Tom Osborne only coach with more wins that Paul Johnson

That is pretty lofty company that Paul Johnson is in especially considering that 1 of those 12 years Coach Johnson only won 2 games at Navy.

GEORGIA TECH: "Tom Osborne is the only person to win more games in his first 12 years as a head coach."

Morgan Burnett Rated the 40th Best Football Player In All of College Football

Rivals.com 2009 Top 100 Players Countdown photos:
"No. 40: Georgia Tech SS Morgan Burnett

THE PARTICULARS: 6-1/211, Jr.; College Park (Ga.) North Clayton

THE BUZZ: Tech needed someone to make big plays last season, and Burnett answered the call. He tied for the NCAA lead with seven interceptions, a total higher than the entire Georgia Tech defense collected a year earlier. Burnett is best known for his ball-hawking ways, but he’s not a one-dimensional player. He also recorded a team-high 93 tackles last season – including 62 solos – and made seven stops behind the line of scrimmage."

Joe Cox says UGA will Turn Around the Underdawg billing and Use It On the Field

Everything right now is just talk, kind of like every season. UGA coach Mark Richt and their QB Joe Cox are very optimistic about the season. Here we see Cox saying that UGA will use the underdawg billing to motivate them.

So UGA won 9 game last year. This year they play 11 BCS games, now how many does Cox think UGA will win? 10? 11? 12? 9 would "be as good" as last year but then again maybe UGA ends up with a harder schedule this year and 9 wins means the UGA team is a little bit better. Who knows? Certainly I would say 8 wins would not be as good a team as last year regardless of the schedule. UGA had a pretty tough schedule last year as well.

NWAnews.com :: Northwest Arkansas' News Source:
"Georgia hopes to use the lowered expectations to its advantage.
'With people telling you, 'You won't be as good,' you turn it around and use it on the field and in the locker room,' Cox said. 'When someone tells you you can't do something it motivates you and you better yourself.'"

Jonathan Dwyer Loses 10 pounds

Early on this blog we posted an interview where Dwyer states he has lost 4 lbs, now he is stating that he has lost 10 pounds in this year's off season! Losing ten pounds and working on his speed....this young man is going to be so fun to watch this year in my opinion based on these facts. Can you imagine a faster Jonathan Dwyer at 225lbs instead of 235lbs?

Scout.com: ACC Media Kickoff: Jonathan Dwyer:
"How much did you lose?
'Probably about ten pounds.'"

Jonathan Dwyer on "CJ Spiller for Heisman"

Rivals.com College Football - ACC Notes: Hall in thick of Virginia QB race:

"'He deserves it,' Dwyer said. 'He's a senior. He's been [at Clemson] all four years. He's been a remarkable player. He was a Freshman All-American. He's had all the accolades ever since he stepped on campus, even in high school. He deserves all the accolades he's getting. I believe he's a great player. Hopefully he succeeds and does well. ? It's great for the ACC to know we have a Heisman candidate.'

Of course, if Spiller is a Heisman candidate, doesn't that make Dwyer one also? Dwyer rushed for more than twice as many yards as Spiller last season.

'I've only been a starter for one year,' Dwyer said. 'This is only my third year playing. [Spiller] has been here all four years. He's the head honcho. He's the guy. The most miraculous plays he makes with his feet are ridiculous. It's unreal. He deserves it. If I'm a candidate, it's exciting for me to even be dark horse or whatever they have me listed as. Just to be in that category is an honor. We'll just see at the end of the season whether or not I'm there.'"

Reshad Jones Trying To Tackle Jonathan Dwyer

"Reshad, you have to be able to tackle Roddy before you can tackle me buddy!"

A little Smack Talk by VT Player About GT's Offense

I like it! This reminds me of the Oklahoma player talking about shutting down the Gators before this year's NC game:)

Bring it "D-Train"

Opponents scheming to stop Jackets ajc.com:
"Virginia Tech safety Kam Chancellor said that during a film session he think he has figured out what Tech is going to do, just from the blocking schemes.

“I can tell run, pass, who’s getting the ball,” Chancellor said.

“If they keep it like that, then we’re all good.”

Georgia Tech B-back Jonathan Dwyer was skeptical.

“I can’t even figure that out,” Dwyer said. “So he’s got me on that one. If he thinks that, we’ll see when we play.
“He’s about to read offenses, he’s an experienced guy. I think that we’ll see when we play how much he knows and how much more experience we come out as an offense.”"

2009 Best Units: Running backs - AthlonSports.com

Here we see Athlon Sports rating Georgia Tech's running backs unit as the 2nd best in all of college football.

2009 Best Units: Running backs - AthlonSports.com:
"2. Georgia Tech 
Any doubts about the option offense working in the ACC were quickly erased last season. The Yellow Jackets ranked fourth nationally with an average of 273 rushing yards per game en route to a 9–4 season. Jonathan Dwyer had a monster year in his first go-round as a starter, rushing for 1,395 yards — fourth-most in Georgia Tech history — adding 12 touchdowns and collecting nine 100-yard games. He became the third player in school history to earn the ACC Player of the Year award and has earned first-team preseason All-America honors from Athlon Sports. Roddy Jones enjoyed a solid freshman season, rushing for 690 yards — including 214 against Georgia — and four scores. After sitting out a year as a transfer from Louisville, Anthony Allen is poised to make an impact. Allen rushed for 20 touchdowns and more than 1,000 yards in two seasons as a Cardinal, and his 6'0', 225-pound frame should help the Yellow Jackets inside the red zone. Lucas Cox, Marcus Wright and Embry Peeples combined for 334 yards last season and will provide quality depth."

The Name of the Yearly Georgia vs. Georgia Tech game

This writer listed our own rivalry as his favorite to say.

Ten Top Tens For College Football, The July 2009 Edition Bleacher Report: "1. Clean, Old Fashioned Hate-Georgia-Georgia Tech."

GT Only Beaten UGA Twice in A row 2 Times in 35 Years?

Is this a fact? Scary if true.

All-Football Friday! The questions facing Georgia Tech Mark Bradley:
"they would have to beat Georgia for the second straight year, and that has happened only twice in the past 35 years."

AJ Green 17 lbs heavier and faster for 2009

Two-minute drill: Green a bigger star, night games, SEC, Jacksonville The Junkyard Blawg:
"ESPN.com’s Chris Low reports that Georgia receiver A.J. Green, a freshman sensation last season and a consensus preseason All-SEC first-team pick, is bulking up, but the increased weight apparently isn’t affecting his speed. Green has put on 20 pounds, according to Georgia coach Mark Richt, and now weighs 207. The 6-4 sophomore was listed last year at 190 pounds. Low quotes Richt as saying Green is “faster and more explosive,”"

AJ Green Rated in the Top 5 Players of the SEC

Also this service is picking UGA to finish 2nd in the East.

CFB: Expectations exceedingly high for Gators and this season HonoluluAdvertiser.com The Honolulu Advertiser:
"WR A.J. Green, So.: Will be the biggest reason why Georgia wins 10 games this season."

Geno Atkins as a Wham back?

Geno Atkins is a high effort player and 1 of the 5 players we cover on this blog, with AJ Green, Rennie Curran, Jonathan Dwyer, and Morgan Burnett being the other 4.

Dipping into the Bulldog ‘Wish Book’ The Junkyard Blawg:
"Defensive tackle Geno Atkins played on offense as a “wham” back against Auburn and Georgia Tech last season."

Demaryius Thomas (WR) Rated the #2 Offensive Player in the ACC!

This certainly speaks alot to the GT offense when you have a service rating one of their WRs as the #2 offensive player in the entire conference in front of Jonathan Dwyer. Congrats Thomas! Of course, GT fans, coaches, and NFL scouts, already know that NFL draft day 2010 will be a wonderful day in the life of this young man.

Counting down the top ACC offensive players Pawsitive Press:
"2. WR Demaryius Thomas, Jr., Georgia Tech
Thomas (6-3, 230) would be labeled a freak athlete if he hadn’t followed in the footsteps of Calvin Johnson. Instead, he’s merely an underrated physical specimen who would star in a system that featured the forward pass. Interestingly enough, he reportedly nearly changed his commitment late in the recruiting process to USC, but the Yellow Jackets hung on. Reminds me of Terrell Owens, minus the flamboyance."

Biggest Game For GT and Brief 2009 Overview

2009 NCAA Football Preview: Top 25 (15-11) Beers with Boggs:
"Biggest Game: vs. Virginia Tech @ Home (Oct. 17th) - This game will, in all likelihood, decide the ACC Costal division. Virginia Tech is the preseason favorite to win the Costal and go to their 4th ACC title game in the last 5 years, but if Georgia Tech beats them on Oct. 17th they will likely control their own destiny.

Overview: Georgia Tech enters it’s second season under the helm of head coach Paul Johnson, last year was a good start for Paul and the Yellow Jackets but a big loss to LSU in their bowl game was a buzz kill after beating their instate rivals, Georgia, for the first time in years. This year Georgia Tech has a legitimate shot at winning the ACC Coastal division but will need the running attack of Nesbitt, Jones, and Dwyer to improve on their amazing 273.2 rushing yards a game last season. With Stafford and Moreno gone Georgia Tech might do the unthinkable and beat Georgia two straight years."

CFB: Turnaround season: This could be year ACC goes from being good to great | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser

With 4 of the top 15 coaches in the country, according to Sporting News, many experts believe that 2009 maybe the best season ever for the ACC. Even better than 2008 when the ACC sent an NCAA record 10 teams to a bowl, had a 17-15 record against nonconference NCS+ games, had 34 players drafted to the NFL, and one their BCS bowl game.

I am expecting the ACC and SEC to kind of distance themselves from the other conferences over time because their schools are located where the talent is and they have some of the best coaches in the country. I mean look at Vandy and Duke even both of these schools pay to have great coaches. I then expect the Big 12 to be alone at number 3, followed by the Pac-10, Big 10, and Big East. That is my opinion of how the conferences break down. The SEC has already kind of established itself as a perennial top 3 conference.

CFB: Turnaround season: This could be year ACC goes from being good to great HonoluluAdvertiser.com The Honolulu Advertiser:
"No matter who makes it there, one thing at this point seems clear: The ACC should be the best it has been in a good while."

Georgia Tech's Johnson explains spread-option offense - ACC - ESPN

Paul Johnson explains his offense to fans in easy to understand terms for us and I like it.

Georgia Tech's Johnson explains spread-option offense - ACC - ESPN:
"Wow. Ok. Is there anything else I didn't ask you that would help explain any misconceptions about the offense to fans?

PJ: Well it's like anything else. If you execute it properly it's going to be good, and if you don't, it won't. There are no magic ways to line up and play the offense. There's nothing magical about the offense. If we don't block people and execute right, it's not going to work. It's no different than the BYU passing or anything else. It's a system and if you do it correctly you'll be successful and if not you won't. We've done it for 26 years. It's not like it was a one-time thing. I get a kick out of people saying, 'Well they'll have another year of defending it.' Gosh, they've got 25 years, and we haven't changed much.

Anytime you do something different, people want to make more out of it than it is, but if you go back and look over the years, look at the averages and what we've done, it's been very efficient for us. If there comes a time when it's not efficient then we'll adapt and change, that's what you do. That's why we don't script plays. I want to look out and see what you're doing on defense and then I'll call the plays accordingly. It doesn't make sense to me to script 15 plays and then I look out there and you're not lined up where I thought you were going to be."

Georgia Tech football recruiting in-state prospects | AJC College Sports Recruiting

Georgia Tech is trying to prove that championships and 9 win seasons are regularly possible with mostly Georgia high school athletes. Mean while, UGA continues to look outside the state for "better" talent.

Can GT continue to win 9 or more games each season with predominantly Georgia High School players? We'll see.

Georgia Tech football recruiting in-state prospects AJC College Sports Recruiting: "“It’s like an Atlanta all-star team, ” Centennial defensive tackle Denzel McCoy told the AJC’s Michael Carvell recently. “I’m loving it. All of us are from Georgia and we’re going to show people that you don’t have to reach across the nation to get talent. It’s in our backyard.”"

UGA Fans More Concerned About Florida and LSU than GT

Well, I can't say that I blame them. Think about it: Florida the defending National Champs who have beaten UGA like 16 of the past 19 games. Then there is LSU who blew out an unprepared and uninspired GT team in the Chic-Fil-A bowl. So I would have to agree with UGA fans. I would put the Gators and LSU in front of my Jackets until proven otherwise.

Toughest game for the Dogs besides Florida? The Junkyard Blawg:
"The Dogs admittedly has major problems defending Tech’s triple option last season, but I’m by no means convinced that scenario is likely to be repeated."

Jonathan Dwyer 4 lbs Lighter and Speedier for 2009

With all of the media days and interviews of Jonathan Dwyer it reminds me of a movie or UGA last year. Point being: I hope the GT football team is working just as hard this year as they did last year.

So Dwyer wants to be called "D-Train" and he is down to 227 lbs with better speed than last season.

The Legacyx4: Jon "D-Train" Dwyer??:

"Derek Bloodworth Milledgeville Ga.: CONGRATULATIONS on last season and ACC PLAYER of the YEAR !! D-TRAIN ? DIESEL ? What is your NICKNAME ?

Jonathan: I like "D-Train". I know they used "Diesel" in the media guide, but I like "D-Train" better.

Ed, Atlanta: where is your weight and speed compared to end of regular season '08?

Jonathan: Right now I weigh 227. I probably weighed around 230, in the low 230s, at the end of last season. My speed has improved from last season."

3 SEC and 4 ACC Coaches Make Top 15 Coaches' Ranking

After winning 10 games again last season I am surprised Mark Richt is not on this list.

College football's top coaches: Meyer is No. 1 - - College Football - Sporting News:
"11. Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech. He won two I-AA national titles at Georgia Southern, completely rebuilt a struggling Navy program and now has his sights on bigger and better things at Georgia Tech."

Preseason predictions: Georgia Tech - ACC - ESPN

Preseason predictions: Georgia Tech - ACC - ESPN:
"1. ACC defenses will struggle just as much as they did a year ago to stop this offense. The spread option has been successful for as long as Paul Johnson has been running it, and that's not going to change after one season in the ACC. Instead, the Jackets will be even more efficient at running it, and that in turn will open in things up in the passing game and give defensive coordinators even more of a headache.

2. The Yellow Jackets' growing pains up front will be the difference in the Coastal Division race. It's the most glaring weakness for Georgia Tech, and one that only time and game experience can overcome. Having to replace three of four starters on the defensive line will be no easy task, and the offensive line continues to be a work in progress. That's something the Hokies shouldn't have to worry about this fall.

3. There will be at least one going away party at the end of the season. Watch Dwyer this season and watch him closely, because he might not be around next year if he decides to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft. He's not the only one. Morgan Burnett and Demaryius Thomas should also wind up pretty high on some draft boards if they have the season they're capable of. My prediction is at least one of those three will leave early, and since we're doing predictions, I'll go ahead and say Dwyer will be the guy. He could be the top running back in the draft, but he's got to stay healthy and he might not have as many carries this fall because they've got plenty of depth to share the workload."

Rennie Curran = 115 Tackles in 2008

Most people don't understand how many 115 tackles in one season for a BCS LB really is.
But put it this way:
GT's Kyle Jackson, a LB, was ACC Denfensive Rookie of the year for 2008 and had 61 tackles! Think about 115 tackles for a second and then realize who Rennie Curran really is.

AU FOOTBALL 2009 OPPONENT PREVIEWS: Georgia replacing big stars Opelika-Auburn News:
"Linebacker Rennie Curran, a Butkus award finalist, finished the 2008 season with 115 tackles and three sacks."

GT's Football Schedule In 2009 - Very Difficult

The great thing about a schedule like this is that if a team were to win every game, especially with a conference championship, then they would undoubtly play for the National Title. The worse thing about a schedule like this is that it prevents teams from playing in the National Title Game more often than not in my opinion.

In my opinion, GT's schedule is difficult enough playing 8 ACC games and UGA. However, if GT wanted to schedule an additional BCS game I could understand that but not 2 more for a total of 11 BCS games in one year! Either way the schedule will make for a very entertaining and exciting season for GT fans almost every single game.

Jonathan Dwyer Set to Carry Georgia Tech to Top of ACC -- NCAA Football FanHouse:
"Tech must navigate a tricky schedule to accomplish those big things.

September features consecutive ACC games against Clemson, Miami and North Carolina. October is double-miles month with four of five games on the road, with Oct. 17 circled in red -- at Virginia Tech, which has won three league titles over the past five years. The Yellow Jackets also dip into the SEC with non-conference games against Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Georgia."

Some Facts about GT and Dwyer

Jonathan Dwyer Set to Carry Georgia Tech to Top of ACC -- NCAA Football FanHouse:
"Dwyer is last year's ACC Player of the Year and the conference's leading rusher with 1,395 yards and 12 touchdowns on 200 carries. With 18 returning starters and 61 returning lettermen, both tops in the ACC, and a better feel for Johnson's methods, the Yellow Jackets should be in front of the learning curve. The Yellow Jackets last won 10 games in 1998. Dwyer, the only player in the ACC last year to average more than 100 yards rushing (103.1). He also rushed for 100 yards in nine games to tie the school record."

AJ Green, Julio Jones 2 of the Best Now But Not Best Ever

I think Marlon Brown has all the tools to be as good as AJ Green and Julio Jones. AJ Green and Julio Jones are great WRs, 2 of the best in the country. I have no problem stating that Marlon Brown can be as good as these guys.

Its not like we are talking all time college greats like Randy Moss, Anthony Carter, Tim Brown, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald even Crabtree. As long as UGA and Alabama fans understand where AJ Green and Julio fall I have no problem with it.

For example Jonathan Dwyer is one of the best RBs in the country, just like he was last year. However, does that mean Dwyer is to be considered an all time best ever like Barry Sanders, Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, and Darren McFadden? [Disclaimer: during Dwyer's freshman year during a game he was playing in, the commentator used to coach Barry Sanders and compared Dwyer to Barry Sanders.]

In my opinion, AJ Green and Julio Jones pose 0 threat to approaching the greatness of Calvin Johnson and the same can be said for Dwyer to Herschel.

Georgia's Marlon Brown shaking off jitters - University Of Georgia - Ledger-Enquirer.com:
"ATHENS, Ga. — With just two weeks to go until practice begins, Georgia’s new freshmen phenom — wide receiver Marlon Brown — has already had a chance to impress his teammates during summer workouts, but senior Michael Moore said the comparisons to last year’s standout receiver are a bit premature.

“It’s really not fair to compare anybody to A.J. Green right now because he’s one of the best in the country,” Moore said. “Could (Brown) have an impact like that? Yeah, it’s possible. But he needs to come in, work hard and prove it during the season.”
Cornerback Brandon Boykin said he has seen a good bit of Brown this summer and admits that the freshman looked a little nervous early on.

During a drill earlier this week, however, Brown made a circus catch on a hitch-and-go route that Boykin said underscored how much progress the freshman has already made.

“He’s coming along,” Boykin said. “I see Mike Moore taking him under his wing. I think he was a little nervous coming in the first day trying to run routes and stuff but he’s improving, I definitely see him improving.”"

Georgia First SEC Team To Play 3 Non-League BCS Teams Since 2006

This is certianly one of the big knocks on the SEC, by fans outside of this conference. The SEC claims supremacy every year and only plays about 22 games out of conference during the entire regular season. By the way, during 2008 the SEC went 11-11, during the regular season against out of conference BCS+ opponents. Not bad, but superior or even better? No, the SEC simply broke even. The SEC was very top heavy last year with Tenneesee, Arkansas, and Auburn taking the year off to regroup. However, Arkansas should be better this year.

Certainly it is respectable that UGA is playing 11 BCS conference games next year. There are only 2 other BCS teams doing that and GT is one of them. You look at the list below that GT and UGA are joining and it is pretty impressive. Of course, USC has to play out of conference since they have won or shared the Pac-10 championship 8 years running. Could USC do that in the SEC, ACC, or Big 12?

Preseason Top 25 countdown: No. 16 Georgia:
"Unlike most Division I powerhouses, Georgia is unafraid to schedule tough nonconference opponents. This season, the Bulldogs have an impressive slate featuring Oklahoma State, Arizona State and Georgia Tech, and the Cowboys have the Bulldogs' attention.

Georgia will be the first SEC team to play three non-league games against BCS conference teams since 2006. The only other programs confident enough to do so the past four years are Southern California, Florida State, North Carolina, Wake Forest and Duke."

Nine Bulldogs named preseason All-SEC by coaches | AccessNorthGa

Pretty impressive for the Dawgs.
I tell you what I am a little surprised ole Sturdivant is on this list. From my perspective he has alot to prove coming back from a serious injury. Depending on this season, Rennie Curran will put himself in the top 5 all time LB list for the University of Georgia in my mind.

Nine Bulldogs named preseason All-SEC by coaches AccessNorthGa:
"Georgia’s 2009 SEC Coaches Preseason All-SEC Football Team Selections:

First-Team Offense
A.J. Green, So., FLK, Summerville, S.C.

Second-Team Offense
Clint Boling, Jr., OL, Alpharetta
Cordy Glenn, So., OL, Riverdale

Third-Team Offense
Trinton Sturdivant, So., OL, Wadesboro, N.C.

First-Team Defense
Rennie Curran, Jr., LB, Snellville

Second-Team Defense
Geno Atkins, DT, Sr., Pembroke Pines, Fla."

GT Predicted To Go 8-4 in 09

I can honestly state that teams, coaches, writers, and fans across the country do not expect GT to have bigger success than they did last year. 8-4 is a good season especially with GT's difficult 2009 schedule, however, Paul Johnson and many GT fans believe that GT is just as capable of winning the ACC as any of the other 11 teams.

Walker Sports: ACC Coastal Division Preview Bleacher Report:
"Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: This is Paul Johnson’s second year at Georgia Tech, and he is out to prove to the critics that last season’s stellar performance was not a fluke. The Yellow Jackets ranked fourth in the nation in rushing last season, and with Jonathan Dwyer returning as the ACC’s leading rusher, you can believe that Georgia Tech’s option attack will have them tops in the country once again.

The ACC got a healthy dose of Georgia Tech’s rushing attack last season, and they will be better prepared for defending it this time around. The key for the Yellow Jackets' success will be the nine returning starters, and their ability to keep things fresh by showing different fronts and schemes.

It won’t be easy, and Georgia Tech will be in a lot of close games, but they have enough in the tank to hold off the rest of the Coastal Division.

Record: 8-4 Key Games: At Florida State, Virginia Tech"

From 2008 RB POE Ratings - Dwyer #4 - Moreno #8

I imagine Moreno hurt himself by taking himself out of some games. Of course #8 is not to shabby and don't get me wrong Moreno was a great college RB.

For 2009 we will have Jahvid, Dwyer, and Hunter back for sure to enjoy. I'm sure the Pro scouts notice that Dwyer is a big producer in the 2nd half of football games kind of like Michael Turner (of the Falcons) is known for doing during his NFL career.

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Football analysis and NFL stats for the Moneyball era - Authors of Football Outsiders Almanac 2009: "Some (Florida's Jeffrey Demps, North Carolina's Greg Little) proved they could post high PPP+ numbers, while Michigan State's Javon Ringer (30 carries per game) proved he could be a workhorse, but the names at the top of the POE list did both.
Let's take a list at who the POE measure tells us were the best backs in college football last year.

Top 25 College Rushers according to POE, 2008

1. Jahvid Best California So.
2. Shonn Greene Iowa Jr.
3. LaGarrette Blount Oregon Jr.
4. Jonathan Dwyer Georgia Tech So.
5. Kendall Hunter Oklahoma State So.
6. Jeremiah Johnson Oregon Sr.
7. Chris Brown Oklahoma Jr.
8. Knowshon Moreno Georgia So."

Dwyer Rated #1 RB in ACC

Dwyer is rated the #1 RB win the ACC in this blog post.

However the reason I am posting this to this blog is that the author states that if GT passes more Dwyer's numbers could be even better in 2009. I never thought of that.

2009 ACC Unit Rankings: Running Backs ACC Blitz Football Blog:
"The 2008 season was a special one for Dwyer. He garnered ACC Player of the Year, ACC Offensive Player of the Year and earned First Team All-ACC honors. Shined in the first season of Paul Johnson’s option offense, running for almost 1400 Yards while scoring 12 TD’s. Set a school record for longest run with an 88 yarder against Miss State. Led the ACC in Rushing Yards per game (107.3), Yards per carry (7.0), 2nd in rushing TD’s (12), and 2nd in Scoring (TD’s) per game (6.2 Points). If Johnson decides to actually pass a little more in ‘09, you could see Dwyers numbers get even better."

Is An Extra Week of Preparation All A Team Needs To Stop GT's Offense?

Give teams time to prepare and GT doesn't look so hot, according to this article.

We'll see. I like this part of this article because it is only facts.

Scout.com: Schedule Preview: Georgia Tech:
"Interesting Fact, Part I: Three teams – North Carolina, Georgia and LSU – enjoyed two weeks or more of preparation time before playing Georgia Tech last season. The Tar Heels and Tigers took advantage of the opportunity to closely scrutinize Johnson’s unique ground attack, throttling the Yellow Jackets by a combined 66-10. The Bulldogs were not as productive, building a 28-12 halftime lead before collapsing down the stretch in a 45-42 loss.

Interesting Fact, Part II: Georgia Tech fans are hopeful for improvement this season, if for no other reason than Johnson’s historical evidence. In his second season at Georgia Southern, the Eagles improved from 10-3 to 14-1. A more drastic statistical jump occurred at Navy, when the Midshipmen followed a 2-10 campaign with an 8-5 mark."

Rivals Thinks UGA Is Possibly Underrated

Rivals.com College Football - Potential does not always translate to wins:
"Possibly underrated
Georgia: No one expects Georgia to tank. But no one projects the Bulldogs in the top 10, either. Don't take them too lightly. Georgia has posted at least 10 wins in six of the past seven seasons and should have another strong year. True, the Bulldogs are without quarterback Matthew Stafford, the first player selected in the NFL draft, and running back Knowshon Moreno, also a first-round pick. But Caleb King will bring speed at running back and fifth-year senior Joe Cox has some solid experience at quarterback. The offensive line was ravaged by injuries last season, but it is now experienced and could be among the nation's best with Trinton Sturdivant back in the lineup. In addition, sophomore wide receiver A.J. Green emerged as a star last season and could gain superstar status this season. Defensively, Georgia had problems in big games in '08. But tackle Jeff Owens is back from injury, and he, Geno Atkins and Kade Weston provide an outstanding rotation. The linebackers are solid with Akeem Dent and Rennie Curran. The secondary needs to get better, but at least there are good athletes to work with in the defensive backfield. A demanding early season schedule includes Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Arkansas and Arizona State. If the Bulldogs get through that, the top 10 beckons – maybe even the top five. And consider this: Three times in the BCS era, teams won national championships the season following an NFL draft in which their previous quarterback was the first player selected overall (Tennessee, LSU and USC). Could Georgia make it four?"

Unanimous All Americans from the 2008 Season

You better believe that the below players were awesome. I would take a "unanimous All-America" over the Heisman trophy. What about you?

Outland winner Andre Smith becomes one of nine unanimous All-Americans - The Bama Beat - al.com:
"It gave Smith the rare distinction of being honored by all five NCAA-recognized All-America outlets -- American Football Coaches Association, Walter Camp Football Foundation, Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press and Sporting News.
Other unanimous honorees were: DB Eric Berry (Tennessee), WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) RB Shonn Greene (Iowa), LB Ray Maualuga (Southern Cal), OL Michael Oher (Ole Miss), DL Brian Orakpo (Texas), PK Louie Sakoda (Utah) and LB Brandon Spikes (Florida)."

50/1 Odds on GT Winning the 2010 National Championship

Georgia Tech 2009 NCAA Football Predictions to win the 2010 BCS Championship is at 50-1 odds at Sportsbook.com.

Georgia Tech 2009 NCAA Football Predictions ACC Atlantic Division | Online Sports Handicapping

Don't get me wrong I think Dwyer is the best GT RB of all time, but "surefire #1 pick in the draft next year?" That seems over the top. Especially with so many great QBs coming out and NFL teams now going to RB by committee. I think Dwyer will be the first RB taken. Of course this is all opinion.

Georgia Tech 2009 NCAA Football Predictions ACC Atlantic Division Online Sports Handicapping:
"Dwyer is almost a surefire #1 draft pick in next year’s NFL draft"

45/1 Odds of UGA Winning the 2010 BCS National Football Championship

This is 1 services rating, click on the link to read an article supporting their reasons why.

2010 Georgia Bulldogs Odds to Win BCS National Championship:
"Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING have listed the Bulldogs as 45/1 long shots to win the 2010 BCS National Championship."

Top 20 Defensive Players in the SEC - SECTalk Forums

Curran is the #8 rated defensive player in the SEC by this service.

Top 20 Defensive Players in the SEC - SECTalk Forums:
"8. Rennie Curran, Georgia, LB

Curran is one of those all-over-the-field linebackers that's just as apt to make an interception as a tackle."

upstatetoday.com - Upstate South Carolina's leading news and information Web site | The Daily Journal, Daily Messenger, Upstate Lake Living, Golden Corner Shopper

Here is a Clemson Fan's perspective on their match up this year against GT.

upstatetoday.com - Upstate South Carolina's leading news and information Web site The Daily Journal, Daily Messenger, Upstate Lake Living, Golden Corner Shopper:
"No, the biggest challenge will be stopping the Tech ground game, led by the reigning ACC Player of the Year in tailback Jonathan Dwyer.
Dwyer was the only player in the ACC to average better than 100 yards per game on the ground last season, and the Jackets as a team rolled up 273.6 rushing yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry.

Clemson actually did a good job of containing the Tech attack last season, holding Dwyer and Co. to a reasonable total of 207 rushing yards. Problem was, the Tiger offense was completely anemic, gaining just 51 rushing yards and 249 total in a 21-17 loss.

I’m not so sure the Tiger defense will fare as well this time. While new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele has brought a more aggressive scheme and style, which should work great against most opponents, it might just play right into Johnson’s hands. Meanwhile, former DC Vic Koenning’s ultra-conservative style, which drew such malign from Tiger fans due to its propensity for giving up huge chunks of yardage to teams like The Citadel, actually kept everybody in position to make stops against Tech.
A win here would be huge for the Tigers, both in terms of momentum and in making them serious contenders in the ACC. That said, I think there are just too many factors working in Tech’s favor here – Yellow Jackets, 31-24."

Geno Atkins the Only 2 Sport Athlete on UGA's Football Team

Westside's Commings still has 2-sport desire 071009 - The Augusta Chronicle:
"He and sophomore receiver Israel Troupe are eyeing the two-sport option that currently only Geno Atkins (football and shot put) is fulfilling."

Calvin Johnson and Herschel Walker Voted the Best Players in GT and UGA History

I would agree with this with little thought.

Here is the ESPN poll:
http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/polls?pCat=46&sCat=562

Rennie Curran and AJ Green Jersey's Already For Sale

Those would be my 2 picks for UGA jerseys. Although, my top pick would be Rennie's #35.

Dancing in the Endzone: Football Jersey update and VOTE on ESPN:
"I stopped by the on campus store the other day and aside from #7 and #24 jerseys being on sale, I noticed some #8s and #35s as well. So it looks like AJ Green and Rennie Curran's jerseys are already being featured in the store."

How To Cure Being An NCAA Football Homer Especially For UGA and GT Fans

I have thought about many ways to encourage homers to get over themselves and their teams.

Here are some initial ideas for homers:

1. Quit talking about and following football all together.
2. Force yourself to say something powerfully good about your opponents and their conference.
3. Quit spending money on football all together. There is an entire book, called The Treasure Principle, based on the premise that where you spend your money is where your heart goes.

I have many other extreme ideas like this but I realized that they are unrealistic for a true homer.

So here is the best cure I can come up with for a homer:

• Don't express a thought that you have about football unless you have 2 articles from legit media sources to support it. When I write "thought" for a homer that means a lie in favor of your team or against another team or conference that is not your own.
• Only repeat facts.

So for GT fans instead of saying "Moreno sucks", you would say, "Moreno pulled himself out of several games and ran a 4.6/40 at the NFL combine."

So for UGA fans instead of saying "Paul Oliver shut down Calvin Johnson", you would say, "Calvin Johnson had a low production game while Paul Oliver was guarding him."

Needless to say, anyone that believes "Moreno sucks" or that "Paul Oliver shut down Calvin Johnson" is a complete sold out homer and worshipper of the homer god. I wish it was legal to physically beat people like this.

Writer's Opinion Comparing the ACC to the SEC

This is a decent write up because it has some facts in it. The biggest argument against the ACC is that they have not had a top 5 team. However, in a court of law with attorneys this would not hold up, in my opinon, because you are trying to determine the quality of the league based on all 12 teams. Think about it. Is the Pac 10 the best conference in football because of USC? What about the Big 10 and Ohio State?

ACC Football Preview Series: Preseason All-ACC Teams FanSided.com A Sports Blog Network:
"The ACC has been down over the past few years, but I’m not so sure down is the right word. There is no dominating top 5 team. When Boston College along with superpowers, Florida State and Miami joined the conference, it was suppose to challenge the SEC, but with the recent struggles of those two teams, it hasn’t. According to the last few NFL Drafts, there is more talent in the conference than any other conference in the country. The ACC had four of the first nine picks in the NFL Draft and 9 of the first 45. The SEC had more total picks than the ACC (37 to 33) but the quality favored the ACC. The ACC has had 158 draft picked over the last four years, one less than the SEC. The talent in the ACC is very spread out. The worst team in the league is Duke and they have one of the leagues two or three best Quarterbacks and placed five players on my first or second team. In the ACC, anyone can beat anyone in any given week."

Morgan Burnett Can Do It All

Burnett can do it all, I remember his first game at GT as an 18 year old true freshman on the road against Notre Dame he had like 6 tackles. When was the last time GT had a first team All-American at Safety? I can't remember. Surely it isn't Rhino.

ACC Football Preview Series: Preseason All-ACC Teams FanSided.com A Sports Blog Network:
"SS Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech, Junior

The 6-1, 198 lb junior can be considered not only one of the best defensive backs in the ACC but one of the best in all of college football. He can hit like a LB but has speed to burn like a CB. Burnett has 150 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and 10 interceptions in his two seasons in Atlanta. In 2008, Burnett had 93 tackles and seven picks, including one for a TD against rival Georgia, a game in which the Jackets won 45-42 in Athens. Burnet should be able to keep improving in what will probably be his final season with Georgia Tech."

Buck Belue Rates Joe Cox #3 QB in SEC

Remember Buck Belue also said on the air last year that GT had a highschool offense and could easily be stopped.

SEC 2009 // How Deep are the Dawgs? - Team Speed Kills:"I think it was Buck Belue who said Joe is probably the #3 QB in the SEC right now. Hard to disagree on that one. The only other viable candidate for #3 QB is Jefferson at LSU."

GT Picked 6th to Win ACC By Professional Gamblers

[First of all, this is a quote from a gambling website. I personally do not nor have I ever gambled on a college football game, however I don't judge those who do.]

Anyway, the professional gamblers on this site are picking GT to finish 6th in the ACC next year with better odds on Miami, Clemson, VT, FSU, and North Carolina on winning the ACC than GT!

ACC Football Futures Odds and Predictions:

"The ACC may not receive the recognition it deserves on the national level as a legitimate power conference, but last season it produced 10 bowl teams out of the 12 in the league.

This season it looks as though the battle for the top spot will be just as tight as last year with many of the teams improving from last season. The following will provide some ACC football conference futures odds as well as predictions for betting."

Rennie Curran Rated the #14 Player in the SEC

My favorite player for UGA Rennie Curran.

Gatorsports.com's 25 best players in the Southeastern Conference GatorSports.com The Gainesville Sun Gainesville, FL:
"Georgia junior linebacker
Why he's No. 14: Curran is a tackling machine, a quick and athletic linebacker who has a nose for the ball. Curran was second in the SEC in tackles a year ago with 115 and was voted to the coaches' first team All-SEC. Curran may be undersized but he combines the ability to deliver big hits with the knack for playing pass defense and getting deep in zone coverages.

Key number: A lot of guys with gaudy numbers often pad them against inferior teams. But Curran had 14 tackles each last season against LSU and Alabama.

Fun fact: Because of his size, Georgia coaches were reluctant to start Curran early in his career. His first start finally came in the Bulldog's stunning win over Florida in 2007."

Magazines lower expectations for UGA football 070709 - The Augusta Chronicle

So UGA has lower expectations this year and is still ranked in the top 15? That shows the strength of this program.

Magazines lower expectations for UGA football 070709 - The Augusta Chronicle:
"Georgia, 82-22 under ninth-year coach Mark Richt, has lower expectations this season after being tabbed preseason No. 1 by Lindy's and Sporting News in 2008. The Bulldogs are the top local team, according to the magazines -- as high as No. 13 by Phil Steele's and as low as No. 17 by Lindy's .
Georgia Tech, which went 9-4 in Paul Johnson's first year, including a win over Georgia, is receiving mixed reviews. Sporting News ranks the Yellow Jackets at No. 11, while Phil Steele's has the Ramblin' Wreck at No. 28."

#10, Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators. - Protect R Turf

This game is rated as the #10 most anticipated game in all of college football in 2009. Click on the link and check out the picture of Rennie and tell me he is small.

#10, Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators. - Protect R Turf: "The D will be the key for the Bulldogs in '09, and will be the key in this game as well. They need to keep the Gators in the 20-24 point range for the game, and to do that they need to slow Tebow down. Rennie Curran, the stud Bulldog backer, will have to get in the backfield early and often, fill his gaps and fly around the field. Fellow LB Akeem Dent will have to do the same. With a strong back 7, and a solid DL that should hit their stride by the time they get to this game, the defense will have to keep Georgia in the game and not let things get out of hand early.

Stud LB Rennie Curran leads the vaunted Bulldog D in '09"

UT's Take on Their 2009 Game Against UGA

Here is how at least one UT fan views their game against the Dawgs this year. UGA having a strong O-line could not have come at a better time for UGA fans and Mark Richt alike!

Scout.com: An early look at UT's 2009 season:

"10/10 Georgia Bulldogs (10-3): When it comes to this series, Volunteer fans undoubtedly miss the '90s, when they defeated the ‘Dawgs eight straight times from 1992-1999. But with Mark Richt’s arrival in Athens, things have not been the same: the Vols have only won three contests since 2000. Folks have been quick to repeatedly cite the ’05 QB transition from David Greene to D.J. Shockley where the Bulldogs surprisingly went on to nab the SEC title as a possible outcome for the Matthew Stafford-Joe Cox transition. Yeah, I’m laughing too.
What I’m not laughing about is that talent this team has at practically every position.

Strengths:
One of the most talented O-Lines in the country—if they're all healthy.
Caleb Smith leads a stable of RBs that will keep production high on the ground in spite of Knowshon Moreno’s departure.
Last season’s star freshman WR A.J. Green, who caught 56 passes for 963 yards and nabbed 8 TD’s returns, and more than Tarot cards say Green will suddenly become Cox’s new best friend.
Experienced LB corps and secondary.
D-Line interior should be stout and will be led by sure 2010 first-rounder DT Geno Atkins.

Weaknesses:
Cox’s ability to get his playmakers the ball is yet to be seen.
Pass-rushing ability.
Lack of experience at WR—outside of Green.

Difficulty: 4.5"