Expectations for the 2021 season

[takethepoints]

Dodd had several advantages not afforded to Coach Johnson. He was a far better recruiter, much like Coach Collins. He had the Atlanta media eating out of his hand, again not like Johnson or anyone else since, most of all he had the unqualified support of the faculty, the administration and the alumni that no coach since then has been able to match. Coach Johnson and Coach Collins have one advantage over Dodd though. They do not have to play Alabama, Tennessee (which was a lot better then), LSU, Auburn, and Florida every year. To be fair, UGA was nowhere near as good then as they are now and Tech benefited from playing Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Duke, and Tulane. The only one of that crew that is decidedly easier to play now is Duke. Dodd benefited from national exposure from bowl games to a degree not appreciated now. There were far fewer and more people watched them, especially the major ones like the Orange Bowl.

1. Dodd, like Paul, knew what he wanted and went after it. Prime example = Leon Hardeman. All 5'6" (with lifts) and 175 lbs of him. Not all that fast either. But he became an AA (he was drafted by the Colts but joined the US Army instead). Dodd saw what others didn't; i.e. that he was almost impossible to knock down with a first hit. Dodd was famous for that; his recruiting style was like my orthopedist and operations, "We treat the person, not the pictures."

2. Yes, Dodd was good with the media. And with his players. Example (among many): Gerald Bussell. Bussell hated be called "Gerry" and all the media ignored that. Dodd didn't; when he mentioned him it was always "Gerald". He would correct the folks on his game show who made this mistake.

3. I think it is unfortunate that Tech left the SEC, but the ACC today is every bit as tough as the SEC, imho. I don't really see much difference in the strength of schedule then and now. There are a few more heavy hitters in the SEC, but the field is more even then many people here are willing to concede.

4. Yes, and Tech players (Dodd let them vote on going to a bowl) were known for sometimes turning down bowl bids because they considered then beneath their dignity. Would that could return, but not as long as you get gobs of money and extra practice time for going bowling.

 

[Augusta_Jacket]

We had 49,196 for Alcorn State? Surprising at least to me. I am not surprised by NC State attendance in 2010, they always seem to bring a bunch of people to Atlanta.

We sold 49000 tickets. Probably had between 35-40k at the game. They give away two free tickets to a cupcake game to every STH and that drives the attendance figures at those early season games.

 

[85Escape]

Fans make the tailgating experience. Don’t wait on the GTAA.

I agree (of course.) I wasn't saying the GTAA should manage my tailgate (oh my! )

I'm just saying creating an environment that it is easier for the average Alex to get together with six other fans for a pre-game gathering without having to have a major in ISYE to juggle the logistics of hauling stuff halfway across campus and show up at sun-up to find a decent spot. GTAA doesn't need to facilitate tailgating, but they could go a heck of a long way to encouraging it...which is what gets butts in seats.

As entertainment and the geeky side of the sport, watching football is actually better on the TV. And it certainly is when you consider the comfort of my own home. As a dedicated fan, I show up for two other reasons:
1) To show support for the team because I think it matters (both to support the SAs and to help them win)
2) To socialize with other like-minded fans of the team and have fun together. Most of that fun is the three to six hours before the game, at least for me and mine.

The 'true' fans will still find a way to get their tailgate on. But what about the others (who could become true fans?) How do they get to learn about how awesome a tailgate experience can be when it is so hard to pull off at GT?

We need more than those 10,000 dedicated fans who show up for games no matter what.

 

[forensicbuzz]

I agree (of course.) I wasn't saying the GTAA should manage my tailgate (oh my! )

I'm just saying creating an environment that it is easier for the average Alex to get together with six other fans for a pre-game gathering without having to have a major in ISYE to juggle the logistics of hauling stuff halfway across campus and show up at sun-up to find a decent spot. GTAA doesn't need to facilitate tailgating, but they could go a heck of a long way to encouraging it...which is what gets butts in seats.

As entertainment and the geeky side of the sport, watching football is actually better on the TV. And it certainly is when you consider the comfort of my own home. As a dedicated fan, I show up for two other reasons:
1) To show support for the team because I think it matters (both to support the SAs and to help them win)
2) To socialize with other like-minded fans of the team and have fun together. Most of that fun is the three to six hours before the game, at least for me and mine.

The 'true' fans will still find a way to get their tailgate on. But what about the others (who could become true fans?) How do they get to learn about how awesome a tailgate experience can be when it is so hard to pull off at GT?

We need more than those 10,000 dedicated fans who show up for games no matter what.

I think if there were just good instructions on how to make a game of it, it would go miles for sidewalk fans who've never been on campus. Details like where to park at Marta, which station to get off at, what time to leave in order to get into the game by kickoff, where to park if you drive, where to tailgate if you like to tailgate, local activities (including The Varsity, etc.), where the bookstore is, etc. A downloadable document that basically gives non-familiar football fans a step-by-step procedure on how to get into and out of the game (including gameday experience). This could be something that's available when tickets are purchased. It's a simple thing that could go a long way to making outsiders more comfortable with just getting a couple of tickets and headed to Tech (however they want to get there).

Let's face it, walking around a foreign campus is intimidating, especially on game day when parking is weird and not overly abundant.

 

[jgtengineer]

I think if there were just good instructions on how to make a game of it, it would go miles for sidewalk fans who've never been on campus. Details like where to park at Marta, which station to get off at, what time to leave in order to get into the game by kickoff, where to park if you drive, where to tailgate if you like to tailgate, local activities (including The Varsity, etc.), where the bookstore is, etc. A downloadable document that basically gives non-familiar football fans a step-by-step procedure on how to get into and out of the game (including gameday experience). This could be something that's available when tickets are purchased. It's a simple thing that could go a long way to making outsiders more comfortable with just getting a couple of tickets and headed to Tech (however they want to get there).

Let's face it, walking around a foreign campus is intimidating, especially on game day when parking is weird and not overly abundant.

Marta is legit the best way to get in if you can. Tailgating is great but if its a nooner or you just want to see a game take marta in and tailgate with the vendors near the stadium is great. More people should have that explained.

 

[Tech Lawyer]

For those of you who like to listen to ACC football discussion, I recommend the ACC Talkshoe weekly podcast. The hour long podcast features a local analyst/ media member of each team every week. Very inciteful- you get a "Boots on the Ground intel." The moderator Matthew is a VT guy and and the number two guy Jeff earned his Masters at GT. The guests are usually very informative. Near the end, the guest predicts each game on the schedule. They are also pretty funny at times. Very entertaining. The first in the series which was just posted featured VT. The analyst says if the Hokies go 8-4 , he thinks its bye-bye Justin Fuentes. The analyst can't believe they let Henden Hooker walk out the door. Both moderators have been impressed with Coach Collins and what Tech is building.

 

[Heisman's Ghost]

1. Dodd, like Paul, knew what he wanted and went after it. Prime example = Leon Hardeman. All 5'6" (with lifts) and 175 lbs of him. Not all that fast either. But he became an AA (he was drafted by the Colts but joined the US Army instead). Dodd saw what others didn't; i.e. that he was almost impossible to knock down with a first hit. Dodd was famous for that; his recruiting style was like my orthopedist and operations, "We treat the person, not the pictures."

2. Yes, Dodd was good with the media. And with his players. Example (among many): Gerald Bussell. Bussell hated be called "Gerry" and all the media ignored that. Dodd didn't; when he mentioned him it was always "Gerald". He would correct the folks on his game show who made this mistake.

3. I think it is unfortunate that Tech left the SEC, but the ACC today is every bit as tough as the SEC, imho. I don't really see much difference in the strength of schedule then and now. There are a few more heavy hitters in the SEC, but the field is more even then many people here are willing to concede.

4. Yes, and Tech players (Dodd let them vote on going to a bowl) were known for sometimes turning down bowl bids because they considered then beneath their dignity. Would that could return, but not as long as you get gobs of money and extra practice time for going bowling.

#4 Sometimes the players would drive Dodd crazy with their desires on bowl games. One year, Tech was invited to both the Sugar and the Orange bowls. Dodd wanted the Orange Bowl because the opponent was going to be Syracuse. The players had already been there and wanted to go to New Orleans to the Sugar where they would play Ole Miss with Jimmy "King" Lear and Showboat Boykin. Syracuse was going to be a cakewalk. Alabama ended up going to the Orange bowl and killed them scoring 60 plus on the Orange. Ole Miss was tough, rugged, fast, and hated Tech and Dodd with a passion because Dodd refused to play either of the Mississippi schools partly for money reasons and partly because he much preferred to play Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Tech won but fell behind the first quarter and it was a brutal game.

 

[Heisman's Ghost]

For those of you who like to listen to ACC football discussion, I recommend the ACC Talkshoe weekly podcast. The hour long podcast features a local analyst/ media member of each team every week. Very inciteful- you get a "Boots on the Ground intel." The moderator Matthew is a VT guy and and the number two guy Jeff earned his Masters at GT. The guests are usually very informative. Near the end, the guest predicts each game on the schedule. They are also pretty funny at times. Very entertaining. The first in the series which was just posted featured VT. The analyst says if the Hokies go 8-4 , he thinks its bye-bye Justin Fuentes. The analyst can't believe they let Henden Hooker walk out the door. Both moderators have been impressed with Coach Collins and what Tech is building.

Hooker was their best player. I don't understand that either. We will see what the Hokies are all about this year. It seemed strange last year not playing Virginia Tech, Miami, or UVA. Very weird.

 

[Heisman's Ghost]

We sold 49000 tickets. Probably had between 35-40k at the game. They give away two free tickets to a cupcake game to every STH and that drives the attendance figures at those early season games.

The only thing I hate is seeing those empty gold seats in games like that. It must look as bad or worse on television as it does from the North Stands.

 

[Josh H]

The only thing I hate is seeing those empty gold seats in games like that. It must look as bad or worse on television as it does from the North Stands.

Only thing worse is stinger seats filled by UGA fans.

 

[g0lftime]

We should move the tv camera to the east stands so they show the west stands instead of the empty gold seats. They are empty during early games when it is so hot and in the sun.

 

[bobongo]

...east stands...in the sun.

Maybe that's why the camera is in the west stands?

 

[augustabuzz]

#4 Sometimes the players would drive Dodd crazy with their desires on bowl games. One year, Tech was invited to both the Sugar and the Orange bowls. Dodd wanted the Orange Bowl because the opponent was going to be Syracuse. The players had already been there and wanted to go to New Orleans to the Sugar where they would play Ole Miss with Jimmy "King" Lear and Showboat Boykin. Syracuse was going to be a cakewalk. Alabama ended up going to the Orange bowl and killed them scoring 60 plus on the Orange. Ole Miss was tough, rugged, fast, and hated Tech and Dodd with a passion because Dodd refused to play either of the Mississippi schools partly for money reasons and partly because he much preferred to play Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Tech won but fell behind the first quarter and it was a brutal game.

The only problem playing Kentucky in the 1950s was their coach, Bear Bryant.

 

[bke1984]

#4 Sometimes the players would drive Dodd crazy with their desires on bowl games. One year, Tech was invited to both the Sugar and the Orange bowls. Dodd wanted the Orange Bowl because the opponent was going to be Syracuse. The players had already been there and wanted to go to New Orleans to the Sugar where they would play Ole Miss with Jimmy "King" Lear and Showboat Boykin. Syracuse was going to be a cakewalk. Alabama ended up going to the Orange bowl and killed them scoring 60 plus on the Orange. Ole Miss was tough, rugged, fast, and hated Tech and Dodd with a passion because Dodd refused to play either of the Mississippi schools partly for money reasons and partly because he much preferred to play Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Tech won but fell behind the first quarter and it was a brutal game.

Tech also won the National Championship, so...

 

[Jmonty71]

We sold 49000 tickets. Probably had between 35-40k at the game. They give away two free tickets to a cupcake game to every STH and that drives the attendance figures at those early season games.

GT also donates to VETTIX, which is highly appreciated.

 

[takethepoints]

#4 Sometimes the players would drive Dodd crazy with their desires on bowl games. One year, Tech was invited to both the Sugar and the Orange bowls. Dodd wanted the Orange Bowl because the opponent was going to be Syracuse. The players had already been there and wanted to go to New Orleans to the Sugar where they would play Ole Miss with Jimmy "King" Lear and Showboat Boykin. Syracuse was going to be a cakewalk. Alabama ended up going to the Orange bowl and killed them scoring 60 plus on the Orange. Ole Miss was tough, rugged, fast, and hated Tech and Dodd with a passion because Dodd refused to play either of the Mississippi schools partly for money reasons and partly because he much preferred to play Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Tech won but fell behind the first quarter and it was a brutal game.

And it happened later. When Tech went to the 2004 Humanitarian Bowl in Boise it was the first time many (there were a lot of young men from South Georgia and Florida) of the players had seen snow. They were treated like kings by the bowl; it was the first time they had had two southern teams and, let's face it, who wants to play in Boise in December? They got parkas, a free ski trip, and a bunch of other stuff. And they won the game by 42 points.

After the game a contingent of the players went to Gailey and asked, "Coach, if we win the ACC next year, can we come back here again?" Chan gave a slightly different answer then Dodd would have, of course.

 

[Heisman's Ghost]

And it happened later. When Tech went to the 2004 Humanitarian Bowl in Boise it was the first time many (there were a lot of young men from South Georgia and Florida) of the players had seen snow. They were treated like kings by the bowl; it was the first time they had had two southern teams and, let's face it, who wants to play in Boise in December? They got parkas, a free ski trip, and a bunch of other stuff. And they won the game by 42 points.

After the game a contingent of the players went to Gailey and asked, "Coach, if we win the ACC next year, can we come back here again?" Chan gave a slightly different answer then Dodd would have, of course.

Bowl games are often about who wants to be there. When Tech played mighty USC a few years ago in El Paso, the Trojans made no bones about it. They felt "disrespected" to be invited to the lowly Sun Bowl and were going to use the game to showcase their talents to the NFL. Some talent, Orwin Smith took a pass along the sidelined and ran in for the clinching score while hardly noticing the love taps from a couple of Trojans escorting him down the sideline.

 

[Techster]

I'll leave this here. Let's not get into a CPJ vs CGC debate. The comments are pretty entertaining.

 

[RichardFrazier]

6 wins is a must for me! Bowl game or bust. 2-2 OOC (wins over NIU and KSU) and 4-4 in ACC play (wins from UVA, VT, BC, Pitt, Duke)! Anything less and then I have to take a hard look at this HC.

 

[forensicbuzz]

6 wins is a must for me! Bowl game or bust. 2-2 OOC (wins over NIU and KSU) and 4-4 in ACC play (wins from UVA, VT, BC, Pitt, Duke)! Anything less and then I have to take a hard look at this HC.

You need to reassess how you evaluate progress with this team for the upcoming season. This year is about quality of play and coaching, not wins and losses. With improved quality of play/coaching should come more wins, but that’s looking at it in a vacuum. Our best talent is still very young. Next year is a better year to assess based on W/L. This year should be assessed on the eye-test. Are they a better team? Have they fixed the fixable things from last year and improved? These are realistic expectations.

as for expectations, I expect 15 wins next year. Until we lose, we haven’t been beaten. I concede no game before it’s played.