FB: This and that...a third of the way thru the schedule

[GTJT622]

In no particular odor...

• Thank Buddha the team pulled out that win at the end at Ireland (against a mediocre team it appears). Otherwise, I think we'd be facing 5-7 straight in the face.
• There are no guaranteed wins on the remainder of the schedule. Georgia Southern will give us everything we want and then some. Duke and Virginia at home might be wins. 6-6 looks doable.
• The Coastal is passing us by. Virginia Tech appears to have made a great hire in Fuente. Still early of course, but he looks solid. A wide open offense will attract better players to Blacksburg and Foster is still there.
• The Cheaters have (finally!) made a good hire in Fedora. That sleeping dog since Mack Brown left with dumb hire after dumb hire has finally awaken. They are favorites to win a 2nd consecutive Coastal title this season.
• The Canes have brought in Spray Tan Boy, who owns Tech. Has to be a better HC'ing situation than they've had in over a decade.
• Virginia made a less-inspiring hire of Mendenhall, IMO. Tech looks a lot more like Duke and Virginia these days.
• CPJ likes to talk about his record against Clemson. Well, he had success in his early years. Clemson has now won 3 of the last 4 and will very likely make it 3 in a row at Death Valley next year.
• UNC has won 2 straight and likely will make it 3 straight later this season at Chapel Hell.
• CPJ talks about his record against Clemson and FSU, but conveniently leaves out that he is 2-6 vs Va Tech...and likely will be 2-7 after visiting Blacksburg in November.
• Oh yeah, CPJ is 2-6 against the Canes too. And, 2-6 vs the Cesspool of course as well.
• We've even lost 2 straight to Duke for crying out loud. Something isn't right. Maybe we'll break that small streak this year.
• We get Wake at home next year as our other cross-over Atlantic opponent. That might be a win. We look a lot more like Wake these days than Clemson or FSU or Va Tech.
• Still two-thirds of the season to finish out and we have no other choice but to see how it unfolds, but paint me very concerned about where this program is heading.
• On the bright side, thank Buddha Heinz Field has a casino nearby. That may be the highlight of that trip this time around.
• Really not looking forward to trips to Chapel Hell or Blacksburg later this season I have to admit. Both games could be very lopsided if this offense continues to sputter like it does against legit competition. I have some hope because of the defense. And, some hope especially at Chapel Hell because UNC's defense is terrible. No hope whatsoever at Blacksburg. That is going to be butt ugly I'm afraid. At least I don't have to drive far for that likely massacre though. Always a bright side can be found.
• The trees are starting to change. The air is getting more crisp and cooling down starting tomorrow up here in God's Country. Fall is finally here. Still beats the hell out of living in Norway.

 

[Buzzforlife]

Still warm down here this morning. My white GT polo was soaked before sundown last night. Had to run A/C going down in rush hour traffic.

You're going to have to pull them in on those road games. UGA will be it for us, other than those home contests you mentioned. I think the Miami game is huge, if we want 8 wins and a better M.E.G.

Have to agree with all the assessments you gave us above, analogies, state of the program. It pains me as a non-Alum., so I can imagine how you feel and the other faithful on here. Getting beat up front constantly, is making me want to take a look at Sisk and why Vandy refused to give him any raises. The offensive system needs more CBC and less CPJ with his stubbornness. You're right, it won't happen-kind of like me begging Big Al and Beloved Bobby Cremins to fill the end of the bench with some ACC talent.

 

[stinger78]

I'm not as gloomy. CU has likely the best D we'll face this year. Very fast and athletic. Our OL and Abacks looked helpless most of the game. Even our TD was helped by a very questionable INT call. Bear in mind this team was in the NC game last year and has basically the same team back but with more experience. CU is the class of the league right now and we just faced them on 4 days rest after playing a physical Vandy team. CU coasted over SC State. Chances always were this was going to happen. My issue from last night was how stubborn CPJ was in his play calling.

I think Miami will tell the tale for this season. If we get our minds straight and we bounce back with a solid game, this season can still hold promise. We are still 3-1. I think we are marginally better than last season. If half of those one score losses can turn into wins, we can return to a winning record. From here on out, only Miami and UGA are likely losses (but not certain). Pitt, VPI, UNCheat, Dook, and GA Sou will make us play our game but we can win those games. None are great teams. UVA should be a win for us. If we can beat UVA plus 3 of the other teams, we finish at 7-5. I'll take that in a rebuilding year. Knock off Miami or UGA, or win 4 of the other six, and we're sitting at 8-4.

When it's all said and done, guys, that's about what we are most years now.

 

[GTJT622]

I'm not overreacting about last night's loss. Hence, why I posted several bullets about our records against our Coastal opponents. Look at the full body of work and what we've been the last few years.

2-6 vs the Hokies...2-6 vs the Canes...2 straight losses to UNC and Duke...2-6 vs the Cesspool...3 of the last 4 losses vs Clemson and having to head to their place next year.

Like I said, there is still two-thirds of the season left to see what can happen. We've beaten 2 mediocre teams, 1 out-manned D1AA team, and got our butts handed to us by a national title contender. Hopefully, the guys can bounce back and salvage something out of this season. I was skeptical when I started seeing it last year and was consistent about my concerns about where this program was headed throughout the season (well, starting with what I saw first hand in South Bend). I have remained skeptical during the offseason - predicting a 6-6/3-5 record. And, I'm even more skeptical now having seen the lack of creativity in this offense. Miami and Pitt will indeed tell us a lot. I expect us now to be 3-3/1-3 after the Pitt game...right where I projected us to be, so I shouldn't be surprised and am not. I just thought we'd lose to BC (which thank goodness we didn't) and beat the Canes (which I think we'll be significant underdogs as they have an extra week to prep for a HC who has never lost on Grant Field).

 

[GTJT622]

2 straight weeks our D have given up TD's on the opening drives.

But, as has become a decent lean during CTR's time as D-Coord., this D tends to make adjustments and play significantly better as the game goes on.

We gave up 2 2nd half TD's to BC in Ireland. Since then, we've given up a FG to Mercer in the 2nd half, 0 to Vandy after the opening drive, and just a FG to Clemson in the 2nd half.

Hopefully, the guys can come out and play better in the 1Q against the Canes. I now feel like CTR, CAM, and staff will game plan throughout the game to keep us in it as the 4Q approaches. Hopefully, the offense will do something with the ball so our D isn't hung out to dry all game.

Watson threw the ball 48 times last night. And, he ran it 12 times. Clemson altogether rushed 34 times. We rushed it 38 times. Clemson had 82 offensive plays last night. We had 52. In the 1st, 2nd and 4th quarters, Clemson possessed the ball for over 9 minutes in each quarter.

I hope our defensive players get some rest. They have to be exhausted.

 

[stinger78]

I'm getting higher on our D, too. My only wish is that CTR would have blitzed more early on. It really disrupted Watson. He was hurrying and making bad throws in the 2nd half when we started to blitz him. The two glaring issues to me there:
1. Our LB's need to be taught how to use their hand to play off of a RB in pass pro. Time after time I saw our LB run right up to the RB and engage him in the block, taking himself out of the play. You keep those guys at arms length, take what ever side they'll give you, and continue pursuit.
2. That 10 yard pad on a guy like Watson will guarantee he'll take the 5 yard dink and dunk and complete 25-30 passes on the day. So you get beat long a couple of times, mix up some press coverage and blitzes and see what happens. We gave them a 10 yard pad on a 3rd and 5 last night once in the 1st half. It was infuriating.

But.. our D, on balance, has done a very good job this year.

 

[GTJT622]

This D better keep their big boy pants on though. I know Clemson gets a lot of headlines and deservedly so. But, Miami's offense is lethal. Their O-Line is massive and talented. They have a very good QB. Perhaps the top pick in the NFL draft next spring.

Pitt's offense is lighting up scoreboards and they have their QB returning - just like Clemson & Miami - and have a healthy James Conner back - a bull of a RB with power and speed like we have not seen all season and may not until we see Chubb at the end.

Clemson might be the best D we see all season. I don't think their offense is necessarily a given to be the best offense we see all season. UNC and Va Tech's offenses will be a handful as well. Ga Southern will be no slouch. Heck, I'd rate the Cesspool's behind most of what we'll see in the ACC this year. Very interested to see progress and how our D plays against these upcoming opponents. I'm encouraged, but it won't get any easier. In fact, we may look back and see that these opponents I've mentioned are/were better than Clemson's offense. (unfortunately, nobody is really saying much about our offense being "lethal" or WTTE)

 

[BornAJacket]

I think early on Roof was trying to protect his young secondary from deep ball, quick scoring plays. They need to play tighter at times.

 

[Buzzforlife]

You are right, the CB's were 5-10 yards off the receiver on the snap count. Gave them those easy first downs, even while our run defense was plausible.

Meanwhile, the Orange dudes were on the line of scrimmage, playing bump and run coverage.

 

[GTJT622]

I'll just go ahead and say it - though, I don't like saying it about any of our S-A's - but, I just don't think a 370 pound lineman can be effective...and particularly, in this offense.

When CPJ was hired, I recall one of his first radio shows talking about and I quote... "we aren't going to have a lot of 330 pound guys who just lay on you...we are going to have 280 pound guys who can move and run".

Is the fact we have a 370 pounder starting partly due to experience, but also because we don't have a lot of quality depth to displace him? Looking to see more from the 3 true frosh as the season progresses.

 

[GTJT622]

This article is dead nads on IMO... http://www.todaysu.com/acc/georgia-...ests-accs-elite-teams-leaving-jackets-behind/

I don't feel I am alone in thinking we are at a perilous point in our program in terms of our standing moving forward. We are in the process of dropping to the basement to join the likes of Virginia and Syracuse. I hope I'm wrong, but I've been feeling it for the past 14 games. There have been the small rays of light like the win over FSU, but overall it isn't pleasant at all.

The Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech has been left by the side of the road by an ACC that is turning out faster sports cars.

Can't describe my feelings any better than his last sentence. It's happening right before our eyes. The gap is only going to get wider I'm afraid. Other programs have made solid hires. We're stagnant right now. No new ideas. Same stubborn approaches offensively. Just sad really. I fear this is going to get much worse before it gets better. Did the '14 season mask what was happening all along since the turn of the decade? We'll see.

CPJ is getting paid handsomely to figure this out, turn this slide around and close this perceived gap.

 

[BornAJacket]

I think the President needs to help, if GT fans want more top side from football program, then more risk needs to be taken when admitting athletes.

 

[BornAJacket]

You are right, the CB's were 5-10 yards off the receiver on the snap count. Gave them those easy first downs, even while our run defense was plausible.

Meanwhile, the Orange dudes were on the line of scrimmage, playing bump and run coverage.

plus they were run blitzing like crazy...

 

[Buzzforlife]

Yes, so much so that they lined up more times in the neutral zone, than I have fingers. The LJ missed at least 3 of them.

 

[Texwood]

The problem I have with that article is 2014. That year this offense was spectacular by any measuring stick you want to pull out, and it was an equalizer. When I go back and watch the offense that year, what really stands out to me is that our perimeter blocking was 622 times better that season than it has been since. We have been young at both RB and WR since then, so that might be the real issue. I think (hope) that we are going through a lull that was caused by crazy attrition from recruting classes that were pretty small to begin with. I also think we are weaker on the offensive line (3 true freshman on the 2-deep is telling) but I think the biggest issue is blocking on the perimeter. Just one idiot's opinion...

 

[GTJT622]

I don't think Venables minded the encroachment penalties at all and in fact, I think it was a part of his strategy. No, he didn't design for the penalties, but meaning he was willing to risk some to jump the snap and get us into negative yardage.

When Tech's offense is rolling, negative plays early in the down series are not devastating. Our offense hasn't been rolling consistently in a while. We struggle to overcome those negative plays and 2nd and 13 or 3rd and 8 situations more than ever nowadays against good defenses. Not just talking about Clemson. This has been going on for awhile. I just wonder is anybody noticing?

The strategy - and Bud Foster does this as well...and Duke has been successful at it as well the last 2 years - is to throw the kitchen sink at our backfield to disturb any continuity in reads we have going. The opposing DE's are also doing a good job at not only beating our blockers, but they are disguising their moves to fake CPJ's Best Quarterback at GT often into misreads.

I do think we have that play down pat where we snap it to JT5 and he runs like across the field being chased like a cheating husband with 9 wives. Come to think of it, maybe stech81 designed that play. He may have experience. At least we are consistent with it.

 

[GTJT622]

The problem I have with that article is 2014. That year this offense was spectacular by any measuring stick you want to pull out, and it was an equalizer. When I go back and watch the offense that year, what really stands out to me is that our perimeter blocking was 622 times better that season than it has been since. We have been young at both RB and WR since then, so that might be the real issue. I think (hope) that we are going through a lull that was caused by crazy attrition from recruting classes that were pretty small to begin with. I also think we are weaker on the offensive line (3 true freshman on the 2-deep is telling) but I think the biggest issue is blocking on the perimeter. Just one idiot's opinion...

I hope so, mate. That is, this decline can be written off as just inexperience/youth and missing on a recruiting class or two. I spent all last season writing these off week after week to similar reasons. I read with some smirking this past week articles suggesting this offense might be more like 2014. Some folks tend to get overly giddy after blowing out Vanderbilt I guess. Not you or anybody on this board, btw.

I've just had this terrible feeling about this offense and its leader ever since South Bend last year. And, I don't think it is getting any better. As I posted earlier today, in our last 4 home games against legit competition, we've scored 5 TD's in 16 quarters. That's alarming. Major flags, bells, whistles and signals. And, mixed in that run was a 9-fumble game (albeit without JT5 for almost all of the game) where we were kicked around at Miami.

I'm still in CPJ's camp, though my faith in him is dwindling with every pathetic outing and every bizarre statement that comes out of his mouth. I pray to Buddha this offense plays significantly better against Miami, though I am certainly not expecting it. We won't be as bad as last night. May not ever be as bad. Geez, I hope. The next 4 games after Miami provide easier defenses for this offense to show what it can do. If we do, great. Maybe the guys are growing and bowing up. If not during that 4-game stretch, then rationalizing this is out the window. There is something systemically wrong with this offense and its leader if we don't get significantly better during that run between Pitt and the Cheaters. Next week though, we may see a lot more of the same as last night, though likely not as historically bad.

 

[BornAJacket]

The problem I have with that article is 2014. That year this offense was spectacular by any measuring stick you want to pull out, and it was an equalizer. When I go back and watch the offense that year, what really stands out to me is that our perimeter blocking was 622 times better that season than it has been since. We have been young at both RB and WR since then, so that might be the real issue. I think (hope) that we are going through a lull that was caused by crazy attrition from recruting classes that were pretty small to begin with. I also think we are weaker on the offensive line (3 true freshman on the 2-deep is telling) but I think the biggest issue is blocking on the perimeter. Just one idiot's opinion...

We also had OL Shaq Mason as well. He was NFL talent. But you are right about the perimeter blocks a lot of experience lost as well. Plus the NCAA tweaked the exterior blocking a little to make it more difficult to block someone lined up inside you.

 

[Buzzforlife]

Reminded me of the Saturday night Matt Ryan sat behind that huge OL who held all night. Penalties started being called in the final period(24-13 game? or something like that, with CCG as H.C.)after the horse had been stolen. You bet they were told to keep Tenuta's J's off Matty Ice! Same last night, get that rascal speedster before that triple option takes place.

I've taken notice. We are not smooth, cohesive, with a leadership problem. Those big plays are not going to happen against a good defense. I'm worried about Brad K., if the 'Canes control the clock and plays next week.

Maybe Clem's-son kidnapped Stech81 and liquored him up? He has a soft spot for a keg. That must be why all the women go after him...and those boyish curls?

 

[GTJT622]

I expect Miami and Spray Tan Boy to line up with their big O-Line and try to cram down our throats via the ground. Establish that first. And then, that sets up play action. They'll throw in a bunch of bubble screens outside to the WR's (something STB loves to do) and traditional screens to the RB's.

We may see just as good, perhaps better, offense next week as we did last night. Our offensive approach is different than Appy State, but many of the principles are the same. Miami absolutely abused Appy State in their last game. Miami outgained ASU 549-241.

ASU gained 2.6 yards rushing per carry in that game. I see no significant drop from last night's opponent to our next opponent. I thought it would be back earlier in the summer. Not anymore.

 

[BornAJacket]

Should at least split the next 4. If we don't that's bad IMO.

3-1 is possible. Even 4-0 with few turnovers and with the defense continuing to improve. But I wish Miami wasn't next.

Miami
@ Piitt
GSU
Duke.

 

[Buzzforlife]

I'll take the 3-1 right now. I'm on the fence with Miami and Pitt. on the road seems even scarier. I told a GSU alum at the Vandy game, they could upset us very easily.

 

[Texwood]

I expect Miami and Spray Tan Boy to line up with their big O-Line and try to cram down our throats via the ground. Establish that first. And then, that sets up play action. They'll throw in a bunch of bubble screens outside to the WR's (something STB loves to do) and traditional screens to the RB's.

We may see just as good, perhaps better, offense next week as we did last night. Our offensive approach is different than Appy State, but many of the principles are the same. Miami absolutely abused Appy State in their last game. Miami outgained ASU 549-241.

ASU gained 2.6 yards rushing per carry in that game. I see no significant drop from last night's opponent to our next opponent. I thought it would be back earlier in the summer. Not anymore.

I'm not too concerned about our run defense this year. We've been pretty good with gap assignments in the run game - even last night. My biggest fear defensively is that Brad Kaaya will dissect our soft quarters zone like a surgeon.

Of course, worries about the offense trumps any and all defensive concerns. I hope our offensive coordinator has some answers to DB's blitzing off the edge because I think we will see a lot of that until we can make opponents pay for it.

 

[GTJT622]

I hope so, mate. Here's what concerns me...experience and size. The Canes' starting O-Line looks like this...

LT - Jr. 6'4" 320
LG - Jr. 6'7" 308
C - Jr. 6'3" 305
RG - Sr. 6'4" 305
RT - Jr. 6'8" 325

 

[Texwood]

What concerns me about that big and experienced O-line is their ability to protect their deadly accurate quarterback. There are big huge holes in our zone coverage and we have yet to face a QB who has exploited that weakness. Unless Ted has a major wrinkle up his sleeve, this is the worst matchup we'll see all season defensively. I thought we had a puncher's chance against Clemson because Deshaun isn't accurate (and way over-hyped IMHO). Kaaya is the real deal. I think we are going to need the offense to win this one.

 

[stech81]

Have not got to see maimi this year how good is their defense ?
GTJT when you have your weekly call to CTR can you get him the play the CB's up some.

 

[GTJT622]

Hard to tell on the Canes D. First 2 games were against cupcakes. They did dominate (there's that word again) Appy State's spread option attack a week ago. We know they have superior athletes. Always have for that matter. Just poorly coached and poor ethics.

As far as CB's playing up, I learned the other day that in Bobinski's bureaucratic manual of guiding principles we wasted time and money on in his last year while being paid for poor results that there is an obscure standard operating procedure. It is GTAA-WI-FB-D-41.38. It says the following...

Cornerbacks must play at least 7 yards off the line of scrimmage.

So, you see, once again we can blame Bobinski...or, Paul Hewitt if you'd like. Perhaps Reggie Ball, Danny Hall or Chan Gailey will also suffice. Doesn't matter who. CTR's hands are tied. We will lose our ISO 9001 registration if we don't comply. It's all ball bearings these days.

 

[stech81]

I still blame BL .

 

[GTJT622]

I'll call your blame and raise you blame of Dr.HR for hiring BL. Set us back no telling how far.

Imagine Fridge as HC with Shawn Jones and all that talent back along with O'Leary as D-Coord.

Ugh.

 

[Texwood]

Imagine Fridge as HC with Shawn Jones and all that talent back along with O'Leary as D-Coord.

Dude, why did you have to pick at that scab? That was a wound that had nearly healed.

RED WINEMECHANICAL BULLWHITE FLAGDONKEY DoFRUSTRATION

 

[GTJT622]

Just take solace in the fact that winning and losing doesn't matter anymore. All that matters is whether your uniforms look cool, helmets are funky, slick and different, and you have a swoosh sewn into your uniform in as many places as possible.

Want me to pick more scabs? Here ya go...

• if Tech goes 6-6 this season as has been the consensus projection or thereabouts, we will be 41-43 versus D1A opposition since the 2010 season began
• Tech has now lost 6 straight Thursday night games against D1A opponents

If we had a swoosh on our uniform, those scabs are healed forever. SMOKING BLUNTS

 

[Texwood]

But our uniforms don't look cool because they don't have elecrolytes.



Most. Depressing. Thread. Ever.

 

[stech81]

Just take solace in the fact that winning and losing doesn't matter anymore. All that matters is whether your uniforms look cool, helmets are funky, slick and different, and you have a swoosh sewn into your uniform in as many places as possible.

Want me to pick more scabs? Here ya go...

• if Tech goes 6-6 this season as has been the consensus projection or thereabouts, we will be 41-43 versus D1A opposition since the 2010 season began
• Tech has now lost 6 straight Thursday night games against D1A opponents

If we had a swoosh on our uniform, those scabs are healed forever. SMOKING BLUNTS

I Have an idea about uniforms . What is one thing we all hate ? ( no not that she not in the mood ) to seat at Bobby Dodd and see all the other teams colors in our place. Now before you read anymore get drunk. Our new uniforms will be the same color as the team we play that way on TV we good great . Now I have to think about uga because I hate red.