Signal-to-Buzz - Oct 15, 2008

Some noise from around the country

SEC DROP-OFF?
Is the SEC really the best. I would argue not any longer, and so would others....................... Of course Paul Johnson would tell you that maybe it's a spin-job to begin with. In his weekly press conference he said when Georgia Tech beats Mississippi State it's all about how Miss St is the weakling of the SEC, but when they go out and beat Vanderbilt and almost beat Auburn, it's all about how the SEC is so strong and beat each other up. Of course he's right.

WINNING THE COASTAL
VaTech needs to lose two remaining games and Georgia Tech needs to win out for a legit chance at the ACC Championship. VaTech has BC, FSU, Miami, Duke and Virginia left on their schedule, so it's certainly possible they could lose two

GSR - NOT A 70's ROCK'N'ROLL BAND
The latest graduation success rates are out and it's not good for Georgia Tech or Georgia. There were only 4 teams in BCS leagues with GSR (Graduation Success Rates) less than 50%, and two came from the state of Georgia. Keep in mind, it's that 1998-2001 time period which is in the range of our academic "issues". Regardless, I sure expect these numbers to keep improving. Also don't confuse GSR with APR. The GSR is a measure of graduation rates within a certain number of years of enrolling and looks further back in time. The APR is a measure of more current years and player's progress towards a degree. In case you're curious about general student body grad rates - click here.

ON PREPARING FOR GEORGIA TECH
Quote from Clemson interum head coach Dabo Swinney:

They run a bunch of formations. You talk about, you better be precise and discipline. That's one of the things I talked to the team tonight. This is a game of tremendous discipline. Guys lining up and coming off the ball, playing with a low pad level. If you have one mistake they take it to the house. They lull your corners to sleep. Then they hit you. It's going to be a big test for our defense.” – Interim head coach Dabo Swinney on facing Georgia Tech’s triple option attack.

More on Clemson's offensive line changes.

NOMAR - DONE WORN OUT?
Gregg Doyell wrote an interesting story about Garciaparra. He talks about his theories on why he has seen his output steadily decline,

D-LINE GETTING THEIR DUE
We've been saying it along, but we're all homers right? Now some of the national media are recognizing that Georgia Tech's defensive line is one of the best in the country. Every one of those guys is going to get a shot to play on Sundays. Phil Steele has moved the unit from top 20 to top 5 in the country and his mid-season All-ACC team is littered with these guys. Mel Kiper has all three seniors on the DLine on his top 5 by position draft board.

DURANT BROOKS CUT
Wow. The only kicker drafter this year has been cut. Durant Brooks has struggled mightily and his tenure with the Washington Redskins is over. He had a few good kicks, but a lot of bad ones. I'm not sure how you go from the best punter in the country to dead last in the NFL statistically in 6 games. Pressure? Mental aspects? Leg problems? A salary? Any way you cut it, let's hope he grabs onto another job. He's definitely going to be a good punter in the NFL.

TAYLOR BENNETT LOSES JOB
Taylor Bennett transferred to Louisiana Tech and has been the starting QB through half the season. Now's he's the 2nd string guy. His completion percentage is less than 40% (61-156). He has thrown for 844 yards, 2 TD's and 5 INT's. Maybe getting him close to a 50% completion percentage last year against true IA talent was true miracle-work? Who knew.