Quick Hits from Today

1. Clemson - overated? Yes. Their special teams outgained their offense today by over 100 yards. Their vaunted offensive attack has managed 13 total points in the last 2 games. Today Whitehurst was 10-24 for 88 yards, fumbled twice and threw 3 INT's. That means Whitehurst has been responsible for 13 turnovers in 4 games (10 INT's). Tiger nation is not going to be happy. Oh by the way, did I mention that they signed Tommy Bowden to a 10 year deal at the end of last season? This is a team that is now 1-3 and could easily be 0-4. Wow.

2. Virginia Tech - Welcome to the ACC. NC ST takes them down 17-16 in a nail-biter. THERE'S BEEN A TA MCLENDON SIGHTING!!! It was reported that he ran for 93 yards today and is now officially the best back ever in the history of the ACC once again. Matt Lienart, don't make room on that mantle for your Hiesman quite yet. By the way, NC ST officially has one heck of a defense. How do you sack Bryan Randall 10 times??? If only they had that D when Rivers was around. NC ST QB's combined for 78 yards passing on the day. We were not talking about an offensive explosion here. Both teams COMBINED for 415 yards of total offense.

3. Boston College - Welcome to the ACC part II. "Lowly" Wake Forest takes them down with a last-minute 40-yard pass play to win 17-14. Three missed field goals by BC does not help you efforts. It is the 2nd year in a row WF has beaten BC. Is it just me, or is Wake Forest a hair away from being 4-0, with just one play at Clemson being the difference? Wake very well may be the best coached team in the ACC.

4. Virginia - Rollin, rollin, rollin, keep them Cav's rollin. Well, UVA takes down Syracuse 31-10. Wali Lundy scores his 10th TD of the season - yes 10th in 4 games. Could THIS be the year for the Cav's??? Every year "they" say it is. Maybe all those great recruiting classes are finally catching up to them.

5. Maryland - decides to play in the 2nd half versus Duke, finally putting them away 55-21. The Duke Cinderella story will not start this week. Joel Statham finally put some impressive offensive numbers on the board at QB, with 4 TD's. Maryland had 685 yards of total offense. Again for perspective, VT and NCST COMBINED for 415 yards of total offense in their game.

6. North Carolina - oh dear. Or should I say "deer in the headlights". What goes up must come down. Unfortunately for GT the opposite is not necesarily true. UNC gets trounced by Louisville 34-0. That's right - a shutout of the "strong" UNC offense. Look, I know Louisville is in the top 25, but they are not known for a bigtime defense. This just pisses me off more after our debacle last week. So Bunting is back on the hot-seat, and that leads us to....

7. Georgia Tech - who are we????? Let's look at what we have done so far.

1 - beat Samford Div I-AA, but could only put 28 points on the board. Ok, technically we could have scored at the end, but this game was a tune-up against a clearly inferior opponent.
2 - get handed a victory at Clemson with a series of blunders that will go down in the hall-of-fame of college bloopers. We were riding high that we had beaten a top 25 team, who many had picked to do great things this season. Since then, they have been trounced by a mediocre Texas A&M team, and today were trounced by Pappa Bowden (who's your daddy? Really - I'm your daddy).
3 - get trounced by an awful North Carolina team. And they really are awful. Yes, a good offense that managed 0 points today. A defense that gives up 450 yards plus of offense every game (455 today). A team that needed a 4th quarter comeback to beat William & Mary. A team that has given up 38 points (W&M), 56 (UVA), 34 (LV) and we manage 13 points. hhhmmmm.

So what does it mean? It means we have had an incredibly SOFT schedule so far. It means this will be the week we find out if this truly just is a repeat of 2003 where we are up for the good teams only. GT has a lot to prove and it starts next weekend.

Look, I don't expect us to win, but I think we can. However, if we come out and lay an egg and get blown-out that will be a disappointment. I just want to see a competitive game.

For all the frustration this season, we have to remember - we are 2-1. That's not bad. We are one of 5 ACC teams with a conference loss. The race is still on my friends.

Updated Hoops Rankings

Nice matrix from Yoni and Collegeball blog - link here.

Where are they now - Chris Bosh

Looks like Bosh has bulked up over the summer - link here. However, the article seems to make a big deal over what amounts to about 5-10 pounds. I suppose if it's all muscle, that's good. I wouldn't consider it night-and-day. But then with Bosh's athleticism, that last thing you want is him running up-and-down the floor at 260lb - I guess.

One of his, and the club's, major hopes for the off-season was to gain a significant amount of weight through the summer. According to Bosh's agent, Henry Thomas, it's mission accomplished.

"He is well over 230 now," Thomas said. "And that's after working out really hard this summer."

Bosh was slated to attend the NBA Basketball Without Borders program in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sept. 6-10, but withdrew his participation.

"He really wanted to spend the last few days in Dallas (visiting family and working out) and then get to Toronto to start working out before training camp," Thomas said. "There's nothing more than that to it."

However, that news pales in comparison to the fact that he will NOT have to play center this season (at least full time). Not only does that better utilize his skills at PF, he will not have to take the pounding he did last year:

Araujo, whom the Raptors hope will be able to play a lot of minutes at centre this season, freeing Bosh up for the power forward position, spent most of the summer training in Los Angeles.

Lindy's Top 25

Thanks to Yoni and collegeball.blogspot.com for Lindy's top 25. I just picked up the magazine as well. Not as much love for GT as some of the others, but top 10 none-the-less.

2004-05 LINDY’S SPORTS ANNUALS
PRESEASON COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP 40

1. Illinois
2. Wake Forest
3. North Carolina
4. Kansas
5. Connecticut
6. Kentucky
7. Syracuse
8. Michigan State
9. Georgia Tech
10. Arizona
11. Oklahoma State
12. Texas
13. Notre Dame
14. Alabama
15. Washington
16. Maryland
17. Gonzaga
18. Mississippi State
19. Pittsburgh
20. Louisville
21. Duke
22. Utah
23. Wisconsin
24. Michigan
25. UAB

Miami Notes

MIAMI'S PASS OFFENSE TARGETED
Well, Miami passed for 99 yards against Houston. We know Tenuta will work on bigtime blitz schemes, but can he actually get some sacks. No doubt having Henderson back could make the difference.

BERLIN GETS BRUNT OF COKER'S CRITICISM
Coker was pretty hard on his QB:

When asked whether he was frustrated by Berlin's inaccuracies, Coker said: ``Yeah, no doubt about it. I mean, you have guys open, you have to hit them. This is major college football. When you have people open, you have to make the plays.

With UM leading 7-0 after Anthony Reddick blocked a punt for a touchdown, Berlin went deep and had an open Sinorice Moss. The ball sailed way over his head.

''You have to make that play,'' Coker said. ``Again, the first play was a good call and it was well executed. There was just no pass and catch and that's the fundamental part of it. It's a junior high play. If we make that play we're in good position to go and score a touchdown early. We just didn't do it.''

''A fifth-year senior quarterback cannot give the opponent a touchdown before the half,'' Coker said. ``You never like to go into halftime on the negative end of momentum.

``That's totally a foolish play we can't have.''

TECH USES WEEK OFF TO FOCUS ON PROBLEMS
Dang it, I hate comments like this from Reggie Ball:

"You go from being king of the world one week to a zero again the next week, especially when you stink up the place like we did," Tech quarterback Reggie Ball said. "We just keep learning."

Reggie, GT couldn't be "King" if Clemson hadn't HANDED us the opportunity. By all rights Clemson should have won that game. You're king of the world when the end of the season rolls around and you are playing in a MAJOR bowl.

Note Gailey is not happy with the turnover situation:

"You just keep harping on it and harping on it. At some point, you've got to do something to quit turning the ball over. Either we quit calling passes or we fair catch every punt," Gailey said. "Whatever the case is, we're not going to turn the ball over."

SPURRIER SHOULDN'T BE LACKING FOR SUITORS

NEW ACC, BIG10 SLOW OUT OF GATE

ACC HAVING RUN ON SPECIALTY BACKS
Interesting look at ACC's many specialty running backs.

Blue Ribbon Hoops Top 25

BLUE RIBBON COLLEGE BASKETBALL YEARBOOK PRESEASON TOP 25

1. Wake Forest
2. Oklahoma State
3. Georgia Tech
4. North Carolina
5. Kansas
6. Syracuse
7. Illinois
8. Connecticut
9. Mississippi State
10. Duke
11. Kentucky
12. Michigan State
13. Washington
14. Wisconsin
15. Arizona
16. Florida
17. Notre Dame
18. North Carolina State
19. Maryland
20. Alabama
21. Texas
22. Louisville
23. Memphis
24. Pittsburgh
25. Gonzaga

Street and Smith Rankings

From Street and Smith Magazine:

1.) Kansas
2.) Illinois
3.) Wake
4.) Syracuse
5.) UNC
6.) Ga Tech
7.) UCONN
8.) Florida
9.) Oklahoma State
10.) Mississippi State

Recruiting - Hoops

Well, evidently the Jackets are now out of the Kevin Rogers sweepstakes. I have no info. as to why but insiders has a story posted indicating such. So let's recap the week in recruiting:

Wow, let's re-cap our week

1. Adrian Thomas, a seeming GT lock, misses his official visit due to the hurricane and commits to Miami out of the blue.

2. Casaan Breeden, who had GT on his list all along, gets dropped by GT (or mutual - not clear). Finally realized he wanted to be out of Dickey's shadow???

3. Chris Douglas-Roberts gets dropped by GT. Academics??? Not a clear answer yet.

4. Kevin Rogers is dropped by GT.

5. De'Andre Bell keeps getting stronger as a GT commit since O.Spann committed to GTown.

6. A.Jackson narrows his list down to GT / Illinois. But this baseball thing really bothers me. And nobody has provided a clear answer on the scholarship issue (will he be a walk-on or use a 'ship).

7. CJ Miles has an in-home with Hewitt cancelled over family issues, then has his official visit cancelled due to the Hurricane. Hewitt gets his in-home and seems to have held off Kansas at least until an official visit Oct 9.

8. Brandon Costner commits to NCST, disappointing Jacket fans, because it could have been the final nail in the coffin for Kansas getting Miles.

9. McGowan pulls Arkansas out of the blue and everyone thinks they are the front-runner all-of-the-sudden. But now Miss.St. seems to be the hot one again.

10. A new name gets added - Luc Mbahamoute

So what does it mean????? Maybe there are some commits on the board that are silent. Maybe there are some players looking stronger at GT that we are not aware of. Maybe Coach didn't like the comments of Rogers about being a "one-and-done" guy (doubtful though). Unfortunately there are a lot of maybes and as usual, we will just have to be patient and wait out the process.

Go VOTE For Buzz...

... in the ACC Mascot Poll - link here. This is being done by Turner South. Here's what they say about GT:

Buzz, Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech's Ramblin' Wreck, a vintage 1930 Model A sports coupe, has been driving Yellow Jacket fans wild for more than 40 years. But the mascot that creates a real buzz around Atlanta is Buzz himself. This beloved bug first appeared in 1979 in a classic college prank; he made a beeline across the football field and instantly became a favorite with the fans. Now he shakes his striped tail and stinger, does backflips and conducts the pep band in his theme song "Buzz the Wiser" at most sporting events. He's not just an ACC star, either--Buzz was named the national champion of collegiate mascots in 2000 and 2001.

SO GO VOTE FOR BUZZ NOW!!!!!

Buzz currently has a slim lead with 31.3% of the vote.

A look at the Canes... and other stuff

TECH STUCK IN BAD TREND
Not a good trend:

Following Tech's last six wins over ranked teams, it has lost its next game five times.

QUICK STRIKE
Miami handily beat Houston 38-13 last night. We will have our hands full

GT LOSES CORNERBACK FOR YEAR
Well, Kenny Scott is now the man:

Scott, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound sophomore, possesses the physical tools to be a solid cornerback, but has lacked consistency at the position. He was beaten for a touchdown against North Carolina.

"He doesn't get the opportunity to rest and go in and out," Gailey said of Scott. "He now has to play all the time."

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - STAN HIXON
The man who coached Kelly Campbell and others at GT is now hoping and praying that his son, Drew Hixon, awakens from a coma he sustained in a game on Sept 11 after being tackled. We are hoping and praying also.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - NAT DORSEY
The starting job with the Vikings is within his grasp:

The Vikings have told Adam Haayer and Nat Dorsey if the rookie starts playing well the right tackle job is his to keep, now that Mike Rosenthal will have season-ending surgery on his badly broken right foot.

The team feels that Haayer is more valuable as a backup at the four non-center positions on the line, and Dorsey -- a fourth-round pick from Georgia Tech -- is a promising prospect.

"I can't really get into all that," Dorsey said. "I'm so worried about running my plays and getting used to coming out of my right-hand stance... I go home and practice that in the crib. That's what I'm focused on right now. But it's good to have someone behind you."

TARHEELS STILL BASKING IN GLOW OF WIN

NCAA APPROVES A 39 YEAR OLD WALK-ON
Holy cow, the Gamecocks now have a 39 year old WR named "Pops".

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
From a UVA football player.

Recruiting Update - Hoops

Octavious Spann commits to Georgetown. This is a Georgia kid who had high interest in Georgia Tech, but was evidently further down on our list. GT never extended an offer. So he is now off the board.

However, it could increase our chances with De'Andre Bell, who visits GT this weekend. Bell is another Small Forward also with an offer from Georgetown. He is down to Georgetown and Georgia Tech. Interestingly, both Spann and Bell visited GTown together. The only issue is that we have yet to offer Bell a free ride. While that very well could happen this weekend during his visit, it may not. Part of the equation could be letting the current players spend some time with him (& vice versa) and the other part is probably waiting on CJ Miles.

So on the surface this seems to be a fine line to walk, but that's the way recruiting works.

On a separate note, Kevin Rogers is down to Baylor and Georgia Tech and has eyes for the NBA after 1-2 years, which could impact his decision (playing time key).

Gary Williams Look-alike contest...

... and harkening back to the days of Bobby Cremins - link here.

Next month, Williams will have a room of potential doppelgangers from which to choose. When the Terrapins host their annual "Midnight Madness" celebration Oct. 15 at Comcast Center, Maryland will hold a Gary Williams look-alike contest.

ACC fans used to do this kind of thing at Georgia Tech, where former coach Bobby Cremins's snow-white hair was all but created to be imitated. "I guess you're an easier target," Williams said, "when you have gray hair."

Dennis Davis out for season

Not good news for GT football. Link here.

Georgia Tech Alum Dies in Battle

Link here. So how important is that UNC football game now?

A soldier who was killed in Iraq last week saved the lives of his men by warning them about the sniper fire while lying mortally wounded, his commanding officer said.

Army 1st Lt. Tyler Hall Brown was "an inspirational leader, both on the field of battle and off. In numerous enemy contacts, he was calm, leading his men with bravery and aplomb," Capt. Daniel M. Gade said in e-mails to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution this week.

Brown, 26, was killed Sept. 14 in the town of Ar Ramadi, about 70 miles east of Baghdad, when he was hit in the upper thigh and bled to death, Gade said. "He died of his wounds rather quickly," he wrote from Iraq.

The sniper, who fired at long range, got away, Gade added.

The former Georgia Tech student body president was honored Wednesday in a funeral at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta. Brown will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday.

Chan Gailey call-in show

Couldn't listen myself, but here's a good recap.

Bad injury news

Word is that Dennis Davis will under-go season ending shoulder surgury due to an injury sustained against Clemson. Davis is a senior. It will be interesting to see if he can get a medical redshirt.

Clark Kellogg has daughter at GT

A "Did you know" - link here.

Columbus DeSales outside hitter Talisa Kellogg is ranked the 19th-best volleyball player in the nation by Prep Volleyball. Is it any wonder she's such a phenomenal athlete? The 6-1 senior and Georgia Tech recruit is the daughter of Clark Kellogg, former basketball standout at St. Joseph High and Ohio State.

Football Fix

COACH GAILEY UPDATE
"Execution" is the fall-guy for why we lost. Can't say I disagree. Play-calling is an area of concern, but I guess that could fall under coaches execution. Nice to see the comments about the good reception we are getting on the recruiting trail. After all, that's where it all starts. Gotta get the horses.

JACKETS RETURN TO PRACTICE
Obviously E.Henderson is ready to hit someone:

When Gailey was asked if he thought Henderson was antsy to play, he said, "Well, he was the only one today who asked if he could wear his equipment to run the sprints after practice," referring to conditioning drills for which players remove their helmets and shoulder pads.

HENDERSON EAGER TO RETURN
Note that PJ Daniels did not practice this week, but Seth Besirevic did.

CAN GT GET BACK INTO A BOWL?
From a Brunswick editorial.

Can Georgia Tech get back to a bowl game again? Outlook not so good. How in the world do you lose to North Carolina, especially after winning at Clemson? Miami, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Virginia and Georgia all are waiting. It may not be pretty.

CANES EXPECT MORE FROM OFFENSE

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - NAT DORSEY
Looks like an injury has thrust Dorsey into a split-time role on the Vikings O-Line.

In four days, Haayer and Dorsey will tag-team Chicago's Adewale Ogunleye, a force great enough to lead the AFC in sacks last season (15) and command former Bears No. 1 receiver Marty Booker in a trade with Miami during the offseason.

"I didn't come here to sit the bench," Dorsey said. "You should have seen me the first two games. I did nothing. It was very hard for me to take." Dorsey is athletic, but he's 21 and especially green from leaving Georgia Tech a year early. He also hasn't played on the right side of the line since high school. "It's just getting down in a different stance," Dorsey said with a shrug. "You're putting a different hand down."

MORE ON NAT DORSEY

The Vikings love Dorsey's 6-foot-7, 322-pound frame and his footwork, and in the long run it's probably his job to lose.

"If he continues to work as hard as he does," Culpepper said, "I think he's going to jell very well with our o-line."

"I'm very excited," Dorsey said. "It's hard for me to sit on that bench and watch the team play -- win, lose or draw."

RECRUITING IRONY
The NC ST kicker handles field goals, kick-offs and punting. He is one of 10 kids nationally who does all three. The irony is that he could have ended up at GT.

But his most important trial was essentially a one-day tryout at Georgia Tech.

"George O'Leary, who was the coach then, got the top five kickers in the eastern United States together," Deraney said. "He was going to make decision out of those five guys."

Deraney finished second in the competition. "At the time, that's where I wanted to go," he said. "Now I'm glad I didn't go there. I felt comfortable up here. I committed here early. Auburn really wanted me. They kept writing me and calling me."

Ironically, the kicker whom O'Leary offered a scholarship doesn't kick for the Yellow Jackets, while Deraney is working overtime for the Pack.

PATHS INTERTWINE FOR ROOF & FRIEDGEN
Interesting article looking at the relationship of these two Georgia Tech assistants.

RALPH FRIEDGEN - BY THE NUMBERS

ACC Handbook is out

I haven't seen it, but here is their national top 25:

National Top 25
1. Georgia Tech
2. Illinois
3. Kansas
4. Wake Forest
5. Duke
6. Connecticut
7. North Carolina
8. Texas
9. Syracuse
10. Arizona
11. NC State
12. Oklahoma State
13. Kentucky
14. Maryland
15. Louisville
16. Wisconsin
17. Alabama
18. Providence
19. Michigan State
20. Mississippi State
21. Pittsburgh
22. Charlotte
23. Stanford
24. Gonzaga
25. Oklahoma

Projected ACC Standings
Georgia Tech
Wake Forest
Duke
North Carolina
N.C. State
Maryland
Florida State
Virginia
Clemson
Virginia Tech
Miami

GT #1 - how nice. One interesting note. They have Ra'Sean Dickey projected as 1st team All-ACC freshman. However, the guy that is going to make a splash as a freshman is Jeremis Smith. I have been saying that for months now, so watch out. Word is he could be the 6th man by the start of the season and could even be starting by the time ACC play rolls around. Word is his game has elavated even further, his footwork is improved, his body is strong and he is ACC-battle ready.

Football Fix

GT HAVE TROUBLE STOPPING THE RUN
How much do we miss Eric Henderson? How much do we miss K-Fox / D-Smith? A lot!!!

TARHEELS RUIN JACKET'S RECORD
Note we are now on our 3rd punt returner. Mark Logan will now handle these duties. Patrick Clark looked unsure and hesitant against Samford. R.Houston looked solid against Clemson then fumbled at the goal-line to give UNC a TD. So now to #3.

UNC'S KEY CHANGE: PRACTICE WITH PADS
Well how about that.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - JP FOSCHI
The Vikings will sign JP to their practice squad.

TARHEELS REVEL IN ATTENTION

UNC PUNTER SUSPENDED ON LARCENY CHARGES

Recruiting - Hoops

Ok, the recruiting picture is starting to come to light. Some is good and some is not so good, but we are down the home stretch on some big names on our board. Pay close attention the next two weeks.

1. Kevin Rogers and Arizona are officially "split". That leaves GT, SMU and Baylor, if you can believe it. SMU and Baylor are late players, but he is giving them strong consideration. Rogers visits Baylor this weekend. I would give us a 60% chance or greater in landing Rogers.

2. The CJ Miles sweepstakes just got tougher. Brandon Costner just committed to NC ST. That means Miles has a clearer path to the remaining Kansas scholly if he wants it. On the other hand, it makes the odds that he will visit GT Oct 9 greater, since he shouldn't hear the eminant sounds of ticking clocks on that last 'ship. I would give us about a 40% shot at landing Miles.

3. Austin Jackson is down to Illinois and GT and will likely make his decision next week. He had an in-home visit with Paul Hewitt Monday night. He visits GT this weekend along with De'Andre Bell. After the weekend visit he will probably announce. I give GT a 50% shot at Jackson.

4. Chris Douglas-Roberts told recruiting analyst Dave Telep that his final 5 are Miami, Memphis, Arizona, Ohio State and Oklahoma. I wouldn't count out GT yet, but things are looking dim with CDR. I would put our odds at 20%.

5. Cyrus McGowan will visit Arkansas this weekend. While things were looking great and he seemed to be down to GT and Miss.St, Arkansas seems to be a strong late player for him. Not only do they have a campus visit, they are the only team right now with an in-home visit scheduled. He will probably make his decision soon after the ARK visit.

More Good Pictures...

...from a bad game.
Top 5 Photos
Top 5 Photos - the rest.

It's all a matter of perspective

Stewart Mandel thinks the SEC / ACC debate over the best football conference is a joke - link here.

Meanwhile, Craig James over at Yahoo Sports thinks it just shows how tough the conference really is - link here.

But when a North Carolina gets ripped by Virginia, then comes back and romps on Georgia Tech – which just beat Clemson – that makes me say, "Hey, the ACC is on to it." I'm really impressed with where this conference is headed.

Guess it's all how you look at it.

Lunch Bunch with Jon Tenuta

Re-cap of the lunch visit with the Jacket's DC. Very short report.

Hoops - Recruiting

On the recruiting trail:

1. Marcus Johnson committed to UConn - link here. GT was in his top 6 or so, but never was going to compete with the Big East for this kid.

2. UConn is also after Andrew "Lee" Bynum, a big-man that has GT on his list as well. Bynum will visit GT for one day in Oct (see the recruiting board for dates). Our odds of landing him are extremely thin.

3. Cyrus McGowan is likely to make a decision soon. He seems to be down to GT and Miss.St. He will visit Arkansas this weekend before making his final decision. Link here. I put GT odds at about 50/50.

4. Kansas has one 'ship remaining with two high-profile recruits in the mix - CJ Miles and Brandon Costner. Costner seems to be leaning to NC ST, although he has yet to visit Kansas and plans to do so. If Costner choses KU, then GT should have the inside track with Miles. Now there is a 3rd name in the KU mix - Bryan Harvey. So even if Costner goes to NCST, there could still be some drama with the last 'ship at KU. Article mentioning Costner and Adrian Thomas who committed to Miami over GT.

5. Marcus Williams committed to Arizona, which could take them out of the running for Chris Douglas-Roberts, helping us out for sure.

6. Coach Hewitt did take a trip to Texas for an in-home visit with CJ Miles. Evidently it went well, and the odds look stronger for GT to get that campus visit Oct 9 weekend.

7. Byron Eaton, the talented PG and 2-sport star ended his recruitment and committed to Ok.St. GT was in his final 3 with Cincy.

8. Dennis Scott's son Ryan Scott, committed to the College Of Charleston - link here. He was recruited by VaTech, Georgetown, Seton Hall. Many schools had wanted him to prep for a year.

Beesball Fix

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - MATT MURTON

Former Eagle's Landing and Georgia Tech standout Matt Murton finished the season in the 'Class A Florida State League with 13 home runs, 63 RBIs and a .292 average.

Murton began the season with the Sarasota Red Sox and was traded to the Daytona Cubs. With Sarasota, Murton hit 11 home runs, 55 RBIs with a .301 batting average. He hit two home runs, eight RBIs with a .252 batting average with the Daytona Cubs.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - JASON PERRY

Former Jonesboro and Georgia Tech standout Jason Perry finished the season with the Class A Modesto A's with 24 home runs, 80 RBIs and a 338 batting average.

He started the season with the Class AA Midland Rockhounds. He played in 28 games, batting .198 with one home run and 11 RBIs.

MORE ON JASON PERRY

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - JASON VERITEK
Well, the trade of Nomar and the shoving incident with Veritek / A-Rod seemed to have propelled the Sox on a major winning streak. It seems that JV is now the team leader in Boston.

The Aftermath

Ok, things have settled down now (both in GT nation and in my house with the new baby). I am back in action and I will try to get you updated on the world of GT sports. This post will have a lot new and a lot old, like links to the wonderful re-caps of the UNC debacle.

GT / MIAMI SET FOR 3:30

ABC TO TELEVISE GT/MIAMI GAME
Well, we better show up now, or a national audience will see what we are all about.

GAILEY EXCITED ABOUT RECRUITS
A rare article on the solid early recruiting class by the general media. There is no doubt that GT is attracting more high-caliber talent than in many many years.

CANES RECEIVERS CATCHING FLAK

TECH NEEDS BREAK TO CORRECT ERRORS
Well, Coach Gailey really thinks that the costly errors in Saturday's game are very correctable. Good to have 2 weeks to work on things.

MONDAY MORNING QB:

SAME OLD SONG FOR TECH

JACKETS STILL UNPREDICTABLE


JACKETS FALL TO UNC
Here are the final stats - link here.

53 PICTURES FROM THE GAME

CALVIN JOHNSON AMONG NATION'S BEST FROSH
...at WR:

ROBINSON LEADS NATION'S FRESHMEN -- Utah State WR Kevin Robinson enters this week as the top receiving freshman in the country. Robinson is averaging 5.67 receptions and 78.00 yards per game. The 78 yards are 5.67 yards better than the next freshman - Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech, while the 5.67 receptions are tied with Colorado State's Johnny Walker. Among all players Robinson is 30th in receptions and 39th in yards.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH KYLE PETTY
Did you know the race car legend actually took an official visit to Georgia Tech:

The NASCAR media guide mentions you were a pretty good high school quarterback who was recruited by some colleges. Which ones?

"That would have been a lie. They just put that in the media guide to get you guys to ask questions. I went to Georgia Tech on a recruiting weekend, went to East Carolina on a recruiting weekend, and went to a bunch of small schools. But I didn't want to play. I just went for the recruiting weekends."

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - WILL HELLER
Nice Q&A with the former Jacket.

POST-UNC HAIKU
The artistic were at it again at the Hive. My favorite:

Had 3 and 0 banked,
Give Carolina credit,
They made a withdrawal

INJURIES CONTINUE TO PLAGUE JACKETS

THREE TARHEELS WIN CONFERENCE HONORS
Well, UNC has the ACC Offensive Back of the week (Jacque Lewis), the Defensive Lineman of the week (Fred Sparkman) and Defensive Back of the Week (Jacoby Watkins). Well, yippie-ki-yeah.

GT NAMED TO "FRAUD FIVE"
Says it all:

Georgia Tech: You can't be beating Clemson one week, even if it turns out Clemson is a dog, then get smoked by North Carolina the next. This isn't basketball.

UNC POUNDS GT

TARHEELS WRECK JACKET DEFENSE

IT'S NOT FINER IN CAROLINA

UNC SHOCKS GT

DEFENSE STEPS UP FOR UNC

UNC TAILBACK OUTSHINES DANIELS
Of course Daniels left with a strained quadricep and never returned.

HEELS TAKE STING OUT OF JACKETS

MESSAGE RECEIVED: TARHEELS STOMP JACKETS

EX-SCOTS MAKE BIG PLAYS

DEFENSE SOAKS UP VICTORY

TARHEELS SPRING SURPRISE ON JACKETS

JACKETS DISMAL IN CHAPEL HILL

GT / UNC GAMELINE

UNC: BUNTING POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

UNC PLAYER INTERVIEWS

BETWEEN THE LINES
A look at UNC after the game.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - AL PENA
Remember that we signed 3 QB's last season - Reggie Ball, Pat Carter and Al Pena. Well, Pena transferred before ever stepping onto the field on gameday. He got his first college game action with his new team - Ok.St. He went 4-4 for 67 yards - a nice outing in a route of SMU. Pena will probably be the #2 guy now on the depth chart........ Here's another story on Pena.

BOWDEN COMMENTS ON O-LINE
Interesting comment from Tommy Bowden re: Texas A&M's O-Line compared to GT/WF:

What was the biggest problem on the offensive line Saturday against Texas A&M?
Bowden: We didn't protect as good as we had in the previous two games. Maybe it's just a talent upgrade from Wake Forest and Georgia Tech, so I'd say that probably be the biggest reason. I think we gave up three sacks in the game.

TIGERS SWITCH TO SURVIVAL MODE

ONE WRITER LOOKS AT GT
Blurb on GT:

An unhappy Georgia Tech fan from Warner Robins - who unlike like many Tech fans saw absolutely nothing unusual about Tech's blowout in-control-win over Clemson and perhaps actually predicted it - checked in within 10 minutes of the Tech-Clemson conclusion:

"Think maybe you better take a bigger breath picking Tech games from now on. Your smart-a-- comment about it being an easy pick shows your (sic) a idiot and I LOVE IT! What you gonna write now? Bad fans? Lucky team? 28-24 BABY!!!!! How bout them Jackets??!!!!!!!!!"

Thanks for the insightful and constructive e-mail. The idiot (me) picked Tech to beat North Carolina on Saturday, too, but unlike Einstein (e-mailer) who called for a 47-3 count. Given that, I don't know what I'm gonna write now, or what smart comment I could make.

Don't know 'bout them Jackets, though. Not sure anybody does at this point. ...

IS THE SEC STILL KING?
This writer thinks so after the ACC results last Saturday.

AROUND THE ACC: WEEK 3

RECRUITING - A GOOD YEAR FOR RUNNING BACKS
On Maurice Wells:

7. Maurice Wells, Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood.
Speaking of exciting, Maurice Wells is a big-play back (5-9, 180) possessing exceptional speed and quickness. He is dangerous and very tough to bring down in open space. Last season, Wells rushed for more than 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns, including a 429-yard single-game rushing performance. Georgia Tech, Ohio State and Southern Cal are his current leaders.

Ugly..... Just Ugly... Tarheels win 34-13

There's no sugar-coating this. I am THANKFUL I didn't have to watch this game on TV. I am thankful the rest of the ACC didn't watch this embarrassment either. Here are some general conclusions:

1. Clemson must really be the most overated team in the country.

2. We miss K-Fox and D-Smith more than anyone will ever say.

3. We are back to square one not knowing what kind of team we really have.

4. GT nation is not going to be happy. Let the meltdowns begin.

I said this game setup perfectly for an upset, but I just didn't want to believe it in my heart.

Well, don't throw in the towel. It is only one game. Chan bashers I don't want to hear it. We know, we know. We're ALL upset. Now let's suck it up and see what we can do against Miami.

Pre-Game Checklist

GAMEDAY CENTRAL
Links to stats and the gametracker. Audio link as well. If you want to listen for free head over to www.790thezone.com.

PREVIEWING GT
From UNC website writer.

GREAT BALL OF FIRE
A nice look at Reggie Ball, his development and leadership skills...... Here's an interesting stat. Last season Reggie Ball has a total of 10 TD throws the entire season. Through 2 games he has 6.

BALL'S GAME: QB A TRUE LEADER
Interesting comment from Gailey:

Coach Chan Gailey even said that he took one look at film of Ball in a high-school game and expected to move him to another position once he was beaten out at quarterback in his first preseason.

TARHEEL FANS READY TO TAR BUNTING
Why do the Tarhole fans really think Steve Spurrier would come to UNC. You know they will not fork out the money required to pay the guy. Heck, it took an act of congress to pay the favored son Roy Williams the big bucks. Bottom-line is that I think Spurrier is wishful thinking.

HEELS SAY THEY ARE FACING MUST WIN

TARHEELS READY TO PUT LAST TWO YEARS BEHIND THEM

DURANT A FORCE, BUT 'D' A FARCE

THE MATCH-UP: ONE BREAKDOWN

COACH GAILEY UPDATE
Coach has posted an update on his site.

RANKINGS SUPREME
Want to see how we stack up in the gazillion different ranking schemes on the web. Check out this list. We show up anywhere from 12 to 59 depending on the list. This list is on the link list under "92 different polls", although it is no longer 92.

DR.FOOTBALL
A little editorial and some Q&A about the Jackets and the ACC (go to the bottom).

JACKETS / HEELS HEADED IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

AVOIDING THE LETDOWN
I will say it again. Today's game is the most important test of our team's consistency and ability to sustain high levels of execution against a struggling opponent.

DAVE BRAINE AND VATECH
A look at how Braine has kept up with VaTech and helped them get into the ACC.

RECRUITING TRAIL
We are still in the top 3 for talented Florida RB Maurice Wells. From SI.com:

7. Maurice Wells, Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood. Speaking of exciting, Maurice Wells is a big-play back (5-9, 180) possessing exceptional speed and quickness. He is dangerous and very tough to bring down in open space. Last season, Wells rushed for more than 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns, including a 429-yard single-game rushing performance. Georgia Tech, Ohio State and Southern Cal are his current leaders.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - MARCO COLEMAN
Nice story on the former GT standout.

Not Time for a Letdown

Maybe I am worried for nothing, but this North Carolina game scares me. Here's why:

1. UNC should be hungry. This is a team that barely beat William & Mary, then got stomped by Virginia. They are looking for any measure of respectability. They may get some major rear-chewing.

2. J.Bunting and his job are on the line big-time the next 2 games. A wounded dog in a corner is a dangerous thing.

3. This game sets up with all the classic signs of an upset. GT won the miraculous game at Clemson. We have two weeks after this game to prepare for Miami, so looking too far ahead is a possibility. It just doesn't feel right.

4. This GT team has yet to prove their ability to play at a consistent level week-in and week-out. We KNOW what happened last year at Duke. This is our team's first test to show they can play at a high level no matter the opponent.

5. GT has only opened a season 3-0 4 times in the last 36 years (courtesy of the Hive)

6. UNC has a great offense and are used to being pressured to score on every possesion due to the terrible defense. On the other side, GT is not a consistent offense. While showing signs of excitment, there have also been stretches in both games with back-to-back-back stalled out drives.

7. This could be a very wet game, which means high turnover potential and probaby a bit more worry about injuries.

8. Lastly, I'm going to say it. I like Reggie Ball and his fire, but he needs to be careful and not start getting cocky again. There is a difference between confident and cocky. I was a little concerned at his post-game comments.

KEYS TO THE GAME FOR GT:

1. The team needs to realize that THIS UNC GAME IS MORE IMPORTANT TO OUR SEASON THAN THE MIAMI GAME!!! I am serious about this. Our problem last season was consistency, and a win over UNC will be much more important than a loss to Miami. Everyone already sees Miami as a shot in the dark and let's face it - it would be a MAJOR upset. However, beating UNC is the first sign or real consistency in the program. It will be a major step up.

2. Establish the running game. Once we do that, then things should open up for our talented WR group. Bunting has said that he will line up 8 in the box to stop the run, which means our WR's could be single covered much of the day. If that is the case, watch out. However, it is hard to FIRST establish the pass then try to get the run going later. So while we may see something fun in the air on the first series, by the time the drive is over I fully expect 70% of the plays to be on the ground.

2. Scoring in the red-zone. We WILL move the ball on UNC. I don't think there is any doubt about that. However, we need to put the big points in the board when we are in the redzone. And I mean TD's.

3. Stop UNC's offense from scoring TD's. A little bending is ok, but don't break. They will chew up some yardage, but we need to hang tough when THEY are in the redzone. Limit them to FG attempts as much as possible.

4. Time-of-possesion. This game will be a battle in the trenches. GT will try to establish the run from the very beginning and so will UNC with their talented backs. I was wrong last week about TOP with Clemson. Yes, it is critical, but with a quick strike passing team you can get smoked and still win TOP - just look at the 39-3 drubbing in 2003. We won TOP. However, UNC is back to reality. TOP is more critical when two teams are first trying to establish the run. So pay attention to who is successful at grinding up clock time.

5. Turnovers. Again, this single measure is incredibly accurate at predicting victories. Protect the ball and the odds of winning go up exponentially.

CONCERNS FOR THE JACKETS

1. Can our O-Line protect Reggie Ball this week? He was sacked 6 times last week. This will be acheived through a combination of modified blocking schemes, multiple back sets more often, better tight-end blocking and a more aware Reggie Ball.

2. Can our defense put pressure on Durant but NOT let him flush out for big gains on the ground? Through two games, GT has recorded 1 sack. We are pressuring the QB's, but we just cannot seem to get to them like last season. No doubt it shows K-Fox and D-Smith were special players. And of course we cannot forget that Eric Henderson has yet to play and he is doubtful again for this game.

3. Can we once again exert ourselves in stopping the run? I think we need to hold UNC to less than 120 total yards on the ground. Obviously about 50 would be ideal.

PREDICTION TIME
No time to go into more detail, but here I see a final score of:

Scott..........GT 37.....UNC 28 (Daniels 150 yards, Curry 110 yards rec)

Chris in Indy..GT 31.....UNC 28
Justin.........GT 52.....UNC 28
Buzz...........GT 42.....UNC 14
FreshJacket....GT 21.....UNC 17
Gooch..........GT 35.....UNC 10
MusicCityJckt..GT by 17 points

Doom of Doom, Lee Corso and C.Herbstreet both picked GT this morning. That's usually the kiss of death.

Hoops Pre-season picks

Here is a look at some pre-season hoops prognosticators. Thanks to Yoni over at CollegeBallBlog - link here. Also, here is Slam Magazine's picks - link here.

So we have GT at:

2.....Gregg Doyel 4/6/04
2.....Dime Magazine 8/12/04
2.....Yoni (CollegeBallBlog) 5/24/04
3.....Andy Katz 4/5/04
4.....Andy Katz 7/19/04
4.....Slam Magazine
7.....Dick Vitale 8/12/04

What's interesting is that if you look at Yoni's list over at the Blog, GT probably has the tightest range of rankings. So everyone pretty much agrees that GT is a contender. Of course with a team that will have more experience than any other Paul Hewitt team and adding 4 new talented freshman, it is right to expect big things.

Of course, we know about high expectations - they are hard to acheive and particularly hard to beat. I want fans to keep something in mind. This Georgia Tech team, that played for the National Championship team, finished tied for THIRD in the ACC and didn't even make it to the conference finals.

So keep the excitement high and realize this team has a lot to acheive.

Football Fix

Ok, time for a little catch-up work. Mom and baby are doing well - thanks for all the kinds words and name suggestions. Do I need to remind everyone that I have a wife?

REIS / THOMAS MAKE ADJUSTMENTS
I tell you, watching Reis, there is no doubt this kid just ALWAYS seems to be around the ball. And if L.Thomas continues to catch balls like he has in the first two games then we are talking Curry / Johnson / Thomas / Bilbo. Wow

RADIO COVERAGE FOR THE UNC GAME

RISING GT STAR ALREADY HAD MANY FANS
Calvin Johnson - very nice article and makes you like the kid even more.

ESPN RANDOM NOTES
On Calvin Johnson:

Just how much of a splash has Georgia Tech freshman wideout Calvin Johnson made? Not only did the 6-4, 220-pound freshman manhandle Clemson for three TD grabs, including one right over Tiger star Justin Miller, but one ACC coach says he is already the most feared receiver in the conference. That's after just two games in his college career.

JOHNSON PRAISED AFTER "THE CATCH"

ESPN PROPS FOR CHAN GAILEY
Check out what they had to say:

"Chan Gailey gets more mileage out of the athletes he has at Tech than anybody in the ACC. Given the kind of talent Florida State has, he'd win a national title."

ESPN UPSET SPECIAL
All the love and then they pick us as the upset special this week.

BALL LOVES HIS RECEIVING CORPS

SUMMER WORK PUMPS CONFIDENCE OF GT WR
No, we are not talking Calvin Johnson, we are talking Levon Thomas.

JACKETS NOT SAD OVER SACKS

GT KNOWS IT CANNOT AFFORD A LETDOWN
So does that mean they'll make sure it doesn't happen??? From Coach Gailey:

"It doesn't matter if they have blue uniforms or red uniforms or orange uniforms. It doesn't matter," Gailey said. "We have to play to our level. That's the thing we're preaching."

DANIELS CHASING HISTORY
Only 6 players in conference history have led the league in rushing 2 seasons in a row....... Also note that UNC starting LB Tommy Richardson has been suspended for one game due to a disciplinary matter...... Eric Henderson practiced but is still sore and uncertain for Sat. Nate Curry will play. Salih Bersirevic is doubtful.

TARHEELS FOCUS ON STOPPING THE RUN
After watching CJ in action. Ok, have at it. Go ahead, leave our WR's one-on-one. Please!

CHAN GAILEY CALL-IN SHOW RE-CAP

EXPORTS SAVOR THEIR UPSETS

ACC NOTEBOOK

ACC NOTEBALL PART 2
This on PJ Daniels:

Chan Gailey didn’t know much about tailback P.J. Daniels when he took over as the Yellow Jackets’ coach two years ago. Gailey didn’t recruit Daniels, who came to Tech as a walk-on from Houston. But he soon became acquainted with him. “Twice a semester, he would walk into my office and say, 'Coach, I need a scholarship,’ ” Gailey said. “I said, 'Keep working, P.J.’ ”

Daniels did and led the ACC in rushing last year with 1,447 yards. Through two games this year, he has 272 yards, most in the ACC. “He kept working and he got his opportunity and made the most of it,” Gailey said. Needless to say, Daniels got his scholarship, too.

ACC NOTEBOOK PART 3

ACC NOTEBOOK PART 4

DUKE CAN LEARN FROM OPPONENTS

Where are they now (Updated)

Quick note - I'll have links later, but Jon Barry and Kenny Anderson have been signed by the Hawks. Anderson and Barry will reunite as teammates for the first time since the 1991-92 season with the Yellow Jackets.

Official Release - Kenny Anderson
Official Release - Jon Barry
AJC Article
Sports Network
Hawks website - Kenny Anderson

Quotes from Kenny Anderson:

"This is great,” said Anderson, “this move brings me back to where I started. Naturally, I followed the Hawks during my days at Georgia Tech and watched many of their games at The Omni, and also had the chance to play there with the Yellow Jackets. Atlanta’s my home away from home and I am excited about it.
I’m getting the opportunity to play with two of the guys I’ve played with before, with Antoine Walker (in Boston) and Al Harrington (in Indiana), and that will make this transition a good one for me. I think the fans will embrace my return to the local basketball scene. I got a lot of love from them during my two years at Georgia Tech and I expect them to do the same as I become a member of the Hawks.”

"They know me," Anderson said of the people of Atlanta. " I was a big stud at Georgia Tech, hitting 50 in the Omni, scoring a lot of points, exciting and all that. But it's a little different now. I really don't know what to expect. I was a little nervous [about coming to the Hawks] but I'll be alright."

Looks like Kenny will start, but check out the funny quote from his new head coach:

"I'm expecting them to play a little bit," he said, joking that he won't ride Anderson too much in training camp. "Kenny is the only legitimate point guard we have that's experienced enough to run a ball club [but] I can't burn him out. He's [darn] near older than I am."

Recruiting - Hoops

Well, a few things have happened in the recruiting world. Head over to the recruiting board (in link list) to see all the details. Here is a summary:

- Adrian Thomas committed to Miami. Everyone thought he would be a GT guy so this is a bit of a surprise. His visit to GT was cancelled due to the Hurricane and he just saw it as a sign of things. He likes Coach Haith, likes the proximity to home and honestly seems to think he is needed more at Miami.

- Casaan Breeden has been dropped by GT. Not sure the reasons, but evidently the staff is going in another direction. Breeden was Ra'Sean Dickey's high school teammate for 3 years.

- CJ Miles had an in-home visit with KU's Bill Self this past week. His original visits with Self and Hewitt were cancelled due to family reasons and only Self got a re-schedule so far. There were many questions for Self about playing time and his role on this loaded KU team. On the surface it looks like the questions were answered but there was no commit that night. Miles is supposed to visit GT this weekend and was coming in Thursday but his flight was cancelled. He still may come in on Friday, but it is questionable. It seems that nothing is going quite right with the recruitment of Miles lately.

- Austin Jackson eliminated OK and is now down to GT and Illinois. Still wants to play college hoops and minor league baseball.

- Coach Hewitt has an in-home visit with Chris Douglas-Roberts Monday night. He still has about 6 schools in consideration with no clear leader.

- Interestingly, we are in the top 2 for about 4-5 recruits right now, including Cyrus McGowan (Miss.St), Austin Jackson (Ill), Kevin Rogers (AZ), CJ Miles (KU), Charles Jackson (AU). We are also in the top 3 for Octavious Spann and there are others NOT on the board that you may be hearing about depending on what some of these guys decide.

We are playing with the bigs right now, gonig head-to-head with the major schools, so we can expect to lose our share. However, this class is shaping up quite well. Stay tuned.

A New Jacket is Born

Had a minute to make a quick post before heading back to the hospital with my 2 year old. Thanks for all the kind words. It is the greatest feeling in the world to see the birth of your child, and no less amazing the 2nd time around. And let me tell you, this one was more interesting than you think.

This was one of those "only in the movies stories". If you can believe it, IIIIIIIIII delivered the baby on the side of a highway in the grass halfway to the hospital. I won't go into details but it seems that my wife delivers faster than Neon-Deon used to run the 40. Halfway to the hospital, she had the realization that we would not make it...... She was right......... After gently letting me know I should stop, AT THE TOP OF HER LUNGS, I pulled over.

With the help of a 911 operator we finished up the entire process 10 minutes before the EMT and Ambulance arrived on the scene. We had gotten in the car at 12:45am, stopped the car at about 12:55am and the baby was born at 1:05am.

Surreal......Amazing........ Awesome....... No one word describes the exerience we had last night. Suffice it to say we are thanking God for helping us through it.

Baby and mom are doing wonderful and dad is hanging in there also. Thanks again for the kind words.

PS: CALVIN JOHNSON AIN'T GOT NOTHIN ON ME WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING THE CATCH IN THE CLUTCH.

GO JACKETS!!!! GT-NATION IS ALIVE AND WELL!!!

Download the GT / Clemson Game

Well, there are a few options. The best option to respect people's server bandwidth is to use bit-torrent. If you are not familiar with it, click here. Basically it is software that enables cheap distribution of large files through a distributed network and it is very scalable. You'll have to download the software and install it. Once you do that it is a no-brainer. We're not talking major high speed downloads, but it works. Read the link I provided for more info.

As to the links, thanks to Justin:

Link to bit-torrent streams of Clemson, Samford games and a 1990 highlight video.

Football Fix

NOTRE DAME'S DARIUS WALKER NAMED FRESHMAN OF WEEK
Give me A BREAK!!!!!! Are you kidding me???? Ok, Walker has 115 yards rushing, and 2 TD's. But come on, Johnson has 8 catches for 127 yards, 3 TD's, including the game-winner with 16 seconds, all 3 TD's spectacular catches.... and you are going to tell me Walker deserves the national honor. Oh well. Certainly interesting that 2 Georgia boys shined in the national spotlight on Saturday.

UNC DEFENSE STILL STRUGGLING
On last year's game and strategy this year:

"P.J. Daniels is awfully good," Bunting said. "We watched the game from last year, and we played well for three quarters, and then their running game wore us out in the fourth quarter."

One way to stop Daniels and Georgia Tech is to keep the ball away from them, and North Carolina has been good enough offensively to do just that. Darian Durant has completed 64 percent of his passes for 362 yards, and the Tar Heels have averaged nearly 6 yards a carry from their backfield, best in the ACC.

OPPORTUNITY OPENS UP IN UNC SECONDARY

BUNTING QUOTES

RECENT GT HISTORY - DON'T EXPECT VICTORY

MORE ON RECENT HISTORY...
...with a few quotes from Reggie Ball.

Quarterback Reggie Ball believes the team will be ready for the Tar Heels.

"I think we are a lot more prepared this year because we got a lot of players left over from last year," Ball said.

"I'm ready for North Carolina," he said. "I'm ready to go up there and try to get to 3-and-0, then get off a week."

Q&A WITH UNC'S RONNIE MCGILL
Check out his quotes on K-Fox and D-Smith, our LB core last season:

Ronnie, what are your memories of the Georgia Tech game last year?
“Those two linebackers (Keyaron Fox and Daryl Smith) that have graduated. ... They were very fast. They blitz a lot, and they’re going to blitz a lot more from what I understand because they did lose those two. But those two made a lot of plays last year.”

It just seemed like everywhere you went, that’s where they were too?
“Yes, they played the line real well, and, I mean, they were athletic linebackers. They watch you, and when you take a step, they’re right there with you.”

BOWDEN, TIGERS TRY TO RECOVER

TOMMY BOWDEN PRESS CONFERENCE

Where are they now - Dorsey Levens

The Eagles just brought him back - link here.

CJ Miles visits with Coach Self of KU Tonight

We may hear something soon. CJ Miles out of Texas is meeting with KU head coach Bill Self tonight and is scheduled to visit GT this weekend. Stay tuned, because Bill Self seems to know how to push the right buttons when meeting with these kids (or at least push).

All GT fans want is to get him to campus. At least let Coach Hewitt show him what the school is about and where the program is going. It would be a shame if after all that time and effort he didn't even wait until the weekend. Stay tuned.

Bobby Dodd

Clemson fans could probably use this quote right now, but trust, we will have our time. This is on the discussion board page over at the Hive. No doubt Bobby Dodd was a legend.

From the legendary Bobby Dodd:

"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

GT / Clemson Post-game Analysis

Here is a very interesting article from Tigernet looking at the game again. Link here. Very interesting commentary. Here are the comments on not double-covering CJ at the end of the game:

The most common remark I’ve heard concerning the coaching is why Clemson didn’t double cover Calvin Johnson on the final play. After all, it sounds like the right thing to have done considering he’d already caught two touchdowns.

The problem with that is GT was operating on a short field. A fade route near the goal line works because safeties don’t have time to rotate and provide help. That’s the biggest reason why you see fades thrown almost exclusively in goal line situations.

In order to double cover Johnson Clemson would have literally had to walk another defender out there. Because the Jackets routinely use their backs as receivers and Ball is always a threat to run, taking away a defender could’ve opened up other possibilities.

Justin Miller, perhaps one of the best corners in the ACC and Clemson’s marquee defensive back, provided the coverage on that play. Had you asked any fan in orange before the game if they’d take the match up of Miller on a true freshman WR to decide the game, nearly every one of them would’ve said yes.

Take away the three spectacular touchdowns to Johnson and Clemson had a really good game defensively. Even on the scoring passes the Tiger defensive backs were in good position and had a chance to make a play. Lovette and his staff did a good job.

Ok, I cannot let that one go. "Take away the 3 TD's and Clemson had a good game defensively" ?????? What???? How about taking away the two big Clemson running plays because we had all the guys on the up front blitzing? You gonna take those away too?

GT Moves up to #25 in Sagarin Rankings

Link here. Other ACC Schools:

1....Miami
3....FSU
16...Virginia
17...Boston College
22...VaTech
26...Georgia Tech
28...Maryland
41...NC ST
49...Clemson
63...Wake Forest
67...North Carolina
134..Duke

Wow, Duke cannot even sneak in ahead of Louisiana-Lafayette, SE Louisiana, Akron, East Carolina, Kent State or UC Davis.

The conference rankings are:

1....ACC
2....PAC-10
3....Big 12
4....SEC
5....Big 10

Props for Anthony McHenry (aka Vasser)

Link here. From a Birmingham AL story:

I believe in the students in the city schools.

They can reach for the sky and make it if they are motivated enough.

Better high school grades make for better college entrance test scores normally and in the case of student-athletes in the inner city, more college options.

Kids like Jerricho Cotchery (Phillips and North Carolina State), Anthony Vasser (Woodlawn and Georgia Tech) and Karlos Dansby (Woodlawn and Auburn) are prime examples of just that kind of drive and dedication.

Football Fix

TECH'S BREZINA FOLLOWS DAD'S FOOTSTEPS

MEET GEORGIA TECH
From a UNC site.

BUNTING: HEELS NEED TO TURN UP INTENSITY

WHY BOWDEN'S BIG CONTRACT
Funny quote:

"Clearly, Georgia Tech had nearly 100 percent participation in church-goin' last week. ..."

Also note this on Calvin Johnson:

Game ball, Jackets style: The as-you-were-warned Calvin Johnson. Legends are made of road games where you catch the game-winner, catch the TD pass that sets up the game-winner, and catch another one, and bring in eight passes for 127 yards against a top 25 team.

And unlike at Clemson, Calvin can now expect more defensive company during route-running on Saturdays. ...

SNAPPER RIGSBY STILL PAINED

RIGSBY REELING FROM BAD SNAP
I feel for the guy:

"Saturday, I tried to go to sleep at 3:30 [a.m.]," Rigsby said. "I just woke up every 30 minutes hoping it was Friday morning and that it was a bad dream."

The poor guy has already dealth with this:

In February, he lost about $15,000 worth of possessions, including his bowl rings and letter jacket, in a fire that destroyed University Ridge Apartments and displaced about 140 Clemson students.

BIGS LEADS FED COMPLACENCY
Notice them Clemson thought we were going to run the ball on the last play with 16 seconds and no timeouts:

Run or pass? Hill said he expected Georgia Tech to run on Calvin Johnson’s game-winning, 11-yard touchdown catch over Justin Miller. Georgia Tech trailed by three and was out of timeouts with 16 seconds left.

“I thought they (were) just going to run it and be secure, but they came out and threw it, so yeah, it did kind of shock me,” said Hill, who had no receiver on his side.

In hindsight, Hill said Miller “probably did need some help, but we didn’t know it was coming. They were close enough to run it.”

BOWDEN THROWN FOR A LOSS
This on GT:

Georgia Tech and Wake Forest -- yep, Wake Forest -- will beat or scare the bejeezas out of any league team any week.

AMATO LOOKS TO GT GAME AS TURNING POINT

When do you think your guys started believing they can win these type of games?
AMATO: It's hard to say. I think that first year with the way we won some games. Georgia Tech on ESPN was a big game for us.

Gambler's Trivia

Did you know that the underdog has covered the spread for the last 10 years in the GT/Clemson game and 15 of the last 16??

If UNC didn't have enought motivation..

.. how about getting named to the bottom 10 by ESPN - link here.

Lunch Bunch Report - Gregg Garrett

Great report from the Hive. A lot of good info on the team, the players, weaknesses, recruiting, etc. Good stuff.

ACC Football Relase Week 2

Good stuff on the ACC here - link here. This on GT:

Georgia Tech: Georgia Tech scored three touchdowns in the final five minutes, including the game-winner with just 11 seconds left, in a 28-24 win at 18th-ranked Clemson Saturday ... QB Reggie Ball threw four TD passes, three of them to freshman WR Calvin Johnson, who scored twice in the final two minutes on receptions of eight and 11 yards ... in two games, Ball has completed nearly 60 percent of his passes (34-for-57) for 452 yards with six touchdowns ... P.J. Daniels leads the league with 272 yards rushing ... Daniels recorded his eighth 100-yard game with 103 yards against Clemson.

And, check out the ACC standings folks. We are right at the top.

Some other notes:

- Chris Reis leads the ACC in tackles with 24
- UNC is 9/10 in the redzone with 8 TD's and 1 FG
- GT is 5/8 in the redzone with 5 TD's
- The last time GT started 2-0 in the conference was 1998, when they tied for 1st in the ACC.
- UNC's Ronnie McGill is averaging 6.1 yards / carry and Jacque Lewis is avg 7.4/carry.
- Reggie Ball leads the ACC with 6 TD passes.
- GT is 5th in the ACC in total offense and 4th in total defense
- UNC is 2nd in total offense and last in total defense.
- GT only has a 33% 3rd down conversion rate

Download Wes Durham's call Saturday

Here is a link to the call at the end of the game. Great audio clip.
Right-click and save as

Now, if you want to download more, then click here, but you'll have to figure out for yourself what is what.

Hoops Recruiting - USA Today top 50

Their take on the top 50 in the class of 2005. Link here. Notice they have Lewis Clinch at #25. CJ Miles comes in at #19 and Kevin Rogers #50.

Interesting UNC Thread

A UNC fan claims that he flew on a plane next to an O-Lineman from GT and told him the following:

I was on a plane from San Francisco to Atlanta in August a year ago. I wound up sitting next to an o-lineman that played for GT and we started chatting football.

I was obviously discussing our woes as a team the year before and he gave me an interesting insight: our team is physically weaker. He said: Carolina always looks huge, but they play soft. I asked if it was a matter of schemes, play calling etc. He said nope. Just that no one is ever physically afraid of Carolina. They always know they will be stronger.

Poll Results

The Question was:

Outside of GT, who will be the biggest positive surprise in ACC Football in 2004 ?

Here are the results:


The next poll is up, and this is to get an idea about what you like about the GT Sports Blog. Feel free to leave your comments on this post if you have new ideas to incorporate. I cannot promise anything but I love new ideas.

Download TD #2 from CJ

Right-click here and pick Save-as. Thanks to GTDean!!!

Hard Lessons for the Bowdens

Interesting article by Ivan Maisel of ESPN - link here. Nice props for Calvin Johnson:

With 16 seconds left to play, Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball threw the winning touchdown on the first snap, a play that confirmed that Yellow Jacket freshman wideout Calvin Johnson is worth keeping an eye on. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Johnson, a local (Tyrone, Ga.) prize and nationally sought player last February, caught the pass at least two feet above the head of Clemson junior corner Justin Miller, who is 5-11 in his heart and in the program. The 18-year-old Johnson finished with eight catches for 127 yards and three touchdowns.

A Look at North Carolina

Good look ahead and some notes on the series.

Calvin Johnson Named ACC Rookie-of-the-Week

Surprise surprise. Link here.

Want some Calvin Johnson wallpaper - link here.

Here are the details of the other ACC honors.

Looking to UNC

I will provide more analysis on the upcoming game mid-week. Here's a quick look the Tarholes last game. Link here.

Watch ACC Live Tonight on FSN

Link here.

More on the Clemson Game

TECH VENT
Over at AJC.

GT AWAKENS TO FIND RALLY WAS REAL

THE GOOD, BAD AND UGLY

SOMETIMES SCORING CAN BE DAMAGING

CALVIN JOHNSON NAMED GT STUDENT/ATHLETE OF WEEK

BOWDEN PUTS LOSS IN PERSPECTIVE
Check out their documenting the 9 mistakes by Clemson at the end of the game.

COLLAPSE JOINS INFAMOUS LIST
Bowden says this is now officialy the worst loss of his coaching career.

SHOULD THE TIGERS HAVE PLAYED IT SAFET??
Interesting article touching on some alternate scenarios Clemson could have used like taking a safety at the end. Also, for fans thinking the punter should have just booted it out of the endzone after the bad snap, check this out:

Also, college rules prohibit a punter from kicking the ball backward after a bad snap. Had Chason executed such a panic kick through the end zone, Georgia Tech would have had the option of taking the safety or accepting a 5-yard penalty and possession from the spot of the foul (first-and-goal at the 5) -- a hypothetical judgment confirmed by Clemson-Georgia Tech game referee Ron Cherry on Sunday in response to an inquiry from Clemson.

TIGERS LAMENT INABILITY TO SEAL THE DEAL

BOWDEN WANTS BEST ON THE FIELD

GRADING THE LOSS FOR CLEMSON

GT / CLEMSON ADD TO HISTORY OF THRILLERS

THE "SNAP" LATEST IN TECH-TIGER LORE

GT "Under-rated" - Fox Sports

From FoxSports - link here.

Add Georgia Tech to the list of dangerous teams in the ACC. The Yellow Jackets scored two touchdowns in the final 1:50 against a ranked Clemson program on the road. Being realistic, Georgia Tech is a year or two from really competing for the ACC title. But young and talented players such as quarterback Reggie Ball give it a chance.

Recruiting - Hoops

Kansas paper's story on Julian Wright with this mention of CJ Miles:

"The great thing for Kansas is, they can continue to recruit C.J. Miles. Both kids would fit in the lineup well together."

Miles is a 6-5 standout from Dallas who is considering KU, Georgia Tech and Texas.

The problem is not necessarily between Wright and Miles. It's all the other wings coming in and on the roster. He forgot about those.

One update - Coach Hewitt's in-home visit with Miles was cancelled (it was supposed to be yesterday), but KU's Bill Self also had his in-home visit cancelled due to personal reasons. So this may take a bit longer.

Don't forget to visit the 2005 recruiting board often, as I am trying to keep it updated - link here. There is a permanent link on the list.

South Carolina Radio

Listened to a snippet from "the PAC-Man" radio show. This is Mark Packer who is Billy Packer's son. He was giving GT a real hard time last week. I heard him this about Calvin Johnson.

"Calvin Johnson was un....believable. He looks like he could play on ANY NFL team today."

Nicknames for Calvin Johnson

Over at the Hive, they are trying to nickname CJ. Link here. Here are some of them:

Jackpot
Gravity
"Big" Johnson
Randy Moss
"Magic" Johnson
The Truth
Unguardable
Freak
Money
Hoover
The Tower
Six (points)
Legend
Clutch
Hops
Primetime
Ish
the Glove
Prototype

This is fun no doubt. However, I want to remind people of what Coach Gailey repeatedly referred to in the pre-season - UN-training Reggie Ball. Remember that Coach said being carried off the field after the Auburn game was the worst thing that ever happened to Reggie. They have been trying to de-program him ever since.

Calvin Johnson by all accounts, is an incredibly humble young man. Hopefully he will handle all the attention and inevitable media spotlight that will be thrust upon him in the coming years. Hopefully he will stay humble and not get the big head. Reggie got a little bit of it. Time will tell with CJ.

One last thing - CJ is no longer a secret around the ACC. The ACC fans are talking, even the UGA fans were in awe. Here's an NCST board discussing CJ - with major respect.

AP Poll is out

In at #28 in the AP with 46 votes - link here. Yahoooooo!!!

Chris Reis Saved the Game

Check this out. We never got this clear from the broadcast, but on the 3rd and inches play at the end of the game, fans were upset because the refs spotted the ball about 1 yard behind where Yusef Kelly appeared to get forward progress. However, check out the picture. Chris Reis actually forced a fumble which was recoved by Clemson a yard back, which led to 4th down, which led to you know what.

Reis is THE MAN!!!!


Found by someone at the Hive on Tigernet

After the game: The articles

BUZZ AND TIGER TANGLE
Check it out:

MASCOT FIGHT
The mascots for Clemson and Georgia Tech got into a fierce fight on the Georgia Tech sideline during the second quarter. The Tiger and Yellow Jacket had to be separated by South Carolina state troopers.

Remember that Playboy interview I posted. Buzz said the Tiger was probably his worst enemy. Way to go BUZZZZZ!!!!

GT #30 IN ESPN/USATODAY COACHES POLL
Clemson drops from 18 to #25 and GT gets votes this week.

ANOTHER CRAZY CHAPTER WRITTEN IN RIVALRY
From the AP. Nice version with some re-caps of previous crazy games.

BOX SCORE
Here's the Yahoo box score.......... Here's a really detailed box score.

PHOTO GALLERY
Nice photo of CJ and the game-winning TD........ Here's the AJC photo-gallery

GT BEATS #20 CLEMSON
Associated Press version of the game.

HEARTBREAKER!!!!
From Clemson insiders.com site. The opening line:

It will go down as one of the most heartbreaking defeats in Clemson football history.

GT WINS 28-24 IN THRILLER
From the RamblinWreck.com site. You know, I heard Reggie at the end of the game being interviewed where he said "I knew we would win".

BOTCHED PUNT SETS UP TECH FOR GAME WINNER
Brian Murphy of the Macon Telegraph. Note this about practicing the endzone fade with Calvin Johnson:

"We do that about 100 times a week, throw a fade to the back of the end zone," Ball said. "We like our odds. We let him make a play."

JACKETS UNVEIL QB RUN
No doubt this was a unique wrinkle shown this week. We certainly didn't see it last week against Samford. And those QB draws really worked to keep the defense guessing. The interesting thing is that Reggie Ball really isn't that fast. He's not a speed demon. But he is elusive and shifty and has good instincts with the ball........ Also note that freshman Daryl Richard got playing time and really made the most of it, establishing himself on the line.

DARRYL RICHARD / CALVIN JOHNSON
Quick re-cap of big contributions from both.

ESPN RE-CAP
Nice overall look to this page and re-cap of the game........ By the way, ESPN's Reece Davis gave Calvin Johnson a helmet sticker last night for his performance.

JACKETS NAB CRAZY WIN OVER TIGERS
You know, I'm not sure this game can really be classified as "close" in the GT/Clemson series. After all, it WAS decided by 4 points. Kidding!!

COLLEGEFOOTBALLNEWS.COM RE-CAP
Quote:

Talk about your improbable wins, this victory over Clemson is exactly what a young team like Georgia Tech needs to roll through the rest of the ACC schedule.

TECH BURNS TIGERS
From the SC media.

TECH STUNS TIGERS
From the GreenvilleOnline.

LAST SECOND LOSS HITS TIGERS HARD
The emotional impact on the Tigers is explore.

KEY MOMENTS TO THE GAME
Great photo in this one.

CLEMSON GAME NOTES

OFFENSIVE FIREWORKS IN THE 2ND HALF
More from the SC's theState.com

NATIONAL TEAM STATS
Well, through 2 games, GT is #41 in the nation in total offense (note FSU is last) and #56 in total defense....... PJ Daniels is now 10th in the nation in rushing and 28th in all-purpose running. Reggie Ball is 20th in the nation in passing efficiency and 43rd in total offense. Calvin Johnson and PJ Daniels are tied for 33rd in scoring with 3 TD's each.

In the conference, CJ is 2nd in the ACC in receiving yards and Levon Thomas 4th. PJ Daniels now leads the ACC in rushing yards/game.

CLEMSON COLLAPSES AT MIDNIGHT
Charleston Post.

JACKETS TAKE STUCKEY OUT OF EQUATION
The kid didn't even catch a pass in the 1st half. This was one of the stronger points of Tenuta's defense last night.

GT CAPITALIZES ON BAD SNAP
Again from the Charleston Post.

BALL'S LATE TD BAILS OUT JACKETS
Ok, I'll throw a bone to the AJC and link their story here. Note what was flashed on the Death Valley score-board after they tied the game:

"Death Valley, it's NOT like all the other places," the Memorial Stadium video screen read after the Tigers' game-tying touchdown in the second quarter.

Obvious reference to Chan Gailey's bulletin board comment earlier in the week.

GAMELINE
From Macon Telegraph

TEAM STATS THROUGH TWO COMBINED GAMES

CLEMSON GAME NOTES

GRADING CLEMSON KEYS TO VICTORY

HIGH FIVE - ODD COMMENTS FROM GAME

CFN UPDATES BOWL PROJECTIONS TODAY
...and still does not have GT in a bowl game.

Oh My Gosh!!!!!

I have NEVER witnessed anything like that. I will provide a detailed analysis tomorrow, but I am just too hyped right now. That was one of the most exciting, frustrating, surprising, shocking, amazing games I have ever seen.

I have one thing to say:

THANK YOU NCAA !!!!!!
THANK YOU COURT SYSTEM FOR SCREWING OVER MAURICE CLAURETT !!!
THANKS FOR NOT ALLOWING KIDS TO LEAVE EARLY !!!!

If it weren't for you, this might be the only dang year we get to see Calvin Johnson. The kid has had more hype than any kid I remember and he MORE than lived up to it tonight.

1st Half in the books at Clemson

Well, 7-7 at the half. A few quick points:

1. We are not pressuring Whitehurst enough (0 sacks)
2. Our O-Line is not protecting Reggie well enough (4 sacks)
3. The rushing game is not strong. PJ avg 3.6/carry. Need to step up here
4. Calvin Johnson is amazing (3-76 yards in the half).
5. Please get back to running first in the 2nd half
6. Reggie, are you really going to throw it up for grabs 8 times a game???
7. Houston looks more sure-handed at punt returner than Clark.
8. Bad call ref on the Bilbo catch. That probably took points off the board for GT

Time to head back in for another nerve-racking half of football.

GO JACKETS!!!!!

Recruiting Update - Hoops

Ok, here's the latest:

1. Kevin Rogers has dropped Kansas, which should put GT in the strongest position.

2. No change with Miles for now. As mentioned before, expect Bill Self to put pressure on Miles during his in-home visit 9/13 (one day after Hewitt's inhome). Remember, Miles is supposed to visit GT the weekend of 9/17.

3. Kansas looks to be going after B.Costner / Miles with their last 'ship.

Now, Kansas fans are going overboard with their riches. Check out this thread.......... The Arizona fans are a bit miffed because they thought J.Wright was headed to AZ. In fact they are doing a lot of talking about shady dealings at Kansas since they don't believe any one team could possibly attract so many kids. Here is an interesting article about one of the KU assistants - link here.

All Eyes on Ball

Article from my local paper earlier this week on Reggie Ball - link here. And how about Clemson Center Tommy Sharpe, who actually LIKED Reggie Ball's proclamation last season that GT wouldn't lose again:

"I think he's a good ballplayer, and I like a guy who will speak his mind, who really has the (guts) to go off and say something off the wall," Sharpe said. "I would never do it, but somebody's got to do it. It keeps it interesting."

For even more Clemson fun, head over to follow blogging ACC peer, TigerPundit. I should have linked to him earlier in the week. They have good coverage of GT and even referenced our little old site here. Link here.

Head over there are leave some fun and friendly comments.

Also, Tigernet has some articles up late today on the game:

CAN CLEMSON SWAT JACKETS AGAIN (how clever).

PRE-GAME NOTES

CLEMSON / GT PREVIEW

BOWDEN RETURNS TO PRACTICE UNEXPECTEDLY