ACC-GT-SEC-UGA

Thinking About Your Rivals' Offense?

2010-05-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

Dear NCAA fans,

Just a question for you I am very curious about.

If you are an Auburn fan, do you think about whether or not Bama’s power I offense will work next year and in the future?
If you are a Bama fan, are you thinking that Auburn’s spread option offense will not work next year?
If you are Gamecock, are you thinking that Clemson’s various offensive formations (wild cat, power I, shotgun) will not work next year?
If you are a Clemson fan, are you thinking and hoping that South Carolina’s Power I will not work next year?
If you are an FSU fan, are you hoping and thinking that Florida’s spread option or direct snap offense will not work next year?
Florida fans, are you hoping and anticipating that FSU’s offense will drop off now or in the future?

I ask this because I am just wondering if it is normal to have thoughts about your rival’s offense and whether or not it will work. I have only spoken with 3 UGA fans about football, this Spring, and to the man they are all expecting, hoping, and anticipating that (at a very minimum) GT’s offense will be less effective this year and in the future. They seem to think that the flexbone formation, spread option type offense is going to be “figured out”. I find it bizarre! I never think about UGA’s Power I offense. Don’t get me wrong, I want GT to defeat UGA very badly. For some reason though I am just not expecting, hoping, talking about, and anticipating that their Power I/play action offense will be down this year or in the future. I hope it’s down, but I definitely don’t think about it or expect it to be down. Is something wrong with me? Do I need to start blogging, calling my GT friends, and thinking about how UGA’s offense (the Power I) is going to be less effective this year and certainly in the future?

I believe offense is 90% execution and 10% the formation. Is that unwise thinking? Is it 90% formation and 10% execution/coaching?

Help me out,
Tommy

Jonathan Dwyer 2009 Predictions - All Wrong

2010-05-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Mel Kiper and NFL weekly both had Dwyer has the top back taken in the draft to start the 2009 football season. Dwyer was a Heisman trophy candidate, not Mark Ingram, at the beginning of 2009. Dwyer was preseason first team All-America.

If you want to tell someone they were wrong then please contact Mel Kiper, the Associate Press, NFL Pro Football Weekly, and the Heisman Trophy Foundation. As an undisputed fact, many football experts, ended being wrong in their predictions about Dwyer’s draft order.

Only when Dwyer was a sophomore, I stated that “he is a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10 in talent. Whereas Herschel, Calvin, and Bo were 10s.” I still stand by that statement, when Dwyer was a sophomore. At the end of the summer of 2009, I specifically stated Dwyer had gained weight and looked awful. When I watched the 2009 Vandy game, with my son, I told my Dad that Dwyer looked fat and slow.

If you know of anyone that called Dwyer “average” or “a joke” you may want to call up those people and tell them they were dead wrong because Dwyer ended up rushing for 144 yards and 2 TDs against his team's main rival, was 2009 ACC POY, and was drafted in the 6th round onto an NFL team! Whoever said Jon Dwyer was “average” and “a joke” was dead wrong. Not me, I never stated anything about Dwyer that was incorrect.

As a sophomore I would have taken Dwyer over Moreno, when Moreno was a Redshirt freshman. I would have taken Moreno as a Redshirt sophomore over Dwyer as a Junior. If Dwyer gets himself back into shape he may have a good pro career, so I wouldn’t count him out yet. Or mark Moreno as the clear winner. Dwyer is 1 year younger than Moreno and right now, by my count, the score is 1-1. We will see if Dwyer’s rookie year is as good as Moreno’s rookie year, in the NFL.

AJ Green Compared to Randy Moss?

2010-05-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

Randy Moss ran a 4.25 at FSU and Deion Sanders ran a 4.23.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Moss:
“While at Florida State, Moss ran a 4.25 40-yard dash,[10] with only Deion Sanders being faster (4.23).”

I know CMR made a comparison of AJ Green to Randy Moss. I don’t agree with Coach Richt’s comparison because Randy Moss is n for his speed, as is evidenced by the fact that he is one of the fastest football players of all time. In my opinion, I think Richt used the name Randy Moss as a substitute for Calvin Johnson. As you can see from the attachment Calvin Johnson was voted the best WR in the history of college football and Randy Moss was voted #2.

After this year will AJ Green catapult himself up to be mentioned with guys like Calvin Johnson, Randy Moss, Tim Brown, Larry Fitzgerald, Fred Biletnikoff, Peter Warrick, etc.? I don’t think so, but my opinion doesn’t matter. In NCAA football, when comparing players and teams on how good they are, the truth is established by the opinion of the majority and the experts. It’s very interesting that way.

UGA has a legitimate claim to the best RB (#34) and the best DB (Champ Bailey) ever to play college football. When I say claim, I mean to communicate that UGA fans can logically argue that Herschel Walker and Champ Bailey are one of the best all time to play their positions. Why? Because the experts and fans, that aren’t UGA fans, say the same thing. GT fans can logically claim that Calvin Johnson was one of the greatest WRs in the history of college football for the same reason. Is AJ Green going to give UGA fans a logical claim to one of the best WRs in the history of college football? Time will tell.

I want to help UGA fans find a WR that they can legitimately compare AJ Green to, but I don’t think Randy Moss is the that guy. I will keep thinking and try to get you back my sincere opinions. One thing I do think about AJ Green is that he is a great WR. I think Calvin Johnson had the ability to go up in the air and get the ball better than any WR to date and also Calvin had unbelievable body control. Best ever, in my opinion. More so than any WR to play college football, Calvin Johnson was known for his acrobatic catches, raw talent (leaping, speed), good character, and work ethic.

Throughout this process my goal is to find the truth about AJ Green. I can tell UGA fans want to talk about AJ, so let’s do it in an respectful, truthful, and logical fashion. I also hope to share some facts about Calvin Johnson. Comparing AJ Green to Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson may be seen as disrespectful to the work these 2 men have put in. Kind of like comparing Dwyer to Herschel Walker. Additionally, it is a lie, because again the majority opinion establishes the truth.

Demaryrius Thomas Runs a 4.38 - Forty

2010-02-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

Thomas hopes broken foot won’t affect draft status Tech: "Thomas was taped running the 40-yard dash, the length NFL teams use to measure speed, in a blistering 4.38 seconds during a camp training session."

Annual All Two-Star Team - Andy Staples - SI.com

2010-02-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

congratulations to Drew Butler (UGA) and Sean Bedford (GT) for making the SI All Two-Star Team!

Case Keenum, Greg Romeus headline annual All Two-Star Team - Andy Staples - SI.com

Georgia Tech Class of 2007 Ranked #3

2010-02-17T17:31:00.000-08:00

Georgia Tech's 2007 recruiting class was reranked as #3 in the nation.

Florida, Boise State top revised 2007class recruiting rankings - Andy Staples - SI.com

ACC vs. SEC coaching salaries | Tech

2010-02-15T13:49:00.000-08:00

ACC vs. SEC coaching salaries Tech: "ACC vs. SEC coaching salaries"

SEC coaches' salaries are 22% higher than ACC coaches' salaries.

Still though in recent history Jim Grobe, Paul Johsnon, David Cutcliffe, and Butch Davis have all turned down higher salaries from SEC schools to continue coaching in the ACC.

So are the higher salaries getting better coaches? Are Gene Chizek, Bobby Petrino, Dan Mullen, and Derek Dooley better than Jimbo Fisher, Paul Johnson, David Cutcliffe, and Mike London? These are 8 of the most recent hires in the both conferences.

Groh heading to Georgia Tech to run defense - NCAA Football - CBSSports.com

2010-01-15T07:56:00.000-08:00

Groh heading to Georgia Tech to run defense - NCAA Football - CBSSports.com:
"Al Groh says he's heading to Georgia Tech to be the Yellow Jackets' defensive coordinator.

The former Virginia coach told the Associated Press on Friday that he set out several criteria before deciding where he wanted to coach in 2010, and Georgia Tech meets them. The top priority was taking a job where there's a chance to win championships.
The Yellow Jackets are coming off their first outright ACC title since 1990 and played in the Orange Bowl. But they struggled on defense, firing coordinator Dave Wommack shortly after the season.

Groh was fired after nine seasons as Virginia's head coach."

Saban: UGA won’t get Smart | UGA Sports

2010-01-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

Saban: UGA won’t get Smart UGA Sports: "Kirby Smart won’t be coming to Georgia as the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator, Alabama coach Nick Saban said today.
“Kirby is going to be staying here at the University of Alabama with us,” Saban said at a press conference this afternoon to announce Rolando McClain’s decision to enter the NFL draft."

Three more stars leave Georgia Tech for NFL Draft - NCAA Football - CBSSports.com

2010-01-11T10:46:00.000-08:00

Three more stars leave Georgia Tech for NFL Draft - NCAA Football - CBSSports.com:
"All-America defensive end Derrick Morgan, running back Jonathan Dwyer and safety Morgan Burnett held a joint campus news conference Monday to announce they'll enter the NFL draft with a year of college eligibility remaining.
They followed the course set by Georgia Tech's leading receiver, Demaryius Thomas, who said last week that he'll be entering the draft rather than returning to the Yellow Jackets for his senior season."

FootballCoachScoop.com - Rumor Mill on Coaching Changes and Scoop in College/NFL Football

2010-01-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

FootballCoachScoop.com - Rumor Mill on Coaching Changes and Scoop in College/NFL Football:
"Georgia Tech:
On January 9, FootballCoachScoop had BREAKING NEWS and FIRST TO REPORT that Al Groh had been hired as Defensive Coordinator by Head Coach
Paul Johnson. According to our sources, an announcement could come as earlier as Monday since Groh is already employed by the University.

Georgia Tech:
FootballCoachScoop has learned that Head Coach Paul Johnson has promoted Offensive Graduate Assistant coach Lamar Owens to Slot Backs coach."

FootballCoachScoop.com - Rumor Mill on Coaching Changes and Scoop in College/NFL Football

2010-01-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

FootballCoachScoop.com - Rumor Mill on Coaching Changes and Scoop in College/NFL Football: "Georgia:
FootballCoachScoop has BREAKING NEWS and the FIRST TO REPORT that Alabama Defensive Coordinator Kirby Smart has been hired as the new Defensive Coordinator by Head Coach Mark Richt."

Firing assistant after 11-3 season says a lot about Johnson | Jeff Schultz

2010-01-09T04:24:00.000-08:00

It appears as though Richt has not made an written official offer to anyone but he has pursued to coaches that did not want to come to UGA. Richt is using the word "offered" as a way of "telling the truth" to satisfy his religion and a way of avoiding talking about getting turned down to satisfy his employer, the Dawg Nation.

Firing assistant after 11-3 season says a lot about Johnson Jeff Schultz: "At least two of his top candidates have turned him down (Virginia Tech’s Bud Foster and LSU’s John Chavis)."

Penn State Fan on Iowa vs. GT

2010-01-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

Quote of the week from UGA friend:
I talked to one of my favorite UGA fans Brian at church on Sunday. [Why is he one of my favorites? Because he isn’t a huge homer of UGA or the SEC. I think this is largely because he works with a VT and PSU fan.] Anyway, I was told that the PSU fan he works with said, “GT will not have success against a disciplined Big Ten defense like Iowa. GT cannot handle the disciplined defense of the Big Ten.” Sounds crazy to us, I know, but remember everybody thinks their conference is the best or one of the best. That is why I try to read articles and look at the facts because I just don’t want to be a homer. It would make me feel bad about myself to be accused of that. It’s like when people call Christians stupid. I have hard facts to support my faith in Christ. Faith always boils down to believing what you can’t see, however there is substantial evidence to support Christianity.

Why Watch the FedEx Orange Bowl

2010-01-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

FedEx Orange Bowl preview - ACC Blog - ESPN: "WHY WATCH: Because it’s been a long, long time since Georgia Tech was in a bowl game that meant this much (since 1967), and because the Jackets have the chance to cap off the ACC’s first winning bowl season since 2005. It could also be the final collegiate game for a handful of impressive Georgia Tech juniors, namely Demaryius Thomas, Jonathan Dwyer and Derrick Morgan. This game also features two coaches who were named Coach of the Year in their respective conferences in Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson and Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz."

Three-point stance: ND, Bama, ACC - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN

2009-12-17T08:12:00.000-08:00

Three-point stance: ND, Bama, ACC - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN: "3. The best sign that the ACC is on the rise is that 20 All-ACC first-teamers are underclassmen. You have to assume that one or two of them will declare for the NFL Draft. Georgia Tech alone has three juniors with pro prospects (TB Jonathan Dwyer, DE Derrick Morgan, WR Demaryius Thomas). But the future is blinding, especially with two All-ACC freshmen, TB Ryan Williams of Virginia Tech and LB Luke Kuechly of Boston College."

Mark Richt on Recruiting Jonathan Dwyer

2009-11-25T05:01:00.000-08:00

Bulldogs Blog: Practice Notes: Rambo Likely, Green Questionable:
"THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

Back when Georgia was courting two of the top running backs in the state in 2006, Richt was sold on both Caleb King and Jonathan Dwyer as the next big thing for the Bulldogs’ ground game.

As it turned out, however, Dwyer found a better fit at Tech, and he even surprised Richt by how good he became.

“We tried like mad to get Jonathan Dwyer,” Richt said. “We thought he was one of the finest backs in the state and in the country and a very fine young man. I didn’t know he was going to grow into such the big hoss that he is. I thought he was a good-sized back, but I didn’t think he’d get up to the 235-240 range and still keep his speed and power.”

Georgia did land King, who has started the past three games for Georgia and appears to have a bright future. Dwyer, however, already has an ACC offensive player of the year award to his credit, and he could be departing for a job in the NFL as soon as next year. The Tech tailback has racked up 1,203 yards and 11 touchdowns this season for the 10-1 Jackets.

Richt doesn’t fault Dwyer for choosing Tech over the Bulldogs, however, and the opportunity clearly worked out for him.

“I think he felt like he had a better opportunity to play at Tech,” Richt said. “I don’t want to put words in his mouth, but I think that was part of it. That’s kind of what those kids are looking for. They are looking for where do I fit in and do I fit in more quickly here than I do over there.”"

My opinion on the ACC and SEC and Other BCS Conferences

2009-11-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

I am sick of getting these questions about which conference I think is the best and so forth.

Here are my opinions on the conferences:
· All of the BCS conferences provide excellent competition year end year out.
· I agree with my brother-in-law (UGA grad) when he states: Everyone is fanatical about their conference often times based on where they live geographically.
· The SEC does have an impressive BCS bowl record and has recently done well against the ACC in the Peach Bowl.
· With the SEC and ACC both having 9 bowl tie ins and sending approximately the same number of players to the NFL, I think it is hard to say there is note worthy difference in the level of competition in these conferences.
· The TV commentators say so many wonderful things about the SEC, only during the SEC games, because of all the money invested in that conference. The networks are trying to sell their “investment” to their viewing audience. Not to mention, Jesse Palmer, played QB at Florida and SEC school.
· The ACC hasn’t had a National Champion caliber team last year or the year before.
· The SEC hasn’t had the top to bottom quality of the ACC last year and maybe this year. The ACC sent 10 teams to bowls last year.
· The SEC’s best teams over the past couple of years would end up losing at least 1 conference game if they went through a typical ACC schedule.
· I don’t think Florida or Alabama would go undefeated in the ACC and am surprised that SEC fans use that as a bragging point to say their conference is the best.
· Finally, and to repeat, I think all 6 BCS conferences are competitive and deserving of credit and respectable comments. With UCLA beating UT, Washington (#7 in Pac-10) playing LSU (#3 in SEC) tight, GT beating Vandy and MSU (#9 in SEC) worse than most any other SEC team, and UGA (#7 in SEC) losing to OkSt and struggling with ASU. You can’t intelligently go around and declare your conference as world beaters or dominant. And don’t ever, ever forget: that putting 100,000 people inside of a football stadium in no way makes a football team better than another. Never, ever, never. Some experts also believe that a high percentage of fans that attend SEC games are intoxicated.
· Year in and year out I think the ACC and SEC are the best 2 conferences based on the number of bowl tie ins, out of conference BCS+ record, and number of players that go to the NFL from these 2 conferences.
· I would have to give the SEC the edge over the ACC because they send a few more players to the NFL and have won more National Championships. Remember though, for every year you have an undefeated Florida or Alabama, there is a Vandy or Kentucky that must be weighed equally. You still have to give a National Championship a little more weight for a conference.
· The college recruiting rankings mean only a little to me because they seem to rank the teams with the largest subscriptions with the best recruiting classes. What matters to me regarding talent is how many players go pro!

Big Question About Conference Scheduling

2009-11-04T07:38:00.000-08:00

GT and UGA WRs Performing Well
Right now, AJ Green is rated the #8 WR and Bebe Thomas is rated the #5 WR, in all of college football.
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/viewCFSE.asp
Both are in the top 10 finalists for the Biletnikoff Award.
Congrats to these players and UGA and GT.

SEC and ACC in the Top 25 – Strength of Schedule
Both conferences have 3 teams in the top 25. Because Clemson choose to play #6 TCU, out of conference, and lost 10-14, they are not rated in the top 25 with 3 losses. Please note: the SEC has all 3 of their top 25 teams in the top 10 but LSU and Alabama play this Sat.! Because Virginia Tech choose to play Nebraska and Alabama, out of conference, they have 1 additional loss as well and are only ranked like #23. Clemson will also play USCe out of conference. Meanwhile, Alabama, Florida, and LSU only play one BCS+ game out of conference all season. Boston College has played #22 Notre Dame and the #1 team from the MAC (Cent. Mich), out of conference. UGA is the lone team in the SEC willing to play more than one game out of conference and they are currently 4-4. And of course GT plays 3, out of conference, BCS+ games in addition to their treacherous ACC schedule.

Big Question
Should the ACC teams change their schedules to only play one out of conference BCS+ games to be like most of the SEC teams or should the SEC teams play 2 out of conference BCS+ games to be like the ACC? Right now, it like trying to compare apples to turnips.

Congrats to Calvin Johnson and David Pollack For Making the All-Decade Team

2009-09-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Calvin Johnson and David Pollack for making the Sporting News All-Decade Team. When a player makes the All-decade team they are also considered to be one of the top All-time at their position. In fact, in 2007, Rivals.com voted for the Ultimate Team and David Pollack and Calvin Johnson were both listed to vote for them. Calvin Johnson was voted the #1 WR of all time in college football and David Pollack was voted the #9 DE all time in college football.

Calvin Johnson was also voted onto the ACC-All Decade Team. The experts and fans continue to prove that Calvin's impact on college football at WR will never be forgotten until Jesus Christ comes and then God destroys the earth!

OFFENSE
WR Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh
WR Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
T Chris Long, Virginia
G Shawn Andrews, Arkansas
C Alex Mack, California
G Marcus McNeill, Auburn
T Robert Gallery, Iowa
TE Kellen Winslow, Miami
QB Matt Leinart, USC
RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas
RB Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma

DEFENSE
DE David Pollack, Georgia
DT John Henderson, Tennessee
DT Tommie Harris, Oklahoma
DE Terrell Suggs, Arizona State
LB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
LB Paul Posluszny, Penn State
LB Derrick Johnson, Texas
CB Terence Newman, Kansas State
CB Lito Sheppard, Florida
S Sean Taylor, Miami
S Roy Williams, Oklahoma

SPECIALISTS
K Mason Crosby, Colorado
P Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor
KR Ted Ginn, Ohio State
PR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri

ACC and SEC Football Facts - Week 4

2009-09-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

ACC and SEC 2009 Football Facts
Numbered By Week

Bill Trocchi has quit doing his rankings this year for some reason.

Notice the computer rankings, how can the SEC and ACC be so close? How come the ACC was ranked ahead of the SEC after week 3? Because all of the SEC's BCS non conference wins have been against opponents not ranked in the top 25. The ACC has wins against the #7 and #20 nonconference BCS+ teams.

The SEC rarely plays BCS+ out of conference games and when they do they don't play teams ranked in the top 25. It all makes sense to the non-homer. I talk to fans from all over. And everyone thinks their conference is the best. I recently have bumped into 2 Pac-10 fans (USC) and they think the Pac-10 is hard and they indicated that the SEC is not impressive.

With all that said, after week 4, the SEC has a clear upper hand over the ACC.

Big games this week for the ACC are GT vs. MSU and Miami vs. Oklahoma.
In the SEC the big out of conference BCS+ games are Arkansas vs. Texas A&M and MSU vs. GT.

Head to Head Record (ACC vs. SEC)
· SEC = 2-0. ACC = 0-2.
o 9/3/2009 - USCe defeated NCST 7-3. SEC win.
o 9/5/2009 – AL defeated VT 34-24. SEC win.

Teams in the Top 25
1. SEC = 5. ACC = 4. 9/1
2. SEC = 5. ACC = 4. 9/13
3. SEC = 5. ACC = 4. 9/20
4. SEC = 5. ACC = 3. 9/28

BCS+ Out of Conference Record
1. SEC = 3-1. ACC = 0-4. 9/1
2. SEC = 3-2. ACC = 2-5. 9/13
3. SEC = 5-2. ACC = 4-6. 9/20
4. SEC = 6-2. ACC = 5-9. 9/28

Conference Ranking by Sagarin Computer
1. SEC = 1. ACC = 4. 9/6
2. SEC = 2. ACC = 3. 9/13
3. ACC = 2. SEC = 3. 9/20
4. SEC = 2. ACC = 3. 9/28

Conference Ranking by Sports Illustrated (Bill Trocchi Vanderbilt Grad)
1. No rankings
2. SEC = 1. ACC = 6. 9/15. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/bill_trocchi/09/15/sec-tops/index.html
3.

Can the Georgia Tech Offense (Spread Option Flexbone) Succeed In BCS Play

2009-09-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

I was asked a very good question tonight at dinner by a dear friend:
“Tommy, as a GT fan, are you starting to question whether or not GT’s offense can work?”
Again, fair question.

Facts:
1. Against JSU GT had 497 yards of total offense
2. Against Clemson GT had 418 yards of total offense. Clemson held Boston College to 54 yards of total offense in their next game. 54 yards, not a misprint.
3. GT ran only 54 plays against Miami and had 228 yards of total offense. Miami was the 3rd team GT played in 12 days.
4. Navy, with much less talent, played the #6 team in the country down to the wire.
5. Navy beat LaTech 32-14. Auburn beat LaTech 37-14. Auburn has much more talent than Navy.
6. Navy runs an almost identical offense to GT.
7. GT led the ACC in yards per game in 2008.
8. Auburn and Oklahoma won in the late 80s with a similar offense.
9. In 1994, 1995, and 1997 Nebraska won the National Championship with a similar offense.
10. In fact more national championships have been won with this type of offense than any other. The power I might be last. Remember Florida is winning these NCs with the spread option, not the boring-I, I mean power-I. J (kidding)

Facts:
1. UGA was held to 252 yards of total offense last year when they played South Carolina. While having 2 first round picks at QB and RB.
2. UGA scored 10 points against Florida last year.
3. UGA struggled against Auburn last year, offensively.
4. UGA had 257 yards against OkSt this year.

As a UGA fan, do you question the Power I?

Florida, like GT, runs the spread option and even though UF only had 323 yards against TN this weekend I still don’t question that particular offense. But mainly I don’t question Paul Johnson one of the most winning active coaches today. He ran the offense at Hawaii leading the Rainbow Warriors to their first Western Athletic Conference title and their first bowl appearance and victory. He led GA southern 2 national championships. He led Navy to their first bowl since 1996. Coach Johnson dominated the commanders trophy at Navy going 11-1 against the other service academies with equal talent. Last year at GT Coach Johnson was awarded the CBSSports.com National Coach of the Year and ACC Coach of the Year, in a year Sports Illustrated predicted GT would win 3 games. Over Paul Johnson’s last 11 seasons as head coach he has won Coach of the Year, in the division (not conference) 5 times.

My advice?
If you are a team who’s coach had several consecutive victories over Chan Gailey, understand that Paul Johnson is a different coach and will be at GT for a long time. The days of GT losing many games in a row to any team on their schedule are over with Paul Johnson as their head coach. When O’leary beat Donnan 3 years in a row I never viewed it as GT beating UGA 3 years in a row. Coaching is so important. Don’t question a team’s offensive scheme, always question their ability to execute. Just be a good sport, show class, God’s watching and His name is all that matters. Congratulate GT on their supreme coach, just like Mark Richt has proven to be a supreme coach. In the end UGA and GT’s football traditions will burn and so will the universities. Nothing will remain except what you have done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

My opinion
I will start questioning GT’s offense when teams like OkSt hold them to 257 yards. Just kidding. Seriously though, I believe GT had such a poor offensive showing against Miami because they have a weak defensive line. The weakness at the position allowed Miami to keep GT’s offense off the field.

Strength of Schedule

2009-09-23T12:34:00.001-07:00

We all know what happened to Auburn a few years ago when they went 12-0 in the “mighty” SEC.

If I were doing the scheduling, for GT, for example I would have:
The 8 ACC games, UGA, 1 more BCS game with a lower tier BCS opponent and 2 cupcakes. I would recommend the same for UGA. That way if UGA or GT go undefeated they would most likely play for the NC. I think Florida, Ole Miss, and most of the other teams in the SEC don’t play enough out of conference games to go to the NC game. Auburn, for example, plays WV, 8 SEC games, and 3 cupcakes. That is actually right on the bubble especially considering that one of Auburn’s cup cakes was LaTech a division 1 team. I think it would be better for GT to play the 9 regular BCS games and 3 cup cakes than to play 11 BCS games.

2009-09-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

The SEC currently has the advantage in all of the below categories. Bill Trocchi has not yet released his rankings yet.

ACC and SEC 2009 Football Facts
Numbered By Week

Head to Head Record (ACC vs. SEC)
· SEC = 2-0. ACC = 0-2.
o 9/3/2009 - USCe defeated NCST 7-3. SEC win.
o 9/5/2009 – AL defeated VT 34-24. SEC win.

Teams in the Top 25
1. SEC = 5. ACC = 4. 9/1
2. SEC = 5. ACC = 4. 9/13

BCS+ Out of Conference Record
1. SEC = 3-1. ACC = 0-4. 9/1
2. SEC = 3-2. ACC = 2-5. 9/13

Conference Ranking by Sagarin Computer
1. SEC = 1. ACC = 4. 9/1
2. SEC = 2. ACC = 3. 9/13

Check out the Diesel - Jonathan Dwyer

2009-09-09T13:26:00.001-07:00

2010 NFL Draft- An early look at the top prospects on offense - NFL - SI.com

2009-09-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, Jonathan Dwyer is the best RB in GT history. This season should confirm that statement.

2010 NFL Draft- An early look at the top prospects on offense - NFL - SI.com:
"Jonathan Dwyer*/Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets primary ball-carrier offers tremendous size and power. He's a running back that pounds opponents on the inside and occasionally breaks the long run. Dwyer is a top 20 selection and likely the first back selected if he opts for the draft next April."

SEC Rated #1 BCS Conference by NY Times

2009-08-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

Ranking the B.C.S. Conferences - The Quad Blog - NYTimes.com:
"SOUTHEASTERN (No. 1)
College football’s premier power conference boasts the defending national champion, Florida, as well as four other teams in the A.P.’s top 13: Alabama, Louisiana State, Georgia and Mississippi. As deep as the league is, the story will be the Gators, winners of two of the last three national championships and a favorite to repeat in 2009. Tim Tebow dominates the headlines, but linebacker Brandon Spikes quarterbacks an aggressive defense that has plenty of experience. Florida’s stiffest challenge from within the East Division will come from Georgia, whose title hopes went unrealized in 2008. The Bulldogs hope less flash and more substance will yield another 10-win season and a potential B.C.S. berth. Lane Kiffin has achieved his goal of getting Tennessee back into the national conversation, but none of his bluster will matter come Saturday. The West is deep. Alabama enters Year 3 of the Nick Saban era looking to build upon last season’s success, which included a division title and a loss to Florida in the conference title game. Ole Miss is the trendy pick in the SEC, thanks to its upset of Florida, a strong finish to last season and quarterback Jevan Snead. L.S.U. should be very good, especially if the Tigers can improve upon the quarterback play that defined last season’s disappointing 8-5 record. Even teams out of the conference title hunt — like Arkansas, Auburn and South Carolina — have the potential to win nine games."

How Loaded is GT at RB? Marcus Wright Part 4

2009-08-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

What is not mentioned below is that Marcus Wright was also a high school Parade All-American just like Herschel Walker, Garrison Hearst, Jonathan Dwyer, Knowshon Moreno, and Washaun Ealy. Look at what Wright did in high school it is insane especially considering he played Texas 5A ball.

Player Bio: Marcus Wright - GEORGIA TECH OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE:
"Rushed for a San Antonio city record of 3,374 yards on 359 carries and scored 45 touchdowns last season as a senior... had at least one carry of 70-plus yards in eight consecutive games... played in the Army All-America Bowl... a first team all-state selection... played in eight career playoff games, producing 2,201 yards and 31 touchdowns... named the Texas Class 5A offensive player of the year... selected to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl... finished high school career by rushing for 100 or more yards in 25 consecutive games... had a career total of 7,036 career yards and 85 touchdowns"

How Loaded is UGA at DT? Part 2 - Abry Jones

2009-08-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

Abry is only a true freshman so he might even get redshirted. Most years a player like this would not get redshirted for the Dawgs or be left out of the 2 deep. However, it might happen to Abry although everyone is saying he is having a terrific camp. Abry is definitely a pro prospect and looks to help the interior d-line for UGA for many years to come.

Abry Jones Bio - Official Athletics Site of the University of Georgia Bulldogs:
"USA Today All-USA Second Team Defense...PrepStar Dream Team... Atlanta Journal Constitution 2008 Georgia’s Super 11, Super Southern 100, Class AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year, and All-State Team... 2008 Georgia Sports Writers Association Class AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year and All-State Team... Maxpreps Second Team All-America... 2008 Under Armour All-America High School Football Game participant"

Which NCAA Football Conference Is the Best? We Pit the SEC Vs the Big 12 | Bleacher Report

2009-08-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

At the end of each season it would be very nice for all 24 ACC and SEC teams to leave a Saturday date open. On that Sat. they would play be corresponding ranked team in the other conference. So there would be 12 games. Last year, including the bowls, the SEC went 6-6 against the ACC. The Big 12 is another good conference.

Which NCAA Football Conference Is the Best? We Pit the SEC Vs the Big 12 Bleacher Report:
"Though it is hard to argue that the SEC is not the best conference in football, the Big 12 has certainly at least made it an argument with the likes of Texas, Oklahoma, and even Oklahoma State garnering much deserved national attention. So which conference is better top to bottom? Below is the list of teams in each conference ranked from best (the Generals) to worst (the Privates), and how each fare against their respective counterpart in battle. In addition is the numeric weight of each battle, which will be accumulated to determine the winner.. Two conferences. Twelve Battles. One winner. Let’s get it on."

10 Things That Might Surprise You This College Football Season | Bleacher Report

2009-08-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

I definitely think this could be a better year for the ACC than even last year. Will the ACC have a team finish in the top 10?

10 Things That Might Surprise You This College Football Season Bleacher Report:
"2. The ACC will finish with at least two teams in the top 10. College football can be cyclical, and it's been a down cycle for the ACC. It's been a while since any ACC team has been in contention for the BCS Championship, but I think that is going to change this year.While a lot of people have been counting the ACC out, the reality is it has been more of these teams beating up on each other than losing to out of conference teams, which makes their records look mediocre. I think this is the year that at least one ACC team starts to flex its muscles.The ACC has been playing a lot of young players, and if you follow the NFL draft at all, you probably noticed that for the last few years ACC players have been flying off the board early and often. It's obvious the talent is there."

3 True Freshman Crack the UGA 2 Deep for 2009

2009-08-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

UGA is a much more mature and experienced team than GT, just from looking at the depth charts. The following 3 freshman are in the 2 deep for UGA according to Rivals.com.

Orson Charles, TE at 6'3" 232lbs - Look if this young man stays healthy I expect him to be starting by the end of the season. He follows in a line of NFL caliber TEs at UGA. As a senior in high school recorded 75 catches for 1440 yards and 21 touchdowns…had 7 carries for 59 yards and one touchdown. I like how Richt gave him or allowed him to wear #7 because that is not a standard TE #.
Brandon Smith, CB at 5'11" 169lbs - Don't worry about this young man's light weight. He is one of the quickest players in the SEC and country. In front of him is senior Prince Miller. If I were Miller I'd be very concerned about my starting spot. Smith was a Parade All-American his senior year of high school. He wears #1, which again shows me that Richt really thinks alot of this young man. Definitely a player to get excited about also because of his punt return abilities.
Jordon Love, CB at 6'0" 185 lbs - Rated the #1 cornerback from the state of Virginia this is a hard nosed player that is benefitting from UGA's lack of depth at CB. He has good height and weight, for his position, as a true frosh.

Well there you have it. I think Charles and Smith could find their way onto most 2 deeps in NCAA football. UGA is mature this season with lots of experience and it could not have come at a better time with the loss of 3 offensive players to the first 2 rounds of last year's NFL draft.

Jonathan Dwyer May have Less Carries and Yards in 2009

2009-08-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

This is what I have suspected all along. I am not mad at CPJ, of course. I just notice that the school and coaches aren't really hyping Dwyer. With that said, look at Adrian Peterson at GA Southern who won the Walter Peyton award in Johnson's offense. I hope Dwyer gets over 200 carries but I would rather see GT win.

GEORGIA TECH:
"'He may not get as many touches or as many yards this year, but he can be a lot better player in areas you won't see in the stats.'" - Paul Johnson

4 Opinions on Dwyer - Beamer, Wilson, Johnson, and Spiller

2009-08-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

I think Dwyer will end up being the very best RB GT has ever had.

GEORGIA TECH:
"He has everything you want in a lead back in terms of speed and power." - Frank Beamer
"He'll run through you or around you, whatever it takes. He's fun to play against because you never know what he might do next." - EJ Wilson NC DE
"He has a lot of God-given talent." - Paul Johnson
"He's a Heisman-caliber player." - CJ Spiller Clemson RB
"Who?" - Knowshon Moreno UGA RB

5.5 True Freshman Crack GT's 2 Deep

2009-08-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

Here are the true freshman that have Earned a spot on the 2009 GT roster at 1st or 2nd string:

Orwin Smith - A-back at 6' 206 lbs. This is amazing considering how stacked GT is at RB. Most all services have rated GT and Oklahoma as having the best RBs in the country so for a true freshman to earn a spot in the 2 deep at this position is breathtaking!
Stephen Hill - WR at 6'4" 196 lbs. Here is the man who keeps his word. I expect Stephen to be a starter by game 6 for GT. This player has the talent to be a 1st round draft choice.
Izaan Cross - DE at 6'4" 272 lbs. GT is not very deep at DE, quite frankly. So you would think that at least one of the incoming freshman would make the 2 deep. Not to take anything away from Izaan Cross who is currently the leading frosh at this position.
Julian Burnett - LB at 5'10" 221 lbs. Julian is tied for 2nd string with BJ Machen (6'1" 233lbs). This young man reminds me of a young Rennie Curran only 1 inch shorter. Because of his being an inch shorter than Rennie his draft potential probably isn't quite as high but this is very impressive considering GT is loaded at the LB position. I mean loaded! Fans in the know are shocked by this development.
Jemea Thomas - Rover at 5'10" 178lbs. How can a freshman that only weighs 178lbs make the two deep at rover? I will let Jemea's play answer that for you as the season goes on;)
Sean Poole - Punter at 6'1" 161 lbs. 161 lbs? Is that a misprint? He must have an excellent foot because Scott Blair is a good punter as well and would seem like the most likely choice for 2nd string punter. Oh well! Go Mr. Poole.

None of the true freshman have made starter yet, but Stephen Hill looks like the probable candidate to be the first and maybe only.

Mel Kiper has Dwyer being Drafted #13 overall

2009-08-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

Kiper believes Dwyer will be the first RB taken in the 2010 draft. Maybe Dwyer will be like Tebow and stay for an extra year. He can get insurance folks! I'm serious about the insurance, we went through this with Calvin.

Bradley's Buzz: Dwyer of GT is on Mel's board; Tebow isn't Mark Bradley:
"The top running back in the draft is Jonathan Dwyer of Georgia Tech, who’s listed as No. 13 overall. (And who is, we must note, technically a junior.)"

Fastest 100M Ever

2009-08-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Direxion: "LIGHTNING BOLT - Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt set a new world record in the men’s 100-meter dash on 8/16/09, running 9.58 seconds. Just 10 years ago (1999), Maurice Greene of the USA held the world record with a time of 9.79 seconds, a speed that would trail Bolt’s record-setting dash by 7 feet (source: BTN Research)."

How Loaded is UGA at DT - Part 1 DeAngelo Tyson

2009-08-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

UGA may have the most depth at DT, this year, in the history of college football. I kid you not, UGA may have 5-6 players to get drafted at this one position. Incredible depth like I have never seen before at this position in football. And it couldn't have come at a better time with the loss of Knowshon, Mo Mass, and Stafford on the offensive side of the ball.

Notice that DeAngelo was a Parade All-America his senior year of high school and named the most improved defensive tackle from a group that is astonishing on paper. Congrats to UGA and their fans for this group of DTs.

DeAngelo Tyson Bio - Official Athletics Site of the University of Georgia Bulldogs:
"2009: Recorded three tackles in spring G-Day game
*Named Most Improved Defensive Tackle at conclusion of spring drills

2008: Named Freshman All-SEC by SEC Coaches
*Named of the team’s Newcomer of the Year Award winners for defense
*Appeared in 13 games recording 11 tackles and five quarterback hurries
*Tallied a career-high two tackles three times: at No. 11 LSU, vs. Central Michigan and vs. Georgia Southern

High School: USA Today All-USA First Team Defense...2007 Parade All-American...2008 SuperPrep Elite 50, All-America, and All-Dixie teams....2008 Rivals.com Rivals100 (45), DT Rankings: Quickest (1), Best athlete (1), Best pass rusher (3), defensive tackles (4), Georgia Top 50 (3)...UGASports Georgia Top 50 (2)... Scout.com five-star prospect, Top 100, #44 player in America, #3 DT in nation, #14 player in the South, #2 player in Georgia...U.S. Army All-America...Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2007 Class AAAA All-State first team... Georgia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State selection...Atlanta Journal-Constitution Georgia’s Super 11 and Super Southern 100... Statesboro Herald Defensive Player of the Year...No. 45 on ESPN.com 150 list...registered 54 tackles, 14 for loss, and nine sacks in 2007...member of 2005 AAAA state champion team."

UGA a "Contender" and GT a "long shot" for the BCS Title

2009-08-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

GT is considered a "long shot" for the BCS Title and UGA a "contender".

A Simple Process of Elimination: Deciding Who Will Play for the BCS Title Bleacher Report

UGA Predicted to Go to Capital One and GT to Gator in 2009

2009-08-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

Obviously it is way too early for bowl predictions for most of us. But here is someone who feels comfortabl with it.

Two Tickets to Paradise: College Football's 2009 Bowl Projections Bleacher Report:
"7. Capital One (Citrus) Bowl: Georgia vs. Penn State
9. Gator Bowl: Ga Tech vs. West Virginia"

GT Coach Todd Spencer Says "No Excuses"

2009-08-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

Here is GT's offensive line coach making no excuses for his players. This is wonderful for GT fans because this is the answer of an excellent coach! When you see a coach talking like this that means you probably have a good one! Coach Paul Johnson did a nice landing Coach Spencer on staff at GT. I believe Army considered him as their headcoach, I may be wrong on this.

Scout.com: Interview with Coach Spencer:

"Q: Is that a sign of physical or mental fatigue?

'A: I don't want to give them any excuses or outs. Anytime we go out there we have to be ready to work and push through things. I thought this afternoon we really took a step back. It was really disappointing.'

UGA Ranked as Having the #6 WR Corp in the SEC

2009-08-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

I think they are underestimating Marlon Brown. And giving Ole Miss WRs way too much credit for their stats. We'll see where everybody is drafted. I do think Alabama has better WRs than UGA top to bottom. This is not a Julio vs. AJ statement.

SEC position rankings: Receivers - SEC - ESPN: "6. Georgia: Just like Julio Jones, A.J. Green is so dynamic that he makes everybody else around him better. Green led the SEC with 963 receiving yards last season as a freshman and tied for the league lead with eight touchdown catches. Redshirt freshman Tavarres King, and true freshman Marlon Brown are two guys to watch."

Atkins and Jeff Owens on Nagurski List

2009-08-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

Both of UGA's tackles are on the Nagurski list! Have you ever heard of such a thing? Congrats to UGA

SEC players everywhere on Nagurski list - SEC - ESPN: "The Bulldogs nominated were defensive tackles Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens and linebacker Rennie Curran."

How Loaded is GT at RB? Part 3 - Richard Watson

2009-08-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

Richard Watson looked good in the spring. I believe he is 2nd or 3rd string B-Back for GT. At 6'1" 234lbs with great strength and decent speed, Richard Watson is another RB for GT with all the tools to get drafted. He is very athletic as you can see he played LB in highschool as well. Ohio State puts out more players to the NFL than just about any program, so it is impressive to know that they offered Richard as well. Richard is a redshirt Freshman so learn the name early my friend, you might be seeing 4 years of him at GT.

Player Bio: Richard Watson - GEORGIA TECH OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE:
"selected to the FSWA Class 1B All-State Team... member of the Florida Times Union's Super 75... named to Superprep's All-Florida team... led FAMU High School to the Class 1B state championship game in back-to-back years including a state title as a junior... led team to three consecutive district titles and two straight regional crowns... rushed for more than 1,500 yards as a senior... as a junior, ran for 2,140 yards and 34 touchdowns, ending the season with a 123-yard effort in the state championship game... served two years as a team captain... earned the Tallahassee Quarterback Club's Offensive Player of the Year... made 75 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss and five sacks as a sophomore... chose Georgia Tech over Ohio State... selected Georgia Tech because of the academics, the coaches and the family atmosphere.

No. 3 fullback in the nation (Rivals.com)
No. 4 fullback in the nation (Scout.com)
Top 75 player in Florida (Rivals.com)"

Jonathan Dwyer #6 on This Heisman Race Preseason Ranking

2009-08-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

College Football Heisman Race: Preseason Bleacher Report:
"6. Jonathan Dwyer (Running Back, Georgia Tech)Running backs certainly get a lot of work in Paul Johnson's offense, as is evidenced by Dwyer's 1,395 yards last year. As the ACC's top returning back, more success seems likely."

6. Sanford Stadium—Georgia Bulldogs | Home Sweet Home: The Eight Toughest Stadiums in College Football

2009-08-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

congrats to UGA, where Sanford Stadium ranks as the 6th toughest stadium in all of college football!

6. Sanford Stadium—Georgia Bulldogs Home Sweet Home: The Eight Toughest Stadiums in College Football:
"Georgia fans hold a distinction of having a football stadium recognized for a horticultural setup around the field.
Also known as 'Between the Hedges,' Sanford Stadium holds 92,746 crazed Bulldog fans and was a venue for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. With nine home losses in 51 games, Georgia football has a solid stronghold and a rowdy southern fanbase which rivals most in the country.
In recent years, the Georgia Blackout has become a ritual and has added to the mystique of the Hedges. The ground that UGA VII, the team's mascot, has walked upon is also the burial site for all previous mascots.
Expect more blackouts in Georgia as the reputation of Bulldogs fans continues to expand throughout the years."

Herschel Walker, Georgia | College Football's 10 Most Punishing Running Backs During My Lifetime

2009-08-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

I will never forget the "Big Dawg" as long as I live. Herschel could flat play, never seen a RB as good since. Total package runner: power, world class speed, vision, and effort.

Herschel Walker, Georgia College Football's 10 Most Punishing Running Backs During My Lifetime:
"True story.
Back in my freshman year of college, one of the guys who lived on my floor was from Georgia. Well, he was a heck of a good guy and liked to have a few beers on a Friday night.
Back then the drinking age was 18, and we sure couldn't let him drink alone. In any event, after a few hours he would always talk the rest of us into a game he called 'Herschel.'
The way the game was played is one guy stands at one end of a hallway holding a football; his goal is to cross the goal line about 20 yards away. Standing between the ball carrier and the goal line are the other 10 guys, all playing defense.
For the real Herschel, this was about an even match against a real college football team, and let's not forget he was a world-class sprinter as well."

Jonathan Dwyer Rated #3 RB By Collge Football Saturday

2009-08-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

Preseason Running Back Rankings 1-20 College Football Saturday:

"3. Jonathan Dwyer (GT): Georgia Tech’s triple option attack suits Dwyer just fine. Last season on 200 carries Dwyer rushed for 1,1395 yards and 12 TDs. In the Yellow Jackets final four regular season games Dwyer topped 128 yards every single time and scored seven touchdowns. His second season in the offense should be even better. Last season Virginia Tech was the only ACC team to completely shut him down. The Hokies come to Atlanta on October 17th."

Geno Atkins Mentioned as a top 3 DT in NCAA Football

2009-08-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

Geno Atkins is pretty well thought of to be listed with Cody and McCoy. We like Geno because he gives high effort on each play.

Texas' Lamarr Houston ready to be on the same level as Sergio Kindle NewsOK.com: "He’s not yet considered in the same high regard as other more proven defensive tackles like Alabama’s Terrence Cody, Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy and Georgia’s Geno Atkins"

How Loaded is GT at RB? Part 2 - Embry Peeples

2009-08-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Here is GT's 2nd string A-back Embry Peeples. This is another one of those RBs back that if he gets past you he's gone.

Scout.com: Embry Peeples Profile:
"named to Superprep's All-Florida team... named the Orlando Touchdown Club Player of the Week in Week 1 after rushing for 223 yards on 21 carries... helped lead Dr. Phillips HS to a district championship in 2006...ran track for three years... has run a 10.71 in the 100-meters... maintained a high GPA of 3.5 or better each year... chose Georgia Tech over LSU, West Virginia"

Larry Foote On Calvin Johnson

2009-08-14T18:16:00.001-07:00

"Veteran linebacker Larry Foote, who signed with Detroit after playing on two Super Bowl-winning teams with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Foote’s tone turned more serious when he added: “Any quarterback coming in here better be making sure that connection is special. Calvin, I’ve never seen anything like him — it’s amazing watching him play, especially going against him [in practice]."

Rennie Curran Named Hardest Hitter In The SEC

2009-08-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

College football superlatives: Hardest hitters - Derek Samson - College Football - Sporting News: "SEC
Rennie Curran, LB, Georgia. When a YouTube video is labeled 'Rennie Curran busting heads' you've got a decent rep. But Curran's Greatest Hits can be found here."

GEORGIA TECH Ranked #1 in RBs

2009-08-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

In only Paul Johnson's 2nd season and in large part to Gailey recruit Jonathan Dwyer GT is rated as having the #1 RB corp in the entire country! What do you think about them apples? Congrats to GT!

GEORGIA TECH:
"1. Georgia Tech

With all due respect to Oklahoma and USC, Georgia Tech, too, belongs in the discussion when it comes to the nation’s most talented collection of running backs. Not only is Jonathan Dwyer a bona fide All-American candidate, but he’s now surrounded by a terrific ensemble that’ll keep defenses from focusing on stopping him. If opponents commit too many resources to stopping the junior, Roddy Jones, Anthony Allen, and Marcus Wright will make them pay."

Tech's Dwyer is Kiper's top NFL RB prospect | ajc.com

2009-08-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

Tech's Dwyer is Kiper's top NFL RB prospect ajc.com:
"NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper reiterated that he thought A-back Jonathan Dwyer, a junior, was the best pro prospect of any running back in the junior and senior classes"

The greatest compliment I can receive is a personal referral of a friend or family member.

Interview with Geno Atkins

2009-08-13T06:26:00.000-07:00

As you know, here on this blog we like several players from GT and UGA and Geno Atkins is certainly one of those players.

Geno Atkins press conference @ Rivals Video

How Loaded is GT at RB? Part 1 - Daniel Drummond

2009-08-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

GT is absolutely loaded at running back. The 2 teams in recent history that have put the most RBs in the pros that were on the same college team at the same time was Oklahoma and Auburn from the 80s.

Remember the team with Bo Jackson, Lionel James, Brent fullwood, etc.?

GT is that good at running back this year and in this post we are going to start with 4th team B-back Daniel Drummond.

Daniel is 6'3" 250lbs.

Flowery Branch High School...AJC first team all-state...ranked #5 for his position by Scout, #3 by ESPN and #14 by Rivals... had 102 tackles from his linebacker position and averaged six yards per carry as a fullback with over 700 yards total as a junior... as a senior, rushed for 1,102 yards and 13 touchdowns... recorded 72 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks during senior year... was a team captain in 2008... began high school career at West Hall High School... earned four varsity letters in football and two in track (shot put, discus) at West Hall HS and Flowery Branch HS combined... led Flowery Branch to a second-place finish in the AAA state playoffs... 2008 state champion in the discus and earned state championship top performer award... owns the Flowery Branch HS single-game rushing record after running for 258 yards and three touchdowns in just two quarters.

Drummond is The Times 2009 Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year from his senior year in highschool. The future Yellow Jacket broke Flowery Branch records in the squat (600 pounds), bench press (415) and a power clean of 330. Georgia Tech’s highest when combining those three disciplines last season was defensive lineman Vance Walker at 1,310. “Daniel’s walking in the door at Georgia Tech at 1,345,” his father added.

Dwyer has already said that Drummond moved well for his size and is one of the most impressive freshman at camp. Hard to believe this NFL caliber fullback is 4th string at GT!

Jonathan Dwyer on Walter Camp List

2009-08-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

At least from this list we can state as a fact that:
Walter Camp does not agree with SEC fans that AJ Green and Julio Jones are 2 of the top 5 WRs in the nation. Neither AJ Green nor Julio Jones are one of the 5 WRs listed on the Walter Camp POY "Watch List". That's OK I think that both of these WRs will be drafted in the 1st round and are at least in the top 10. And hopefully their season's performance will put them in the top 5.

Spiller on Walter Camp list:
"2009 Walter Camp Player of the Year “Watch List”
Jahvid Best, RB, Junior, California
Arrelious Benn, WR, Junior, Illinois
Eric Berry, DB, Junior, Tennessee
Sam Bradford, QB, Junior, Oklahoma
LaGarrette Blount, RB, Senior, Oregon
Dez Bryant, WR, Junior, Oklahoma State
Daryll Clark, QB, Senior, Penn State
Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Junior, Georgia Tech
Mardy Gilyard, WR, Senior, Cincinnati
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Senior, Oklahoma
Max Hall, QB, Senior, Brigham Young
Tim Hiller, QB, Senior, Western Michigan
Jerry Hughes, DE, Senior, TCU
Kendell Hunter, RB, Junior, Oklahoma State
MiQuale Lewis, RB, Senior, Ball State
Taylor Mays, DB, Senior, USC
Colt McCoy, QB, Senior, Texas
Kellen Moore, QB, Sophomore, Boise State
Todd Reesing, QB, Senior, Kansas
Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Sophomore, Oregon State
Evan Royster, RB, Senior, Penn State
George Selvie, DE, Senior, South Florida
Jordan Shipley, WR, Senior, Texas
Rusty Smith, QB, Senior, Florida Atlantic
Jevan Snead, QB, Junior, Mississippi
Brandon Spikes, LB, Senior, Florida
C.J. Spiller, RB, Senior, Clemson
Golden Tate, WR, Junior, Notre Dame
Tim Tebow, QB, Senior, Florida
Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Senior, Missouri"

Geno Atkins A Top DT in the SEC

2009-08-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

SEC, football, defensive tackle, Geno Atkins, Terrence Cody, 2009 > Buster Sports:
"Geno Atkins, Georgia – He may not be the most imposing figure at only 6-foot-1, 290 pounds. But don’t let it fool you. Atkins plays with a physicality and brute strength that belies his stature, and his quickness and agility make it tough for opposing linemen to keep their hands on him. He had a down year in 2008, with his 34 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and zero sacks representing significant drops from his sophomore season, when he led the Bulldogs with 14.5 tackles for loss and made 7.5 sacks. That drop off was representative of the entire Georgia defense, though, and shouldn’t be expected to carry over. Atkins still has that ability to penetrate and wreak havoc in the backfield, and a solid year could push him back into first-round draft territory."

Reshad Jones and Morgan Burnett on Jim Thorpe Watch List

2009-08-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

Georgia Tech's Morgan Burnett Named To Jim Thorpe Award Watch List ACC Football News:
"Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Candidates
Javier Arenas - SR - Alabama
Aaron Berry - SR - Pittsburgh
Eric Berry - JR - Tennessee
Ahmad Black - JR - Florida
Morgan Burnett -J R - Georgia Tech
Kendric Burey - JR - North Carolina
Crezdon Butler - SR - Clemson
Kam Chancellor -SR - Virginia Tech
Chris Chandler - SR - Clemson
Barry Church - SR - Toledo
Kurt Coleman - SR - Ohio State
Parrish Cox - SR -Oklahoma State University
Ras-I Dowling - JR - Virginia
Van Eskridge - SR - East Carolina
Dominique Franks - JR - Oklahoma
Joe Haden - JR - Florida
Duke Ihenacho - SR - San Jose State
Reshad Jones - JR - Georgia
Jordan Lake - SR - Baylor
Myron Lewis - SR - Vanderbilt
Trevard Lindley - SR - Kentucky
Taylor Mays - SR -Univ. of Southern California
Amari Spievey - JR - Iowa
Darrell Stuckey - SR -Kansas
Earl Thomas - SO - Texas
Syd'Quan Thompson - SR - California
Walter Thurmond - SR - Oregon
Alterraun Verner - SR - UCLA
Stephen Virgil - SR - Virginia Tech
Deunta Williams - JR - North Carolina
Kyle Wilson - SR - Boise State"

Rennie Curran Strongest LB for UGA

2009-08-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

This should come as no surprise considering Curran is less than 6 ft tall and over 230lbs.

Scout.com: New Attitude in Weight Room: "“There were guys everywhere that just worked hard, and when it came time for max day, it showed,” said Rennie Curran, who set the linebacker records for squats and bench press."

No need to fake it - Inside the Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of ANG Newspapers

2009-08-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

In this article Geno Atkins is compared to Terrence Cody. Considering Cody was an All-American last year I think that is pretty nice company for Atkins to be mentioned in. This is an Oakland Raider website so that is certainly neutral on UGA football, I would say.

No need to fake it - Inside the Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of ANG Newspapers: "I think we might have other priorities, like a DT (Terrence Cody, Geno Atkins)."

ACC Preview - Morgan Burnett

2009-08-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

Burnett is referred to here as a blazer.

ACC Preview - Georgia Tech: "The secondary is led by All-ACC strong safety Morgan Burnett. Burnett is blazer, a ball hawk, a sure handed tackler and a guy that should go beyond All-ACC to All-American this year. This guy is definitely an NFL caliber safety."

UGA and GT Ranked in Top 30 For Their Traditions

2009-08-06T18:54:00.001-07:00

UGA and GT both have traditions that are ranked in the top 30 of all of college football. More good news for Georgia highschool football players who want to stay home and play college ball.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/32239415/ns/sports-college_football/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1&beginChapter=1&beginTab=1

Mark Richt Says A Few Will Be Team Leaders This Year

2009-08-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Last year I felt like one big concern was lack of leadership from players. We all remember David Greene and Pollack. Now I can definitely see Boling, Joe Cox, and Curran stepping up to provide team encouragement during games. I guess Curran will be doing everything except punting;)

A face to face with UGA’s Mark Richt Morgan County Citizen Online:
"“Coach Richt, I always worried going into a season who my team leaders were going to be and if I had done enough to encourage them as a leader. Who do you think your team leaders will be this year and what do you do to try to get them to accept this role to provide a positive influence on other members of the team?”

Coach Richt’s reply: “We work hard to identify and promote leaders within each position group. The individual position coaches are kind of in charge of this because they have the most day to day contact with those players. Some of the guys that I have noticed and have high hopes for to be leaders are people like Joe Cox, Rennie Curran, Mike Moore, Ben Jones and Clint Bolling to name a few. We are fortunate to have a lot of seniors as well who have taken steps during summer workouts to make sure everyone is giving the kind of effort it takes to have a successful season and putting peer pressure on them to stay clear of trouble.”"

Calvin Johnson Rated #3 Player of the Decade in ACC

2009-08-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

They rated Calvin behind Chris Wenke and Philip Rivers but in front of Matt Ryan and Julious Peppers.

The ACC's 10 best players of the decade, so far...:
"3) Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, WR (2004-2006)
Calvin Johnson didn't have the benefit of having an elite quarterback while Georgia Tech, but he still set record after record at Georgia Tech. Starting with his famous 'spider man' catch against NC State and his game winning TD against Clemson his freshman year, he went on to be a 3 time All-ACC player, 2 time All-American, and the Biletnikoff award winner in 2006. With the rare combination of mid 4.3 speed, and a 6'5 frame, Johnson was the 2nd player drafted in the 2007 draft by the Detroit Lions."

Tom Osborne only coach with more wins that Paul Johnson

2009-07-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-07-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-07-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-07-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-14T08:13:00.001-07:00

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