Backups, Sports Illustrated, and practice
I asked coach Paul Johnson on Monday if he was at all concerned that his team hadn’t blown out an of their opponents, which would have given him a chance to give some meaningful snaps to some of the backup players, such as quarterback Jaybo Shaw.
Johnson gave a two-part answer, with both responses true to form (and paraphrasing begins now):
1. We’re winning. Nothing else matters.
2. We’re not good enough to blow any one out.
Johnson had talked about last week how beat up his team was. They have been particularly on defense, with numerous players on the two-deep having to miss games.
On offense, Tech has been a bit more fortunate, particularly at the skill positions. Wide receiver Kevin Cone was lost for the season, but I’m not entirely sure his playing time wouldn’t have eventually eroded throughout the season once Tyler Melton came back from his injury.
Tackle Austin Barrick is out for the season, but Tech had quality depth on the line.
Jonathan Dwyer was able to play through his shoulder injury. Roddy Jones missed a few early because of the dislocated wrist.
But at the position that matters most in this offense, quarterback, the Jackets have been very fortunate this season. Josh Nesbitt hasn’t had to miss a snap because of injury during a game. (No, this isn’t an attempt to jinx him).
Last season, he missed two games and parts of others with pulled muscles or other injuries.
So, I wondered, should something similar happen again, would Jaybo Shaw be able to step in and play as well last year when he hasn’t gotten any meaningful snaps this season.
I would guess he would, after he got a few snaps to get going. But so much of this offense is timing and reads, it may take a bit.
But, it may not be necessary. Nesbitt may make it through the next four games unscathed. Dude’s tough, that’s for sure.
————————
How many of you will buy this week’s Sports Illustrated, which will include a feature about Tech’s offense by Albert Chen? Mine comes in the mail every Wednesday. I’m looking forward to reading it.
————————
Johnson said that he thought the offense played as poorly against Wake as it has all season, which is saying something considering it produced more than 400 yards. They worked on correcting a few of those things on Monday.
————————
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63 comments Add your comment
GoodWord
November 9th, 2009
9:15 pm
first
THWG
November 9th, 2009
9:32 pm
One more week and we can catch our breath and heal up a little bit. As our team chaplain once said, “we gonna lie down and bleed awhile, then we will get up and fight some more!” Can’t hardly wait for November 28th at Bobby Dodd!
DardyJacket
November 9th, 2009
9:42 pm
Just beat Duke. Hit them early. Score early, don’t let up.
GoodWord
November 9th, 2009
9:55 pm
Doug, you’re doing an excellent job recently. I’m enjoying the articles/blog more and more. Admit it, you are enjoying some of the spotlight tech is bringing you.
I think “we’re winning nothing else matters” is the answer to most of the questions being asked about TECH right now. With all this talk of playing in the MNC, ACCCG, “the weak SEC teams”, “in a weak conference”, etc, etc, etc. The only thing GT can do is win. Nothing else, just win. GT can’t control what goes on in other conferences and in other games. With this system, opinions and computers will decide.
I think GT wins out because of something Doug mentions. Nesbitt’s toughness. CPJ instills this into his players, along with a team first attitude. Nesbitt convinced me that he was a true gamer when he stole that fumbled pitch back from the FSU defender. My money is on him.
I say overall GT has been fortunate in regards to injuries, which I think is a reason for the teams success. Since the Miami game they seem to be in better condition.
I’m not so confident that Shaw can just step right in and keep the O flowing. I hope we can jump on Duke and get him tome PT.
JacketFan
November 9th, 2009
10:16 pm
God, Doug, please never write another piece about how we’re NOT injured.
Go Jackets!
To Hell With Georgia!
Tech82
November 9th, 2009
10:42 pm
Stay focused and beat Duke. Then, take a much needed week off and get ready to neuter some dogs.
GO JACKETS! THWG!
Old Gold
November 9th, 2009
10:50 pm
Just beat Duke.
TechMD
November 9th, 2009
11:14 pm
I think Johnson hit the nail on the head, as usual. If we blow Duke out, that would be a VERY good sign that things were really coming together at just the right time.
Cuttysark
November 9th, 2009
11:24 pm
Thanks for the information Doug. Tech just needs to get this game, then the bye week will help everyone get healed in time to finish out the regular season and the ACC Championship game. Nesbitt is a warrior. Jaybo will get his opportunity down the road. Besides, the extra time has been good to heal his collarbone.
Go to http://isportsweb.com for a review of the Yellow Jackets win in OT against Wake and Paul Johnson. Go Jackets!
Buzz29
November 9th, 2009
11:43 pm
I wish Jaybo could’ve red-shirted this year.
Our Jackets have accomplished so much this year. It’s great to be a Yellow Jacket! Give them hell Tech! Beat Duke and their traitor second string QB, Sean Renfree.
Tech Forever
November 10th, 2009
12:23 am
THWG,
That speech was given by Tashard Choice, not the team chaplain.
Alabama Jack
November 10th, 2009
5:59 am
BEAT DUKE !!!
Talk about everything else Sunday.
Glenn
November 10th, 2009
6:36 am
The Wake Forest game, on Saturday, reminded me a lot of the games GA Tech played last season against North Carolina and LSU with 2 exceptions – no turnover and the team had better special team play. In both of those games, their offense also moved the ball up and down the field, but had trouble scoring, usually due to self-induced penalties.
The difference? GA Tech lost both games last season and the Jackets found a way to win this year, in spite of how poorly their offense played at times.
Maybe that’s a sign of maturity; I’m not sure, but what I do know is that a game the team would have probably last season was won this season, and that tells me that this year’s team is worthy of its ranking.
Just waiting for that "perfect" game...
November 10th, 2009
6:43 am
… and if things go true to form, it WILL happen on November 28th, that all-important blow out game!
On November 28...
November 10th, 2009
7:09 am
…the “high school” offense meets the “1AA defense” – that will be GT’s blowout game to which Doug refers!
Tech2008
November 10th, 2009
8:01 am
Keeping Nesbitt healthy for the remaining games this year will be the biggest key to winning games. He is fearless and makes plays when we need them. I do not have near as much confidence in Jaybo. On that note, how have Tevin Washington and Jordan Luallen been developing? I haven’t heard Luallen’s name mentioned since he sprained his ankle in fall camp.
MalibuGT
November 10th, 2009
8:01 am
Doug, thanks for your work with the blog, much appreciated. As others have said, I’m not worried about the BCS beauty contest and things we can’t control. Let’s just beat Duke and then get some rest for the next one. Can’t believe we’re 10 1/2 point favorites on the road playing for the division title.
GTcoaches
November 10th, 2009
8:22 am
Fox sports assessment of the defense, which in my estimate is correct. Womack , do your job or we get someone who can
the defense is mediocre, and it has taken too much to get by teams like Vanderbilt and Wake Forest. Georgia Tech might be good enough to beat anyone in the country with its offense, but it’s also flaky enough to lose to anyone in the country because of it defense and its inconsistency.:
jabster
November 10th, 2009
8:25 am
Tech2008: Didn’t I hear that Tevin was seriously challenging Jaybo (before he was injured) for the backup slot? Considering all that, I would have expected Luallen to redshirt.
Wolfman
November 10th, 2009
8:30 am
We beat Vandy by 25 and 5 of Wake’s losses are by a total of 13 points — including a 1 point loss to Miami. The defense has stepped up when it had to the last few games, so lets give them a little credit. We only have 1 loss and it is a TEAM game… Sure the offense has bailed the team out, but we are only in the 2nd year of PJ’s tenure…
Southern Gentleman
November 10th, 2009
8:41 am
Behind Jaybo are Washington and Luallen.Yes, I have wondered why Nesbitt hasn’t been substituted for on more occasions.
Then I think about what Tommy Lasorda said, “Dance with what brung ya”. Ie. Kirk Gidson in 1st game of 88 World Series.
In another couple of years, when the players coming in have had time to learn the multiple fascetsof Johnson’s offense, I anticipate Johnson will start substituting at more positions. Just this year, look at how he has begun to substitute with multiple players at “A” and “B” back.
It appears Coach J. is being conservative on substitutions due to: (1) the qb is the linchpin of this particular offensive scheme; (2) as the qb settles in, he can make adjustments while plays are unfolding, first to first teamers, and so forth with playeers on the depth chart; (3) Ga Tech has had several miscues with the pitches with all first stringers in the backfield; (4) therefore, do not run the risk of a sustained drive being shut down due to a mis-read or mis-handling of second stringers.
That’s kills their courage to “play to win” vs “play to not lose”.
Big difference in the mental approach, and big difference in bottom line results.
So, I’m completely satisfied Coach J. is slowly, deliberately, methodically, installing his version of the multiple option offense.
And, isn’t it neat. Some are questioning Coach J.’s each player’s time, vs. hiding anywhere because we are “second” class citizens in our own state.
Whane was the last time Tech was ranked in the top ten? Right.
So, let’s get off Coach J.’s substitution determination, and, get behind Coach, asst coaches, players, and school.
Questioning Coach J.’s decision, on a board, only reflects a lack of confidence in that particular posters’ assessment of Coach J.
Let us keep it positive. Maybe that’s why we have good coaches leave after a few years. Us Tekkies act as though we are “not” sure how to deal with prosperity. Let’s change that approach and embrace Tech!
GT45
November 10th, 2009
8:44 am
Just win, baby! That is the only thing we can control- Go Jackets
jacketnation
November 10th, 2009
8:51 am
I wonder if sport illustrated will be in Athens this week? Only if their doing a story featuring drunk arrested athletes.
can't stop laughing!!!!
November 10th, 2009
9:01 am
The homies from the North Ave. Trade School needed OT to beat a team that lost to Baylor and Navy!!!! Classic!!!
RealityYech
November 10th, 2009
9:04 am
CHOPBLOCK U will soon get their taste of karma
juvenal
November 10th, 2009
9:04 am
we dodged the si jinx in ‘90, but i love CPJ’s attitude that we ain’t done nuttin’ yet, & won’t unless we win the only game that matters, the next one…
MiKaEl JoHnSoN
November 10th, 2009
9:05 am
I BeE hApPy DaT I bEe a GrAdUaMeNt 0f GeOrgEuH TeK UnIvErSiTiE!!!!
burner turner
November 10th, 2009
9:06 am
I rather have the occasional drunk athlete over FBI busted drug lords and rapists
RichtsPlugs
November 10th, 2009
9:19 am
“The homies from the North Ave. Trade School needed OT to beat a team that lost to Baylor and Navy!!!! Classic!!!”
WFU signed up to play Navy 3 times in 10-months to learn the Flex-Bone and still lost. What have the puppies done since last year’s a$$-thumpin?
Mike Lum
November 10th, 2009
9:33 am
We all know “we” are winning because of Paul Johnson. Great call in OT. Everything he has thrown out there this year has worked. There will be a point in the future where his call doesn’t work, and Tech will lose. It appears he’s going to call pass plays 10-15 times every game, hoping Nesbitt can connect. Wake had an easy interception, and we won that one by the skin of our teeth. This may prove more costly against a UGA or Clemson.
progress
November 10th, 2009
9:41 am
It only took the tools 60 years to finally dominate the worst conference in college football. Congrats.
James T. Kirk
November 10th, 2009
9:44 am
Why isn’t Nesbitt in Heisman discussions? He’s only the best QB in the country
juvenal
November 10th, 2009
9:46 am
i don’t hate anyone-just like most Muslims aren’t jihadists, most daug fans i know are just regular folks, & not meanies-you just got to ignore them, FDR was very wise in not even mentioning his opponents by name…still, these are mostly the geniuses who picked uga to beat UT
FSG
November 10th, 2009
9:51 am
Remember, UGa does some work in the offseason to prepare for us also; they were sharing notes with Bud Foster.
How’s that working out for you?
Ezekiel
November 10th, 2009
9:52 am
It was surprising how well Wake’s defense did play against our offense comparatively to other teams. Perhaps Jim Grobe having seen this type offense many times did help somewhat. But we made a lot of mistakes with the penalties and dropped passes that were killers. To talk more Tech football visit: http://www.bbuzzoff.com
RichtsPlugs
November 10th, 2009
9:57 am
with all due respect juvenal, most UGAG fans I know are tooth-less rednecks that shave their heads, paint a G on top and bark at the ESPN fan-cam. I wonder if their head-paint ran after getting hosed a AU in 86?
Frank Beemer
November 10th, 2009
9:58 am
How did you cheaters like the little call I put into the ACC officials? Get used to seeing those flags!
Johnson's Man Boobs
November 10th, 2009
10:21 am
That’s funny, because most real Tech fans can’t even speak English. And the ones that can, either didn’t attend the trade school; or, graduated with something other than an engineering degree since they couldn’t handle the classes. All of which just recently jumped on the bandwagon, of course.
tool nation
November 10th, 2009
10:24 am
It’s fitting that the dirtiest program in the nation aligns themselves with rap thugs. I love how the thugs of Atlanta pollute the air with their disgusting rap all game long. Figures.
VT Yellow Jacket
November 10th, 2009
10:38 am
As a New Englander, I have to say that CPJ’s responses to media questions sound an awfully like answers that Bill Belichick might give. They basically boil down to:
1) We did OK, but there are a lot of areas for improvement.
2) He (insert any opposing player) is a great player and we have a lot of respect for him.
3) They (insert any opposing team) are a great team and we have a lot of respect for them.
4) I’m just thinking about the game coming up this weekend.
Never any bulletin board fodder, never any opportunity to rest on your laurels.
paul johnson
November 10th, 2009
10:41 am
note only do they play rap all game long, “tool nation”… but they’ve also got it… ALL THE WAY TURNT UP!!!
Clemson and UGA fans are just alike
November 10th, 2009
10:52 am
got to tell you..Clemson fans have been running their mouths on Sportstalk radio in Charlotte on how their going to the Orange Bowl with an easy win over GT in Tampa. For whatever reason, they seem to think GT hasn’t done anything. The calls became so obnoxious that the radio show had to open up with “attn Clemson Tigers, attn Clemson Tigers..you did NOT win the BCS championship Saturday night..I repeat you did NOT win the BCS championship Saturday night.”
collegeballfan
November 10th, 2009
10:56 am
Somebody please explain to me once again why those folks in Mississippi fired David Cutcliffe.
Big G
November 10th, 2009
11:03 am
Look at all the mutts on our blog. Seems as though our well deserved success has stirred up the dogs. Yeah, we have waited a long time for our tradition to be restored and we believe that CJP is the one to do it. GA has owned us for the past 25 years, but you can’t look in the rearview mirror to reverse that trend, you look ahead. This is what a great coach does. While CMR has enjoyed his run at uga, he consistently recruits 5 star players that underperform.
All of you uga fans that hang around our blog need to get a life and understand what really is the issue. Not the size of our stadium, our fanbase or that our campus happens to be located in the heart of the largest metropolitan city in the south. GT has a team on the rise because we finally have a football coach. We will find the money to keep him. The rivalry is back and you guy’s know it and fear it. Get over it!
juvenal
November 10th, 2009
11:04 am
how about some stats on where various local programs rank in penalties? & how is #40?
GTcoaches
November 10th, 2009
11:27 am
Doug, when the team is struggling to win games there is no time to be thinking of playing your backups.Maybe if we are lucky to be in a blowout game like the one with UGa on Nov 28 then we may put in Jaybo to get him some game reps.
Zachary Goldstein
November 10th, 2009
11:30 am
Tech Forever- If you watch the youtube videos, the speech was first given by team chaplain Derrick Moore before the Notre Dame game. Choice is shown later in the season repeating the speech/chant before a must win Clemson game that we ended up winning. just wanted to clear that up for you.
GA Tech Insider
November 10th, 2009
11:41 am
And we have have all of those with “penis envy” back on our blog once again, with nothing better to do than criticize that they wish their teams could only be.
My guess is that there’s probably only one or two using multiple screen names, though, because even the most die hard Bulldog fans have come to the realization that all the insults of GA Tech won’t change the fact that their own team is in disarray, and they have more than enough to discuss on their own blogs.
If it weren’t so sad, it might actually be funny…
JacketFan
November 10th, 2009
11:52 am
Just win, baby!
GO JACKETS!
TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!!!!!!!!
GT Rich
November 10th, 2009
11:57 am
Jaybo would have a little jitters on the first drive but would be fine thereafter. He gets almost 50% of the snaps in practice. The way that CPJ runs things, he has two offensive units cycling through their turn at taking snaps. Very quick paced, step up, snap the ball, get out of the way, unit 2 step up, snap, move. Josh, Jaybo and Tevin each get turns with Tevin’s with much fewer than Josh and Yabo.
Dawghater
November 10th, 2009
11:58 am
Hey “RichtsPlugs” Did you bother to notice that WF beat a Stanford team that just blew out Oregon and had Miami covered!If I was you, I’d be more concerned with Auburn! The pupply dawgs are one 4th down and one and a field goal away from six losses NOW!
RichtsPlugs
November 10th, 2009
9:19 am
“The homies from the North Ave. Trade School needed OT to beat a team that lost to Baylor and Navy!!!! Classic!!!”
WFU signed up to play Navy 3 times in 10-months to learn the Flex-Bone and still lost. What have the puppies done since last year’s a$$-thumpin?
JoeV
November 10th, 2009
12:42 pm
Clemson and UGA fans are just alike,
LOL. Pot meet kettle. Wow, just wow.
NC_Jacket
November 10th, 2009
1:13 pm
This has been another fun year to watch the team. This will be a tough game even if our defense was 100%. I am definitely worried about Duke’s passing game and our marginal at best pass D, especially after watching them pick apart NCSU. We will have to put lots of pressure on Lewis like UNC or this could be another shoot out. Go Jackets!!!
Rodman
November 10th, 2009
1:58 pm
Once the NCAA does the right thing and cracks down on Tech’s dangerous and dirty chop blocks, Johnson will have to create another cheap and cheating tactic to score since he can’t line up like men and play real football.
gangsta!!!
November 10th, 2009
2:01 pm
There’s nothing funnier than looking at a buch of arabs and asians trying to dance to thuglife, hoodrat rap “music” during Tech games. It makes sense that all the trash in rap supports the trash of college football.
Hayseed Dixie
November 10th, 2009
2:37 pm
Keep it coming mutts!! I love it.
Every bit of “Tech sucks”, “ACC is weak” trash talk signifies a dog fan who just. can’t. take. it.
It’s so obvious you have Johnson envy.
GoodWord
November 10th, 2009
3:11 pm
The “trash of college football”? Really?
UGA fans should have nothing to say on this subject. Wasn’t UGA that decided to dance to “soulja boy” in the endzone against FLA?
You guys sure are hypocrits! Jealous hypocrits at that.
GoodWord
November 10th, 2009
3:13 pm
Also, trash to me is teams that finish 119th out of 120 D1 schools in penalties. Honestly, how many late hits does UGA commit a game? 2? 3? And you guys want to call us dirty and trash.
You should think before you type. What a bunch of trash you are to call SA’s trash.
juvenal
November 10th, 2009
3:14 pm
again, what is the most heavily penalized program in the state?in the bottom 10?
Not Disappointed
November 10th, 2009
3:46 pm
beat Duke!
TechMD
November 10th, 2009
5:51 pm
UGA should change their fight song from “Glory, Glory” to Springsteen’s
“Glory Days”. Better song, better fit.
Jim
November 10th, 2009
8:54 pm
GoodWord,
Trash is also something that UGA fans should know very much about. Afterall, they litter their own campus with it after every home game. Talk about low class imbred red necks.
Buzzfan
November 11th, 2009
12:07 pm
Here is the SI article on Tech.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1162431/index.htm