Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech Already Silencing ACC Critics

And don’t discount Georgia Tech’s defense, who led the nation with 3.69 sacks per game in 2007.  Returning for their senior seasons are DE Michael Johnson and DT Vance Walker, both who made the “Pre-Season All-ACC Team”.  Walker himself tackled QB Chris Crane for a safety during Georgia Tech’s win over Boston College—a play that ended up being the game’s crucial turning point.

“The Playcalling is Too One-Dimensional”

Every crack at the system’s one-dimensional side should instead be replaced with a comment about the offense’s big play ability.  Against Jacksonville State, the Yellow Jackets had 10 plays of over 20 yards per play. 

In addition to the big play ability, Georgia Tech also has balance in its offense—just in its own way.  Against Jacksonville State, the Yellow Jackets had 46 running plays with no individual carrying the ball more than 11 times.  In Saturday’s game at BC, the Yellow Jackets hit on big plays again—with two plays by Jonathan Dwyer and Josh Nesbitt covering 119 yards.

“The Players Are Not Used to the New System”

There will be kinks along the way while the recruits learn Coach Johnson’s system—and that’s evident as the Jackets certainly haven’t played flawless football.  In two games, Georgia Tech has fumbled eight times, losing five of them. 

However, Johnson doesn’t blame his offensive system when it comes to the team’s turnover issues. 

“The thing that was disappointing was that when we turned the ball over it wasn’t option related,” Johnson said after the Boston College game.  “It was just poor ball security.”

To further compete within the ACC, Georgia Tech’s special teams will also have to improve—specifically in the kicking game, where Scott Blair is 1 for 5 in field goals through the first two games (plus a missed extra point).  To his credit though, Blair’s two misses at BC were pushing 50 yards (one off the upright).

In Conclusion

Georgia Tech, mostly left by critics to bask in ACC mediocrity, has instead responded by giving Paul Johnson his first ACC victory—a 19-16 win on the road against Boston College.

Building off of its victory over the Eagles, and seeing the kind of talent that Georgia Tech has on its roster while playing in a watered-down weak Coastal division, there’s no reason to believe that the Yellow Jackets won’t contend for the ACC crown this season.

Next up for the Yellow Jackets is a trip to Virginia Tech, and if they surprise the Hokies, could be the next in line to join East Carolina among the Cinderellas of the year. 

With the way the Hokies have been playing, the glass slipper may fit—and sooner than expected.

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