Evaluating Georgia Tech's Goals for 2009

At the beginning of last season, the Georgia Tech football team set five goals for 2008.

Let's take a look at what those goals were, how the Jackets handled them, and consider what their goals might be for 2009.

Georgia Tech’s 2008 Goals:

1. Beat UGA

Unless you have been living under a rock, you already know that Paul Johnson’s team successfully accomplished its top goal from last season.

That is quite an achievement, especially when looking from the perspective of last preseason. Tech was written off by ESPN and most media outlets while UGA was ranked No. 1 in the country. The Yellow Jackets truly overcame adversity during that game.

2. ACC Champs

While most of the country is high on Virginia Tech right now, a Georgia Tech fan will tell you that VT only barely squeaked by in winning the Coastal last season. The Jackets did not accomplish their No. 2 goal, but they came damn close.

The Ramblin’ Wreck was 5-3 in the ACC in 2008, a record that tied Virginia Tech for Coastal domination. However, Virginia Tech won the tie-breaker in the head-to-head matchup because they beat GT at Lane Stadium early in the season by three points.

3. Undefeated at home

The University of Virginia wrecked the Wreck’s third goal of the season. Other than this, the Jacket’s were 6-1 at home, with a couple of too-close-for-comfort games, but nonetheless wins.

4. Lead Nation in Turnover Margin

The Jackets finished 49th in the country in turnover margin last season and here's why.

Tech was 19th in total turnovers gained (thanks in large part to Morgan Burnett’s seven interceptions) but 89th in turnovers lost.

I believe this goal was thrown in the mix for two main reasons.

The first is that any new team learning Paul Johnson’s offense will be prone to turnovers. Therefore, having players keep an awareness of this at all times is crucial.

Secondly, a team’s turnover margin correlates very well with championship teams. I will not go into details but have a look at the stats for yourself at www.cfbstats.com. (Guess which team’s finished in the No. 1 and No. 2 spots).

5. Top ten rushing offense and defense

The Jackets accomplished half of this goal last season; they finished fourth in the country in rushing offense and 24th in rushing defense. 

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?