Rennie Curran is a Stud - No Ifs, Ands, Or Buts

UGA fans keep telling me that Rennie Curran is small. If you are 5'11" and weigh 228lbs. is that small? Isn't Jonathan Dwyer 6'0" 230lbs. Is he small?

In my opinion Rennie Curran is a stud, will be one of the first LBs taken in the year he is drafted (maybe 2nd behind Brandon Spikes of Florida?), and will go down as one of the greatest LBs of all time at UGA. Does he play with heart? Absolutely and that is why he is my favorite player right now for the Dawgs. But please it is not like he is Chris Zurich, the old NT from Notre Dame that weighed 260lbs. Give me a break! Rennie Curran is an average size LB with a stout and muscular build with the heart of lion.

If Curran is so small then why is he as heavy or heavier than Akeem Dent, Akeem Hebron, and Darius Dewberry?

Being Sam Brooklyn: The Linebackers Will Need To Be Big in 2009:
"Rennie Curran (Jr), 5'11', 228 lbs

Curran is the heart and soul of the Georgia linebacking corps. He came on hard and fast last season—starting all 13 games and registering 115 tackles and 12 quarterback hurries.

By season's end he had amassed numerous post-season honors and is on both the Lott Trophy and Rotary Lombardi watch lists this season.

Curran defies all probability playing the Will position—he's dreadfully small and doesn't look like he should be anywhere near the linebacking corps.

However, he continues to be a thorn in the side of opposing defenses as he flies all over the field making tackles and dismantling plays with relative ease.

He's deceptively quick and ridiculously strong for his size—he makes most of the guys on the field look like they are playing at a speed that is much slower than his.

Yet, despite all that, his best asset may very well be his ability to read and react to plays without giving away too much on the field—he plays smart and disciplined football.

Even more, he lays the hammer down on every hit—don't let the 5'11' frame fool you, he uses every bit of his 228 lb frame to make a fool out of the guys who disrespect his game and mistake him for a weakling."

Who are your Sleeper Teams for 2009

So much has already has been written about the preseason favorites thought it would be fun to see your 2009 sleepers (these are teams that should be better than the preseason rank and potential top 10 or better).

Who are your Sleeper Teams for 2009:
"Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Returning ACC player of the year Jonathan Dwyer plus QB Josh Nesbitt off the 4th best running game in the country last year would make any team a favorite in the ACC--but with Roddy Jones and Lucas Cox also returning the Jackets have a slew of offensive weapons. and the scary thing for the ACC is Paul Johnson’s option attack will be even better in Year 2. The Yellow Jackets return eight players to their defense but the losses are huge--all in the front with Michael Johnson and defensive tackles Darryl Richard and Vance Walker . But Tech should improve on the turnover ratio from last year which will reduce the pressure on the defense--and with the offense able to score at will--watch out-Tech is at FSU but has Virginia Tech and Georgia at home."

Facts Comparing the ACC and SEC

Here are only facts from certain articles about the ACC or SEC.


Georgia Tech 2009 Media Guide (page 30):
"The ACC leads all conferences in the nation in the Football Bowl Subdivision in graduating its football players. ACC schools have combined to graduate their players at a rate of 72 percent according to the NCAA’s released Graduation Success Rate (GSR) survey."

Counting down the ACC's top 30 players: No. 2 - ACC - ESPN

Heather Dinich does a great job covering the ACC for ESPN. Wouldn't you like to talk football with her? Anyway, she has rated Jonathan Dwyer as the #2 player in ACC instead of #1. I find it odd that last year as a true sophomore Dwyer was voted ACCPY but this year he is No. 2? At the same time I respect her opinion. CJ Spiller's speed is attractive and I totally understand that argument.

Counting down the ACC's top 30 players: No. 2 - ACC - ESPN:
"No. 2 Jonathan Dwyer, B-back, Georgia Tech, Jr., 6-0, 228

Dwyer
Why he's here: The ACC's reigning Player of the Year led the league in rushing last season with 1,395 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, and he was just scratching the surface in Year 1 of Paul Johnson's offense. Consider this: Dwyer's 107.3 rushing yards per game ranked him 21st nationally, but of the 20 players who were ranked ahead of him, 14 were juniors or seniors. He's got the speed to escape for long runs, and his powerful lower body makes him tough to bring down.

Dwyer's combined rushing and receiving yards (1,604) were the ninth-most in the history of the ACC. He had nine 100-yard rushing performances, tying the school record held by Tashard Choice in 2006. He averaged seven yards per carry and had 19 carries of 20 yards or longer. Dwyer's 1,775 all-purpose yards were the second-most in school history. His 21 career rushing touchdowns are more than any ACC player returning this fall.

Why he's not No. 1: Not yet, anyway. First, let's see Dwyer sustain his success now that defensive coordinators have had an off-season to really key in on him and Georgia Tech's offensive scheme. Dwyer is a more complete pure runner than No. 1, but he's not as versatile."

Overplayed ACC Football Storylines

Here is a post from a VT blog, where the author is listing the top things he is sick of hearing in the college football world and disagrees with.

Anyone who thinks GT's offense will not be as effective in 2009 because defenses will have them figured out is going to end up with "egg on their faces." For some football fans this is a normal occurrence though.

Overplayed ACC Football Storylines - Gobbler Country:
"Georgia Tech won't be as successful this year because teams have seen the flexbone.
No, Georgia Tech won't be as successful this year because it lost a bunch of key starters on defense. The Jacket offense will be better in 2009 because their players actually understand how to run it now. Jonathan Dwyer and company will still roll up huge numbers. But I have a feeling the Jackets are going to be on the wrong end of a couple of shootouts this year."

JONATHAN DWYER can juke too!

Many people say Dwyer can't cut or juke. Here is a quote from another blog and a video clip from last year showing that Dwyer can in fact cut and juke. This blurb compares Dwyer to Barry Sander which is hard to believe because Dwyer is 230lbs. This is the 2nd time I have heard someone compare Dwyer to Sanders. The first was during his freshman year during the Samford game by one of Barry Sanders former coaches.

SPORTSCRACK: HIGH WIRE JONATHAN DWYER: "And here is another one against Miami showing off his Barry Sanders-like jukes..."

HIGH WIRE JONATHAN DWYER

SPORTSCRACK: HIGH WIRE JONATHAN DWYER:
"The returning ACC Player of the Year is only the third Yellow Jacket to accomplish the honor, joining Calvin Johnson and Josh Hamilton whom were both serious Heisman Trophy candidates. Dwyer should be one too this season. Last season he rushed for 1395 yards while averaging 7 yards a carry. So keep an eye out this fall for Dwyer of Georgia Tech. He most certainly deserves the attention and the pub. I'm having a hard time finding a more complete back in the college game right now. I guess most could say Cal's Jahvid Best has more speed which can't be argued but I think if I had to pick a back in college right now to give the ball 20-30 times a game and help carry my team to win it would be Dwyer."

Counting down the ACC top 30 players: No. 7 - ACC - ESPN

Just imagine if Morgan would have gone to UGA like his brother? GT would probably not have beaten UGA in 2008. Also, I do not think Morgan would do as well in the UGA defense currently. Dave Womack really relies on his corners to play man and his safety or safeties to read each play. This allows playmakers like Morgan to do his thing.

Counting down the ACC top 30 players: No. 7 - ACC - ESPN:
"No 7. Morgan Burnett, S, Georgia Tech, Jr., 6-1, 198

Burnett
Why he's here: He has excellent speed, vision, and no active player in the ACC has more career interceptions than Burnett. He was tied for third nationally last year with seven interceptions and he has 10 in his career. He had more interceptions last season than the entire team had the previous year (five) and more single-season INTs than any Yellow Jacket since 1991 when Willie Clay had nine.
As the last line of defense, Burnett had 24 more tackles than anyone else on the team. He finished 2008 with seven tackles for loss, eight pass break-ups and one forced fumble. He led the Jackets in tackles (93) and solo tackles (62)."

Scout.com: Five SEC Players Worth Stealing

Scout.com: Five SEC Players Worth Stealing:
"A.J. Green, WR, Georgia ----- If you can’t steal one tall, sophomore WR from a traditional power then take the other one. Green is just one notch below Jones because while the numbers are similar (56-963) and he caught just four TD passes he had the advantage of playing with Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno."

Georgia Bulldog Wide Receiver A.J. Green Is Ready to Dominate Defenses

Georgia Bulldog Wide Receiver A.J. Green Is Ready to Dominate Defenses Bleacher Report:
"Combining size, more strength, deceptive speed, and amazingly soft hands, Green will look to dominate the competition in 2009."

I expect AJ Green to have a big 2009 as well.

Hope and concern: Georgia Tech

Hope and concern: Georgia Tech - ACC - ESPN:

"Biggest reason for hope -- Deepest backfield in the ACC
Forget 1-2 punch. These guys have a 1-2-3 punch in ACC Player of the Year Jonathan Dwyer, Roddy Jones and Louisville transfer Anthony Allen. Jones, an A-back, was Mr. November last year, with 97 yards on seven carries and 148 all-purpose yards against Miami. He then made a name for himself nine days later with 214 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries against Georgia. Those guys will be in good company with Lucas Cox, Embry Peeples and Marcus Wright. Here's a stat for you: Georgia Tech ran for 881 yards in the last two regular-season games combined. And everyone who accounted for them is back. Sure, ACC defenses might start to catch on, but these players will execute it better this fall, too.

Biggest reason for concern -- Getting beat up front
Yes, Georgia Tech had one of the most productive ground games in the country last year, leading the ACC and ranking fourth nationally with 273.2 rushing yards per game. But that's the foundation of coach Paul Johnson's offense -- running the football, and he'll be the first to tell you it could have been executed better last year. That stems in part from some breakdowns up front, as the offensive line was arguably the weak link of the offense. Tech could be deeper this year, but it has to replace both starting tackles in Andrew Gardner and David Brown. And the defense loses three talented starters from its line, leaving junior Derrick Morgan the veteran of the group. The defensive line lost three starters who combined for 100 career starts and 100 tackles for loss."

Sporting News Ranks GT's Running Backs as #1 in NCAA Football

I love making big statements and I have been telling some of my friends (that hate my big statements) that GT's current roster may have more RBs drafted to the NFL than any college team in football history. One of my friends called me to the carpet on this statement and went back and looked at the teams with the most Running backs drafted on the same roster on a college team. He found that the old wishbone teams Auburn and Oklahoma from the 80s had like 5-6 RBs on their rosters at one time that were drafted in the first 7 rounds of the NFL (not in one year) but from the same snapshot of the roster on a particular year.

I think GT has 6 RBs on their roster, right now, that could be drafted:

1. Jonathan Dwyer
2. Roddy Jones
3. Anthony Allen
4. Marcus Wright
5. Lucas Cox (Mike's younger brother)
6. Daniel Drummond

GT is loaded at running back. I didn't even mention Richard Watson or Embry Peeples, both of whom have NFL talent.

Ranking the top offensive units in college football Sporting News:
"Running backs

1. Georgia Tech. First, a disclaimer: It's not all running backs at Tech. In fact, quarterback Josh Nesbitt is the team's most dangerous runner in the triple option offense. But the Jackets grind away with the power and speed of star running back Jonathan Dwyer before hitting the defense with quick scatback Roddy Jones. Louisville transfer Anthony Allen gives the team another dynamic option.

Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson says: 'I think if you asked any of our guys, they'd tell you they really weren't completely comfortable with what we were doing (in Johnson's first season). Knowing what they did last year, that certainly makes it more exciting knowing what could be this season if they continue to work.'"

Great RBs - A Georgia Tech Tradition

This article supports what many fans, coaches, and recruits already know and that is that for years GT has been putting out NFL caliber RBs. I would also add Mike Cox (the Bull) to the below article. As he was a fullback at GT and is now in the NFL.

Roddy Jones: The ACC's Best A-Back Bleacher Report:
"So, while much of the spotlight this preseason is shone on Jonathan Dwyer, it would be foolish for any opposing team or fan to overlook Roddy Jones.

At Georgia Tech, it seems there is always another great running back in the shadows, lurking, just waiting to break out (see Dwyer’s predecessors in Tashard Choice & P.J. Daniels)."

Look For UGA to Make Some Noise in 2009

In this article, the Dawgs are picked as one of the top underdog teams that could step up and win the national championship this year.

College Football Underdogs Bleacher Report:
"Georgia
In a year when they shouldn't? They do. That is the Georgia way of doing things lately.
A road game against previously mentioned Oklahoma State would go very far. A win over Florida in Jacksonville would put them on top.

There may not be a more opportunistic schedule in the entire country. The 'Dawgs will get the spotlight in their first five games, as they have away trips at Oklahoma State and Arkansas, along with home games against South Carolina, Arizona State, and LSU.

That type of schedule, if done well, leads to National Championships, or at the least votes to go forth.
With that schedule, along with the annual WLOCP matchup with Florida, the 'Dawgs will get the country's attention, especially if they go 11-1 in the regular season.

Joe Cox isn't a rookie by any stretch, and AJ Green is a year older with a plethora of RB's with a solid OL. The defense has eight returners, and they can only get better than last year.
Look for the 'Dawgs to make some serious noise in 2009.
Those are my sleeper teams. Who you got?"

Georgia Tech Football 2009 - Offense, Defense, Special Analysis

My opinion is that GT's offense and special teams will be better but that our defense will take a small step back. I think those 3 NFL caliber lineman we lost will hurt the whole defense more than most suspect. With that stated I am pleased to see that one expert thinks GT's defense will be solid and as good as last year. If GT's defense is as good as it was last year then GT will be a very good football team in 2009.

Georgia Tech Football 2009 Bleacher Report:
"The biggest questions for Georgia Tech's offense are with their passing game and the offensive line. The passing game must improve from last year, and bot Coach Johnson and QB Nesbitt know this. Obviously passing is not the number one priority in an option offense, but a team needs to have a legitimate passing threat. Nesbitt can throw the ball. and he has at least one very talented receiver in 'Bebe' Thomas, who will play on Sundays in the next year or two. The main issue comes down to the offensive line. Johnson is still bringing in his type of recruits, who are suited for Johnson's offense, to play on the offensive line. Furthermore, the Offensive line sustained several injuries during the spring that made the potential weakness of the offensive line more evident.

On defense, the Jackets should be solid. The Ramblin Wreck have lost 3 big time players on the defensive line, but there should be enough depth to at least keep the defense from regressing. In the Georgia Tech secondary, Morgan Burnett is becoming a star, and deserves far more recognition and respect than he gets. Overall the defense probably wont be one of the top ten in the country, but should be pretty good.

Special teams are a major concern for the Yellow Jackets. To be blunt, the Special Teams were pretty awful last year. Field goals were like the light switch next to my bed, just out of reach. And every time Tech received a punt or a kick I just prayed for a not-fumble. Simply put, Tech's Special Teams must improve."

Jonathan Dwyer will have to battle East Coast Heisman Bias

Tebow, Bradford, and McCoy top Heisman Trophy favorites for 2009:
"Jonathan Dwyer, of Georgia Tech, will try to emerge from the mediocre ACC at +1200. Dwyer will also have to overcome the east coast bias in which incredibly no players from an east coast school outside of Florida has won since 1984 and just twice since Tony Dorsett captured the honor in 1976.
By comparison, three USC players have won the last six years."

Top 10 rivalry games photos - UGA vs. FL ranked #10

Top 10 rivalry games photos:
"10. Florida-Georgia

For this edition of The List, in honor of rivalry week, we’re looking at the 10 best rivalries in college football. We winnowed the list to about 16, then cut it to 10 - and it was hard. Among the criteria: nastiness, history and – above all else – national importance.

“The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” has been one-sided since 1990, with the Gators winning 16 of the past 19 meetings. But the “border war” and neutral-site aspects help this rivalry get into our top 10."

I guess the UGA vs. GT game just hasn't had that much national importance. However, is the Army vs. Navy game that important nationally? That was rated number 4.

UGA Player Says something to Jonathan Dwyer After TD

Notice after this TD that #99 for UGA barks something in Dwyer's ear and Dwyer totally ignores him. Also, a UGA player ended up on his rear end when Dwyer makes a cut. If this man we call the "Diesel" was a step faster we could, without being a homer, compare him to Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, or Darren McFadden.

Do you think UGA players, other than Curran, like Dwyer?

AJ Green Rated the 25th Best WR in NCAA Football

this site rates AJ Green as the 25th best WR in college football going into 2009. I disagree and would put AJ around 15.

ProFantasySports.com Fantasy Football - Free Fantasy Football and College Fantasy Football Information And Advice: "25) A.J. Green, Georgia – A quality receiver with a new quarterback. Like the Tide’s Jones, Bulldogs know they need him involved."

2009 SEC Football Outlook: UGA Predicted to go 6-6

2009 SEC Football Outlook: How Good Will The Conference Be This Year? Bleacher Report:
"Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia lost a lot at the end of the 2009 season. They lost two of their top offensive weapons in Moreno and Stafford. Even with those losses you can not forget about Freshman phenom's A.J. Green and Caleb King. Both will definitely be factors this year and could be a air and ground duo that shocks the country.
Georgia will struggle defensively because of their youth and inexperience. They will mostly be beat by teams with strong air attacks because of the weak secondary they have coming back.

Prediction: I see the Bulldogs going 6-6 (4-4). The Bulldogs will most likely lose to LSU, Florida, Tennessee, Auburn, Arizona St., and Georgia Tech. It will be a season to rebuild, but don't worry it won't be long till the Bulldogs are back."

This writer thinks UGA is going to lose to Arizona State and Tennessee? Take those 2 teams off and UGA goes 8-4. Please!

Nesbitt now comfortable with option attack

Rivals.com College Football - Nesbitt now comfortable with option attack:
"Exclusive fraternity Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson has said he wants Josh Nesbitt to set a goal of throwing for 2,000 yards and rushing for 1,000 yards this season. Only six quarterbacks in college football history have accomplished that feat – but they all did it this decade."

Best 21 College Running Backs For Fantasy Points

Best 21 College Running Backs In The Nation In 2009 Intersportswire: "19) Jonathan Dwyer - Georgia Tech: Dwyer is one of my favorite talents in college football but just plays in a system that splits the carries too much, which prevents fantasy super-stardom. In 2008 Dwyer carried the ball 200 times for 1395 yards and 12 TDs. I actually expect to see his carries drop down to the 175 range which, no matter how good he is, will limit his upside."

Four Offensive units that can be expected to make a significant improvement for 2009

In this aricle writer Brian McDonald predicts that GT will go from 20 fumbles to 11 and he also states that Georgia Tech Head Coach Paul Johnson is simply wiser than everyone else.

College Football Fantasy Football:
"When I search for offensive units that can be expected to make a significant improvement from one year to the next I place a priority on returning starters, anticipated strength of schedule and turnovers lost the season before. There are four squads I see making significant strides in turnovers lost in 2009, and this will lead to more downs, yards and eventually touchdowns. And each team has a player or two that will definitely be a popular fella draft day.

Georgia Tech

2008: 7 interceptions, 20 fumbles lost

In 2002 Navy hired a relative unknown from Georgia Southern named Paul Johnson. And the Midshipmen fumbled 25 times on the way to two victories. The next season this number was cut to 14 and Navy found itself in a bowl game against Texas Tech. It simply took one year for the Middie players to figure out how to hang onto the ball and work in this challenging system.

So based on Navy’s numbers immediately following Johnson’s arrival, the Yellow Jackets of 2008 were well ahead of the curve, though I’m certain the smartest coach in college football wasn’t too pleased with the 20 fumbles from a season ago. And the 2009 Navy offense will return nearly every player that took the triple-option flexbone crash course last season.

Paul Johnson continues to laugh at those who deem his offense a fluke, and he’s recently hinted at winging the ball deep a little more should teams try to sneak an extra fella or two into the box. Like Mike Leach, the Georgia Tech coach is simply wiser than everyone else. And another season working on ball handling and misdirection will make the GT offense more explosive than a season ago.
If the Jackets can show the same improvement that Navy did six years ago, then we’re looking at an offense cutting its fumbles from 20 to 11. And suddenly we have nine more opportunities for the likes of Jonathan Dwyer, Roddy Jones, Anthony Allen and Demaryius Thomas."

Who is the Fastest Player on GT's 2009 Football Team?

According to Josh Nesbitt, preseason All-America Safety, Morgan Burnett is the fastest player on GT's roster followed by DB Mario Edwards (a transfer from VT) and BB Johnathan Dwyer (6'0" 230lbs).

Riddle me this:
How can a 230lb B-Back be the 2nd fastest player on a BCS conference football team? Did I miss something? How can this be? Is Jonathan Dwyer from another planet? Was Nesbitt joking or somthing? Does Nesbitt think that us fans are that clueless? Next thing you know Nesbitt is going to tell us that Jonathan Dwyer became the first player in the history of the ACC to win Player of the Year as a true sophomore and he cut so hard on one play during the UGA game that UGA's defensive back fell onto his rear end trying to change direction so he could tackle (touch) Dwyer. Please!

Something to tide you over, a Q&A with Josh Nesbitt Tech:
"AJC: Who is the fastest player on the team now? And you can’t say you.
JN: I’m going to go with Morgan Burnett is fastest.

AJC: I didn’t know if Marcus [Wright] was faster.
JN: No, Marcus is not faster.

AJC: Who’s second fastest, who does it come down to?
JN: Not including myself, I would say kind of a tie. Mario Edwards or Jonathan Dwyer."

Rennie Curran The Overacheiver

A few short words about Rennie Curran, little bitty Bulldog Mark Bradley: "Pound for pound and inch for inch, this LBLB is as good as there is in these United States."

Ranking The ACC's Secondaries - GT #3

This report is OK. But they left out Cooper Taylor, who I think is better than Mario Butler. Cooper Taylor clocked the fastest forty on the team this winter. Also, Jerrard Terrant is back and he might be as good as Butler. Needless to say, I am biased, but Cooper Taylor and Tarrant are at least as good as Butler. No?

Southern Pigskin: The Leading Name in Southern College Football Coverage - Story: "3. Georgia Tech - Outside of Eric Berry and Taylor Mays, Yellow Jacket junior Morgan Burnett is as good as it gets at safety in college football. And he isn't too far behind those two. Burnett tied for the national lead in interceptions last year with seven. He is a pure playmaker. At cornerback, 6'1'' Mario Butler is coming into his own."

Georgia LB Curran honored for 'unifying athletes' - Sports

Congrats to my favorite UGA player, Rennie Curran!

Georgia LB Curran honored for 'unifying athletes' - Sports: "Georgia junior linebacker Rennie Curran was honored as the Collegiate Athlete of the Year at the AAG Foundation gala in Atlanta on Saturday night. A finalist for the Butkus Award, Curran was named to the 2008 All-Southeastern Conference team after recording a team-high 115 tackles, including an SEC-high 63 solo stops. Curran also tied for the team lead with three sacks and forced two fumbles for the 10-3 Bulldogs last season"

During last year's games against Kentucky and GT I thought Mr. Curran really stood out. During the Kentucky game because he made like 15 tackles and during the UGA game because he seemed to be the only player that would consistently wrap up and complete the tackle! In case you were wondering, Rennie Curran is my type of player and so is Dwyer for that manner.

Early Look at the ACC — Georgia Tech To Finish 3rd

This betting service has GT finishing #3 in the ACC next year behind FSU and VT.

Page 2 — NCAA Football Futures - Early Look at the ACC — BetUS Locker Room: "In Atlanta, GEORGIA TECH (+700 at BetUS) handed the program over to Paul Johnson, and the former Navy coach delivered in his first season, with nine wins. A big part of making Johnson's flexbone offense work was Jonathan Dwyer, who simply took the ball and took over, rushing for 1395 yards, best in the ACC. He's gotten a lot of All-American attention, and would be considered an outside contender for the Heisman. There are nine starters coming back on offense, and eight on defense. Freshmen or sophomores scored all but three of the Yellow Jackets' touchdowns last season. Johnson has a lot of depth in the backfield alongside Dwyer, so they will keep coming at teams and challenging defensive fronts. The problem is that the offensive line has to be rebuilt to an extent. That may be the difference between a mid-tier bowl game and a possible appearance in the ACC title game. Passing teams will certainly be challenged by this defense, as there are at least one or two potential all-conference performers in the secondary."

Top 5 Heisman Candidates

Sports by Fletch: A Sneak Peek at some Hooters!: "4. Jonathan Dwyer, RB Georgia Tech. Dwyer rushed for nearly 1400 yards and 12 scores last season and seems tailor-made for Paul Johnson’s offense."

Conferences Move in Cycles - No Conference Is Best Every Year

This article seems to support our view that conferences are cyclical and rise and fall over time. In other words, no one conference is best every year.

Richt's whine not fine SavannahNow.com: "Granted, the SEC is challenging. But the league isn't the SEAL training of sports, at least not every year. And we are talking Georgia football here, the same program that went 40 years without leaving Dixie to play a regular-season game."

UGA and GT 2 of only 3 Teams To Play 3 non-league BCS Opponents

Richt's whine not fine SavannahNow.com: "The Bulldogs are one of only three teams from Bowl Championship Series conferences to play three non-league BCS opponents."

Best LB coprs in the SEC - UGA Ranked #3

Here UGA is ranked as having the #3 LB corps in the SEC. They mention my favorite player for UGA, Rennie Curran.

Best LB coprs in the SEC - SECTalk Forums: "Georgia - All-SEC Junior fireplug Rennie Curran, a tough, savvy defender, leads an aggressive Bulldog bunch. Curran led the SEC in solo tackles last season and he is fundamentally sound. He is the guy you want making the stop on third down and short. Juniors Darryl Gamble and Akeem Dent both return as well. Senior Marcus Washington also has starting experience."

The Counter Speed Option - My Favorite And Arguably The Best Play In NCAA Football

This is not only my favorite play in NCAA football right now, but it is my favorite play of all time. Whenever I see it coming I leave my seat and my heartbeat increases by many beats. I simply love it! and with Dwyer their is nothing like it. Obviously other media outlets think pretty highly of the play as well as it was up for the Pontiac Game Changing momemt during the last week of the 2008 football season with this play:



Here another exciting play from the Counter Speed Option. This play also produced the longest run in GT football history:

Explaining Georgia Tech's Offense, Under Paul Johnson

The overall name of the offense is: Spread Option.

The primary formation on many plays is: Flexbone. The picture above shows what the flexbone looks like before the ball is snapped. Instead of "SB" GT calls them "A-backs" and "B-Back" for "FB".

A play that is called roughly 20% of the time is: Triple Option.

Here is the triple option play run sucessfully, where the QB makes the decision to go to the outside man or A-back rather than keep it or give it to the B-back up the middle. Roddy Jones had his best game of the year against UGA because, in my opinion, UGA was so focused on stopping Dwyer. The other team that really made it a priority to stop Dwyer, last year, was VT. VT did beat GT because GT didn't make them pay with other players, like they did against UGA.

Here is the triple option play where the QB decides to give it to the B-Back, instead of keeping it or pitching it to the A-back. Notice the formation before the play is a perfect flexbone!



I can't find a good clip of a Nesbitt keeper on the triple option.

Jonthan Dwyer - 9th Best Rushing Season in ACC History

2009 College Draft Prep: ACC Preview - NCAA Football 2009 College Draft Prep: ACC Preview : FantasyNews.CBSSports.com: "Dwyer finished last season with the highest rushing total by any ACC player since 2006 and his combined 1,604 yards of offense was ninth-best in ACC history."

Julio Jones Better Than AJ Green?

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for NCAA Football stats, scores, standings, and blogs from NCAA Football columnists:
"Q: Julio Jones is the only receiver with a pulse at Alabama, so that means he's the 15th-best player in the nation? Please take this as respectfully as possible, but you're crazy. Now I'm not saying that Julio is no good. He's unbelievable. But he's not so much better than A.J. Greene that he deserves 15th best in the nation and A.J. doesn't even make your list. -- Casey Bowman
Hayes: It's not the 25 best wide receivers, it's the 25 best players. Because Jones is No. 15, it doesn't mean A.J. Green should somehow be close behind.
Green is a terrific talent, but he's not the same player as Jones. Not even close. Green benefited last fall from Matthew Stafford, and developed into a dangerous threat. Jones was saddled with John Parker Wilson, a serviceable quarterback who was told not to mess up.
Jones has the physical ability to consistently beat double teams, and was the team's best deep threat. If he were playing with an accurate quarterback in an offense that wasn't holding back for fear of turnovers, he would've had a monster season. Frankly, he may be too low at 15."

This is a tough debate. I like AJ Green's attitude, he showed class in the GT game by not celebrating too much after his TD.

ACC Football Expected to Be Better in 2009

College football preview: ACC battles bad rep - 06-12-2009: "a young, improving league that sent a record 10 teams to bowl games last season. It's also a great quarterback league, with 10 teams returning signal callers that started meaningful games last season."

2009 Georgia Football Analysis - Stacked at LB

2009 Georgia Football Analysis and Predictions Bleacher Report: "Linebackers Darryle Gamble, Akeem Dent, and Rennie Curran are veteran players who may be three of the best in the SEC."

UGA is much like LSU, Florida, Texas, etc. when it comes to talent. They just reload each year. However, remember even LSU only won 7 games in the 2008 regular season. Is it impossible for UGA to win only 7 of 12 games? They play 11 BCS teams next year. Or is UGA more like Texas and Florida where the least they can win is 8?

We will see.

Geno Atkins - Motor On Every Play

Dawgsports at the 2009 Peach State Pigskin Preview, Part 1. - Dawg Sports: "I asked Vince Vance if there was one defensive lineman who he knows will give him a workout every snap. While he wouldn't give me the name of any opposing players, he did say that Geno Atkins is one guy who can be counted on to come after you every snap. That shouldn't be a big surprise to 'Dawg fans at this point."

Geno Atkins will probably be my target player for UGA for the 2009 season. I expect he may go "national" this coming season.

Heisman Hunt 2009 | Jonathan Dwyer

Heisman Hunt 2009 Eleven Warriors:
"9. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech: Dwyer is one of the lesser known players on this list, but with Georgia Tech picking up steam in the early rankings for next season, expect to see his name a lot next year. Dwyer rushed for 1,395 yards (7.0 averae) and 12 touchdowns in his first year under new coach Paul Johnson. He expects to go over that number this season and will get plenty of touches in the Jackets’ run-heavy offense. Now that he is out of Knowshon Moreno’s shadow in the Peach State, expect Dwyer to be a contender to the end, but ultimately lose out on the award to a player from a more prestigious school."

Now maybe I am sound like a homer but, Dwyer was not in "Moreno's shadow" in GT fans' opinions. I can promise you that.

AJ Green Preseason 4th Best Player in the SEC East

The SEC East's Five Best Players In '09: From Top to Bottom! Bleacher Report:

"4. A.J. Green, Georgia - I debated over this spot for several moments before giving into A.J. Green's amazing stats! If you thought Alabama freshman sensation Julio Jones was good, then this guy was great.
The 6'4'', 200 pound wide-out can cause many problems and often draws double coverage as does Jones. In '08 Green was named SEC Freshman of the Year and that's just a start to what else he accomplished.
Green set a freshman reception record with 56 receptions and Stafford and Green torched the Arizona Sun Devils with Green going for 159 yards. There is no doubt in my mind or anyone else that A.J. Green is going to be in the Heisman race within the next few years if not in '09."

You gotta love the quote "if you thought Alabama freshman sensation Julio Jones was good, then AJ Green was great", if you are a UGA fan.

There Is No Special Way For A Defense To Line Up Againt GT's Offense

I hope people, especially UGA fans, keep saying that Paul Johnson's offense can't work or LSU "figured it out."

"Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said he still gets a kick out of those who question his spread-based option offense. “We’ve been doing it for 26 years, they’ve got 25 years of film, OK?” Johnson said. “It’s like anything else, if you execute the offense efficiently you’re going to be good. If you don’t, you won’t.
“There’s no special secret way to line up and say ‘Oh my god, now they can’t run.’ They’ll put nine people in the box. OK, go ahead. You’re not going to line up something we haven’t seen in 26 years. You might beat us, but I highly doubt it’s because of the way you line up.”
Here is the link:
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/sports/gatech/stories/2009/06/09/georgia_tech_offense.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=21

This is by far the silliest thing I am hearing in college football right now. Last year it was Moreno for Heisman this year it is "LSU figured out GT's offense." GT fans always call UGA fans rednecks and stupid and certain UGA fans prove them correct by saying "LSU figured out GT's offense." GT lead the ACC in offense last year! Did I miss something again? Like I did last year with the Moreno for Heisman garbage? Oh well:)

Here is a question with GT A-Back Roddy Jones on this ridiculous topic:
What do you say to fans who say ACC defenses are going to know what to do against you guys this year?
RJ: I tell them to watch the games this year because coach Johnson preaches that if we execute, nobody in the country can stop us. When he was at Georgia Southern, they played the same teams every year. When he was at Navy, they played the same teams every year. The offense was always successful. There's no reason why that wouldn't be the same case here.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-6-151/Q-A-with-Georgia-Tech-s-Roddy-Jones.html

NCAA Football 2009: Ranking the Running Back Units in The ACC | Bleacher Report

Just a snippet of just how loaded GT is at RB this year. I will do a complete write up later in the summer before the season starts.

NCAA Football 2009: Ranking the Running Back Units in The ACC Bleacher Report: "1) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Starting with returning ACC Offensive player of the year Jonathan Dwyer, who gained 1,395 on the ground, the Yellow Jackets are flat out loaded at this position.
Next is Roddy Jones, who rushed for 690 yards last season, including a game against the Georgia Bulldogs in which he rushed for over 200 yards.
The Jackets obtain the services of Louisville transfer Anthony Allen. He only holds the Louisville single-game rushing record. After that, you have running backs Lucas Cox and his 7.7 yards per rush, Marcus Wright, who rushed for over 3,000 yards his senior season in high school, and Embry Peebles who runs a mid 4.3 40-yard dash."

Quick Preseason Preview of GT and UGA

The Grand National Championships: It's time to start loving College Football again...:

"Georgia: They like Cox to lead them. The fans will utter let's go Cox from Between the Hedges. Get it? Okay, putative new starting quarterback Joe Cox is a lot more David Greene than Matt Stafford. But since he has A.J. Green? He will be a very solid quarterback with a name that makes the 12 year old in me laugh my ass off."

People forget that Joe Cox was the 2nd best rated QB coming out of highschool. So why all the drama? Cox is an above average BCS NCAA QB. Period.

"Georgia Tech: Yes, we all know and love the option. And Jonathan Dwyer is a man who brings lightning and thunder all at once as the Flexbone fullback. But you know what? There's a whisper. You don't want to make this comparison lightly. But with a receiver of such size and physical skills in Demaryius Thomas? There's whispers that he could develop into Megatron. He's professional."

I cannot believe this writer is implying that GT fans think that Bebe Thomas has any chance to be like Calvin Johnson. That is a joke. Bebe is a good WR and will be drafted yes, but Calvin "Consensus" Johnson? Please!

UGA Post Highest GPA Ever for Athletes

UGA Sports Blog ajc.com: "University of Georgia athletes in all men’s and women’s sports had a cumulative grade point average of 3.01 for spring semester, the highest ever by the school’s athletes"

Congrats to the UGA atheletic department, coaches, and athletes.

Atkins and Dwyer - 1st rounders in Mock NFL Draft

It’s finally here! Our first 2010 NFL Mock Draft! NFL Draft Day Countdown:
"24.San Diego ChargersRB Jonathan Dwyer - Georgia Tech
25.Atlanta FalconsOT Adam Ulatoski - Texas
26.Indianapolis ColtsLB Sean Weatherspoon - Missouri
27.Arizona CardinalsDT Geno Atkins - Georgia"

Dwyer First Sophomore to Win ACC POY

Here is a quote about Jonathan Dwyer from a Miami Hurricane blog.

Canespace: Ramblin' Gamblin' Man: "On September 17th the first sophomore to ever win the ACC football player of the year award visits Miami. Yellow Jacket running back Jonathan Dwyer led the ACC in rushing last season churning out 1,395 yards at 107.3 yards per game. Dwyer scored 12 rushing touchdowns, helping Georgia Tech to an impressive 9-4 season.

Dwyer is a preseason first team All American and is looking forward to another monster year. He stated that even after the twelfth game last season he still didn’t comprehend all of the Paul Johnson option offense. He says he is comfortable now and says the entire offense is playing with more confidence."

Please keep in mind that Dwyer won this award when the ACC sent a record 10 teams out of 12 to bowls in 2008. Congrats to Dwyer, Paul Johnson, and the GT yellow jacket players and coaches.

Daniel Drummond adds even more to GT's RB Depth

The minutes Daniel Drummond sets foot into Georgia Tech Practices this summer he may well be the strongest players on GT's team as a true freshman.

"Drummond is The Times 2009 Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year." Because he won the Class AAA shot put and discus events.

Drummond also dominated the Georgia Highschool all star game. At 6-3 265 lbs Drummond will probably redshirt at GT behind Jonathan "the Diesel" Dwyer, Richard Watson, and Preston Lyons. Drummond will most likely be a B-back at GT.

Time in training yields double gold profits for Drummond: "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."

Per the article Daniel Drummond is working out 20 hours a week. He is also on a strict diet. Remember, Vance Walker (GT - defensive tackle) was just drafted into the NFL. Drummond also ran the 110M hurdles for his school, I believe he has been timed at 14.5 seconds!

My opinions?
When you see a man this committed to hard work with this much God given physical talent you have high hopes for them as a GT fan.

Rennie Curran and Daniel Drummond Train Together?

Time in training yields double gold profits for Drummond: "At The Factory, Drummond is already training in good football company, including Georgia linebacker Rennie Curran, Seattle Seahawks running back Justin Griffith and 2010 Georgia Tech verbal commit Denzel McCoy."

Next year in Atlanta like a home game for UGA?

Below is an email sent to me by a UGA friend and fan.

"are you on facebook? it is a great place to blog and network...oh, by the way, GA Tech won the game last year in Athens, [I agree yes they did] we all know that, however it doesn't mean they are even in the same league as UGA [I think GT's football team is about the same as UGA's right now and moving forward as long as they have Coach Paul Johnson]...unless you are satisfied with once every 8 years the Jackets will prevail [So you expect for UGA to win the next 7 in a row again? That doesn't seem very realistic in my opinion.]...In fact, i am excited that I will have a home game in Atlanta this year when the Dawgs invade the Yellowjacket hive [I wouldn't call it a home game but man o man there are way too many UGA fans in Bobby Dodd stadium the last 3 or 4 meetings. Win Joe Hamilton and Ralph F. were at GT I rememer the crowd looked more like a GT home game. Maybe the Paul Johnson era it will be more like that again. Wins cure all ailments. Right?]...It's a much cheaper cab drive...As disapponting as UGA was last year, we will surprise on the upside this year [I could see UGA winning 9 or 10 games this year, which would be a surprise. And I could definitely see UGA upsetting OkSU. UGA has so much talent and Mark Richt is a good coach so I expect UGA to win 8 or 9 games next year even with their tough schedule]..."

Many UGA fans are still having a difficult time recognizing that there is a new Sheriff (Paul Johnson) in town and the rivalry will be at best for UGA 50/50 moving forward. I think the loss to LSU has UGA fans hoping that somehow the GT offense can be "solved". This is one of the problems with being a homer or poor sport. It would be much easier to say, "hey GT has a great head coach, with hard spread option offense to stop, and a very talented group on offense, especially Jonathan Dywer." I think in another year or 2 most UGA fans will be at reality. Of course, some UGA fans will remain homers. For example, I get the impression some UGA fans think they have been losing to Florida because Jacksonville is not a neutral site. That is homer. Why not give FL credit? Hasn't Florida won 2 of the past 4 NCs? Aren't they loaded with talent? Isn't Urban Myer a good coach?

Thank you Greg for the advice on facebook I appreciate it. I hope your business is doing well. In reponse to each of your comments above in trying to put my homer self aside and deal with reality and facts.

The Five Top Ten Teams With the Strongest 2009 OOC Schedules | Bleacher Report

Here they are rating the top 5 teams with the strongest schedule. GT did not get ranked in the top five but rather was rated #6. Congrats to GT!

The Five Top Ten Teams With the Strongest 2009 OOC Schedules | Bleacher Report: "The Five Top Ten Teams With the Strongest 2009 OOC Schedules"

Defintion of A Homer

A homer is so in love with his or her team or conference that their opinions borderline on being lies if not actual lies themselves. A homer only wants to say good things and talk about his conference or team and gives little or any compliments/credit to other teams'/conferences' coaches or players.

The most alarming part about a homer, from a spiritual standpoint, are the:

1. Lies
2. Poor Sportsmanship
   

Are You an ACC, SEC, GT, or UGA Homer?

For GT fans:
1) Do you write "THWG" on your posts to the internet?
2) Do you refer to Coach Mark Richt as Reverend Richt?
3) Do you teach your children to dislike UGA and more importantly their fans, alumni, and students?
Do you believe:
4) That UGA is an academically poor university and their alumni are stupid?
5) Moreno sucks?
6) UGA cheats in the way they run their football program?
7) The ACC is superior to the SEC in football?
8) You are better than SEC fans because the schools of the ACC have higher academic entrance requirements on average?
9) UGA football players are dumb and GT football players are smart, in general?

10) Jonathan Dwyer is as good as Herschel Walker? Or has a chance to be as good as Herschel?

For UGA fans:
1) Do you teach your children to dislike GT fans and GT?
2) Do you only know the players on UGA's team and don't know much outside of your conference?
Do you believe:
3) Paul Oliver shut down Calvin Johnson?
4) The academic recruiting standards are the same for UGA as for GT football players?
5) Moreno is much better than Jonathan Dwyer?
6) The SEC is superior to ACC? (there is a difference between "better" and "superior")
7) GT fans, students, and alumni are made up primarily of nerds and Asians?
8) GT cheats in their football program?

9) AJ Green is as good as Calvin Johnson? Or even has a chance to be as good as Calvin?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions then you are a homer. You might want to consider doing some research to determine whether or not your opinion can be validated.