Sorry for the delay. I got very sidetracked with OVs and the AD situation.
What do you think about the 5+11 model gaining traction for the CFP & its chances of gaining approval?
KQ- It just really depends on a lot of factors. I like it better than 4+4+2+2 to be honest. As long as the SEC and Big Ten continue scheduling games against other conferences and not just between them and FCS and paperweights. The issue is the preseason top 25 is set up with way too many P4 teams and not enough G5 representation. It makes it harder for those schools to have a fair shot at making the playoff other than with an autobid.
How long after the end of our season do you anticipate a new baseball coach being announced?
KQ- I'm not really sure. I haven't exactly dug in on the baseball situation. Obviously, this all changed after you asked because of Batt leaving. I've stated I think the interim AD can hire the baseball coach and everyone will be okay with that situation, that might take the job. I don't think that is a deal breaker. If they promote Ramsey then it is even smoother.
Has the current Tech football administration considered recruiting combat Vets who were successful high school players and are completing their 3 yr./5yr. military obligations? This strategy was Bobby Dodd key significant success factor. My experience as a Viet Nam era Vet, in recruiting Vets, especially combat Vets was, highly successful with most Vets being in top physical condition and many had pursued additional Martial Arts training on their own time.
KQ- I'll pass this along to Key. That is certainly an out-of-the-box idea.
What actually happens during an OV, when there are no real events on campus?
KQ- They show up, eat, tour campus or do academic meetings or whatever. They typically have some type of event like bowling or Top Golf or whatever and then the kids go out on Saturday night with the current players and see the town and college life. There are a bunch of additional meals in all of that. They'll also meet with position coaches, coordinators and Key and that eats up a lot of time as well. It is pretty stacked once they get on campus.
Do you think we will use Philo in special packages like we did with Pyron? Or is that done with?
KQ- Not really. I think if you see Philo it is because they want to give him a series. I've seen this a few different times in my career, you will try to maybe have a series designated in the game for QB2 if you feel really strongly about him. However it wouldn't be some gadget thing. I also think it totally depends on King's shoulder and how he is slinging it. If he is fine, I think Philo's PT will be very limited to mop up/garbage time. That is my take without having discussed it with any of the main people. It is June. That is not something I would ask about in June.
What ACC FB HC wins in an every-man-for-himself brawl? My money is on Key.
KQ- Key would be tough because of his size and he is on the younger side of things. I could see Fran Brown being a scrappy dude as well.
Now that it’s over
What did you think of Russell being blackballed by the baseball team for something as minor as writing a column suggesting the program had gotten stale and should consider moving on in 2023?
You covered it for a long time and know the people behind the scenes. What was missing all these years? GT brought in talented baseball players forever which Danny should get credit for. But was it a culture thing holding things back? I mean let’s be real, other coaches at P4 schools have gotten fired for doing more than the things that got Danny legend status.
KQ- I thought it was dumb but he is far from the first person I've ever seen get put into a corner for voicing their opinion. I fractured some relationships with GT people permanently in some cases over telling the truth about things that have happened over the years in my time covering the program. It is part of the business at every level. You've seen coaches try to publicly MF reporters and big-time them and whatnot so just cutting someone off from information is something that sometimes happens.
I got calls about what RJ wrote as well and I defended his right to say what he said, but I also made the point that I don't know enough about what is going on to intervene. The numbers are what they are and the lack of postseason success is what it is and they've been disappointing relative to what Danny Hall did in his first decade running the program. It sort of reminded me a little of Paul Hewitt only Danny is a really nice person and good with the media unlike Hewitt was during his tenure.
It just sort of sucked because I think everyone was ready for him to walk when his kids were done playing and he didn't and then they never had a magical run either. They were always just shy of pitching and had a key injury here or there, especially to said pitching.
I know a lot of people who have been blackballed in various ways. I think it is lame, but that's the business we are in.
Brian Gregory wasn't too thrilled with my ass when I reported he was getting fired because the source who would know told me directly he was going to be fired and then Bud stepped in at the 11th hour and told him to give him another year. I had to cover another full year of BG with that entire staff pissed off at me.
