What's Buzzin'

LUKE WAIVED
Bad news, the Bulls waived Luke Schenscher, which probably means heading to the Euro leagues to make his living for awhile.


FLYOVER REDUX
A great version of the flyover, with commentary from Wes Durham




TV COVERAGE OF UPCOMING GAMES
Well, this weekend's game against NCST has been picked up by ESPNU - oh joy, which means no coverage for most of us. However, there is a rumor that Charter Communications might offer the game on pay-per-view, although I don't know if that is only in parts of Georgia. I have Charter in the upstate of SC....................


Our game the following weekend against UNC will be a noon kick-off and has been picked up by LF / JP (Jefferson Pilot).


WHERE ARE THEY NOW - ROBERT BROOKS
An update on the Hive says that Robert is still planning on being a career marine and is being stationed in Quantico in January. Our hats are off to you Mr.Brooks. Thanks for dedicating your life and career to serving this fine country so hacks like us can banter back and forth about how important some kid's passing stats are. What you do is appreciated along with all our fine men and women serving. My hat is off to you.


HOW ABOUT THAT - BOWL ELIGIBLE
A funny thing happened this week. If you become bowl eligible and nobody realizes it, did it really happen. A buddy of mine sent me an email about this, as he was amazed that none of the post- Miami stories talked about the fact that the win made us bowl-eligible. Of course in year's past this was always a bit of an uncertainly, but not this season. With 4 games to go, we're eligible, and nobody even mentions it. Of course we all have our eyes on a bigger prize, but it's a nice position to be in..............Pretty cool.


POST-SEASON TICKETS
If you go to the Ramblinwreck.com website, ticket info is now available for the post-season. There you will be faced with a certain delimma - supporting your GTAA or looking for better seats. Evidently the ACC Champ Game tickets are endzone seats for Tech fans.


ACC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Philip Wheeler wins ACC D-Lineman of the week and Durant Brooks wins ACC specialist of the week. Nice going guys!!!


FOOTBALL RECRUITING NOTE FROM FOX SPORTS
Ran across this blurb:

Georgia Tech continues to have success on the recruiting trail, more than any other time under Chan Gailey. Their latest commitment is from Michigan cornerback/safety Cedric Everson, a stud athlete. Everson and others in this class will keep Georgia Tech quick and athletic on defense.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - JARRETT JACK
The Blazers exercised their option on Jarrett's contract, which keeps him a Blazer through the 2007-2008 season.


CHUCK THE CHEST ON TENUTA AND THE TRUTH
From Chuckie:

Thoughts on Georgia Tech's zone blitzing:
"We've seen a lot of zone blitzing, but nobody does it as good as they do.

"Coach Tenuta knows the zone blitz package maybe as good as anybody in the country... that's his thing, and he'll come up with a new wrinkle every game."

Thoughts on Calvin Johnson:
"That's a problem out there. Calvin Johnson is probably the best football player in the country, and he's big and fast. His quarterback can get the ball to him, but the thing that you add to it, is that quarterback does a lot of good running on his own.

"We've got to mix it up. You have to mix it up."

Where are they now - Bryce Molder

Well, our man Bryce Molder won his first professional tourney on the Nationwide Tour. Congrats man!!!

Football Recruiting - WOW!

The weekend comes to a fitting conclusion as the Jackets get a verbal commit from 4-star Michigan speedster DB Cedric Everson. Well here I go spouting off star rankings. I know - talking out of both sides of my mouth. Anyhow, Everson is certainly a standout in the state of Michigan, one of those potential lockdown DB's who also is quite the offensive standout. This from Scout.com's website:

As a junior Everson had 13 interceptions and he returned 10 of those for touchdowns. He also returned 10 punts and kicks for touchdowns; He has registered a 4.29 forty and a 10.5 100m.

Supposedly Everson had in the range of 50 offers and could be basically pick any school in the country he wanted. He chose well.


Welcome to the flats Mr.Everson. GO JACKETS!!!!!

Flyover at Miami Game

Thanks to whoever posted this on YouTube:

Football - Jackets in the Driver Seat

Wow, the Jackets take down Miami 30-23 on homecoming day. When Wes Durham told Chan Gailey on the post-game show that Tech had won their last 11 homecoming games, his response was "Are you serious? Guess what - we're going to make every game homecoming next year."...........................What a win. What an example of perserverence, heart, guts, confidence and playmaking.


WHAT IT WAS NOT
Today was not a perfect game. Today was an example of overcoming mistakes, making plays and shaking off adversity. The Jackets had frustrating penalties at the worst times, coverage breakdowns, missed opportunties - the list goes on. But the never gave up or lost their confidence.


WHAT IT WAS
Today was a step up. Today was about the heart of the team. Today was about the boy inside all of us. This Yellow Jacket team showed us all that they are ready to step up and rid themselves of their "average" rep. This team has spirit. They have gumption. They have fight. This is a team that deserves and has now demanded respect. This is a team that was willing and able to win in the 4th quarter.......... and they did. It's one thing to have a team that can lead for a time, but to be champions you have to be willing to win EVERY game on the last play. The Maryland game was a preview. Today was the main course. Is there an encore in the future?


GAME FLOW
Well, after Tech's first snap of the game, my first thought was - uh oh. It is going to be one of those days, with Miami running a fumble back for a TD. Commenting on his team being down 10-0, Chan Gailey said - "Down 10-0 they had bruised us, but there wasn't blood - no bones were sticking out.".................... The defense bucked up and the offense moved the chains a few times and everybody settled down. Then it was a bit of a contest of wills. Probably the best way to characterize this game was methodical. Strong defense on both sides - struggling offenses............... one step forward, two steps back. It was just one of those kind of days. Winning in the 4th quarter against Miami is a big deal. Let me throw a couple of stats at you:

• Miami is 188-18 when they score first
• In 196 games, Miami has lost only 4 times when they led after 3 quarters. Make that 5 times..
• Oh yeah, teams that score a defensive TD win 80% of the time. That's a general stat but important to remember.

The Jackets overcame all that to battle back to a tie to end the half, then towards the end of the 3rd quarter they started to grab control of the game on the offensive side of the ball, and it carried into the 4th. Again they were willing to win the game in the 4th quarter - and did.


NO PANIC
If there is one thing you have to admire about this edition of the Jackets, it is that they do not panic. They don't lose their heads. They never think they're out of it. Being down to Miami was not intimidating to this squad. You have to give credit to Chan Gailey, the coaching staff and the senior leaders for that.


PLAYMAKERS
So who gets the playmaker awards for today's game? Let's point out a few:


Durant Brooks - this guy deserves serious consideration for team MVP on the season. I'm serious - a punter. Backed up in our own endzone, all Brooks did was boom a 63 yard punt - and Michael Johnson wrapped up the returner for no gain. Then to seal the game he boomed another one that backed up the Miami return man so far he fumbled the ball and we recovered. Game set match. 6 punts with an average of 51 yards. By the way, Brooks was the guy holding on Travis Bell's last field goal, which was a very high snap. He grabbed it, got it down for Bell. Nice. Durant Brooks - you are the man.


Gary Guyton - Guyton played a solid game today and made one of the most critical plays of the game with a 3rd down pass break-up that would have been a sure first down. The replay showed strong closing speed and outstanding timing. Gary, you are the man.


Mike Cox - This guy will be playing on Sundays. Period. End of sentence. That guy is just an absolute bull. You can crank up the game film and show probably 10 examples of textbook blocking and opening up holes for backs. Then you throw in a couple of key catches, including the one that got us down to 1st and goal. Mike - you are the man.


Travis Bell - Hit 3 field goals after taking a lot of slack for his misses. Bell was 1 more miss away from losing his job and he responded. He hit 3 key field goals that REALLY made a difference today. Seriously, Chan Gailey told him one more miss and he's on the bench. Travis - you responded and you're the man.


Tashard Choice - 26 carries for 118 yards - the first ball carrier to run for 3 digits against Miami, including critical yards and a TD to seal the game in the 4th quarter. The go-to guy showed he has what it takes against one of the top run defenses in the nation. Tashard, you are the man.


Adamm Oliver - Forces a critical fumble in the 4th quarter, a real turning point to the game. With a man draped on him the whole way, he still made the stick. Nice going. Adamm you are the man............


Philip Wheeler - The defense had 6 sacks today - you had three of them. Nice game today. Keep it up. You are the man Philip.


Michael Johnson - This guy will be playing on Sundays also. The only thing holding back this kid is size and strength on the D-Line. Was it me or did he make about EVERY special teams tackle today? It is going to be exciting watchin him develop the next two years. MJ - you are the man.


Reggie Ball - Reggie, your absolute worst critique in the world can NEVER question your heart, your will or your competitiveness. You are a fighter. You didn't have a great game. The first half was as unpleasant to look at as much of the Clemson game. You were hurt. However, you made plays at the end of the game to lead your team to victory. Your completion percentage was terrible, but you threw 2 TD's and had no INT's (well none that were called INT's - one was arguable, but it's in the books now). Your pass to James Johnson in the back of the endzone was one of the best balls of your career.............Reggie - nice going today - you are the man.


IT MUST BE SAID
Listen. It must be said. Georgia Tech is a well-coached team. Tenuta did his regular thing, bend but don't break......... Patrick Nix showed patience and never seemed to panic. While he didn't call a "wide open" offense through most of the game, he did call the two biggest plays at the end that changed things up against Miami - the pass to Mike Cox, then the pass to TE Michael Matthews to setup up the TD to CJ. Nice coaching today by Chan Gailey and company!!!!


LOOKING AHEAD
Ok, the road is paved to Jacksonville. Win two more ACC game and the ticket is punched, and with games against NC ST, UNC and Duke left, it all looks good. Throw in a Thanksgiving day game that we are ALL salivating over and there is plenty left to play for. Have you bought your tickets to Jax yet? Think about it folks.


GREAT GAME TODAY TEAM. WAY TO SHOW THE WORLD YOU ARE DIFFERENT.


GO JACKETS!!!!!!!!!

(As Of October 28)
ATLANTIC DIVISION
School	Conference	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
Boston College	3-1	.750	7-1	.875
Wake Forest	3-1	.750	7-1	.875
Clemson	4-2	.667	7-2	.778
Maryland	2-1	.667	5-2	.714
NC State	2-3	.400	3-5	.375
Florida State	2-3	.400	4-3	.571
COASTAL DIVISION
School	Conference	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
Georgia Tech	4-1	.800	6-2	.750
Virginia Tech	3-2	.600	6-2	.750
Virginia	3-2	.600	4-5	.444
Miami	2-2	.500	5-3	.625
North Carolina	0-5	.000	1-7	.125
Duke	0-5	.000	0-8	.000

Football - Jackets in Driver Seat !!!!

Wow, the Jackets take down Miami 30-23 on homecoming day. When Wes Durham told Chan Gailey on the post-game show that Tech had won their last 11 homecoming games, his response was "Are you serious? Guess what - we're going to make every game homecoming next year."...........................What a win. What an example of perserverence, heart, guts, confidence and playmaking.


WHAT IT WAS NOT
Today was not a perfect game. Today was an example of overcoming mistakes, making plays and shaking off adversity. The Jackets had frustrating penalties at the worst times, coverage breakdowns, missed opportunties - the list goes on. But the never gave up or lost their confidence.


WHAT IT WAS
Today was a step up. Today was about the heart of the team. Today was about the boy inside all of us. This Yellow Jacket team showed us all that they are ready to step up and rid themselves of their "average" rep. This team has spirit. They have gumption. They have fight. This is a team that deserves and has now demanded respect. This is a team that was willing and able to win in the 4th quarter.......... and they did. It's one thing to have a team that can lead for a time, but to be champions you have to be willing to win EVERY game on the last play. The Maryland game was a preview. Today was the main course. Is there an encore in the future?


GAME FLOW
Well, after Tech's first snap of the game, my first thought was - uh oh. It is going to be one of those days, with Miami running a fumble back for a TD. Commenting on his team being down 10-0, Chan Gailey said - "Down 10-0 they had bruised us, but there wasn't blood - no bones were sticking out.".................... The defense bucked up and the offense moved the chains a few times and everybody settled down. Then it was a bit of a contest of wills. Probably the best way to characterize this game was methodical. Strong defense on both sides - struggling offenses............... one step forward, two steps back. It was just one of those kind of days. Winning in the 4th quarter against Miami is a big deal. Let me throw a couple of stats at you:

• Miami is 188-18 when they score first
• In 196 games, Miami has lost only 4 times when they led after 3 quarters. Make that 5 times..
• Oh yeah, teams that score a defensive TD win 80% of the time. That's a general stat but important to remember.

The Jackets overcame all that to battle back to a tie to end the half, then towards the end of the 3rd quarter they started to grab control of the game on the offensive side of the ball, and it carried into the 4th. Again they were willing to win the game in the 4th quarter - and did.


NO PANIC
If there is one thing you have to admire about this edition of the Jackets, it is that they do not panic. They don't lose their heads. They never think they're out of it. Being down to Miami was not intimidating to this squad. You have to give credit to Chan Gailey, the coaching staff and the senior leaders for that.


PLAYMAKERS
So who gets the playmaker awards for today's game? Let's point out a few:


Durant Brooks - this guy deserves serious consideration for team MVP on the season. I'm serious - a punter. Backed up in our own endzone, all Brooks did was boom a 63 yard punt - and Michael Johnson wrapped up the returner for no gain. Then to seal the game he boomed another one that backed up the Miami return man so far he fumbled the ball and we recovered. Game set match. 6 punts with an average of 51 yards. By the way, Brooks was the guy holding on Travis Bell's last field goal, which was a very high snap. He grabbed it, got it down for Bell. Nice. Durant Brooks - you are the man.


Gary Guyton - Guyton played a solid game today and made one of the most critical plays of the game with a 3rd down pass break-up that would have been a sure first down. The replay showed strong closing speed and outstanding timing. Gary, you are the man.


Mike Cox - This guy will be playing on Sundays. Period. End of sentence. That guy is just an absolute bull. You can crank up the game film and show probably 10 examples of textbook blocking and opening up holes for backs. Then you throw in a couple of key catches, including the one that got us down to 1st and goal. Mike - you are the man.


Travis Bell - Hit 3 field goals after taking a lot of slack for his misses. Bell was 1 more miss away from losing his job and he responded. He hit 3 key field goals that REALLY made a difference today. Seriously, Chan Gailey told him one more miss and he's on the bench. Travis - you responded and you're the man.


Tashard Choice - 26 carries for 118 yards - the first ball carrier to run for 3 digits against Miami, including critical yards and a TD to seal the game in the 4th quarter. The go-to guy showed he has what it takes against one of the top run defenses in the nation. Tashard, you are the man.


Adamm Oliver - Forces a critical fumble in the 4th quarter, a real turning point to the game. With a man draped on him the whole way, he still made the stick. Nice going. Adamm you are the man............


Philip Wheeler - The defense had 6 sacks today - you had three of them. Nice game today. Keep it up. You are the man Philip.


Michael Johnson - This guy will be playing on Sundays also. The only thing holding back this kid is size and strength on the D-Line. Was it me or did he make about EVERY special teams tackle today? It is going to be exciting watchin him develop the next two years. MJ - you are the man.


Reggie Ball - Reggie, your absolute worst critique in the world can NEVER question your heart, your will or your competitiveness. You are a fighter. You didn't have a great game. The first half was as unpleasant to look at as much of the Clemson game. You were hurt. However, you made plays at the end of the game to lead your team to victory. Your completion percentage was terrible, but you threw 2 TD's and had no INT's (well none that were called INT's - one was arguable, but it's in the books now). Your pass to James Johnson in the back of the endzone was one of the best balls of your career.............Reggie - nice going today - you are the man.


IT MUST BE SAID
Listen. It must be said. Georgia Tech is a well-coached team. Tenuta did his regular thing, bend but don't break......... Patrick Nix showed patience and never seemed to panic. While he didn't call a "wide open" offense through most of the game, he did call the two biggest plays at the end that changed things up against Miami - the pass to Mike Cox, then the pass to TE Michael Matthews to setup up the TD to CJ. Nice coaching today by Chan Gailey and company!!!!


LOOKING AHEAD
Ok, the road is paved to Jacksonville. Win two more ACC game and the ticket is punched, and with games against NC ST, UNC and Duke left, it all looks good. Throw in a Thanksgiving day game that we are ALL salivating over and there is plenty left to play for. Have you bought your tickets to Jax yet? Think about it folks.


GREAT GAME TODAY TEAM. WAY TO SHOW THE WORLD YOU ARE DIFFERENT.


GO JACKETS!!!!!!!!!

Football - Calvin and Coaches

RECRUITING RANKINGS - THINK AGAIN
The ACC Sports Journal just published part I of their annual series looking back on ACC football recruiting classes of 4 years ago. Why? Well, because it's a lot more relavent than last year's recruiting classes. The class 4 years ago has now been on the field. They are THE upperclassmen. In Georgia Tech's case it was Chan Gailey's first REAL class. It was the players HE brought in for the first time. So how did the ACC Sports Journal rank the ACC? Well, our Jackets finished #1 in the ACC based on the contributions of the class of 2003......................... Let that sink in for a moment................. #1 in the ACC..................... think about it a little longer..................... this was the "disappointing" class............................. the "well, it's only his first year" class................. the class not ranked in the top ........................... the class generally ranked as the #6 out of 9 teams in the ACC................. that same year, Scout.com ranked NCST's class tied for 9th best in the nation, FSU's 12th best, UNC's 13th best, Maryland's 22nd............ and little old Georgia Tech 34th best.


So who were the standouts? Of course there was Reggie Ball. There was Kenny Scott, Joe Anaoi, KaMichael Hall, Chris Dunlap, Rashaun Grant, Matt Rhodes, Avery Roberson, Mansfield Wrotto, Phillip Wheeler, Adamm Oliver, Kevin Tuminello. You are talking about a major list of contributors right there. For a complete list - go here.


So let's talk recruiting rankings. Phillip Wheeler 2 star.............. Matt Rhodes 2 star................ Mansfield Wrotto 2 star................... Adamm Oliver 2 star. Well alrighty then. Folks this class was looked at as mediocre by the recruiting services. Average. Now looking back, the Georgia Tech senior class is contributing more than ANY other 2003 class in the ACC. Folks, it's not about stars, it's about evaluations. The rub.......... the problem is that us regular fans don't have the REAL evaluations - the coach's evaluations. We can only rely on a staff of about 5 people ranking hundred, ney, thousands of players around the country based on a few clips of film, some measurables and if they're lucky some camp film. It's just such an in-exact science............................ and speaking of science, Steve Logan put it great on his radio show this week - recruiting services are hogwash (paraphrased). He said "I am going to start a website called farmer.com, and I'm going to market my service to corn farmers. I'll come to your farm, examine your seeds in the spring before you plant them, then tell you which seeds are going to truly be the best - which seeds are going to grow the best corn ever. Of course I will have to discount what happens after you plant it - like watering, rainfall, care, heat, fertilizer doses. I'm just going to look at it in your hand and tell you............ Now what kind of farmer is going to pay me to do that - NONE".................... Sorry, but his radio show is THE BEST sports show on radio right now, and you can actually listen to it via podcast or the archives of their website here. .................... Bottom line is that so much of a program's success depends on the development of kids when they get to college - strength programs, gameplanning, academics, learning, scheme's, etc, and what matters most is a staff's ability to evaluate talent. Just take it to the bank that Chan Gailey and his staff are as good at evaluating talent as any coach in the ACC and are as good as anyone at "coaching up". He has taken "poor" and "mediocre" recruiting classes and consistently won ballgames. He has now even improved his closing ability to land the more mainstream "top" recruits. It's all good folks. Don't sweat the stars.


JET FLYOVER
To get the juices flowing Saturday night, there are rumors of an F/A18E jet flyover prior to the Miami game. Evidently two F16 jets have been practicing over the Tech campus today. Word from the Hive is that one is flown by Tech alum LT Perry Solomon, CE'99.


RECRUITING WEEKEND
Aside from the Notre Dame game this weekend will Tech's biggest from a recruiting standpoint. There are only 2-3 spots left to fill and there are some key recruits on official visists including Cedric Everson, Josh Linam (probably won't commit with Rocker on board), Lorenzo Edwards, Kevion Lathom and DJ Donley (verballed to Jackets).............  Almost every other recruit that has verbally committed will be there unofficially, including Steven Threet. In addition guys like DaMario Ambrose, Morgan Burnett and a lot of junior standouts will be there as well. The house if full.

MIAMI EMBRACES THEIR INNER THUG
Just when you were convinced that Larry Coker really doesn't want the Thug U image, he goes and reinstates a guy to the team that is facing criminal charges - Ryan Moore - possibly their best receiver. He has been out 7 games and could play against GT - a gametime decision................... To make the story even more interesting, charges against Moore have just been upgraded to felony status.............


CALVIN JOHNSON #1 PICK?
SI.com has Calvin Johnson as the #1 pick in the draft. I would still be surprised to see that.....................


UNC DIDN'T WANT PETE CARROLL
Did you know that UNC had the chance to hire Pete Carroll?

"They never called me back," Carroll said. "I never got a smell."

Of course it's easy to look back now and say dddduuuuhhhhh........... but Carroll wasn't "the thing" when USC hired him. He became "the thing" after the fact......... Clearly UNC management ain't the thing either.

Hoops - Polls and Defense

The first official AP Poll in out in hoops and GT comes in at #21. However, Paul Hewitt is very quick to temper expectations. Here is a quote this week about the team:

And as for how long it will take new players to mesh with returning players:


"A lot of it’s going to depend on how quickly we develop defensively. We're not talking real well on the court. Because we don't talk, we're playing like a team that's slow. We're a step slow on our rotations, and a step slow on a lot of our closeouts. When we get to a point where we become a fast team defensively, we've got a chance to be pretty good. If we don't ever develop that communication on the court, then we'll be average, or below average."

Message from D-Rad / Clough

This was sent out in a mass emailing by D-Rad / W.Clough. Borderline spammers?......... Kidding.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Thank you all for your unwavering support of our Yellow Jacket football program during this fall semester. We have had an exciting year so far and much of our home field success is due to the atmosphere created by you, our Georgia Tech campus community. It is our hope that even better times are still to come.

This week, as you know, our Homecoming opponent is the University of Miami. Aside from being a festive and event-filled weekend, the game marks a critical showdown with one of our divisional rivals in the Atlantic Coast Conference. We encourage all students, faculty and staff to show the same passion and enthusiasm in supporting our team as always, but please remember also to demonstrate what good sports we are. Let's make a special effort to treat our opponent and its fans with the respect and dignity that sets Georgia Tech apart.

Remember that courtesy and sportsmanship should be a part of all of your weekend activities. And when the team needs your help on Saturday, be loud and be proud. Let's show the ACC and sports fans across the nation what a special place Georgia Tech is.

Sincerely,
Dr. G. Wayne Clough
President

Dan Radakovich
Director of Athletics

What's Buzzin'

Some "buzz" out there that Pat Clark might be headed back to the offensive side of the ball, with the corners fairly set............... Well, at least the success of James Davis and CJ Spiller has not gone to their heads - oh wait, maybe it has.................. I will tell you - last night's beatdown of Clemson by VaTech is the result of gloating and back-patting by the team and media in upstate SC all week. It was a result of focus - or rather lack of focus. Clemson needs to adopt a 24 hour rule of their own. So you have VaTech putting the beatdown on a Clemson team that put the beatdown on a GaTech team that put a beatdown on VaTech. So tell me who's the best ACC team now? Folks, this thing is wide open and Georgia Tech is in the BEST position to win their division versus any other team in the entire ACC. But I can tell you, GT fans are worried about this Saturday. Miami comes into the game with much of the same mental attitude as VaTech came into last night's Clemson game - us against the world / band of brothers - you know the drill.


Miami has released publicly the punishments they handed out to players - list here.

• The development of a sportsmanship program with the 30 high schools in the Greater Miami Athletic Conference.
• "Meaningful, ongoing" work with a charity of each player's choosing.
• After-school visits with South Florida youth to both tutor and discuss values such as sportsmanship and behavior.
• Added work with the Miami-Dade County police's "Join a Team, Not a Gang" program, including players visiting youngsters.
• Involvement in other outreach programs, including ones with the homeless.

Well, nice going. These guys really know that football is secondary to life. But I digress............... Here's more on Miami's troubles.

Where are they now - Mark Price

More on the soap opera of the Aussies canning our beloved Mark Price.................... First, Mark is clearly lashing back, blaming the new head coach Shane Heal......

Price said he was devastated by his axing, especially for his wife and four children who relocated to Melbourne from the United States with him two months ago.


Price says he was given no warning about the club wanting to get rid of him and was even more stunned to find on Monday that plans to replace him with Heal had been going on for nearly a week.


"It's most disturbing to know while I was trying to get our guys to come together as a team, there was another agenda going on behind the scenes," Price said.


"I've been in professional basketball a long time and I've never seen undermining of a coach quite like this before."


Price said he believed the Dragons had used him because of

Meanwhile, Heal says he never "openly" sought the job. Well, that can mean one thing - he must have sought it privately.

Heal hit back saying: "To tell you the truth I'm a little bit embarrassed that Mark Price thinks I played any role in his sacking.


"I didn't go looking for it, but now that I've got the job I wish had six weeks to prepare the side for my first game and not 24 hours," he said.


"I thought the guys had their best training today in weeks."

Well, Price is not giving an inch:

Price said: "It doesn't take rocket science to figure out something's been going on behind the scenes. He can deny it all he wants."

Management, coaches and players are looking ahead. Price said he read a quote by Heal that he needed the full support of his players to be successful. "I thought that a bit ironic, since I never got that from Shane."

On the impact to his family:

"My eldest has been working a few months trying to get her studies done from the US, so she could start school over here," he said. "It was the first day at school that she'd been looking forward to for two months … I had to call her up at school and bring her home and tell her she couldn't go."

Meanwhile, Heal's first act was to can his only big man - Todd Fuller - who Price had brought in. Mark was sticking up for Fuller as well:

Todd was my most consistent basketball player," Price said.


"I think anybody with half a brain watching the games would understand the load he had to carry being the only big guy on the floor night in and night out.


"He did a great job ... he'll be missed by this organisation."


"Shane didn't want Todd from the get-go. He told me that. We disagreed. I wasn't going to get rid of Todd," Price said.


"We played the best team in the league the other night - Todd comes away with 22 points, 12 rebounds.


"Good luck going and getting somebody else who can do that night in, night out. Shane had a personal thing with Todd.


"He busted his tail every day and to be treated the way he was treated by Shane over the course of the season, the respect he wasn't shown, it's just uncalled for and very unprofessional."

Football Recruiting - Jackets Land a LB

The Jackets get a verbal from 'Bama LB Albert Rocker. Here are some stats from the Hive for his season so far:

Lb/DE Albert Rocker:
Tackles: 43.5
Tackles Per Game: 6.21
Sacks: 12 (7 in one game)
Passes BA: 2
Fumble Recoveries: 1
Tackles For Loss: 4
QB Hurries: 9


Nice pick

Where are they now - Mark Price

Wow - Mark Price was fired before he got to coach his 6th game. Sounds like a major hatchet job to me in handling this situation. Picking up and moving your family anywhere is difficult, let alone across the world. I really feel for Mark, but we know he'll land on his feet....... Here's another version with more details.

Michael Isenhour Toy Drive

I wanted to post the following story fully on the Blog because of how important it really is. When you come to the game Saturday - bring toys. It's a great cause and honors the memory of a great student-athlete - Michael Isenhour.

Tech Athletes Hold 6th-Annual Michael Isenhour Toy Drive October 28

Bring new, unwrapped toys to the GT-Miami football game

Oct. 23, 2006

ATLANTA - The Georgia Tech Student-Athlete Advisory Board will hold the sixth-annual Michael Isenhour Toy Drive at the Georgia Tech-Miami football game October 28. New, unwrapped toys will be collected from fans as they enter the football stadium, or they may be dropped off at the Georgia Tech Athletic Association during business hours until Monday, October 30.

"Although the collection is early this year, we feel like the combination of a sell-out crowd and homecoming will give us the opportunity to collect the maximum amount of toys and help the largest number of people in our local community," said Rob Skinner, Director of the Homer Rice Center for Sports Performance and advisor to the Georgia Tech Student-Athlete Advisory Board.

All collected toys will be donated to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Toys for Tots and other local Atlanta-area charities.

This year, the Georgia Tech student-athletes are joining forces with local Unites States Marine Corps to collect the toys at each gate at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Marines and student-athletes will be in place to collect toys beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday.

"We are looking forward to working with the Marine Toys for Tots program, which will get the toys we collect directly back to the Atlanta community," added Skinner. "And we are so fortunate to have members of the United States Marine Corps on hand to assist in collecting those toys next Saturday."

In the past five years, Georgia Tech has collected more than 7,500 toys that have gone to local kids in time for the holiday. This year, the Georgia Tech Student-Athlete Advisory Board has set high hopes of collecting 2,000 toys, and are asking fans to help achieve this lofty goal in 2006.

The Toy Drive was the brainchild of former Georgia Tech basketball player Michael Isenhour in an effort to help 9/11 families, and began in 2001 as Isenhour was battling leukemia. The Georgia Tech Student-Athlete Advisory Board renamed it the Michael Isenhour Toy Drive to create an ongoing legacy to their fellow student-athlete, who lost his battle with cancer in 2002.

Where are they now - Nick Ferguson

Nice Q&A with Denver Broncos and former Georgia Tech walk-on Nick Ferguson

Klis: Your long, obstacle-filled road to NFL starter began with the trip from Morris Brown to Georgia Tech.

Ferguson: I remember bumming rides across town to Georgia Tech, trying to get myself registered, trying to apply for financial aid, trying to get their coaches to watch my film.

Klis: So Georgia Tech never had to pay to get you to play?

Ferguson: I didn't get a scholarship until my senior year with Coach (George) O'Leary.

Klis: What do you usually do when you're done here?

Ferguson: Like most athletes, I like to go home and relax. I try not to bring the game home with me. I might play some video games that are, let's just say for mature audiences only. And I might get some flak for this, but I like to watch "Seinfeld." Sometimes, laughter is the best medicine.

Klis: You went back to finish your degree in business at Georgia Tech last year. What do you hope to do when you're done?

Ferguson: Some people have mentioned coaching for me. But I'm also liking radio and TV now. I'm doing something with Alfred (Williams) and Scott Hastings on Altitude. I think this next offseason I might do some internship in that regard. I like

Hoops - The Writers Have Spoken

.......... and as we all know, what they say is so (sarcastic) important. They have picked Anthony Morrow as 2nd team all-ACC, Thaddeus Young to win ACC Rookie-of-the-Year, with Javaris Crittenton 3rd on that list. As a team, Georgia Tech was picked to finish 4th in the conference.


........... and so the word of the writers was spoken, and the word was good - as determined by said writers..................

Did last night really happen?

Well, I was planning on watching the GT / Clemson game last night on TV. Then Friday night on my way back to Chicago a buddy of mine calls and says he has tickets and would I like to go? Of course the answer was "heck yeah". In hindsight, watching on TV would have been preferable. It was a long drive back to Greenville. So what did we learn from last night?


CLEMSON IS GOOD
Real good. Serious good.


CALVIN JOHNSON'S HEISMAN HOPES ARE OVER
CJ still has a shot to get an invite to the ceremony, but his first career collegiate game without a catch will ensure that he won't win. I felt bad for CJ, because frankly he was open a decent amount. So why didn't he get the ball? Read on.........................


GAMES ARE WON AND LOST IN THE TRENCHES
This is the old cliche, but last night proved yet again that it is a fact. GT was was absolutely overmatched by Clemson's O-Line. Yes, we held on for life for a half. I was amazed we were only down 7-0 at the half. But then the size, strength, conditioning and pounding took its toll on our D-Line.............. On the other side of the ball, Tech's O-Line just didn't get it done. Reggie was under pressure constantly, and as a result, even when he had a little time he got happy feet. He never really had enough time to find his receivers. The real head-scratcher - they got pressure on Reggie WITHOUT blitzing. Just your standard rush. Add to that our runners getting stuffed consistenly. It was just that kind of night. Our undersized lines were exposed tonight. They just wore out. Game, set, match.


BYE WEEKS ARE NOT REALLY GREAT
Say all you want about extended rest, healing injuries, additional preparation time, blah, blah, blah. Bottom-line is that it takes an incredible focus to keep you team's routine when you have a week off. It is a different mentality. Chan Gailey Tech teams are 2-6 after bye weeks. In my mind it tends to have as many or more negatives as positives. It was a factor in my opinion.


THESE THINGS HAPPEN
Mamma always said there would be days like this. Tech has been good for one or two of these a season. The bad - ours was last night on national tv. The good - this time it happened against probably the best team in the league - not Duke....... not UNC...... not Samford....... not Troy......... not Maryland........... not UVA. We lost to an outstanding team that beat us in all phases of the game. The offense stunk. The defense stunk. Special teams was ok (Durant Brooks continues to be our bright spot). We were beaten in all phases of the game. Say what you want about the offense, but our defense was absolutely ebarrassed. Clemson has a 200+ yard rusher and another 100+ yard rusher in the same game. That's never happened in Clemson history. Anyone ready to dump on Jon Tenuta and throw him under a bus? Didn't think so. Let Mamma give you a hug, put on a band-aid and send you back out to play again.


NOTHING HAS CHANGED
Folks, I said it before the game. The Clemson game was important for pride and national exposure, but it is the Miami game that REALLY matters. The Miami game will basically decide the ACC coastal division. Beat Miami and Tech only has to beat Duke and Carolina to win the coastal and go to the ACC championship game. So last night was frustrating, but it really doesn't matter when it comes to OUR TEAM'S goal - win the ACC championship. Remember, that is the goal the THE TEAM has set for themselves. Last night Georgia Tech went into the Clemson game as the only ACC team without a conference loss. Losing to Clemson the way we did hurts, but we are still in control of our destiny. Heck, Clemson isn't even in control of their own destiny. They are tied with BC and WF for first and BC owns the tiebreaker against Clemson. So Clemson needs help to win their conference and we don't. Before you start the "here we go again", don't forget that fact.


CROWD NOTES
We sat with Ryan Stewart, Dorsey Levens and Joe Hamilton. I've got pictures of them and if I get time I'll post them later.................................... When a tight end caught a pass for the first time THIS SEASON, the Tech crowd burst into a chorus of cheers, yelling "A PASS TO THE TIGHT END. YEAH".............................. As always there are terrible fans everywhere. While the vast majority of Clemson fans were outstanding, we happened to sit near a guy and his girlfriend who found it necessary to turn to the Tech section and hold up both their middle fingers almost the entire game - and they were right in front of a family of 5 with 3 small kids. I have a picture of it, but I've decided not to dampen the rep of most Clemson fans by focusing on these idiots. Redneck girl then picked a fight with a Tech girl, but luckily cooler heads prevailed.

(As Of October 22)
ATLANTIC DIVISION
School	Conference	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
Clemson	4-1	.800	7-1	.875
Boston College	3-1	.750	6-1	.857
Wake Forest	2-1	.667	6-1	.857
Maryland	2-1	.667	5-2	.714
NC State	2-2	.500	3-4	.429
Florida State	2-3	.400	4-3	.571
COASTAL DIVISION
School	Conference	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
Georgia Tech	3-1	.750	5-2	.714
Miami	2-1	.667	5-2	.714
Virginia Tech	2-2	.500	5-2	.714
Virginia	2-2	.500	3-5	.375
North Carolina	0-4	.000	1-6	.143
Duke	0-5	.000	0-7	.000

KEEP CHEERING
Folks, it was embarrassing. It was frustrating. Get over it. Keep cheering for YOUR Georgia Tech YellowJackets. There is much work to do, and much hope that remains. Show these kids that you're not going to jump off the band-wagon because they had a bad night. NOW is when they need your support. It's easy to support these 18-20 year olds when we're winning. What about after last night? Do you have it in you?


I am going to to re-post a speech from Bobby Dodd that is found on the Hive. But it is worth a read after such a tough loss:

"Football is one of our great American games. It is the duty and responsibility of each of us to see that it is kept in its proper perspective, and that it is protected. We should see that it is used to attain the objectives that mean so much to our way of life.

We feel that the spectator can be most influential and instrumental in helping to achieve these objectives, if he will develop the right attitudes. May we suggest a few?

First, and foremost among these attitudes that must be developed, is the realization that in football there must be a winner and a loser (excepting the occasional tie). The fan who recognizes this principle gets a great deal more enjoyment from the game than one who becomes irritated, aggravated, and rambunctious when "his" team loses. We would never minimize the importance of winning, but it is very unfair to the coach, the player, and the school when the fan forgets it is impossible to "repudiate the law of mathematics"--i.e., there must be a winner and a loser.

It is important that each of us develop the art of appreciating great plays made by the opposition. We should always give our opponents credit, rather than criticize our team when the opposition makes a great play. We believe perfection in the execution of a great play in football is to be admired and appreciated, just as we appreciate and admire the work of a great artist in any field.

The spectator should remember the football players are just human beings. They perform at times under great pressure, and they, as all other earthly inhabitants, are likely to make mistakes. It behooves all of us to remember, "To err is human, to forgive, divine."

Finally, we should always keep uppermost in mind that football, with all its glamour, glitter, thrills and chills, plus everything that makes it great, has one thing more important than all of these combined--that is, the boy who plays it."

Robert L. "Bobby" Dodd
Head Coach and Athletic Director
Georgia Institute of Technology
1954

Football Notes

Quote of the day from Clemson DB Duane Coleman, talking about his scout team preparing him for Calvin Johnson:

"If we had somebody on our scout team that can represent Calvin Johnson,"
said Clemson senior cornerback Duane Coleman, "why isn't he playing?"

There are tons of Calvin-worship quotes from Clemson players in the article. However, instead of focus on all that, I'm going to chose to take one quote out of context just for bulletin board material - from CB CJ Gaddis:

"You've got to take the most dominating part of his game, which is the deep ball. As long as you keep someone on top of him, you can hold him and contain him."

Sorry, but there is one way to contain Calvin Johnson - keep Reggie Ball from throwing his direction. That's it............. and that has worked in the past. Not so much this season with the Patrick Nix offense. Should be interesting.


Still lots of talk about Calvin and the Heisman, including this. Tashard Choice had this to say about CJ:

"He's the best talent I've seen -- ever," Choice said.


"He's the fastest guy on our team, by far. No one else is even close," Choice said. "When the ball's in the air, he goes into another gear. He gets faster as he goes."

Now, I thought this quote from CJ was insightful about the development of his route running:

"I'm getting myself wide open, maneuvering the (defensive back) without touching him to be where I want him to be at," he said.

Think about that. He's learning how to use his route running to move DB's where he wants without touching them - not just trying to beat them to a spot or out-muscle a ball from them. That's progress for sure - not just his Neo magic.


DID BOBBY BOWDEN JUST CALL NIX AN IDIOT?
You be the judge:

How well would you assess that (offensive coordinator) Jeff (Bowden) has adapted to the personnel just in terms in creating the game plan and executing it?


Bowden: My point would be that he does it as well as anybody else. Our people watch us play. They don't watch other teams, and they wonder why we don't do this and why do we do that. How come we're not any better than that? Other teams do the very same things. I bet there have been so many times when I'll be talking on the phone to Jeffery and I'll say, 'Jeffery, run so and so.' He'll say, 'No, it's not a good play.' And I'll say, run it. I know they are giving it to us. Run it.' Well, it's not a good play. I'll say, 'I don't care. Run it.' So he'll run it and the next day I'll look at film and say, 'My lord, I shouldn't have done it. He was correct.' He said don't do it, do this. I've seen so many times where he was right and I was wrong. Well, he catches all the blame no matter what happens. But now, if you'd watch Florida's play-calling or watch Miami's play-calling or watch Alabama's play-calling or watch Georgia Tech's play-calling, you'd see the same thing. You'd say, 'Who's that idiot up there calling plays?'

Thought I would leave you with a non-football story, but a joy to read none-the-less. Not that I like to see the Dawgs down........ but I do. So check out this hot-off-the-press story about a UGAg hoops player who was benched and then kicked off the team because he wouldn't change to an easier major that didn't conflict with practice.

But Dryden said he came to Georgia mainly to pursue a degree in engineering and not a career in pro basketball. His father, who died when Dryden was 2, graduated from UGA with a degree in engineering, and Dryden vowed to honor his father's memory by doing the same.


"That was the backbone reason why I came to Georgia — to go the engineering school, and I wasn't going to change my major," Dryden said.


When it was clear the two parties had reached an impasse, Dryden said Jirsa told him, " 'Then we need to make a change now because your whole heart isn't into this.' "


"I said, 'OK, well, you've got to do what you've got to do and I've got to do what I've got to do.' So that was the last of that. He benched me," Dryden said.

What's that old song - "when you're hot your hot......... when you're not your not".

Where are they now - Chris Bosh

Fixed form has Bosh jumping with joy

Now tell me this isn't cool - Chris Bosh was off last season on his jumper. Now, we all know he was pretty sweet from 3-pt range during his one year on the flats. He was good for about 1-for-2 a game. Last season his missed all 13, and basically stopped taking them. In the off-season he got some advice on his form, and it has evidently paid off - the jumper is back. Guess who gave hime the advice?............... give up.............. how about Clarence Moore !..... No kidding. Clarence is a coach now

The first of the two adjustments came after Bosh's stint with Team USA at the
world basketball championship, while Bosh was shooting with former Georgia Tech
teammate Clarence Moore -- who never played in the NBA, and is now a coach.
Moore noted that Bosh's hands were too close together, and urged him to move his
right hand to the side of the ball.


"And I did it," said Bosh, "and
it worked."

Where are they now - Jarrett Jack

Great article on our boy Jarrett Jack, ready to lead his team and show fans what he can REALLY do. Well, all they had to do was ask us. We know.


Columbian.com - Serving Clark County, Washington

Stand up to the bully, Ted - Column

Stand up to the bully, Ted - Column

Quite a funny story challenging Ted Roof to stand up to Bobby Bowden. It also mentions the double-standard that Coach K gets with the refs (why not start the chatter now?). This was the best part - a quote from Coach K from 25 years ago, upset at favoritism from a certain other head coach from NC:

"I want to tell you something" Coach K said after losing to North Carolina,
January 15, 1984. "You cannot allow people to go around pointing at officials
and yelling at them without technicals being called. That is just not allowed.
So let's get some things straight around here and quit the double standard that
exists in this league, all right?"

Pot............meet............. kettle.

Hoops Team Preview

A very comprehensive preview of Georgia Tech and the ACC for the hoops pre-season.

What's Buzzin'

Calvin is getting more and more Heisman buzz now that Adrian Peterson is out for the season. ESPN's panel of "experts" now has him at #2 in the race, but it would take a major collapse by Troy Smith for it to happen.................... You can vote for CJ here. Lastly, this site shows their NFL Mock Draft list with Calvin going #1 to the Titans..................... The AJC blog decided it might be fun to ask fans what their headline should have been after UGAg's loss, considering Gov Purdue's reaction to last week's loss. Some of my favorites - "Once, Twice, two times a lady", or "Governor put on suicide watch as VU prevails", or "Dogs lose by less this week", "Brains over Brawn Dawg Gone It" and the winner - "Dawgs Play Like Perdue Chickens"........... in other news, The Miami announcer who acted like a whacko on his CSS commentary during the brawl has been fired. The most interesting part of the story to me - that CSS consulted with Miami officials before firing the commentator and fomer Miami football player. Interesting because all he did was talk about the fight and they wanted him fired. What should that mean those same Miami "officials" recommend to the players who participated? We already know about 13 players have been suspended for one game and one kid indefinitely. In addition, they lost one of their starting LB's due to injury. I guess the suspended kids will have more time for their new 7th Floor Crew album. I hear Ed Nelson is available to produce. And the irony of all ironies - October 14th was Miami-Dade Police Dept's "Join-a-team, not-a-gang program". Out of the frying pan and you know what...........


Go vote for Buzz again.................. Also vote for GT to beat Clemson at the ESPN Gameday site.

Matteson Captures First PGA Tour Victory :: Tech grad holds off final-round challengers to win Frys.com Open

Congrats to Troy Matteson, who won his first PGA tour event. Matteson Captures First PGA Tour Victory :: Tech grad holds off final-round challengers to win Frys.com Open................. Here's another story with some quotes........... Troy also gets a bunch of congratulatory email. He's a well-liked guy.............. It also turns out that part of his motivation came from some brotherly advice..........

Football - GT / Clemson - Underrated Rivaly?

Could the GT / Clemson series be the most underrated rivaly in the nation? Maybe the south? If you judge the series based on quality and competitiveness and closeness of finishes, then I challenge you to find a rivaly better than this:

CLOSE SHAVES WITH THE TIGERS

Last year's 10-9 victory by Georgia Tech over Clemson was just the latest in a string of close games between the two schools. Nine of the last 10 games between Tech and Clemson have been decided by five points or fewer, including six straight games from 1996-01 that were decided by exactly three points.

2005, Tech 10, Clemson 9: P.J. Daniels rushed for 100 yards and scored the game's only touchdown on a three-yard run in the fourth quarter in the Yellow Jackets' 10-9 victory over Clemson at Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field. For Clemson, six trips inside the Tech 35 netted just three field goals as Tech forced four turnovers and held the Tigers without a touchdown for the first time since the opening game of the 2003 season. After Tech scored go ahead 10-6, Aaron Kelly returned the ensuing kickoff to the Tech 19. The Tigers had a first-and-goal at the six, but cornerback Kenny Scott knocked away Charlie Whitehurst's third-down pass and the Tigers had to settle for a field goal.

2004, Tech 28, Clemson 24: Calvin Johnson's third touchdown catch of the game, with just 11 seconds left, capped a miraculous comeback as Georgia Tech scored three touchdowns in the final five minutes. Johnson finished with eight catches for 127 yards, and senior Levon Thomas had eight catches for 100 yards. Quarterback Reggie Ball passed for 251 yards and four touchdowns, and P.J. Daniels added 103 yards rushing.

Trailing 17-7, Tech pulled within three on Thomas' 19-yard touchdown catch with 4:36 left. The Tigers responded almost immediately with a 54-yard touchdown run by Kyle Browning to take 24-14 lead with 3:18 left. After a celebration penalty and a 32-yard kickoff return, Tech took over at its own 49, and eight plays later, Reggie Ball hit Johnson for an eight-yard touchdown in the right corner of the end zone, again pulling the Jackets within three points with just 1:50 remaining. Clemson recovered the onsides kick at its own 33 and then gained nine yards on first down, but the Tech defense held on second and third downs. The Tigers were forced to punt with 25 seconds, but an errant snap gave Tech the ball at the 11-yard line with 16 seconds to play. Ball lofted a pass to Johnson in the left corner of the end zone for the winning touchdown. The Jackets had to survive one last play after Clemson, aided by a celebration penalty, returned the kickoff to the Tech 31-yard line.

2001, Clemson 47, Tech 44 (ot): In a game that featured 10 lead changes, Woody Dantzler's 11-yard run in overtime provided the final margin. Trailing 34-26 in the fourth quarter, Tech took a 38-34 lead with less than four minutes to play on touchdown runs by Joe Burns and Sidney Ford. Clemson answered by converting a fourth-and-13 into a 63-yard touchdown pass from Dantzler to J.J. McKelvey with 1:58 to play. Tech quarterback George Godsey moved the Jackets 87 yards on 10 plays for Luke Manget's game-tying field goal with six seconds left in regulation.

2000, Tech 31, Clemson 28: George Godsey hit Kerry Watkins for the game-winning, 16-yard touchdown pass with just seven seconds left. Clemson led 24-21 after Brian Mance's 88-yard punt return for a touchdown, but Godsey, who passed for 454 yards, guided the Jackets on two 80-yard scoring drives in the final 10 minutes. First he found Kelly Campbell for a 48-yard touchdown with 6:35 to play. After Clemson regained the lead, 28-24, on a Willie Simmons-to-Rod Gardner touchdown pass with 1:52 left, Godsey completed seven-of-11 passes for 72 yards, capped by the game-winner to Watkins, who caught four passes for 51 yards on the drive. Campell finished with a school-record 14 catches for 209 yards.

1999, Tech 45, Clemson 42: Tech's Joe Hamilton passed for 322 yards and five touchdowns. The Jackets led 28-7 in the second quarter and 45-28 in the fourth, but Clemson pulled within three with seven minutes left. The Tigers had fourth-and-seven at the Tech 43 with three minutes to play, but Chris Young batted down Woody Dantzler's pass inside the 10-yard line.

1998, Tech 24, Clemson 21: Joe Burns scored the winning touchdown on a one-yard run with 1:00 left. Trailing 21-17, Tech took over at its own 43 with 2:30 remaining. Joe Hamilton complete three passes for 53 yards to set up the winning score.

1997, Tech 23, Clemson 20: Brad Chambers kicked the game-winning 20-yard field goal with 1:54 left. The kick was set up by Harvey Middleton, who returned a punt 21 yards to the Clemson 44, then caught a 39-yard pass from Joe Hamilton down to the five-yard line.

Remembering Michael Isenhour

Great short story about how Michael Isenhour touched lives.......

Bill Curry on Playing Hurt

Great article on playing hurt, and this from Curry on an incident at Georgia Tech

Lesson three: The definition of small hurts may differ from coach to player.


As a junior at Georgia Tech, I broke my right hand. It was injected with Novocain and I played linebacker until the cast could be removed. I then proceeded back to center, deadened hand and all, to Knoxville, Tenn. There I set the Neyland Stadium record for the long snap. The ball sailed 35 yards, over punter Billy Lothridge's head, and into our end zone. My young wife, Carolyn, who was in attendance, burst into tears. She never watched another punt snap in her life.

Miami - not representing

The only thing more saddening than this video is the announcers who act like they want to be on the field with them. Not sure I've ever heard such non-sense spoken about such non-sense. Well, the big question - what is the fallout? How will this impact the Miami team that visits ATL in a few weeks? Will there be suspension? Stay tuned...................

(As Of October 14)
ATLANTIC DIVISION
School	Conference	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
Clemson	3-1	.750	6-1	.857
Wake Forest	2-1	.667	6-1	.857
NC State	2-1	.667	3-3	.500
Boston College	2-1	.667	5-1	.833
Florida State	2-2	.500	4-2	.667
Maryland	1-1	.500	4-2	.667
COASTAL DIVISION
School	Conference	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
Georgia Tech	3-0	1.000	5-1	.833
Miami	1-1	.500	4-2	.667
Virginia Tech	2-2	.500	4-2	.667
Virginia	1-2	.333	2-5	.286
North Carolina	0-3	.000	1-5	.167
Duke	0-4	.000	0-6	.000

Latest ACC Standings

Here's the latest after an NCST loss to Wake Forest, an FSU win over Duke and a UNC loss to USF. After the Georgia loss today to Vandy (yeah baby), it's seriously looking like Clemson is the clear toughest competitor on our schedule this season. Go figure.


Also take note - on this date there is only one ACC team undefeated in conference play - your Georgia Tech Yellowjackets!!!!!!!


Let's review the coaching hot seat


Tommy Bowden for president. Too bad they couldn't get rid of that guy like they wanted to 2 years ago. Then they wouldn't have the hassle of competing for a conference title now.
Chuck Amato back in the fire. Clown college is again accepting applications.
Frank Beamer plays the legend card. Besides, his players let him off the hook by making people realize he's trying to manage a circus.
Bobby Bowden - daggum it, we just beat Duke. What do you people want?
John Bunting - dead man walking
Larry Coker - in the hot-back-seat for the moment - on slow roast. But it'll be time take the lid off the crock pot when they head to the ATL and decide if it's time to be served.
Ted Roof - the man can't walk on water or turn water into wine, so back off.
Al Groh - will stick around, but why'd you hire your boy pop? You have to go to bed with that boy's mama every night. Ever think about that? Did you ask Pappa Bowden first? Mistake.
Jim Grobe - on the undercard as Tommy Bowden's running mate for the moment.
Chan Gailey - should be thumbing his nose at detractors with chorus's of "I told you so". Of course, best to wait until the season's over.
Ralph Freidgen - The memory of those 1st 3 10-win seasons is starting to fade. Go ahead and hire Joe Hamilton. Might as well grab hold of the defining player of your coaching career.


Note to all coaches - just keep winning baby. That's the ticket.

(As Of October 14)
ATLANTIC DIVISION
School	Conference	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
Clemson	3-1	.750	6-1	.857
Wake Forest	2-1	.667	6-1	.857
NC State	2-1	.667	3-3	.500
Boston College	2-1	.667	5-1	.833
Florida State	2-2	.500	4-2	.667
Maryland	0-1	.000	3-2	.600
COASTAL DIVISION
School	Conference	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
Georgia Tech	3-0	1.000	5-1	.833
Virginia Tech	2-2	.500	4-2	.667
Miami	1-1	.500	3-2	.600
Virginia	1-1	.500	2-4	.333
North Carolina	0-3	.000	1-5	.167
Duke	0-4	.000	0-6	.000

College GameDay To Be in Clemson

Well, time for College GameDay and the Jackets once again. Looks like the gang will be in little old Clemson SC for the GT/Clemson game. Talk superstition all you want - the visiting team has won most of the games during these Gameday's this season. It's nothing but great hype for our program, especially when we expose that Clemson offense and defense.


GAMEDAY at Clemson / Georgia Tech ????

Mid-Seaon All-Americans

Sports Illustrated has listed their mid-season All-Americans and show not one, but two Jackets on their first team. Obviously Calvin Johnson is there, but guess who's #2?...................

WR: Calvin Johnson
Jr., Georgia Tech
Has four 100-yard games, eight TDs despite nursing injury.

LB: Philip Wheeler
Jr., Georgia Tech
A ferocious blitzer, he's racked up 8.5 tackles for loss.

Georgia Tech vs Maryland Highlights

2006 Georgia Tech Football vs Maryland at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Boston College Helps the Jackets

Fantastic - Boston College knocks off VaTech, really making it a serious up-hill climb to win the coastal division. The bottom line looks like this:


1. The Clemson game doesn't matter that much. We can lose that game and still win the division, however.................
2. The Miami game means everything! That's the division right there. Unless someone like VaTech can knock off the Canes, we're going to have create our own destiny. Nice to have that option.

(As Of October 12)
ATLANTIC DIVISION
School	Conference	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
NC State	2-0	1.000	3-2	.600
Clemson	3-1	.750	6-1	.857
Boston College	2-1	.667	5-1	.833
Wake Forest	1-1	.500	5-1	.833
Florida State	1-2	.333	3-2	.600
Maryland	0-1	.000	3-2	.600
COASTAL DIVISION
School	Conference	Pct.	Overall	Pct.
Georgia Tech	3-0	1.000	5-1	.833
Virginia Tech	2-2	.500	4-2	.667
Miami	1-1	.500	3-2	.600
Virginia	1-1	.500	2-4	.333
North Carolina	0-3	.000	1-4	.200
Duke	0-3	.000	0-5	.000

Now, Clemson is a winnable game. They are playing better than anyone in the ACC right now, but they are beatable.


On their smashing of Temple tonight:

Davis, Proctor and most of the starters sat out the second half, when fourth-string running back Chris Chancellor rushed for 114 yards and a TD as the Tigers set a school record by scoring over 50 points for the fourth time this season. But the opponents; North Carolina (99), Florida Atlantic (108), Temple (114) and Louisiana Tech (118), rank among the worst defenses of the 119 schools in Division I-A.

Will the cupcake schedule come back to bite them. Stay tuned................

Football - CJ and Agents

Ran across this blurb with Coach Gailey speaking about Calvin Johnson and agents:

Georgia Tech All-American wide receiver Calvin Johnson has been a star since he arrived on the Yellow Jackets campus three years ago, making it no surprise that sports agents have taken notice.


Gailey has spoken with Johnson and his family about ways to deal with agents.


Johnson often refuses to answer his cell phone if he doesn't recognize the number. Contact with an agent could jeopardize Johnson's playing status.


"It does become a concern," Gailey said. "That's a little bit of a two-way street though. If a player wants somebody around, he can allow them around. If he doesn't want any interaction, those agents will pretty soon find that out."


This season is a particular concern for Gailey because after this year, Johnson will be eligible to declare for the NFL Draft. He's projected as a first-round selection.


"I think [Johnson and his parents] are fairly educated about what to look for," Gailey said. "If there are any problems, they should let us know."

Oh Yeah

Hoops Recruiting - The Ladies Represent

Well, that old Paul Hewitt magic seems to be rubbing off on the ladies program, as head coach Machelle Joseph just landed her 2nd top 20 player in for her next recruiting class. She has been described as a "mini-Barkley". Not a bad moniker. Here's a free article about Iasia Hemingway. Congrats to Coach Joseph and staff!!!! Congrats to Iasia as well! Welcome aboard. Sounds like the lady hoopsters are a program on the rise............................. stay tuned.................................

Al Groh Brings the Heat

Well, fans are used to throwing stones at coaches............. and spears......... and daggers.......... and guess what - many deserves a few weapons of mass destruction thrown back at them. That is just what Al Groh has done, basically telling fans to stick to their knitting and quite trying to act like they know how to coach the game of football.

"I understand fans," Groh said. "I don't think fans understand coaches. ? I think I know what it's like to be a fan. I don't think most people know what my life is like, what I do all day long, what the other coaches do, why we do what we do.


"It's a great country. In this country, anybody can say what they want, whether they know the facts or not. That's the great thing about America."


“I fly on a lot of airplanes,” Groh said. “Just because I fly on airplanes, doesn’t make me qualified to be a pilot. I own stocks. Just because I own stocks doesn’t mean I have any idea how and why my broker picks the stocks.


“As a result, I don’t have any opinion as to what the pilot should do, whether he should have flown at 35,000 feet or 15,000 feet. I figure, he’s trained, he’s got all the facts, he knows what he’s doing, he knows a lot more about it than I do. I just let him fly the plane.”

Here's another version of the same story. You know what - props to Coach Groh. Speak your mind coach - let them have it.


Now, having said all that, why on earth did you hire your son to be your offensive coordinator? Steven Logan, the former East Carolina coach who has a new radio show in NC, put it best....... "Son, find your own way". Logan said the #1 reason NOT to hire your son is that every single night you have to go to be with that boy's mama. Think a lot about that. Truer words were never spoken. Can you hear me now Bobby Bowden?

Hoops - Thaddeus Young blurb

Ran across this on Thaddeus Young:

3. Thaddeus Young, Georgia Tech - Coaches in the ACC and around the country are going to have match-up nightmares when prepping to play Georgia Tech and Young this season. This 6’8” SF is a freakish athlete with an often-unconscious mid-range jumper and advanced skills playing in the half-court offense. While he has a consistent jumper and can play in the open-floor, he is further benefitted by being left-handed, which will make for a defensive struggles for his defender. Young isn’t the only freshman phenom to play for the Yellow Jackets this season, PG Javaris Crittenton will join him, another highly rated recruit out of high school. My biggest knock against Young is that his ball-handling skills need work as his handle isn’t tight or low enough, and he needs to add a considerable amount of weight in order to not get pushed around in the low blocks.

Where are they now - Chris Bosh

Is Chris Bosh a goody-two-shoes? Well, he's as much of a stand-up guy as you'll find int he NBA. Show's what a strong, stable family and upbringing can do - similar to Calvin Johnson it appears. Here's a nice mention of Bosh, and a much longer article here about how something that happened to him when he was 8 years old impacted his life. By the way, note that that article goes 4 pages long. It is a serious love-fest for Bosh.


It's great to have these kind of men out doing their thing and giving back, and in some way - linked to the North Avenue Trade School.


GO JACKETS!!!!