LongforDodd
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This morning, I have watched (again) the last 3 scoring drives from the Orange Bowl. Some things stand out, and it made me want to see if I could prompt some of you to share some of your favorite memories if you were there....moments from the game itself on tv or otherwise....and impressions from game that might have bearing on this upcoming season.
Some highlights for me--
* I can remember pulling up to the stadium. We parked and it was about 2.5 hrs. before gametime. Before we opened the door, we could hear this weird sound. Quickly, we remembered the whole Cowbell thing. They were EVERYWHERE. Inside our car, that was all one could hear. My wife said, "That's going to get old. I hope that isn't going to be a problem for our players. That could be distracting." I told her, "The best way to shut those cowbells up is to jump out to a big lead. Maybe our players will do Paul's favorite thing and 'Punch 'em in the nose.'"
* After a stop at the fanfest, eventually we went in and got up on the concourse. Cellphone rang and it was Mrs. CPJ-- "Can you see us yet? We're just about to pull up!" We looked over the edge and right below us was the Ga Tech entourage. Police escort followed by about seven buses. The Ga Tech guys got off the buses and started to file in with a "business trip" look on most of their faces. Not star-struck about being there. Not intimidated, but not clowning around a lot either. Focused like they had something they had come there to do.
* Before the game, one of the Ga Tech football staff assistants stopped through the area where we were seated. She said that, "The guys say the mood in the locker room is good. There's a vibe in there that's good. The guys believe they can come out and do something special. They're up! Not over-hyped. But, not nervous either. Just ready to get this thing going."
* Watching the replay now on dvr, the touchdown that gave us 28 pts had an interesting moment. The camera cuts to the sideline and guys are celebrating. While all good head-coaches are already signaling the special-teams play for the extra point (or the two if they want to), there's something a little chilling about CPJ. That quick camera shot shows "the look." Keep in mind that CPJ likes Dan Mullen. But, that look isn't one of strategy. It isn't one of decision-making. The look I saw had a furrowed forehead and arched eyebrows. It's the one that says, "We're up...and I'm going to push the gas pedal for all the team is worth. We're going to try to mash them. "
* Finally, some of the broadcaster sound bites are fun. (Heard going to commercial after another Ga Tech touchdown) "If you live in the state of Mississippi, you have cause for concern tonight!" Then there was, "An unstoppable force has been unleashed on the SEC tonight!" Finally, "If you coach young players in the option offense, this is one game you want to rack up and use for teaching."
What Orange Bowl images are still dancing around in your head?
Synjyn barreling down the sideline running over a DB on his way to the endzone.
JT blowing by guys on numerous occasions on his way to the endzone also.