His Jackets pull a no-show, and Paul Johnson is not pleased
This one picture is worth a couple of hundred thousand words, give or take. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
Athens – There were two snippets of good news for Georgia Tech on an otherwise wretched Saturday: The Jackets still get to play for the ACC Championship, and the Georgia Bulldogs will be occupied elsewhere.
Other than that, this was a wipeout of epic dimensions. It wasn’t quite as bad as the 51-7 loss here in 2002, but at least that drubbing came in Year 1 under a new coach. This one arrived in Year 5 under Paul Johnson, who seemed the anti-Chan Gailey. Meaning: A man who could hold his own against the hated mutts. (Gailey went for 0-for-6.) But now Johnson, after stunning the Bulldogs on his first try, has lost four in a row to Georgia, and the series has again gone lopsided.
And Johnson, who on taking this job ordered that the slogan “Beat Georgia” be displayed on Tech’s practice field, was not pleased. Afterward his voice could be heard — at great volume and great length — railing at his players through the metal door of the visitors’ locker room, and his subsequent press briefing was sardonic even by Johnson’s standards.
When a reporter mentioned that early turnovers might have compromised Tech’s chance of winning, Johnson said: “Were you watching the game? Do you think it mattered where (the Bulldogs) got the ball?”
Speaking of which: “(Georgia) averaged 14 yards a play the first half.” (Actually only 10.6. But it seemed like 14.)
When another reporter noted that Georgia had the ball for only 8 1/2 minutes en route to 28 first-half points, Johnson said: “Good thing, huh?”
This is the same Paul Johnson who said in 2009, when his Jackets were about to play for (and win, at least on the field) the ACC title, who blithely said his program “had bigger fish to fry” than Georgia; the same Paul Johnson who has said repeatedly that he came to Tech “to win championships.” Technically, he still can claim the 2012 championship of his middling league, but the mythical state title is gone yet again. And, given that Tech’s 42-10 loss Saturday was its worst against Georgia under this coach, it wouldn’t appear the gap is narrowing.
Said Tevin Washington, Tech’s senior quarterback: “The only way we’re going to get it going the other way is to beat them.”
Whenever Tech loses — and it has lost half its games this regular season — the knee-jerk reaction is to label Johnson’s stylized offense as high-schoolish. But here again we saw that the option is all that distinguishes Tech as a program of worth. The defense, now on its third coordinator under Johnson, remains terrible. Special teams are again a calamity. If not for the Jackets’ capacity to run the ball, they’d be Vanderbilt before James Franklin. They’d be, in a word, hopeless.
But here’s the thing: The rest of Tech football has grown so feeble that it can no longer prop up the stylized offense, and on a day when the offense gets yards — Tech outgained the Bulldogs 426 yards to 379 — but not points, it has no chance. Said Johnson: “We couldn’t match them score for score,” and that has become the only way the Jackets can hope to beat anyone halfway decent.
This was the sixth time this season the Jackets have yielded 40 or more points. The wonder isn’t that they lost five of those games; the wonder is that they won even one. (At North Carolina 68-50.)
A big-time program cannot long subsist as a one-trick pony, and we’re seeing the limits of Johnson as a program builder. (As opposed to an offensive schemer.) He hasn’t recruited as well as he needs to recruit to sustain the successes achieved with Gailey’s holdovers. That Tech will play Florida State in Charlotte for the ACC title says more about the flimsy state of the conference than it does about Tech. The only time these Jackets look like a real team is when they have the ball.
The Jackets saw early Saturday what a real team looks like when it doesn’t have the ball. Tech back Robert Godhigh burst inside the Georgia 5 on the Jackets’ first series, and for a moment it seemed the game — Georgia had seized a 7-0 lead after 63 seconds — was about to be joined. But no. Safety Bacarri Rambo wrested the ball from Godhigh’s grasp, and that was essentially that.
Asked if it would be difficult to rouse his men to play Florida State after such a beating, Johnson said: “I look at it as another opportunity. We’ll see how they respond.”
It must be noted that Johnson did not give the impression of a coach living in fervent hope. True, a different opponent and a different venue could yield a different result. But it’s hard to imagine any game involving the Bulldogs turning out well for Tech anytime soon.
Further reading: On Paul Johnson’s poor early choice and Tech’s lack of fans.
By Mark Bradley
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519 comments Add your comment
David S.
November 24th, 2012
9:17 pm
GTBob… you are a sick puppy… however, i’m surprised that Gailey had that winning %…. You are the Debbie Downer of GA TECH FOOTBALL… some of us who identify ourselves as tech fans and are critical of the crap we see on TV, really are TECH fans. I’ve been that way since the days of Ricardo Ingram, Willis Crockett, and so on…. dude, you really need to get with reality… CPJ sucks donkey dong.. I’m starting to wonder, are you a DAWG fan acting as a tech fan just to get doodoo started
GTBob
November 24th, 2012
9:18 pm
Even a UGA grad can figure out that Ross had the team heading in the right direction.
Sorry, but you can’t just ignore his first few seasons. Those counted too. Either way he went 8-5 in his final season with a nice loss to UGA. UGA fans were calling for CPJ’s head after going 8-5 last year.
Ken in Alpharetta
November 24th, 2012
9:18 pm
Looked to me that the defensive coordinator change made no difference. Also looked as though Ga Southern is better than gt. Atleast better coached. There is your problem techies, Top coaches get top players and make them better. Simple as that. Not happening now at gt with cpj.
We Own You
November 24th, 2012
9:18 pm
We own you—-and all you can come up with is “wait ’til Alabama gets you.” Keep living through other teams nerds because your program is a joke, your coach is a jerk and your fan base is pitiful. Everybody who graduates from Tech is supposedly a millionaire, but you can’t afford squat. You should quit pretending to have a football program and go to a lower division.
Ed
November 24th, 2012
9:20 pm
The academics argument is nonsense. Schools find a way to admit who they want. Many of these kids wouldn’t gain admission to any of these high-profile schools without an athletic scholarship. And once the players are admitted, they are coddled and given all the assistance they need to get through school. The only schools in this country who truly have an academic barrier to big-time football success reside in the Ivy League.
1990_Champs_GT
November 24th, 2012
9:22 pm
@ Hap Hines, my point EXACTLY! Other teams can recruit and have success with tougher academics. Hell, Tech has done it in the past. But what we’ve got as a head coach isn’t the answer.
Boycott 2013. Boycott the program until we get a new coach. And then support that coach. And if he doesn’t make it work, boycott again, lol!
GTBob
November 24th, 2012
9:24 pm
David S., im not fully sold on CPJ but at some point you have to face the facts that winning at GT is not easy and spending tens of millions of dollars firing and chasing coaches every few years may not be the best strategy going forward. We either need to make significant institutional changes or accept that history will probably continue to repeat itself.
1990_Champs_GT
November 24th, 2012
9:24 pm
Boycott the Honeycomb Hideout unis too. Burn those bit€hes!
yellowfever
November 24th, 2012
9:25 pm
we are a freakin mess and nobody really knows what to do to get us straightened out. Everything from fire the coach, 2 & 3 star players, no AD, special teams suck, academics are too hard. Personally, I dont think Tech will ever be able to compete with UGA in football. Tech screwed it self 50 years ago when they decided to bale on the SEC and now were paying the price. If Tech was still a member, we would have better players, better coaches and better crowds.
David S.
November 24th, 2012
9:26 pm
I agree Ed… thats why I said earlier that if TECH is going to keep using that damn argument, than damn’t, go IVY league… There not that far away in academics from being that way any way. The Math at TECH is a BITCH, I dont care what any other person says… You have to experience it to know it… But, the argument is sooooooooooooo damn old…
Cdpridg
November 24th, 2012
9:27 pm
you tech boys were not ready..southern is a better program now…in due time Ga St will be too…..shut the program down tech
Leeman
November 24th, 2012
9:28 pm
What’s funny is all the mutt breaths need help to get to SEC FINAL. “Oh someone please beat SC”, “oh k state, please lose”, “oh gosh, lets cross our paws and hope Oregon loses”.
Gawdamighty, mutts. You had the easiest schedule on the SEC and u still come off like a welfare victim. Well guess what? Uncle nick is gonna cash your food stamps next Saturday. You spit the bit with the one good team you played and barely got by Florida even though they turned it over 6 times. Well just like the dumb dog who chases cars in my neighborhood and barks, You just caught a steamroller in bama. Enjoy the asswhipping the pedigree of the tide is gonna administer. It will make the kick in the mouth Lsu gave you last December feel like a stinky pinky finger.
Bwahaha !!
ATL
November 24th, 2012
9:30 pm
@old dog…I’ll tell you way 4 and 5 star athletes don’t want to come to Tech. GT doesn’t have Recreation or African-American Studies as majors!
Embarrased to even be associated with GA TECH
November 24th, 2012
9:32 pm
I have destroyed all my GT flags,hats,jackets & anything else to do with Ga Tech. I am so embarrassed to have anything to do with Ga Tech & I am employed there. Get rid of Paul Johnson NOW!!!!!!! please.
pathetic
November 24th, 2012
9:32 pm
Just think Techies, in 7 days all ladies can pretend to be Bama fans.
Living through another team’s success…a techie way of life. How’s that humble pie tasting? Like some more?
Flo- Ri- Duh
November 24th, 2012
9:33 pm
Richt owns Tech.
pathetic
November 24th, 2012
9:34 pm
“Let’s go Bama….they are my team now.”
David S.
November 24th, 2012
9:34 pm
GTBob… Thats what I’ve been trying to say…. When we do get someone that can do both, because it is more difficult at Tech than most schools, we’ve got to roll out fort knox to them… No, O’leary may not have been perfect, but he made it fun to watch and damnt, TECH would hit their opponent in the friggin nose and make them bleed… since he left, we have not had a snot knocking team… either way, I’ll support the Jackets…
fish fry
November 24th, 2012
9:35 pm
Leeman
November 24th, 2012
9:28 pm
What’s funny is all the mutt breaths need help to get to SEC FINAL. “Oh someone please beat SC”, “oh k state, please lose”, “oh gosh, lets cross our paws and hope Oregon loses”.
Gawdamighty, mutts. You had the easiest schedule on the SEC and u still come off like a welfare victim. Well guess what? Uncle nick is gonna cash your food stamps next Saturday. You spit the bit with the one good team you played and barely got by Florida even though they turned it over 6 times. Well just like the dumb dog who chases cars in my neighborhood and barks, You just caught a steamroller in bama. Enjoy the asswhipping the pedigree of the tide is gonna administer. It will make the kick in the mouth Lsu gave you last December feel like a stinky pinky finger.
Bwahaha !!
—————————————————————————
It is funny hearing this from a team that lost to Middle Tennessee State and is playing in the ACC championship game thanks to Miami bowing out. Can you say sore LOSER.
ugagrad'89
November 24th, 2012
9:35 pm
@Leeman 11 out of 12….Tech sux….
pathetic
November 24th, 2012
9:36 pm
“hey guys, do you think our GT book store can stock some Nick Saban posters? Sure would like to have one now that my favorite team is Bama.”
GTBob
November 24th, 2012
9:36 pm
I agree Ed… thats why I said earlier that if TECH is going to keep using that damn argument, than damn’t, go IVY league…
Football funds most of the other sports. Getting rid of it (or dropping to IVY) would pretty much end the athletic department. I’m fine having a poor football team if it allows real student athletes in other sports to continue to compete.
GT Letterwinner
November 24th, 2012
9:37 pm
The apparel section at the local Dollar General remains the closest connection most UGA fans have to their school.
Go Tech.
Still a graduate. Still a fan.
dawgfan
November 24th, 2012
9:37 pm
LMAO @ the Board pf Regents conspiracy theory excuse. That one takes the taco right there. You have to give Tech fans one thing. They sure are creative with their excuses.
GT wreck
November 24th, 2012
9:38 pm
GT has plenty of positives for recruits.
The great academics is a feature, not a hinderance. That’s why Calvin Johnson came to GT. People need to chill out with using the “but we’re smart, and that’s why we can’t recruit great players” crap.
Atlanta is an awesome city — especially for a young black man who might be a monster on the field. Every city has ghettos, including Athens, but I can’t think of another city that has a more affluent African American community than Atlanta.
What’s not going to help is our “we only want tier 2 recruits” approach.
dawgfan
November 24th, 2012
9:39 pm
GTLetterwinner=Still a crybaby sore loser.
Jim Grayson
November 24th, 2012
9:40 pm
We gotta find a way to dump PJ. We will never have a good defense if we are running this offense. It makes it difficult to simulate conventional offenses. Good teams can defend this offense if they see it every year. The failed experiment should be over. Bring back Chan, or O’Leary, or Pepper. Anybody is better than watching this high school offense.
JB
November 24th, 2012
9:41 pm
@bamajacket … Florida St much better than UGA?? I dont think so.
BubbaDaBaller
November 24th, 2012
9:42 pm
“I’m a Rambling Wreck from Girlie Tech and get buzzed on half a beer. I’d like to think we can beat Ole Georgia but after today it’s become painfully clear…If you can’t throw the ball your a team that won’t play in the New Year”…
David S.
November 24th, 2012
9:42 pm
yes it would end it at an ACC conferenceor D1 level… There is no such thing as fareness in college sports anymore, its as corrupt as lawyers and politics…. it’s a matter of how does one want to compete….
flagboy?
November 24th, 2012
9:43 pm
GT Letterwinner
November 24th, 2012
9:37 pm
The apparel section at the local Dollar General remains the closest connection most UGA fans have to their school.
Go Tech.
Still a graduate. Still a fan.
___________________
And probably still a jerk. Sitting in a desk might be closest connection you have with the word “class”.
bubba4dawgs
November 24th, 2012
9:46 pm
Sure glad the “cut blocking nerds” are gone for another season. That block should be outlawed! When a play can permanently injure a player, it should be banned. The nerds rely on it and unless you’re used to seeing it, it is difficult to prepare for it. It’s definitely a chicken-s**t block! Regardless, the DAWGS took care of business and win or lose the rest of the way, I’m proud of them! GO DAWGS!! Anyone see that squashed bug after the game??
JB
November 24th, 2012
9:47 pm
GTLetterWeiner … still a loser.
flagboy?
November 24th, 2012
9:47 pm
All of this talk about Tech not being able to compete and having all the disadvantages. . . you guys are less than 5 years removed from an ACC title and playing in the Orange Bowl. The fact is, Gailey had a great recruiting class one year, and Johnson had the benefit of a guy like Nesbitt fall into his lap. The flexbone/triple option is a helluva weapon, and if Johnson coached UGA, with the talent, he’d be very very successful. Problem being after a few years, the talent would drop off because most high school kids don’t want to play this offense in college. Nesbitt himself said he probably wouldn’t have come to tech if Johnson was the head coach at the time.
pathetic
November 24th, 2012
9:48 pm
All Georgia Tech athletes are in the NASA Space Program. It is true! Ask any Tech football fan. They can’t practice football….they are preparing for the next trip to the moon! Paul Johnson was an astronaut before coming to Tech…Look it up!
David S.
November 24th, 2012
9:49 pm
GT wreck— you’re a racist…
pathetic
November 24th, 2012
9:52 pm
Come on David S….astronauts are too smart to be racist. Chill bra’.
JB
November 24th, 2012
9:53 pm
All you whining morons that are using academics as your crutch, turn to fox and watch Stanford … great coaching, pro style offense.
pathetic
November 24th, 2012
9:55 pm
My Jackets can beat your Bulldogs in the upcoming debate bowl. Better recognize!
GT wreck
November 24th, 2012
9:55 pm
If I were the new AD, the new head football coach, or whoever is going to be in charge of recruiting players (who’s in charge here?), I would bring some swag to the game — one of our biggest weaknesses.
We should take a page out of the book of Thug U and drag the Atlanta hip hop community out to the games. We should be giving all Atlanta rappers field passes.
David S.
November 24th, 2012
9:57 pm
Amen JB… Look at Vanderbilt, Hell look at what Duke has done this year…
Lame
November 24th, 2012
9:59 pm
@1990_Champs_GT…I’m a GT fan, but Boise is extremely nice! Great city and great skiing. Very little crime like here in the ghetto!
Lame
November 24th, 2012
10:01 pm
@1990_Champs_GT…Boise is a great city. Great skiing and very clean.
pathetic
November 24th, 2012
10:02 pm
Yeah GT Wreck…our insults will keep them from feasting on our tears! You go boy!
Dawgs 11 Nerds 1
November 24th, 2012
10:04 pm
Paul Johnson and his explosive offense are doing a great job at Tech, i think he needs an 10 year extension. And they should hire the great Reggie Ball to coach QBs. He’s right, UGA is not the end all be all anyway.
ULTIMATE GT FAN
November 24th, 2012
10:04 pm
At least we are not Georgia Southern….wait a minute.
Disgusted
November 24th, 2012
10:06 pm
Paul Johnson is just jerky — no wonder why he has trouble recruiting.
Not the worst FC in the world, and as a football coach he should do it his way but his way and that offense does not win in big time college football.
That is on Radicovich, he was the one who hired him. If I were a GT fan I would be disgusted with that mediocre program.
And GT fans owe Paul Johnson nothing.
DawginNY
November 24th, 2012
10:06 pm
Cheer up Tech fans. The stat card will tell you that this was not utter domination. Our defense couldn’t get off the field in the first half against your O. You didn’t cash in, but your offense certainly wasn’t dominated. True, your defense sux. But you should be confident that you can always count on your offense to be one of the best in the country, and you are making a change again on the defensive side of the ball. Eventually you will get a good defensive coordinator, and when you do you will be very dangerous.
David S.
November 24th, 2012
10:07 pm
GT wreck… your thoughts are misguided… as I said, you’re a racist… no one has said we need to do what you’ve been suggesting… you’re an elitist and a smuck….
Mark
November 24th, 2012
10:11 pm
Another classy move and illegal block by a gt lineman against UGA. This has happened two years in a row. Richt is now 11-1 vs gt thugs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ojR6qo-RY8