So what DID happen on that first play...

[floridajacket]

There was a probably a thread about this way back in the archives, but what the hell was going on with calling a TO before the first play from scrimmage? Besides, you know, the fact of calling a timeout on your first play after a 10 day break, why exactly did TB call that timeout? What would have gone so wrong in running a draw play up the middle?

 

[GTKyle]

I'm sure Gailey said something like if they are running this defense then take a time out.

 

[ncjacket]

Well, let's not let the fact that it didn't matter at all enter into it. With everything that went wrong last night why would you care about that?

 

[aeromech]

Like the ESPN announcers said last night, they've had that happen about 3 times already this season. I don't think there much to it really. I saw Steve Spurrier's USC team call timeout on it's first play against Kentucky (?). It struck me as odd because I think Spurrier is clearly one of the best coache's in the college game.

 

[clapper]

The timeout was called because the play clock was getting ready to expire and we were about to get hit with a delay of game penalty. There are only 15 seconds on the clock for that initial change of possession. Our team stood around on the sideline still huddled up, instead of being on the field ready to play, when the ref put the ball in play. Then, they were slow getting to the line of scrimmage.

 

[GT65_UGA89]

Well, let's not let the fact that it didn't matter at all enter into it. With everything that went wrong last night why would you care about that?

No, it didn't enter into the outcome of the game --but it, along with other 'incidents', to me just signaled that the team was not prepared.

The TO didn't disgust me near as much as the apparant lack of preparation for the onside kick. I may be making too much out of it because this is now the third thread where I've brought it up (but then again --no I'm not).

I just don't understand how you're not prepared for that if you're GT. You don't have to expect it --but it should be like a 'laundry list' of things to do when facing VT --just be prepared for it by making certain the ball is kicked prior to dropping back into your blocking assignment.

I'm guessing it wasn't even mentioned prior to the KO return team breaking the sideline huddle and taking the field --either that or they all had cotton in their ears.

 

[yellowbritchies]

You're right on point clapper re: the timeout call. Blame that on the coaches giving last minute instructions. Gawd Almighty, didn't they have 10 days to prepare for the first play!

 

[floridajacket]

The timeout was called because the play clock was getting ready to expire and we were about to get hit with a delay of game penalty. There are only 15 seconds on the clock for that initial change of possession. Our team stood around on the sideline still huddled up, instead of being on the field ready to play, when the ref put the ball in play. Then, they were slow getting to the line of scrimmage.

Thanks, this was the response I was looking for. The first timeout appears systemic of this coach's staff. Like the onside kick, there's too many times when players forget some little contingency and it ends up costing us big.