Paul Johnson Brings Option Offense to the ACC: Georgia Tech Preview

ACC Coastal No. 4: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

2007 Results & Offseason

The '07 season started off with a drubbing of Notre Dame in South Bend, 33-3, but Ga. Tech was victimized by poor QB play again, falling to 7-6.  Head Coach Chan Gailey was fired after six seasons and 39 wins, but zero over archrival Georgia.  Paul Johnson was hired from Navy and will bring his option offense to the ACC in 2008.

2007 Record: 7-6 (4-4)

Ret. Starters: 9

Ret. Lettermen: 50

Off PPG: 20.9 (9th), RYPG: 169.3 (1st), PYPG: 196.0 (10th)

Def PPG: 21.6 (5th), RYPG 98.8 (5th), PYPG 234.3 (9th)

Offense (Five Ret. Starters, 22 Ret. Lettermen)

Poor QB play was the downfall of many of Gailey's teams.  In each of the last four seasons, the starting QB had a completion percentage of less than 50 percent.  Under Johnson's offense, the QB will be making more runs, handoffs, and pitches to backs.  Sophomore Josh Nesbitt was a change of pace QB last year, rushing for 6.4 YPC, and he looks to be the favorite heading into the fall.

The B-Back position is the main rusher in the option offense, and those duties will fall to sophomore Jonathan Dwyer (5.3 YPC).  The two A-backs line up off the line by the tackles and will be speed guys like Roddy Jones and last year's leading receiver Greg Smith.

Tech lost a lot of WRs in the offseason, but it shouldn't hurt too badly in this run-first offense.  Demaryius Thomas is the leading returner.  The O-line returns just two starters and will be learning a new scheme.  OT Andrew Gardner will garner All-ACC consideration.

Defense (Four Ret. Starters, 25 Ret. Lettermen)

The strength of this defense is up front, with all four DLs seeing significant action last year.  DE Michael Johnson is getting NFL Draft hype already and hopes to have a breakout year in his senior season.

The Yellow Jackets lost their top two LBs from last season but have good, young depth.  MLB Brad Jefferson may lead this unit as just a true sophomore.

The secondary is the biggest concern for Johnson's defense.  Only two starters return, and the Jackets are short on experience after losing three key seniors.  SS Morgan Burnett has the athleticism to play either S or CB and may see action at both.  Expect Tech to play more zone under new DC Dave Wommack.

Special Teams

Last year Ga. Tech had one of the best units in the country, led by PK Travis Bell and P Durant Brooks, but they must replace both this year.  The KR and PR duties may be settled by committee early on.  Dwyer was a solid kick returner last year, but his role on special teams may be limited due to his feature role on offense.

Newcomers of Note

When Johnson first took over, it was more about who GT had lost than gained, but the Jackets recovered nicely with some players to fit the new system.  A-Back Marcus Wright was a Parade All-American back out of San Antonio.  QB Jaybo Shaw ran a similar offense in HS and hopes to challenge for the backup spot.  OG Omoregie Uzzi may see time also.

Schedule

GT plays two Div. I-AA teams this year, so seven wins will be needed for a 12th straight bowl game.  In addition to Georgia, they play Miss. St. from the SEC.  From the Atlantic, Tech got a rough draw with @BC, vFSU, and @Clemson (permanent opponent).  Two of the first three games are on the road (@BC, @VT).

Final Thoughts

Paul Johnson is very confident his offense will work in the ACC despite many people's questions.  Here it is against Jim Tressel at Youngstown State.  However, the turnaround may be slow, as GT has the lowest number of returning starters in the ACC and is learning a new system.  Tech should be much improved next year after one full season of Johnson's offense.

Key to 2008

Learning Johnson's offensive system and reducing fumbles seen in spring ball.

Prediction

Likely Wins: vJax St., vDuke, vGardner-Webb

Likely Losses: @VT, @Georgia, @Clemson

Swing Games: @BC, vMiss. State, vUVA, vFSU, @UNC, vMiami

Record: 7-5 (4-4)

My Duke, NC State, Virginia, and Boston College Previews

Next up: ACC Atlantic No. 4