I was at the Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome on New Year's Eve and thought I would do a recap on the game. This should be on the Score Atlanta website later today, but if not I have it right here for you guys on the Atlanta Sports Guy Blog. So here's the unedited version.
It’s safe to say that if Virginia Tech lost to the Tennessee Volunteers at the Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome, they would probably not come back to the city of Atlanta as they have lost two games here in the city this season (once to Alabama in the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff game and again to Georgia Tech). But thanks to the strong running of freshmen running back Ryan Williams who ran for 124 yards and two scores and Tyrod Taylor who threw for 209 yards, the Hokies blasted the Vols 37-14 in the New Year’s Eve Classic.
With the win, the Hokies win their 10th game of the season and they are only one of two teams to win 10 games the last six years (Texas is the other team).
“I think that it’s only us and Texas that have won 10 games for the past six years is very special,” head coach Frank Beamer said after the game.
Virginia Tech got the scoring started early in the first quarter when Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton’s pass was intercepted by Rashad Carmichael which set up a Williams 1-yard touchdown.
“Coach did a great job of drawing up plays for (Ryan) Williams,” said Taylor. “He’s a great back. I knew he had potential when I saw him play in high school.
The Hokies were able to increase their lead early in the second quarter when Taylor threw a 42-
yard strike to Danny Coale which led to a Williams 3-yard touchdown to make the score 14-0.
But Tennessee was able to strike back on the ensuing drive as Crompton threw a 40-yard pass to Denarius Moore and that led to a Montario Hardesty 4-yard touchdown run to make the score 14-7.
Later in the quarter, Virginia Tech looked to get another score but Taylor’s pass was picked off by Janez Jackson and that led to a Crompton 3-yard touchdown pass to Moore and the game was tied at 14 right before halftime.
With nine seconds left before half, Virginia Tech had the ball at their own 33-yard line and Taylor was able to complete a 63-yard pass to Jarrett Boykin and that left the Hokies with one second on the clock which led to a Matt Waldron 21-yard field goal to put Virginia Tech up 17-14 at the half.
“That was such a huge play,” Beamer said. “They’re thinking we’re going in tied at the half and the next thing you know we’re up by three.
The second half was all Virginia Tech as Taylor scored on a 1-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter to give the Hokies the 24-14 lead. Williams did the majority of the work on that drive as he carried the ball nine times for 78 yards.
“Ryan Williams is a really great player,” said Tennessee defensive end Chris Walker. “Their Running backs are great.”
The reason that Walker mentioned the entire running back corps is Williams went down with an ankle injury and had to leave the game late in the third. So in came John Oglesby who help led the Hokies on a 9-play, 60 yard drive that led to a Waldron 46-yard FG to give Virginia Tech the 27-14 lead. In the fourth, David Wilson came into the game for the Hokies and carried the ball seven times for 33 yards including a 3-yard touchdown run to put the score 34-14.
Tennessee finishes the year at 7-6 and were able to win their last four of six games. But head coach Lane Kiffin was not happy with the outcome of the game and realizes he has a lot of work to do in the off season.
“Very disappointed in the outcome today,” Kiffin said. “We need to go get some more players and find a special teams coach.”
Virginia Tech on the other hand looks to be in good shape for 2010 as they will have players such as Williams and Taylor coming back and try to compete for the ACC title. But for now they are happy with the win at the Chick-fil-A bowl and finally getting a win in Atlanta.
“We were going to keep coming back until we got it right,” Beamer said about coming to play game in Atlanta. “We hope to come back many more times.”
Friday, January 1, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Looking Back at the 2000 Decade (ATL Style)
The 2000 decade is over and there have been many media outlets coming out with their top teams, players and games of the decade. This made me think about what are some of the best of the decade when it comes to Atlanta sports. So here’s my list of the Atlanta Sports Guy best of the 2000 decade.
Top Local Athlete: John Smoltz – Atlanta Braves. He is no longer with the Braves and the way that he left wasn’t as graceful as he and the Braves fans had hoped, but John Smoltz was the Braves best pitcher throughout the decade. He missed the all of 2000 and most of the 2001 season due to Tommy John surgery and in 2002 he was sent to the bullpen to be the Braves closer. In his first year as a closer, Smoltz only recorded 55 saves which is a National League record and ended the year third in the Cy Young Award voting. In 2003 he would go on to save 45 games and in 2004 he finished with 44 saves. In 2005 he returned to the starting rotation and finished the year with a 14-7 record with 3.06 ERA and 169 strikeouts. In 2006 he finished with a stronger year with a 16-9 record, 3.49 ERA and 211 K’s. He was tied for the NL in wins and third in strikeouts. It was the same story in 2007 where he posted a 14-8 record with a 3.11 ERA and 197 strikeouts. 2008 was a the last year for Smoltz in a Braves uniform and injuries shortened the year for him, but he was able to record his 3,000 strikeout in April and he became the fourth pitcher in major league history to record 3,000 K’s with one team. Other nominees: Chipper Jones, Michael Vick, David Pollack
Top local team: Georgia Bulldogs football. When the Bulldogs defeated the Texas A&M Aggies in the Independence Bowl, it was the eight win for the Dawgs and it was the 13th consecutive season that Georgia has won eight or more games in a season which is a NCAA record. During the decade, Georgia has won three SEC East titles, two SEC titles, been to three Sugar Bowls and finished in the top 10 six times which is the most out of any SEC program. It would have been nice to see this team compete for a national championship, but Mark Richt has done a remarkable job at UGA. Other nominees: Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech Basketball.
Top Local Game: Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics Game 6 2008 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. I was at this game and this was an electric as any game that I went to in the history of Atlanta sports. What made it so great was that the Hawks were back in the playoffs for the first time since the 1998-99 season and they faced a Celtics team that was expected to sweep the young Hawks. The Hawks were down 2-0 and it looked like the sweep was going to happen. But when the series came to Philips the Hawks played inspired basketball and won Games 3 and 4 to even the series. Boston was able to win Game 5 with ease and this led to Game 6 battle that has to go down as one of the great games in Atlanta history. The Celtics came out swinging as the scored 32 first quarter points, but the Hawks hung with them in the second quarter as they outscored the Celtics 29-18 in the second quarter. The third quarter was even for both teams as Boston scored 32 points while the Hawks recorded 30, but it was the fourth quarter where the Hawks took over. The Hawks were up by just 2 with a litter more than a minute and that is where Joe Johnson hit the Hawks only three pointer to give them the 100-95 lead. The Hawks would go on to win 103-100 and the 20,000 plus fans in attendance (including myself) were chanting SEVEN! SEVE! SEVEN! The Hawks would get blown out in the final game which ended their season but that night belonged to the Hawks and made them the team that there are now. Other nominees: Falcons vs. St. Louis Rams 2004 NFC Divisional Playoff game, Georgia vs. Auburn 2002, Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles 2005 Monday Night Football.
Top Local Athlete: John Smoltz – Atlanta Braves. He is no longer with the Braves and the way that he left wasn’t as graceful as he and the Braves fans had hoped, but John Smoltz was the Braves best pitcher throughout the decade. He missed the all of 2000 and most of the 2001 season due to Tommy John surgery and in 2002 he was sent to the bullpen to be the Braves closer. In his first year as a closer, Smoltz only recorded 55 saves which is a National League record and ended the year third in the Cy Young Award voting. In 2003 he would go on to save 45 games and in 2004 he finished with 44 saves. In 2005 he returned to the starting rotation and finished the year with a 14-7 record with 3.06 ERA and 169 strikeouts. In 2006 he finished with a stronger year with a 16-9 record, 3.49 ERA and 211 K’s. He was tied for the NL in wins and third in strikeouts. It was the same story in 2007 where he posted a 14-8 record with a 3.11 ERA and 197 strikeouts. 2008 was a the last year for Smoltz in a Braves uniform and injuries shortened the year for him, but he was able to record his 3,000 strikeout in April and he became the fourth pitcher in major league history to record 3,000 K’s with one team. Other nominees: Chipper Jones, Michael Vick, David Pollack
Top local team: Georgia Bulldogs football. When the Bulldogs defeated the Texas A&M Aggies in the Independence Bowl, it was the eight win for the Dawgs and it was the 13th consecutive season that Georgia has won eight or more games in a season which is a NCAA record. During the decade, Georgia has won three SEC East titles, two SEC titles, been to three Sugar Bowls and finished in the top 10 six times which is the most out of any SEC program. It would have been nice to see this team compete for a national championship, but Mark Richt has done a remarkable job at UGA. Other nominees: Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech Basketball.
Top Local Game: Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics Game 6 2008 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. I was at this game and this was an electric as any game that I went to in the history of Atlanta sports. What made it so great was that the Hawks were back in the playoffs for the first time since the 1998-99 season and they faced a Celtics team that was expected to sweep the young Hawks. The Hawks were down 2-0 and it looked like the sweep was going to happen. But when the series came to Philips the Hawks played inspired basketball and won Games 3 and 4 to even the series. Boston was able to win Game 5 with ease and this led to Game 6 battle that has to go down as one of the great games in Atlanta history. The Celtics came out swinging as the scored 32 first quarter points, but the Hawks hung with them in the second quarter as they outscored the Celtics 29-18 in the second quarter. The third quarter was even for both teams as Boston scored 32 points while the Hawks recorded 30, but it was the fourth quarter where the Hawks took over. The Hawks were up by just 2 with a litter more than a minute and that is where Joe Johnson hit the Hawks only three pointer to give them the 100-95 lead. The Hawks would go on to win 103-100 and the 20,000 plus fans in attendance (including myself) were chanting SEVEN! SEVE! SEVEN! The Hawks would get blown out in the final game which ended their season but that night belonged to the Hawks and made them the team that there are now. Other nominees: Falcons vs. St. Louis Rams 2004 NFC Divisional Playoff game, Georgia vs. Auburn 2002, Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles 2005 Monday Night Football.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Podcast No. 11
I have a new podcast up. If you want to take a listen click here. I talk about the Falcons, UGA and why I haven't post anything on my blog since September 6.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
I'm back and better than ever!
Okay, I know it’s been awhile since I posted a blog, but I’m back. I’ve been extremely busy with projects at Score, plus the fact the summer is slow for sports other than baseball, there wasn’t much to blog about.
Anyway, football season is underway which means I’m going to have more blogs and more podcast for the next few months. But in this blog I’m going to tell you what is going on with me and the football season.
I’m back as the Falcons beat writer for Score Atlanta and you can pick up the latest edition every Friday at every Blockbuster, Quick Trip and Kroger in the Atlanta area. I’m also the Road Atlanta beat writer if you guys are interested in racing.
We have also brought back the prep editions and I’m the Cobb County beat writer and I’ll have plenty of information of high school football in the area.
For radio, I have a segment on the Official Visit every Monday night on 790 the Zone where I have a different top 10 ranking. We will also have a show on during the Falcons game and I’m sure that I will be involved with that.
As for the blog, I will have my thoughts on UGA, Tech and the Falcons, make weekly college and pro picks and post my top 10 rankings from the Official Visit show on Mondays. Of course I will have my podcast at least once a week previewing the football weekend.
So get ready for a great season of football. I know I am. Have a great Labor Day weekend.
Anyway, football season is underway which means I’m going to have more blogs and more podcast for the next few months. But in this blog I’m going to tell you what is going on with me and the football season.
I’m back as the Falcons beat writer for Score Atlanta and you can pick up the latest edition every Friday at every Blockbuster, Quick Trip and Kroger in the Atlanta area. I’m also the Road Atlanta beat writer if you guys are interested in racing.
We have also brought back the prep editions and I’m the Cobb County beat writer and I’ll have plenty of information of high school football in the area.
For radio, I have a segment on the Official Visit every Monday night on 790 the Zone where I have a different top 10 ranking. We will also have a show on during the Falcons game and I’m sure that I will be involved with that.
As for the blog, I will have my thoughts on UGA, Tech and the Falcons, make weekly college and pro picks and post my top 10 rankings from the Official Visit show on Mondays. Of course I will have my podcast at least once a week previewing the football weekend.
So get ready for a great season of football. I know I am. Have a great Labor Day weekend.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Podcast No. 10
It's time for another podcast. I have thoughts on Michael Vick, Atlanta Hawks and college recruiting. Check it out. Just click on the link above.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Falcons begin mini-camp at Flowery Branch
This is a piece that I worte for SCORE Atlanta which you can find now. This is the edited version so check it out on scoreatl.com.
It was the beginning of a new year for Falcons fans as they got a first look at the 2009 squad at the team’s mini-camp held at Flowery Branch on Saturday. Falcons fans were excited and anxious to see players such as Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White, but with the addition of Mike Peterson, Tony Gonzalez and draftees Peria Jerry and William Moore, the public wanted to get a first look at the new Birds in town.
For those who have never been to an NFL mini-camp or training camp practice, here’s how it works. The practice began at 10:30 and the players spend about 30 minutes warming up and stretching. From 11:00-12:30, they will work on position drills and mix that in with two scrimmages. After that, practice will conclude with autograph session.
What usually catches the fans eye is when the No. 1 offense takes on the No. 1 defense because they like to see who are the projected starters going into the 2009 season. A couple to things to note when it comes to starters, Peterson and Stephen Nicholas were the No. 1 outside linebackers and it looks they will be the starters in the fall. Also Ben Hartsock was the No. 1 tight end on Saturday but that was due to Gonzalez being held out of practice. As for nose tackle, Trey Lewis was working with the No. 1 team while Jerry was working with the No. 2 unit. But this could (and probably will) change when July rolls around because it’s too early to project anything now with the team only practicing three times.
“This is just really the first evaluation,” head coach Mike Smith said after the Saturday practice. “The thing we’re evaluating is who can come out and play hard and play fast when they are getting overloaded mentally.”
Smith was specifically talking about the rookies such as Jerry and Moore who were draft picks, but also rookie free agents like quarterback John Parker Wilson and wide receiver Aaron Kelly who had one of the big plays of the day when Wilson connected with Kelly on a 40-yard touchdown pass.
As good as it is to see local products do well in practice, fans also want to see how the veterans have improve. 2008 Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan received a warm reception when he jogged on to the field and he looked as if he didn’t miss a beat as he found almost every target in the scrimmages. Running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood were in midseason form and wide receiver Michael Jenkins looks to have a breakout year. Overall Smith thought this was a good practice and he was glad that the fans were able to come out.
“It was nice to have the people and it gives the guys a little extra juice,” Smith said. “When they have gone one two-a-day they were a little sore and slow moving this morning in the meetings. But when they got on the field, they started moving around. I thought it was a really good practice.”
Jones can be reached at bjones@scoreatl.com.
It was the beginning of a new year for Falcons fans as they got a first look at the 2009 squad at the team’s mini-camp held at Flowery Branch on Saturday. Falcons fans were excited and anxious to see players such as Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White, but with the addition of Mike Peterson, Tony Gonzalez and draftees Peria Jerry and William Moore, the public wanted to get a first look at the new Birds in town.
For those who have never been to an NFL mini-camp or training camp practice, here’s how it works. The practice began at 10:30 and the players spend about 30 minutes warming up and stretching. From 11:00-12:30, they will work on position drills and mix that in with two scrimmages. After that, practice will conclude with autograph session.
What usually catches the fans eye is when the No. 1 offense takes on the No. 1 defense because they like to see who are the projected starters going into the 2009 season. A couple to things to note when it comes to starters, Peterson and Stephen Nicholas were the No. 1 outside linebackers and it looks they will be the starters in the fall. Also Ben Hartsock was the No. 1 tight end on Saturday but that was due to Gonzalez being held out of practice. As for nose tackle, Trey Lewis was working with the No. 1 team while Jerry was working with the No. 2 unit. But this could (and probably will) change when July rolls around because it’s too early to project anything now with the team only practicing three times.
“This is just really the first evaluation,” head coach Mike Smith said after the Saturday practice. “The thing we’re evaluating is who can come out and play hard and play fast when they are getting overloaded mentally.”
Smith was specifically talking about the rookies such as Jerry and Moore who were draft picks, but also rookie free agents like quarterback John Parker Wilson and wide receiver Aaron Kelly who had one of the big plays of the day when Wilson connected with Kelly on a 40-yard touchdown pass.
As good as it is to see local products do well in practice, fans also want to see how the veterans have improve. 2008 Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan received a warm reception when he jogged on to the field and he looked as if he didn’t miss a beat as he found almost every target in the scrimmages. Running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood were in midseason form and wide receiver Michael Jenkins looks to have a breakout year. Overall Smith thought this was a good practice and he was glad that the fans were able to come out.
“It was nice to have the people and it gives the guys a little extra juice,” Smith said. “When they have gone one two-a-day they were a little sore and slow moving this morning in the meetings. But when they got on the field, they started moving around. I thought it was a really good practice.”
Jones can be reached at bjones@scoreatl.com.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Falcons mini-camp preview
The Falcons are one of the few teams that will have their mini-camp this weekend as most of the NFL teams held their camps last weekend. There is a level of excitement for Falcons fans because they will get a glimpse of tight end Tony Gonzalez as well as the new draft picks, such as Peria Jerry and William Moore. I will be there on Saturday for both practices and here is what I am going to focus on as I observer mini-camp:
1. Secondary – There are a few question marks when it comes to who is going to start at corner and safety. Chris Houston will be one of the starting corners but I don’t think that is set in stone. Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson and Von Hutchins will be fighting for the two cornerback spots as well as David Irons and Tony Tiller. Draft picks Chris Owens and William Middleton will not likely start on opening day, but can (and probably will) contribute on special teams and also used in nickel and dime situations. As for the safety position, Erik Coleman looks to build on what he did last year, notching 95 tackles and three interceptions. With Lawyer Miloy gone, there is a void at strong safety and everyone thinks that William Moore should win that spot. But not if Thomas DeCoud, Eric Brock and Jamaal Fudge have say anything about it because they will also be fighting for the same position. I think that Moore will win the spot, but DeCoud will make it difficult for him.
2. Linebackers- Outside linebackers will be a spot where fans will keep their eyes one because both Keith Brooking and Michael Boley were lost this offseason due to free agency and the Falcons did not draft or sign anybody that will likely take their place other than Mike Peterson. Peterson has played middle linebacker for most of his career but he will start at one of the outside linebacker positions this fall. The other linebacker spot is up for grabs and I think it’s a two-man race between Stephen Nicholas and Coy Wire. Who is going to win the spot? I think it’s too early to tell but both players had great seasons in 2008 and should improve in 2009.
3. Quarterback – I’m not saying that there’s a quarterback battle because Matt Ryan is one of the rising stars in the league. Trust me on this because I followed Ryan last year and he is just as good as any quarterback in the league. I’m curious to see how much he has improved from the loss against Arizona to the mini-camp on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I’m also anxious to see how he gels with Tony Gonzalez because he can only help Ryan in his progression.
So it should be a fun weekend for fans and they have every right to be excited for the 2009 season because they should be a favorite to win the NFC.
1. Secondary – There are a few question marks when it comes to who is going to start at corner and safety. Chris Houston will be one of the starting corners but I don’t think that is set in stone. Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson and Von Hutchins will be fighting for the two cornerback spots as well as David Irons and Tony Tiller. Draft picks Chris Owens and William Middleton will not likely start on opening day, but can (and probably will) contribute on special teams and also used in nickel and dime situations. As for the safety position, Erik Coleman looks to build on what he did last year, notching 95 tackles and three interceptions. With Lawyer Miloy gone, there is a void at strong safety and everyone thinks that William Moore should win that spot. But not if Thomas DeCoud, Eric Brock and Jamaal Fudge have say anything about it because they will also be fighting for the same position. I think that Moore will win the spot, but DeCoud will make it difficult for him.
2. Linebackers- Outside linebackers will be a spot where fans will keep their eyes one because both Keith Brooking and Michael Boley were lost this offseason due to free agency and the Falcons did not draft or sign anybody that will likely take their place other than Mike Peterson. Peterson has played middle linebacker for most of his career but he will start at one of the outside linebacker positions this fall. The other linebacker spot is up for grabs and I think it’s a two-man race between Stephen Nicholas and Coy Wire. Who is going to win the spot? I think it’s too early to tell but both players had great seasons in 2008 and should improve in 2009.
3. Quarterback – I’m not saying that there’s a quarterback battle because Matt Ryan is one of the rising stars in the league. Trust me on this because I followed Ryan last year and he is just as good as any quarterback in the league. I’m curious to see how much he has improved from the loss against Arizona to the mini-camp on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I’m also anxious to see how he gels with Tony Gonzalez because he can only help Ryan in his progression.
So it should be a fun weekend for fans and they have every right to be excited for the 2009 season because they should be a favorite to win the NFC.
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