Paul Johnson's Offense Playing Dirty? Beamer Thinks So.

Two days ago, when I read the morning edition of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, I came across something that really caught my attention.

There was a very interesting story, buried in the doldrums of the sports page, concerning the Virginia Tech-Georgia Tech game from October 17th. The article was about the Georgia Tech offense, specifically the blocking techniques used by the Yellow Jackets in their 28-23 victory.

In the write-up, VT safety Kam Chancellor is quoted as saying that he was "blocked illegally several times" by the Georgia tech offensive line and wideouts.

Chancellor was also singled out on ESPN in the post-game coverage, and not in a good way.

The highlight tape appeared to show Chancellor being blocked out of several key plays, which is rather embarrassing; especially after his comments about having Georgia Tech's offense "figured out" in the preseason.

Throwing fuel on the fire, Virginia Tech Head Coach Frank Beamer told ESPN he sent tape of these blocks to the ACC, and he referred to some of the play by Georgia Tech as "dangerous."

The whole basis of the Hokies' claim is that Georgia Tech blocked illegally below the waist on several different plays, most notably the game-winning touchdown run of Josh Nesbitt.

Yesterday, the AJC spoke with Paul Johnson, seeking his input on the situation.

His response?

"That's a joke."

Well, that tells me all I need to know.

He goes on to say if you watch the tape of the Nesbitt touchdown, that it can be clearly seen that no illegal blocks were made in the secondary.

Johnson also makes mention of the fact that he has not, as of Monday, been contacted by the ACC to let him know the blocks were illegal, something the conference would usually do the week immediately following the game in question.

I viewed the videos several times, I can't see much of anything that even remotely looks like Chancellor is being blocked below the waist on the touchdown run, and it really just looks like the wideout who made the block pops him one good time in the chest and keeps on moving with the play.

Honestly, I think Frank Beamer and Bud Foster are more than a little upset about having Georgia Tech run all over their vaunted defense to the tune of 307 yards rushing.

And dropping them from their lofty spot at No. 4 in the AP polls.

I probably would be upset too, since it has been reported that Virginia Tech has been spending a good deal of extra time preparing for the spread option since spring practices began earlier this year.

So, that's about all I have on this little blocking scandal, but I will post the links to the Youtube videos below, for your viewing pleasure. The Nesbitt TD comes at the 0:54 second mark of the first video, and the block in question occurs against No. 17 of VT.

Sour grapes or a real issue ? You decide.