Question & Answer Session with From the Rumble Seat
by ggggmen08 on Oct 26, 2011 8:01 AM EDT
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PrintWe caught up with From the Rumble Seat for this week's Q&A. Be sure to head over their way later this week for our answers to their questions.
STS: Georgia Tech's offense went from cranking on all cylinders to sputtering out of gas the last 3 games. What's been the difference? What are they looking to do to get it fixed?
Paul Johnson once told his players to "play like a man." This week he was quoted as saying that "we played better defensively...but didn't score enough points to win the game." Paul Johnson is looking to be more efficient with the football and wants to work on scoring more than the opponent.
STS: Tevin Washington seems like a different breed at QB in the triple option than Josh Nesbitt. He isn't nearly as physically imposing. Is Washington the long term answer at QB? Or would Johnson prefer someone with a more physical running style?
Johnson wants two things: execution and lack of turnovers. His QB's at Navy were Kaipo (5'11", 194#), Lamar Owens (5'9", 185#), Aaron Polanco (6', 200#), etc.. There isn't a consistent size or style requirement because, like any offense, Johnson wants the best QB on the team leading his offense.
A healthy Georgia Tech offense has seen more distribution of carries amongst the backs. The QB:fullback:slotbacks should have the following distribution 1.6:1.6:1.0. For every fullback dive, the QB keeps it. For every 10 slotback pitches, the QB should keep 16 times. It's a fairly simple ratio. Tevin's indecisiveness or perhaps over-thinking has blown this ratio up in the last three games. Tevin is pitching to slotbacks 10 times for every 24 QB keepers. Fullbacks are getting the ball half as frequently as a normal CPJ offense. It's been fairly sickening watching the decay of our offense.
STS: From reading Paul Johnson's comments after the Miami game it's obvious he is not happy with the offensive line's play. What's been the cause of the poor line play?
I like to use 2009 as a benchmark. In 2009, all of our linemen played every game except for the last 4 where Phil Smith replaced Austin Barrick. Unfortunately, Tech has had to shuffle its interior linemen a good bit in game as Jay Finch has been knocked out the past couple games. Losing a center in any offense is bad. Losing a center where everything hinges on the QB and fullback dive to gain a yard every other play is catastrophic.
Blocking has been bad in general across all units but penalties from the OL have been crippling, too. Tech has racked up 10 penalties from the offensive line alone (mostly in false starts) since Maryland. With an ineffective passing game, Tech can't afford to start a series of downs on 1st and 15. So yes, we can agree with CPJ that the offensive line has struggled but I think with some good breakfasts and a little rest the OL will rebound.
STS: Al Groh seems to be slowly turning around GT's defensive woes from the past few seasons. What's the strength of GT's D this season? Where are they vulnerable?
Al Groh separates himself from Dabo Swinney by 26 years not only in life but also in football. That's a long time ago, I mean, NES debuted 26 years ago. Does that date you or what? Al Groh brings a Dabo Swinney lifetime of experience to the table, while Swinney Hulkamania. Our vulnerability is staying up past 10pm and missing the night's episodes of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. We're worried about that 8pm kickoff. Cranky Groh-fense.
STS: Do you have any tips for Clemson fans traveling to Atlanta for the weekend? Suggestions on food joints and watering holes?
Well, if you walk around campus you have quite a few food options. There was a pretty ok restaurant called Wingnuts right across the street from the stadium. It was good when you were drunk. But they moved. The Varsity is a classic place, but your 2 Chili Cheese Slaw Dogs, onion rings, and Frosted 'O might add up quick. Arby's, McDonald's, and Burger King are nearby plus a 24-hour Chinese takeout on 10th street called Chinese Buddha. Mick Jagger's been there before so it must be goodie.
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It was nice of the GT folks to cooperate with yall on the Q and A.
But their answers seemed mighty condescending towards Clemson. Really did not answer half of your questions. I mean, you ask them where to eat and they throw out Burger King?
"Clemson is coming!" - Stephone Anthony
by Tigerplowboy on Oct 26, 2011 9:05 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Agree!
I noticed the seeming lack of professionalism with the Dabo comments, and it just deteriorated from there.
I mean, GT has some fantastic restaurants in proximity and they go on to pick fast food and Chinese Buddha? Honestly, Chinese Buddha is probably the worst Chinese takeout in the south-east.
My recs: Vortex, Antico, Taqueria Del Sol
I’m glad the Techie stereotypes are being kept alive via NES references, though.
When you really think about it, it isn't surprising these are the restaurants
I mean the places they list are pretty bland and just unexciting, much like their offense. I mean burger king…. Chinese Buddha….. These are the food equivalents of the dive and the pitch in entertainment value.
That's funny!
The only thing more predictable than their offense was your offense, Rob!
"Clemson is coming!" - Stephone Anthony
by Tigerplowboy on Oct 26, 2011 4:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Those words will get you bubble screened.
You’ve been warned
by Rob Spence on Oct 26, 2011 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
that's only for those of us who can't afford hotdogs
at the Varsity
Yeah, because the folks in Clemson don't have two dimes to rub together.
I understand they want to win, but they can talk X’s and O’s and give us real answers to questions, just as I am sure our guys will do for them.
"Clemson is coming!" - Stephone Anthony
by Tigerplowboy on Oct 26, 2011 9:35 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That's assuming
They know enough about football to talk X’s and O’s.
They definitely like to joke around
I remember a really good back and forth between them and the old Block-C website during the ’09 season.
by PenthouseTiger on Oct 27, 2011 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions
You're absolutely right...
it’s definitely NOT an X’s and O’x blog. I wish it was as that’s the style of blog/site I prefer, with lots of detailed football technical analyses, etc. much like STS. Especially since we run the option now, which happens to be my favorite offense even before Paul Johnson came to GT. I’ve enjoyed your many technical analyses of our offense and how to defend it., which is how I think I found your site originally. I wish FTRS had a higher S/N ratio, to use an engineering term. ;)
by The Bamboo Shaft on Oct 28, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
*O's
I really wish SB Nation let you edit your posts to fix typos.
by The Bamboo Shaft on Oct 28, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Extremely Condescending
they spent about 5 minutes on those questions, took shots at us instead of putting any thought into it.
Exactly.
I hope we beat them like a drum. UNC’s players took shots at us, and we made them pay for it.
"Clemson is coming!" - Stephone Anthony
by Tigerplowboy on Oct 26, 2011 11:12 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Changing the subject...
What do yall think about WVU going to the Big 12? Seems like they are trading one sinking ship for another, but the Big 12 does have more appeal from a football perspective than the Big East. Also, it seems the SEC and the ACC did not want to take them, so WV had few options.
So does the Big 12 try to get back to 12 or 14 teams? Does this compel the Pac 12 and Big Ten to expand to 14? I don’t think any of the teams in the SEC and ACC are going anywhere, but I do think both of those conferences will move to 16 teams soon.
Also, what do yall think will happen with ND? Any chance they join the ACC?
"Clemson is coming!" - Stephone Anthony
by Tigerplowboy on Oct 26, 2011 11:22 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I don't think it's one sinking ship for another...
…it’s a sinking ship for one that’s stock is way down, sure. But I don’t see how the two are comparable. The Big East is an unmitigated dumpster fire right now. And it looks like the conferences might be content where they are now (once Missouri and WVU make the switch, that is), so the 10 team Big 12 with some big time foosball programs is a helluva lot better than the Big East + Army/Navy.
by TolleyJenkins on Oct 26, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree the Big 12 might be in a better position.
But the Big 12…
- does not have enough teams for a Championship game, which hurts them.
- still has to deal with Texas getting a better deal than all of the other schools because of the LHN.
- Had Texas and the OK schools actively trying to get into the Pac 12.
- Will more than likely lose more teams if almost any conference except the ACC trys to expand.
It just looks like a mess. The Big East is also a mess, but the Big 12 is not looking too good right now, either.
"Clemson is coming!" - Stephone Anthony
by Tigerplowboy on Oct 26, 2011 12:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Everybody knows 2 Chili Cheese dogs are expensive. Don't get smart with me, nerd.
Now, where do I tie up my horse at the stadium? And will there be somebody to direct me to the “chew section” between quarters.
by TheKraken on Oct 26, 2011 12:42 PM EDT reply actions 6 recs
If Boise gets snubbed...
From the championship game this yeah after going undefeated they may look to join up with a real conference soon as well. If Big12 gets them, WVU, TCU and maybe a Houston/Louisville/Cinci they are far from a sinking ship IMO.
Tigernet says Meeks has been the best player in the Secondary this year
At first I was thinking no way due to all the tackles he’s whiffed on because he was going for the kill shot instead of wrapping up. However, after thinking about it a little more, they are probably correct. I’d probably say that Brewer was a close 2nd though. But let’s be clear, none of them have been stellar or dominate.
Meeks
I would love to get Dr. B’s opinion on this and was going to ask him on his film review. Last week I believe Meeks had one blown assignment that led to a TD. Other than that (and I know that is a big other than that) I remember him flying around, making hits, tackling, and reading his receiver in coverage (especially when they were shorter routes in front of him). In my opinion that was Meeks best game of the year. I do wonder what Dr. B thinks though because his film review may tell him that I a big idiot.
Best all around? maybe
I think his passing instincts suck, but his run instincts are pretty good and he flies to the ball.
Best real talent back there is Breeland though.
Just checked out from the rumble seat sight
The guys that write on that sight are just straight out disrespectful. They are still talking about 2009. Man I hope we drag the hell out of them this year. 72-0 would shut their mouths.
by Boilingspringstiger on Oct 26, 2011 3:34 PM EDT reply actions
I have never really had much of a problem with GT until now.
GT should keep talking about 2009, because it will be a long time before they replicate that season. I just think PJ has not been able to recruit the same level of players who were there when he arrived, because none of the good HS players want to play in that system. Nesbitt, Dyer, and many of the others were all holdovers, and the new guys do not have the same level of talent. Not saying PJ is not a good coach, but if you can’t recruit great players, then the triple option will only take you so far, which is above average, but not great.
"Clemson is coming!" - Stephone Anthony
by Tigerplowboy on Oct 26, 2011 3:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I've never liked GT.
Not growing up a Clemson fan my hatred of them rivals my hatred of South Carolina.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
"If I do it wrong just break another toe. Three's my lucky number anyway." -Evan Lysacek: 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist ♥
The answers to these questions were a fucking waste of bandwidth
And football is cool when Clemson is good. There's something about those orange helmets with the white tiger paws, Howard's Rock, running down the hill and hearing the band play "Tiger Rag" incessantly during games that makes Clemson football winning right with the rotation of the earth. - Andrew Jones, FSSouth
by Toadkillerdog on Oct 26, 2011 4:32 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
This has turned it to a pretty good rivalry
I hate those douchebags. I lived in Atlanta for 6 years and had to put up with those nerds and their crap for too long. I hope we punish them on Saturday. Please Tigers, lay a beat down on these guys and make them wish they never set foot on the field. Please humiliate them and make them a laughing stock like you did to UNC. Send them home crying in their pocket protectors. It’s 2011, it’s time for some retribution.
I agree that it is turning into a good rivalry.
I wish we played them early in the season sort of the way USC and UGA always schedule their game. That said, FSU also seems to be turning into a good rivalry for us.
Come on, Tiges! Beat the fool out of GT and enjoy the off week.
"Clemson is coming!" - Stephone Anthony
by Tigerplowboy on Oct 26, 2011 5:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This has TURNED INTO a a pretty good rivalry???
Yeah… It turned into a great rivalry at least 30 years ago.
This is the worst interview I've ever read.
The Q is good but the A is like… no words can describe. Those last two answers, I don’t even know what to say. Is that nerd humor? Is that any kind of humor? How can anything coming from Atlanta think they can be condescending to anyone? I’d be interested in seeing the rest of their site but I just can’t be bothered to even click the link.
I hope we make Paul Johnson and their “cranky Groh-fense” cry on Saturday.
Unrelated...
…but the new SI has an article on Clemson. Nothing groundbreaking but a nice fluff piece, nevertheless.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1191563/1/index.htm
As a GT grad who's new to FTRS
and even newer to STS, I apologize for those semi-bizarre replies. I don’t know who the responder was as it’s totally uncharacteristic of all the Q&A’s I’ve read there to date. I’ve browsed STS many times over the years and have thoroughly enjoyed your excellent technical and strategic football analyses. Hopefully it’ll be a good game Saturday.
by The Bamboo Shaft on Oct 26, 2011 11:47 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
You are alright Bamboo Shaft.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
"If I do it wrong just break another toe. Three's my lucky number anyway." -Evan Lysacek: 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist ♥
Thanks ;)
If we can all agree to hate Georgia, I’m good.
by The Bamboo Shaft on Oct 28, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn't think the responses were that bad
Stuff from FTRS is going to be a little tongue-in-cheek. Their primary goal is not running over cheerleaders while driving the Wreck and programming Al Groh’s Betamax to record Wheel of Fortune and Judge Judy.
But like they said, working on scoring more than the opponent is definitely important. It’s worked out well for the Tigers so far this year; they haven’t lost a single game where they’ve scored more than the opponent. I think they’re on to something…
Up until this Q&A, I have always been impressed that the STS crew has been able to find a similarly knowledgeable blog site for each opponent.
But these non-answers were a waste of time. I can’t tell if that guy was wasted when he answered or he just doesn’t know much.
Glad it wasn't just me being sensitive.
I read this yesterday and scratched my head at what I thought was a huge jackass factor in the reply. After further consideration, we will be getting more of this bitterness from our ACC brethren. They cannot stand the thought of us ascending back to our birthright as ACC champions. Couple that with multiple consecutive NCAA tournament bids in B-ball and quite frankly it won’t be long before they are pleading with Swofford to drop back to 12, sending fake invitations for us to join the SEC. Suck it TECH! We’ve seen your recruiting rankings. Suck it this year and next year and then suck it while you look for a new coach. Suck it in basketball while you are at it.
Thanks for the indulgence gentlemen. I feel better. See you on Saturday in Atlanta. We’ll be the one’s driving in circles looking for a place to tailgate near that godforsaken dump.
haha good one...
i remember tailgating in a parking garage down there one year… had to go to church 4 weeks straight to get that one off my conscience
Offensive
Just interesting to me that traditionally STS and any of the other SB Nation boards attempt to have an adult dialogue about the upcoming game and then, we get this from the Tech board. Typical condescending Techsters. Let’s just suit it up and play ball!
This has to be the worst
Q&A that I’ve ever read on STS in the couple years I’ve been following you guys. Evading questions, quips about Clemson and his own team, making fun of the DC, and pointing us to fast food places…wow. Lame. Though I can’t say I’m suprised from a GT fan.
If someone asked me where to eat/watch the game in Clemson, I certainly wouldn’t be pointing them to any fast food places. Also, let’s be real. The Varisty is overrated – especially once you’ve been to The Beacon in Spartanburg, SC.
What an unprofessional response to ggggmen08's questions...
although I don’t guess we should’ve expected any more from them . Just goes to show that STS is above and beyond the best , most prepaired , educated sports blog period . I just want to relish in a win and being 9-0 during the bye-week , and hopefully watching GT squirm around trying to save a sub par season .
This is for some friends but I figure it will never be amiss here...GO TIGERS!
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
"If I do it wrong just break another toe. Three's my lucky number anyway." -Evan Lysacek: 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist ♥
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