Aug. 21, 2008
ATLANTA – If Georgia Tech loses the coin toss, has an errant snap roll into the end zone or needs to attempt a Hail Mary pass next Thursday in the season opener against Jacksonville State, the Yellow Jackets will have already experienced it.
Tech played a simulated game Thursday afternoon in Bobby Dodd Stadium – minus the fans, cheerleaders and band. Assistant coaches communicated on headsets from the press box and the scoreboard clock ran as head coach Paul Johnson threw several curves at this team. A snap purposely went over the head of the punter and a couple of passes were intentionally thrown to defenders.
“We tried to make it like a game with the scout team playing the role of Jacksonville State,” Johnson said. “There were a lot of (mistakes), but that’s why we did it. We have some issues and we will address them.”
The next time the Yellow Jackets play in Bobby Dodd Stadium, it will be for keeps. Tech hosts Jacksonville State next Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
“We’re just ready to play against someone other than ourselves,” junior A-back Greg Smith said. “There is always room for improvement. With this new system, we just need to come out and get better every day.”
Tech will practice again Friday afternoon. The practice schedule after Friday remains up in the air.
GAME COVERAGE FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE GAME
ESPN360.com – You can watch and listen to the game live via this website at no charge, but there is a catch – not all internet providers are compatible with ESPN360.com. Go to ESPN360.com to see if your service provider carries it.
On The Radio – The Georgia Tech/ISP Radio Network will, of course, be broadcasting the game. Wes Durham (play-by-play), Rick Strom (color) and announce team newcomer Jeff Woolverton (sidelines) will call the action.
Radio Broadcast via RamblinWreck.com — If you do not live near one of our radio affiliates, you can listen to the radio broadcast of the game on our website. Go to www.RamblinWreck.com and click on the All-Access button. From there, you can listen to the radio broadcast.
Live Statistics — The Gametracker feature on our website provides the latest team and individual statistics, a play-by-play, scores from other games across the country and more. You can connect to Gametracker at no charge by going to the front page of www.RamblinWreck.com, scrolling down to the Event Calendar, and clicking on the GT next to the listing of Jacksonville State.
Listen Live To The Postgame Press Conference — A new feature on our website. You can now listen to the postgame press conference, as well as Paul Johnson’s weekly press conferences, live on our website at no charge.
TRIVIA QUESTION (answer below)
What former Jacksonville State quarterback went on to have an illustrious career in the Canadian Football League, earning MVP honors and eventually being named to the CFL Hall of Fame?
PRE-GAME RITUALS: WHAT DID THEY DO BEFORE iPODs?
With the Georgia Tech season opener just one week away, we asked the Yellow Jackets to tell us what their pre-game ritual includes. We’ll let you read the answers, but somehow Jimi Hendrix and Axl Rose are both involved.
Question: What does your pre-game ritual include?Talking to teammates and staying loose Clyde YandellListening to music, and prayer Willie WhiteListening to music Logan WallsEating and listening to Jimi Hendrix Levi WallsListening to Eminem Lance WallsListening to music, sitting on the field Vance WalkerListening to music Alex WalkerPraying, sleeping and Starburst Osahon TongoListening to music Demaryius ThomasRun through game plan and prayer Andrew SmithListening to my iPod on the field A.J. SmithListening to music Brad SellersListening to Pastor Troy Albert RockerPraying and getting focused Dominique ReesePraying and relaxing Michael PetersonListening to music Josh NesbittPrayer, listening to music Derrick MorganListening to music Tyler MeltonVisualizing my responsibilities Jonathan MaloneTexting my parents to tell them I love them James LiipfertPraying Quincy KellyMusic Roddy JonesPrayer Michael JohnsonListening to Gospel DeRon JasperListening to slow music Cord HowardListening to Guns N Roses on my iPod Jim HenryListening to music Robert HallPrayer Sedric GriffinEye black and music Joseph GilbertListening to music and praying Martin FriersonI tape my own wrists Andrew FolknerPraying Anthony EgbuniwePraying Correy EarlsFocusing and relaxing Bryce DykesPraying and listening to my iPod Jonathan DwyerListening to music Tyler DavisReading my Bible Lucas CoxStretching and listening to music Nick ClaytorListening to Gospel music Tony ClarkPraying Travis ChambersListening to music Mario ButlerListening to music Morgan BurnettListening to music Drew BrannonTurning my socks inside-out Shane BowenListening to my iPod and talking to my parents Calvin BookerListening to music Scott BlairWalking the field Jake BlackwoodWatching ESPN College Gameday Sean BedfordWalking to each end zone and getting a little grass from each Austin BarrickListening to music Tyler BarrettListen to gospel and calm down Anthony BarnesMusic Elris AnyaibeQuiet time Chandler AndersonRelaxing Ben Anderson
ANSWER TO TRIVIA QUESTION
Dieter Brock, quarterback of the Gamecocks in 1972 and 1973.
