’s time at Tech came in Athens on a day in 2008 when his team wasn’t supposed to win.
That this game will be staged between the hallowed hedges might actually benefit the visitors. Under Johnson, the Jackets have played better against Georgia at Sanford Stadium than off North Avenue. The worst loss — well, at least until Middle Tennessee — of his Tech tenure was against Georgia at Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2009, when 10-1 Tech, which was bound for the ACC title game and ranked No. 7 in the land, lost 30-24 to the 6-5 Bulldogs. Last year’s meeting in Atlanta marked the only time Georgia has truly handled the Johnson-coached Jackets, winning 31-17.
Fun with numbers: Georgia has both the better offense (25th nationally to Tech’s 28th) and defense (20th to Tech’s 61st). But the Jackets’ rushing offense is the nation’s third-best, and the Bulldogs’ rushing defense is tepid (49th-best among 120 FBS schools). Twice in the past four meetings (in 2008 and in the frantic 2010 game, which Georgia won 42-34), Tech has rushed for more than 400 yards. And it must be noted that Georgia Southern, which is housed in a lower division, just rushed for 302 yards against these Bulldogs.
That said, it’s revealing that, under two defensive coordinators, Georgia has fared much better the second time around. Tech rushed for 409 yards against Willie Martinez’s defense in 2008; in 2009 the Jackets managed 205. Tech rushed for 411 yards against Todd Grantham’s D in 2010; in 2011 the Jackets managed 243. There are days when Johnson’s option-based spread can shred even a decent defense — North Carolina ranks in the upper half of the ACC in every major defensive category, and Tech stacked 588 yards and 68 points on the Tar Heels — but it’s hard to imagine that happening to a unit that has Jarvis Jones and Alec Ogletree and Jonathan Jenkins and Shawn Williams.
This Georgia defense hasn’t always played to capacity. Heck, it needed Williams’ pre-Florida “soft” declaration to boot itself into gear. Even so, Tech hasn’t faced a defense half this talented. The Bulldogs’ D would have to have a terrible day for the Tech O to have a great one. That could happen. But even if it did …
Loading ...Tech would still have to stop Georgia, and there’s the mismatch. The Jackets are working under their second defensive coordinator of the season (first Al Groh, now Charles Kelly), and even Tech’s rise to the top of the Coastal hasn’t been paved with shutdown defending. Georgia has scored 37 or more points in eight of its 11 games, and Tech has yielded 40 or more points in five of its 11.
Tech’s best-case scenario: Its offense has that great day and bleeds the clock — this happened against Duke on Saturday; Tech had five 70-yard drives and hogged the ball for 38 minutes — and renders Aaron Murray a spectator, and Georgia’s offense gets antsy when it finally takes its turn and starts turning it over. It’s not unthinkable that Tech could forge an early lead, and in a game of such importance the pressure on a trailing favorite can be immense. Witness formerly No. 1 Kansas State, just beaten 52-24 by the 4-5 Baylor Bears.
But we can forget about Georgia looking beyond Tech to Alabama (presumably) in the Dome. Mark Richt’s history reflects that his Bulldogs have struggled to beat the Jackets only once — in 2005, when Tim Jennings intercepted a Reggie Ball pass with a minute left — in the four times they’ve been bound for the SEC title game. For all the talk about Richt’s too-even keel, he has his men primed for the state championship. Even in 2008, his one loss to Tech, Georgia led 28-12 at the half.
Yes, strange things can happen in rivalry games, but not often in this rivalry. In 16 tries, Tech has never beaten a Georgia team ranked in the Top 10.(The 1927 victory over the unbeaten Bulldogs predated the AP and UPI polls.) This wouldn’t seem to be the breakthrough. Expect the Jackets to play hard and well. Expect the Bulldogs to win 35-24.
Further reading: Heat Check – hot ‘Dogs face a warm swarm of Yellow Jackets.
Oh, and not to say I told you so: Pigskin’ pickin – Tech wins its division; Georgia takes the SEC.
Say what you will about Mark Richt, but he does own Georgia Tech. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
By Mark Bradley
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679 comments Add your comment
Elmer Fudd
November 19th, 2012
5:03 pm
Tom Osborne quote 1990 Georgia Tech
Google search by that. No quote from Tom Osborne anywhere.
It just points back to here and Tech fans quoting him as saying it.
I dont buy it.
BOY THAT DAWG IS UGLY
November 19th, 2012
5:03 pm
Anything is possible. Not considering Gators and Cocks the FBS teams Dawgs have played have a combined winning % of 30%. Gators barely beat ULL and Cocks humiliated Dawgs.
RAMBLE ON!!!
November 19th, 2012
5:03 pm
GT will score more points in this game then in the Basketball game in Dec., and will win both.
Remember you heard it here first.
62-39-5 Dawgs vs the Joke by Coke
November 19th, 2012
5:03 pm
GTracy
You need to grow a skin, if your gonna be on this blog darling.
What position did you say your Mama played on the GT team honeychild?
Elmer Fudd
November 19th, 2012
5:04 pm
one thing you forgot to mention Mark is UGA’s schedule in 08 that included Bama.
We played bama in 07 and beat them.
Mark Richt is 3 and 1 vs Bama
Elmer Fudd
November 19th, 2012
5:06 pm
Tom Osborne quote 1990 Georgia Tech
Google search by that. No quote from Tom Osborne anywhere.
It just points back to here and Tech fans quoting him as saying it.
I dont buy it.
Somebody link to a quote please.
Otherwise im calling BS
Elmer Fudd
November 19th, 2012
5:08 pm
http://bigredupdates.hivefire.com/articles/share/12537/
Tech is listed among the 5 most undeserving National Champs of all time.
Bobby Ross’ Yellow Jackets came out of nowhere to win the UPI national title in 1990 largely because, like BYU, they were the only undefeated team at the end of the season. The “Ramblin’ Wreck” finished the season with a solid 11-0-1 record.
But the ACC, which had not yet added Florida State, was still a conference where most schools put basketball well ahead of football in the pecking order.
The Jackets’ only blemish was a tie against North Carolina, who would finish the season 6-4-1 and miss out on a bowl. Big wins for the Jackets included Virginia, who was ranked No. 1 at the time of the game, and Clemson, who finished No. 8. Those were the only two ranked opponents that Tech played during the regular season.
In fact, Virginia would go on to lose three more times, including the Sugar Bowl to SEC champion Tennessee, and finish 23rd in the final AP Poll.
Tech travelled to Orlando for the Citrus Bowl to play a Nebraska team coming off an embarrassing 45-10 drubbing by Oklahoma in the regular season finale. Tech would win convincingly over the plodding Cornhuskers 45-21.
In fact, Nebraska was so upset about how their season ended that head coach Tom Osborne changed his recruiting philosophy to pursue faster players. The 1990 Cornhuskers finished the season ranked No. 24, the lowest-ranked team Tom Osborne ever coached in Lincoln.
Give Georgia Tech credit for picking the right year to go 11-0-1. It was the best record in the country and the UPI poll awarded them with a national championship. However, Tech likely would’ve been underdog to any other team in the top five had they played in a bowl game.
The Citrus Bowl, like the Holiday, has still not hosted another game with national title implications.
1276jacket
November 19th, 2012
5:09 pm
This game will really hing on whether the GT defense has gotten any better since Groh was removed. If not; it will be the same as last years game.
Jmicceys1
November 19th, 2012
5:11 pm
Make it 10 out of 11, Go Dawgs!
GTracy
November 19th, 2012
5:11 pm
@Charles No feelings hurt here. But if you UGA fans want to continue to talk down to women like yourself, it just makes you look like sexist trolls.
THWG all day everyday! I freakin hate every single one of ya! Y’all give me more reasons every time I interact with you.
I have realistic expectations for Tech against UGAg. I expect to give ‘em a game for a little while but our defense will not be able to contain anything. I’m pretty apathetic this year because I know we aren’t that good. But come on, UGA isn’t really “that” good either. Regardless, the 10-1 record UGA has over GT speaks for itself We can always dream though.
Toady (no longer reformed)
November 19th, 2012
5:13 pm
“I did find the following on a message board which I think more accurately reflects the situation.”
WOW! A message board! I suppose Wikipedia is your source for all things factual.
Save it! I can find all sorts of stuff on “message boards” I think would “more accurately reflect the situation” too. I’m going from memory. Yes, I suppose that ‘Ol Tom Osborne had an agenda. He may well of had a conspiracy. He was such a lousy coach and all. I guess he’s not Hall of Fame material.
Good for you Elmer. I think it’s wabbit season. Or is it baseball season? What a maroon!
GT Dude
November 19th, 2012
5:14 pm
You UGA dudes ought to consider chilling out a little.
it is just little ole Tech you’re playing,
With all the vital loathing you dudes are expelling, one would think you’re worried.
come on dudes, just
Calm Down – Enjoy Life a Little
chase
November 19th, 2012
5:15 pm
North Carolina and Middle Tennessee rolled up around 50+ points on Tech…what do you think Gurley, Marshall, and Murray are going to do…….
Rick James
November 19th, 2012
5:21 pm
@GTBob
You are completely insane if you think Richt could recruit as well at GT as he does at UGA. He wouldn’t have a single class in the top 20 and I doubt he would ever win more than 5 games at Tech.
———————————————————————————————————————————-
No I’m not insane and Tech would be in the top tier of the ACC.For one thing he wouldnt allow James Franklin at Vanderbilt other “academic instutions”to clean his clock in Georgia like they’re doing to Paul Johnson with recruits..Secondly his schemes would prepare kids for the next level unlike Paul Johnson and they would want to play for him.Kids would rather live and play in Atlanta than Athens any day of the week.
Elmer Fudd
November 19th, 2012
5:22 pm
Good for you Elmer. I think it’s wabbit season. Or is it baseball season? What a maroon!
Still no link to Osborne quote.
Calling BS officially.
Robert
November 19th, 2012
5:23 pm
Been a Tech fan since going to games in the Bobby Dodd days when I was a kid. Went to the school because I liked the football team (there’s a good reason, huh?). That being said Gurley may rush for 1000 yards against this defense. Jarvis Jones will wreak havoc. As much as I hate to say it – GA 48, GT 10 (maybe). Good luck to the Dogs against Bama.
Paul in NH
November 19th, 2012
5:25 pm
UGA 35-24 seems about right. GT needs Murray to throw the ball to GT defenders for GT to win.
GT Joe
November 19th, 2012
5:27 pm
Tech 85-20.
(If Vad Lee starts).
Otherwise, Tech loses (score irrelevant).
GTBob
November 19th, 2012
5:28 pm
Kids would rather live and play in Atlanta than Athens any day of the week.
If this is the case then why has every GT coach in recent memory been a poor recruiter? What exactly are you expecting Richt to do at GT that no one else has ever tried? Is it the hugging? And no, Richt would have no chance at making GT a top tier ACC team. Richt would have absolutely no idea what to do with below average talent. His whole coaching career he has been surrounded by 5 star morons who wouldn’t be able to get into most other schools.
Elmer Fudd
November 19th, 2012
5:28 pm
No I’m not insane and Tech would be in the top tier of the ACC.For one thing he wouldnt allow James Franklin at Vanderbilt other “academic instutions”to clean his clock in Georgia like they’re doing to Paul Johnson with recruits..Secondly his schemes would prepare kids for the next level unlike Paul Johnson and they would want to play for him.Kids would rather live and play in Atlanta than Athens any day of the week.
Exactly right. I could see Richt still getting kids like Murray and Keith Marshall to come to Tech and play. Both could have gone to Tech. Had the grades.
In fact alot of the players on the UGA team academically qualify to play at Tech.
They just dont want to play there.
Elmer Fudd
November 19th, 2012
5:30 pm
Don’t take the whole academics thing away from them though.
Even though it isn’t true.
Its the last crutch they use when getting the crap beat out of em.
GT Joe
November 19th, 2012
5:31 pm
We don’t recruit as well as Georgia because kids want to play in the SEC over the ACC, and Georgia has been winning more than Tech.
If Tech strings together 10 years of 10 win seasons, we could recruit CLOSE to UGA (still not as well because of the SEC thing).
If it was only about the city, then yeah, tech would outrecruit. But players want to play for winners, first and foremost.
Toady (no longer reformed)
November 19th, 2012
5:32 pm
Call it whatever you like Elmer. It’s a bigger issue for you than me. I suppose in your world Clint Castleberry was a no good coward. I don’t hate UGA. I pull for Tech. I’m amazed at the hatred displayed by you and those like you. Good luck to both teams. Hope the Jackets pull off the upset.
Life is too short to argue with you Elmer. Have as good a life as you possibly can. That hatred is going to eat you up. It’s not good for the body, mind and soul.
ATL
November 19th, 2012
5:35 pm
As a Tech Fan…Not a chance in HELL!
Professor Pigskin
November 19th, 2012
5:40 pm
I love the way the UGA “fans” are talking so bad about Tech’s defense and then predicting scores to be 64-48, 45-34, etc. If Tech puts up those points, what is that saying about UGA’s defense? By the way, does anyone realize that UGA has played 3 teams that are bowl eligible?
For the UGA “fans”: Eligible means satisfying appropriate conditions.
ATL
November 19th, 2012
5:42 pm
Elmer….I give give GT much of a puncher chance in this game, but you are frigging crazy about Murray and Marshall making the grade at Tech. 1st and foremost. You do have to attend class at GT and study! Most players at UGA have no interest in the academic side of life. They are at GA to be used by the school for fans like you. You have no interest in these kids other can they run and complete a pass.
ATL
November 19th, 2012
5:43 pm
I meant,,,I don’t give GT much of a chance,
GTBob
November 19th, 2012
5:43 pm
Exactly right. I could see Richt still getting kids like Murray and Keith Marshall to come to Tech and play. Both could have gone to Tech.
Tech doesn’t have a 5 star recruit in their history but if Richt were here they would all of the sudden be coming in in droves. That seems like a logical argument.
OldGold1964
November 19th, 2012
5:44 pm
Stop the talking. Let’s play ‘ball.
Billy (not Martin)
November 19th, 2012
5:45 pm
If UGA gets off to a fast start…it could get real real uggly.
Don’t see how the Jackets will be able to stay in the game unless the dogs just totally self destruct.
Tech’s D is just horrible. I really think Ga Southern might have a better D than Tech.
I’m gonna start practicing my “Maybe next year”line.
Buzz
November 19th, 2012
5:47 pm
GT is allowed four academic exceptions per team, UGA is allowed 10 per recruiting class. You have players on your team that are unqualified to be farm hands.
If do right, no can defense
November 19th, 2012
5:48 pm
Fellow jackets, you see before you the enemy that awaits us. We are outgunned, outmanned, and possibly outcoached by a team that is making a run for the national title, while we’ve barely qualified for a bowl game.
Know this, my friends. There is always hope. Our battle is one of David & Goliath, and we are David here. Yes, Goliath on paper would win 9 times out of 10. Yes, Goliath had immense physical strength and was favored by a crushing margin. But just like David, we can still pull it off. We have to use every bit of intelligence, and wit, and above all, believe in ourselves.
I refuse to roll over and admit defeat before the battle has begun. We can, and we will prove the prognosticators wrong.
Go Georgia Tech! There is always hope.
Football fan
November 19th, 2012
5:48 pm
Elmer Fudd: Please provide your phone number so I can tell you how stupid you are to your face!
Old Dog Class of 80
November 19th, 2012
5:48 pm
There is probably the same chance of Tech beating Georgia as there is of Georgia beating Alabama.
Italian_29
November 19th, 2012
5:51 pm
I hope that this is a good, exciting, cleanly played game that none of the players get hurt in. I also hope that the Dawgs win, even if it is only by 1 point, a win is a win. I will be rooting for GT to beat free shoes U on Dec 1 and I hope they pull the upset. It would be GREAT to have both teams win their respective championships. It would be awesome to see the Dawgs upset Bama and bring CMR a VERY WELL DESERVED Natty, he is such a GREAT person and that is the only thing missing from his résumé. Happy Turkey Day Everyone!
GSU1991
November 19th, 2012
5:52 pm
Mr. Bradley, and AJC editors: PLEASE implement strategy to limit contributors to one comment per person. If “Elmer Fudd” gets a thrill out of seeing his name multiple times, let him get a publishing deal and distribute a book with nothing but his name on each page. Better yet, he needs to stay after class and write it on the blackboard, one thousand times. (And for each time he misspells his own name, he has to write it 10 more correct times.)
MT
November 19th, 2012
5:53 pm
There is probably the same chance of Tech beating Georgia as there is of Georgia beating Alabama.
A & M did it.
boots
November 19th, 2012
5:55 pm
Mark, in Jeff’s column yesterday he asked “who would have thought the Dawgs could be playing for the BCS championship?” The rhetorical answer was no one. Give credit where it is due: you did. Let’s just hope the Dawgs finish strong and peak at the right time. They have started out games half-asleep.
Bark Madly
November 19th, 2012
5:56 pm
@Old Dog, that was perhaps the most intelligent comment that I have read so far. The rest are simply junk.
GTBob
November 19th, 2012
5:58 pm
A & M did it.
A&M is better than UGA.
Papa Smurf
November 19th, 2012
5:59 pm
The answer to the headline is…….NO!
MT
November 19th, 2012
6:00 pm
we could recruit CLOSE to UGA (still not as well because of the SEC thing).
Yeah and who was the great and powerful one that took GT out of the SEC? Biggest mistake Tech ever made in the history of the school.Withdrawing from the SEC.
Gameday
November 19th, 2012
6:00 pm
Bradley talking about junk… Do you think he reads his own articles?
GTBob
November 19th, 2012
6:01 pm
Biggest mistake Tech ever made in the history of the school.Withdrawing from the SEC.
Getting out of the SEC and not being a part of what it has become was the single greatest thing Bobby Dodd ever did.
MT
November 19th, 2012
6:07 pm
A&M is better than UGA.
Didn’t A &M lose to Florida? So your assumption is based on the fact that you don’t like UGA.
Were you not also one of the ones that said UGA has NO CHANCE AGAINST FLORIDA?
MT
November 19th, 2012
6:09 pm
@Old Dog, that was perhaps the most intelligent comment that I have read so far. The rest are simply junk.
Yeah and what moron made you head of the intelligence committee?
Schadenfreude
November 19th, 2012
6:20 pm
This game reminds me of the 2002 season…UGA 51 – Tech 7
Italian_29
November 19th, 2012
6:20 pm
Wow there are some pretty mean spirited comments, from both sides, about people that they don’t even know. I know that this rivalry is called, ” clean old fashioned hate” but REALLY? It is just a game and we are all Georgians at heart, why not leave the personal attacks out of this and talk football.
Charles
November 19th, 2012
6:29 pm
test
Phelps
November 19th, 2012
6:30 pm
This game should be on ABC at night. Too bad Tech stunk it up for the rest of us.