Paul Johnson transcript
Courtesy of the fine folks at Georgia Tech’s sports information department, here’s a transcript of Paul Johnson’s press conference on Tuesday. Also, please join my Georgia Tech page on Facebook: http://bit.ly/lZNpt
Opening Statement:
“I was proud of our football team Saturday. I thought they competed hard and found a way to win. We came out in the second half and did what we had to do to win the game. I thought our defense played well in the first half especially, and gave us enough of a chance to get our feet under us and win the game. Having said that, winning that game makes this game the biggest of the year. I told the team in the locker room, we have to go to Charlottesville and play a team that is on top of our division right now. It’s an elimination game for us, if we go up and don’t win the game our chances of winning the Coastal Division are not very good. We stayed alive for another week and we have the same opportunity we had a week ago to play one more time and see if we can stay alive in the conference race.”
On keeping players focused after a big win:
“I don’t think we’ll have a problem staying focused. We did enough things poorly in that game Saturday night that was pointed out to them on film. We can play better and we need to. We strive to get better every week and if we have to ground them the week we’re getting ready to play, then they’re not very smart. A year ago, we were 6-1 and a two-touchdown favorite against the same team [Virginia] and they came in here and smacked us in the mouth. It shouldn’t be a surprise that Virginia will come to play; they sit atop the division standings. We know where we’re at; our backs are against the wall.”
On an improving Virginia team:
“They [Virginia] have reverted back to what they used to do. They scrapped the new offense; they’re back to running the same offense they ran forever under Al [Groh] and they stopped turning the ball over. They were a turnover a minute earlier in the year. They weren’t giving themselves a chance to play, but the last three games they have created turnovers. They’ve taken care of the ball and that’s the difference between winning and losing. When you look statistically, they’ve been pretty good defensively the whole time, but they couldn’t survive the turnovers. If you look at last week’s game against Maryland, they forced five turnovers. One went for a touchdown; one was on the one-yard line. So, the offense took advantage, kicked some field goals and won the game. They had an offensive explosion against Indiana, other than that; it’s been defense and turnovers.”
On struggles of the kick coverage unit:
“We just have to keep working on it. We worked on it yesterday. It’s just like with offense or defensive, if you have three or four knuckleheads run the wrong way, you’re not going to be successful. It’s not because of a lack of effort, it’s just paying attention to detail and being accountable and responsible. It would also help if we kicked the ball better.”
On last year’s Virginia game:
“I don’t remember much about the week leading up. I remember that in the game we had a zillion chances to win. We had a lot of turnovers, we turned the ball over on the four yard line going in and we dropped a snap in the second half. We tied the game up at 17 all and they drove down and scored and we couldn’t answer. I remember their quarterback [Marc Verica] was pretty effective throwing the ball against us. He had a high percentage and hit a lot of short passes. The running back [Cedric Peerman] had over a 100 yards and ran the ball right down our throat. They have some good players. We have to play as well as we can play and see if we’re good enough. I tell our guys that all the time, go play your game and see if you’re good enough. The best way to win the game is not to lose it, don’t give them away and make them beat you. ”
On simplifying the defense against Virginia Tech:
“Simplifying could mean a lot of things. When I say simplify, all I mean is, line up and run to the ball. You might not be the very best you can be against everything, but you should be sound against it all and you get to play fast. Now, if they find a little niche that is hurting you, you need to find an answer for it. There’s going to be weaknesses in whatever you do. We played well in the first half on defense and ok in the second. We have to play better; they scored three or four times in the second half. Are we better, yeah, but are we there yet, no. You can’t pat yourself on the back when you win; you still have to get better.”
On Sean Bedford’s transition from defense to offense:
“He was on the scout team and beating up the offensive line. I said why don’t you come over to the other side and beat them out, instead of beating them up. So, he moved over and has worked his tail off. He’s worked as hard as any member of our football team. He’s a great kid, a guy that is a self-motivator and achiever. All you have to do is look at everything he does. He has a 3.8 GPA in Aeronautical Engineering, so he does great in school. He’s solid off the field. He’s a great kid. ”
On what the defense did right against Virginia Tech:
“I thought in the first half we limited their running game pretty well. We also forced a lot of punts; they only had a field goal in the first half, so that was a positive. We didn’t change anything in the second half. When they broke things open, it was on breakdowns. But, we did a lot of positive things throughout the game. Where we really got hurt was when their quarterback [Tyrod Taylor] was scrambling.”
On the play of the linebacking corps against Virginia Tech:
“We changed things up a little bit to turn them lose and let them play and I thought they did very well against the run. We still have some work to do in the passing game, but they played pretty well against the run. Sedric Griffin was our player-of-the-game, he made some great plays. Brad Jefferson made some great tackles and was very active and did some good things throughout the course of the game. Steven Sylvester played a lot better. They were productive.”
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82 comments Add your comment
I Bleed White and Old Gold
October 20th, 2009
9:55 pm
In the hey days, we said: “In Dodd we trust to beat Georgie’s Butts!”
Gold Pants
October 20th, 2009
10:08 pm
It is amazing that since 1990 Tech has not beaten Virginia once on their home field. Some games have been close and some not, but, every time it appears that Tech has the better team, they find a way to lose. Call it a jinx, call it bad luck, call it whatever, that streak has to end some time and I hope it is this weekend. We have already this year broken two bad streaks against VT and Florida State. Why not at long last at Virginia.
Go Jackets!!
Pee pee on a dawg
October 20th, 2009
10:18 pm
So how about ESPN.com’s bowl projections, for this week mind you, say FSU will go to the the Gator Bowl, and Tech will play in the Emerald Bowl! What a load of poopy. I hate ESPN; no matter how well Tech does they never get any respect from them. Kirk Herbstriet, of ESPN, and Stewart Mandel, of SI.com are the only nation football “experts” who even give us a chance.
We have a top five team here on The Flats. Now it’s time to act like it and blow out these next four lesser opponents.
GT Nuke
October 20th, 2009
10:38 pm
Vote for Coach Paul Johnson for coach of the year at http://coachoftheyear.com/ . He should have gotten it last year, but got hosed because of Chan Gaily’s chenanigans. CPJ deserves this honor more than any coach in the sport today!
Go Jackets! THWG!
PN
October 20th, 2009
11:55 pm
HOW ABOUT THEM JACKETS?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Golden Pond
October 21st, 2009
12:22 am
Paul Johnson tells it like it is and if you don’t like it thats your problem ’cause it certainly is not his problem. He’s a throwback coach to the days of Bear Bryant and other greats. Football is his life and if you are an opposing coach his football is your death. More on Tech football at: http://www.bbuzzoff.com
GT4Ever
October 21st, 2009
6:30 am
jacket3
October 20th, 2009
6:33 pm
great coach…good team. Tech’s fight song is so much better,
That’s right!!! The best fight song in the country.
Squeezebox
October 21st, 2009
7:29 am
Doug… “linebacking corps” is gasbag language. Just say linebackers. Anything new on Julian Burnett?
GT4Ever
October 21st, 2009
7:42 am
CPJ should be coach of the year with what he’s done on the flats. Tech can’t not and will not take UVA lightly. The team knows how important each and every game on their schedule is. We have to win out and the guys know that and CPJ won’t let up on them. Great to be a Jacket fan. GO JACKETS!!!!
War Jacket
October 21st, 2009
7:44 am
Hey Supersize that order, mutt,
That ‘69 6-0 victory over Georgia, was the first GT game I attended, and I do remember Rock Perdoni. In fact, Rock and some other Tech HOF’ers were honored at the Clemson game this year. In that ‘69 game, Georgia came in ranked in the top ten, but their starting QB (can’t remember his name) didn’t play and early in the game Perdoni knocked the second team QB out of the game on crushing sack play. The third team QB was clueless and Tech threw a shut out.
Bring back the old gold!
Sorry, GT4Ever...
October 21st, 2009
8:22 am
…but the best fight song is F L O R I D A S T A T E — Florida State, Florida State, Florida State! But, “Ramblin’ Wreck from GA Tech” is a VERY close second (and no, I did not go to FSU – but my dad went to Tech).
Also, the best pre-game tradition of the GT team coming onto the field behind the “Wreck” is a VERY close second to Clemson’s tradition of “the most exciting 25 seconds in college football” as the team runs down the hill prior to the game!!!
Starring Peter Graves as Captain Clarence Over
October 21st, 2009
8:35 am
TML: Don’t forget CPJ ended the long losing streak to ND while at the Naval Academy, too.
BTW: We don’t claim “m”. Even I think he needs to buy Barnhart a saddle the way he rides him.
Joe
October 21st, 2009
9:26 am
One more great thing to recognize about Saturday night: several dozen HS recruits were in attendance. Imagine being a 17-year old football player experiencing that atmosphere. Where would you want to commit ?
GTSteve
October 21st, 2009
9:47 am
I won’t go so far as to guarantee 11-1, or even a win this weekend, but I would be very surprised if Tech doesn’t roll through the rest of the ACC schedule.I look for Tech to get early leads the rest of the year and go into the ball control 3-4 yards every play offense.
Gt4ever
October 21st, 2009
10:00 am
Oldtimer.
They are rested and focused….. If the Defense comes to play, they will beat a very average UVA team. If the Defense stays at home it will be close…. Win or lose, Go Jackets and as always THWG!
Gt4ever
October 21st, 2009
10:03 am
Good Grief, I don’t care how many turnovers you have, if you get beat by W&M you just plain SUCK!
GT Parent
October 21st, 2009
10:36 am
Yo Paul ( You doesn’t have to call me Johnson) – You will not have to worry about beaver after we beat UVA, there will be more than enough beaver for all, with seconds for those up to it.
AMG
October 21st, 2009
10:40 am
Clemson is going to give Miami a beat down this weekend. Tech will win against UVA. Big step towards ACC championship and a run towards a top 8 ranking.
Supersize that order, mutt
October 21st, 2009
10:41 am
War Jacket, your memor is not completely right. In 1969, UGAG was 5-3-1 coming into the Tech game, so I doubt very seriously they were in the top 10. But they were still favored to beat us, which makes that win all the more sweet. I took my mom to that game; it was the only game I ever took her to. She loved it. I took my dad to the 1974 game in Athens, and even though I suggested (for his sake) leaving at halftime because of the miserable weather, he wouldn’t have any of it. They enjoyed those games every bit as much as I did, and those are both memorable dates in my life. In hindsight, I wish I had taken one of them to every UGAG game; maybe we would have won them all. LOL Incidentally, after the 1969 season, Nebraska blew out the mutts in the sun bowl, 45-6; I still remember that game too. SWEET!!!
Tech82
October 21st, 2009
10:46 am
You have to love the attitude that CPJ has instilled in this team. I no longer worry about our team not being ready to play in a game like this. Under Gailey, that was constantly a concern when going up against a lesser opponent. We may get beat by a better team on any given Saturday but the Jackets will show up ready to play.
GO JACKETS! THWG!
GT FAN PA
October 21st, 2009
10:54 am
Not making any excuses here for the Jackets-You have to wonder if (and I said if) they would have played Miami on a Regular schedule and not had those Thursday games what a differnce that may (notice I said may) have made? CPJ said himself that getting back to regular schedule has helped his team get back into a rhythm with everything- No excuses- we did get handled that game-but you do have to wonder-I use to live in Va. Beach and every other year would go up to the UVA-Tech game it always seemed that Tech would out play them for 2 or 3 quarters and then find a way to lose the game- I don’t think that will be an issue this year-Josh’s effectiveness learning this offense is startig to show-loved his quote when asked about Kam from VA tech as well “how bout them Jackets?” CPJ has character-keeps the players in check-calls them out when he has to and gives the credit when it is due- I like the attitude he has bought by to Tech!!! Go Jackets and THWG- Hope the tigers run crazy this weekend at Miami as well.
GT FAN PA
October 21st, 2009
10:55 am
I meant back not by—
Supersize that order, mutt
October 21st, 2009
10:56 am
Tech82, I don’t want to sound like I am defending Gailey, because I am not. I was totally relieved when they fired him, and exhilirated when they hired Johnson. But if you look back at the losses Gailey’s teams had to lesser opponents, almost without exception, it was because the defense didn’t show up. I remember all too well the “hook ‘n ladder” play by which a vastly inferior UVA team beat us in C’ville. After a lackluster first half, the Tech offense had actually come back to take the lead in the second half, and then Tenuta’s defense quit playing AGAIN, and Tech lost. That was not the only game like that; just the one I remember the most. Think back to to the ACC chamipionship with Wake and the Gator Bowl with WVU. The defense lost both those games. Tenuta may have designed impressive defenses, but they didn’t play to the hilt but about half the time. That’s why it is so important that CPJ get these defensive player to stay fired up. They obviously are not as talented, or perhaps just not as experienced yet, as we would like. But CPJ is emphasizing focus and determination, and those two qualities (which were lacking in the past) can win some games for us.
misterwax
October 21st, 2009
11:32 am
Clemson needs a victory @ Miami this week to salvage a winning conference record/winning season and a reasonably decent bowl bid….If they don’t win, they lose a lot…so expect them to give the ‘Canes a very strong game….which will help our efforts a lot.
blazer
October 21st, 2009
12:33 pm
ONE AT A TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO JACKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UGAIsSoLastYear
October 21st, 2009
12:45 pm
Would you believe the last time we beat Va Tech in Atlanta was 1990??!! The same year we were crowned National Champs!!!!
Navy Fan
October 21st, 2009
12:59 pm
Worst song ever.
The Good Ole Song of Wahoo-wa,
We’ll sing it o’er and oe’r,
It cheers our hears and warms our blood,
To hear them shout and roar.
We come from Old Virginia,
Where all is bright and gay,
Let’s all join hands and give a yell,
For dear Old U.Va.
Wahoowa Wahoowa Uni-V Virginia
Hooraray Hooraray Ray Ray U.Va.
GTSteve
October 21st, 2009
1:22 pm
I see Clemson highly motivated this weekend also…..I really wish they were playing in Death valley
VegasGT
October 21st, 2009
1:42 pm
It’s also somewhat unfortunate that our game is at noon and the UM/Clemson game is at 3:30. It would be nice to have the added motivation that Clemson beat Miami during the UVA game. I guess they will just have to take care of business first and then watch the game and cheer for Clemson.
We’ll just have to trust PJ to keep them focused.
CPJ for Prez
October 21st, 2009
8:08 pm
COULD SOMEONE PLEASE TURNT IT UP A LITTLE MORE?!!?!?!
CPJ 4 HEISMAN
October 21st, 2009
8:51 pm
this is our last ACC obsticle lets get it done jackets!!!!!!!
ALL THE WAY TURNT UPP
bugsquacher
October 21st, 2009
8:56 pm
what a bunch of trade school nerds! Patsy schedule…. when you decide to play real football, come back to the SEC…. hmmmmm,,, for all you mouths out there, who has the top two teams in the nation….